While they continued to mock Mei Pengfei, the chieftains of those smaller tribes were already seething with anger. After all, in Mei Pengfei's plan, they had become sacrifices for trading with these larger tribes.

Now, hearing about their fate once again, a rebellious feeling arose within them.

"If you dare to attack your own people now, we will not spare your families. Don't forget that aside from those of you who came out to fight, everyone else is still with the Khan."

"The losses are irreversible now. Either we take down the Shimen Pass before us, or all our previous efforts will be in vain. Consider carefully and make your choice."

"After tonight, we will directly use our absolute numerical advantage to ensure they no longer have any possibility of resistance."

Realizing that their few remaining companions were still going to be used as cannon fodder, the chieftains of these small tribes couldn't help but shed tears of regret. If they hadn't believed the Khan's lies, they should still be living and working in peace on the grasslands.

Now, the young and strong of the tribe were almost all gone. Even if they managed to conquer Shimen Pass, the spoils they could get would definitely not be much.

Although their hearts were full of resentment, when they heard the bugle call for attack sounding again, they unwillingly mounted their horses.

The ground, once soaked by the heavy rain and muddy, had now been trampled solid.

Especially when they saw those trebuchets standing quietly there, they felt a sense of inexplicable relief.

The key reason why they participated in this expedition at all costs was the trebuchets Mei Pengfei had mentioned. However, wood was too scarce on the grasslands. Before the attack, the materials they collected were only enough to build these few.

What they didn't know was that what remained now were just empty shells.

As the attack horn sounded, they could only unwillingly urge the horses beneath them to quickly launch the attack.

Compared to the overwhelming rain of arrows from before, this time, they were only greeted with sporadic counterattacks.

This couldn't help but make them breathe a sigh of relief.

The consumption of the past few days had exhausted them, but now it seemed that the people on the city walls were even more不堪 (bukān – unbearable, devastated).

"Everyone, get as close to the base of the city wall as possible, and set up the siege ladders again."

Listening to the commands of these Xiongnu people below the city walls, Jiang Chen and the others remained silent, quietly waiting for their actions.

As soon as the siege ladder was set up, countless pots of boiling water, which had been prepared long ago, were poured down.

Although the Xiongnu soldiers at the very top let go of the ladder and fell down.

But those behind them quickened their pace, even holding their shields over their heads to resist the unexpected attacks.

"The enemy is at the end of their rope. The things they used to attack us will soon be exhausted. As long as we can rush up, this city will be ours."

Thinking of the overwhelming attacks before, the small chieftains couldn't help but personally climb the siege ladder.

But the moment they showed their heads, they were met with the soldiers of the Imperial Guards, who were already bloodthirsty.

Seeing the fierce battle on the city walls, the Xiongnu, who had been prepared in the camp, launched another charge. This time, escorted by many Xiongnu people, there was also a siege ram that had been prepared long ago.

"Find a way to destroy that thing. If the city gate is breached, we really won't be able to hold on."

Although various rolling stones fell like rain, as if they were free, they still couldn't threaten the advancing Xiongnu people.

Seeing that the distance was getting closer and closer, Jiang Chen directly reversed the direction of a ballista and shot an arrow that pierced through the protective board on the siege ram.

However, such casualties did not stop the Xiongnu from advancing.

At this point, both sides had reached a point of no return, so naturally neither side would hold back.

When the siege ram was pushed to the city gate, there was a cheer from the Xiongnu below, and everyone knew that this was no different from the call of death.

Feeling the impact from below from time to time, everyone desperately launched attacks downwards, but it was completely useless.

If the city gate hadn't been blocked with countless rubble, it would have been breached by the enemy long ago.

Unfortunately, these stones wouldn't be able to hold out for too long.

"Why aren't we using the trebuchets for support? Our people are about to die."

Hearing the roar from beside him, the remaining chieftains of the larger Xiongnu tribes waved their hands dismissively. If they could really be of use, they would have launched an attack at all costs long ago.

"The city gate is about to be breached, what are you still hesitating about?"

"As long as we break this gate, everything will go smoothly."

As soon as he finished speaking, the city gate, which had endured countless attacks, finally collapsed.

Although there were still countless rubble behind the gate, they now saw the hope of breaking through this city.

As many Xiongnu accelerated their pace of attack, Jiang Chen had to separate a force to prepare to meet them in battle below the city.

But what Jiang Chen didn't expect was that when he came down from the city wall, he saw the civil officials holding swords, ready to die.

"Your Majesty, leave the defense of the city to us. Even if we die, we will take a few with us."

As they all gathered in front of the city gate, ready to fight.

Jiang Chen directly pulled them onto the city wall.

"If you guys really faced those Xiongnu face to face down there, you probably wouldn't even know how you died."

"You should obediently stay on the city walls. At least there are more things you can do up there."

Feeling the disdainful gazes of those Imperial Guards, the civil officials, who always fussed about these things, were now unusually silent, as if no one took these things to heart.

Jiang Chen led a group of military generals and stood quietly at the city gate.

Now, besides fighting to the death here, there seemed to be no other options.

As a stone was pulled away by the Xiongnu, Jiang Chen rushed forward for the first time, but the military general behind him quickly grabbed Jiang Chen and quickly retreated backwards.

"Your Majesty, this humble general will definitely personally ask for your forgiveness in the future. Let us fight to the death in this battle."