Chapter 8: A Request, Empathy
Knowing that it was Feng Xiyan who was blessed by Heaven and only him can ask for the blessing, Xue Ruhong nodded. Carrying the food and drinks, he left with the other generals to carry out the orders.
After they left the commander's tent, Feng Xiyan sat behind the long table and began to write another prayer to Heaven. When he was done, he folded the paper neatly and placed it before the mirror on the altar.
Listening to the cheers outside, Feng Xiyan knelt in front of the mirror, closed his eyes, and prayed sincerely.
'I beg Heaven to bless my Feng Army and the common people.'
By the afternoon, news that the soldiers were drinking porridge spread across Xiqiang City. The people heard this and rushed to block the entrance of the barracks.
Noticing the growing crowd, Tan Pengtai ordered, "Don't let anyone in! Whoever dares to trespass into the barracks will be killed on the spot!"
Terrified by the order, the crowd hesitated.
Unlike Feng Xiyan, who treated the common people like his own children, the other generals were ruthless and strictly followed military orders. To them, the lives of the people were precious—but the lives of their comrades-in-arms were even more so.
As Tan Pengtai turned to leave, a thin man, no more than skin and bones, rushed forward, only to be blocked by the soldiers.
He tried to push his way through, but how could a man who had survived on Guanyin soil for months hope to break past trained soldiers?
Unable to get through, he suddenly knelt and pleaded, "General, please be merciful!"