Chapter 115: Taishi Ci’s Disheartenment and the Night Raid [Please Subscribe]

“I am Taishi Ci. Who is the night watch commander? Open the gate at once—I have urgent matters to report to the lord,” Taishi Ci called out as he rode forward.

“Taishi Ci? Hmph, you dare return? Do you think my sword is dull?” Atop the rampart, Cheng Pu scowled in anger. He never expected Taishi Ci to have the audacity to come back.

“General Cheng, why say such things?” Taishi Ci frowned, suspicious.

“Hmph, you betrayed your lord for personal gain, informing Chu Feng of our lord’s plans. And you still have the nerve to question me?” Cheng Pu barked furiously, nearly wishing to slay him on the spot.

“Betray my lord for gain? I, Taishi Ci, stand before heaven and earth with a clear conscience. How could I be called a traitor?” Taishi Ci was somewhat vexed.

He himself did not know when he had supposedly rebelled, and added, “There must be some misunderstanding. General, open the gate and let me personally meet the lord to explain everything.”

“Hmph, I once considered your past merits, but since you insist on courting death, do not blame me.” Cheng Pu’s eyes blazed as he raised his hand. “Archers, shoot him down with volleys of arrows!”

At his command, bows were drawn.

Taishi Ci’s heart shattered. Though unclear of the cause, survival was paramount. He spurred his horse back, but the arrows had already been loosed.

In the dark of night, Taishi Ci fought desperately to defend himself.

Nevertheless, arrows found their mark in his thigh and forearm. The sharp pain made his brow furrow deeply—not only confused but burning with anger. He had served faithfully, yet Sun Ce sought his death.

Why?

If he truly wished to defect, he could have joined Chu Feng, who offered higher rank and reward.

A hundred paces away, Taishi Ci brandished his spear and shouted angrily, “Cheng Pu, tell Sun Ce this: I, Taishi Ci, have been loyal to him. Yet he has listened to slander and driven me to this fate. From this day forth, I sever all ties with him.”

“Hmph, go join Chu Feng then!” Cheng Pu snapped.

He closed his eyes, certain Taishi Ci sought sympathy only to spy within the camp—a traitor deserving execution.

Not killing him outright was mercy for past service.

Taishi Ci’s heart turned cold upon hearing this. He vaguely sensed the truth: Chu Feng had once treated him well, but Sun Jing had slandered him, and though he never accepted Chu Feng’s rewards, Sun Ce now preferred to believe Sun Jing, branding him a rebel without a word of defense.

Anger, trembling, and chill coursed through him.

His horse wandered aimlessly. The aching wounds clarified his thoughts as fresh blood dripped from them. He did not know where to turn.

Could he truly go to Chu Feng?

Would that not confirm his rebellion?

Taking a deep breath, Taishi Ci’s gaze hardened.

Sun Ce was cruel first—how could he be blamed for being disloyal?

Moreover, both had known of his rebellion, yet their actions diverged greatly. Chu Feng, aware, ordered his officers not to harm him. Sun Ce, aware, ordered his death and harassment from all sides.

During this time, Taishi Ci found Chu Feng a man of noble character, valuing talent above all.

Under Chu Feng’s command, no relatives held power.

Among the many princes of Han, few could avoid nepotism—especially the Yuan clan!

Chu Feng’s strict and fair rewards, promoting solely on merit, shone brilliantly. He was truly worthy of allegiance.

With this in mind, Taishi Ci’s eyes grew resolute as he rode straight for Pilin City.

If Sun Ce abandoned him, then let him regret it!

——

At the fourth watch, outside Pilin’s gates,

Chu Feng came barefoot, followed by a maid carrying his battle boots and robe, calling after him.

Taishi Ci was moved—Chu Feng welcomed him barefoot? What honor was this for a defeated general like himself?

“Ziyi, you… you’re injured?” Chu Feng frowned. It seemed his relationship with Sun Ce had soured.

Winning over such a fierce warrior would weaken Sun Ce and earn Chu Feng a reputation for valuing talent. With Taishi Ci as a former enemy general, it would be far easier to attract others.

“A minor wound, nothing worth mentioning,” Taishi Ci waved off casually.

Chu Feng frowned and said, “Quickly summon the camp’s doctor to tend to Ziyi’s wounds.”

At this, Taishi Ci’s heart trembled again.

Chu Feng didn’t even ask why he had come to surrender; his first concern was his well-being. Such a lord—how could he not dominate the realm? He felt he had chosen correctly.

After a while, the wounds were treated.

Chu Feng sighed with relief and said with concern, “Ziyi, you’ve been running back and forth all night; rest first. Someone, take General Taishi Ci to the command residence and ensure he is well cared for!”

“Yes, sir!” a subordinate answered.

Taishi Ci was deeply moved. Chu Feng had entrusted him with a place in the command residence—such trust! The command residence was the first to receive all intelligence; Chu Feng truly treated him as one of his own.

Taishi Ci said, “General, will you not ask why I have come? Are you not worried I’m a spy sent by Sun Ce?”

“Haha, you and I are friends. As the ancients say, ‘Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?’ I am glad you’re here—why speculate on your reasons?” Chu Feng smiled calmly.

——

“I, Taishi Ci, pay my respects to my lord. I vow to serve you faithfully, willing to die nine deaths without regret,” Taishi Ci said solemnly, clasping his fists.

Has he pledged allegiance?

Chu Feng’s heart soared with joy—his efforts were not in vain.

He believed Taishi Ci’s defection was but the beginning; others in Sun Ce’s army would follow. He must rely on Taishi Ci and at least make clear his stance to outsiders.

“Ziyi, you…” Chu Feng’s expression grew excited as he grasped Taishi Ci’s arm. “Having you is worth more than ten thousand armored soldiers. Rest and recover your wounds, and when healed, I will appoint you a general to lead troops and expand our territory.”

Taishi Ci nodded firmly. He knew his two arrow wounds needed care; only by healing could he fight well.

——

By the fifth watch, midnight passed.

The fifth watch, from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., was the darkest and weariness the deepest.

This was why night attacks often chose this time.

Sun Ce’s camp was heavy with drowsiness; after the disruptions of the third watch, by the fifth they were nearly overcome with sleep.

Nods of dozing heads appeared everywhere.

Only the crackling fire in the brazier broke the silence.

Unbeknownst to them, beneath the night shadows outside the camp,

Thousands of armored soldiers lay in ambush, each biting a leaf to silence their breath. These elite troops, led by Zhao Fan, were tasked with storming the camp.

Once they broke in, Sun Ce’s forces would be thrown into chaos—soldiers without commanders, commanders without soldiers—perfect for a decisive victory.

“General, it’s the fifth watch!” a guard glanced at the hourglass and reminded him.

Zhao Fan nodded. He had to break the deadlock now. This battle relied on surprise; if they failed to win swiftly, all would be lost.

“Generals Geng and Xin, lead your troops to approach and remove the deer antlers,” Zhao Fan ordered.

“I will have the special forces cover them; once the guards are alarmed, they will be responsible for shooting the enemy!” Zhao Fan added firmly.