Chapter 2026: Side Story 8: Seeking One’s Own Demise

The Regent King of Beiyan went mad. After his meeting with Old General Hong, he began besieging the city like a madman, day and night, stopping at nothing.

Below the city, corpses were piled as high as Xiao Shan, yet Beiyan’s soldiers and common folk were still ramming the city gates, again and again, battering not only the wood but also the hearts of the townspeople, making them tremble in pain.

At this moment, countless slips of paper were flying through the city, bearing the news that Emperor Jiaping had given up on sending troops to reinforce them, and had transferred all remaining forces to guard the imperial capital. In other words, he had abandoned this Chitang Pass, and he had abandoned the people of these few cities as well. Everyone was seized with terror.

Even the emperor has abandoned them—what are they still holding out for?

People’s hearts scattered, panic spread.

When Old General Hong received such a message, he spat out a mouthful of old blood. Before he could recover, he learned that the grain stores had been burned, and he almost fainted on the spot.

"Nanyue has chosen a road to ruin, a road to ruin," Old General Hong stood atop the city wall, looking down at the attackers swarming below, then gazed into the distance, where the Regent King of Beiyen stood in a war chariot, hands clasped behind his back, staring this way.

He seemed to see the mockery and questioning in the other’s eyes: "What you persist in—does it matter? Is it worth it?"

"This old man would rather die than surrender!" Old General Hong roared, "Sound the war drums, open the city gate, kill!"

The war drums thundered, the gates opened, and the two sides clashed like dragons, plunging into a chaotic melee.

Two days and two nights—whatever cohesion Nanyue’s people once had was long gone, and the soldiers were already spent arrows on taut but failing bows; once the army broke, it collapsed like a landslide.

"This old man would rather... die than surrender!" Old General Hong stood in the midst of the battlefield, surrounded by ring upon ring of corpses. Several cold spears had pierced his body, multiple blood-gaping wounds were pouring out blood, yet he was still gripping his own long spear, stabbed into the earth. He watched as the soldiers parted to make a path for Ah Jiu, who walked towards him at an unhurried pace. His gaze gradually lost focus, and his head drooped.

Two days and two nights, without rest or pause, he died when his strength finally gave out. Was this not his final account to Nanyue, and a last mercy to Nanyue’s people and soldiers?

"The commander is dead. Those who surrender will not be executed." Ah Jiu snapped the Nanyue commander’s battle standard behind him and flung it to the ground.

Two dynasties’ war god—better to die standing than live kneeling.

Clang, clang, swish, swish.

Nanyue’s soldiers let their weapons fall and crouched or knelt down.

"Your Highness." Zhang Yi stepped forward.

"Gather up Old General Hong’s body, return it to his family, and give him a generous burial." Ah Jiu looked at Old General Hong, still standing stiff and upright, and let out a sigh.

"Yes."

"Pass down the order: Dajun enters the city, no disturbing the populace. Violators will be dealt with under military law—beheaded!" Ah Jiu continued.

"Understood."

"Chitang Pass is of critical importance. You will handle the reorganization of the soldiers we’ve taken in next; you must hold the defenses well. Dajun will rest for three days, then march on Shiling Pass. I’ve already sent word for General Shi Yong to bring fifty thousand men to support you. In addition, I will be waiting for you over in the Shu region." Ah Jiu first instructed Zhang Yi, then turned to Su Luo and Meng Sihao at his side, saying, "When we confiscate the wealthy households, you two will oversee it. As per our previous rules, we only strip the family, not take lives. Sihao, you will first manage this city’s affairs, pacify the people and distribute compensation. Use whoever you need, as you see fit."

Meng Sihao was Master Wufu’s grandson. Two years ago he had already wandered up to Beiyan, and for the past two years he had always been following behind these two.

"Me?" Meng Sihao was somewhat surprised; he hadn’t expected to be appointed to such an important position.

Ah Jiu nodded. "If you do well, you’ll continue. If you botch it, pick up your pack and get lost."

"I will definitely not disappoint your expectations." Meng Sihao’s eyes shone bright. This was a great opportunity to enter the Beiyan Court.

"This Chitang Pass is very important. I’m counting on you all." Ah Jiu had not let many people know about Wufu’s disappearance, so his departure also had to be quiet.

After settling everything, he took about twenty people and rode hard for the Shu region.