Chapter 10: Death and Death
As the first glimmers of light appeared on the horizon, the atmosphere in the camp became even more tense. Dressed in battle armor, Li Keyong stepped into the midst of the soldiers, his gaze swept over each of them, and everyone could feel the faith and strength conveyed by the general.
"Heroes," Li Ke's voice was firm and loud, piercing through the morning mist, "Today, we will usher in a battle that will determine the fate of the Jin Kingdom. Although the Khitans were numerous, they were not invincible. Our strategy, our unity, will be their nightmare. β
The soldiers' breath seemed to freeze at this moment, and they were deeply touched by the words of the two generals. A young warrior, with undried blood on his forehead, couldn't help but speak, his voice hoarse after the battle: "General, sir, we are all willing to sacrifice everything for the Jin Kingdom." May our victory today make the years to come more peaceful. β
Li Keyong looked at the young warrior and nodded. "Young warrior, your wish is the wish of all of us. The peace of the Jin Kingdom is based on your courage and sacrifice. Every drop of your blood and every charge has built a protective barrier for the sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom. β
Cheng Ze walked over to the young warrior and patted him on the shoulder. "Brave brother, you and your comrades are the pride of the Jin Kingdom. Your story will inspire future sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom to keep moving forward, whether in times of peace or war. β
At the edge of the battlefield, the soldiers formed a circle, their eyes passing through the exhaustion of the battlefield and casting their eyes on the distant homeland. The words of the two generals seemed to touch the softest place in their hearts.
"Everybody has a place he loves, the land that nurtures them." Cheng Ze's voice was soft, with a hint of sadness. "Our home is on that land, our family, our friends, and our dreams."
Li Keyong continued, "And today, you have proved your love for this land with your actions. The courage of each and every one of you has won peace for our homeland. β
One of the warriors closed his eyes slightly, and his voice was almost whispering: "I can feel the river in our village, where I played when I was a child, and I can hear the sound of the water......"
"I miss the hut in the field," added another soldier, "where my father's laughter, my mother's warmth, and the laughter of my younger siblings." β
"We all miss it." Cheng Ze said affectionately, "But it is precisely because of nostalgia that we are more determined." We took up arms to protect the peace and tranquility, to protect our homes from the flames of war. β
Li Keyong nodded: "The sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom all have love for their family in their hearts. This love has made you heroic. Today, your sacrifices and efforts ensure that the children of our homeland can grow up in peace. β
One of the veterans sighed deeply and said calmly: "General, we are willing to give the children of the future a world without war. Even if it means that we now have to face the flames of war. β
"That's why we're fighting." Li Keyong said firmly, "The sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom will not forget your courage. Your names will be recorded in history, and your stories will be sung to inspire generations of Jin people. β
The soldiers' eyes reflected the morning light, in which there was exhaustion and pain, but more than that, hope and determination for the future. They listened quietly, each with a common vision in their hearts: after the war, the Jin Kingdom would still be as peaceful and peaceful as they remembered.
"The sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom will remember us." Another warrior said, his voice low but determined, "Our children and grandchildren will proudly say that we have defended their future." β
"Exactly." Li Keyong's eyes revealed hope for the future, "The history of the Jin Kingdom is written by heroes, and each of you is writing this history. β
Cheng Ze's gaze swept over the faces of one warrior, and everyone seemed so real and vivid, "Remember, everything we do is for the prosperity of the Jin Kingdom, and for the freedom and happiness of our descendants." β
A gust of morning wind blew, blowing the flag of the Jin Kingdom more distinctly, and the shadows of the warriors stretched long under the morning sun. It was the first time that many of them had experienced such a terrible battle, but their eyes had already revealed determination and maturity.
"Let's raise our swords again for the Jin Kingdom, for our families, and for our land!" Cheng Ze shouted loudly, and the emotion of excitement was transmitted among the fighters.
The soldiers responded in unison: "For the Jin Kingdom!" Their shouts stirred through the air around them and created a powerful resonance, a pledge of their unwavering vows and a relentless commitment to the future.
"Remember," Li Keyong continued, "there is no retreat on the battlefield, only advance." Only victory can defend the homeland and the country! β
"For the sake of the family!" One of the generals replied loudly.
"For the Jin Kingdom!" The soldiers responded in unison, and the sound was like thunder.
Cheng Ze was on the side, his heart beating faster and faster with the war drums. "General, my cavalry is ready, and we will live up to your trust and deliver a fatal blow to the Khitans at the most unexpected moment."
Li Keyong turned around and looked at Cheng Ze, a glint of appreciation flashed in his eyes. "Cheng Ze, you and your cavalry are the swords of our army, I believe in you."
Cheng Ze stood with his chest straight, his voice full of desire to fight. "General, the sun rises, the sun sets, today we will live up to our mission!"
Li Keyong nodded, then raised the spear in his hand. "Now, let's set out and let the Khitans know that their trampling is not allowed on the land of the Jin Kingdom!"
"Rush!" With Li Keyong's order, each soldier waved the weapon in his hand and shouted loudly, and his morale was high.
The drums of war shook the sky, and the soldiers of the Jin Kingdom poured into the battlefield like a tidal wave, their steps firm, their eyes resolute, and everyone ready to enter this decisive battle.
On the battlefield, the Khitan cavalry approached like a black storm, their horses spewing hot air, facing the trenches and traps prepared by the Jin State.
"Don't be afraid!" A Jin general shouted to boost morale, "Let them taste our strong bows and crossbows!" β
As the order was given, a rain of arrows shot from the Jin positions, and the Khitan cavalry's charge was forced to slow down, and they began to try to bypass the barrier-strewn area.
"Now!" Li Ke's voice was like thunder on the battlefield, "Infantry phalanx, forward!" β
The phalanx of infantry began to advance slowly, their shields pushing forward, spears passing between them, forming impenetrable walls of steel. The blows on the battlefield, every collision, every shout, are inspiring the courage of the soldiers of the Jin Kingdom.
The light cavalry led by Cheng Ze waited patiently on the sidelines, and like cheetahs, they only waited for the best time.
The Khitan cavalry tried to break through the Jin defenses, but they were unsuccessful. As the battle continued, the morale of the Khitan army began to waver.
"Cheng Ze!" Seeing that the time was ripe, Li Keyong immediately gave the order.
Cheng Ze immediately received the order, he raised his sword, agitated his horses, and led the light cavalry to charge from the flanks. "Follow me, brothers!" His voice echoed across the battlefield.
On the battlefield, the morale of the Jin army was like a rainbow, while the Khitan army fell into chaos. The Khitan commander, an experienced general, tried to reorganize the army and salvage the defeat.
"Warriors, assemble!" The Khitan generals raised their swords aloft in their hands, trying to stabilize the panicked troops.
"They're just a bunch of infantry, don't be afraid!" He shouted loudly, trying to boost the morale of the soldiers.
"We are the sons of the Khitan, the wolves of the north, and we will not be intimidated by this flock of sheep!" Another Khitan lord roared on his horse.
But the situation on the battlefield is no longer optimistic. The iron-clad lineup of the Jin infantry and the accurate shooting of the ballistas, as well as the surprise surprise of the light cavalry, made a flaw in the formation of the Khitan army.
The Khitan cavalry kept trying to reorganize the charge, but each time they were stopped by the Jin state's insistence. "Draw on me! Stay in formation! One of the Khitan officers shouted, desperately trying to maintain the front.
"Rush! We will not be conquered! "A Khitan warrior roared loudly in the charge, trying to motivate his comrades around him.
However, the light cavalry led by Cheng Ze seemed to be the god of fate himself, and their attacks were precise and deadly, breaking through the flank defense of the Khitan army. The Khitan soldiers began to show signs of collapse.
"Nope! Hold it! Brothers, don't run away! "The Khitan lord shouted in despair when he saw the soldiers begin to retreat.
But the cries of the Jin soldiers and the fierceness of the battle had broken their courage. The Khitan cavalry scattered and fled in panic, and their morale completely collapsed.
In the rear of the Khitan army, chaos and fear spread rapidly, and a Khitan squadron leader tried to regroup his forces, but no one obeyed his orders.
The squadron leader's voice echoed among the wreckage of the battlefield, and behind him was a bleak sight - the Khitan army was crushed by the fierce counterattack of the Jin army, the war horses wailed, the military flag fell to the ground, and the figures of countless warriors were scattered on the devastated grassland. In the midst of the defeated soldiers, he stood, like a lonely stele, remembering the glory and courage of the Khitan people.
"Brothers, we are still glorious even though we are defeated!" The squadron leader raised his arms and shouted, his eyes shining with an unyielding light. "We are the offspring of wolves, and even at the last moment, we will never show our backs to the enemy!"
His words stirred up the last spark in the hearts of the surrounding Khitan soldiers. A young warrior drew his sword and plunged it into the ground with force, his voice hoarse but full of power: "Squadron Leader, we are willing to follow you to the last moment!" β
The other soldiers also raised their weapons one after another, their eyes revealing exhaustion and pain, but in the midst of despair, they still maintained a glimmer of hope and the will to fight. "We are Khitans, and death cannot bring us to our knees!"
The squadron leader looked at these loyal fighters, and a deep emotion welled up in his heart. "Today, brothers, we may not be able to see the smoke of our homeland again, but we must not allow the enemy to underestimate our courage. The Khitans are never alone, because our ancestors and future children are fighting side by side with us. β
They regrouped in defeat and stood in a row in an almost heroic posture, ready for the final attack of the Jin army. Their gaze is firm, their formation is compact, and even after a big defeat, they want to show the dignity and glory that the Khitans have never lost.
Jin Jun looked at the group of fierce opponents in front of him, and even the victors couldn't help but be moved. Rick raised his hand and motioned for his soldiers to stop advancing. "Let them go." "They have shown enough courage and they deserve the respect of the warriors," he said in a low voice. β
The squadron leader and his soldiers, despite the defeat, are like heroes in ancient inscriptions, recording the indomitable spirit of the Khitans. Their story, although it is a narrative of defeat, is also a legend of courage and glory that will be sung by future generations. On this battlefield, they left behind not only bloodstains, but also the unfading heroic hymns of the Khitan descendants.
A Khitan veteran, the exhaustion of a hundred battles was undoubtedly revealed in his voice, "Child, it's useless!" Our horses were already tired and lay down, and they didn't even have the strength to retreat. β
A young Khitan warrior, struggling to gain a foothold amid the clashing of spears and swords, shouted, "But we can't just give up, we can't let the wolves of the north become cowards!" β
"Not a coward, a living warrior!" Another Khitan soldier responded loudly in a rain of arrows, "Only by staying alive can we have a chance for revenge!" β
The commander of the Khitan army was on horseback, facing the scattered army, and his heart was also full of despair and anger, "Everyone listen to my orders and retreat!" Retreat to the north and save your lives, this battle is irreparable! β
"But the general, our brotherβ" a soldier reported to him the horrors of the battlefield.
"The dead are already dead, and the living is the future." The general replied bitterly, and then raised the signal to retreat.
The Jin soldiers surrounded the remnants of the enemy amid the cries of victory, and a Jin general strode across the battlefield with his head held high, and said to the warriors: "Behold, our enemies are fleeing, and this land bears witness to their timidity. β
Standing on the edge of the battlefield, the tip of his sword still dripping with enemy blood, Cheng Ze said to the warriors beside him, "Let the Khitans go back and tell their king that the Jin Kingdom is not something they can easily touch." β
"Our swords are sharp, and our hearts are steadfast." Cheng Ze continued, "Today, we not only defend the frontier, but also the pride of the Jin people. β
The warriors gathered around him and shouted: "For the Jin Kingdom!" Their voices converged into an ode to victory, echoing across the battlefield.
Li Keyong observed the battlefield around him, his eyes revealing satisfaction with this victory, and he slowly rode close to Chengze. The surrounding soldiers stopped cleaning up the battlefield, their eyes focused on the two heroes.
"Chengze, your performance today exceeded my expectations." Li Ke said in a deep voice, his tone revealing admiration.
Cheng Ze clenched the hilt of his sword, knowing that this was not only a personal recognition of him, but also an affirmation of the heroic performance of his cavalry troops. "General, it is the land of the Jin Kingdom that gives us strength. I just did what a Jin soldier should do. β
Li Keyong smiled, his eyes shining with wisdom. "Humility is a virtue, but today, you're doing more than just 'ought to do'. Your brave command has changed the tide of battle, and the Jin Kingdom needs more warriors like you. β
Cheng Ze raised his head and looked around at his comrades, who were also an integral part of this victory. "General, I will share this glory with my brothers. It was they, every soldier of the Jin Kingdom, who built the wall of victory with flesh and blood. β
"You're right." Li Keyong nodded affirmatively, his gaze turned to the soldiers around him, and his voice resounded loudly and powerfully throughout the battlefield, "Today, everyone who breathes on this battlefield is a hero!" It is your persistence and courage that have won this sky for the Jin Kingdom! β
The soldiers heard the general's words, and their faces showed proud smiles, many of them had green faces, and today they have grown into real warriors.
"Long live the Jin Kingdom!" A soldier suddenly shouted, a sound that acted as a trigger point, triggering an immediate cascade of reactions.
"Long live the Jin Kingdom!" The other soldiers responded, their voices converging into a powerful chorus.
Cheng Ze's gaze was firm and passionate, his voice echoing across the battlefield, every word full of power. "General, today's battle is not just a victory, it is a victory for our culture and spirit. We have proved that the sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom will never succumb to external oppression. β
Rick nodded in agreement, his eyes sweeping over the tired but proud faces of the warriors. "You're right, Cheng Ze. Today's victory will be a glorious chapter in our history. Every Jin people will remember this day. β
Cheng Ze turned to face the soldiers around him, his voice getting higher and higher. "Brothers, your names and your courage will be engraved on every inch of the Jin Kingdom."
The soldiers' eyes twinkled, and their expressions changed from exhaustion to exhilaration. "Yes, sir!" They replied in unison, raising their weapons to express their vows and determination.
Lick rode towards the soldiers, his voice full of inspirational power. "And today, the borders of the Jin Kingdom are impregnable because of you. Every Jin nation will remember your sacrifice and bravery. At this moment, you are the glory of the Jin Kingdom and the pride of our nation. β
A young soldier who had just gone through the test of life and death asked, "General, can we guarantee that the days to come will be peaceful?" β
Li Ke smiled slightly, his voice gentle but firm. "Peace never knocks on its own door, it needs warriors to protect it with their swords. As today, it is you who have defended the peace. β
Cheng Ze continued: "We held our homeland, but the battle was never limited to the battlefield. We must remember that in the name of peace, prepare for war. β
The soldiers nodded, they understood. "We're ready, sir." They spoke in unison, their voices firm and powerful.
Li Keyong exchanged a satisfied look with Cheng Ze, and then together they cast their gaze in the direction of the Jin Kingdom in the distance, where the smoke of the cooking stove rose, signaling that the daily life of the common people was going on. They knew that victory was not just a moment on the battlefield, but a guarantee for the Jin Kingdom and its people for countless days of stability in the future.
The dust of the battlefield gradually settled, the drums of war were silent, but the hearts of the soldiers were still excited. On this day, their deeds will be sung, and the sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom will remember the names of these heroes, as well as the fearlessness and bravery they showed to defend their homeland and dignity.
In the silence of the battlefield, only a few birdsongs broke the silence, and the morning glow reflected the posture of the two generals, and their eyes met each other, full of tacit understanding and understanding.
Rick cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence. "Chengze, look at this rising sun, it indicates the future of the Jin Kingdom, bright and bright."
Cheng Ze took a deep breath and felt the warmth brought by the morning glow. "Yes, General, every sunrise means a new beginning, and today's victory will be a new page for the Jin Kingdom."
"Yes, victory days are always a joy to celebrate." Li Keyong's gaze became distant, as if he was thinking about a more ambitious future, "But we must also remember that behind every victory in the war, there are countless heroic sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom who have paid and sacrificed." β
"We will never forget." Cheng Ze responded affirmatively, adding, "We will remember every warrior who fought for the Jin Kingdom, and their names and stories will be told to every generation of Jin people." β
Li Keyong turned his head to look at Cheng Ze, smiling with approval. "Cheng Ze, today you have proven that you are not only an excellent warrior, but also a wise leader. Under your leadership, our army will be invincible. β
Cheng Ze smiled humbly. "General, I'm just doing my best, for the sake of the Jin Kingdom. I know that without the wise command of the general, without the concerted efforts of my brothers-in-arms, and without the support and blessings of the people, I would not have been able to do anything. β
"This is the reason why the Jin Kingdom is strong." "Our strength comes from the contribution of everyone, from the royal family to the common people, from the generals to the soldiers, everyone is part of our great country." β
Their conversation came to an end for the time being, and the two generals stood side by side, looking at the soldiers who were gradually dispersing on the battlefield. These sons and daughters of the Jin Kingdom, although their bodies are tired, their eyes reveal unyielding and strong.
Li Keyong stood up straight, his gaze seemed to pass through the rising sun and cast it into the more distant future. He took a deep breath of the fresh morning air, and his heart was filled with infinite longing for the future of the Jin Kingdom.
"Look at that flag, Chengze, it represents more than just a symbol of a country." "It is the embodiment of our common faith and will, and a symbol of the indomitable spirit of all our Jin people." β
Cheng Ze immediately chimed in: "Yes, General." Under the banner, regardless of whether you are high or low, regardless of your origin. Every one of us in the Jin Kingdom is proud of this banner and feels honored to be able to fight under it. β
Li Keyong nodded and looked back at Cheng Ze with a serious look on his face: "Today, we have established victory. But remember, the real challenge is how to maintain this victoryβhow to make the Jin kingdom more prosperous, how to make our people more peaceful. β
Cheng Ze was in awe: "I take the general's teachings to heart. I will continue to work hard to defend our homeland not only on the battlefield but also in peacetime. β
"I believe in you." Li Keyong said, "I believe in every Jin country who lives on this land. It is you who make the Jin Kingdom strong, and it is you who make us not afraid of any enemy. β
As the two spoke, the soldiers began to gather, their eyes equally drawn to the flag, each with pride and determination on their faces.
"Let's take the oath together." Li Ke appealed in a loud voice, "Let us swear to protect this land forever in the name of the Jin Kingdom." β
"We take an oath!" The soldiers responded in unison, their voices firm and loud, and under the witness of the rising sun, their oaths seemed to be heard in every corner with the sound of flags fluttering.
"The glory of the Jin Kingdom will not fade." Cheng Ze clenched the hilt of his sword, his eyes revealing a firm oath, "Our descendants will know how their ancestors braved the odds and dangers to defend this land on which they depended. β
Li Ke looked at Cheng Ze approvingly, then turned to the assembled soldiers, stretched out his hand, and pointed to the faint morning light. "Let's go, let's go back. Our people are waiting to celebrate their heroes. β
The morning sun continued to rise, and the soldiers left the battlefield with firm steps. Their shadows are intertwined under the banner, just as their fate is closely linked to the Jin Kingdom. The memory of this country will forever be remembered for this day, remembering these battles for freedom.