A Bloody Game

Yazhou's south, Pear Blossom Town.

This was a small town by the Tianshui River, with a permanent population of around five or six thousand. Located in a remote part of Qi State and on relatively flat terrain, it had rarely suffered from disasters or banditry. Moreover, You Province and Qing Prefecture lay adjacent to Yazhou, and merchant caravans traveling between the two places by way of the Tianshui River often stopped at riverside towns. The residents here lived fairly well and had some spare money at home.

But those peaceful days changed with the crushing defeat of the Ten-State Allied Army.

Passersby brought news from time to time, telling of yet more towns in Qing Prefecture and You Province being plundered.

Bandits living by robbery and looting also gradually began appearing in the wilderness around the town.

The townspeople formed their own militia to fill the void left by the disappearance of the Yazhou army. Since the place was so small, the Bureau of Military Affairs had not even stationed any Fangshi here. With the support of the local village chief and gentry, the militia was run in a convincing fashion. Not only was everyone equipped with spears and cudgels, they had also driven off refugees and bandits approaching the town several times.

That day, the lookout spotted another group approaching from the north.

He hurriedly rang the bronze bell beside him.

Along with the crisp peal of the bell, the town militia swiftly assembled.

"Defeated soldiers!"

"Bring over the chevaux-de-frise!"

The town had no walls, only a ring of fencing half a man tall. Following their training, everyone braced their spears against the rails, creating a natural line of defense. Along with barricades meant to stop a cavalry charge and archers climbing to higher ground behind them, this formation