Chapter 808: Accepting Surrender

In the dim twilight, the cold autumn wind wantonly raged around the bare Small Mantian Fort, letting out bursts of howls, as if cheering for the Han army that had successfully seized the Shu fort, and yet also as if mourning for the dead soldiers.

Inside the camp where the Han banner had been planted, lanterns burned brightly, and work was still underway. Generals such as Li Yan, Han Jixun, and He Chongjian were methodically handling the aftermath and arranging matters of garrison.

The soldiers who had taken part in the assault on the fort, having fought a bloody battle, all received the most thorough care and comfort. Those who needed rest rested, those who needed treatment were treated, and the captured and surrendered Shu soldiers had their weapons and armor confiscated before being moved to the forward camp for centralized watch.

The busiest of all was Zhang Mei. Besides inventorying the spoils, arranging manpower to clear the battlefield, and collecting the corpses of the fallen soldiers from both sides, he also had to manage logistical dispatch and adjustments...

Even after a simple cleanup, the bloody stench within the camp—especially in the areas where the fighting had been fiercest—remained overwhelmingly thick, and the killing aura had not diminished. Having escaped from that fierce struggle, it now carried an added chill and desolation, much like the mournful chirping of cicadas.

As the commander-in-chief, Xiang Xun, the victor, stepped onto the enemy fort treading upon blood. Gazing at the scene within the camp, his face was full of emotion. During the day, even at the most intense moments of the assault, when the Han army's casualties were heaviest, his heart had been as hard as iron, his face expressionless, driving the soldiers to fight at the risk of death with an utterly cold demeanor. Yet now, Chief General Xiang actually sighed again and again, heaving heavy lamentations.

Standing beside him, Murong Chengtai could not help but wonder: "Chief General, we have won a great victory in this battle—breaking the enemy in a single day, flattening Mantian Ridge in one stroke. This is a time for elation and high spirits. Why do you sigh so?"

Seeing the excitement on Murong Chengtai's face, Xiang Xun said: "For one who commands troops, kindness cannot govern an army! If I said I felt compassion for the fallen soldiers of both sides, I fear some would think me hypocritical!"

Murong Chengtai truly found it difficult to understand Xiang Xun's feelings. In his impression, Chief General Xiang was hardly a soft-hearted man. Judging from today's supervision of the battle, when certain officers had suggested slowing the assault due to excessive casualties, he had flatly refused, forcefully pressing the attack on the fort, giving the Shu army no respite and likewise giving the Han army none. How overbearing and domineering that was!

Perhaps sensing Murong Chengtai's confusion, Xiang Xun said softly: "Perhaps I am getting old! Hence the soft heart and many lamentations! One general's fame is built upon ten thousand bones. To have cost the soldiers such casualties, my heart is ill at ease, and I dare not claim any credit..."

Soon, all emotion faded from Xiang Xun's face, and he called out: "Come, let us go see the wounded soldiers!"

In the attack and defense of Small Mantian Fort, the Han army's casualties were not low—over a thousand killed outright, with the lightly and seriously wounded numbering twice that. Even though the Shu army's fighting strength was failing, forcing the assault still meant filling the gap with human lives. The Shu army's casualties were even more grievous: of roughly four thousand soldiers, fewer than five hundred survived as captives. After the fort was breached, many Han soldiers with bloodshot eyes had engaged in a bout of wanton slaughter before it took considerable effort to rein them in.

The fighting at Small Mantian Fort had ended, but death continued. Even though the northern route army under Xiang Xun was fully equipped with fifty medical officers and physicians, many of the seriously wounded still died before they could be treated. Of course, some simply could not be saved...

Among the Han army, the Huaide Army suffered the heaviest casualties. Of the six thousand who had marched with the expedition, three in ten became casualties in a single battle. But through this battle, the "Shu soldiers" had proven themselves. The "chain of contempt" within the Han army on the Shu campaign had also been greatly shaken. From then on, these "Shu soldiers" could truly hold their heads high as Han soldiers—there was no declaration more weighty and forceful than blood and death.

"All wounded soldiers must be saved with every effort. Do not be sparing with medicine. If supplies run short, go to Zhang Mei and have him gather and dispatch more at the fastest speed!" After inspecting the wounded soldiers' camp, Xiang Xun gave forceful instructions.

"The casualties in this battle are even more severe than I imagined!" Back in the temporary commander's tent, Xiang Xun sighed again.

"But the results are brilliant, and the price paid was worth it! Otherwise, in a true frontal assault, as Chief General Wang said, even five thousand dead might not have taken the fort!" Murong Chengtai said.

Nodding, Xiang Xun ordered: "Send someone to check on the results at Large Mantian Fort. It's already dark—tell Gao Huaide and Wang Quanbin that if it cannot be taken quickly, they may halt the attack for now, rest and regroup, and take Southern Ridge afterward!"

"Yes!"

After only a brief rest, Ma Renyu brought in the Shu generals Wang Shenchao and Zhao Chongpu under guard. Ma Renyu had accompanied the army this time as a cavalry general, but there was no room for cavalry to distinguish itself among these mountain ridges. Thus, ever since joining the campaign, watching other generals win merit and glory, he had been eager to request two thousand infantry from Xiang Xun to lead in battle. After the fort fell, he helped with the mopping-up.

Looking at the two Shu generals, Xiang Xun took some interest, sizing up the wounded and bound pair. Ma Renyu pointed at Wang Shenchao and introduced him: "This is Wang Shenchao, the defender of Small Mantian Fort. This fellow is lucky too—in the chaos of the rout, he somehow wasn't hacked to death by random blades!"

"General Wang is formidable! This battle caused no small trouble for our army!" Xiang Xun said: "If all Shu generals were as troublesome as you, the Great Han would have a hard time destroying Shu!"

Hearing Xiang Xun's words, Wang Shenchao smiled bitterly: "A defeated general dare not speak of bravery! I had thought that with the peril of Mantian Ridge, the sturdiness of the fort's defenses, and ample preparations, I could hold off your army for three months! I never imagined that in less than half a day, it would be breached by your forces! I only watched the enemy to my front, never expecting that the killing stroke was already hidden behind me. I have a question—might this general be able to resolve my doubt?"

"Please speak!" Xiang Xun appeared very gracious.

Wang Shenchao said: "Your army's outflanking force took the small path through Micang Mountain, did they not?"

"Yes!" Xiang Xun nodded.

His expression turning somewhat serious, Wang Shenchao raised his question: "I am most curious. Your army's southern campaign has lasted no more than twenty days, and it has been barely ten-odd days since taking Sanquan. To circle around and strike Small Mantian Fort would require no small amount of time and distance. How were you able to move so swiftly, finding a passable route and completing the outflank in such a short time?"

Smiling faintly, Xiang Xun did not mind answering this defeated general's question, saying: "The strategy of the outflanking strike was already planned before our army advanced. The marching route was also surveyed in advance—kept sufficiently secret—and guides were secured. Thus, on the day you burned the Jinniu Plank Road, I had already dispatched fine generals and elite soldiers to slip through Micang Mountain..."

"So that's how it was! I have lost without grievance!" Hearing this, Wang Shenchao could not help but let out a wistful sigh.

Amid his lamentation, he suddenly realized something. Looking at Xiang Xun, he said: "This commander? You are the Han army's commander-in-chief, Xiang Xun?"

"How dare you! Is the Chief General's personal name something you may speak directly?" Ma Renyu suppressed the urge to kick him and rebuked.

Xiang Xun raised a hand to stop Ma Renyu, and said to Wang Shenchao: "What, after conversing with this commander for so long, you still haven't recognized who I am?"

Studying Xiang Xun for a few moments, Wang Shenchao said: "I had long heard of the Chief General's name. Seeing you today, your bearing is indeed extraordinary. Wang Zhaoyuan is no match for you!"

With that, hesitating briefly, Wang Shenchao said: "May I ask what the Chief General intends to do with me?"

A hint of amusement appeared on Xiang Xun's face, and he asked in return: "I haven't decided yet. Can General Wang offer me a suggestion?"

At the question, Wang Shenchao gritted his teeth and said crisply: "Though I dwell in remote Shu, I have long admired the Chief General's prestige. Now that I am captured, if you do not disdain me, I wish to pledge my service to you and follow wherever you lead!"

"Oh?" Xiang Xun seemed to take interest, asking: "Your family should all be in Shu. If you defect to our army, are you not afraid of bringing disaster upon them?"

Wang Shenchao said: "This southern expedition of the Han army must carry the intent to destroy Shu. The carefully managed Mantian Ridge defense line could not withstand your army's edge for even a day. How much longer can the lands of Chuanshu endure? The Two Rivers will return to the court—why should I worry about calamity?"

"You do have some foresight!" Xiang Xun asked again: "What if I ordered you to turn your spear around and attack the Shu army?"

After a moment's hesitation, Wang Shenchao said seriously: "So long as the Chief General trusts me, I will go wherever ordered, without the slightest hesitation or second thought!"

Seeing this, Xiang Xun smiled: "Excellent! A fine bird chooses its tree to perch upon. Even if you come to the court after defeat in battle, it is not too late!"

Hearing his declaration, Wang Shenchao breathed a slight sigh of relief. After a pause, he asked curiously: "May I ask the Chief General—I held this fort against you and caused no small casualties among the Great Han's soldiers... do you truly trust me? Are you not afraid I might turn my coat?"

Xiang Xun raised his hand and said in a candid tone: "In battle between two armies, each serves his own lord—there is nothing to fault there! And as you said, when the Great Han raises its army, it will surely destroy the Meng Shu. This is the tide of events. Those who recognize the times should go with the current. Why should I fear you turning your coat?

As for you—if you submit to the Great Han and offer your sincerity, the court will surely repay you with trust! Also, remember this: you are pledging yourself to the Great Han. The one you owe loyalty to is the Son of Heaven, not me, Xiang Xun!"

"The Chief General's magnanimity is vast—this humble officer bows in admiration!" Wang Shenchao was completely put at ease.

"Haha! Wang Shenchao, I truly misjudged you! I never imagined you would be so cowardly and craven, committing such acts of betraying your lord and currying favor!" At this moment, Zhao Chongpu, standing nearby, suddenly burst into laughter.

Xiang Xun turned his gaze to Zhao Chongpu, seeing him covered in blood and filth with many wounds. He could not help but ask curiously: "Who is this?"

Ma Renyu said: "This man is called Zhao Chongpu. He is the defender of Jinniu Fort. Extremely stubborn—even dragging his wounded body, he still killed three of our soldiers before I had to take him down personally!"

"If not for the cane wounds on my backside, I could have killed a few more Han bandits!" Zhao Chongpu raised his head and shouted defiantly.

Seeing this, Xiang Xun looked toward Wang Shenchao. Sensing his questioning gaze, Wang Shenchao immediately explained Zhao Chongpu's deeds and the origin of his cane wounds.

"So that's how it is—that Wang Zhaoyuan robbed a fine general of his fighting strength!" Xiang Xun said with some derision, looking at Zhao Chongpu, who was craning his neck stubbornly.

Before he could speak, he heard the man say: "Don't bother trying to persuade me! Zhao here still knows loyalty and righteousness. I will absolutely not do anything so base as surrendering to survive!"

"You are not afraid of death?" Xiang Xun raised an eyebrow.

"Death is death! What is there to fear?" Zhao Chongpu showed not a trace of cowardice.

Seeing this, Ma Renyu was somewhat displeased and said: "Chief General, this man's martial skill is mediocre, but his temper is hard. Since he seeks death, let's grant his wish!"

"Thank you for the favor!" Zhao Chongpu gave a cold smile.

Meeting his gaze for a while—his resolve for death clearly firm—Xiang Xun's eyes turned slightly cold, and he waved his hand: "You wish to die for righteousness. This commander will not thwart your ambition!"

"Let's go! I'll see you off myself!" Receiving the signal, Ma Renyu shoved Zhao Chongpu.

Zhao Chongpu stumbled, cast a sidelong glance at Wang Shenchao, threw his head back with a laugh, and walked out: "I hope your blade is fast enough!"

"Rest assured! I'll give you a clean death!" Ma Renyu said, though there was actually a hint of admiration in his expression.

The two left the tent, and before long, the laughter came to an abrupt halt.

On Wang Shenchao's side, his body trembled slightly, looking somewhat embarrassed. Xiang Xun comforted him in a low voice: "General Wang need not take it to heart!"

He then gave orders outward: "Someone, take General Wang down to tend to his wounds!"

"Thank you, Commander-in-Chief!"

After he withdrew, Ma Renyu, who had entered, could not help but say: "Commander-in-Chief, although this Wang Shenchao surrendered on his own initiative, he did cause our army no small amount of trouble and casualties. To let him off so easily and accept him like this—I fear the soldiers who attacked the stockade will have objections!"

Hearing this, Xiang Xun shook his head: "Within the Shu army, there is no lack of talented men, only that they have no room to display their abilities. They can be used by our court, and in the future, to pacify and stabilize the regions. Moreover, although our army has just won its first victory and the Meng Shu is tottering, the road to Chengdu from here is still no smooth path. Someone like Wang Shenchao can serve as an example, continuing to sap the Shu army's morale and loosen their will to resist, which will also reduce our army's casualties as we continue southward..."

Shortly after, Murong Chengtai came to report: victory at Nanling, a great rout of the Shu army!