LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 120
Chapter 120 The Defense of Hongnong Commandery (4)
“Just what kind of trick did you use?”
Sun Ce shouted in fury.
It was exactly as it sounded.
What kind of trick had they used to destroy the supply unit led by none other than Rui Ji?
He couldn’t keep his composure.
The encirclement was now impossible.
The longer the battle dragged on, the worse it would become for them.
The supply line was like blood—without it, death was inevitable.
Humans were fragile creatures. If blood wasn’t supplied, they would die.
Gradually, unease spread among the soldiers, filling the battlefield.
Morale was plummeting.
They hesitated to move forward.
Although Sun Ce had not fully matured, he had shown his prowess on the battlefield, akin to his father. However, he was still an unripe fruit.
He couldn’t easily figure out how to handle the current situation.
Eventually, Sun Ce glanced at his father.
Sun Jian was quietly sitting, his hand resting on his severed shoulder, eyes calmly closed.
“Is Rui Ji dead?”
“…Yes, according to the rearguard, he was split in half from the crown of his head to his groin…”
“Brutal.”
Sun Ce knew just how special Rui Ji was to him.
His loyalty was genuine.
Observing his attitude, one couldn’t help but think that Rui Ji was someone who deserved to be by his side.
So, Sun Ce thought Sun Jian would erupt in anger.
However, Sun Jian merely kept his eyes closed.
This led to a moment of silence.
Although it was brief, it felt endlessly cold.
Finally, he spoke, slowly and quietly.
“…Retreat.”
“Father?”
Sun Jian, eyes wide open, glared at his father.
“What are you saying? Retreat now? Even though I may lack wisdom compared to you, if we withdraw now, the losses will be irreparable!”
“Bofu, it’s fine to be passionate on the battlefield. But if even your body becomes heated, you’ll be leaving everything to fortune. However, as a commander responsible for countless lives, your head must remain cool.”
“But, but—!”
“It’s too late. We still don’t know the identity of the enemies in the rear. Moreover, if we rashly charge the walls, we might cross an irreparable river. Also, their soldiers are formidable. Their use of tactics, their ability to anticipate the opponent’s intentions—these are not the skills of a mediocre enemy. Continuing our advance is too great a risk.”
“…But, I…”
Sun Ce clenched his fist tightly, blood dripping from the edge of his hand.
At that moment, Sun Jian pushed himself up, using his one remaining arm to brace against his knee.
Sun Ce, startled, tried to stop him.
“F-Father, you mustn’t strain yourself…!”
He approached Sun Ce.
“Do not lose sight of your duty.”
“My duty…?”
“What is the reason Sun Jian and Bofu wield their swords? Every warlord carries a burden on their shoulders, and they must not let it go.”
“…”
Sun Ce could not respond.
He felt ashamed of his own emotional judgment of the battlefield.
Indeed, they had a noble cause. Renowned heroes were alike in this regard.
They fought because of this.
They fought, killed, and won, enduring this harsh life to see their beliefs fulfilled.
Sun Ce then averted his gaze from Sun Jian and shouted.
“Retreat!”
No matter how severe the losses, as long as one was alive, they could still dream.
Yes, as long as they were alive.
Sun Jian quietly watched his soldiers moving busily and then tilted his head toward the sky.
“Have you become a star?”
The sky was clear, with no clouds in sight.
Naturally, there were no stars to be seen.
He bitterly smiled, then mounted his horse.
It was then.
– Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound of drums echoed.
The source was near Hongnong Fortress.
The vibrations shook the heavens and the earth.
“…That.”
Three gates opened.
Finally, the main force of the Unryong Army appeared.
What was their next move?
They certainly wouldn’t charge first.
Even by rough estimation, Sun Jian’s forces were superior.
‘Is it a lure? Or a provocation?’
Whatever it was, engaging them here would be the worst choice.
They stood still after emerging from the gates, forming a formation without advancing.
‘Are they really employing a meaningless strategy? No, there must be a plan.’
With Fang Yue standing firmly at the front and the cavalry making a wide maneuver, it almost seemed as if they were preparing for a full-scale battle.
Sun Jian shook his head.
Their provisions were exhausted.
They could no longer afford to play into the enemy’s hands.
***
“The enemy is retreating.”
“Yes, they are.”
“It’s just as the strategist said.”
“Puhuhu… In a way, it’s pitiful. Only the sky and sun watching over us from afar know that a specter has returned.”
Haryeong and Sima Yi observed Sun Jian’s forces attempting to cross the ridge from the rearmost position.
Sima Yi stroked the carrier pigeon perched on her hand, smiling grimly.
“Beat the drums louder, and blow the trumpets.”
The instruments responded to the girl’s command, sounding like the beginning of a grand feast.
“Form four defensive lines and raise the shields.”
The formations moved.
Thousands of soldiers shifted in unison, the clanking of metal resonating beyond the rearmost lines.
“The archers on the walls, ready your arrows.”
The archers pulled their bowstrings to their limits. Some soldiers appeared as if the veins in their forearms would burst.
“Divide the cavalry left and right, make a wide flanking maneuver, and advance alongside the formations. Also, inform each vanguard to brace for impact soon.”
It was a truly strange order. Wasn’t the enemy already retreating over the ridge?
They were only shooting arrows while withdrawing, taking no other significant action.
Simply maintaining their formation, retreating slowly.
Yet, they were told to brace for impact.
“It’s truly pitiable.”
Sima Yi covered her mouth with a fan.
The girl wore a truly pitiful expression.
“The fakes will all die.”
For my lord has returned.
Immediately, Sun Jian’s retreat halted.
Simultaneously, Sima Yi pointed her fan forward.
It was the order to advance.
***
The red sunset was setting over the battlefield hill.
Along the winding ridges, the traces of the marching army remained.
Ahead, fallen soldiers from the past were visible.
Crows gently descended upon their bodies.
The ridge was now just before them.
Ultimately, the encirclement had failed.
In truth, there was nothing they could do.
How could ordinary humans predict and respond to actions beyond their comprehension?
It was like asking a puppy to assess a tiger.
The difference in class was evident. Thus, their way of thinking could not keep up with theirs.
Beneath the helmet, a stern face was visible.
Deep wrinkles and scars seemed to tell the story of Sun Jian’s harsh life.
It had been a long journey.
The lengthy journey of a man who, with his small human hands, longed for the stars in the sky, was finally reaching its end.
With a resounding boom, the hill quaked.
Sun Jian raised his head.
A long, stretched shadow was visible there.
“…”
Sun Jian only pursed his lips tightly.
The wind blew.
At the same time, the jet-black banner planted on the hill fluttered.
“Yun.”
That was the character engraved on the banner.
His shoulders ached.
No, they burned.
It is said that all living creatures instinctively sense their final moments.
Just as it was said, Sun Jian sensed that the time had come.
However, whether this was the end would have to be seen.
“So, that’s how it is…”
He faintly smiled and, using his only remaining right arm, gripped the reins with his teeth.
“The heavens are truly cruel.”
He then grasped his sword.
The sensation was chilling.
Clouds were gathering in the sky.
It felt as though a storm was approaching.
Occasionally, the fleeting rays of sunlight brushed against his cheeks.
Yet, beneath the hill, shadows formed.
Only those at the summit were bathed in sunlight.
– Srrng!
A man grasped the flag with one hand and drew his sword.
Next to him, a woman, fiercely laughing, tapped her shoulders with a massive halberd.
The man’s sword was old and dull, but the light reflecting off it was beautiful.
The night sky and the stars.
The light Sun Jian had longed for so desperately was right before him.
– Uuuuuuuuu!
The trumpet blared.
– Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound of drums echoed.
Sima Yi’s main force began its advance.
Sun Jian’s eyes met those of the man.
Neither showed any trace of fear.
They were simply looking forward.
Looking beyond.
Sun Jian gritted his teeth and grasped the reins.
Unryong gripped his sword and slowly stepped forward.