0p0 Chapter 242 Luo Mingjing Dies in Tangyin County Government Office
Chapter 242 Luo Mingjing Dies in Tangyin County Government Office
Although Tangyin County lacks the grandeur of Bianjing (Kaifeng), it is still a city of considerable size. Under Li Zhen's painstaking management over the years, it has quietly grown into a vital force in this era, truly deserving the title of a medium-sized town.
When the Song army's iron hooves finally breached the city gates and entered this land, they were not met with the expected smooth passage, but rather with a death maze meticulously laid by the Li family army. In the streets and alleys, ambushes and counter-ambushes intertwined into an invisible net; at every corner, under every stone slab, a deadly sniper could lurk. In less than half a day, the Song army paid a heavy price in this narrow and complex urban warfare; the lives of two to three thousand warriors withered like autumn leaves swept away by the wind on this ancient land.
Beneath the majestic South Gate, Luo Ming stood quietly like a pine tree, his gaze piercing through the dust of time, finally meeting the hurried footsteps and panting report of victory of the Song soldier.
"General, good news has arrived! The county government office in Tangyin County has been captured by our valiant soldiers. The bandits who occupied it have been wiped out and can no longer cause trouble. At this moment, the county government office is vacant and awaits your presence. We earnestly request that you, General, move there to personally oversee the operation and command with composure."
After a long day of waiting, Luo Mingjing finally received the good news he had been eagerly anticipating. His heart was like a lake rippling with eager anticipation in the spring breeze. Without thinking twice, he leaped onto the steed that had been prepared beforehand. The horse's hooves pounded rapidly and firmly as it galloped towards the county government office.
In his heart, although the ancient city of Tangyin was vast, only the imposing county government office could conceal such a shocking secret as Emperor Huizong of Song. This monumental achievement was like the most brilliant star in the night sky, attracting countless heroes to bow down, and he, Luo Mingjing, was determined to seize it with his own hands, and would not allow anyone else to get there first.
The scenery along the way flashed by like lightning, but the urgency and desire in his heart remained, driving him forward relentlessly, determined to become the ultimate victor in this silent contest.
Under the tight protection of the Song army's personal guard, Luo Mingjing slowly entered the county government office of Tangyin County. Contrary to his preconceived notions, the Tangyin County government office did not display any signs of prosperity or bustle; instead, it exuded an indescribable chill and desolation. Looking up, he saw several towering ancient trees standing proudly, reaching towards the clouds. Apart from that, only a dozen or so houses stood quietly, lacking the opulent grandeur he had imagined, instead possessing a rustic and tranquil charm.
Luo Mingjing scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes and said in a deep voice, "All the residences have been thoroughly searched. We must not miss any hiding place of the bandits."
An officer from the Imperial Guard, his face plastered with a fawning smile, quickly stepped forward and confidently reported, "General, rest assured, I have personally supervised the search and searched the area several times. This place is now impregnable and safe."
Upon entering the main hall of the Tangyin County government office, Luo Mingjing's gaze was immediately drawn to the grand master's chair placed at the head of the table, its ancient and solemn design exuding an undeniable air of authority. He had already made up his mind to use this place as the command center for the Song army's troop deployment. With his mind made up, he strode directly towards the grand master's chair, preparing to sit down and demonstrate his commanding presence.
Just as he stepped onto the stone steps, there seemed to be a slight obstacle under his feet, but it was only a blurry flash, and before he could investigate further, he was already sitting steadily on that majestic grand master's chair.
A barely perceptible aura quietly permeated the air, causing Luo Mingjing to furrow his brows slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly snapped out of his reverie and exclaimed, "This is bad! Something's fishy!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
A series of deafening explosions suddenly erupted, like thunderclaps, instantly leveling the main hall of the county government. Luo Mingjing and his personal guards were all killed in this sudden disaster, devoured by the merciless flames and debris, their lives extinguished.
Hearing the deafening roar from the county government office, the scoundrel's lips curled into a playful smile. He winked at Qian Dazhuang and said, "Did you hear that commotion too? Our carefully planted explosives must be putting to use right now. Anyone who can alarm someone of the Grand Secretary's level must be someone of considerable importance."
Qian Dazhuang gave a wry smile and said helplessly, "Sir, let's put the county government's affairs aside for now. We need to think about ourselves first."
Qian Dazhuang, with unwavering resolve, defied all opposition and advocated abandoning the heavy shackles of Tangyin Ancient City in order to find a glimmer of hope, hoping to preserve a lifeline for the Li family army in this desperate situation, allowing that precious vitality to continue its winding course. However, Bu Liang, like a rock firmly planted in the ground, was deeply rooted, determined to stand with Tangyin Ancient City through thick and thin, sharing life and death. This unwavering commitment would remain unchanged until the end of time.
Now, all four city gates have fallen into the hands of the Song army. Under the iron-clad siege, even if one had wings, it would be difficult to escape. The thought of breaking out has ultimately become a mirage, unattainable.
Within the ancient city of Tangyin, the smell of gunpowder and the indomitable will intertwined to form the main theme of the night. Even the deep darkness could not conceal the continuous shouts and clashes. The raging flames, like bloodthirsty beasts, devoured house after house, illuminating the ancient city as if it were daytime. In the firelight, every inch of land pulsed with the spirit of resistance.
On this land ravaged by war, it wasn't just armored Song soldiers clashing with the enemy; many civilians of Tangyin City also stepped forward. Armed with simple farm tools or wielding various implements found in their homes, they joined the battle to defend their homeland. Their eyes gleamed with unyielding spirit; every strike was a silent protest against the invaders, every roar a yearning for freedom and peace.
Night, which should be a tranquil harbor, has become a testament to courage and sacrifice. Tangyin City, this ancient and resilient fortress, stands firm amidst fire and smoke, telling tales of courage, wisdom, and unity.
As night deepened and the third watch bell tolled quietly, in the stillness of the night, Bu Liang and Qian Dazhuang were suddenly awakened by a deafening roar from the sky. The sound, like the roar of an ancient beast, pierced the silence of the night and struck straight to their hearts.
His unpleasant face instantly lit up with undisguised joy in the dim light: "The chief has arrived! Quickly, order your men to light torches in the open area to illuminate the sky, so that the chief can find his way back from the clouds and descend safely."
The roar grew louder as it approached, gradually coalescing into an undeniable force. Finally, a majestic military helicopter landed steadily on the ground, like a triumphant warrior returning home. The massive rotors spun, creating a whirlwind that effortlessly extinguished the flickering torches around it. In the night, scattered embers drifted in the wind, adding a touch of chilling solemnity.
As the slight tremors of the aircraft subsided, the helicopter's cabin door slowly opened, as if a gate to an unknown world had been gently pushed open. Li Zhen, the leader with a tall and firm posture and resolute eyes, was the first to step out of the cabin, followed closely by Yue Ying and a group of elites. Their steps were brisk, and they exuded an aura that could not be underestimated, like sharp swords in the night, ready to strike.