In the early hours of the morning, the wind and snow gradually stopped.
In the ruins of the small town, a bonfire was burning. The sound of horses and people brought the breath of life back to this place for the time being.
The soldiers used iron pots or washed helmets to cook porridge in front of the bonfire. Some people used the flames to roast cold steamed buns or seemingly extravagant meat strips. The lightly injured soldiers were still chatting and laughing with others by the bonfire. On one side of the camp, the rescued and ragged captives were huddled together in twos and threes.
"Here, a blanket, take this …"
Ning Yi walked among them. Together with the others, he passed the few blankets that could keep them warm. Most of the people who had stayed in the Jurchen camp for several months were wounded and tortured. In terms of appearance, they were even more miserable than the most miserable beggars in the movies and TV dramas of the later generations. It was unbearable to look at them like this. Occasionally, there would be a few cleaner ones, most of them women. Some of them were even wearing colorful clothes, but most of them looked rather timid and sluggish. It was easy to imagine what kind of treatment a woman would receive in the Jurchen camp if she was dressed up a little.
In fact, as long as it was a woman, perhaps they had already suffered such treatment. It was just that after being treated like this for a long time, their appearance would become miserable and people would no longer have any desire for them. Those who were left to fend for themselves were mostly because the Jurchen Daoists were a bit lazy and didn't kill them.
Some of them subconsciously shrank back when Ning Yi handed them something. They (or they) might still remember Ning Yi's behavior in the Jurchen camp not long ago. Regardless of their opinion, he drove everyone to flee, which led to a large number of deaths later on.
In that kind of chaos, when the Jurchen Daoists attacked, some of the captives who had been locked up for a long time subconsciously knelt down and surrendered. Ning Yi and the others hid among them and attacked the Jurchen Daoists. The ones who were truly slaughtered were naturally these released captives. Relatively speaking, they were more like human shields, covering the hundred or so people who had entered the camp to burn food to assassinate and attack the Jurchen Daoists. As a result, many people were still fearful of the cold-bloodedness of Ning Yi and the others.
But of course, apart from a few seriously injured people who were slowly dying in the cold weather, it was naturally a good thing that they were able to escape. Even if they still had lingering fears, they would not criticize Ning Yi at this time, and Ning Yi, of course, would not defend himself.
Not long after, people began to send over thin porridge and baked steamed buns. As there weren't enough bowls, they could only eat the porridge with washed broken tiles and porcelain pieces.
With these things to warm their stomachs, the ruins of the small town became more peaceful under the illumination of the bonfire.
There was also a small group of people who were still arranging their barricades at the edge of the town and building some fortifications according to the terrain. Although they had just won a battle and a large number of high-quality scouts were still active in the surroundings, constantly monitoring the Female Daoist's movements, they still had to be on guard against the possibility of a surprise attack.
"… At that time, when I fell off the horse, I panicked a little. But even if those golden dogs rushed over, I had armor on me. Bang, it didn't go in … Motherf * cker, I went to kill him, and he actually dared to resist … "
In the snow behind the barricades, a dozen or so people were digging holes while talking.
Most of the soldiers in the camp were in the same situation at this time. They were talking about the battle, but their voices were not loud. But at this time, there was a full and full of confidence in this camp. Walking among them, people could not help but feel at ease.
Ning Yi, Hongti, Qin Shaoqian, and the others were also among them asking about the arrangements of various matters. There were also many trivial matters that other people wanted to ask them. At this time, the surrounding sky was still dark. When all kinds of arrangements had been made, someone brought over some wine. Although it had not started to be distributed, the smell of the wine made the atmosphere more lively. Ning Yi's voice sounded in front of the camp, "I have a few words to say."
The darkest sky before dawn was also the quietest and loneliest. The wind and snow had also stopped. After Ning Yi's voice sounded, thousands of people quickly quieted down and consciously looked at the small group of figures walking on the gravel in the center of the ruins.
There was a smile on Ning Yi's face.
"Is everyone excited? I am very excited too. When we set off, I was not sure if today's battle would be a suicide mission or if we could really achieve something. In the end, we really did it. That army is said to be invincible and the strongest in the world. In the few months they were in Bianliang, they defeated more than three hundred thousand of us. Today! We officially attacked for the first time and taught them a lesson! Defeated ten thousand of them! Burned their rations in front of them! We gave them a hard slap in the face. This is something that no one can do! "Ning Yi raised his hand with a smile." I told myself in my heart that we are invincible. "
Everyone laughed.
"So after it calmed down a little, I was also very happy. The news has been sent to the villages and to Bianliang. They will be even happier. There will be hundreds of thousands of people happy for us. Just now, someone asked me if we want to celebrate. Indeed, I have prepared wine, and it is all good wine, enough for you to drink. But these two barrels of wine were not brought here for you to celebrate. "
Ning Yi's expression became slightly serious. He paused for a moment, and the soldiers below also subconsciously sat up straight. Most of these people came from Lüliang and Dulonggang. There was no need to doubt Ning Yi's prestige. When he spoke seriously, no one dared to ignore or ignore him.
"We are facing the invincible Female Zhenren. There are fifty thousand people attacking Bianliang, and more than thirty thousand under Medicine Master Guo's command. They are also the strongest army in the world, and they are also looking for Shi Zhong of the Western Army to settle the score. Today, there are more than ten thousand people in Mou Tuo Gang. If it were not for the fact that they wanted to protect their rations first and fought regardless of the consequences, we would not have been able to retreat in one piece. Compared to the quality of the other armies, you will feel that this is very powerful and worthy of praise. But if it is only this, you will all die here — "
"Are you strong enough? Not enough! Are your achievements glorious enough? Not enough! This is just a small warm-up battle. Compared to what you will face next, it is nothing. Today, we burned their food and slapped them in the face. Tomorrow, they will fight back even more fiercely. Look at the sky around you. In the places you can't see, the injured wolves are waiting to skin you alive and tear your bones apart! "
Ning Yi spread out his hands. "The place in front of you is a stage that only the strongest people in the world can stand on. A battle of life and death! A battle of life and death! They will do anything! As long as you are a little stronger, you will definitely not be able to compare to others. Because your enemies are the same, the most ruthless and powerful people in the world! Their only goal is to take your lives, no matter what method they use! They will use their hands, their feet, their swords and spears, and their teeth to bite you to death! "
"What is strength? When you are seriously injured, as long as you still have a little bit of strength, you must grit your teeth and continue to work. If you can survive, you will be a little stronger. When you have won a battle, your mind cannot relax in the slightest. You must not leave any weakness for your enemies. You must not have any weakness at any time. You will just be a little stronger! When you are tired, your body will hold on and you will be able to endure more than them. When you are in pain, you must grit your teeth and you will be able to endure more than them! When you are using all your potential, you will be the most powerful person. Because in this world, you must know that the things you can do, there will definitely be people among your enemies who can do the same! "
"In the past … some people told me that I am not easy to get along with because I am too strict with myself. I am too harsh. I don't even use my own standards to demand of others. However … when did the weak set the standards in this world? Since when did the weak dare to complain about the strong so righteously?! I can understand everyone's shortcomings. They are greedy for pleasure, lazy and lazy. In a peaceful world, I would also like to be like that. However, right now, we do not have that luxury. If anyone does not understand, then go and look at the people we saved today … our compatriots. "
"I do not want to expose people's scars. However, this is the future of the losers! There is no reason to speak of! If you lose, your parents, wives, and children will encounter such things. They will be treated like dogs, treated like prostitutes. Your children will be thrown into the fire. You will curse them, you will cry, you will say that they are not human. It is of no use! There is no reason to speak of! The only thing you can do is to make yourself a little stronger, a little stronger! Don't say that there are fifty thousand or a hundred thousand Female Zhenrens. Even if there are a million or ten million, defeating them is the only way out! Otherwise, the outcome will be the same! When you forget what will happen to you, look at them … "
"And they will say that I expose people's scars, that I am inhumane. They are crying …" Ning Yi pointed in the direction of the thousand people who had been rescued. There were many people crying there. "But here, I do not want to show my humanity. I only want to tell you what you are facing. That's right! Many of you have received the harshest treatment! You feel wronged and want to cry. You want someone to comfort you! I understand everything, but I will not give you these things! Let me tell you, you have been beaten, scolded, slashed, burned, and raped! Things will not end like this. If we lose, you will experience it again. The Female Zhenrens will do the same things to you! Is there any use in crying? After we left, do you know what happened to the others who survived? Those who didn't dare to resist, or those who ran too late, were all burned alive! "
"Many of you are women and even have children. Some of your hands are broken, some of your bones are broken, and they are still not healed. You are tired and hungry. It is difficult for you to even stand up and walk. You have experienced so many things. Some of you must want to die after hearing my words. It is good to die. But there is no other way. There is no reason. If you do not die, what is the only thing you can do? It is to pick up a knife, open your mouth, use your knife to slash, use your mouth to bite, and eat those Female Zhenrens! Here, even the words' I tried my best 'can be taken back. It is meaningless! Because there are only two futures! Or die! Or your enemies die … "
Ning Yi's voice slightly paused. His voice reverberated in the dark sky.
"But let me tell you, the Female Zhenrens are not that powerful. You can already defeat them today. What you have done is very simple. You have to defeat them every time. Don't compare yourself with the weak. Don't talk about trying your best. Don't talk about how powerful you are. What you will face next is hell. Here, any weak thoughts will not be accepted! Today, someone said that if we burn the Female Zhenrens' rations, the Female Zhenrens will attack the city more fiercely. But if they are fiercer, will we not burn it? "
"If we burn their rations, they will attack the city with all their might. That city can only be defended. They can only defend. There is no reasoning! There are a hundred hurdles in front of you. If you can't pass one, you will die! Victory is such a harsh thing! But since we have already won the first battle, we have tested their quality. The Female Zhenrens are not some invincible monsters. Since they are not monsters, we can train ourselves into monsters that they can't imagine! "
"A lot of their rations have been burned. Maybe they are crying right now." Ning Yi casually pointed and said this witty sentence. If it was a normal day, people would probably laugh. But at this time, everyone looked at him and didn't laugh. "Even if they don't cry, it is human nature to be depressed because of failure. Celebrating because of victory is also human nature. To be honest, I have a lot of money. One day in the future, you can celebrate however you want. The best women, the best wine and meat, anything. But I believe that when you are qualified to enjoy these things, the death of your enemies will be the best gift you will receive. Like a saying, when the time comes, you can drink wine with their skulls! Of course, I will not allow you to do so. It is too disgusting … "
"There is no celebration today." Ning Yi said, "Everyone is only allowed one cup of wine. It is to let you warm up and rest well. But you cannot relax your vigilance for even a moment! When you wake up, you will be stronger than you are now! You can only be stronger than you are now! Then, make your enemies tremble and let them die. And you will live. "
"… I am done." Ning Yi said.
The camp was silent. Someone stood up. Almost all the soldiers stood up. Their eyes were burning red. It was unknown if they were moved or instigated.
"Yes!" A soldier from Lu Liang Mountain shouted. The veins on his forehead were popping out. In the next moment, the same voice rose with a bang like a tidal wave. That voice seemed to be replying to Ning Yi's lecture, but it was more like a wave of anger that everyone had been holding back in their hearts. With the small town as the center, it instantly shook the entire mountain range. It was a mighty pressure that was even more solemn than killing intent. On the trees, the snow fell. An unknown scout reined in his horse in the dark. He was confused and scared, not knowing what was happening.
Ning Yi walked out of the crowd. Zhu Biao, Tian Donghan, Hunchback Chen, and the others followed him. On this night, it was hard for everyone to calm down. However, this turbulence did not bring restlessness, but an indescribable power and seriousness. Ning Yi went to the small room that was tidied up. After a while, Hong Ti also came. He hugged her and fell asleep on the blanket on the ground.
Except for the patrolling guards, the others also fell asleep. In the east, the sun was about to rise.
When they woke up, they would become more powerful people.
In the capital, the first round of publicity had been sent out under the command of Qin Siyuan. Many insiders already knew about the battle at Mou Tuo Gang last night. Some people were still confirming the news through their own channels.
In the lobby of the Ministry of War, Qin Siyuan, who had been busy all night, finally packed up his things and was ready to rest. Next to him, Li Gang, who had hurried over to chat with him for a while, also looked tired.
"After dawn, it will only be more difficult." Qin Siyuan cupped his hands. "Prime Minister Li, have a good rest."
"Yes, that's right. I also have to … sleep for two to four hours. I should rest for a while before I can fight with Jin Gou. "
As the old man spoke, he smiled again. Ever since he received this news, he had been unable to contain his joy, and his footsteps were much faster than before. The rear of the Ministry of War had already prepared a room for them to rest in. When the two of them entered the room, there were naturally servants to serve them. Qin Siyuan fell asleep as soon as he hit the bed. Li Gang lit a candle and pushed open the window. Looking at the dark sky outside, he smiled again. Unconsciously, tears rolled down from his wrinkled eyes.
Li Gang was a violent and loyal person. He had not tasted tears for many years after becoming a prime minister. There were many theories about his ability, but his patriotism was unparalleled. In the past few years, he had been hindered in carrying out various things. The court was in chaos and the military affairs were rotten. He wanted to pull himself together, but how much could he do? This time, when the Jurchen attacked the city, he organized a firm defense and was even prepared to die here. However, the strength of the Jurchen pressed down like Mount Tai. His death was not to be regretted, but he had never seen hope.
Only at this moment, he suddenly felt that he could finally see a little light and hope in the thick darkness of the days of pressure, life and death, and blood.
He took a deep breath and paced back and forth in the room twice. Then he quickly went to bed and slept.
He had to rest quickly. If he could not rest well, how could he bravely face death …
In the Jurchen camp, a bonfire was burning. Zong Wang, with his hands behind his back, looked at the huge city in front of him.
Liu Yanzong followed behind, also looking at the city.
The fact that they had been ambushed last night at this point in the battle was truly surprising. However, this was not a big deal for these battle-hardened Woman Great Generals.
"… Yanzong … if we can't break through this city, how can we have the face to go back?"
In a sense, it only strengthened Zong Wang's determination to break through the city.
Liu Yanzong's gaze was cold. He also had the same thoughts.
Before coming, they felt that the Wu dynasty most likely had some foundation and were cautious. Later, after defeating the Wu dynasty's army, they felt that they were basically a nest of rabbits without any battle power. Now, they had been scratched by rabbits.
Bad luck …
They had to kill more of these Wu dynasty people! They had to … kill until they didn't dare to resist!
The rooster crowed. In a warm room in the courtyard at the back of the building.
Shishi was lying on the bed with a blanket over her. She was fast asleep. Under the blanket, her fair feet and ankles with red ribbons could be seen.
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