Chapter 85

Husbands are not without tears, they just do not shed them in parting. A single sword carries a lifetime of resentment, and the hero's courage wavers.

Amidst the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

Looking at Zhao Hao, who was howling to the sky not far away, Zhao Ling'er felt a pang of distress in her heart.

People are not like grass and trees; who can be without feelings?

She had heard clearly the conversation between Zhao Hao and the brother who had just died.

Encountering such a situation, neither Zhao Hao nor Zhao Ling'er could easily let it go.

"Your subordinate arrived too late, please punish me, Leader and Deputy Leader."

Xuan'er and Qiu Shenjie also arrived at the scene. Seeing the situation, their faces changed instantly, and they hurriedly asked for punishment.

Outside Xiangyang City, there were spies from the Power Gang and the Xiangyang Army everywhere.

After receiving the news, they rushed over, but ultimately failed to save the village and the brother who had just died.

Zhao Hao's howl gradually subsided. He waved his hand at the two and said, "It's not your fault."

"Let's go back to Xiangyang, and then bury this brother of the Power Gang," Zhao Hao said solemnly.

Xuan'er and Qiu Shenjie's faces changed.

"Is he one of ours?" Qiu Shenjie asked.

"He came to Xiangyang to fight, and happened to be here," Zhao Hao replied.

Qiu Shenjie then clenched his fists.

Some things, even if you are well-prepared mentally, when they really happen in front of you, you will find that all your preparations are in vain.

You will still be angry, still be sad, and still feel powerless.

...

In the city of Xiangyang, at the City Lord's residence.

Zhao Hao and Zhao Ling'er sat in the main seats, with Meng Gong and Guo Jing on either side.

"Prince, how will the court respond to the situation in Xiangyang?" Meng Gong asked.

As soon as Meng Gong spoke, Guo Jing's eyes fixed intently on Zhao Hao.

Zhao Hao had not stayed in Lin'an for more than a day, and had traveled back and forth on a white crane, so the news from Lin'an had not yet reached Xiangyang.

"I killed Jia Sidao, and the new Chief Military Commissioner and the Three Ministries Commissioner have just taken office, all of whom are my people. Most importantly, both Ling'er and I are in Xiangyang, so this battle will definitely be fought. Whatever you need, the court will provide. The only issue is to win," Zhao Hao said.

Meng Gong and Guo Jing were stunned.

After a moment, Meng Gong shuddered and said excitedly, "Prince, is what you said true?"

Before Zhao Hao could answer, Meng Gong muttered to himself, "It must be true, how could a prince deceive me?"

"On behalf of all the soldiers and civilians of Xiangyang, I thank the Prince and the Princess for their great kindness," Meng Gong stood up and bowed deeply to Zhao Hao.

However, when Meng Gong raised his head, Zhao Hao and Zhao Ling'er were already not in their seats.

They did not accept Meng Gong's bow.

"If it benefits the country, I will not avoid it because of fortune or misfortune. General Meng and Great Hero Guo have this awareness, and Ling'er and I, who have received so much honor, naturally also have this awareness. There is no one higher or lower, you do not have the right to accept my bow, and I do not have the right to accept yours," Zhao Hao said.

"To think that compared to some ordinary disciples of the Power Gang, I am the one who truly feels ashamed," Zhao Ling'er said.

"Princess, why do you say that?" Guo Jing asked.

Zhao Ling'er recounted the events to the two, and Meng Gong and Guo Jing's faces became serious.

"He is a real man," Meng Gong praised.

"To prevent such civilians from bleeding again, this battle must be won," Guo Jing said solemnly.

"Great Hero Guo is right, this battle must be won. General Meng, the Xiangyang army and the subsequent reinforcements will all be under your command. Ling'er and I will not interfere. I have only one request: on the basis of defending Xiangyang, try to inflict as much damage as possible on the Mongol army," Zhao Hao said.

Each has their own expertise. In a military confrontation, Meng Gong is the absolute commander.

Apart from his status as a prince, Zhao Hao has no advantage in leading the army, and he naturally would not overestimate himself.

"Prince, rest assured. If Xiangyang cannot be defended, I will come to see you in advance," Meng Gong said solemnly.

"If Xiangyang really cannot be defended, I will have already died for my country, and you will not see me again," Zhao Hao said softly.

Meng Gong's body trembled, and a look of shock flashed in his eyes.

Since the Song Dynasty, it was the first time that a member of the imperial family had so genuinely demonstrated what it means to share the fate of the country.

For those still fighting to the death for this country, the existence of such a person is a great encouragement.

"Great Hero Guo, have you made any progress with the Dragon Elephant Skill?" Zhao Hao asked.

A look of shame flashed across Guo Jing's face, and he said, "Guo Jing has failed the Prince's expectations. Although I have gained some inspiration, it will still take some time, perhaps even years, to create a martial art that is more suitable for ordinary people to practice than the Dragon Elephant Skill."

Zhao Hao was not disappointed when he heard this.

Creating a martial art is not easy. Although Zhao Hao did not pursue great power, the universality alone is enough to stump most people.

And Guo Jing has never been a person of exceptional talent.

Unfortunately, now only Guo Jing is the most suitable candidate.

The Dragon Elephant Skill and the martial arts Zhao Hao practices are on different paths, and Zhao Hao is powerless in this regard.

"Haste makes waste, Great Hero Guo, there's no need to rush. General Meng, after this battle, first select some of the surviving soldiers and teach them the Dragon Elephant Skill. Once Great Hero Guo has improved it, we can gradually expand it to the entire army," Zhao Hao said.

Seeing Meng Gong's puzzled expression, Zhao Hao explained his plan to him again.

Meng Gong did not show extreme joy, but after a moment of deep thought, he said to Zhao Hao, "Prince, if this succeeds, it will be a great achievement, but there are many hidden dangers behind it. The Prince should think carefully."

With Meng Gong's insight, he naturally understood the risks involved.

"Someone must make sacrifices. We cannot just demand loyalty and patriotism from others while remaining indifferent ourselves," Zhao Hao said.

"Such a broad-minded Prince is a blessing to the people," Meng Gong bowed deeply.

"These matters will have to be handled later. The urgent task now is the battle of Xiangyang. Kublai Khan will not wait long before launching the first attack. General Meng, Great Hero Guo, each of you should perform your duties," Zhao Hao said.

"Please rest assured, Prince," Meng Gong and Guo Jing said in unison, bowing.

After Meng Gong and Guo Jing's figures disappeared, Xuan'er appeared in the room.

"Prince, my senior brother and I have created some small gadgets," Xuan'er said.

Zhao Hao's eyes lit up, and he said, "Lead the way."

Following Xuan'er through twists and turns, they arrived at the entrance of a courtyard in Xiangyang. Xuan'er's expression suddenly became very strange.

It seemed to be a mix of anticipation and fear.

"Prince, I will be cursed by ten thousand people," Xuan'er's voice was slightly choked.

PS: Thank you to Huifeiyann1994 for the two 588 rewards, and to Tangshi for the reward. Continue to vote for recommendations, hoping to reach 50,000 votes soon.

...

Previous page AD starts

Previous page AD ends