Chapter 55

As a descendant of Chen Qingzhi, Zhongxin was not entirely ignorant of military affairs. ⊙

If it were not so, he would not have become the abbot of Shaolin Temple, nor would he have been able to train three thousand monk soldiers.

In Zhongxin's view, Zhao Hao's arrangement for the Power Gang members was extremely unreasonable. Letting the Power Gang members engage in direct combat with the Mongol army was undoubtedly like hitting a stone with an egg, only increasing casualties.

"You are right, they didn't have to die in such numbers."

Zhongxin did not expect that Zhao Hao would directly agree with him.

However, Zhao Hao did not finish speaking.

"It's just that you and I stand at different heights, so we make different decisions. Zhongxin, you only see the casualties of the Power Gang, but you haven't delved into the reasons for my actions, or what the Power Gang's heavy casualties have achieved." Zhao Hao said.

"Please enlighten me, Your Highness." Zhongxin said sincerely.

He had great potential, but due to his limited perspective and experience, he was still somewhat naive in many aspects.

"How could I not know that letting the Power Gang brothers clash head-on with the Mongol army is like hitting a stone with an egg, using our weaknesses to attack their strengths, which is bound to fail? However, often, we have no choice." Zhao Hao said.

"No choice?" Zhongxin asked in confusion.

Zhao Hao nodded and said, "Yes, no choice. Zhongxin, I ask you, throughout history, has there ever been a major battle where a victory was achieved by taking a shortcut?"

Zhongxin shook his head solemnly and said, "In any true major battle, victory is always achieved by a righteous army defeating the opponent in a direct confrontation. Taking shortcuts is ultimately just a minor skirmish, not a significant victory. However, the ultimate winner between the Song and Mongol dynasties should be decided by the armies of the two dynasties, not by the Power Gang, even if it is Your Highness's Power Gang."

He understood Zhao Hao's meaning to some extent, but he still insisted on his own view.

"You are right, the ultimate winner between the Song and Mongol dynasties will definitely be decided by the armies of the two dynasties. But the question is, where was the Song army at that time?" Zhao Hao countered.

Zhongxin was speechless.

"The civil officials in the court are busy calculating how much land and money they need to cede to make the Mongols retreat, and the military commanders, upon hearing of the Mongol army's approach, have deserted in droves. By the time they are ready, will Xiangyang still be there?" Zhao Hao asked.

"This country and its people have bowed and kowtowed too many times. Their bones have softened, and once they kneel, they can never stand up again. At this moment, they need to be forced to a point where they have no choice but to fight. And the only way to do that is through blood and sacrifice."

"The brothers of the Power Gang are the most outstanding people in the world today. They are loyal and brave, fearless of death, and have iron wills. They are much stronger than ordinary people and should have a bright future. But it is precisely because of their excellence that they understand they cannot retreat at this moment."

"You are right, they should not die on the battlefield like this; they could have made a greater contribution. Under normal circumstances, ten thousand brothers could use various means to kill thirty thousand Mongol soldiers without a problem. But what this country needs now is not that."

"The Song dynasty needs a statement, a way to tell ordinary people that this land can be defended, and that there are still many people fighting for this land. To achieve this, relying on ambushes will never work; it can only be done through a direct confrontation, a battle that draws the world's attention."

"Throughout history, the pioneers have always been the most respected and admired, for they have paid too much and gained too little. They are only responsible for laying the foundation for future generations, and in this vast world, what is left for them are only the green hills where their ashes are buried."

"The brothers of the Power Gang are such pioneers. Whenever the country is on the brink of destruction, there are always some pioneers whose vision is ahead of their time, but sadly, the world always realizes it too late. They can choose to ignore it, but often, they have no choice."

"No one wants to die. If they can live, who would want to die? But in times of crisis, the most outstanding talents of a country are always the first to step forward."

"If they do not die, they will certainly make a greater impact in the future; they have the talent and ability. But they will think, if no one steps forward as a pioneer, will this country have a future?"

"Zhongxin, what do you think?" Zhao Hao asked.

Zhongxin was silent for a long time.

"Many times, many choices are not the most correct, but they must be made. Without the main force on the front lines, nothing can be discussed. If the army, which should be the main force, does not show up, what can the people do? Only the brothers of the Power Gang can step up." Zhao Hao sighed.

"But isn't it unfair to the members of the Power Gang?" Zhongxin said solemnly.

"The brothers of the Power Gang have never sought fairness." Zhao Hao said seriously.

"Amitabha." Zhongxin clasped his hands together and recited a Buddhist chant.

Buddhism preaches compassion, and Shaolin has always had a reputation for guiding people to do good.

But at this moment, as the abbot of Shaolin, Zhongxin's feelings were indescribable.

Compared to these brave warriors who face death with generosity, can sitting in a meditation room, practicing Zen, and living with ancient Buddhas truly be considered compassion?

For the first time in his life, Zhongxin doubted his faith.

"Brother, after this battle, how many people do you think will be left in the Power Gang?" Zhao Ling'er asked.

The Power Gang was built by Zhao Hao and her, and her affection for the Power Gang was no less than Zhao Hao's.

"Ling'er, as long as the Song dynasty stands, the Power Gang will not be destroyed. Their blood will not be in vain, rest assured." Zhao Hao said firmly.

Some people are dead while they are alive.

Some people are alive even though they are dead.

Some people's deaths are lighter than a feather, while others' deaths are heavier than Mount Tai.

Zhao Hao has never been averse to killing, but if someone dies because of him, he will never feel at ease.

The actions of the Power Gang were his orders.

Ten thousand disciples of the Power Gang unhesitatingly sacrificed their lives at his command.

Zhao Hao did not regret it, but he felt a heavy responsibility.

They have done enough, and the living have no reason not to strive.

The souls of ten thousand passionate young men must not be betrayed.

In this life, he would fight to create a clear and just world, to turn the world upside down.

At any cost.

Zhao Hao and his group were suddenly imbued with a solemn and dignified aura.

"Brother, there is someone ahead." Zhao Ling'er suddenly said.

Zhao Hao raised his hand, and everyone stopped their horses.

On the road ahead, there was indeed a person, carrying荆条 (thorny branches) on his back, blocking the road, and kneeling on both knees.

PS: I guarantee no one can guess who this person is. A friendly reminder, this person is extremely awesome.

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends