The city of Anzhi was bathed in blood, with tens of thousands of corpses scattered below its walls.
General Xuanwei, Gao Le, wiped enemy blood from his face with his sleeve. "Defense Commissioner, the Chen Kingdom's attack is truly ferocious. Fortunately, you had us prepare early, or I don't know if we could have withstood this assault."
"Indeed, the commander of this siege for the Chen Kingdom clearly doesn't value his soldiers' lives."
General Zhongwu, Gao Cheng, standing nearby, echoed with lingering fear.
"The soldiers below might not know, but their generals must have received news of the grain and fodder being burned."
"With only a few days' worth of supplies, they are forced to attack desperately. This is their only way out."
Chu Chen, however, remained remarkably clean. He had not intervened in the defense.
"But if they attack so recklessly every time, we might not be able to hold out after a few more assaults," Gao Le worried, gazing down at the scene.
In this defense, only the moat outside the city was scaled once, resulting in the loss of just over a hundred soldiers, nearly five hundred archers, and over a thousand able-bodied men conscripted for defense.
Relying on the city walls and the moat, a battle loss of less than two thousand men had resulted in over twenty thousand enemy casualties. Such an outcome was only possible the first time.
From now on, without the protection of the moat, engaging in close-quarters combat directly on the city walls would gradually increase their losses.
"Don't worry. With such heavy casualties, the Chen Kingdom probably won't launch an attack this afternoon."
"When night falls, I will have a way to deal with them," Chu Chen said with a mysterious smile, showing no concern.
"In that case, this subordinate is relieved," Gao Le said, removing his helmet and grinning.
As the group observed the Chen Kingdom's camp layout from the city walls and coordinated the replenishment of defensive supplies, an urgent shout suddenly came from behind them.
"Your Highness, you cannot go up! The city walls are dangerous!"
"Get out of my way! The battle is over, what danger could there be?"
Princess Xinyue? Why was she here?
A flicker of confusion crossed Chu Chen's face as he turned to see Princess Xinyue impatiently push away the two soldiers following her.
"Xiao Chenzi!"
Upon seeing Chu Chen, Princess Xinyue's face lit up with a smile, and she hurried over.
"Uh~"
Princess Xinyue's smile froze, and her steps faltered.
She saw the hundreds of her own soldiers' corpses scattered on the city walls.
And below the walls, the fires, smoke, and even more corpses.
"Ugh~"
Unable to suppress the nausea in her stomach, Princess Xinyue vomited.
"Your Highness, are you alright?"
Chu Chen rushed over, supporting Princess Xinyue and gently patting her back.
"Why did you come up to the city walls?"
"What are you standing around for? Clean up this area quickly!"
With that, he helped Princess Xinyue into a nearby watchtower.
Gao Le, standing nearby, roared at a soldier.
"Yes, General."
Princess Xinyue felt much better only after vomiting until her stomach was empty.
Clutching Chu Chen's arm, she weakly called out, "Xiao Chenzi."
"Your servant is here," Chu Chen replied, patting her hand.
Hearing Chu Chen's voice, Princess Xinyue felt much more at ease. She looked around and realized she was no longer on the city walls.
"Were those… corpses just now?" she asked weakly after a moment of silence.
"Yes, the bodies on the walls are those of Yunyue Kingdom soldiers, and those below are from the Chen Kingdom," Chu Chen nodded, looking at her with concern.
"Is this war?"
"Yes, it's cruel, isn't it?"
"But… why?"
"This servant doesn't know, but it likely boils down to profit."
"Profit?"
Princess Xinyue struggled to sit up, leaning against Chu Chen's shoulder and gazing at his handsome face.
After a long pause, she spoke, "I just saw so many corpses, both from the Chen Kingdom and our own. But I don't want to see you among them in the future."
"No one can guarantee that. As long as there is war, as long as people exist in this world."
"Even without war, people die from various accidents."
Chu Chen sighed, his expression complex. He didn't want these bloody scenes to taint Princess Xinyue.
"Then, if you become stronger than anyone else, would you not die on the battlefield?" Princess Xinyue asked after some thought.
"It can only be said that it's highly probable, Your Highness," Chu Chen replied. "After all, war is not a fair one-on-one fight."
Chu Chen looked at Princess Xinyue helplessly, meeting her gaze. "Your Highness, you seem to have been too frightened. I'll help you back to rest properly. You'll be fine after a good sleep."
"Alright."
At this moment, Princess Xinyue was surprisingly docile, not her usual willful self, and agreed obediently.
Chu Chen breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that Princess Xinyue might have an extreme reaction after seeing such a bloody sight. Many soldiers who had been on the battlefield suffered from post-war trauma after witnessing such scenes. He didn't want Princess Xinyue to contract such an illness, as it would only lead to more trouble.
Chu Chen supported Princess Xinyue, who offered no resistance, and said, "Your servant requests Your Highness to close your eyes for now. That way, you won't have to see it as we pass."
"Okay."
Princess Xinyue obediently closed her eyes, her hands tightly gripping Chu Chen's arm.
He supported her across the city wall and down the steps.
Only then did Chu Chen say, "You can open your eyes now, Your Highness."
"Mmm."
Princess Xinyue reopened her eyes, glanced back, and said, "Then, Xiao Chenzi, take me back first."
"As you command, Your Highness."
Chu Chen escorted Princess Xinyue back to her room in the county office. During the journey, her appearance almost caused her accompanying maids to collapse from shock.
"Your Highness, get some good rest and sleep. Your servant still has military affairs to attend to." Chu Chen tucked Princess Xinyue in.
"Xiao Chenzi!" Princess Xinyue suddenly called out from behind him.
"What is it?" Chu Chen turned back, looking at her with a hint of confusion.
Princess Xinyue pulled the blanket slightly over her face, leaving only her beautiful eyes visible, her gaze averted. She whispered, "Xiao Chenzi, this princess orders you to be extra careful on the battlefield. If necessary, let other generals take your place."
"Don't you dare die, or there will be no place for Xiao Chenzi by this princess's side anymore." With that, Princess Xinyue pulled the blanket over her head.
Chu Chen was stunned for a moment, a warmth spreading through his heart. Was this willful princess actually concerned about him? This was the second time. Was she starting to care about him, this little eunuch?
Chu Chen nodded heavily, his thoughts racing, and said with a smile, "Your Highness, rest assured. Your servant is now a martial cultivator; I won't die so easily."
"When the war is over, your servant still wishes to stay by Your Highness's side, to amuse you and play with you."
"It's a deal!"
"Good, it's a deal."