Chapter 197.1
Jin Wangs army quickly retreated as soon as they encountered the rebel forces, abandoning the hard-won Yongding Gate.
The generals and soldiers swiftly withdrew along Yongding Gate Street without any hesitation. Even though some soldiers were puzzled, they obediently followed the military orders and left quickly.
General, we fought so hard to capture Yongding Gate, and His Highness ordered us to secure this gate firmly. How did it come to this now?
The general was a burly man with a height of over seven feet and an imposing tiger-like figure. Guerrilla warfare rarely involved the cavalry, as cavalry couldnt maneuver effectively in such terrain. Even though he was the leader of this unit, he had to rely on his feet to move. He hadnt slept for two consecutive days and nights, and his stamina was greatly depleted. He ran with heavy breathing, panting heavily.
Dont ask too much about this matter. His Highness has always been insightful about the enemys intentions. There must be a plan in place. Although many of us havent been on the battlefield for a long time, we still vividly remember His Highness leading us with a heroic spirit against the barbarian invaders. Do you doubt His Highnesss decisions?
The soldier who questioned him scratched his head and chuckled, No, I just find it strange. We fought and sacrificed so many brothers over a city gate against the rebels. Now were giving it up so easily. I just find it hard to understand.
If you understand it, then you would be His Highness instead of a little soldier here! Stop talking nonsense and tell your brothers to move faster!
Upon hearing this, the soldier hurriedly stopped speaking and ran back to urge those behind to quicken their pace.
Meanwhile, the leading general wore a bitter smile beneath his bearded face.
The subordinates below were not aware, but the generals understood that Jin Wangs forces were indeed limited. They had always fought against larger enemy forces by catching them off guard and employing strategies. Guarding a city gate without any enemies was nothing but frustrating and suffocating. They retreated when the enemy outnumbered them and attacked when they had the advantage, which led to the continuous back-and-forth struggle for a city gate, resembling a farce.
In essence, it was because His Highness was unwilling to let his subordinates make pointless sacrifices.Reêad latest novels at novelhall.com
Surrender and no blame shall be assigned! Resist and be executed without mercy!
Defend our homes and protect the country, uphold the state! Eliminate the treacherous and wicked, may the heavens bless Dagan!
Many ordinary soldiers didnt have a clue about the purpose of this expedition. They only knew that there were rebels in the capital, and they were here to clear them out. But now, before even engaging in battle, someone told them that they themselves were the rebels, the traitors, resulting in everyone beginning to panic.
Panic lead to chaos, and while marching and fighting, chaos was the worst enemy. If one person was in a panic, it could be forgiven. However, when the entire group of people was in chaos, especially since they were compressed in narrow alleyways, once chaos broke out, it became a disaster.
Without anyone on the other side even needing to make a move, countless people were trampled and crushed in their confusion. Just as they managed to stabilize their formation, the enemy finally struck.
It was truly a wretched situation, where they cried out for their fathers and mothers, discarding their helmets and armour.
Some people took the opportunity to spread rumours while fighting, The rebels have assassinated the current emperor and killed loyal ministers. Everyone must seek justice! You all are aiding the tyrant! How can you face your ancestors, your parents, and your wives and children?
When the morale of the troops is disrupted, their fighting spirit is lost, and naturally, they cannot form an army.
Of course, there were also those who didnt believe these misleading words and countered them when provoked. These counterarguments quickly turned into quarrels. A group of soldiers exchanged insults while hindered by various obstacles, and it was quite a spectacle.
However, this kind of situation was still the minority. After all, the Five Army Battalion had earned their reputation as a mighty force and it wasnt just empty words. There was still a portion of elite troops. Most of these soldiers attacked fiercely, even when outnumbered. They could only be pushed back by the soldiers trained under Jin Wang.
The front line kept advancing further and further, to the point where even sitting in Jin Wang Manor, one could hear the sounds of slaughter outside.