Flourishing of the Ming Dynasty Novel - Chapter 79

Chapter 79 Bing Lin Gate (2)
Guangling County Government Second Hall.

Lu Zhen paced back and forth in a rather irritated manner. Although he had instructed the county government to do all the errands, and the people below had also implemented them seriously, although no murderous sounds had yet come from the north side of the city, his heart was never at ease.

If this matter was to be said seriously, it would most likely fall to him. Although Lu Zhen did not know who Dazi was, he was sure that this was revenge for Huo Zang, who he had killed earlier. The feedback from the Datong Prefecture Government hadn’t arrived yet, but he hadn’t expected that the Thoroughfare Division had already attacked under the banner of revenge.

Since it was his own doing, Lu Zhen really didn’t want to just hide in the county government and be a cowardly turtle. There are some responsibilities that a man should shoulder. Even if he didn’t have the strength to fight, it would still be good if he went to the city wall to cheer for the soldiers!

Thinking of this, Lu Zhen’s footsteps abruptly stopped. His eyes were already filled with determination, and he immediately stepped out of the door of the public house. Lin Lie, who had been guarding the door the entire time, saw his expression and actions and his expression changed. A trace of admiration and admiration flashed through his eyes. Although he didn’t say anything, he already knew what his intentions were. As Lu Zhen walked forward, he followed suit and his heart was filled with excitement.

But at this moment, Lu Zhen’s footsteps stopped again. His body, which was heading out, suddenly turned around and went inside again. This sudden turn of events was beyond Lin Lie’s expectations, causing him to be stunned. Then, he remembered something and didn’t turn around with him. Instead, he just stayed where he was.

Lu Zhen sped all the way through the Moonlight Gate behind the Second Hall and directly arrived at the back hall. At this moment, Cui Mei was frowning, looking towards the north with a perturbed expression. Although she could not see anything from standing here, she was still looking at it with unyielding determination.

Seeing Lu Zhen come over, Cuimei hurriedly withdrew her gaze and said, “Master …”

Lu Zhen replied in a low voice. His footsteps didn’t stop as he directly arrived in front of Chu Yunrong’s room door. He pushed open the half-closed door and rushed inside and said, “Are … are you there?” In the end, there was a difference between men and women, and he did not rashly crash into them.

Inside, Chu Yunrong was also surprised. Previously, they had already learned that Meng Ren had intruded. They thought that Lu Zhen had to be busy with all kinds of affairs outside, but they didn’t expect him to actually come at this time. After a while, he replied, “Well, don’t worry, I’m fine here …”

The relationship between the two of them was a bit strange. They were nominally husband and wife, but it was not like that at all. Moreover, only the two of them knew about this, so they could not tell outsiders. At the same time, because of their previous relationship, the two of them had a few more unspeakable emotions, causing them to have some mutual understanding and some understanding. For example, now, Lu Zhen had only asked one question, and Chu Yunrong had given such an answer.

Lu Zhen smiled and said, “This is the best. Don’t worry, this Broad Spirit City isn’t something that those Dazi can break just by saying it.”

“Mm” Chu Yunrong nodded, but there was a trace of doubt on her face. Lu Zhen definitely wouldn’t rush to the back hall at this time because he wanted to comfort her.

Sure enough, Lu Zhen continued, “I’m going to the city wall now. Take care of yourself.” As he spoke, he turned around to leave.

“Ah?” A soft cry came from Chu Yunrong’s mouth. Because the news was too shocking, she actually forgot to be reserved. She couldn’t help but take a step forward and say, “What are you going to do?”

“This is very likely because of me. Furthermore, I am the county magistrate of Guang Ling County, so I should defend the city together with the soldiers!” Lu Zhen’s answer was straightforward without the slightest hesitation. He looked deeply at Chu Yunrong again. He wanted to say something, but his mouth opened slightly. In the end, he did not say anything and turned around to leave.

Chu Yunrong also wanted to say something, but in the end, she was unable to say it. In the end, the relationship between the two of them was too strange. There were some things that they really didn’t know who to say.

Looking at Lu Zhen’s departing figure, Chu Yunrong’s heart was moved. She had always hoped that her husband would be a brave, ambitious and capable husband. Unfortunately, the person she married was greedy and timid, which made her look down on her.

But now, this man who had suddenly become her husband gave her this feeling at this moment-he had appointed a county government, a fierce general, and killed Dazi … Now, he would even take a big risk to go to the city wall. If such a person was not considered a big man, then no one could call themselves a big man.

Unfortunately, he was not his real husband after all. Perhaps … an idea that made Chu Yunrong’s face beat with enthusiasm suddenly flashed through her mind, causing her mood to become extremely uneasy, and she unconsciously felt a little bit stupid …

@ @ @ @

Lu Zhen did not know that his comments would cause such an impact on Chu Yunrong. Actually, even if he knew, he didn’t have the time to think about it. After all, there was such a big matter in front of him. He had to face this difficult time.

Many of the people in the county government had already run home. After all, they were the pillars of their families. Now that the county had encountered such a situation, it was none other than them who were the guardians of men. Lu Zhen didn’t pursue the matter and only brought half of the ten or so servants left behind before rushing to the north city.

When Lu Zhen arrived at the place, he heard a burst of scolding from the Chengtou soldiers. This made him feel a little strange. Could it be that the siege warriors at this time really wanted to fight against each other in front of the two military formations and then have a decisive battle with each other as described in the romance novels?

With such doubts, Lu Zhen directly climbed up the city wall after revealing his identity.

Seeing County Magistrate Lu suddenly arrive with his men, the soldiers were stunned for a moment before revealing a trace of respect. They cupped their fists and bowed to him.

Although everyone knew that the other party was really here for Lu Zhen, defending the city was ultimately a matter for them to join the army. There was no need for a county magistrate like him to take such a risk to come here to assist.

At this moment, Liu Yi, who received the report, greeted with respect, “County Magistrate Lu, why are you here? The war is about to start soon. It’s too dangerous. In my opinion, you should go back.”

“Since this official is the county magistrate of Guang Ling County, how can I hide in the city if something like this happens?” Lu Zhen shook his head and said resolutely, “You guys are responsible for guarding the land. Don’t tell me I don’t have this responsibility? Although I can’t kill the enemy, I can still help move some things.” As he spoke, he seemed to be trying to show that he had the strength to carry the large bundles of bamboo arrows to the side and moved them to the entrance of the castle.

Seeing that he had already said and done so, Liu Yi naturally didn’t want to chase people away. Although Lu Zhen’s practical use here was limited, with his status as county magistrate, he could inspire the morale of the army.

Therefore, after a pause, he said, “Since County Magistrate Lu has already made up your mind, I won’t advise you any further. However, these matters will be handled by the soldiers, so I won’t trouble you to take action.”

Just as Lu Zhen was about to say a few words, an arrogant shout came from below, “Listen, the Ming army above will kill you if you don’t surrender. Now I have dozens of numbers. If they don’t, they will all die!”

Listening to the deliberately prolonged number, the soldiers scolded again. Lu Zhen looked out with some doubt, and his expression suddenly changed when he saw it.

At the gates, there were about 20 merchants dressed in Han Chinese clothes lined up. They were pressed to the ground, and behind them stood Mongolian warriors with sharp blades. Obviously, as long as they gave the order, these 20 merchants would be beheaded by a single knife.

“This … Didn’t you send a message to the discussion arena to ask them to hurry back to the city to seek refuge?” Lu Zhen asked in surprise.

A bitter smile appeared on Liu Yi’s cheek. “Of course I did, but they were delayed because they wanted to bring the goods with them. As a result, they were all left outside. It’s impossible for the city gate to remain open because of them. The door has long been blocked.” After a pause, he pointed at the somewhat chaotic place ahead and said, “There are still people over there who were stopped by Dazi’s army. I’m afraid that their fate will also be ordinary.”

Lu Zhen sighed. These merchants were truly willing to sacrifice their lives and wealth. He didn’t know how to evaluate these people.

“These Dazi are so despicable. They actually used their lives as a threat to make us surrender!” A soldier beside him said angrily.

When he said this, Lu Zhen’s expression changed again. A trace of worry appeared on Liu Yi’s face as he carefully looked at Lu Zhen. He knew the virtues of the civil servants in the court. If this person was to obstruct his future battle for some reason, he would be at a loss what to do.

Lu Zhen’s gaze faintly stared at the merchants at the gates. After a long time, he said, “This is not a good thing. If they slowly kill everyone in front of us, the morale of the soldiers will be greatly damaged.”

“Who said no? But I can’t do anything about it now.” Seeing that Lu Zhen did not command randomly, Liu Yi felt a little relieved. He followed the other party’s words and said, “The door has been completely blocked now. Furthermore, even if our people can leave, it is impossible for me to send people to take this risk. After all, our garrison forces are limited.”

Lu Zhen nodded, but his mind quickly changed. Finally, he gritted his teeth and came up with a ruthless method. Although that would result in the rapid death of the merchants under the city, compared to the lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians in the city, the lives of these twenty people could be completely ignored. Who told them to make the wrong decision before?

In later generations, there were so-called train track experiments that could save many people and kill one person. In fact, those were all bullshit. On the real battlefield, human lives were not worth much. Especially at this critical moment, it was normal to abandon some people and even personally kill some to ensure the safety of others.

Lu Zhen made up his mind and took a step forward, saying to Liu Yi, “Chief Liu, I have a way to boost the morale of my troops!”