Chapter 227 - Victory Again
In the end, Tang Yue didn't approve of his son's performance. Later that evening, the enemy launched another assault. Tang Yue assigned groups of five doctors to rotate between rest and duty to ensure that they could endure the prolonged strain.
Upon hearing the news, the city's medicine shop and medical center doctors hurried over. Initially, they adopted a cautious stance, but soon they realized that these mysterious doctors were all skilled in treating external injuries using unconventional methods.
Rumors began to circulate that Tang Yue had returned from the brink of death. Initially skeptical, people started to believe it only after witnessing Tang Yue save a nearly dying individual.
News of Tang Yue's remarkable feats in Ye City was kept under wraps, so the few cases that garnered attention in Ye City were now retold in Qinyang City as stories, with the locals treating them as such.
People found it hard to believe that severely injured soldiers could be rescued unless they witnessed it firsthand.
Regardless of age or experience, both senior doctors and younger assistants joined the medical team.
Though some may have entertained the idea of learning from Tang Yue surreptitiously, Tang Yue welcomed them eagerly. As long as they were willing to learn and had good intentions, he was open to teaching them.
“Young Master, please take a break. You've been standing here for six hours,” he implored as he wiped the sweat from Tang Yue's forehead. He urged him repeatedly to rest.
Taking a sip of water, Tang Yue furrowed his brow. The battle had been even more perilous than the previous day, with more casualties. He could only watch helplessly as many soldiers succumbed before receiving treatment in time. How could he stop now?
“He, go inform Xiang Ann to transfer some of the injured patients to him and let him take charge. I can't afford to die from overwork. It might be better to let Xiang Ann handle it,” he suggested.
He nodded in agreement, abandoning his tasks and rushing to make the necessary arrangements.
Tang Yue took a brief break to eat something, being careful not to consume too much liquid to avoid interruptions during surgery.
After a long and exhausting day, Tang Yue learned from the young man escorting the wounded soldiers that the enemy was launching a vigorous attack. Part of the enemy forces approached from the city gates, while the other ten thousand troops maneuvered over the hills and ridges, planning a surprise attack from the western side of Qinyang City.
Judging by the timing, this had likely been their plan from the beginning, and the initial siege the previous day was merely a trial run.
Fortunately, Yang Feng had made extensive preparations. Starting from halfway up the mountain, all the trees had been cleared, and even the tall weeds had been eradicated. Anyone descending the mountain would be easily spotted.
At the mountain's base, hunters had gathered to dig a line of traps. While it couldn't deter a vast army, it could certainly impede their progress.
As they breached the traps and entered the city, they were already fatigued and covered in wounds. At this point, it would be easier to repel their assaults.
Tang Yue even made a jest about how the mountainside resembled a freshly shaved head and advised Yang Feng to plant trees immediately after the battle to prevent potential landslides during the upcoming flood season.
“Your Highness, this location is exceedingly perilous. Your loyal subordinate shall arrange an escort for you and Crown Princess,” Wang Dingjun proposed. His eyes were red, and his spear was stained with blood.
This battle had raged on for three days and nights, with only four hours of rest each night. They had stood vigil here throughout. With the enemy's relentless assaults, Wang Dingjun felt compelled to prioritize Crown Prince Zhao's safety.
Crown Prince Zhao stood resolutely in front of the camp behind the city gate, encircled by a ring of guards. Despite his belief that cowardice was not an option, he acknowledged, “Moreover, Qinyang City is no pushover; they'll ultimately lose this battle!”
The city wall had endured numerous breaches, and outside the city gate, corpses had piled up like a mountain. The pervasive stench of blood hung in the air, causing discomfort.
Agonized cries filled the atmosphere, and the soldiers, initially gripped by fear upon entering the battlefield, had grown accustomed to the sounds. They wielded their weapons, standing firm against the enemy beyond the wall.
“Report: The enemy has suffered over ten thousand casualties, and their spirits are low. City Lord Yang suggests launching a proactive assault. Crown Prince, your decision is needed.”
Wang Dingjun scoffed, “Yang Feng truly lives up to his reputation as a daredevil. Proposing an offensive? Absolutely not!”
He cast an anxious glance at Crown Prince Zhao. While victory in this battle seemed likely, their city's defenders were outnumbered by the enemy. Their current strategic advantage relied on the city's fortified walls.
Once the city gates swung open, the outcome became uncertain. Moreover, amid the chaotic conflict, how could he guarantee Crown Prince's safety?
In Wang Dingjun's view, even if the ownership of Qinyang City changed hands, it was less important than ensuring Crown Prince's well-being.
Crown Prince Zhao shook his head and said, “We'll take the initiative to attack, but we must fortify our defenses and have City Lord Yang deploy the firearms he's prepared on the city walls.”
“Does His Highness want to use fire to attack?”
Crown Prince Zhao lifted his gaze, surveying the blood-streaked city wall, and calmly remarked, “I'm simply interested in testing whether Crown Princess's fireball can be put to use.”
Tang Yue had contemplated producing explosives over the past few years. Being an engineering student, he was well-versed in crafting both liquid and solid bombs, but ultimately abandoned the idea.
Bombs possessed excessive destructive power, which was ill-suited for this era of conventional weaponry. Once the secret formula leaked, the consequences would be immeasurable.
Although he didn't intend to provide a bomb, he did furnish Crown Prince Zhao with a method to create a fireball.
A fireball was considerably simpler than a bomb, and its lethality was significantly lower. The impact was minimal, but when the first fireball descended upon the city wall and burst midway, the effect was still substantial.
“What… is this?” A voice from behind the King of Qi's allied forces cried out in horror.
Sparks erupted, and sharp fragments of porcelain pierced into human bodies. The screams seemed unending. For a brief moment, the pile of corpses beneath the city wall gained another layer.
Observing that his soldiers were gripped by fear and hesitant to advance, the enemy commander realized their morale was lacking. Continuing the battle would only weaken their own forces, so he swiftly issued the order to retreat.
“Retreat. Fall back…”
“Fall back… the enemy is retreating… we've won…” The city wall resounded with jubilation, and the news quickly spread throughout the city.
Tang Yue also remained on Jade Glory Street for three days and nights. During the nights, he shared a hospital bed with two assistants and slept soundly.
Upon waking, his first task was to conduct rounds to assess the recovery of each patient. Then, he would proceed with new surgical procedures.
This battle resulted in the loss of nearly 2,000 soldiers. However, the number of enemies eliminated and captured was tenfold, making it a flawless defense.
Following the battle, a tally was conducted of the wounded soldiers who had been successfully treated. Aside from approximately a hundred individuals who suffered permanent disabilities, Tang Yue and his team had healed up to three thousand people—an unprecedented achievement in previous battles.
In the past, once soldiers sustained severe injuries on the battlefield, their fate was often sealed. Even minor wounds required immediate treatment; otherwise, a simple scratch could prove fatal.
This contrast was as stark as night and day. How could they not remain devoted to the Imperial Court and defend their nation with unwavering dedication?
“Following this battle, I believe the King of Qi's coalition forces will suffer significant losses and may no longer be in a position to sustain their offensive,” City Lord Yang commented while stroking his beard, a smile adorning his face.
Initially, he had presumed that Qinyang City could only hold out for a limited time without reinforcements. Unexpectedly, after two successive battles, they had managed to repel the invading forces successfully.
This time, they had inflicted a severe blow upon the enemy. Recalling the relentless rain of fireballs, City Lord Yang's heart swelled with enthusiasm.
“I've heard that Crown Princess was behind the creation of those fireballs. Is that information accurate?” Yang Feng inquired discreetly from Wang Dingjun.
Wang Dingjun had no qualms about giving Tang Yue more recognition. He responded, “It's not just fireballs. Many of our army's weapons have been enhanced by Crown Princess. Additionally, items like the ink, paper, and ink that were previously in vogue were all inventions by Crown Princess.”
“This… Crown Princess is truly extraordinary. I wonder who his mentor might be. To possess such remarkable talent!”
“There's no need to inquire about that. The one who could teach Crown Princess, such an exceptional disciple, must be a hermit-like expert. It would be disrespectful to investigate further.” Wang Dingjun fabricated a response to Yang Feng's curiosity.
Wang Dingjun was also quite intrigued by Tang Yue's background, but it was clear that the Crown Prince was well-informed. That's why he had specifically ordered the secret agents to erase any traces of Crown Princess's past, preventing anyone from uncovering the truth.
“You're correct. It's just that the quantity of fire bullets is rather limited. I've nearly exhausted my supply, and I'll have to rely on the remaining ones once again.”
“Count your blessings. The Fire Oil used for these Fire Bullets was personally concocted by Crown Princess. Her Highness places great importance on Qinyang City, which is why these Fire Bullets have been supplied to us.”
Yang Feng considered this and concurred. The primary battlefront of South Jin remained in the north. The formidable troops of North Yue were nothing to scoff at, unlike the King of Qi's coalition forces. A single strike from them could be lethal.
“I fear that North Yue may launch an attack as well,” Yang Feng lamented. When would they be able to completely subdue North Yue and free the populace from the horrors of war?
“The South Jin boasts hundreds of thousands of warriors. Defeating them won't be an easy task.”
“I hope so.”
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