Shi Yuanhao let out a long sigh. "General Du had been spotless all his life; this was the one stain on him. He had always kept faith with loyalty and righteousness. That year, the demon race poured out in full force and besieged the three crucial cities of Worthy Prince City, Taigu City, and Northern Plains City. Taigu City had the fewest troops and was battered until barely one man in ten remained. The fighting was so brutal that the Northern Garrison Army, Yan Prefecture Army, Five Armies Commandery, Ministry of War, and even the Cabinet were all moved. Every office ordered him to abandon Taigu City and sent a First Rank expert to support him. Yet even as his children fell in battle one after another, he did not retreat a single step. It was only because Grand General King had once given him his word: hold Taigu City for three months, and the River Guard Army would surely break the demon race and march to his aid. On the evening of the ninetieth day of his defense, pale clouds of sunset filled the sky, and the western earth began to tremble. Grand General King kept his promise. Ten thousand riders shattered the demon race beneath their hooves and raced for Taigu City like a tornado."
Chai Qingtang lowered his head slightly.
As though lost in memory, Shi Yuanhao paused for a moment before continuing. "The instant the River Guard Army soldiers broke through the demon race outside the city and charged into Taigu City, General Du removed his ruined armor and silently buried his children alone. Of the entire Du Family, only General Du and his young grandson remained."
Chai Qingtang said slowly, "I was in Taigu City that year too. I was severely wounded and fell unconscious.