BSI Chapter 70 Recruiting
Chapter 70 Recruiting
The army continued northward, gradually joining forces with troops from other counties in Xiapi.
The army gradually expanded from a little over a thousand to nearly ten thousand. Powerful local magnates from various counties led their troops to the front lines, their banners fluttering, their armor gleaming, creating a formidable force.
With more people, problems arose. Who would take orders from the teams in each county and department? There needed to be someone to oversee the overall situation.
After a process of deliberation, the people unanimously elected Chen Gui, the elder of the Chen family, to serve as the commander of this allied army.
Chen Gui was nearly forty years old, with half-white hair and beard, a thin face, but a pair of bright and piercing eyes.
He originally served as the Chief Secretary in the State of Xiapi, an assistant official under the Prime Minister, in charge of the state's administrative documents. He held a prestigious and respected position in Xiapi.
When the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, the Prime Minister fled with Liu Yi, the King of Xiapi, but Chen Gui led his clansmen to hold their ground in their hometown, organized a righteous army, and protected many people.
Now that powerful figures from various counties have gathered, Chen Gui is undoubtedly the top choice in terms of seniority, reputation, and family influence. Everyone unanimously recommends him as "Acting Chancellor," temporarily assuming the position of Chancellor of Xiapi and taking charge of military and political affairs.
Chen Gui declined several times, but eventually agreed.
Chen Yuan was Chen Gui's nephew. He originally served as the county magistrate of Xiapi County. This time, he led his troops north and achieved considerable military exploits. With his uncle in charge of the rear, Chen Yuan felt even more confident.
With their numerical superiority, the allied forces became bolder.
After discussing with his generals, Chen Gui decided not to be satisfied with defeating small groups of defeated soldiers, but to lead his army directly to the capital of Xiapi.
These days, the Yellow Turban rebels have made the capital their stronghold, and the city's defenses have been significantly reinforced.
When Chen Gui led his army to the city of Xiapi, he saw that the city walls were densely packed with bandits.
Scouts reported that the main force of the Yellow Turbans was still in the city, numbering about three thousand, led by a chieftain, defending the city and preparing for a desperate battle.
Chen Gui's face darkened.
As Sun Tzu said, "If you have ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if you have five times their strength, attack them; if you have twice their strength, divide them."
The Yellow Turban rebels had 3,000 men defending the city, while our side had nearly 10,000 attacking it. Although we had a numerical advantage, it was far from the absolute tenfold advantage described in military texts, so the battle would still be very difficult, and the casualties would be considerable.
The generals discussed the matter for a long time, but could not come up with any good solutions.
Chen Yuan stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting.
"Uncle, there is someone I can recommend."
Chen Gui looked at him.
"Who is it?"
"In Xiapi County, there was a local militiaman named Li Sheng. Although he came from the same village, he was exceptionally brave and resourceful. He once led more than ten men to defeat over a hundred Yellow Turban rebels. The local official praised his achievement and appointed him as a village head. He had only been in the army for a few months, yet his bravery was unparalleled. He followed the army on campaigns and accumulated numerous merits, his sharpness unmatched."
Chen Yuan paused.
"When it comes to attacking fortified positions, no one under Yuan's command can surpass him. If Uncle wants to be the first to breach the city walls, this man will be of great use."
Chen Gui remained silent for a moment, then glanced at Chen Yuan with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.
"You believe him?"
"Yuan is willing to stake his life on this matter."
Chen Yuan's tone was calm, yet resolute.
Chen Gui pondered for a long time before finally nodding.
"Alright. I'll give you eight hundred elite soldiers, and have your subordinate Li Sheng lead the charge. If you can break through the city, the credit will be yours."
"Thank you, Uncle!"
Chen Yuan turned and left the tent, his steps light as the wind.
……
The siege began the following morning.
The war drums sounded, their roar echoing across the land.
Li Sheng led his troops, carrying ladders, and charged towards the city wall.
The city walls of Xiapi were much higher than those of ordinary cities, and the moat was also wider. A simple bridge was built across it, and swordsmen and shieldmen charged forward on the bridge, while arrows from the city walls fell like raindrops.
"Raise your shields!"
Li Sheng roared.
The swordsmen and shieldmen raised their shields overhead, and arrows struck the shields, making a series of "thud-thud" sounds. Some were shot in the legs and fell with screams; others lost their balance and were hit by rolling logs and stones, falling silently down the ladder.
Li Sheng carried a long halberd on his back and climbed the cloud ladder step by step.
……
Finally, with a burst of strength, he scaled the city wall.
Before he could even stand firmly on his feet, three bandits swung their knives at him.
Li Sheng dodged to the side, grabbed his halberd with his right hand, and swept it horizontally, knocking the three men to the ground. He steadied himself, halberd in hand, like a tiger among sheep.
"Li Sheng is here! Anyone who blocks my way shall die!"
With a thrust of his halberd, a bandit leader was pierced through the chest. A sweep of the halberd shaft broke the bones of two more men. Covered in blood, Li Sheng stood firm, guarding the entrance to the siege ladder.
One by one, his brothers scaled the city wall behind him, spreading out on either side of Li Sheng. Swordsmen and shieldmen were in front, their shields held together to block the bandits rushing in from both sides; spearmen were behind, their spears thrusting out from the gaps, stabbing down any enemies who tried to get close.
Li Sheng was covered in blood, with bits of flesh and blood stains clinging to his armor, making it impossible to tell whether it was his own or that of the enemy.
Seeing that they had control of the city walls, the morale of the government troops below soared. More ladders were erected on the walls, and more soldiers climbed up.
In the direction of the city gate, a group of people with shields were using battering rams to strike the city gate.
"Thump! Thump! Thump!"
The impacts were dull and powerful, each one like a blow to the heart of a bandit.
The city gate was smashed open.
"kill--!"
The government troops poured into the city like a tidal wave.
The Yellow Turban rebels in the city still wanted to resist, but the government troops were numerous, powerful, and in high spirits. The street fighting lasted less than half an hour, and the rebels were either killed, surrendered, or fled.
The capital of Xiapi was restored.
……
After entering the city, Chen Gui's first action was not to appease the people, but to send someone to find Liu Yi, the King of Xiapi.
Liu Yi was very old, with gray hair and a face full of wrinkles. When he was brought back from the countryside, the old man was wearing coarse cloth clothes and his face was covered in dust. When he saw Chen Gui, tears welled up in his eyes.
"Chief Secretary Chen...you've finally arrived..."
Chen Gui quickly stepped forward to help him up.
"Your Majesty has been frightened. I am sorry that I arrived too late to save you and deserve to die."
"It's not too late...it's not too late..."
Liu Yi wiped away her tears.
"It's good that you're back...it's good that you're back..."
Thus, of the three kingdoms and two prefectures in Xuzhou, the Kingdom of Xiapi was considered to have been restored.
That evening, a grand banquet was held in the city to celebrate the victory.
Local tyrants and military commanders from various counties gathered together, exchanging toasts and creating a lively atmosphere.
Li Sheng sat at the last seat, silently drinking his wine.
"Village Chief Li."
A bodyguard came over and whispered in his ear.
"Commander Chen requests your presence."
Li Sheng put down his wine glass, stood up, and left his seat.
……
Chen Yuan did not meet him in the main hall, but in a quiet room in the back hall.
Chen Yuan was the only person in the room. There were a few small dishes and a pot of wine on the table.
"sit."
Chen Yuan pointed to the opposite side.
Li Sheng sat down and clasped his hands in greeting.
"What are your orders, sir?"
Chen Yuan picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and said slowly.
"Li Sheng, I will remember all your contributions along the way."
"It's all thanks to your cultivation, sir."
Chen Yuan waved his hand and put down his wine glass.
"No need for such formalities. I've called you here today because I have something to ask you."
"Please speak, my lord."
"My uncle has recommended me for the position of magistrate of a county. Would you like to come with me?"