Chapter 83 (1/2)
Chapter 83
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Surprisingly, those severe losses were not the greatest blow dealt to the empire. After that skirmish, the entire economy of Zhen Huang City was completely paralyzed. In the sweltering heat of summer, the mountains of corpses brought about inevitable disease. Most infrastructure and buildings were burnt down in that inferno, resulting in huge batches of homeless refugees. Even injured soldiers had to make do resting on the roadside. Making matters worse, it rained profusely over the next few days. Bodies that had yet to be removed were soaked with water and quickly started decaying, giving off an intense stench, with flies buzzing around.
Before Yan Xun had left, he made sure that the inferno engulfed the food stockpiles. Food merchants had also been ransacked during the riots by civilians. In this disaster, Zhen Huang City was unable to even provide food for its citizens. Within half a month, batches and batches of civilians fell from sickness and hunger. During this struggle for survival, peaceful civilians reared their ugly side as robbery became frequent. Some even picked up arms and formed groups of armed militia in order to rob food.
At one point in time, during a mere span of two days, 30 groups of soldiers who were ordered to patrol the city disappeared without a trace. A few days after their disappearance, their belongings—uniforms, daggers, boots—appeared in the drains. Among those, there were occasionally some which were more private or grotesque, such as underwear, wallet, or broken limbs, eyeballs, or even bones…
There was not a single vestige of order left in the royal capital
Another half a month later, the maddened refugees broke open the city gates and escaped from the city. The Royal Zhao family saw all this but could do little to reverse this catastrophe.
Zhao Zhengde helplessly stood at the ruins of Sheng Jin Palace and smiled bitterly, before leaving with the last group of armed forces. Guarded by Song Que, his carriage rumbled into the distance, away from this ruined city. The Xia Empire had a history of over 300 years, and the royal capital had withstood countless sieges from enemies.
In the year 633, the Defense of the Imperial Capital, Emperor Bai Wei led 8000 cavalry troops against 200,000 Quan Rong warriors. The siege lasted for one whole month, and they ran out of both food and arrows. Even then they refused to give way. Finally reinforcement from various noble families arrived to break the siege. That became an everlasting legend.
In the year 684, the noble family of Wo Long defected, and opened the Bai Shui Gates, allowing a massive coalition between the Tang Empire and Song Empire to enter the borders unopposed. The enemy charged straight into the heart of the empire, and reached San Li Hills, which was not even 30 miles away from Zhen Huang City. The Emperor of that era was still inspecting the southwestern borders, and there was only the eight year old Prince Zhao Chongming and the Queen, Muhe Jiuge. At that time, the entire court recommended retreat, but the 27 year old Queen stood at the top of the watchtower for 3 whole days with her son, until they saw the Empire's flag flying above the San Li Hills after driving back the enemies.
In the year 741, during the Chi Chao Uprising, the city gates were completely destroyed. Even then, the Zhao Royal families had not taken a single step out of the capital!
Year 735…. Year 761…. Year 769…. Stubbornly standing despite all the battles on this grass plains for over 300 years, the capital was finally abandoned by the Royal Zhao family on the morning of June 9th. They abandoned this heart of the empire which their ancestors had defended for more than 300 years. Miserably, they retreated to the Holy Citadel, Yun City
Historians of the future would have greatly differing opinions about the rationale of this decision, but they would all agree that the one who had caused this was none other than the new King of Yan Bei, Yan Xun! By his own strength, along with the 5000 warriors of Da Tong Guild, he managed to achieve what 300,000 warriors of Quan Rong, and 580,000 soldiers of the Tang-Song coalition could not! The entire West Meng continent trembled at the might of this waking lion. This era would undoubtedly be dominated by Yan Bei, as the flames of war had just been reignited.
It was a cloudy morning as the war horn sounded off on the watchtower of Zhen Huang City. The sun slowly rose from the horizon, but the mist persisted, as if rain would soon fall. A dozen soldiers, all donned in pale green armor, stood on top of the watchtower, gazing into the distance. Along the empty paths, there was not a single person in sight. Sighing, the old soldier put down the horn, and turned around.
”Is there still no one coming?” It was a deep voice. Startled, the old soldier lifted his head, only to see a man in his twenties, handsome and youthful. Wearing a black cape, he concealed his attire such that no one would recognize his position. Even then, the old soldier could tell that this man was a general, and was of a different league from him.
”General, no one is coming.”
The young man nodded silently, as if already expecting this outcome. He observed the old soldier who seemed to struggle to support the weight of the armor with a 50 year old body. Even the division engravings on his shoulder plate showed signs of weathering. The young man inquired, ”19th Division should have already left for Yun City with the Emperor. Why did you not follow?”
”General, I am really too old. I can no longer walk long distances. I would rather leave the chance for the youngsters.” Sighing, the old man continued, ”I enlisted at 14 and became a horsekeeper. I was later assigned to guard this City. I already defended this city for over 30 years. Even if this city was attacked, even if all the civilians ran away, I cannot run away. As long as the gates are still intact, I must be here.”