Chapter 668: Encounter at the Martyrs' Cemetery!

These words were like parting clouds to reveal the sun, instantly dispelling all doubts in the hall.

Everyone looked at Wang Xiong's open eyes, at the wound on his shoulder that kept bleeding, at the blood‑stained marks on his armor, and the suspicion in their hearts instantly vanished.

In its place came deep guilt and self‑reproach.

Chen Laogen turned even paler, rushed forward, and with a "thump" fell to his knees, kowtowing to Wang Xiong three heavy bows.

His forehead struck the Shiban, emitting a dull thud, and blood instantly seeped from the wound.

He lifted his head, eyes full of remorse and guilt, his voice choked as he said, "Sima Wang! I was foolish! My vision was short‑sighted! I wrongly accused your loyal heart!"

"Your Excellency is magnanimous; please forgive me!"

"From now on, wherever you point, I will strike; even up a mountain of knives or down a sea of fire, I will have not a single word of complaint!"

Wang Xiong looked at the kneeling Chen Laogen, his face showing no anger, but a gentle smile.

He slowly raised his hand, tapped his own palm, and in a deep voice said, "No problem! Stand up."

Chen Laogen hesitated, but seeing Wang Xiong's sincere expression, not feigned, he slowly rose, still bowing his head, his face full of shame.

Wang Xiong's gaze swept the hall again, his voice suddenly rising, carrying an undeniable firmness and resolve: "Brothers, today I bring this surrender‑appeal letter to read publicly—not because I have any intention to surrender; on the contrary, after consulting General Huang, I specifically tell everyone—"

"I, Wang Xiong, vow to live and die together with Gancao City, and to share life and death with all of you brothers!"

He paused, then thrust his arm upward, pointing to the Gancao City bathed in morning light outside the hall, his voice resonant and powerful, each word bleeding: "The Qi army seeks to persuade surrender, to subdue without fighting—pure folly!"

"Since we have taken up arms, since we have chosen to defend the city, we have already placed life and death beyond measure!"

"If the city lives, the people live; if the city falls, the people fall!"

"We will never become the cowardly surrender troops, never betray the brothers already fallen in battle, never let the city's old, weak, women and children fall into the Qi army's hands!"

"Good!"

A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd, like a volcanic eruption, instantly sweeping the entire hall.

Zhou Hu was the first to raise his long sword, raising his arm and shouting, "If the city lives, the people live! Never become surrender troops!"

"If the city lives, the people live! Never become surrender troops!"

Over three hundred guards and the young strong men raised their weapons together, shouting in unison, their voices deafening, breaking through the mansion's walls.

The cries echoed over Gancao City's streets, intertwining with the shouts of the city‑top patrol soldiers, forming an unstoppable, magnificent momentum.

In each person's eyes burned a fierce fire, the blood of passion fully ignited.

It was a resolute determination to die and be reborn.

It was absolute trust in Wang Xiong.

It was a steadfast obsession to protect the homeland.

The cheers continued for a long while before gradually subsiding; the hall's atmosphere remained heated and heroic, each face flushed with excitement, breaths heavy.

At that moment, Su Mo slowly rose, straightened the faded coarse‑cloth short jacket he wore, bowed deeply to Wang Xiong, clasping his fists, his expression reverent and earnest: "Sima Wang, a humble commoner has a small question I dare to ask you!"

Wang Xiong, seeing his solemn demeanor, raised his hand to signal, his tone gentle yet authoritative: "Speak! Now you and I are brothers risking our lives; say what you will without hesitation."

Su Mo straightened, his gaze scanning the few young strong leaders present, then turned to Wang Xiong, deliberated briefly, and in a deep voice said, "Sima Wang, the humble commoner and the young strong brothers here are not the Court‑organized city‑defending troops; we are ordinary citizens of the city."

"In the past, we farmed, we forged, we traded, never receiving any salary from the Court."

"Now, with the nation in peril and the city about to fall, we voluntarily take up arms to defend our homes, to fight the Qi army to the death, seeking neither fame nor wealth, only to keep our families safe and preserve this city."

He paused, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—hope, anxiety, and a barely perceptible humility: "But the humble commoner has one concern; if we are unfortunate enough to die in the upcoming battle, I wonder…"

"…whether we could be interred in the Court's Martyrs' Cemetery?"

"The commoner does not crave fame or profit; I simply think that if we could be buried as martyrs, future generations would know their ancestors fought to protect the home, and I could rest peacefully in the afterlife."

These words were like a massive stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring a huge wave in the hall.

The young strong men present all lifted their heads, eyes full of hopeful gazes, fixed on Wang Xiong.

Most of them were ordinary civilians, never having contemplated grand national ideals, but in the city's peril they resolutely took up weapons to protect their families.

Su Mo's question was exactly the deepest concern in their hearts.

They do not fear death; they fear dying nameless and unacknowledged, fear that their sacrifice will not be recognized, fear that no one will remember them later, that they shed the last drop of blood for Gancao City.

Even the regular city guards turned to Wang Xiong, eyes tinged with curiosity and expectation.

They knew the Martyrs' Cemetery was established by the Court to honor those who died in battle; only soldiers enlisted by the Court could be buried there and receive descendants' incense offerings.

These young strong men were not of military rank, so by normal standards they likely lacked eligibility.

Silence fell over the hall again, all eyes fixed on Wang Xiong, awaiting his reply.

Huang Shizhang frowned, about to speak, but Wang Xiong raised his hand to stop him.

Wang Xiong looked at Su Mo, at the young strong men whose eyes were full of hope, and without any hesitation blurted out, "Of course!"

His voice was firm and loud, like a startling thunderclap, instantly dispelling the young men's anxiety.

Wang Xiong stepped forward two paces, stood before Su Mo, his gaze sweeping each young strong man present, and declared emphatically, "Mr. Su, brothers among the young strong, listen! In my eyes and in the Court's, anyone who sacrifices for the nation—whether soldier or civilian, regardless of birth—is a martyr!"

"You, who defend Gancao City, protect the people behind you, resist the Qi army's invasion, voluntarily take up arms and fight alongside us, sacrificing your lives—this loyalty and bravery, this responsibility, compare favorably, even surpass, those enlisted palace troops."

His voice grew more fervent, eyes flashing with fierce light: "Today you fight for Gancao City, for Great Zhou, you are the loyal and valiant heroes of Great Zhou!"

"Later, whoever among you falls in battle, I will petition the Court to vindicate you, ensuring you all may be interred in the Martyrs' Cemetery, receive descendants' incense offerings, and have your names recorded in history for eternity!"

"Your deeds will not be forgotten by the Court, nor by the people, nor by the annals!"

"Your descendants will be proud of you, will forever remember your sacrifice and steadfastness today!"

"Well said!" Huang Shizhang stepped forward, patted Wang Xiong's shoulder, and loudly echoed, "Sima Wang, you speak excellently!"

"The Court will never forget our steadfastness today, nor will the annals!"

Huang Shizhang's voice rang like a great bell, echoing through the hall.

He turned to the young strong men, a approving smile on his face, and said, "Brothers, go into battle boldly without worry!"

"As long as I, Huang Shizhang, am here, and Sima Wang is here, your deeds will never be buried!"

"If you die in battle, the Martyrs' Cemetery awaits, and descendants' incense will be offered; if you live, after repelling the Qi army, the Court will reward you, ensuring you and your families enjoy good lives!"

The young men, listening to Wang Xiong and Huang Shizhang, felt their apprehension and doubt instantly melt away, replaced by excitement and gratitude.

Su Mo bowed deeply again, clasping his hands toward Wang Xiong and Huang Shizhang, and said, "Thank you, Sima Wang! Thank you, General Huang!"

"With your words, this humble soldier has no lingering concerns! In future battles I will fight to the death, never retreat!"

"Fight to the death, never retreat!" the few young leaders beside Su Mo echoed in unison, their voices resonant and powerful, eyes ablaze with fierce fire.

The hoes, machetes, and Long Spears in their hands were gripped tighter, as if ready to charge the city wall at any moment and fight the Qi army to the death.

Wang Xiong looked at Su Mo's blend of scholarly bearing and martial spirit, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, a rare smile tugging at his mouth, and teased, "Mr. Su, such passion is truly a blessing for Gancao City!"

"Perhaps in the future, this official and you, my brother, will reside side by side in the same Lieshi Lingyuan, and then we can drink heartily together and reminisce about today's joy of defending the city!"

These words carried a touch of openness and a hint of tragic grandeur, yet showed no sign of despondency.

Everyone in the hall heard this, froze for a moment, then burst into laughter; their laughter held no fear of death, only a bold, carefree spirit of facing death and emerging anew.

Su Mo also laughed, a hint of yearning in his eyes, and replied loudly, "Alright! Then it's settled—we'll meet at Lieshi Lingyuan!"

"Lieshi Lingyuan, see you!"

Zhou Hu was the first to respond loudly, swinging his long sword heavily; the scabbard struck armor, producing a crisp "clang" sound.

Immediately after, Chen Laogen, Wang Er, Su Mo, and the over three hundred defending soldiers and young men present all raised their weapons and shouted in unison, "Lieshi Lingyuan, see you!"

The sound rolled like thunder, shaking the branches outside the hall and scattering the birds.

The five words "Lieshi Lingyuan, see you" were no longer a simple promise but became a belief, a symbol, deeply etched in everyone's heart.

It represented a calm acceptance of sacrifice, a cherishing of honor, and loyalty to the nation, making everyone present feel an unprecedented cohesion.

The cheers gradually subsided, and the hall was filled with a tragic yet heroic atmosphere.

At that moment, a burly soldier in the crowd let out a sigh, a hint of yearning in his eyes, and exclaimed, "If only there were wine right now!"

"A sip of strong liquor would boost our courage; when we get onto the wall later, killing the Qi bandits will be even more vigorous!"

His voice was soft, yet it instantly struck the hearts of the crowd.

The days of bloody battle had left everyone exhausted in body and mind; the pain of wounds and the intense mental strain made each person crave a sip of strong liquor to dispel fatigue and ignite their blood.

"Indeed! If only there were wine!"

"Exactly! In past gaps while defending the city, a sip of wine would relax the whole body, making us fiercer in battle!"

"If I could drink the aged wine I have stored, even if I were to rush down now to fight the Qi dogs, I would have no complaint!"

The surrounding soldiers and young men all echoed, their eyes full of anticipation.

Some recalled the Wine Jar at home, others remembered days of drinking and chatting with brothers, their faces showing nostalgia.

Wine, at this moment, became the most coveted comfort in their hearts, the most effective courage booster.

Wang Xiong listened to the discussion, a hint of contemplation flashing in his eyes, then his gaze hardened as he loudly ordered, "Men! Bring the wine!"

"Sima Wang!" Huang Shizhang heard this, a hint of doubt on his face, stepped forward and asked puzzled, "Didn't you already issue a prohibition on drinking?"

"Drinking before battle may jeopardize the war; you said at the time, anyone who dares to violate will be dealt with by military law!"

Everyone also turned to Wang Xiong, eyes full of astonishment.

They all remembered that before the war, Wang Xiong, to ensure the defenders' combat ability, strictly forbade anyone from drinking, even the veteran who loved wine had to endure his craving and focus on preparation.

Now Wang Xiong suddenly demanding wine left everyone a bit baffled.

Wang Xiong raised his hand to cut off Huang Shizhang's words, his gaze firm, and declared resolutely, "One exception!"

His gaze slowly swept over everyone present, his voice deep, "The previous prohibition was to keep everyone clear‑headed and avoid mistakes."

"But today is different; brothers, united in heart and mind, swearing to live and die with Gancao City, this loyalty and bravery merit a toast with a cup of strong liquor!"

"Moreover, the Qi army will surely launch a frenzied attack today; this battle will be exceedingly brutal. Letting everyone have a sip of wine to boost courage is also a small comfort from this officer!"

He paused, his tone softened slightly yet still authoritative, "Everyone take a sip of wine to relieve fatigue and boost courage, then each resume your duties and prepare for battle!"

"Remember, wine is for bolstering courage, not for causing mistakes!"

"Whoever dares to overindulge and cause errors, don't blame this officer's ruthless military law!"

"Alright!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices deafening, eyes full of excitement and gratitude.

They hadn't expected Wang Xiong to make an exception for them, and each felt warmth in their hearts.

Huang Shizhang, seeing Wang Xiong's steadfast gaze and the crowd's excitement, felt his doubts vanish instantly, a relieved smile appearing on his face, and ordered the nearby personal guard, "Quick! Bring the few vats of strong liquor from the storehouse!"

"Pour a cup for each brother!"

"Yes!" the personal guard clasped his fists in reply, turned and sprinted out of the mansion.

Everyone in the hall fixed their gaze on the direction of the mansion's main gate, eyes full of anticipation. The scent of blood and char in the air seemed softened a bit by the approaching wine aroma.

Each person imagined the spicy, exhilarating rush of strong liquor down their throats, picturing themselves, after drinking, filled with power, boldly slaying the Qi bandits.

Soon after, that personal guard returned with two soldiers, carrying three vats of sealed, intact strong liquor.

The personal guard placed the Wine Jar on the table, smashed the seal clay forcefully, and a strong wine aroma instantly spread, penetrating everyone's nostrils.

The fragrance was rich and spicy, with a penetrating quality that invigorated everyone present, making them swallow saliva.

"How fragrant!" Wang Er couldn't help exclaiming, his eyes full of longing.

He was usually just a peddler, rarely having the chance to taste such fine strong liquor.

Huang Shizhang stepped forward, picked up several cracked clay bowls on the table, and personally poured wine for the crowd.

Though the clay bowls were cracked, they were wiped clean; as the wine poured in, they made a "gurgle" sound, forming a fine froth, and the aroma grew richer.

"Come! Brothers, one bowl each, take a sip, boost courage and march!" Huang Shizhang raised his clay bowl high and shouted.

The personal guard and soldiers each grabbed a clay bowl, filled it with strong liquor, and handed it to everyone present.

Over three hundred defenders and young men each held a bowl of wine; the liquid was clear and bright, reflecting the fire in each person's eyes.

Wang Xiong also lifted a bowl, walked into the crowd, raised his clay bowl, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said with resonant voice, "Brothers! This bowl of wine is to honor our fallen comrades!"

"They gave their lives to hold Gancao City for us, buying us time!"

"To the fallen brothers!" the crowd shouted in unison, raising their bowls to their chests.

Wang Xiong said again, "This bowl of wine, to the families we leave behind!"

"It is their hope, it is the motivation we steadfastly hold onto; we must defend Gancao City and not let them fall into the hands of the Qi bandits!"

"To the families we leave behind!" the crowd's voices grew louder, a hint of tenderness and determination flashing in their eyes.

"This bowl of wine, to ourselves! To our loyalty and bravery, to our steadfastness, to our heroic spirit that sees death as a return home!" Wang Xiong's voice suddenly rose, carrying an unstoppable momentum, "Today, after we drink this bowl of wine, we will ascend the city walls and fight the Qi bandits to the death, never yielding!"

The crowd roared together, their voices reverberating through heaven and earth: "Fight to the death! No death, no rest!"