Zhang Yan knew well that seeking reinforcements was futile; continuing to hold out would bring no benefit: "Go!"
He rushed to Xing'an Prefecture as soon as possible; even if the city fell, he could still save his wife and children, preventing them from being harmed by the Rong people.
"That's the spirit." Vice General Ma laughed, taking the token to deploy troops. Being one of General Xu's confidants, and feeling sympathy for Zhang Yan, he managed to mobilize five thousand elite soldiers. After briefing them, they immediately set off for Xing'an Prefecture.
But as soon as they crossed into the territory of Xing'an Prefecture, Vice General Ma regretted it. Everywhere they passed was ravaged by Rong soldiers; manors, villages, towns, counties—none remained intact.
