# Chapter 65: Where the Heart Belongs
The torrential rain awakened not just one person in the city. In Jingcheng, He Mingpei listened to the sound of the rain, feeling inexplicably agitated and unable to sleep.
Near dawn, there was continuous commotion. A guard came to report: "Your Majesty, the Yuanliao army is attacking the city!"
He Mingpei jumped up and quickly put on his armor and went out. Tang Shounian and others were already bravely fighting on the city tower.
Outside the city gate, the black mass of Yuanliao soldiers carried logs to attack the city gate. Yongzhao soldiers shot arrows like locusts toward the ground below. Soldiers carrying logs fell down only to be immediately replaced by others. Countless soldiers set up siege ladders trying to rush onto the city tower, their battle cries shaking the heavens! But looking closely, the Yuanliao army fought without any strategy. Archers shot arrows toward the city, but most arrows fell before reaching the tower, unable to block the arrows raining down from above. In no time, they suffered heavy casualties. Soldiers on the siege ladders all fell to their deaths, and those carrying logs were nearly all killed.
Xiong Han smiled and said: "With them acting so recklessly, they'll be completely wiped out in no time."
Tang Shounian also relaxed and said: "I think Xia Mancheng only knows how to act rashly. It must be that Anqing needs him to come for reinforcements, so he's trying to attack urgently!"
Chu Mu frowned and said: "Something's wrong. Xia Mancheng isn't at the city gate."
He Mingpei noticed that while there were many enemies below, they were disorganized. The corpses at the city gate were being trampled and sank into the mud.
Feng Zhao suddenly shouted: "Not good! Quickly check all four corners of the city walls!"
The southwest side of Jingcheng was a bamboo forest. Nearly all the soldiers on the city tower had rushed to the front to fight, leaving only a dozen guards here. Mancheng brought over three hundred men, changed out of the eye-catching crimson armor, and wore all black. He quietly slipped to the city wall at the edge of the bamboo forest. Dozens of elite archers drew their bows, and with a whooshing sound, shot down all the guards on the city tower. Mancheng stepped on the soft soil at the base of the city wall. His pure eyes flashed with satisfaction: As long as we can get inside, we can turn Jingcheng into a dead city! He ordered in a low voice: "Dig quickly!"
In the heavy rain, the three hundred black-clad warriors vigorously dug. Soon the soil at the base of the city wall was rapidly excavated into a deep pit like lightning striking the earth.
Mancheng was impatient, pacing back and forth constantly urging: "Faster! Faster!"
The temporary tunnel quickly extended to the other side of the city wall. Mancheng was overjoyed and was about to jump into the pit to rush to the other side.
Si Hu grabbed him tightly, persuading: "General, please don't rush. Let us go in first!"
"You scoundrel!" Mancheng couldn't break free and could only curse in a low voice: "If you don't let go, I'll kill you!"
During the struggle, dozens of soldiers had already entered one after another. Si Hu refused to let go, anxiously saying: "General, you promised me you wouldn't take risks anymore!"
Mancheng flew into a rage and shouted: "Nonsense! Who promised you anything? You—"
With rumbling sounds, the ground beneath their feet shook violently. Several soldiers who had just entered the tunnel crawled back out in panic. A soldier in the front was covered in blood. He crawled out in a panic and reported: "General, at the other end of the tunnel, countless boulders suddenly fell from the sky, blocking the entrance! Several brothers at the entrance were smashed to pieces. I haven't had time to check on the brothers who already went out..."
Mancheng was stunned. On the dark city tower, countless lanterns suddenly lit up, bright as day. Chu Mu's voice came down: "Hahaha, General Xia, your scheme has been seen through!"
Arrows flew down from the city tower like this heavy rain, pouring down relentlessly. Seeing his plan ruined, though Mancheng was indignant and unwilling to give up, he had no choice but to order a full retreat back to camp.
The Yuanliao army returned empty-handed in the heavy rain, all exhausted, cold and miserable, with thousands killed and countless wounded. Seeing everyone hungry, Mancheng ordered fires lit and meals prepared, then returned to his tent alone to sulk.
The sky gradually brightened. The heavy rain that had lasted all night stopped. Si Hu came into the tent again to ask Mancheng to eat. Mancheng was lost in thought, head in hands, and replied: "Wait a moment. I don't feel like eating right now."
Si Hu placed the food on the table and knelt down to ask for punishment: "General, if you want to blame me for stopping you, punish me. Please take care of your health!"
Mancheng looked up at him, only to see that Si Hu's cheek had also been cut by an arrow. He managed a smile and said: "What would I blame you for? If you hadn't stopped me today, I would have been smashed to pieces too." After finishing, he sighed softly, thinking about these years of campaigns. He was nothing more than a willful and incompetent person who acted recklessly. Fortunately, Zhongshan was always careful in everything, otherwise he would have died long ago. Every time he took risks and caused trouble, the good-tempered Zhongshan never blamed or reproached him.
Mancheng picked up the food and took a few bites. His entire mind was filled with Zhongshan—his earnest and serious words, his warm and caring embraces, his passionate and devoted kisses...
For some reason, the person he had been thinking about these past few days was actually Zhongshan. Every corner of the camp bore traces of him. Every object associated with him made Mancheng sentimental. Sometimes he would stare blankly at a bow Zhongshan had used for half a day.
Zhongshan always said: "Drink some soup first to warm your stomach before eating."
Mancheng took a sip of soup, but couldn't taste anything. He suddenly remembered Jin Lu's words: "...Do you know that during the time you were unconscious, Zhongshan didn't sleep a single night? He was on the verge of collapse..."
Mancheng's eyes grew hot, and he nearly shed tears.
Zhongshan, I miss you! I miss you terribly. I want to hold you tight right now!
Your presence surrounds me everywhere—in the bedding, on the pillow, on the clothes... everywhere...
Zhongshan... why aren't you by my side...
Such a spring with birds singing and grass growing, the air moist and gentle. I remember that during times like this, you always took me to play on the mountain.
At this time, Yuyin Mountain should be covered with beautiful flowers and exotic grasses...
"Your arrow strength isn't enough!"
"Zhongshan?" Mancheng looked toward the voice, only to see that the person in the distance was Zhang Zhou.
This... was the military training ground of the Dudong palace...
Zhang Zhou held an arrow on the bowstring and drew a full bow. "Watch." The moment his voice fell, the arrow flew out swiftly and pierced the heart of the straw man over a hundred paces away.
"Forget it. You're not cut out for martial training." After saying this, Zhang Zhou turned around and smiled. "You were only focused on playing with Youyou. You've probably forgotten all the blade techniques you memorized before?"
Mancheng stared at him blankly and smiled. "Are you jealous?"
Zhang Zhou didn't deny it and silently looked back at him.
"You never stay by my side. When you leave, I'm very afraid!" Mancheng's tone was full of loss. "Zhang Zhou, can't you always stay with me?"
Zhang Zhou walked over. His deep eyes were full of love and pity. He threw down the bow in his hand and embraced Mancheng, whispering: "You can be playful and reckless, but I can't be the same as you. I need revenge. I need to take back Yuanliao. I can also help you take back Anqing."
"Zhang Zhou, I don't want revenge. I don't want Anqing either. As long as you stay with me every day, that kind of life would be happiness enough."
Zhang Zhou's expression was serious, his thick brows带着 worry. "You're still young. What do you know?" Lowering his head and seeing Mancheng's downcast face, he smiled哄他: "When I become King, I'll stay with you every day."
"Really?"
"Really."
Mancheng looked at him, his eyes dimming.
"General!"
Suddenly a shout woke him up. He rubbed his sleepy eyes. He hadn't slept well last night, and after dozing off for a while, he had fallen asleep.
Mancheng saw Wei Si Hu kneeling before him with a flushed face, and the drowsiness mostly disappeared. He asked: "What's the matter?"
"General, something terrible has happened! The National Uncle has fallen in battle. Anqing can't hold on! With only General Yicheng's bravery, it's impossible to resist millions of troops! The Prince has also led the Wutao Army to go over! Marquis Shen is begging you to rush over for reinforcements!"
Mancheng's mouth fell open. After being stunned for a long while, he clenched his teeth and said: "Immediately mobilize the army to march to Anqing for reinforcements!"
Over in Jingcheng, upon learning that the Yuanliao army was rushing urgently to Anqing, the whole city celebrated. The market was restored to orderly reconstruction and repair. The Yongzhao army rewarded all soldiers and comforted the people. Everywhere showed stability and peace.
Now Anqing was already within their grasp, but when he thought about the Weizhen Army led by Xia Mancheng, He Mingpei's confidence in defeating Guangda began to waver. This Xia Mancheng not only had excellent blade techniques but also possessed a kind of magical charisma. This was perhaps because the army he led had never suffered a defeat, so the soldiers had absolute trust in him, each with firm conviction, racing forward even at death's door. It would be extremely difficult to defeat such an army! Now he was leading troops to Anqing and bringing relief supplies, undoubtedly giving the Yuanliao army an indescribably powerful support. Guangda was also arrogant and impetuous. Victory or defeat was still hard to say!
After two or three days, He Mingpei ordered Chu Mu to guard Jingcheng, and he himself led the generals to Anqing personally. Tang Shounian was broad-minded and cheerful. He had wanted to go to Anqing with Kong Fang and others last time, but He Mingpei saw that his injuries hadn't healed yet, so he kept him in Jingcheng to recover. Now that he saw He Mingpei going to Anqing personally, he insisted on going to fight the enemy, and of course, he couldn't avoid being ridiculed by Chu Mu and others, but he was used to it. After a few laughs, he stubbornly went along.
Along the way, He Mingpei was worried. Tang Shounian observed his expression and smiled to comfort him: "Brother He, by the time we reach Anqing, taking Yuanliao will be as easy as taking something from a bag! What are you worried about?"
Xiong Han said: "Your Majesty must be worried about Xia Mancheng's army."
Seeing He Mingpei nod thoughtfully, Tang Shounian laughed loudly: "That Xia Mancheng only brought ten thousand or so troops. Even if he's more capable, how could Yuanliao's tens of thousands of troops compare to our millions of mighty soldiers?"
He Mingpei said: "Everyone in Yuanliao practices martial arts and is exceptionally brave. They are by no means comparable to countries like Dudong. We must not be careless!"
Xiong Han said: "Actually, Your Majesty is overthinking this. When Zhang Zhou attacked his uncle Zhang Shun back then, he promised the people a peaceful life. Under Zhang Shun's brutal rule, the people were eager to overthrow the regime, so they all followed him. Unfortunately, this young man was first-rate at conquering the world but completely incompetent at governing it! In recent years, natural disasters have struck Yuanliao frequently, but he turned a blind eye to the people's suffering. He wantonly launched wars of aggression against Xiongzhou, Huinan, and other countries, pursuing militarism to the extreme. Although Yuanliao's territory is now unprecedentedly vast, hidden dangers lurk everywhere. Insurrections and turmoil arise one after another. Moreover, with Xia Mancheng's bloody suppression, Zhang Zhou's promises have not only failed to be fulfilled, but the people's lives have become even more miserable than during Zhang Shun's reign. People everywhere fear the Weizhen Army's iron hooves but dare not speak out. The whole of Yuanliao is filled with complaints from heaven and resentment from people. Now that Your Majesty goes to rescue them from dire suffering, they will definitely support you. Therefore..."
"So Brother He doesn't need to worry. The fate of Yuanliao under that foolish boy's rule is already exhausted!" Tang Shounian interrupted, secretly thinking to himself: If we subdue that Xia Mancheng, we'll need to put in effort to advise him to soften his murderous tendencies...
After hearing Xiong Han's words, He Mingpei felt somewhat reassured. He also instructed the generals: "We must take this as a lesson! Always remember to treat the people well..."
As they spoke, they had entered the Hanyue Mountain forest path.
This Hanyue Mountain showed the scenery of early spring. The mountainside was covered with verdant green, the wind was still, the forest quiet. Dew rolled on the leaves. The army passed through, and deer and rabbits scattered around, dew drops falling and splashing.
Wen Saoxie rushed forward, his face full of worry: "Your Majesty, although this road is a shortcut, Hanyue Mountain is covered with thick forests everywhere. I'm afraid there may be an ambush. Wouldn't it be better to go around along the river instead?"
He Mingpei was startled. He looked around and nodded: "You're right. We should be cautious!" So he ordered to turn back.
Suddenly, arrows flew out from the forest. The soldiers in front all fell down.
In that silent forest, under Si Hu's shouts, the Weizhen soldiers were like eagles emerging from dust, howling as they rushed out with spears raised and blades drawn.
The Yongzhao army was caught off guard by this sudden ambush and thrown into chaos. Wen Saoxie led the generals to charge forward and engaged Wei Si Hu in fierce combat. He Mingpei and others quickly wheeled their horses around to flee. Before they could go far, another group of dazzling soldiers burst out from the left side of the forest.
He Mingpei's heart sank. He looked up and saw a great general leading the charge, sitting on a yellow horse, in crimson armor, with elegant brows and flowing eyes—handsome enough to shake the heavens. His warm lips curved into a cold smile, confident in victory: "The mountain king has finally come out?"
Tang Shounian cried out: "Xia Mancheng!"
On Hanyue Mountain, battle cries shook the heavens. Mancheng spurred his horse into the enemy ranks. Those insignificant soldiers couldn't stop him. His twin blades moved fast as stars. Where blade light passed, flesh and blood flew. The Yongzhao army's screams and wails were endless, mixed with horse neighs and battle cries, the sound shaking mountains and lands.
Mancheng's twin blades aimed directly at He Mingpei. Xiong Han and Tang Shounian shouted: "Protect His Majesty!" They spurred their horses forward to intercept and fight Mancheng. One wielded a long spear, the other held a pair of large hammers. They attacked Mancheng together in a fierce battle. The other generals protected He Mingpei and fled toward Jingcheng.
Mancheng shouted: "Don't run, He Mingpei!" But he couldn't break free from the fight here.
Wei Si Hu swung his poleaxe, but was entangled with Wen Saoxie and others, locked in a life-and-death struggle.
Mancheng's eyes locked onto He Mingpei. His blades never stopped, moving fast as a wind wheel. He exchanged several rounds with Xiong Han, who couldn't help but break into a sweat. His spear techniques were unmatched in the entire Yongzhao army, yet he had not a single opportunity to attack, just barely managing to defend. Mancheng was secretly surprised: Impressive! Already blocked over ten of my strikes! There really are hidden dragons and crouching tigers in the Yongzhao army!
Mancheng seized an opening and broke free to chase He Mingpei. Just as he turned around, he saw Tang Shounian's right hammer swinging over. He quickly raised his blade to block. With a clang, his left虎口 went numb, and his shoulder injury spasmed painfully. He暗叹幸好 this Tang Shounian's two hammers weren't even half as powerful as Zhongshan's. But this young man's martial arts were formidable. He couldn't fight a prolonged battle. So he turned to Tang Shounian and smiled graciously: "It seems the young prince's injuries have healed quite well."
How could Tang Shounian possibly withstand such a world-shaking beautiful smile? He was completely dazzled, actually grinning foolishly and nodding involuntarily. Before he could回过神来, Mancheng had slipped away and rushed directly toward He Mingpei.
"Young prince, you..." Xiong Han was at a loss, unable to scold him. Seeing Mancheng wheel his horse toward He Mingpei, he dared not hesitate and rode after him in pursuit.
Wei Si Hu slashed at Wen Saoxie but was then entangled by three or four generals, locked in an intense fight.
Mancheng had only chased a few more steps when Wang Shou recklessly blocked his path. Mancheng flew into a rage. In just two exchanges, he cut him down. He Mingpei had already fled far ahead