Routed and surrendered
"General, the Taiping Army is making unusual movements."
Bai Yi hurriedly delivered a piece of intelligence.
"According to intelligence gathered at the front, Huang Doufu's Taiping Army is preparing to retreat and has already begun packing their belongings."
After reading the intelligence, Qin Yan's eyes flashed with surprise.
Unexpectedly, Huang Doufu would retreat at this critical juncture!
We didn't let them get away!
Qin Yan immediately ordered, "Everyone, come out and leave these guys here."
Eight thousand people instantly surged out of the city!
On the other side, the Taiping Army, having just had a hearty meal, was preparing to withdraw.
However, the generals suddenly discovered that Huang Doufu and his two confidants had disappeared without a trace.
This made their hearts skip a beat.
"Did that guy run away?"
"Damn it, that bastard actually got away."
After checking several times, they were finally convinced that Huang Doufu had indeed escaped.
"What do we do now? Qin Yan will definitely notice what's going on here."
They will definitely come out in full force at that time.
"At this point, we have no choice but to back down. We'll just have to pin all the blame on that bastard Huang Doufu!"
"That's a good idea."
"General, the Taiping Army is really preparing to withdraw."
A scout rushed over and reported, "The Taiping Army retreated in great disarray, leaving behind a great deal of belongings."
"Could this be a trap?"
Shi Xiong kept saying!
Qin Yan released his mental perception and discovered that the Taiping Army's retreat was chaotic and disorganized.
It didn't look like a trap; it looked like an escape!
"What exactly happened?"
Qin Yan was puzzled, but now was the perfect opportunity. "Chase after them!"
He gave the order without hesitation!
There was absolutely no one else lying in ambush within a 30-kilometer radius!
Even if there were any, he could detect them in advance.
Soon!
Qin Yan and his men caught up with the Taiping Army, only to discover that they were indeed retreating in a panic.
They pushed and shoved each other, completely lacking the discipline expected of soldiers in battle.
This completely baffled everyone.
What exactly is going on?
"Kill!"
Qin Yan immediately gave the order; how could such a golden opportunity be missed?
Eight thousand men charged toward the Taiping Army with lightning speed in an instant!
"Oh no, it's the Red Shadow Army!"
Qin Yan's reputation had already resounded throughout the Taiping Army. His appearance terrified these Taiping Army, who had no generals to command, and they had no will to resist.
More than 10,000 people fled in a frantic rush, and many fell during the crush.
The relentless crowd trampled them, causing numerous casualties.
Qin Yan was even more bewildered, "Are we really that scary?"
Just as Qin Yan and his men rushed forward, some people even knelt down and surrendered!
It turned out that these guys really didn't put up any resistance.
Qin Yan frowned slightly. "Listen up, Taiping Army: those who surrender will not be killed!"
Upon hearing this, Han Cui and the others followed Qin Yan and shouted in unison.
Those who surrender will not be killed.
A deep, tsunami-like roar resounded.
More and more Taiping Army knelt on the ground, their fighting spirit waning.
Everything seemed so dramatic.
What exactly happened to you?
Qin Yan looked at a surrendered soldier and asked.
Sensing Qin Yan's gaze, the surrendered soldier trembled. "Commander Huang Doufu run away!"
Later, realizing the situation was dire, the other generals also fled.
Upon learning the situation, Qin Yan and the others exchanged bewildered glances!
It's quite rare for a commander to run away on the battlefield in this era.
It even made them feel ridiculous.
Before the battle even began, they were handed a resounding victory.
"What a talent!"
Qin Yan's mouth was practically splitting open to his ears with a wide grin!
"General, we are in a serious problem. The number of the Taiping Army who have surrendered is as high as 12,000!"
The rest are being pursued by Generals Shi Xiong and Feng Yi.
It's estimated that these Taiping Army won't be able to cause any real trouble.
But these people in front of me...!
Han Chen said in a low voice!
With 3,000 people guarding 12,000, a single mishap could lead to disaster!
"Confiscate weapons and have Lei Tong, Han Cui, and others separately supervise ordinary soldiers and officers of the Squad Leader and above!"
Any unusual movement will result in immediate execution!
Changxin City!
Inside the prisoner-of-war camp!
The Taiping Army was relatively obedient and did not cause any trouble.
"General, we've found some of the Taiping Army leaders, but most of them are hiding among the ordinary soldiers!"
Han Chen has come to report!
According to the court's usual practice, bandits who surrender voluntarily are very likely to escape punishment.
On the contrary, they would be granted amnesty, but these people were also the most fickle.
"That's natural!"
Qin Yan laughed and said, "Having tasted power, these people are naturally unwilling to take on minor official positions with no real authority."
"So, what does the general mean...?"
"Kill!"
A cold glint flashed in Qin Yan's eyes. "These people have tasted the benefits of rebellion, so naturally they will not be content to be subordinate to others."
They often rally the people to rebel again, and may even force ordinary people to join them in rebellion.
Rather than letting them repeatedly harm the world, it's better to end their lives with one stroke!
Qin Yan had a large quantity of fine wine, food, gold, and silver prepared.
The aroma of wine and meat made the hungry Taiping Army swallow hard.
His eyes were fixed intently on the food.
Qin Yan sat in the armchair and looked at everyone with a faint smile on his face.
"Do you know that treason and rebellion are punishable by the extermination of your entire family, including nine generations of your relatives!"
The sound, though not loud, was clearly heard by everyone.
This immediately caused a stir.
Everyone's face showed fear and unease.
"I know you rebelled out of desperation, so I will give you a chance."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone perked up their ears.
"Identify any thieves of Squad Leader or above in your vicinity, or report any criminal activity committed by those around you."
The general will consider reducing the sentence accordingly.
Report one person, and you'll only be sentenced to ten years of forced labor! You'll also be rewarded with a delicious meal.
Those who report others will be sentenced to one year of forced labor, rewarded with a delicious meal, and allowed to return home after one year.
Five people were reported, and they were found innocent on the spot. This general will give you travel expenses to go home.
These words immediately caused a stir.
Some were excited, some were embarrassed.
"We can begin now!"
As soon as Qin Yan finished speaking, the entire room fell into a brief silence.
Seeing that no one had reported him, the rebel officer hiding among them couldn't help but smile.
I'm reporting this!
A thin figure stood up from among the rebels, looking at Qin Yan with great restraint.
"Don't be nervous." Qin Yan smiled gently. "What's your name? Don't rush, tell me slowly!"
"Reporting to the General! My name Chen Cai!"
The man mustered his courage and pointed to one of the prisoners, saying, "He is Wang Qingliang, the commander of the Taiping Army. He is extremely cruel and has a particular fondness for abusing other men's wives."
I know of at least a hundred women who died at his hands!
"You dare show yourself!"
Wang Qingliang, standing in the crowd, glared menacingly at Chen Cai. He instantly charged towards Chen Cai, determined to take him down with him even if it meant his own death.
Pfft!
The moment the man made a move, a flash of cold light pierced his throat. Wang Qingliang clutched his neck in disbelief, blood continuously oozing from between his fingers, and then fell silent.
"Continue...!"
Qin Yan picked up a cup of tea and said calmly.