Chapter 1525: Harassment

Under Jiang Wei's encouragement, the Shu Han army's morale was high, and the soldiers were all brave and fearless. They knew that behind them was the Prime Minister's firm figure, the peace of their homeland, and the expectations of their loved ones. Every battle was not just for victory, but for guarding every inch of grass and tree, every life on this land.

However, war is always cruel; it does not grant mercy because of justice or courage. As time passed, the harassment by nomadic tribes in the northern border became more frequent, and the scale increasingly expanded; they seemed to have smelled the fatigue accumulated within Shu Han due to long-term warfare. Once, when Jiang Wei led the army to meet the enemy again, they encountered an unprecedented great battle. The enemy troops were numerous and well-equipped, clearly having been carefully prepared, intending to break through Shu Han's defensive line in one fell swoop.

The battle lasted from the first light of dawn until nightfall; the sky was dyed red by the beacon fire, and the earth trembled amidst the neighing of warhorses and the symphony of iron armor. Jiang Wei fought in the vanguard, holding a long spear, weaving through the enemy formation; every time he swung his spear, it was accompanied by the fall of an enemy. His figure was like an unstoppable bolt of lightning, illuminating the hope in the soldiers' hearts.

However, even the most powerful general could not single-handedly withstand the enemy like a tide. In a surprise attack deep behind enemy lines, Jiang Wei inadvertently fell into a heavy encirclement. All around were dense enemy troops, arrows falling like rain; the soldiers beside him fell one after another, and he, however, still stood tall, using his last bit of strength to brandish the long spear in his hand, protecting the few personal guards beside him.

"Prime Minister! Run quickly!" A personal guard roared, attempting to block an arrow about to shoot at Jiang Wei, but unfortunately was hit by the arrow and fell into a pool of blood.

Jiang Wei's eye sockets were moist, but he did not retreat; instead, he stood even more firmly. He knew that as the commander-in-chief of the three armies, his duty was to live and die with the soldiers. He shouted loudly: "I am Jiang Wei, Prime Minister of Shu Han, and I swear to live and die with the land! Generals and soldiers, follow me to charge, let the enemy know that the sons of Shu Han never admit defeat!"

Under Jiang Wei's leadership, the remaining soldiers erupted with astonishing combat effectiveness; they seemed to have forgotten life and death, knowing only to move forward, using their flesh and blood to build an impregnable defensive line. However, human strength has its limits; with the exhaustion of physical strength and the accumulation of pain, Jiang Wei also gradually felt powerless.

Just at this moment, a cold arrow silently pierced through the crowd and headed straight for Jiang Wei. He instinctively dodged to the side; although the arrow did not hit a vital point, it pierced deeply into his shoulder, and blood instantly stained his clothes. Jiang Wei gritted his teeth, suppressing the pain; he knew that in this battle, he could not fall, otherwise, the entire war situation would thoroughly collapse.

"Prime Minister!" The surrounding soldiers exclaimed, wanting to rush forward to rescue him, but were stopped by Jiang Wei's wave of his hand, "Continue fighting, for Shu Han, for our homeland!"

The battle entered a white-hot stage; Jiang Wei, relying on astonishing perseverance and outstanding tactical command, resolved the enemy's offensive many times, but he himself, due to excessive blood loss, had a pale face, and his movements gradually slowed down. Just at this moment, a sudden enemy force broke through the defensive line and pressed straight toward Jiang Wei.

Facing the overwhelming enemy troops, Jiang Wei did not choose to escape; he took a deep breath, used all his strength, brandished his long spear, and met the enemy. In a fierce clash, he was unfortunately hit by a heavy sword, and his body, like a kite with a broken string, fell heavily to the ground.

"Prime Minister!" Desperate shouts rang out all around, and soldiers rushed forward one after another, attempting to rescue their leader. But Jiang Wei knew that his time had come. He barely opened his eyes, looking at the bright moon in the sky, his heart filled with worry and reluctance for Shu Han's future.

"Remember, no matter when, you must guard this land well, and protect our people..." Jiang Wei's voice was weak but firm; this was the last sentence he left for the soldiers. Subsequently, his gaze gradually dimmed, the long spear in his hand slipped powerlessly, and a generation of famous generals thus fell on the battlefield.

When the news of Jiang Wei's death on the battlefield reached the capital of Shu Han, the entire country seemed to be shrouded in a layer of heavy sorrow. In the streets and alleys, people discussed it one after another, all lamenting the passing of this great general. In the court, there was even more crying; civil and military officials all bowed their heads in silence, recalling the bits and pieces of working with Jiang Wei, their hearts filled with endless sorrow and respect.

"Prime Minister, how could you just leave like this?" An elderly minister said with a trembling voice, tears sliding down his cheeks, "You were the pillar of our Shu Han, the hope of the people!" ===== CHAPTER 1526 =====