Chapter 1589: Chapter 1589: Opening the City and Surrendering
Late at night.
"The General has ordered us to be wary of those bandit troops outside. We must strictly guard the city. Brothers, those bandit troops outside won’t last long. There’s still half a year’s worth of grain stored in the city. As long as we hold out for two months, reinforcements will surely arrive."
"Yes."
"Yes."
On the walls of Deng County, the officer in charge of defense patrolled back and forth. Many soldiers wore cloth armor, with some even being children, looking to be only fourteen or fifteen, their small bodies clad in oversized clothes, appearing quite "comical".
Suddenly, several figures flashed through the night, and the patrolling soldier looked back.
"Strange, I think I saw someone flash by just now."
"Don’t talk nonsense, there’s no one here..."
The soldier in the front turned his head and said, but before he could finish, a sharp blade pierced through his throat...
"There’s an atta..."
Crack.
Before the soldier behind could speak, a figure had already appeared behind him. A hand covered his mouth, and with a twist of the arm, the patrolling soldier’s neck was snapped in an instant.
"Move quickly, stick to the plan."
"Yes."
The walls of Deng County were low, only the height of about four floors. For the average person, climbing them barehanded was no easy feat. But for "professionals", these walls were almost non-existent.
"The General has ordered that before dawn, we must gather fifty men."
"Understood, the task will be completed within an hour."
The night passed quickly. The arrival of battle left the city’s populace sleepless. They were unsure of Mi Wen’s attitude toward them, fearing she might be a tyrant who would order a massacre after taking the city. This led to various rumors, creating mixed feelings toward the rebel army.
By dawn, the sight before them shocked all the soldiers and civilians in the city.
Fifty bodies hung neatly on the city walls, all of them soldiers who had been defending the city, with a message written in fuel on the wall.
"The tyrannical Qin will surely face divine retribution. Surrender the city and you shall be spared."
"How could this happen?"
"These rebels are truly like ghosts and gods, appearing and disappearing without a trace."
This matter quickly "exploded" among the populace. Rumors are frightening, and they spread faster than wildfires. In no time, tales of the rebel army spread across Deng County. Some said they were possessed by ghosts and could scale walls effortlessly, killing unseen. Others claimed it was divine punishment for the oppressive Qin, while others feared they would be implicated and sought to flee the city. Many even gathered at the government office, with respected elders pleading with the County Magistrate to surrender for the sake of the citizens’ lives.
Military Camp.
"Man Cang, the task you carried out this time was well done."
"Now that the people’s hearts are unsettled within the city, I think it won’t be long before those good-for-nothings surrender," Xue San said.
"Old Ye, isn’t this a bit improper? Although we’re attacking cities, doing this might be intimidating the populace. If we capture the city, it may cause the people to resent us," Shangguan Jian advised.
"You’re right; this isn’t quite appropriate. But if it can prevent a bloody massacre, I think it’s worth it. Moreover, governing a city shouldn’t be too lenient or too strict. We need to use both kindness and authority. Now we’ve instilled fear, but that doesn’t mean we’re cruel. Once we enter the city, we’ll implement benevolent policies and soothe the people’s hearts, which would be better than before," Ye Shikai explained.
"I see, suppress first to exalt later. Old Ye, I didn’t expect you’re not only an excellent commander but also knowledgeable in governance."
"Just an insight into human nature. By standing in the people’s shoes, solutions become clear."
"Besides, I think those who are now most anxious aren’t the citizens fearful of the rebels, but rather the County Magistrate and the defending General of Deng County. If I’m not mistaken, it won’t be long before they surrender..."
"Report, the County Magistrate of Deng County has led the defending army to surrender the city," a soldier hurriedly ran into the tent to report.
"See, I just said it wouldn’t be long before they surrendered," Ye Shikai said with a satisfied smile.
"Is this real?" Shangguan Jian exclaimed, slapping the table excitedly.
"Absolutely, the Magistrate and the General are kneeling at the city gate, and many civilians have come out."
"Great!"
"Let’s go have a look."
..................
"Are you the County Magistrate of Deng County?" Ye Shikai led his troops to the city gate, where an old man knelt before him, holding out Deng County’s seal.
"Yes, it’s me. I’ve long admired the General’s reputation. I beg of you, please keep your promise to ensure the safety of Deng County’s people," the old man cried, his tone even humbler than a plea. Ye Shikai held the power over their lives and deaths. With one word, he could decide the fate of tens of thousands.
"Please rise." Ye Shikai personally dismounted and helped the old man up.
"In attacking cities, each serves their own master. I am not ruthless and would never massacre the innocent. I vouch with my life that if I break my oath, I shall face divine retribution. As for the defending soldiers, I certainly won’t harm them. If they wish to join us, they are most welcome. If not, each shall be given a silver tael to return home peacefully. Life will continue as normal for the civilians. I’ve ordered all soldiers not to intrude into civilian homes or plunder their property. Violators will be beheaded," Ye Shikai declared resolutely in front of the entire city populace. The elder, hearing this, was moved to tears.
"General Ye’s righteousness is unparalleled."
"Since you are a senior, I shall call you ’elder’. The wind is strong outside; it would be better to discuss this inside the city, wouldn’t it?"
"Yes, yes, General Ye, please."
The citizens, hearing Ye Shikai’s assurances, felt a weight lift off their hearts. Though the city had changed hands, life would carry on as before, perhaps even more peacefully than before.
"Old Ye, your strategy was brilliant. With just fifty deaths, you made the County Magistrate surrender willingly. So, what’s our next step?" Following this event, the soldiers admired Ye Shikai even more, with some even comparing him to a "Heavenly Person".
"The General of Deng County is indeed incompetent, but the County Magistrate has some skills. Respected within the county, he can rally support easily. Most importantly, he governs with benevolent policies, holding a favorable reputation among the populace. So, until the lord appoints a new Magistrate, I think it’s best he continues governing for now."
