A well-disciplined army took over the small city.
The few remaining elders in the city who still had a say met with the army's commanders. After some discussion, they pledged themselves to this force. They could not keep fighting; if they did, everyone would be wiped out.
Fortunately, this army did not enter the city to wreak havoc, instead quietly setting up camp by the river.
More than twenty riders entered the small city. The young Zhang Qi had grown sturdier. His conversation brimmed with boldness and righteousness, yet when he was not paying attention, a crafty expression would slip through. Who knew what sort of teacher had produced such a student? The group wandered through the city, planning to find a tavern for wine and meat to pass the time. Wine and meat seemed to hold a natural allure for men.
Hooves clattered over the bricks and stones as the tall horses snorted and moved forward.
After many days, the small city had finally been cleaned up somewhat. Yet dark bloodstains still lingered in the corners, impossible to scrub away. The ruined houses had not yet been repaired. Many were reduced to broken walls and rubble, with only a few beams and pillars burned black as charcoal remaining. There were not many people left in the city; anyone who could leave had gone. The once-peaceful town was now steeped in deathly silence.
The greatest change was the sprawling field of unmarked graves not far outside the city gates. Wild dogs prowled about while old crows wailed like mourners.
"Those plague-ridden rebel troops! They hacked up a perfectly fine brothel into this miserable state! Damn it! If they show their faces before me, I'll split those bastards in two with one swing of my axe!"
"Cough—ptui!"
A bear-like general spat