binnovel Chapter 592: Fleeing in the Dark Night, Ambush and Surrender
Chapter 592: Fleeing in the Dark Night, Ambush and Surrender
"Open the city gate!" Sun Guan shouted hoarsely, his voice filled with fatigue and anxiety. On the city wall, Wang Lang and Tao Ying saw the two men covered in blood, and their hearts tightened. Tao Ying's eyes reddened, and he quickly ordered: "Quick, open the city gate and let them in!"
The city gates slowly opened, and Sun Guan and Zang Ba, leading their remaining remnants, stumbled into the city. Behind them, Sun Ce's army pursued them relentlessly, attempting to exploit the situation and break into the city. At the crucial moment, the defenders on the city walls unleashed a barrage of arrows, a dense hail of arrows swarming like locusts, forcing Sun Ce's army to retreat.
The city gates slammed shut, and Sun Guan and Zang Ba collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. Wang Lang and Tao Ying hurried forward and helped them to their feet. Seeing their wounded appearance, Wang Lang's eyes welled up, and his voice trembled: "You have suffered..." Sun Guan gritted his teeth and said, "I, Sun Guan, will not be a human being until I avenge this!" Everyone looked at the enemy troops still lurking outside the city, knowing that this crisis was far from over. The survival of Yong'an City still hung in the balance.
Like two surging torrents, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's armies merged amidst the roar of victory. On the battlefield, the remnants of the defeated army, trapped by this iron-clad encirclement, completely lost their will to resist. The remaining enemy soldiers, seeing the gleaming gleam of weapons and the stern, resolute faces around them, felt their last shred of hope shatter. They dropped their weapons and knelt in surrender. A deathly silence fell on the battlefield, broken only by the occasional thud of weapons hitting the ground.
Soldiers cleaning up the battlefield moved among the corpses and debris, collecting scattered weapons and properly placing the remains of the fallen soldiers one by one. The air was filled with the thick smell of blood, mixed with the pungent smell of gunpowder, making people nauseous.
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu rode side by side, each beaming with satisfaction at the sight before them. Sun Ce patted Zhou Yu on the shoulder and laughed heartily, "Gongjin, this resounding victory is entirely thanks to your brilliant strategy!" Zhou Yu smiled slightly and humbly replied, "Brother, you're too kind. This is all thanks to the brave soldiers who risked their lives."
After a brief reorganization, the two led their high-spirited army to the gates of Yong'an. For a moment, outside the city, flags obscured the sky, swords and spears resembled a forest, and the shouts of killing shook the defenders on the city walls to the ground.
On the city walls, Wang Lang and Tao Ying looked at the enemy troops pouring in like a tide, their faces turning pale. Sun Guan and Zang Ba also struggled to support their wounded bodies and climbed to the top of the city walls. Their hearts were filled with grief, indignation, and resentment as they watched the despairing scene before them.
"What should we do now?" Tao Ying asked with a trembling voice and a hint of despair. Wang Lang frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "Now that things have come to this, we can only hold on and wait for reinforcements."
Outside the city, Sun Ce rode his horse forward and shouted loudly at the city wall: "Wang Lang, Tao Ying, you have no way to escape. It is better to surrender early to avoid more killings!" On the city wall, no one responded, only the cold wind whistled past, making the flags flutter.
Facing Sun Ce's persuasion to surrender, Tao Ying and Wang Lang were filled with anger. Tao Ying even pointed his spear at the people below the city and cursed: "Sun Ce, you treacherous and despicable villain! You came to help us with such promises, but secretly colluded with the Shanyue and plotted to frame our army. After such behavior, you still have the nerve to persuade us to surrender? Bah!" His voice trembled with anger and echoed on the city wall, attracting the defenders on the city to glare at him and shout curses.
Sun Ce was not angered by the insult. Instead, his expression remained gentle as he patiently advised, "Why are you two so stubborn? You are now isolated and without support. The troops in the city are weak and there is a shortage of food and fodder. To continue to resist will only result in more casualties. If you are willing to surrender, I will treat you with courtesy and ensure your prosperity and wealth."
Wang Lang and Tao Ying exchanged glances, their eyes filled with struggle and confusion. They retreated to the side and whispered to each other. Wang Lang frowned, worried, and said, "Yong'an City is indeed difficult to defend now. If we resist forcefully, it will fall sooner or later." Tao Ying gritted his teeth, his gaze firm, "Uncle, I'm unwilling to bow to that villain, but being trapped here is definitely not a good idea." After thinking for a moment, Tao Ying continued, "Now that Sun Ce has eliminated the Shanyue in the rear, the rear is actually safer. Wucheng County may be our retreat route. Why don't we retreat there first and make plans later?" Wang Lang pondered for a long time, and finally nodded slowly, "This is the only way. There is no time to lose, and we must prepare quickly."
After some discussion on the city wall, Wang Lang and Tao Ying decided to use a stalling tactic and feign surrender. Suppressing his inner anger, Wang Lang forced a smile and spoke loudly to Sun Ce below the city walls, "General Sun, there is some truth in what you say. We are willing to surrender. However, we have fought so hard these past few days that our soldiers are exhausted, and the city is in chaos. I hope you will allow us some time to rest and surrender tomorrow morning."
Upon hearing this, Sun Ce's lips curled up slightly, revealing a subtle sneer. He knew full well that these two were stalling for time, attempting to break out and escape. But he also had his own considerations. Having just fought a major battle, the soldiers, while high in morale, were also exhausted. The siege equipment had also been damaged in previous battles. A forced assault would inevitably result in unnecessary casualties. Furthermore, they had a backup plan, so he feigned credulity.
"Okay! Since you two are willing to surrender, this general will naturally agree. Let's wait until tomorrow. I hope you won't break your promise." Sun Ce responded loudly, and then ordered the troops to withdraw, pretending to go back and station there safely, waiting for the two to surrender.
Watching Sun Ce's army gradually retreat, Wang Lang and Tao Ying exchanged glances, a flicker of relief in their eyes. "It seems Sun Ce has fallen for his trick," Tao Ying whispered. Wang Lang nodded, his expression solemn. "Don't let your guard down. Make haste and prepare."
The two men hurried back to the city and began intensively planning their retreat. They instructed the soldiers to pack their bags discreetly, taking only the necessary provisions and weapons, and making as little noise as possible to avoid attracting the attention of the enemy outside. They also selected a group of elite cavalry to serve as the vanguard in the breakout, ready to rip through the enemy's defenses. At the same time, they arranged for a small number of soldiers to light bonfires throughout the city to create the illusion that everything was normal.
Night slowly descended like a vast sheet of black silk, enveloping the entire city of Yong'an. The soldiers within held their breath, quietly awaiting the signal to depart. Tao Ying and Wang Lang stood atop the city wall, gazing at the Sun Ce army camp outside, their hearts filled with trepidation. They knew this escape was fraught with uncertainty and danger, but at this moment, it was their only chance of survival.
Tao Ying and Wang Lang frantically commanded their soldiers to evacuate the city, their minds preoccupied with escaping the dire situation. Their thoughts were in turmoil. They hadn't considered the possibility that the Shanyue troops they had "defeated" before Wucheng County, who had been looting the grain route, had been defeated in a natural way, given Sun Ce's long-standing collusion with the Shanyue. It was clearly a coordinated act between Sun Ce and the Shanyue. Yet, they overlooked this crucial point, preoccupied only with their hasty escape.
It was late at night, and all was silent except for the occasional cries of the night watchman. Tao Ying and Wang Lang, with their remaining defeated troops, quietly opened the back gate of Yong'an City. Like a long, black snake, under cover of darkness, they cautiously crept towards Wucheng County. The horses' hooves were tightly wrapped, and the soldiers covered their mouths and noses with cloths, trying not to make any noise, fearing they might alert Sun Ce's army outside.
However, they never expected that Ma Chao had already led his troops and was ready for battle on the road to Wucheng County.
Tao Ying and Wang Lang, leading their remnants of the defeated army, fled in a panic under cover of darkness. Their steps were hurried and frantic, the clatter of their horses' hooves abrupt in the stillness of the night. Exhaustion and terror washed over their faces, their eyes betraying the bewilderment of the unknown future and the fear of the pursuers behind them.
Just as they thought they were about to escape their predicament and reach Wucheng County, a sudden blast of gongs echoed from all directions, and Ma Chao unexpectedly appeared. In an instant, flames erupted from all sides. Ma Chao, mounted on a steed, emerged from the flames, swirling in a cloud of dust. Behind him lay the neatly arrayed, murderous Shanyue army, rapidly spreading like a surging black tide, encircling the remnants of the Xuzhou army. The flames danced, illuminating Ma Chao's stern face. His figure, illuminated by the blazing flames, seemed exceptionally tall and mighty, like a demon descending to earth.
"Where are you fleeing to!" Ma Chao roared, his voice resonating across the vast wilderness like a bell. He brandished his spear, a cold gleam flashing in his hand. Wherever he struck, the Xuzhou soldiers fell one after another, their screams ringing out.
Zang Ba and Sun Guan, seeing this, were terrified. Despite their wounds, they spurred their horses to meet Ma Chao. Sun Guan swung his broadsword, slashing at Ma Chao with all his might. The blows whistled, but Ma Chao easily dodged them by ducking sideways. Ma Chao then fired a dart, the tip of his spear aimed squarely at Sun Guan's throat. Sun Guan couldn't dodge, and Ma Chao grabbed his arm and swung him, sending him crashing off his horse. In the blink of an eye, Ma Chao's soldiers surged forward, pinning Sun Guan down.
Seeing Sun Guan captured, Zang Ba, enraged, rushed at Ma Chao with reckless abandon, his spear spitting like a venomous snake, stabbing Ma Chao's vitals. Ma Chao's eyes glared, and he spun to avoid the spear, then kicked Zang Ba in the chest. With a muffled groan and spitting blood, Zang Ba fell from his horse and was captured alive by Ma Chao's soldiers.
Tao Ying and Wang Lang watched Sun Guan and Zang Ba being captured, their hearts filled with despair. They looked around and saw that their own troops had been decimated by Ma Chao's cavalry. Surrounded by them, the soldiers had long since lost the courage to resist and knelt in surrender.
Tao Ying gripped his weapon tightly, his knuckles whitening. His chest heaved violently, his eyes filled with resentment and anger, yet also a deep sense of powerlessness. Wang Lang slumped on his horse, his face as pale as paper, his lips trembling as he muttered to himself, "It's over, everything is over..."
After a moment's stalemate, Ma Chao rode his horse forward a few steps, held his spear horizontally, and pointed it at Tao Ying and Wang Lang, shouting like thunder: "Why don't you two surrender? Are you waiting to die?" This question hit Tao Ying and Wang Lang's hearts like a sledgehammer, breaking the final stalemate.
Tao Ying slowly lowered his weapon and sighed, his voice filled with despair. "Never mind. We surrender." Wang Lang nodded silently, his expression gloomy. The two men dismounted and, under Ma Chao's icy gaze, slowly walked toward him, raising their hands in surrender. This thrilling escape ultimately ended with their defeat and surrender.