Liu Ji, a modern homebody, awakens as a young refugee in a war-torn world resembling ancient China. The once-powerful Great Jin Dynasty is collapsing under famine, rebellion, banditry, and pressure from northern tribes. His fortunes change when he gains a system that can summon famous Chinese military commanders from history. Starting with little status or power, Liu Ji gathers capable allies, organizes defenses, and gradually builds influence in a fractured land. His rise from displaced youth to ruler depends on how well he can use the talents of legendary commanders without losing sight of the people living through the chaos around him.
Chapter 41: Five Riders Shatter a Thousand Soldiers (Part 2)
As Hua Xiong and his four companions charged toward the bandits at the foot of the mountain, Liu Ji’s heart was in his throat. When he saw the five of them clash with dozens of bandit cavalrymen, his heart leapt into his throat. But one of them said, “My lord, let me lead the charge this time! My iron staff hasn’t seen blood yet!” Hua Xiong and his four companions had just defeated nearly a thousand bandits from Weihu Fort, which greatly boosted Liu Ji’s confidence. With so many fierce generals under his command, what was there to fear from a mere bandit stronghold! Liu Ji immediately commanded the eight generals beside him in a spirited tone, “Pack up your things, round up the prisoners, and let’s march on Weihu Fort!” Fan Chong, the leader of Weihu Fort, and his second-in-command, Wen Da, fled in disarray to the foot of the mountain where the fort was located. When they took roll call, they were left speechless with despair. Weihu Fortress’s vaunted iron cavalry had lost more than half its strength, with only 14 riders remaining—and even that was only because the leader, Fan Chong, seeing the situation was dire, had fled with the remaining 14 cavalrymen before the bandit infantry had completely collapsed. Of the nearly 1,000 infantrymen Weihu Fortress had deployed, fewer than 100 managed to follow and escape back. Aside from those killed or captured, many bandits simply scattered,and it was uncertain whether they would ever return. After all, Weihu Fort had suffered such a severe blow this time that some of the lower-ranking bandits might start having second thoughts. Many of them understood the principle of “choosing a new home when the old one fails,” and they wouldn’t stake their lives solely on Weihu Fort. “Big Brother, Third Brother hasn’t come back. It looks like he’s in grave danger. Sigh—how did we end up provoking such a bunch of demons? Those five imperial cavalrymen were truly terrifying!” said Second-in-Command Wen Da gloomily. The leader, Fan Chong, gritted his teeth and said, “Let’s return to the stronghold first. We’ve hit a brick wall this time. That captain of the imperial troops might even be from some powerful aristocratic family! But since they’ve provoked us at Weihu Fortress, they won’t get off easy. No matter the cost, I’m going to wipe out that unit of imperial troops!” Second-in-Command Wen Da hesitated for a moment before saying, “Big Brother, our Weihu Fortress has suffered severe losses this time, and that group of government troops is indeed a tough opponent. We…” The First-in-Command, Fan Chong, waved his hand and said, “Let’s discuss this further back at the stronghold!”
