roccoschili Chapter 785: War Begins! War Begins!
Chapter 785: War Begins! War Begins!
The rain was pouring down, and raindrops as big as beans hit the walls of Constantinople, splashing layers of water and covering this thousand-year-old capital in a gray curtain of rain.
On the top floor of Constantinople, in the majestic imperial palace, Justinian II wore a heavy golden crown. The various gems inlaid on the crown flickered faintly in the dim candlelight.
He stood in front of the window, looking at the heavy rain outside with empty eyes. The rain meandered down the window, blurring his vision, but could not hide the fear and confusion in his eyes.
Kefu stood quietly beside him, wearing chain mail, the sword at his waist shining coldly.
As the Grand Councilor of the Arab Empire, Kefu was filled with worry when he saw the emperor's distraught appearance.
At this moment they were facing an unprecedented crisis. The Tang army's million-strong army was at the gates of the city, and the people in Constantinople were in panic and morale was low.
"Your Majesty, the people are in turmoil. Everyone is afraid of the Tang army. You should come forward and meet your knights."
Kefu's voice was low and firm, echoing in the empty palace.
Justinian slowly turned his head and looked at Kov, his eyes full of fatigue and despair.
"Can we win? Can Constantinople hold?"
His voice trembled, as if he had used up all his strength. "This is just the beginning. The Tang army's follow-up troops will be here soon. Even if I unify the West, can I really stop the Tang army?"
These questions kept him awake at night.
The former Roman Empire was a vast empire spanning Europe, Asia and Africa, with a glorious history and powerful military force. But now, facing the Tang army from the East, it seems so vulnerable.
Seeing Justinian becoming discouraged again, Kefu could only sigh helplessly.
He stepped forward, his eyes determined as he spoke, "Your Majesty, although the Tang army has a million men, we also have a considerable number of men. The logistical costs incurred by their expedition are beyond our imagination."
He paused and continued, "Besides, there are only a million Tang troops, but we in the Western countries still have tens of millions of people. The Tang army can't kill us all. As long as we can hold on, then even the Tang Dynasty can't afford to delay us."
"Your Majesty, go and inspire your soldiers. They need your courage and confidence."
Justinian II was wearing a purple imperial robe that symbolized imperial power. The gorgeous robe made him feel a little breathless.
He slowly stood up, his legs trembling slightly, and walked out of the castle unsteadily.
In the corridor leading to the city wall, the walls are covered with murals of emperors of the Roman Empire.
Justinian's eyes were drawn to the murals. It seemed as if his ancestors, the rulers who had led the empire to glory, were all watching him.
In the mural, Constantine the Great has a firm gaze, holding a scepter symbolizing victory, and leading the Roman army to expand the territory.
Justinian I, dressed in gorgeous imperial robes, stood in front of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, displaying the majesty and glory of the empire.
But when he walked to the last mural, his steps stopped involuntarily.
It was a portrait of his father, Constantine IV.
The father in the painting is holding a scepter, his eyes deep and firm, as if he is looking at his troubled son.
Justinian gazed at his father's portrait, and the past came flooding back to him.
When he was a child, his father always held him on his knees, told him the glorious history of the Roman Empire, and taught him how to become a qualified ruler.
His father told him that the Romans had an indomitable spirit and would never give up easily no matter how great the difficulties they faced.
At this moment, his father's words lingered in his ears: "Stand up, my son, and fight like a Roman emperor!"
Justinian II's back became straighter and straighter. He no longer cared about the heavy rain outside. He held the scepter tightly in his hand and strode towards the city wall.
The rain hit his face, but it couldn't extinguish the fighting spirit that was rekindled in his heart.
On the city walls, the Byzantine soldiers were on full alert.
The heavy rain soaked their armor, and the cold rain flowed into their clothes through the gaps, making them feel bitingly cold.
But they still held their weapons tightly, their eyes revealing nervousness and anxiety.
When they saw the emperor slowly walking up the city wall in the heavy rain, they were all so shocked that they were speechless.
In their impression, the emperor always hid in the deep palace, indulging in a luxurious life. He was even more timid and cowardly when facing a crisis, and wanted to abandon the city and flee many times.
But now, he appeared in this most dangerous place, facing powerful enemies together with them.
The soldiers' eyes couldn't help but feel sore, and a feeling of unprecedented emotion spread in their hearts.
"Augustus, Constantine, Justinian!"
Justinian II stood on the city wall and shouted loudly, his voice sounding particularly passionate in the rain.
"They are watching us! If the great Roman Empire is doomed to fall tonight, do not give up easily. Sharpen your sword and temper your soul. For we fight like the Romans!"
He waved his scepter, and the rain flowed down his arm. "The Roman Empire..."
He raised his hands and shouted with all his might, "Long live!"
"Long live the Roman Empire!"
The surrounding cavalrymen were infected by the emperor's passion. They raised their weapons and responded to their emperor loudly.
The shouts rose one after another, echoing in the sky above Constantinople, as if trying to break through the rain.
The soldiers' morale was completely ignited, with determination flashing in their eyes, and they were ready to fight a decisive battle with the Tang army.
And from the Tang army position not far away, loud shouts reached their ears.
The young soldiers gathered together and discussed curiously.
"What are these barbarians babblein' about?"
A young Tang army soldier scratched his head and asked curiously, his eyes full of confusion.
"Maybe they know they are going to die, so they are trying to cheer them up before they die." Another soldier said with a disdainful curl of his lips.
As the horn sounded, all the Tang army members prepared for battle.
Pei Xingjian stood in front of the formation, looking at the Qianwu cannons. The gold-plated carp marks on the cannons gleamed in the rain.
This seal is a symbol of the imperial power of the Tang Dynasty.
Pei Xingjian's eyes couldn't help but turn red, and the past flooded into his mind like a tide.
He still remembered the first time he met the young emperor who was dressed in red and looked nonchalant.
At that time, His Majesty always had a cynical smile on his face, which made people feel that he was not steady enough.
But it was such a Majesty who possessed extraordinary wisdom and courage, and led the Tang Dynasty to unprecedented glory.
He raised his hands and shouted in a trembling voice: "Long live His Majesty, long live the Tang Dynasty!"
Hearing this shout, all the young soldiers became excited and raised their hands, shouting "Long live the emperor".
When the veterans saw this scene, they were slow to join in the shouting.
They looked at the general with eyes filled with complex emotions.
Everyone knew that Pei Xingjian was calling out to the long-deceased Majesty.
Although the current emperor is also wise and powerful, he can never replace the position of the red-robed emperor in Pei Xingjian's heart.
For some reason, at this tense moment when the war was about to begin, Pei Xingjian's mind couldn't help but emerge the image of the young emperor sitting on the dragon throne with his legs crossed and looking at him with a smile.
At that time, His Majesty would joke with him, listen to his advice, and give him the most steadfast support when he encountered difficulties.
But now, he has gray hair and has experienced countless wars and hardships, but he still misses that Majesty.
He couldn't help but wonder in his heart, if His Majesty were still alive, would he let these people's children go on the Western Expedition at all costs?
The atmosphere on the battlefield at this moment was extremely tense.
Inspired by the emperor, the Byzantine soldiers were in high spirits and ready to fight a decisive battle with the Tang army.
The Tang army was well-equipped and well-trained. Under the leadership of Pei Xingjian, they were also full of confidence in this battle.
Following Pei Xingjian's order, the Tang army's Qianwu cannon roared first.
Amidst the deafening roar, shells cut through the rain and flew towards the walls of Constantinople.
The soldiers of the Byzantine Empire were shocked by the powerful firepower, but they did not retreat. Instead, they took up their weapons and prepared to meet the attack of the Tang army.
Under the cover of artillery, the Tang army's infantry began to approach the city wall, holding spears and shields and marching in orderly steps.
The Byzantine soldiers on the city wall were not to be outdone. They drew their bows and arrows and shot at the Tang army.
For a moment, arrows rained down and the two sides engaged in fierce fire.
The battle intensified, blood dyed the rain red, and corpses piled up like mountains. Standing on the city wall, Justinian II watched his soldiers fight in the blood, his heart filled with grief.