Seeing that the cloud-like aura above the city wall had thinned to almost nothing, Wei Yan felt the time was right. He swept out his hand and shouted, "Have those prisoners shout as we planned!"
At his command, the prisoners began to wail. "Brothers, surrender! Don't fight anymore! What's the point of fighting to the death? Over with the Han King, every common household has farmland. There are no harsh taxes, only a basic one-eleventh agricultural tax. Lay down your arms and return to farming, have children, and you'll never go hungry again."
"Brothers, over with the Han King, everyone can study. The government establishes schools, and children can study free of charge for three years. Even our descendants will have a chance to rise in society."
"Brothers, let's stop fighting! We keep fighting and fighting, and when we die, our families don't even receive compensation. How are the orphans and elderly parents at home supposed to survive?"
They had been taught all these lines along the way. At first, their cries were a chaotic jumble and impossible to make out, and Chen Deng and the others atop the wall had no idea what they were shouting. Gradually, however, their voices became orderly and uniform. By the time Chen Deng could hear them clearly, his face had gone deathly pale. His throat turned sweet, and he failed to hold back a mouthful of blood, which sprayed out with a wet puh.
"Prefect Chen, what's wrong!" A group of people hurriedly supported Chen Deng as he staggered.
Chen Deng gave a bleak smile and carelessly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "Xiapi is finished!"
Everyone fell silent.
"Have those prisoners transport the siege equipment!" The last wisp of cloud-like aura above the wall dispersed as well, showing that