Jinxia stood quietly on top of the wall.
Someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder from behind, startling her. When she turned around, it was the beggar uncle.
“Uncle—uncle, why did you come here?” Just as she finished speaking, she immediately looked suspiciously at him, “My aunt sent you here? Want to bring me back?”
The beggar uncle tapped her forehead, said condescendingly: “You little people’s mind!”
“Then… Uncle…” At this time, Jinxia only saw Mrs. Shen who was behind the beggar uncle, “Aunt, why did you come out? It’s not safe here, it’s better if you go home with uncle.”
Mrs. Shen smiled slightly: “All my juniors are here, yet I can’t be compared to you guys?”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just think, this whole war business is a very rough situation. Aunt, you’re so graceful, skillful and dignified, you’ve already done enough work.” Jinxia politely said, she was afraid if the situation broke out and she wasn’t attentive enough, it wouldn’t be good for Mrs. Shen.
Paying no attention to her words, Mrs. Shen simply took out a paper bag from her pocket: “Go get a bucket of water, pour this medicinal powder into it. Dipped all the arrows, rifles or any available weapons into this water. It’s not a lethal poison, but once it encounters blood, it can numb the whole body, and they won’t have any energy to fight.
Jinxia was overjoyed, and immediately accepted the medicine.
When Mrs. Shen was instructing Jinxia, she occasionally glanced at Madam Qi, who was on the top of the tower. She took a deep breath, and then walked down together with the beggar uncle. They didn’t walk too far, she stood on the side, looking for a quiet place. The beggar uncle knew that she was worried about Jinxia, but she couldn’t persuade Jinxia anymore, therefore, she could only find a way to help.
—
Three quarters of the time (12:30am), in front Xinhe City appeared a faint light of torches, as well as the sound of drums.
Dong, dong dong, dong! Dong, dong dong, dong! ….
The atmosphere was deadly silent in the darkness of the night, the regular rhythm of drums was heard rumbling in the ears, every bang seemed to directly strike the heart of everyone on the city walls.
They have come.
Jinxia gripped the bow tightly, her eyes fixed on the source of the sound, behind her was a moving black shadow, she immediately turned around, she saw Cen Shou holding the hilt of the sword, lifting it in the air….
“What are you doing?” She looked at him suspiciously.
Cen Shou awkwardly lowered his hand, continuing to swing it several times in front of her: “I will let the pirates see the determination of this sword, killing all of them.”
“Pff!” Jinxia snorted, “You want to knock me unconscious and then carry me home right? Brother Xie already told me.”
“Traitor!” Cen Shou gritted his teeth.
Jinxia faced the weapons on the city walls and pursed her lips: “What are you afraid of, seeing this situation, pirates can’t break in so easily.”
On the walls there are canons, guns, fire barrels, shield-piercing weapons, spears and so on, various types of weaponry. It’s frightening just by looking at it.
Cen Shou looked at the gunpowder box and said: “You’ve seen our storage? We have less than two buckets of gunpowder, less than a kg of bullet and sulfur, and there’s only one canon by this door…so to say…” His words were stopped because there were still people around him, not to bring down the energy, he decided to stop talking.
What Cen Shou was trying to say was, that although the load of weaponry here looks scary, for instance, the cannon could only be used once, afterward it would become a decoration to the wall. Jinxia gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, she firmly said: “We’re not here to blow them to death, just scaring them!”
Cen Shou massaged his forehead.
“Brother, standing there, can you see who’s beating the drums?” Jinxia pulled Cen Shou to the edge of the city wall and asked, “Let’s drop him, and end their spirits.”
Cen Shou narrowed his eyes: “You can see it when you look at it, but it’s beyond the shooting range of a firearm.
“Then, let’s shoot when he gets closer!” Jinxia was furious at the sound of the drums.
“There’s no need to rush, and wait for our Madam Qi’s order.” Cen Shou more or less he has been following Lu Yi to study military books, he said reassuringly, “Two armies are fighting, the most fearful team will lose control. After all, we have limited firearms, we have to use them carefully to break their spirit.”
Jinxia nodded her head slowly, looked at him respectfully, then asked: “Surely Lu Daren taught you right?”
Cen Shou raised his head: “Well, I could be very smart.”
“Alright fine…” Jinxia continued to chuckle.
The sound of the drums grew closer and louder, a mass of pirates gathered under the city walls, stopping no more than 5 meters from the city walls, face to face with the Ming troops on the city walls.
Dong, dong dong, dong! Dong, dong, dong….
The sound of the drums was still beating steadily, sounding both frightening and threatening.
Madam Qi’s eyebrows tightened, she took the bow and arrow from the maid beside her, then pulled on it. The sound of an arrow flying was heard, and under everyone’s eyes, the arrow traveled through the dark night, directly hitting the left shoulder of the drummer.
The white feathers on the arrow trembled gently.
The drums finally stopped.
There was an immediate commotion among the pirates.
Jinxia was sure Madam Qi was only good at fighting, but she wasn’t prepared for her archery skill to be so amazing, being able to aim precisely at the enemy in the dark. There was no end to Jinxia’s admiration and respect for Madam Qi.
Seeing someone died in their team. They held weapons in their hands and shouted loudly, waiting for their leader to give orders, causing a commotion, shaking the ground with their arrogant and cruel behavior.
As these pirates were acting so arrogantly, Xie Xiao gathered his strength and rushed forward, shouting loudly.
Everyone started shouting in high pitches, so Jinxia also shouted, which was very satisfying for her!
As soon as the pirate leader heard the loud screams, he realized there were quite a lot of soldiers behind the wall. He decided to change their attack plan because he thought General Qi had taken his troops to Ninghai, and Xinhe would only be left with elders and women.
Plus, they’ve been receiving news from the pirates within the city, at the same time, they also look down on Xinhe City, so they didn’t come fully equipped with all the available weapons and firearms, no ladder to help them climb the wall either.
A large wood was used by dozens of pirates to lunge toward the city gate, while others holding firearms defended the pirates knocking the door down.
Madam Qi issued an order. On top of the city wall, soldiers immediately fired their weapons. They shot from above, and the distance between them and the pirates was close, so the pirates lunging at the door fell one by one.
Standing on top of the city wall, people who couldn’t use firearms waved their flags and shouted loudly, giving the soldiers strength.
In the city, the pirate leader did not expect to see so many weapons. Throughout the night, firearms are being shot continuously, illuminating the darkness. This scene of people being killed can really shock people.
Pirates attacking the city have lost some strength. In response, the pirate leader raised his hand, and the rest of the pirates charged forward to attack the city.
Seeing that they’re not backing down, Madam Qi gritted her teeth, ordering people to push out the canon.
Jinxia just used her last arrow. At this time, the sound of cannon being pushed toward the city wall, Jinxia’s heart immediately froze: “Madam Qi…We only have one cannonball, if you use it now, then we won’t have anything left.”
Madame Qi’s face was determined: “We have to attack those that’s coming. This is the only way we can scare them off!”
While Jinxia understands her intention, but once she uses the canon, there will be nothing left. Jinxia felt uneasy in her heart, so she went looking for more arrows.
None of the soldiers could operate the canon. Madam Qi personally went over and loaded the canon, then pushed it forward to aim.
Bum—
The firing from the cannon shook the entire city.
The Cannon ball flew 10,000 metres. Those who were struck died instantly. It was at this point that dozens of people died, even the pirate leader fell off his horse in fear.
The pirate leader really didn’t take into account that Xinhe City would have heavy equipment like a cannon, he was much more than shocked. He didn’t bother wasting time to think, and immediately ordered everyone to retreat. Even the pirates that were busy trying to get through the door, all got killed.
“Did we win?” Jinxia quickly asked.
Cen Shou’s hands tremble from the constant firing his gun. At this time, he looked down and noticed his bullets were almost out, but slowly let out a sigh of relief: “Luckily they have retreated. We would be left with nothing if they continue to attack.”
Everyone in the city also let out a sigh of relief. At this time, they noticed the pirates were setting up in formation, it was clear that they hadn’t given up.
Madam Qi quickly scanned around the place, she ordered everyone to focus, pretending as if they’re a large number of soldiers in line of defense. Not long after, she quickly looked for Jinxia and the others, saying: “Guards at Qingbo river, how many do we need?”
“Twenty people!”
“The soldiers can’t leave, they have to stay by the city entrance.”
“We don’t need soldiers, as long as they’re wearing a soldier’s uniform and able to lift a sword, that’s enough.” Jinxia said.
Xie Xiao, in surprise, said: “You need twenty people for what?”
Jinxia shook her head: “We’re still working on our strategy!”
Madam Qi pointed at the twenty people that were wearing soldiers’ uniforms, and holding rifles. Jinxia raised her hand at them: “Brothers and Sisters, please help us! The progress is also tricky, but we’re almost there!”
Xie Xiao’s mind was full of confusion. He turned to look at YangYue, who was wearing full body armor, as if he’s about to fight.
***
Outside, the sound of guns being fired can be heard, then it was the sound of wood banging against the door. Shangguan Xi and the others who had hidden in the underground of Chun Residence felt very uneasy. Just listening to the sounds of weapon firing, Shangguan Xi can’t sit still any longer. She got up and limped towards the door.
“Miss, you can’t leave!” Uncle Xu shouted.
A’Rui stood firmly in the same place, he’s not showing signs of moving forward nor saying anything.
As Shangguan Xi limped towards the door, A’Rui ran forward and blocked her entrance, bent down and carried her.
“You…. I don’t need you to help. ” Shangguan Xi was shocked, but right away regretted her words.
Because she is still angry at A’Rui for being a spy, she has been avoiding him.
A’Rui carried her steadily, as he walked out, he said: “Your legs have not healed. I’ll carry you to go find him.”
Shangguan Xi shouted loudly: “I can go find him myself, I don’t need you.”
“It will be faster if I carry you there.” A’Rui said slowly.
Shangguan Xi was shocked. The only thing that mattered to her at the moment was finding Xie Xiao quickly. Realizing that she was tugging tightly on A’Rui’s shirt, she shook her head and coldly said: “Are you trying to please me? Do you plan on coming back to Wu’An Gang? If so, you will certainly be punished by being slashed with three swords…Plus, I will never agree to let you return.”
Slowly stepping down the empty street, A’Rui carefully carried Shangguan Xi. A’Rui remained quiet as he listened to her words, he didn’t care how harsh her words were, he was just happy that she was talking to him.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Shangguan Xi watched him as he walked, it’s because of the sudden silence, she couldn’t help but ask.
“Uhm.” A’Rui paused for a second, and said, “I don’t intend to return to the gang. You don’t have to worry.”
Shangguan Xi sighed deeply, “Why not?” Are you saying that Wu’An Gang is not worthy of such a powerful dragon like you? You must have lived a very depressed life in the gang.”
Sarcastic can be heard in his words, A’Rui said simply: “When I was in the gang, I could be just A’Rui, a simple person. It felt very good.”
From the tone of his voice, she could sense that he was hurt. Shangguan Xi fell silent: “The things you’ve done to my gang, we can’t just forgive you.”
Having nothing to hide at this point, A’Rui simply said, “I was responsible for reporting everything that happened in the gang, such as shipping goods and communicating with other gangs. I volunteered to transfer Zhou Xian’s river repair fund. Originally, the plan was to do something with that fund while on board, but later it changed.”
“Have you ever hurt our Brothers or Sisters?” She asked.
“Never put their lives in danger…Only when they’re in my way, I only use numbing medicine, so I can move around more freely.”
Shangguan Xi became very angry, she tugged on his collar: “Have you ever given me the medicine?”
“Never…” A’Rui let out a cough, then hastily said: “Three years ago, when you helped me. I vowed that no matter what happened, I would never hurt you.”
“Right, me helping you? Are you sure it’s not another plan of yours to enter the gang?” Shangguan Xi did not believe him at all.
“I might’ve lied to you, but you did sincerely help me. Therefore, in my heart, I’m always thankful.”
“Don’t talk about this anymore! Let’s pretend I was blind at that time, to bring home a wolf!” Shangguan Xi said angrily.
A’Rui stopped talking and just silently carried her. A moment later, they arrived at the main entrance, then he slowly lowered himself to put her down.
Jinxia stood quietly on top of the wall.
Someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder from behind, startling her. When she turned around, it was the beggar uncle.
“Uncle—uncle, why did you come here?” Just as she finished speaking, she immediately looked suspiciously at him, “My aunt sent you here? Want to bring me back?”
The beggar uncle tapped her forehead, said condescendingly: “You little people’s mind!”
“Then… Uncle…” At this time, Jinxia only saw Mrs. Shen who was behind the beggar uncle, “Aunt, why did you come out? It’s not safe here, it’s better if you go home with uncle.”
Mrs. Shen smiled slightly: “All my juniors are here, yet I can’t be compared to you guys?”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just think, this whole war business is a very rough situation. Aunt, you’re so graceful, skillful and dignified, you’ve already done enough work.” Jinxia politely said, she was afraid if the situation broke out and she wasn’t attentive enough, it wouldn’t be good for Mrs. Shen.
Paying no attention to her words, Mrs. Shen simply took out a paper bag from her pocket: “Go get a bucket of water, pour this medicinal powder into it. Dipped all the arrows, rifles or any available weapons into this water. It’s not a lethal poison, but once it encounters blood, it can numb the whole body, and they won’t have any energy to fight.
Jinxia was overjoyed, and immediately accepted the medicine.
When Mrs. Shen was instructing Jinxia, she occasionally glanced at Madam Qi, who was on the top of the tower. She took a deep breath, and then walked down together with the beggar uncle. They didn’t walk too far, she stood on the side, looking for a quiet place. The beggar uncle knew that she was worried about Jinxia, but she couldn’t persuade Jinxia anymore, therefore, she could only find a way to help.
—
Three quarters of the time (12:30am), in front Xinhe City appeared a faint light of torches, as well as the sound of drums.
Dong, dong dong, dong! Dong, dong dong, dong! ….
The atmosphere was deadly silent in the darkness of the night, the regular rhythm of drums was heard rumbling in the ears, every bang seemed to directly strike the heart of everyone on the city walls.
They have come.
Jinxia gripped the bow tightly, her eyes fixed on the source of the sound, behind her was a moving black shadow, she immediately turned around, she saw Cen Shou holding the hilt of the sword, lifting it in the air….
“What are you doing?” She looked at him suspiciously.
Cen Shou awkwardly lowered his hand, continuing to swing it several times in front of her: “I will let the pirates see the determination of this sword, killing all of them.”
“Pff!” Jinxia snorted, “You want to knock me unconscious and then carry me home right? Brother Xie already told me.”
“Traitor!” Cen Shou gritted his teeth.
Jinxia faced the weapons on the city walls and pursed her lips: “What are you afraid of, seeing this situation, pirates can’t break in so easily.”
On the walls there are canons, guns, fire barrels, shield-piercing weapons, spears and so on, various types of weaponry. It’s frightening just by looking at it.
Cen Shou looked at the gunpowder box and said: “You’ve seen our storage? We have less than two buckets of gunpowder, less than a kg of bullet and sulfur, and there’s only one canon by this door…so to say…” His words were stopped because there were still people around him, not to bring down the energy, he decided to stop talking.
What Cen Shou was trying to say was, that although the load of weaponry here looks scary, for instance, the cannon could only be used once, afterward it would become a decoration to the wall. Jinxia gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, she firmly said: “We’re not here to blow them to death, just scaring them!”
Cen Shou massaged his forehead.
“Brother, standing there, can you see who’s beating the drums?” Jinxia pulled Cen Shou to the edge of the city wall and asked, “Let’s drop him, and end their spirits.”
Cen Shou narrowed his eyes: “You can see it when you look at it, but it’s beyond the shooting range of a firearm.
“Then, let’s shoot when he gets closer!” Jinxia was furious at the sound of the drums.
“There’s no need to rush, and wait for our Madam Qi’s order.” Cen Shou more or less he has been following Lu Yi to study military books, he said reassuringly, “Two armies are fighting, the most fearful team will lose control. After all, we have limited firearms, we have to use them carefully to break their spirit.”
Jinxia nodded her head slowly, looked at him respectfully, then asked: “Surely Lu Daren taught you right?”
Cen Shou raised his head: “Well, I could be very smart.”
“Alright fine…” Jinxia continued to chuckle.
The sound of the drums grew closer and louder, a mass of pirates gathered under the city walls, stopping no more than 5 meters from the city walls, face to face with the Ming troops on the city walls.
Dong, dong dong, dong! Dong, dong, dong….
The sound of the drums was still beating steadily, sounding both frightening and threatening.
Madam Qi’s eyebrows tightened, she took the bow and arrow from the maid beside her, then pulled on it. The sound of an arrow flying was heard, and under everyone’s eyes, the arrow traveled through the dark night, directly hitting the left shoulder of the drummer.
The white feathers on the arrow trembled gently.
The drums finally stopped.
There was an immediate commotion among the pirates.
Jinxia was sure Madam Qi was only good at fighting, but she wasn’t prepared for her archery skill to be so amazing, being able to aim precisely at the enemy in the dark. There was no end to Jinxia’s admiration and respect for Madam Qi.
Seeing someone died in their team. They held weapons in their hands and shouted loudly, waiting for their leader to give orders, causing a commotion, shaking the ground with their arrogant and cruel behavior.
As these pirates were acting so arrogantly, Xie Xiao gathered his strength and rushed forward, shouting loudly.
Everyone started shouting in high pitches, so Jinxia also shouted, which was very satisfying for her!
As soon as the pirate leader heard the loud screams, he realized there were quite a lot of soldiers behind the wall. He decided to change their attack plan because he thought General Qi had taken his troops to Ninghai, and Xinhe would only be left with elders and women.
Plus, they’ve been receiving news from the pirates within the city, at the same time, they also look down on Xinhe City, so they didn’t come fully equipped with all the available weapons and firearms, no ladder to help them climb the wall either.
A large wood was used by dozens of pirates to lunge toward the city gate, while others holding firearms defended the pirates knocking the door down.
Madam Qi issued an order. On top of the city wall, soldiers immediately fired their weapons. They shot from above, and the distance between them and the pirates was close, so the pirates lunging at the door fell one by one.
Standing on top of the city wall, people who couldn’t use firearms waved their flags and shouted loudly, giving the soldiers strength.
In the city, the pirate leader did not expect to see so many weapons. Throughout the night, firearms are being shot continuously, illuminating the darkness. This scene of people being killed can really shock people.
Pirates attacking the city have lost some strength. In response, the pirate leader raised his hand, and the rest of the pirates charged forward to attack the city.
Seeing that they’re not backing down, Madam Qi gritted her teeth, ordering people to push out the canon.
Jinxia just used her last arrow. At this time, the sound of cannon being pushed toward the city wall, Jinxia’s heart immediately froze: “Madam Qi…We only have one cannonball, if you use it now, then we won’t have anything left.”
Madame Qi’s face was determined: “We have to attack those that’s coming. This is the only way we can scare them off!”
While Jinxia understands her intention, but once she uses the canon, there will be nothing left. Jinxia felt uneasy in her heart, so she went looking for more arrows.
None of the soldiers could operate the canon. Madam Qi personally went over and loaded the canon, then pushed it forward to aim.
Bum—
The firing from the cannon shook the entire city.
The Cannon ball flew 10,000 metres. Those who were struck died instantly. It was at this point that dozens of people died, even the pirate leader fell off his horse in fear.
The pirate leader really didn’t take into account that Xinhe City would have heavy equipment like a cannon, he was much more than shocked. He didn’t bother wasting time to think, and immediately ordered everyone to retreat. Even the pirates that were busy trying to get through the door, all got killed.
“Did we win?” Jinxia quickly asked.
Cen Shou’s hands tremble from the constant firing his gun. At this time, he looked down and noticed his bullets were almost out, but slowly let out a sigh of relief: “Luckily they have retreated. We would be left with nothing if they continue to attack.”
Everyone in the city also let out a sigh of relief. At this time, they noticed the pirates were setting up in formation, it was clear that they hadn’t given up.
Madam Qi quickly scanned around the place, she ordered everyone to focus, pretending as if they’re a large number of soldiers in line of defense. Not long after, she quickly looked for Jinxia and the others, saying: “Guards at Qingbo river, how many do we need?”
“Twenty people!”
“The soldiers can’t leave, they have to stay by the city entrance.”
“We don’t need soldiers, as long as they’re wearing a soldier’s uniform and able to lift a sword, that’s enough.” Jinxia said.
Xie Xiao, in surprise, said: “You need twenty people for what?”
Jinxia shook her head: “We’re still working on our strategy!”
Madam Qi pointed at the twenty people that were wearing soldiers’ uniforms, and holding rifles. Jinxia raised her hand at them: “Brothers and Sisters, please help us! The progress is also tricky, but we’re almost there!”
Xie Xiao’s mind was full of confusion. He turned to look at YangYue, who was wearing full body armor, as if he’s about to fight.
***
Outside, the sound of guns being fired can be heard, then it was the sound of wood banging against the door. Shangguan Xi and the others who had hidden in the underground of Chun Residence felt very uneasy. Just listening to the sounds of weapon firing, Shangguan Xi can’t sit still any longer. She got up and limped towards the door.
“Miss, you can’t leave!” Uncle Xu shouted.
A’Rui stood firmly in the same place, he’s not showing signs of moving forward nor saying anything.
As Shangguan Xi limped towards the door, A’Rui ran forward and blocked her entrance, bent down and carried her.
“You…. I don’t need you to help. ” Shangguan Xi was shocked, but right away regretted her words.
Because she is still angry at A’Rui for being a spy, she has been avoiding him.
A’Rui carried her steadily, as he walked out, he said: “Your legs have not healed. I’ll carry you to go find him.”
Shangguan Xi shouted loudly: “I can go find him myself, I don’t need you.”
“It will be faster if I carry you there.” A’Rui said slowly.
Shangguan Xi was shocked. The only thing that mattered to her at the moment was finding Xie Xiao quickly. Realizing that she was tugging tightly on A’Rui’s shirt, she shook her head and coldly said: “Are you trying to please me? Do you plan on coming back to Wu’An Gang? If so, you will certainly be punished by being slashed with three swords…Plus, I will never agree to let you return.”
Slowly stepping down the empty street, A’Rui carefully carried Shangguan Xi. A’Rui remained quiet as he listened to her words, he didn’t care how harsh her words were, he was just happy that she was talking to him.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Shangguan Xi watched him as he walked, it’s because of the sudden silence, she couldn’t help but ask.
“Uhm.” A’Rui paused for a second, and said, “I don’t intend to return to the gang. You don’t have to worry.”
Shangguan Xi sighed deeply, “Why not?” Are you saying that Wu’An Gang is not worthy of such a powerful dragon like you? You must have lived a very depressed life in the gang.”
Sarcastic can be heard in his words, A’Rui said simply: “When I was in the gang, I could be just A’Rui, a simple person. It felt very good.”
From the tone of his voice, she could sense that he was hurt. Shangguan Xi fell silent: “The things you’ve done to my gang, we can’t just forgive you.”
Having nothing to hide at this point, A’Rui simply said, “I was responsible for reporting everything that happened in the gang, such as shipping goods and communicating with other gangs. I volunteered to transfer Zhou Xian’s river repair fund. Originally, the plan was to do something with that fund while on board, but later it changed.”
“Have you ever hurt our Brothers or Sisters?” She asked.
“Never put their lives in danger…Only when they’re in my way, I only use numbing medicine, so I can move around more freely.”
Shangguan Xi became very angry, she tugged on his collar: “Have you ever given me the medicine?”
“Never…” A’Rui let out a cough, then hastily said: “Three years ago, when you helped me. I vowed that no matter what happened, I would never hurt you.”
“Right, me helping you? Are you sure it’s not another plan of yours to enter the gang?” Shangguan Xi did not believe him at all.
“I might’ve lied to you, but you did sincerely help me. Therefore, in my heart, I’m always thankful.”
“Don’t talk about this anymore! Let’s pretend I was blind at that time, to bring home a wolf!” Shangguan Xi said angrily.
A’Rui stopped talking and just silently carried her. A moment later, they arrived at the main entrance, then he slowly lowered himself to put her down.
