Ji Xue received the news and immediately led her guards onto the city wall.
In the distance, Yu Jiao was directing soldiers to raise stones high, with dense archers ready. As soon as they approached the city gate, not a single one would survive. Today, she would avenge her fallen sisters.
"Sisters, today we must avenge General Chun Tao, General Xia He, General Qiu Ju, and General Dong Mei! Fight fiercely later, leave none of them alive."
On the city wall, Yu Jiao roared frantically, her voice tearing.
The soldiers and generals on the high wall, seeing their general so heartbroken, many cried out in unison, "Yes, General, rest assured, we will avenge the vice generals!"
The gentle breeze swayed the banners, which fluttered like crimson mountain flowers, dazzling to the eye.
Five hundred meters below the high wall, the Xian Yue army halted, not advancing, but pausing to gaze. The young general in white at the forefront raised his hand, and the troops behind him stopped in a neat, orderly fashion, as if waiting for something.
Ji Xue curiously looked down at the dense mass of soldiers below the high wall, wondering what they intended to do, why they weren't advancing.
Had they perhaps guessed that there was a hidden stratagem on the city wall?
"Your Highness, what is going on?"
Yu Jiao asked, bewildered, her brow furrowed. She couldn't fathom what they were doing. Ji Xue's cold gaze swept towards the leader below the wall. The person was looking up at the wall. As their eyes met, the leader immediately raised a hand and made a fierce, slicing gesture, her posture wild and defiant. Ji Xue shivered, and her inner unease grew.
Regarding Mu Qingyao, she suddenly felt a primal fear. This woman was like a devil, omnipresent, existing everywhere.
Ji Xue remained silent, but a guard beside her spoke out in surprise.
"Your Highness, look quickly, what is that in the sky?"
Many looked up. Several birds were faintly visible floating in the air. Because they were too high and too far, they couldn't be seen clearly, but they seemed to be birds. Ji Xue couldn't be bothered, still looking down at the hundred thousand troops in the distance. Why weren't they advancing?
She felt anxious. Suddenly, she seemed to recall something and froze, looking up at the sky. Her head was bent, her gaze tilted upwards, her graceful arc captivating. But upon closer inspection, one could see her slight tremor.
"Could they be planning to blow up the city gate?"
As soon as she spoke, those large birds drifted over the city gate of Chen Tang Pass. Then, gourd-shaped objects were dropped. Soon, the city gate exploded. With a deafening roar, the city gate of Chen Tang Pass, engulfed in flames, swayed and collapsed with a resounding crash.
At this moment, the dense mass of people in the distance erupted, surging towards Chen Tang Pass. Ji Xue and Yu Jiao panicked. The Imperial Consort had ordered them to defend for ten to fifteen days, but they hadn't held out for even one. This woman had destroyed Chen Tang Pass with a single move.
Suddenly, many objects fell from the sky, thick smoke billowed, and the entire Chen Tang Pass descended into chaos. They had intended to shoot arrows and push stones, but now they could see nothing.
Ji Xue looked at the scene before her. If they fought to the death, the casualties would likely be even greater. Making a decisive decision, she retreated from Chen Tang Pass, intending to lead the remaining troops to Hua Cheng, not far from Chen Tang Pass. When Hua Wenbo managed to persuade the people of Huang Yuan, they would lead their forces to attack from Hua Cheng. Then, they could attack from both inside and outside with Shi Cheng, which would increase their chances of victory. Ji Xue made up her mind and, with a grim expression, ordered Yu Jiao.
"General Yu, immediately muster the soldiers and retreat from Chen Tang Pass, now."
Saying this, she herself led her men down from the tall city wall. Yu Jiao was stunned. Even sacrificing oneself for the country was a glorious deed. Yet, the Crown Princess was ordering them to abandon the city. Wasn't that like living a life of shame and stealth?
But this was no longer a matter of her alone. If she stayed, all these soldiers would likely perish. Therefore, it was better to preserve some of the troops. Yu Jiao, with a stern face, issued the order: "All surviving soldiers and generals, withdraw from Chen Tang Pass with this commander."
"Yes."
The order was quickly conveyed. While they were busy retreating, at the city gate, another group of people fought to the death, but they were no match for the wolf-like men. Qing Yao led her troops, fighting their way in. Within Chen Tang Pass, smoke filled the air, the ground was devastated, and the streets were filled with misery. However, a large portion of the troops had retreated. Ji Xue and Yu Jiao had actually abandoned Chen Tang Pass.
But this was the southern gateway of Dan Feng Kingdom. They wouldn't give it up so easily, and it was likely they would return to fight.
In the military headquarters, Qing Yao issued orders. First, the three armies were to be settled. After capturing Chen Tang Pass, everyone had eaten their fill. After a brief rest, each camp was assigned its tasks. The entire Chen Tang Pass was controlled, and Xian Yue's flags were hoisted. Notices were posted on the streets, strictly proclaiming that innocent civilians would not be harmed. As long as the people behaved themselves and did not spread rumors, there would be no trouble.
In the main hall of the military headquarters.
Qing Yao sat on the high tiger chair, with An Dingfeng and Yin Xuan seated on either side. An Dingfeng's expression was excited, his face beaming. Chen Tang Pass had finally been taken, a thrilling moment. Xian Yue had finally broken the peace of the seven kingdoms, and it was likely that other countries would also make their move. Who wouldn't want a piece of the pie at such a time?
In the hall, besides the main generals, even the staff officers and cavalry captains from each camp were present.
The entire hall was packed, exuding an aura of sharp killing intent, serious and solemn.
Qing Yao, seated at the head, cast a cold glance over everyone. Her clear voice rang out, "I have gathered everyone here today to announce one matter. Although we have captured Chen Tang Pass, the civilians here are innocent. Therefore, none of you are allowed to harm any innocent civilians. If anyone is found to be poisoning the people, they will be executed without mercy."
At Qing Yao's command, a chorus of agreement rose from below. Who dared to disobey? Her prestige was no longer what it was. After this battle, everyone not only knew her strength but also knew that her words were her deeds, and she was a person of principle. If angered, she was ruthless and showed no mercy. Therefore, no one dared to provoke her.
"Yes, Marshal."
"Also, go back to your respective camps and send one person out to mingle with the civilians of Chen Tang Pass and spread rumors. Say that Dan Feng Kingdom's Imperial Consort is still a demonic husband causing chaos, leading Dan Feng Kingdom to this disaster. If the Dan Feng Empress is not removed, the disaster will only grow, and soon there will be a catastrophe of national destruction."
As Qing Yao finished speaking, An Dingfeng was taken aback, not understanding the commander's intention.
Only Yin Xuan, standing to the side, understood Qing Yao's purpose. Firstly, it would sow discord in Dan Feng Kingdom, and secondly, it would force Hua Wenbo to appear. As long as he couldn't remain hidden, he would certainly reveal himself.