frightfiction Chapter 122 Citywide Mobilization
Chapter 122 Citywide Mobilization
In the afternoon sun, the streets of the ancient city were shrouded in mottled light and shadow, as if covered with a layer of golden gauze. The bluestone pavements on both sides of the street glowed with a faint luster, complementing the ancient city walls. Chen Jun stood at the gate of the city, his posture upright, his eyes deep and firm, as if he could penetrate the heavy dust of history.
General Zhang Shan's armor shone coldly in the sun. His eyes lingered on Chen Jun for a moment, and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. He knew very well that in this chaotic world, there were not many people who could have such firm beliefs. Chen Jun felt General Zhang Shan's gaze, and he was delighted, with a smug smile on his face. He took a step forward respectfully, with a hint of flattery in his voice: "General, my father is running around the city, mobilizing the residents, hoping to get them to join the ranks of defending the city."
General Zhang Shan nodded slightly, with a hint of inquiry in his eyes. He knew the plight of the people in the city and knew that it was not easy to get them to take the initiative to participate in defending the city. He pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice: "How is the effect? How many people are willing to participate in defending the city?"
Chen Jun smiled slightly, with a hint of confidence in his expression. He looked around and saw that there were no strangers around, so he lowered his voice and said softly: "General, the people in the city are living in hardship now, and many families can no longer afford to eat. But they are all loyal people. As long as they are given some food, they will naturally be willing to contribute to defending the city."
General Zhang Shan's eyes flashed with approval when he heard this. He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Okay, go and tell your father that I will order someone to distribute some of the food to the people who are willing to help defend the city."
Chen Jun was overjoyed when he heard this, and he immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, General! I'll tell my father right away!" After that, he turned around and ran towards the city. His steps were firm and powerful, as if he wanted to pass on this joy to every citizen in the city.
General Zhang Shan watched Chen Jun's back as he left, and he couldn't help but feel deeply moved. He knew that this war was undoubtedly a disaster for the people in the city. But they had no way out now. If they couldn't defeat this government army, even if they escaped, they would have to live a precarious life. He took a deep breath and shouted loudly: "Zhang Shui! Get ready quickly! Bring out a batch of food! We must help Chen Dong get more residents to defend the city together!"
Zhang Shui frowned hesitantly when he heard this. He walked up and asked hesitantly, "Brother, do you really trust the Chen family? What if they have ulterior motives..."
General Zhang Shan glared at him and said sternly, "Of course! You don't have to worry about it! Just do as I say!"
Zhang Shui nodded helplessly and turned to make arrangements. Although he still had doubts in his heart, he did not dare to say much in the face of General Zhang Shan's firm attitude. Soon, food was delivered to the city and distributed to those people who were willing to participate in defending the city.
Chen Jun was overjoyed when he heard the news. He immediately found his father Chen Dong and told him General Zhang Shan's decision. Chen Dong's eyes flashed with joy, but he soon regained his composure. He pondered for a moment and ordered: "Have someone post two notices immediately and send people to publicize it everywhere in the city. Anyone who participates in defending the city will be provided with half a pound of food every day. If you repel the attacking army, each person can also be rewarded with a few pounds of food."
Chen Jun asked in confusion: "Father, if this happens, wouldn't that help Zhang Shan and his gang of traitors? There are too many people guarding the city, and something unexpected might happen."
Chen Dong shook his head and said slowly: "Our Chen family is walking on thin ice now. If we take a wrong step, we may be doomed. According to what I know, the northwest is in chaos now. It is hard to say whether the court is capable of suppressing the rebellion there. Now we have to see the strength of these tiger troops. If they can't capture the county, why should we join them? It is better to join Zhang Shan and others in conquering a piece of land in the southwest. Maybe one day our Chen family can split the land and become a king. Mobilize these people in the city and see if they can defend the city. If the army of the prefectural city can't even capture such a city, it is not worth our service."
Chen Jun's mind suddenly became clear after hearing this. He understood his father's intention, and he even fantasized about the day when they could get a piece of land and become a king.
Soon notices were posted everywhere in the city, and the servants of the Chen family went to various roads in the city, beating gongs and drums to spread the word.
The residents who were starving in their homes heard the gongs outside and looked through the cracks in the door curiously. You know, since the rebels entered the city, they have killed many ordinary residents. These people can only hide in their homes and survive on their stored food. Some families have long been unable to afford food. They can only rely on plain water and other things to barely survive.
"Everyone, listen up! General Zhang has ordered everyone to help defend the city wall! Anyone who participates in the defense will receive half a pound of food every day! As long as we repel this wave of enemy troops, each person will be rewarded with 5 pounds of food!"
A servant of the Chen family stood at the street corner, beating a gong and making announcements. At this time, a resident finally couldn't help but come out of his room.
"Are you serious? If we just go to defend the city, we can get food?" the resident asked carefully. You know, my family is almost starving to death now, so what if I can put some food in the city? It's going to die anyway, so I might as well get some food for my family.
"Half a pound of food a day! As long as you go now, you can get it now!" The Chen family servant said with a smile. After saying this, the villagers who were waiting and watching came out.
"Is it true? Where can I get food?" More and more villagers gathered around. This kind of thing was happening on several streets in the small county town. What everyone cared about most at this time was food. They were almost starving to death, so who would care about so many things?
"Everyone, listen to me! As you all know, the corrupt court is now demanding taxes! If those troops attack, will they burn, kill and loot? Well, even those taxes will probably force you to death! So let's go to the city wall together to defend. As long as we hold on, we can continue to live! General Zhang has an order! Those who go up the city wall will have half a pound of food every day! After successfully repelling the enemy, you can be rewarded with 5 pounds of food! Everyone knows that in this situation, food is precious! Many places outside the city have starved to death!" Chen Dong had already taught the servants of the Chen family a way of speaking. For a moment, these residents responded very enthusiastically.
"Dad! Isn't it too dangerous to go up to the city wall?" A man was about to go to the city wall to get food, but his weak wife stopped him.
"We're all going to die anyway! We might as well get some food for the family! Maybe we can even do something good! The imperial army will come and they'll have to collect taxes! There's no way to escape!" The man said while gritting his teeth as he looked at his frail wife and several starving children. Now that they're locked up in the city, it's hard to even go out and dig up some wild vegetables. The family has been cornered.