[Wuxia] The Duan Family Women Generals (Complete) - 20

Chapter Ninety-Two – Feng Qing Blocks the Road to Huangshi, Zhang Gui Dies of Illness in Camp

. It is said that Zheng Mingde stormed the camp on the main road to Tongzhen, only to fall into an ambush. Surrounded from both sides by Feng Qing's troops, he realized he had been tricked. He saw Shi Yunqing returning, leading a general named Wang Dadao, and behind him were three female generals from the Western Rong tribes: Princess Jinling, Princess Yinling, and Princess Yuling.
"Zheng Mingde, my master and your master have always been at peace. Why have you stormed our camp today?" Shi Yunqing pointed.
Zheng Mingde immediately knew this was a premeditated plan, waiting for him to take the bait.
As the saying goes, "A wise man doesn't suffer a loss in front of him." Seeing he couldn't win, Zheng Mingde could only force a smile and bow, saying, "We came here only to relieve the siege of Tongzhen. We originally thought this camp belonged to Xu Youliang, not knowing General Shi was here. Therefore, we have offended you. Please forgive us!" "
Hmph, thought this camp belonged to Xu Youliang? I told you long ago, Huangshi is now our Feng family's territory. You are clearly deliberately trying to deceive us!"
"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding! I, Zheng, truly did not intend to offend you. General Shi, please don't take offense."
"Since that's the case, I won't blame you. However, you have trespassed on my camp, and you cannot be easily let off."
"General, are you going to fight?"
"If General Zheng wants to fight, I, Shi, will oblige. However, with General Zheng's manpower, I'm afraid you have no hope of victory now."
"As I said, the previous matter was a misunderstanding. However, if the General insists on pressing me, I, Zheng, am
not one to back down. "
"Since you're not going to fight, then let me pass."
"Going forward is impossible. I, Shi, have been entrusted by my master to guard this place, and I will certainly obey orders. If General Zheng wishes to pass, he will have to step over my dead body."
"Then what do you say?"
"If General Zheng wishes to rescue Tongzhen, he only needs to choose another route. Twenty li east of here, you can go wherever you want; it has nothing to do with me."
Zheng Mingde knew that five li east was a steep cliff, impossible to cross. This was intentionally making things difficult for him, but the other side was powerful, and he had no choice but to bow and say, "In that case, I apologize for offending you. Please make way for us to return."
"Please!" Shi Yunqing bowed, and the Jinling sisters made way for him. Zheng Mingde had no choice but to lead his army back. After retreating fifty li east of Huangshi, he was still unwilling to give up. He sent people to scout and learned that the other side now had five generals guarding various key points at the crossroads, making it impossible to pass without bloodshed.
Zheng Mingde sent people back to the capital to report the news while trying to figure out how to get through Huangshi.
The news of Shi Yunqing obstructing Zheng Mingde was quickly relayed to Xu Youliang by messengers from both sides. Zhang Gui was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately ordered Guan Yuqing to once again travel from Hulangyu to Tongzhen to help Shi Wenlong capture the strategic pass.
This time, Zhang Gui had dozens of stone cannons, capable of launching millstone-sized boulders, specially forged and disassembled, which Hu Yue then sent to deliver.
Shi Wenlong was delighted to see Guan Yuqing and immediately dispatched him to challenge the defenders of Tongzhen.
Why send Guan Yuqing? Because two of the three generals in the city were women, and Guan Yuqing was adept at provoking women. He thoroughly humiliated the two female generals below the city walls, saying things that even he found disgusting.
He cursed them for three days, but no one paid him any attention. What kind of person was Gong Sanniang? She wouldn't be angered by a few vulgar words. Left with
no other option, Shi Wenlong sent his troops to attack the city.
This town originally didn't have very high city walls, but Wang Bingzheng intended to use it as a forward base for attacking Xu and Feng, so he undertook a large-scale construction project, expanding it into a sturdy city. Shi Wenlong stood outside the city, directing his soldiers to attack for several days, but they returned empty-handed.
One day, stone cannons arrived, and Shi Wenlong was overjoyed. He immediately ordered the stone cannons to be transported to the earthen mound used for siege, and then the huge stones were thrown into
the city. Shi Wenlong watched from the mound, seeing the stones crash into the city, collapsing hundreds of houses. Near the city walls, almost no houses remained intact. Many stones also fell on the walls, killing and injuring many soldiers, but the soldiers braved the flying stones and persisted in defending the city.
After bombarding for several more days, Shi Wenlong ordered another attack. This time the attack was extremely fierce, and the walls became extremely dangerous. Several times, attacking soldiers climbed the walls. Gong Sanniang, along with Yunlong and Yunfeng, directed the attack from the walls, personally driving the enemy who had already scaled the walls down.
Both sides fought fiercely on the walls, resulting in countless deaths and injuries.
Shi Wenlong seemed to have lost the strength to attack the city, and rested his troops for several days.
Suddenly one day, Shi Wenlong's attack intensified. Shi Wenlong and three other generals personally supervised the battle, and the city was almost breached. The three generals ran back and forth within the city, barely managing to hold it.
After dark, the attack ceased. Gong Sanniang hurriedly ordered her soldiers to prepare defensive equipment and to keep a close watch on the city to prevent another attack.
The next morning, before dawn, Gong Sanniang and her brother Yunlong rushed to the city wall, but the surroundings were unusually quiet. By daybreak, there was still no sign of an attack, and not even anyone challenging them below the wall. Looking towards Shi Wenlong's camp in the distance, flags fluttered and drums sounded, but no one moved about, which aroused her suspicion.
Half a day passed, and the situation remained the same. Gong Sanniang quickly sent a spy down the wall. He returned shortly with news that Shi Wenlong had disappeared overnight. Gong Sanniang then realized that yesterday's siege was actually a feint to lure her troops into a retreat, fearing her pursuit.
Gong Sanniang immediately dispatched scouts to search for Shi Wenlong's whereabouts while simultaneously sending messengers back to the capital to report.
Gong Sanniang and her men opened the city gates and arrived at Shi Wenlong's camp. They found it deserted; aside from some tattered flags, drums, and tents, not even a single seed remained. It seemed Shi Wenlong was indeed a master strategist.
A short while later, a messenger returned, reporting that Guan Yuqing had returned to Hulangyu, and Shi Wenlong had led the Shui siblings to Zhuque Pass.
Gong Sanniang had initially assumed Shi Wenlong had returned to Hulangyu because of the prolonged siege of Tongzhen and the lack of supplies, but it turned out he was heading to attack Zhuque Pass.
Since Hu Yanling's death, there had been no news from Zhuque Pass. Because Tongzhen was besieged, and Cao Yunlong's forces had fallen out with Wang Yinping, Wang Ke's army was essentially fighting alone, completely cut off from the capital. According to Hu Yanling's last report from Beijing, Zhuque Pass had become Wang Ke's only route back to the capital. If it fell, Wang Ke would face annihilation.
Gong Sanniang, after discussing the matter with the Yun siblings, hurriedly informed the capital while simultaneously preparing provisions and weapons. Ignoring the hardships of days besieging the city, they marched south, intending to join forces with the garrison at Zhuque Pass to attack Wang Ke.
Just then, a devastating incident occurred in Xu Youliang's camp. Due to days of overwork, Zhang Gui suddenly fell ill and collapsed in bed, refusing all medication. Xu Youliang was frantic with worry, staying by his bedside day and night.
After seven or eight days, Zhang Gui finally awoke.
"Uncle, you're awake! You scared me to death!" Xu Youliang exclaimed, grasping Zhang Gui's hand.
"Oh, Your Highness, what's wrong with me?"
"You've been ill, unconscious for seven or eight days now."
"Oh. How's the battle going these past few days?"
"Since capturing Hu Yanling and cutting off Wang Ke's supply lines, Wang Ke first launched a fierce attack on Nanyang Pass, then withdrew eastward. The siege of Nanyang is now lifted. As for Tongzhen, Shi Wenlong's attack on the city failed. I've ordered him to head south to capture Zhuque Pass, blocking Wang Ke south of Zhuque, in order to annihilate him completely."
"Alas! This illness of mine...it seems it won't get better."
"Uncle, don't think like that. Your nephew is still counting on your advice."
"Your Majesty, this is the will of Heaven, beyond human control! I know my days are numbered, and I have a few words to tell you. I have already divined that your Xu family is destined for greatness, but it should not befall you, Your Majesty, but your descendants. The world is in chaos now, and the one threatening my Southern Ridge is not Wang Bingzheng, but Feng Qing
. Your Majesty must be wary of others!" "Uncle is right, I understand."
"Remember, this throne is not meant for you. Do not force it. Therefore, do not be too ambitious. As long as you maintain the status quo and endure for two generations, a descendant will surely unify the world. If you seek quick success, you will surely fail quickly."
"Yes." In truth, Xu Youliang was not convinced: "Am I not destined to be emperor? If I cannot be ambitious, does that mean that once I enter the capital, I cannot become emperor?"
"Today, Wang Ke has already retreated. We cannot forcefully besiege him. We should send someone to negotiate with him and obtain a promise of no war for thirty years. At that time, our Southern Three Passes will be able to sustain themselves and grow strong, and the world will be ours. If we use force, after Wang Bingzheng is destroyed, Your Majesty will become the target of everyone's attacks, and your future will be bleak. Remember this well!"
Zhang Gui went through several bouts of unconsciousness and waking, until finally, his life was over. He grasped Xu Youliang's hand and said, "Your Majesty, release Wang Ke back to Yecheng, and let Tongzhen and Feng Qing reclaim Zhuque Pass and manage the Southern Ridge. Be patient! Be patient!"
After saying this, he passed away.
Xu Youliang burst into tears and ordered the entire army to observe three days of mourning.
After the mourning period, Xu Youliang left Hua Feng to guard Nanyang, while Hu Yue, Zhang Ping, and other generals, along with Feng Ling, went to Zhuque Pass to pursue and kill Wang Ke, joining forces with Shi Wenlong to launch a pincer attack on Zhuque Pass.
Just as the troops were dispatched, scouts reported that Shi Wenlong and Guan Yuqing had achieved a great victory and had captured Tongzhen.
How Shi Wenlong succeeded remains to be seen; we'll find out in the next chapter.

Chapter Ninety-Three – Shi Wenlong's Plot to Lure Yunlong, Guan Yuqing's Great Battle at Xiliang

Ridge. The previous chapter recounted Zhang Gui's deathbed instructions to Xu Youliang: "Release Wang Ke back to Yecheng, give Tongzhen to Feng Qing, reclaim Zhuque, and manage Nanling."
In truth, Zhang Gui had already calculated that although Xu Youliang's family possessed the destiny of an emperor, it belonged to Xu Youliang's descendants, not himself. Therefore, Xu Youliang could not possibly conquer the land. Currently, among the princes, Wang Bingzheng is first, and Xu Youliang is second—this is undeniable. However, annihilating Wang Bingzheng would inevitably result in significant losses for Xu Youliang, potentially preventing him from becoming first. Even if he did, his power would make him a target, following in Wang Bingzheng's footsteps.
Therefore, the correct strategy is to maintain the status quo, release Wang Ke, and prevent Wang Bingzheng from easily launching military campaigns against Nanling again, while still bearing all the pressure. This would force Wang Bingzheng to cede Tongzhen to Feng Qing. If Wang Bingzheng wanted to launch another attack, whether via Huangshi or Tongzhen, he would have to attack Feng Qing first, thus weakening Feng Qing. Once they were both exhausted, Xu Youliang could then profit from the conflict. Meanwhile, Xu Youliang, having reclaimed Zhuque, would have a northern shield, and his control of Nanling would provide a safe haven. Xu Youliang understood this strategy, but being young and impetuous, and with such advantages, how could he bear to give it up?
In fact, now was the perfect opportunity. Shi Wenlong had seized Tongzhen, blocking Wang Ke's return route. Wang Ke was now without supplies or reinforcements. To avoid total annihilation, he had to negotiate with Xu Youliang and accept whatever conditions were most demanding. After negotiations, Wang Ke could be released from Tongzhen back to Yecheng, and then, according to the agreement with Feng Qing, Tongzhen could be ceded to him. Then everything would be fine.
But Xu Youliang ultimately did not do so.
He dispatched all his generals, including Feng Ling, Hu Yue, and Zhang Ping, to Zhuque Pass to besiege Wang Ke, and personally went to Tongzhen, preparing to eliminate Wang Ke and then proceed through Feng County to directly attack Yecheng. Meanwhile,
Shi
Wenlong, after withdrawing from the Tongzhen camp that day, divided his forces into several routes.
The first route, led by a general resembling Guan Yuqing, wearing Guan Yuqing's armor and riding a similar warhorse, led several thousand soldiers back to Hulangyu.
The second route, led by the real Guan Yuqing, disguised as a soldier, consisted of 20,000 men who secretly entered the mountains leading to Baihua City to ambush them.
The third route, led by Shui Jintong, consisted of 20,000 men who camped on the main road at the foot of Xiliang Ridge, a hundred li from Tongzhen, blocking the road.
The fourth route, led by Shi Wenlong himself, proceeded directly to Zhuque Pass with Shui Yunu. Upon reaching the pass, he sent soldiers to shout loudly, "Tell your general that I have captured Tongzhen. Your retreat is over. Those who know what's good for you will surrender immediately!"
Yan Wu, the deputy general guarding Zhuque Pass, seeing someone coming to seize the city, dared not engage in battle. He issued a truce and sent someone to seek help from Wang Ke.
Wang Ke was already retreating to Zhuque. Upon hearing the news, he rushed to Zhuque. Due to the lack of information, he dared not leave the city to fight, only sending men to maintain a tight defense. This gave Shi Wenlong the opportunity to return and annihilate Gong Sanniang. Shi Wenlong's risky move succeeded once again.
Gong Sanniang, upon learning that Shi Wenlong was attacking Zhuque, was initially skeptical. They had already been terrified by Shi Wenlong and Guan Yuqing and were afraid of being tricked again. Therefore, they probed left and right but still dared not use their troops.
Just then, Wang Bingzheng of Yecheng sent someone to deliver an order: Gong Sanniang was to do everything in her power to clear the road from Tongzhen to Zhuque Pass to facilitate Wang Ke's return to the capital.
Gong Sanniang dared not delay. She sent someone west from Fengjun to order Zheng Mingde to return and reinforce Tongzhen, while simultaneously dispatching Yunlong and Yunfeng with 100,000 troops south to coordinate with Wang Ke, who might retreat north from Zhuque Pass, in a pincer attack on Shi Wenlong. She herself led the remaining tens of thousands to garrison Tongzhen.
The Yunlong siblings left the city and headed straight for Zhuque Pass. After two days, they reached Xiliang Ridge, where they found Shui Jintong with 20,000 troops encamped in the road. Yunlong hurriedly sent men to challenge them, but Shui Jintong refused to engage. Yunlong charged, but the road was narrow, and despite having 100,000 troops, they were unable to maneuver effectively and were driven back by a hail of arrows.
Yunlong attacked all day without success. That night, he launched another raid, finally breaking into the camp only to find it empty. Yunlong cried foul, realizing he'd been tricked, and was about to retreat when a cannon fired. Shui Jintong led his troops in a surprise attack from behind, routing Yunlong's army and forcing him to retreat to his main camp.
The next day, Yunlong regrouped and returned to challenge the enemy. As the enemy's gates opened, a troop of soldiers rushed out. Yunlong was shocked to see that Shui Yunu had joined the fray, realizing they had recalled their forces from the attack on Zhuque.
Since both sides knew each other, there was no need for formalities; they immediately began fighting. Shui Jintong and Yunlong fought to a draw, while Yunfeng gained a slight advantage over Shui Yunu.
Just then, another cannon fired, and another troop of soldiers charged out from behind. Leading the charge was none other than Guan Yuqing.
Guan Yuqing didn't reply, but ordered his soldiers to block Yunlong's retreat and joined the battle himself.
As soon as Guan Yuqing arrived, he attacked from the closest distance, slashing with his sword. Yunlong, seeing Guan Yuqing, realized he had fallen into a trap. Panicked, he couldn't dodge in time, and a deep gash, over a foot long and an inch deep, was slashed through his back, even through his armor. Yunlong
cried out "Ah!" and his attacks faltered. Taking advantage of the situation, Shui Jintong thrust his spear, piercing Yunlong's abdomen.
He was then thrown from his saddle, flying more than three zhang (approximately 10 meters) away, and died a violent death. The two generals, having killed Yunlong, then rushed towards Yunfeng.
Seeing Guan Yuqing suddenly appear, Yunfeng knew things were going badly, but this only fueled her fighting spirit; she was determined to take someone down with her. She was already a cut above Shui Yunu in martial arts, and now, fighting to the death, Shui Yunu was no match for her. Seeing her double hammers come crashing down on his head, he hurriedly parried with his spear and thrust back at her chest, thinking she would defend against his spear attack before counterattacking. However, she ignored his spear strike and instead attacked his ribs from both sides with her double hammers. Shui Yunu was shocked and could only withdraw her spear, trying to deflect the blow but unable to. She tried to turn her horse, but it was too late. With a dying scream, she flung off the stirrups and leaped upwards, trying to jump in mid-air to avoid the hammer blow.
At the same time, Guan Yuqing and Shui Jintong, who had arrived on horseback, also saw the danger. They attacked simultaneously with a spear and a sword, trying to force Yunfeng to withdraw. But Yunfeng remained in her original stance, twisting her body. Her left hammer struck Shui Yunu's back, while her right hammer swept back, flying towards Shui Jintong's chest.
This move, attacking two people simultaneously, was something no one had anticipated. Shui Yunu only saw the silver hammer aimed at her lower abdomen withdraw, but was instead struck by the hammer from behind, breaking her spine. A broken rib pierced her heart, and with a "hiccup," she fell from her horse, blood gushing from her mouth and belly, dying instantly.
Shui Jintong thrust out with his spear, but seeing the flying hammer coming, he dared not parry, only dodging briefly. The flying hammer struck his left shoulder, shattering his chain and humerus. He only managed to use the momentum of his right hand to thrust his spear into Yunfeng's back, but his martial arts were completely crippled.
At the same time, Guan Yuqing's sword also fell. In his eagerness to save her, he hadn't even taken enough steps before the sword slashed down, so the trajectory of the falling sword was shallow at the top and deep at the bottom. The tip of the sword cut into Yunfeng's Dazhui (GV14) but only penetrated her body at her waist. Because Guan Yuqing had poured all his strength into this strike, he cleaved Yunfeng's pelvis, saddle, and warhorse in two. The horse neighed and fell to the side, throwing Yunfeng off. Yunfeng's head spun several times on the ground like a top, her legs, split open at the waist, were flung wide, her intestines spilling out, before she finally collapsed to the ground.
Her upper body was half-turned, half-reclining, her armor scattered in pieces, hanging from her hands and feet, while her body was bare. Her two long legs were staggered, one in front of the other, and her lower body was also misaligned, her internal organs hanging out—a truly pitiful sight.
This fierce warrior horrified Guan Yuqing. Although he had imprisoned the brother and sister, he himself was now one dead and one crippled, and he couldn't help but sigh.
Guan Yuqing ordered the battlefield cleaned up, and hung Yunlong's head and Yunfeng's body at the gate as a warning. Seeing no way to escape, Yunlong's soldiers surrendered.
Yu Qing sent a deputy general to guard the camp. He noticed that one of Shui Yunu's female soldiers resembled Yun Feng. He ordered her to wear Yun Feng's armor and wrap her in blood-stained cloth, making her look as if she were wounded. He himself disguised himself as a deputy general and selected 10,000 elite soldiers, all dressed in Wang Family Army armor, to march towards Tong Town under the banner of Yun Feng.
As dusk approached, Gong Sanniang saw Yunfeng returning from afar and hurriedly asked from the city wall, "General Yun, how did the battle go?"
A female soldier answered for her, "General Gong, we were ambushed. General Yunlong was killed in battle, and General Yunfeng was wounded in the throat and unable to speak. Open the city gates immediately!"
Gong Sanniang, without suspicion, quickly ordered the gates opened and personally went down to the city gates to greet them.

Chapter Ninety-Four—Gong Sanniang Calmly Accepts Death, Wang Bingzheng Sends an Envoy to Seek

Peace. The letter stated that Yunlong and his sister went to rescue Zhuque Pass, but were ambushed at Xiliang Ridge and both died in battle. Shuiyunu and her brother also suffered one death and one injury.
Guan Yuqing settled the camp and found a female soldier to disguise herself as Yunfeng, pretending to have returned defeated. She came to the city of Tongzhen and tricked... The city gates opened, and Gong Sanniang personally came down to greet Yunfeng.
Guan Yuqing, disguised as a deputy general, followed closely beside the fake Yunfeng's horse. Looking into the city, she saw a female general emerge from the open gate. She appeared to be about twenty-three or twenty-four years old, with a beautiful face, a height of five feet, long legs, and a slender waist. She wore a bright red short jacket covered with a large red silk handkerchief, a white silk sash around her waist, and a white chrysanthemum tucked into her hair. On her feet were a pair of bright red embroidered shoes, covered with a white cloth—she was wearing mourning clothes for Meng Qinghai.
Behind her, female soldiers led a chestnut horse, on which hung a pair of double swords.
Gong Sanniang walked to the fake Yunfeng's horse and saw Yunfeng slumped on the saddle, her head resting on the horse's neck, completely limp. She hurriedly asked, "General Yun, where are you injured?"
After calling out twice and receiving no response, he reached out to touch her head and face. Suddenly, the lieutenant on horseback beside him lunged forward, grabbed her waist sash, lifted her off the ground, and laid her sideways on the saddle. "
Who dares to be so bold? Let me down at once!" Caught off guard, Gong Sanniang shouted, not understanding what was happening.
Guan Yuqing slammed Gong Sanniang to the ground, and the soldiers on both sides, already prepared, immediately held her down and bound her with ropes.
The soldiers guarding the city were dumbfounded. Before they could understand what was happening, Guan Yuqing shouted, "Charge!" and charged into the city gate. After passing through the barbican, Guan Yuqing mounted his horse and rode onto the city wall, brandishing his sword and shouting, "I am Guan Yuqing, a general under Prince Xu, the One-Word Parallel King! Now that Tongzhen has fallen and Gong Sanniang has been captured, who among you is not afraid of death? Come and fight!" "The soldiers guarding the city were already thoroughly familiar with Guan Yuqing's name, and seeing their commander captured, they were naturally terrified and surrendered en masse. Guan Yuqing thus gained control of Tongzhen.
At this time, Shi Wenlong was using a feint at Zhuque Pass. Upon hearing Guan Yuqing's battle report, he hurriedly led his troops to withdraw from Tongzhen.
Wang Ke only then realized he had been tricked and regretted not engaging in battle. Seeing the enemy leave, he knew they were heading to Tongzhen, so he left a deputy general to guard the city and led the rest of his troops to attack Tongzhen.
Meanwhile, Guan Yuqing captured Gong Sanniang. Soon after, Shi Wenlong returned with his troops to jointly arrange the defense.
Then, they brought Gong Sanniang out of prison and tried to persuade her to surrender.
Gong Sanniang said, 'You tricked me with your schemes, and I'm not convinced of my defeat. If you defeat me with true skill, I will surrender.'
Guan Yuqing, young and impetuous, thought that Gong Sanniang was already a caged bird, and he wasn't afraid she would fly away. So he said, 'How can you say I have truly defeated you?'" "
Let's fight on horseback, sword to sword, spear to spear. If you defeat me, I will surrender."
Guan Yuqing laughed heartily, "Do you think I, Guan Yuqing, am afraid of you?!"
Shi Wenlong also said, "General Gong, you must not break your promise."
"I will not go back on my word."
Shi Wenlong hurriedly ordered people to prepare the small training ground and also had Gong Sanniang's horse and weapons ready. The group went to the training ground, and Shi Wenlong sat on the platform, watching Gong Sanniang and Guan Yuqing fight.
Three drumbeats sounded, and the two generals mounted their horses and came to the center of the training ground. After exchanging greetings, they each set up their weapons and fought.
Gong Sanniang's martial arts skills were indeed no less than Guan Yuqing's. Her pair of double swords swirled like snowflakes, protecting her body and horse, slashing and hacking, and she fought Guan Yuqing to a draw.
Guan Yuqing exclaimed, "Madam, your martial arts are indeed excellent!" "Be careful, lest she take advantage of you."
After fighting for over thirty rounds, Gong Sanniang finally succumbed to Guan Yuqing's superior stamina, and her moves slowed down. Guan Yuqing was delighted, keeping his eyes open to capture her.
Gong Sanniang had never intended to surrender; the duel was merely a delaying tactic. Her original intention was to find an opportunity to escape and then use her former subordinates to retake Tongzhen. Now, seeing that she couldn't defeat Guan Yuqing, she seized a moment, her warhorse leaping out of the training ground and galloping straight into the main street.
"Oh no!" Guan Yuqing gave chase.
Shi Wenlong, seeing this from the platform, also hurriedly mounted his horse and gave chase.
Meanwhile, after galloping a few miles, Gong Sanniang saw a group of soldiers practicing their military drills. Gong Sanniang recognized several of the lieutenants as her subordinates and shouted loudly, "Officers, I have escaped! Quickly rebel!" "
Unexpectedly, the lieutenants did not intend to rebel further and brandished their weapons to capture Gong Sanniang.
Seeing the situation was dire, Gong Sanniang turned and darted into a nearby alley, fleeing for her life, with Guan Yuqing in hot pursuit.
Just as she escaped the alley, she encountered Shi Wenlong, who laughed, 'Where are you going, Madam?'
Seeing that she could no longer stop, Gong Sanniang steeled herself and charged at Shi Wenlong.
'Wait, Madam!' Shi Wenlong pointed, and Gong Sanniang felt a sharp pain in her wrists, her two swords slipping from her grasp and falling to the ground.
Gong Sanniang was about to flee when Guan Yuqing arrived from behind, grabbed her around the waist, and pulled her onto the horse.
Back in the main tent, Shi Wenlong laughed, 'Madam, do you submit now?'
'The two generals are highly skilled; this humble general submits.' '
Since that's the case, you must keep your word.' '
The two generals are mistaken. Sanniang is a woman; her words are not always reliable. '" Although you have won this time, I admire you, but I was appointed by the Emperor of Da Shun and must remain loyal to him. You may kill me or leave me, but surrender is absolutely out of the question.”
Shi Wenlong clapped his hands and said, “My lady is so loyal, I admire her greatly. However, in war between two countries, each serves its own master. Perhaps I will have no choice but to take your life.”
"It's all up to the two generals."
"In that case, where is Master Dao's hand?"
"Wait!"
"Madam, have you changed your mind?"
"No, as a female general, I know that female prisoners are to be killed naked. If the two generals could have pity on my loyalty to my master, and spare me from this vulgar body."
"That's difficult. Since General Shui's death, I have sent the female soldiers in the camp back to Nanyang Pass, and there are no female soldiers here."
"I am not skilled enough and have been captured twice. I am completely convinced by this young General Guan. If I could have General Guan do it, I would be satisfied!"
Guan Yuqing was also full of admiration and said, "What virtue or ability do I have to deserve such favor from you, Madam? How could I not obey?"
Shi Wenlong nodded in agreement and ordered the executioners to bring the rope to the tent. He then came to Gong Sanniang.
Gong Sanniang put her hands behind her back and closed her beautiful eyes slightly.
Shi Wenlong gently pulled the silk sash and slowly unbuttoned the jade button, removing her upper garment, revealing her snow-white arms and jade-like back.
He removed the white silk binding her chest, revealing two round, plump jade bowls, a pair of trembling pink pearls.
He tied her jade arms with rope, gently caressing her beautiful breasts, feeling them as soft as butter, extremely pleasurable.
He then tore off the red ribbon, removed her lower garment, gently placed her on the ground, removed her shoes and socks, and gently parted her jade buttocks, revealing her peach-like vulva.
Looking at Gong San Niang's pink buttocks and jade buttocks, her anus as daisy-like as a daisy, with dark pubic hair growing on her mons pubis, her two jade lips thick, and her jade gate deep and concave, Guan Yuqing could no longer restrain himself. He knelt on the ground, revealed his treasure, and thrust it in, pounding wildly.
Gong San Niang let out a soft moan, her eyes slightly closed, her cherry lips slightly parted, panting softly, having endured his lewdness.
You see, Guan Yuqing, having vented his desire, lifted her knees, tied them to her shoulders with rope, like a frog, exposing her beautiful vulva, and then carried her out of the tent.
Upon seeing Gong Sanniang's body, the soldiers cheered in unison. Sanniang's face flushed red, and she remained silent
with her eyes closed. Reaching the city wall, they took a sharp knife and slit her neck; blood gushed forth, and she died instantly.
They ordered the soldiers to lower the rope from the flagpole, tie it around Sanniang's neck, and hoist her up, giving orders to the entire city.
Meanwhile, Wang Ke arrived at Tongzhen, but it was too late. Seeing Yunlong's head hanging on the city wall, along with the corpses of Yunfeng and Gong Sanniang, and with Shi Wenlong and Guan Yuqing defending the area, and fearing a surprise attack from Hulangyu, he had no choice but to retreat, besieging Zhuque Pass.
Xu Youliang, with Shi Wenlong guarding Tongzhen, and having dispatched Feng Ling and other generals to Zhuque Pass, awaited the capture of Zhuque Pass before launching a direct attack on Yecheng.
At this time, Wang Bingzheng knew that Wang Ke's army was besieged at Zhuque Pass, and Zheng Mingde could not return to reinforce in time. Fearing that Feng Qing's troops would take the opportunity to attack, he had no choice but to send an envoy to Xu Youliang to sue for peace.
How Wang Bingzheng sought peace remains to be seen; please read the next chapter.

Chapter Ninety-Five—Xu Youliang Joins Forces with Feng and Cao, Cao Yunlong Sends Siblings to Seize

the Pass. Wang Bingzheng, knowing that Tongzhen had been lost, and that the four generals of the Yun family, along with Meng Qinghai and his wife, had all perished, along with countless losses of supplies and soldiers, and that Shi Wenlong's occupation of Tongzhen had blocked Wang Ke's retreat, was extremely anxious. After much deliberation, he had no better plan than to send an envoy to Xu Youliang, offering him Tongzhen and Baihua City, as well as a year's worth of supplies for a million-strong army, and promising not to attack the three southern passes for thirty years. Such conditions were undeniably favorable, and Xu Youliang readily agreed to negotiate with the envoy, following Zhang Gui's dying instructions, and released Wang Ke back to Yecheng.
Unexpectedly, just as Wang Bingzheng's envoy arrived, envoys from Feng Qing and Cao Yunlong also arrived.
Feng Qing dispatched his deputy strategist, Hu Delai, to launch a full-scale attack: a northern route via Huangshi around Fengjun to assist Xu Youliang in defeating Zheng Mingde and Pang Qi's armies; and a southern route across Pingling to assist Feng Ling in besieging Wang Ke. Whoever reached Yecheng first after eliminating Wang Bingzheng would become emperor.
Cao Yunlong sent his strategist, Feng Yun, to join forces with Xu Youliang to eliminate Wang Ke. Cao Yunlong had no interest in vying for the throne; he only wanted Wang Yinping.
Xu Youliang was in a difficult position, facing the three envoys. Wang Bingzheng was his old rival and greatest threat; as long as Wang Bingzheng remained, Xu Youliang would be restless. Now that he had this opportunity, it would be a pity to give it up. Besides, the allure of ruling the world and surveying all below was too great; who could resist? Meanwhile, Zhang Gui's dying words kept echoing in his ears.
Xu Youliang decided to discuss the matter with his generals before making a decision.
Xu Youliang then summoned his ministers and generals, explaining the intentions of the three special envoys. They all unanimously agreed to cooperate with Feng and Cao to jointly defeat Wang Bingzheng. They argued that if they could enter Yecheng before Feng Qing, they had an agreement with Feng Qing for a peaceful ascension to the throne—why not?
As for Zhang Gui's words, the generals believed that times had changed. As long as Feng Qing was prevented from crossing Pingling and Wang Ke was driven to Cao Yunlong's territory, there would be no problem. Besides, if they entered the capital and became emperor, what use would Nanling be?
Only Hua Feng advocated accepting Wang Bingzheng's pleas for peace, using Wang Bingzheng's power to maintain the balance of power and allow Xu to advance, but she couldn't overcome the insistence of the others.
After much deliberation, Xu Youliang, ultimately coveting the throne, decided to unite with Feng and Cao to eliminate Wang Bingzheng.
Therefore, everyone agreed on a strategy: First, join forces with Feng Qing to defeat Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde's forces, but forbid Feng Qing from crossing Pingling to participate in the battle; second, join forces with Cao Yunlong to defeat Wang Ke, with Cao Yunlong fighting east of the Panlong River and Feng Ling and others fighting west of the Panlong River; third, detain Wang Bingzheng's envoy to prevent him from returning to the capital to report. With
the plan finalized, they sent people to negotiate with both sides. At this time, Cao Yunlong proposed another suggestion: launch a two-pronged attack, one route to seize Nanling Pass and the other to seize Baihua City, then advance south through Tongzhen to attack Zhuque Pass, drive Wang Ke out of the pass, and then join forces with Feng Ling to besiege Wang Ke, who had lost his defenses. After eliminating Wang Ke's army, they would join forces with Xu's army to seize Nanling Pass and enter Yecheng to jointly deal with Feng Qing.
Xu Youliang's current concern was Feng Qing, and with Cao Yunlong's initiative to join forces, why not? He agreed to Cao Yunlong's plan.
While negotiations were underway, Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde's army had already reached the north of Tongzhen, waiting for the negotiations to fail so they could launch a full-scale attack on Tongzhen and facilitate Wang Ke's return. Shi Wenlong, watching the densely packed camps to the north from the city wall, was alarmed and sent a messenger to report to Xu Youliang. Xu Youliang
replied, ordering Shi Wenlong to hold out for a month. If Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde did not withdraw their troops within a month, they were to abandon Tongzhen and return to Hulangyu.
Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde, instead of receiving the order to attack, received news that Feng Qing's army was marching north from Huangshi towards Fengjun. They were shocked. After a brief discussion, they decided to leave Zheng Mingde and his sister to monitor Tongzhen. If Wang Ke returned to attack Tongzhen, they would launch a pincer attack, helping Wang Ke pass through Tongzhen to return to the capital. Pang Qi, on the other hand, would lead the main force back to defend Fengjun.
Upon returning to Fengjun, Pang Qi immediately ordered someone to take his letter back to Xuanwu Pass, mobilizing 200,000 troops and 30 deputy generals to reinforce Fengjun.
On Wang Bingzheng's side, before receiving the urgent message from Fengjun, he had already learned that Nanling Pass was under siege.
It turned out that after Cao Yunlong joined forces with Xu Youliang, he immediately dispatched the brother and sister Song Ziyun and Song Caijiao as commanders of one route to attack Nanling Pass, while he himself served as the second commander, with Hong Wei as the vanguard, leading the female general Su Qingluan to attack Baihua City.
Nanling Pass was originally Wang Xiaojiao's fiefdom. After Wang Xiaojiao perished in a flood while attacking Baihu Pass, it was left to be defended by her two trusted female deputies, Ma Cuihong and Liu Xiurong.
Although these two female generals were not as skilled in martial arts as Wang Xiaojiao, they were still seasoned veterans and far superior to ordinary deputy generals. The Song siblings, however, had no notable achievements since their debut, so Ma and Liu did not take them seriously. Upon hearing of the attack, they ordered their artillery to be deployed.
Outside the city, both sides dispatched two thousand soldiers to form battle formations. When Ma Cuihong looked across, she saw two generals, a man and a woman, standing side by side under the flag. The man was about twenty-two or twenty-three years old, with a short beard, wearing a green battle robe, riding a chestnut horse, and carrying a Green Dragon Crescent Blade. He was deliberately dressed like Guan Yu. The woman was just over twenty years old, wearing a pink outfit and a pink silk veil over her head. She rode a peach blossom horse, holding a painted halberd, her face cold and angry, exuding a thousand murderous auras.
Behind them were a dozen or so lieutenants and officers, some large and imposing, others small and spirited.
Ma Cuihong, after observing them, secretly praised their choices and hurriedly rode forward, bowing and saying, "General, please state your names."
Song Ziyun also looked towards the opposite side and saw two female generals before them, about the same age as himself, both exceptionally beautiful. One wore a bright red short jacket, rode a red horse, and wielded two swords; the other wore a blue short jacket, rode a dark blue horse, and wielded a flowery spear. Although Song Ziyun was already married, he was a lecherous man. Seeing the two beautiful female generals, his heart was already far away. Only when Ma Cuihong asked did he step forward and announce, "I am Song Ziyun, a marshal under Lord Cao. Who are you?"
"Ma Cuihong, garrison commander of Nanling Pass. I have no past grudges or recent enmity with your Lord Cao. Why have you sent troops here?"
"It is because your Prince has arbitrarily deposed and installed emperors, and defied the world by proclaiming himself emperor. Therefore, my Lord Cao sent me to Yecheng to punish the wicked Wang Bingzheng. Today we must pass through Nanling Pass. If General Ma is wise, please open the gates wide and let us pass."
"I see. That Great Zhen Emperor is young and ignorant. What virtue or ability does he have to rule the world? The Great Shun Emperor's ascension to the throne is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people. If your Prince Cao is sensible, he should submit a letter of allegiance and still retain his title as a prince. How dare you boldly enter the capital to seize the country? It is not difficult for you to pass through Nanling Pass. Just ask me if my twin swords will allow it."
"Heh heh, you shameless wench who dares to speak so disrespectfully! If I don't teach you a lesson, how can I win the hearts of the people? However, I am the marshal, and you are merely a deputy general. If I were to take action, you would accuse me of bullying the weak and oppressing the powerful. Come, which general will capture this wench for me?"
Before he finished speaking, a general shouted, "Marshal, this humble general is willing to capture her."
Song Ziyun turned around and saw a white dappled horse charging out from the formation. The rider was in his thirties, ugly in appearance, but wearing armor adorned with jewels and holding a large spear. It was Deputy General Hong Bin. Song Ziyun then said, "General Hong, be careful. Capture this woman and reward her to you as your maid."
It turned out that Hong Bin was quite skilled in martial arts, but also somewhat lecherous. Hearing this, his spirits lifted, and he said, "Marshal, rest assured, tonight I will be your bride." Then he pointed his spear at Ma Cuihong and said, "Little lady, have you truly heard my marshal's words? This general will definitely capture you alive, and in our bedchamber, I will sleep with you and enjoy the pleasures of marital intimacy!"
If Ma Cuihong were a newly recruited young female general, she would have been furious and lost her composure. But Ma Cuihong was different. She had already been married to another deputy general, arranged by Wang Xiaojiao herself. The one who had drowned with Wang Xiaojiao at Baihu Pass, the one who had impaled his dead, snake-like penis on Wang Xiaojiao's private parts, was the one she had married. Now a widow, Ma Cuihong was well-versed in matters of love and sex, and thick-skinned, she was not easily angered. She merely sneered, "Wait, you scoundrel! I don't kill nameless ghosts."
"I am Hong Bin, a deputy general under Marshal Song."
"So you're just a nobody. If you beat me, you can do whatever you want with me. If you lose, for your rude words, I'll castrate you!"
Hong Bin hadn't expected such a response, which enraged him. He roared, "You wretch, don't be so arrogant! I'll stab you through the neck with my spear!" With that, he swung his spear. The
spearman was strong, but Ma Cuihong was agile, easily dodging the spear and slashing at his neck with her sword.
The two clashed in the midst of the battle. Hong Bin wielded his spear with a whooshing sound, seemingly having the upper hand. In reality, Ma Cuihong dodged and weaved, never losing a single move.
Song Ziyun watched from the sidelines, his brow furrowed, secretly worried for Hong Bin.
After twenty rounds, Hong Bin swept his spear, and Ma Cuihong suddenly screamed, "Ah!" Hong Bin thought she couldn't dodge, so he increased the force of his attack, turning the feint into a real strike. However, he overdid it, and Ma Cuihong ducked, letting the spear pass over her head. She then snatched him into her arms, grabbed the silk sash at Hong Bin's waist, and pulled him off the saddle. Unfortunately, Hong Bin was too heavy, and Ma Cuihong was a woman; she couldn't drag him onto her horse, and he fell to the ground with a thud.
Ma Cuihong hated his frivolous words, and hiding in the stirrups on her horse, she casually slashed her genitals cleanly at the root, leaving only a bit of skin connecting them.
Hong Bin cried out in agony, scrambling to his feet. Seeing that his boast had backfired and he'd been castrated by a woman, he was filled with shame and hatred, utterly humiliated. He picked up a large spear, braced the butt against the ground, pointed the spearhead at himself, and lunged upwards, piercing himself through the chest, dying a violent death.
"You vile woman, daring to hurt my elder brother! Your life is forfeit!" Another general charged out from the ranks, a man of twenty-seven or twenty-eight, thinner and much more handsome than Hong Bin. He rode a chestnut horse, clad in a qilin armor, wielding a golden-handled jujube-shaped spear. He galloped to Ma Cuihong's side and swung his spear.
"Wait!" Ma Cuihong spurred her horse and jumped out of the circle. "You scoundrel, you have no manners! If you want to die, you don't have to be in such a hurry! Are you rushing to be reincarnated?! Quickly state your name! I don't kill nameless ghosts!"
"I am Deputy General Hong Liang. The one you just injured is my elder brother. I want to avenge him!"
"Want revenge? Fine, but you'll have to have the ability to do so. Come on, I'll see what you're made of before I send you to see your brother!"
"You shameless woman, so rude! Take this!" Another spear came flying.
How the two generals will fight remains to be seen. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Chapter Ninety-Five—Xu Youliang Joins Forces with Feng and Cao, Cao Yunlong Sends Siblings to Seize the Pass.

It is said that Wang Bingzheng, knowing that Tongzhen has been lost, the four generals of the Yun family and Meng Qinghai and his wife have all died in battle, and countless supplies and soldiers have been lost. Moreover, Shi Wenlong has occupied Tongzhen, blocking Wang Ke's retreat. How could he not be anxious? After much deliberation, finding no other good solution, Xu Youliang sent an envoy to meet with him, offering Tongzhen and Baihua City as concessions, along with a year's worth of provisions for a million-strong army, and promising not to attack the three southern passes for thirty years. Such terms were undeniably favorable, and Xu Youliang was about to negotiate with the envoy, following Zhang Gui's dying instructions to release Wang Ke back to Yecheng.
However, just as Wang Bingzheng's envoy arrived, envoys from Feng Qing and Cao Yunlong also arrived.
Feng Qing dispatched his deputy strategist, Hu Delai, to launch a full-scale attack: a northern route via Huangshi around Fengjun to assist Xu Youliang in defeating Zheng Mingde and Pang Qi's armies, and a southern route across Pingling to assist Feng Ling in besieging Wang Ke. Whoever reached Yecheng first after eliminating Wang Bingzheng would become emperor.
Cao Yunlong sent his strategist, Feng Yun, to join forces with Xu Youliang to eliminate Wang Ke. Cao Yunlong had no interest in conquering the world; he only wanted Wang Yinping.
Faced with these three envoys, Xu Youliang was in a difficult position. Wang Bingzheng was his old rival and greatest threat. As long as Wang Bingzheng remained, Xu Youliang would be restless. Now that he had this opportunity, it would be a pity to give it up. Besides, the allure of ruling the world and surveying all below was too great; who could resist? Yet, Zhang Gui's dying words kept echoing in his ears.
Xu Youliang decided to discuss the matter with his generals before making a decision. He
summoned his ministers and generals, explaining the intentions of the three special envoys. They all unanimously agreed to cooperate with Feng Qing and Cao Yunlong to defeat Wang Bingzheng. If they could enter Yecheng before Feng Qing, and with the agreement with Feng Qing for a peaceful ascension to the throne, why not?
As for Zhang Gui's words, everyone thought that times had changed. As long as Feng Qing was prevented from crossing Pingling and Wang Ke was driven to Cao Yunlong's territory, there would be no worries. Besides, if they entered the capital and became emperor, what use would Nanling be?
Among them, only Hua Feng advocated accepting Wang Bingzheng's pleas for peace, using Wang Bingzheng's power to maintain the balance of power in the world and gradually advance, but she could not overcome the insistence of the others.
Xu Youliang thought it over and over, but ultimately coveted the throne and decided to join forces with Feng and Cao to eliminate Wang Bingzheng.
Thus, everyone jointly decided on a strategy: first, to join forces with Feng Qing to defeat Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde's forces, but not to allow Feng Qing to cross Pingling to participate in the battle; second, to join forces with Cao Yunlong to defeat Wang Ke, with Cao Yunlong fighting east of the Panlong River and Feng Ling and others fighting west of the Panlong River; third, to detain Wang Bingzheng's envoy and prevent him from returning to the capital to report the news.
The plan was finalized, and envoys were sent to negotiate with both sides. At this time, Cao Yunlong proposed another suggestion: launch a two-pronged attack, one route to seize Nanling Pass, and the other to seize Baihua City. Then, via Tongzhen, attack Zhuque Pass to drive Wang Ke out of the pass. Next, join forces with Feng Ling to besiege Wang Ke, who had lost his defenses. After annihilating Wang Ke's army, they would join forces with Xu's army to seize Nanling Pass and enter Yecheng to jointly deal with Feng Qing.
Xu Youliang's current concern was Feng Qing, and with Cao Yunlong's initiative to join forces, why not? He agreed to Cao Yunlong's plan.
While the negotiations were underway, Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde's armies had already arrived north of Tongzhen, waiting for the negotiations to fail so they could launch a strong attack on Tongzhen to help Wang Ke return. Shi Wenlong, looking at the dark mass of camps to the north from the city wall, was alarmed and sent someone to report to Xu Youliang.
Youliang replied, ordering Shi Wenlong to hold out for a month. If Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde did not withdraw their troops within a month, they should abandon Tongzhen and return to Hulangyu.
Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde, instead of receiving orders to attack, were surprised to learn that Feng Qing's army was marching north from Huangshi towards Fengjun. After a brief discussion, they decided to leave Zheng Mingde and his sister to monitor Tongzhen. If Wang Ke returned to attack Tongzhen, they would launch a pincer attack, helping Wang Ke pass through Tongzhen to return to the capital. Pang Qi, meanwhile, would lead the main force back to defend Fengjun.
Upon returning to Fengjun, Pang Qi immediately ordered a messenger to take his letter back to Xuanwu Pass, mobilizing 200,000 troops and 30 deputy generals to reinforce Fengjun.
Meanwhile, Wang Bingzheng, before receiving news of the siege of Fengjun, had already learned that Nanling Pass was under siege.
It turned out that after joining forces with Xu Youliang, Cao Yunlong immediately dispatched Song Ziyun and Song Caijiao as commanders of one route to attack Nanling Pass, while he himself served as the second commander, with Hong Wei as the vanguard, leading the female general Su Qingluan to attack Baihua City.
Nanling Pass was originally Wang Xiaojiao's fiefdom. After Wang Xiaojiao drowned in a flood while attacking Baihu Pass, the pass was entrusted to the defense of her two trusted female lieutenants, Ma Cuihong and Liu Xiurong.
Although these two female generals were not as skilled in martial arts as Wang Xiaojiao, they were still seasoned veterans and far superior to ordinary lieutenants. The Song siblings, on the other hand, had no notable achievements since their debut, so Ma and Liu did not take them seriously. Upon hearing of the attack, they ordered their artillery to be deployed.
Outside the city, both sides dispatched two thousand soldiers to form battle formations. Looking across, Ma Cuihong saw two generals, a man and a woman, standing side by side beneath the flag. The man was about twenty-two or twenty-three years old, with a short, slightly sparse beard, wearing a green battle robe, riding a chestnut horse, and carrying a Green Dragon Crescent Blade. He was deliberately dressed like Guan Yu. The woman was just over twenty, wearing a pink short-sleeved outfit, a pink silk veil covering her head, riding a peach-blossom horse, holding a painted halberd, her face cold and angry, exuding a thousand murderous auras.
Behind them were more than a dozen lieutenants and deputy generals, some large and burly, others small and spirited.
After observing them, Ma Cuihong secretly praised them and hurriedly rode forward, cupping her hands and saying, "Please state your names, generals."
Song Ziyun also looked across and saw two female generals before him, about the same age as himself, both exceptionally beautiful. One wore a bright red short-sleeved outfit, rode a red horse, and wielded two swords; the other wore a blue short-sleeved outfit, rode a dark blue horse, and wielded a flowery spear. Although Song Ziyun was already married, he was a lecherous man. Seeing the two beautiful female generals, his heart was already far away. Only when Ma Cuihong asked did he step forward and announce, "I am Song Ziyun, a marshal under Lord Cao. Who are you?"
"Ma Cuihong, garrison commander of Nanling Pass. I have no past grudges or recent enmity with your Lord Cao. Why have you sent troops here?"
"It is because your Prince has arbitrarily deposed and installed emperors, and defied the world by proclaiming himself emperor. Therefore, my Lord Cao sent me to Yecheng to punish the wicked Wang Bingzheng. Today we must pass through Nanling Pass. If General Ma is wise, please open the gates wide and let us pass."
"I see. That Great Zhen Emperor is young and ignorant. What virtue or ability does he have to rule the world? The Great Shun Emperor's ascension to the throne is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people. If your Prince Cao is sensible, he should submit a letter of allegiance and still retain his title as a prince. How dare you boldly enter the capital to seize the country? It is not difficult for you to pass through Nanling Pass. Just ask me if my twin swords will allow it."
"Heh heh, you shameless wench who dares to speak so disrespectfully! If I don't teach you a lesson, how can I win the hearts of the people? However, I am the marshal, and you are merely a deputy general. If I were to take action, you would accuse me of bullying the weak and oppressing the powerful. Come, which general will capture this wench for me?"
Before he finished speaking, a general shouted, "Marshal, this humble general is willing to capture her."
Song Ziyun turned around and saw a white dappled horse charging out from the formation. The rider was in his thirties, ugly in appearance, but wearing armor adorned with jewels and holding a large spear. It was Deputy General Hong Bin. Song Ziyun then said, "General Hong, be careful. Capture this woman and reward her to you as your maid."
It turned out that Hong Bin was quite skilled in martial arts, but also somewhat lecherous. Hearing this, his spirits lifted, and he said, "Marshal, rest assured, tonight I will be your bride." Then he pointed his spear at Ma Cuihong and said, "Little lady, have you truly heard my marshal's words? This general will definitely capture you alive, and in our bedchamber, I will sleep with you and enjoy the pleasures of marital intimacy!"
If Ma Cuihong were a newly recruited young female general, she would have been furious and lost her composure. But Ma Cuihong was different. She had already been married to another deputy general, arranged by Wang Xiaojiao herself. The one who had drowned with Wang Xiaojiao at Baihu Pass, the one who had impaled his dead, snake-like penis on Wang Xiaojiao's private parts, was the one she had married. Now a widow, Ma Cuihong was well-versed in matters of love and sex, and thick-skinned, she was not easily angered. She merely sneered, "Wait, you scoundrel! I don't kill nameless ghosts."
"I am Hong Bin, a deputy general under Marshal Song."
"So you're just a nobody. If you beat me, you can do whatever you want with me. If you lose, for your rude words, I'll castrate you!"
Hong Bin hadn't expected such a response, which enraged him. He roared, "You wretch, don't be so arrogant! I'll stab you through the neck with my spear!" With that, he swung his spear. The
spearman was strong, but Ma Cuihong was agile, easily dodging the spear and slashing at his neck with her sword.
The two clashed in the midst of the battle. Hong Bin wielded his spear with a whooshing sound, seemingly having the upper hand. In reality, Ma Cuihong dodged and weaved, never losing a single move.
Song Ziyun watched from the sidelines, his brow furrowed, secretly worried for Hong Bin.
After twenty rounds, Hong Bin swept his spear, and Ma Cuihong suddenly screamed, "Ah!" Hong Bin thought she couldn't dodge, so he increased the force of his attack, turning the feint into a real strike. However, he overdid it, and Ma Cuihong ducked, letting the spear pass over her head. She then snatched him into her arms, grabbed the silk sash at Hong Bin's waist, and pulled him off the saddle. Unfortunately, Hong Bin was too heavy, and Ma Cuihong was a woman; she couldn't drag him onto her horse, and he fell to the ground with a thud.
Ma Cuihong hated his frivolous words, and hiding in the stirrups on her horse, she casually slashed her genitals cleanly at the root, leaving only a bit of skin connecting them.
Hong Bin cried out in agony, scrambling to his feet. Seeing that his boast had backfired and he'd been castrated by a woman, he was filled with shame and hatred, utterly humiliated. He picked up a large spear, braced the butt against the ground, pointed the spearhead at himself, and lunged upwards, piercing himself through the chest, dying a violent death.
"You vile woman, daring to hurt my elder brother! Your life is forfeit!" Another general charged out from the ranks, a man of twenty-seven or twenty-eight, thinner and much more handsome than Hong Bin. He rode a chestnut horse, clad in a qilin armor, wielding a golden-handled jujube-shaped spear. He galloped to Ma Cuihong's side and swung his spear.
"Wait!" Ma Cuihong spurred her horse and jumped out of the circle. "You scoundrel, you have no manners! If you want to die, you don't have to be in such a hurry! Are you rushing to be reincarnated?! Quickly state your name! I don't kill nameless ghosts!"
"I am Deputy General Hong Liang. The one you just injured is my elder brother. I want to avenge him!"
"Want revenge? Fine, but you'll have to have the ability. Come on, I'll see what you're made of before I send you to see your brother!" "You
shameless wretch! So rude! Take this!" Another spear came flying.
How the two generals will clash remains to be seen.

Chapter Ninety-Six—Ma Cuihong Holds Firm at Nanling Pass, Wang Yinping Leads a Suicide Squad

Meanwhile, Hong Liang, seeking revenge for his brother, clashed with Ma Cuihong in a fierce battle. The Hong brothers were evenly matched in martial arts, but Hong Bin, with his malicious intent, suffered a setback, being dragged off his horse by Ma Cuihong, who then castrated him, forcing him to commit suicide. Hong Liang, unlike his brother, fought cautiously, managing only a draw against Ma Cuihong.
Ma Cuihong, riding the wave of her initial victory, fought with increasing ferocity. Hong Liang, driven by revenge, unleashed deadly attacks. The two exchanged blows for twenty rounds before Ma Cuihong suddenly feigned an opening, allowing Hong Liang's spear to thrust at her chest. She dodged the spearhead, closing in, her left hand slicing along the spear shaft to cut his hand, while her right hand stabbed him in the abdomen from below.
Hong Liang, his skills worn out, was caught off guard. He dodged the upper slash, but was stabbed in the abdomen by her lower one. With a cry of "Ah!", his belly ruptured and his intestines spilled out. He fell
from his horse and died. Seeing this, Song Caijiao, enraged by the loss of two generals,
spurred her horse forward, brandishing her halberd. Liu Xiurong, fearing Ma Cuihong would claim all the credit, rushed out from her ranks, shouting, "Song Caijiao, wait! This general is coming!"
Ma Cuihong, seeing this, quickly returned to her own lines.
Song Caijiao looked towards the opposite side and saw the female general who had charged out. She was about the same age as Ma Cuihong, dressed in a short blue outfit, riding a blue horse, wielding a flowery spear, with a slender waist like a willow, and a jade-like
face that held a hint of reproach. She couldn't help but admire her, so she brandished her halberd and shouted, "State your name, general!" "I am Liu Xiurong! Song Caijiao, how shameless of you! My General Ma has already fought two battles, and you come to take advantage of my weakness. Aren't you ashamed?"
"This vanguard has no intention of taking advantage of my weakness. You haven't even fought yet, have you? Let's settle this
here and now." "Very well then. Come at me!"
"Take this!"
Song Caijiao swung her halberd and thrust forward, Liu Xiurong parried with her spear.
The two fought back and forth on the battlefield, a fierce battle full of dangers, making the generals on both sides watch with bated breath.
After thirty rounds of fighting, Song Caijiao, enraged, deliberately exposed an opening in her left leg with her halberd. Liu Xiurong, seeing this opening, seized the opportunity and thrust her spear. Despite the risk of injury, Song Caijiao only slightly dodged to the side, maintaining her stance as the halberd slammed towards the back of Liu Xiurong's head. The spearhead grazed Song Caijiao's thigh, leaving a three-inch-long gash. Seeing her attack succeed, Liu Xiurong hesitated, but the halberd was already upon her. Startled by the whoosh, she quickly ducked her head. Song Caijiao pulled back the halberd, then thrust it forward, the tip piercing Liu Xiurong's neck, severing it completely. With a flick upwards, she severed Liu Xiurong's neck, leaving only a thin strip of flesh connecting it. Liu Xiurong ran a dozen paces with her horse before falling to her death.
"Sister, drag her back!" Song Ziyun shouted, and several lieutenants rode up.
Upon hearing this, Song Caijiao knew that Liu Xiurong's corpse was to be desecrated, and she was unwilling. She initially wanted to refuse, but Ma Cuihong charged into the fray, leaving her no choice but to meet her in battle. However, Liu Xiurong's body was protected by several lieutenants, while soldiers rushed forward, using grappling hooks to drag it away.
When Ma Cuihong tried to snatch it, Song Caijiao entangled her, causing Ma Cuihong to shout angrily, but she was helpless.
Did Ma Cuihong not have lieutenants behind her? Yes, they did, and they too came out to try and seize the corpse. However, as mentioned before, when a female general was killed, most of their own soldiers did not put in much effort when it came to retrieving the corpse, simply watching as the enemy took it, only so that they could be stripped naked for everyone to see.
Meanwhile, Song Caijiao and Ma Cuihong fought for fourteen or fifteen rounds. Ma Cuihong feigned an attack, jumped out of the circle, and shouted, "Song Caijiao, it's late today, let's fight again tomorrow!"
Song Caijiao replied, "It's up to you."
Both sides then withdrew their troops.
Back at the camp, without Song Ziyun's orders, the soldiers dragged Liu Xiurong to the gate, stripped her naked, revealing her exquisitely beautiful body.
The crowd gathered around, fondling her breasts and vulva, then tied one of her feet and hung her upside down. Ma Cuihong watched from the city wall, cursing but helpless.
The next day, Song Caijiao led the vanguard to the city wall, demanding Ma Cuihong come out for a duel. Ma Cuihong ordered a truce to be displayed, ignoring the challenge.
It turned out that with Liu Xiurong's death, Ma Cuihong knew the Song siblings were indeed formidable. She knew she bore the heavy responsibility of defending the city and couldn't easily leave the pass. Therefore, she displayed a truce while simultaneously sending for reinforcements. Song
Caijiao cursed for three days, but no one paid her any attention. Enraged, she ordered an attack on the city. Arrows rained down from the walls, killing hundreds of the attackers.
Helpless, Song Caijiao returned to camp and explained the situation to Song Ziyun. Ziyun was furious and ordered the preparation of weapons for a strong attack on Nanling Pass.
Immediately, cannons roared and drums beat loudly as Cao's army surged towards the city like a tidal wave. Ma Cuihong personally went to the city walls to oversee the battle, effectively commanding the attack. Cao's army suffered countless casualties and was routed. From then on, the Song siblings commanded the siege for days on end.
Meanwhile, Cao Yunlong, leading Hong Wei and Su Qingluan with an army of 200,000, first went to Baihua City to challenge the city, saying he would go to Zhuque Pass to help Wang Ke break through the siege.
It turned out that Cao Yunlong had always served as a servant of Wang Bingzheng, had fought a battle with Xu Youliang, and had promised Wang Yinping to cross the border to seize Zhuque Pass. Therefore, the deputy commander of the city, Feng Ling, seeing that Cao Yunlong was personally leading the troops, did not suspect anything and opened the city gates wide to welcome Cao Yunlong's army through. Unexpectedly, Cao Yunlong entered the city, gave a signal, and Hong Wei behind him slashed Feng Ling from his horse, then shouted, "My Lord Cao and Lord Xu have allied to seize Baihua City!
Those who do not wish to die, surrender now!" Seeing their commander dead, the Cao family army, fierce as wolves, surrendered en masse. Cao Yunlong easily captured Baihua City and headed towards Tongzhen.
Upon arriving at Tongzhen, Xu Youliang personally led Shi Wenlong and others out of the city to welcome him. A banquet was held in the main tent below the city walls to entertain Cao Yunlong, and a large quantity of sheep and wine was distributed to reward the troops.
It turned out that after the three families joined forces, Xu Youliang had moved his central army to Tongzhen to prepare for the attack on Yecheng. At this time, Xu Youliang's forces were divided into four groups. One group, led by Huang Mian, consisted of the former deputy general stationed at the Southern Three Passes and the Nanling barbarian soldiers, who jointly defended the Southern Three Passes and the Nanling Mountains. Another group, led by Feng Ling, was stationed south of Zhuque Pass and west of the Panlong River, to prevent Wang Ke, who had been defeated at Zhuque Pass, from crossing the river and threatening the plains between the Southern Three Passes and Nanyang Pass. The third group was led by Hua Feng, who was responsible for guarding the line from Nanyang Pass to Hulangyu. The fourth group was led by Xu Youliang himself. In addition to Shi Wenlong and Guan Yuqing, Hu Yue and Zhang Ping were transferred north to Tongzhen, and the main force was concentrated to prepare for a joint operation with Cao Yunlong.
Cao Yunlong rested his troops in Tongzhen for three days. Xu Youliang then sent Zhang Ping with 50,000 troops and ten Iron Pagoda soldiers to accompany Cao Yunlong south to Zhuque Pass to assist in the battle.
Before long, the army arrived at Zhuque Pass.
Cao Yunlong tried his old trick again, hoping to trick Wang Ke into opening the city gates. However, Wang Yinping knew that Cao Yunlong would hold a grudge because of her broken engagement, so she persuaded Wang Ke to let Cao Yunlong enter the city alone in a basket as a hostage. Seeing that this plan had failed, Cao Yunlong had no choice but to reveal his true colors, ordering his soldiers to engage in a war of words. Knowing Cao Yunlong's prowess, Wang Ke refused to leave the city, so Cao Yunlong prepared to attack.
There was an earthen mound below the pass, built by Wang Ke during his previous attack, so Cao Yunlong didn't need to rebuild it. Under cover of night, he secretly pushed the cannons onto the mound, loaded them with gunpowder, and waited until dawn to fire all at once, instantly destroying half of the iron cavalry that Wang Ke had placed on the city wall.
When Wang Ke first led his troops, he brought dozens of iron cavalry cannons. During the artillery battles of the siege, over a dozen were damaged. On two separate occasions crossing the Panlong River, five cannons were lost in the river when the boats capsized. Several more were destroyed by the iron cavalry cannons placed on the mountain by Xu Youliang near Nanyang Pass. Therefore, when besieging Zhuque Pass, only a dozen or so cannons remained. A sudden attack by the enemy wiped them all out. The remaining cannons were eventually destroyed in the subsequent artillery battles. However, seven or eight iron cavalry cannons remained on the small mountain, their booming sounds causing the defenders on the city walls to scream in terror.
Wang Ke, seeing that Cao Yunlong was attacking the city and not seeing Zhang Ping, had not expected the enemy to have artillery support. Now, with his iron cavalry destroyed, he had no choice but to defend the city at the cost of heavy casualties.
Wang Ke stubbornly defended Zhuque Pass for over forty days, finally realizing that returning to the capital via Tongzhen was hopeless. Under cover of night, he withdrew south from Zhuque Pass, heading west towards the Panlong River. Halfway there, scouts reported that Feng Ling had already fortified all the crossings on the west bank of the river, making it impossible to cross. Daring not to return the way he came, fearing encounter with Cao Yunlong's army, he turned southeast, intending to enter the Dafang Mountains, then travel north along the mountains, traversing the uninhabited area to return to the capital via Nanling Pass. Little did he know that Nanling Pass was now in imminent danger.
Cao Yunlong, having captured Zhuque Pass, left Zhang Ping to guard it, mobilizing all available troops within his territory to pursue and intercept him, while personally leading a large army in pursuit along the route.
Now, Wang Ke, who now commanded only half of Wang Bingzheng's remaining generals, was relentlessly pursued with nowhere to run. His soldiers fled along the way, and by the time they reached Dafang Mountain, he had only about 30,000 men left. Lacking provisions, they were forced to plunder along the way, killing thousands of innocent civilians.
News of this spread, and the people of Dafang Mountain buried their grain and fled to the mountains to escape the war. Wang Ke wandered in the mountains for several days, but unfamiliar with the terrain, he eventually found himself back outside. When he realized he had gone the wrong way, he found himself surrounded by treacherous passes, with nowhere to go. His path into the mountains was blocked by Cao Yunlong's army, leaving him trapped in the wilderness.
Wang Ke had no choice but to attempt another breakout into the mountains.
The Yan siblings volunteered to lead a suicide squad southward in a feint to draw Cao Yunlong's forces and cover the main army's breakout. Wang Yinping, knowing that Cao Yunlong had allied with Xu Fanwang and broken off their engagement for her, insisted on taking charge of the feint.
To stabilize morale and prevent further casualties, Wang Ke finally decided to send Wang Yinping to lead a feint attack.
With the plan finalized and the army prepared, at the fourth watch of the night, Wang Yinping led two thousand daredevils, abandoning their camp and heavy supplies, and quietly moved southeast. Reaching the outskirts of Cao Yunlong's left flank camp, he shouted and charged in, throwing Cao's camp into immediate chaos.
Whether Wang Ke's breakout succeeded remains to be seen; we'll find out in the next chapter.

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