Chapter 658 Subduing the Enemy
Chapter 658 Subduing the Enemy
"What kind of soldiers are you, so afraid of death? Firearms are so powerful, how come you suffered such a crushing defeat in Liaodong? It's not that the firearms are powerful, it's that you're all too cowardly," Chen Er said sternly.
Many generals blushed, feeling a slight sense of shame; indeed, some of their cowardice and fear of death were at play.
Just as Chen Er was about to continue reprimanding the generals, gunshots rang out and plumes of white smoke rose; the Shenji Battalion on the camp had opened fire.
The gunshots threw the troops surrounding the Shenji Camp into disarray. The soldiers in the formation retreated in panic, and it looked like their formation was about to collapse. Some soldiers even tried to run away.
The general of the Divine Machine Battalion on the camp looked smugly at the panicked and disorganized army.
"Father, you see, these ordinary soldiers are no match for the Shenji Battalion. Our Shenji Battalion is rigorously trained and equipped with the most advanced firearms. Our combat power is absolutely unparalleled in the world."
Wei Zhongxian nodded with satisfaction, his tense heart greatly calmed down.
"Not bad, not bad at all. I knew I hadn't misjudged you. You've done a good job as the general of the Divine Machine Battalion. Since they're all just chickens and dogs, then make arrangements to charge out and wipe them out. Most importantly, kill Chen Er. I can't quell my hatred if I don't kill him."
"Father, please wait a moment. I will make the arrangements immediately and will definitely deal with Chen Er."
The general of the Shenji Battalion had already decided to follow Wei Zhongxian to the bitter end. Chen Er was a stumbling block for Wei Zhongxian, so the general of the Shenji Battalion was going to use cannons to blast Chen Er to death and smash this stumbling block to pieces.
"Men, bring out my red cannon and bombard the area behind me! Blast everyone to smithereens!"
At the command of the Shenji Battalion General, the soldiers who were already prepared pushed the red-coated cannons to their positions in the camp.
Upon seeing the robust barrel of the red-coated cannon, the soldiers, who had been in a panic, became even more panicked and scattered in all directions, covering their heads and running away like rats.
The generals were also sweating profusely. The range of these red cannons was extremely long, and they could easily hit the spot where everyone was standing.
"Lord Chen, let's retreat ten miles each way before we talk. They've even brought out those red cannons; we're just waiting to be beaten."
"Yes, Lord Chen, look at the soldiers, they have lost all fighting spirit. If this continues, things will fall into complete chaos. Let's retreat and rest for a while."
"We need to retreat and reorganize, otherwise we will really be defeated. This is not an excuse or a way to shirk responsibility, but a real necessity. Please give the order quickly, Lord Chen, or we will be in big trouble."
The crumbling army formation was causing panic among the generals. If things continued like this, Wei Zhongxian on the city wall might shout a few words and the soldiers would surrender, which would mean utter defeat.
Wei Zhongxian looked triumphantly at the panicked soldiers outside and said to the general of the Shenji Battalion beside him, "Have your men shout a message for me."
The general of the Shenji Battalion immediately ordered several loud-voiced soldiers to stand behind Wei Zhongxian, waiting to relay his message.
“Tell them that those who surrender will not be killed, and those who capture Chen Er and bring him to justice will be promoted nine ranks for soldiers and three ranks for generals, and will be granted the title of marquis.”
Wei Zhongxian used his most effective methods: the allure of fame and fortune. Few could resist the temptation of fame and fortune, and once they were tempted, they would naturally serve Wei Zhongxian.
With this tactic, Wei Zhongxian seized power in the Ming Dynasty, making all the civil and military officials in the court extremely afraid of him. Many officials even shamelessly recognized him as their godfather and clung to Wei Zhongxian's coattails.
The general of the Divine Machine Battalion waved his hand to his subordinates, and the loud-voiced men he had arranged all started shouting.
"The Ninth Prince said that if you surrender, you will not be killed. If you capture Chen Er and present him to the emperor, soldiers will be promoted nine ranks, generals will be promoted three ranks, and they will be granted the title of Marquis."
The loud-voiced soldier shouted at the top of his lungs, with a rather earth-shattering momentum.
Upon hearing the shout, the soldiers surrounding the Shenji Battalion stopped their hasty retreat and all turned to look in Chen Er's direction.
The generals around Chen Er also looked at him with gleaming eyes, as if they had spotted prey.
"Lord Chen, you heard it too. What do you think we should do? I told you long ago that the Ninth Prince and the Divine Machine Battalion are not easy to deal with. Now that the Ninth Prince has given such a generous reward, shouldn't we take responsibility for ourselves?"
"Such a generous reward is rare indeed. If we capture Lord Chen, we can all be ennobled as marquises. These days, it's very difficult to be ennobled. Lord Chen can't blame us for wanting to secure a title for his wife and children."
"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and surround Lord Chen! If we present Lord Chen to His Majesty the Ninth Prince, everyone will enjoy wealth and honor! Hurry up!"
With a wave of their hands, the generals, their eyes gleaming with greed, surrounded Chen Er like wolves and tigers.
The Imperial Guards around Chen Er tensed up, and every one of them broke out in a cold sweat as they looked at the soldiers surging like a tide.
"Are you trying to rebel? Wei Zhongxian is just a eunuch, while we, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, represent the Emperor!"
"Anyone who dares to rebel will be killed without mercy. You'd better go back immediately and obey orders to attack the Divine Machine Battalion, or you will implicate your families."
The Imperial Guards shouted loudly, trying to control the situation, but at this moment, the greed in everyone's hearts had been unleashed, and it was impossible to control them.
"Heh heh, so what if you're a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard? I've long been fed up with you bullying bastards. And ask my men if they're willing to obey your orders to attack the Divine Machine Battalion."
"Hmph, stop trying to intimidate us with the Emperor. As long as we capture Chen Er, the Ninth Prince will still be in charge of the court, and it's not impossible that we could even replace the Emperor. Don't be naive; following Chen Er will only lead to disaster. Why don't you cooperate with us?"
Wei Zhongxian on the camp was extremely pleased with himself, holding his head high with a smug look on his face.
"Hmph, you all should learn from this: you have to subdue the enemy without fighting. Quickly bring me a chair. I want to watch Chen Er be torn to pieces and then deep-fried in oil."
Wei Zhongxian hated Chen Er to the core. If it weren't for Chen Er's meddling, Wei Zhongxian wouldn't be in such a sorry state. All of this was thanks to Chen Er.
The general of the Divine Machine Battalion, with a smile plastered on his face, said like a lackey, "Our godfather is truly brilliant. How could we possibly learn his skillful methods? His godfather is a genius, and his skills were taught by a deity."
"Haha, I love the way you talk. Your horsemanship is quite good. After dealing with Chen Er, you'll improve even further."
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