Free Web NovelChapter 2120: Chapter 210: First Merit of the Eastern Front
For Xue Rushi, dealing with Bao Bozhao and Xie Baoshu’s siege was already an all-out effort.
He dared not think about the Qi Army that suddenly attacked from behind, and he lacked the capability to discern its authenticity.
Zhongxuan Sheng’s statement was his last struggle and attempt.
Jiang Wang’s sword movement, activating the Star Tower, sufficiently proved that he had the capability to step into the God Descending Realm at any time.
The last straw came crashing down...
Xue Rushi’s surrender then became a matter of course.
The city guarding formation dispersed, the gates of Dai City opened wide, and Xue Rushi bound his hands, leading a group of guards who had laid down their arms, to surrender outside the city.
They exited through the south gate.
Of course, Bao Bozhao and Xie Baoshu were also squeezing in.
As for what Zhongxuan Sheng said about friendly forces giving way — how could they not know whether the Qi Army had fully captured Huaming? The seven cities in the southern part of Linwu Mansion were still embroiled in fierce battles, and they hadn’t even touched the gates of Huyang Pass over there!
How should the merits of Dai City be calculated? Why did Xue Rushi surrender, and to whom? There’s much to discuss!
Jiang Wang and Zhongxuan Sheng exchanged ideas with lightning speed.
"Whose idea was it to attack Dai City, do you think?"
"Naturally, it was Bao Bozhao’s idea," Zhongxuan Sheng said casually. "The Shuofang Marquis commands the Annihilation Thunder troops and is also a seasoned general. The family-inherited military tactics and strategies wouldn’t be lacking."
"Then how does Xie Xiaobao come into this?"
"Do you think the Thorn Boat is so easy to maneuver? How many ships were distributed to the eastern line?"
Thinking of the relationship between Xie Baoshu and the eastern line’s commander-in-chief Xie Huaian, Jiang Wang suddenly understood.
The Bao family and the Zhong Xuan family had been unfriendly for generations because of Jiang Wang’s connection; Zhongxuan Sheng and Xie Baoshu also had a complicated relationship.
However, at this moment, Zhongxuan Sheng smiled very warmly upon meeting them.
"Thanks to both of you, my esteemed brothers, for your support in helping me complete the last step in connecting the two major battle zones of Linwu and Feng Li!" freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
Bao Bozhao and Xie Baoshu exchanged a glance. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
"Hahaha," Bao Bozhao laughed and said, "It’s me who should be thanking you, esteemed brother. General Xie and I have been attacking this city for two days and nights, with incalculable losses and numerous sacrifices. Fortunately, you two came from behind the enemy line to assist us in seizing the city! Otherwise, who knows, we might have had to fight for a few more hours!"
"Hahahaha," Zhongxuan Sheng also laughed, pointing at Xue Rushi: "Gentlemen, did you see which gate General Xue opened and to whom he surrendered?"
Bao Bozhao laughed, "You two brothers have worked hard, breaking through with only two thousand men, achieving unprecedented success, which makes me admire you! However, we brothers led fifteen thousand troops to attack the city, fighting day and night, and haven’t had a full meal before hitting the battlefield! Just because we’ve eaten the last bite doesn’t mean the bowls we ate before don’t count, right?"
Xue Rushi now understood that these two groups were fighting over him. Being the contested "achievement," his face turned pale and strained.
Altogether, both Zhongxuan Sheng and Bao Bozhao spoke cryptically, probing each other with every sentence, very tactfully.
Xie Baoshu said impatiently on the side, "Who’s the main force? Isn’t it obvious? The Summer Country people don’t see it, and neither do we Qi Country people? How many men do you have? Could you force an enemy surrender without a fight?"
Jiang Wang glanced at him, amused, and said, "Good neighbor! It’s been a long time! Talking about numbers isn’t meaningful! Shall we chat privately and catch up?"
Xie Baoshu turned his head away with a ’I won’t bother with you’ expression but eventually kept quiet.
Zhongxuan Sheng was not angered.
Xie Baoshu was ignorant of military matters and only saw what was right before him. Anyone who could understand even a little of the situation wouldn’t confidently ask who was the main force like he did.
Bao Bozhao brought up the numbers, talking about hardship, needs, and launching the army, fighting for days and nights and not returning empty-handed. But he didn’t genuinely think they could claim the merits of attacking Dai City over Zhongxuan Sheng.
Who changed the battle situation, who created the opportunity, how long Xue Rushi could hold out... Bao Bozhao pretended not to understand, and Xie Baoshu seemed not to genuinely understand.
At that moment, Zhongxuan Sheng only smiled and said, "My Victory Camp indeed has only three thousand soldiers, but with just these three thousand, we broke through Ximing, occupied Honggu, took New Festival, and stormed three prefectures like a hot knife through butter. Such power, causing an enemy’s forced surrender without a fight, is only reasonable,"
Then he looked at Bao Bozhao, saying to this truly clever man, "I’m the kind of person who likes win-win situations and doesn’t like to take it all. Eating too much alone can make one fat! My esteemed brother, to cooperate with my strategic intent to connect the eastern battle zone, led troops to attack Dai City for two days and nights, causing great pressure on the defenders, and I recognize this effort. After the battle, let’s set up a feast, and I must toast my esteemed brother a cup!"
Bao Bozhao raised his brows, somewhat surprised.
It wasn’t because Zhongxuan Sheng was stingy; on the contrary, this plump guy was exceedingly generous!
The honor of attacking Dai City hadn’t slipped from their hands, and he even added a strategic level of coordination merit for them... The terms were genuinely generous.
Being the next Shuofang Marquis and the confirmed heir of the Bao family, Bao Bozhao’s surprise quickly vanished, replaced by a warm smile: "We should indeed have a drink, to congratulate you, my esteemed brother, on capturing yet another city!"
In return, he readily acknowledged that the guards of Dai City had surrendered to the Victory Camp.
In front of these two young generals of Qi Country, military merits were discussed and distributed amidst casual conversation, while being the ’military merit’ that was distributed, Xue Rushi had complex feelings.
Da Xia, a kingdom with a thousand-year legacy, with honored history and glorious past, a diligent court, loyal and brave generals, capable ministers, and countless benevolent and wise individuals. Since ancient times, talents have never ceased to exist.
