Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

In Jincheng County, the troops led by Western Qiang King Cheliji surged forward like an unstoppable force, their campaign progressing with remarkable success. Their morale was high, and they advanced with unstoppable force, successfully capturing two or three cities within the county. The fall of these cities struck the enemy like a heavy iron fist, bringing immense pain and devastation.

As the Western Qiang troops continued to advance, cracks began to appear in the enemy's previously solid defenses, which were quickly breached. Han Sui's Jincheng Commandery was now in deep trouble. To improve this difficult situation, the commanders throughout Jincheng Commandery were anxious and had to frequently send letters to Han Sui for assistance, desperately hoping for more troops and sufficient resources to resist the Western Qiang's fierce attack.

On Dong Zhuo's side, Guo Si and Li Jue had already led the Flying Bear Army in a relentless, circuitous attack, rampaging through the territories of several rebel leaders in Zhangye and Jiuquan counties. Their swift and ferocious attack, like a torrential downpour, plunged the rebels into dire straits, forcing them to repeatedly send urgent signals for help.

Discipline in Dong Zhuo's Western Liang forces was appallingly poor, practically a complete mess. They committed murder, looting, and other atrocities wherever they went, like a pack of demons wreaking havoc on the world, inflicting untold suffering on the rebel factions. Not only did they have to withstand the enemy's fierce attacks, they also had to contend with the brutality of the Western Liang forces. They were truly trapped, trapped, and suffering.

Dong Zhuo's Li Ru's tactics of sowing discord were insidious and effective. Suspicion and distrust crept between the rebel factions, eroding trust. Meanwhile, Hua Xiong's army plundered their food and fodder. A gloomy haze descended upon Han Sui's Xiliang rebel alliance, plundering them, as if trapped in a dark abyss from which they could not escape. The situation grew increasingly critical, and the rebel factions struggled in this difficult situation, their future bleak.

Dong Zhuo led a large group of troops into the territory of Wuwei County. He encountered small groups of rebels along the way, but he wiped them out like a whirlwind without any hindrance.

Under immense pressure, Han Sui and numerous rebel leaders launched a ferocious and brutal assault on Wuwei City. The piercing blast of siege horns resounded through the air, heralding the arrival of a brutal war. The battle between Han Sui and Ma Teng was brutal and breathtaking! Ma Teng's defense of the city was incredibly difficult, and the sheer ferocity of the battle was unbearable to witness and hear. The city's young and vigorous men were nearly depleted, and even the women took up arms to join the desperate struggle. Ma Teng's sons, Ma Xiu and Ma Tie, and his nephew, Ma Dai—these young children, though still childish, shone with determination in their eyes. They resolutely took up arms and assisted Ma Teng in his siege.

In this offensive and defensive battle, Ma Teng faced unprecedented difficulties. Outside the city, the rebels surged forward like a surging tide. Their siege equipment was exceptionally sophisticated. The boulders hurled by catapults slammed into the walls like meteorites, creating a dull thud. Siege ladders were erected like a forest of trees, and the rebels climbed up like ants. The defenders within were severely undermanned and short on supplies. The sturdy walls tottered under the rebels' fierce assault, seemingly poised to collapse at any moment. Every battlement bore the brunt of the enemy's blows, crumbling bricks and stones, sending dust billowing.

Ma Teng, with a solemn expression, personally ascended the city wall. Brandishing his longsword, he shouted at the top of his lungs, inspiring the morale of every defender. His battle robe rustled in the wind, his hair disheveled, yet his bravery only became more evident. However, the rebels' onslaught grew fiercer and fiercer, and the defenders gradually became overwhelmed, facing a desperate predicament. The walls were breached at several points, allowing the rebels to swarm into the city like hungry wolves, engaging in thrilling street fighting. The two sides clashed fiercely in the narrow streets, their shouts and the clash of weapons resounding through the air. The rebels surged forward like a tide, brandishing swords and hacking furiously; the defenders resisted desperately, blocking the enemy's attacks with shields and returning the blows with swords.

Blood stained the ground, and severed limbs and arms were scattered everywhere. Every swing of the sword was accompanied by the loss of life; every resistance was accompanied by the depletion of strength. The intensity of the battle was breathtaking, as if time had stood still. The defenders fought hard against the odds, defending every inch of the city wall and every street with their lives. Some were seriously wounded, but they still gritted their teeth and persevered; some collapsed from exhaustion, but their eyes still shone with an unyielding light.

After a long and brutal day of fighting, the defenders, with their tenacious will, finally repelled the rebel attack. While Wuwei City was saved, Ma Teng and his defenders had paid a heavy price. Bloodied and exhausted, many fell on the battlefield, sacrificing their lives to defend the dignity and honor of the city.

As night fell, the atmosphere in Han Sui's tent became heavy and oppressive. Han Sui and his fellow leaders gathered here once again.

Cheng Yin and Ma Wan showed resentment on their faces, gritting their teeth and saying with great sorrow: "Marshal Han, if we don't break through Wuwei City, our lair will be destroyed! Now our army is receiving emergency documents every day. Can we still do it? If not, let's retreat!" The other leaders also echoed, and the confidence they had on their faces was gone.

Han Sui shouted at the top of his lungs, "If we retreat now, we'll be defeated one by one by Dong Zhuo's army! We can't unite as one without taking Wuwei City. If we separate now and each of us goes back to rescue, we'll only be wiped out one by one! Your territory is being invaded, but my Jincheng County is also being invaded? Two or three cities in Jincheng County have already been captured by the Western Qiang! Only by taking Wuwei and defeating Dong Zhuo can we break this deadlock! Otherwise, we will only wait for destruction!"

Liang Xing said, "General Han, our troops have suffered heavy losses and morale is low. It is really difficult to capture Wuwei City!"

Zhang Heng also continued, "Yes, General Han, we have tried our best. If this continues, I am afraid we will all die here."

Han Sui frowned, his face darkening as he spoke, "Everyone, have you forgotten why we formed this alliance? For survival! If we give up now, we'll be finished! Dong Zhuo's army will not spare any of us!"

Li Kan said worriedly, "But General Han, we really don't have the ability to continue fighting. If we continue, all our troops will be wiped out."

Han Sui gritted his teeth and said, "No! We must persevere! As long as we unite, there is still hope! Dong Zhuo is not invincible!"

Hou Xuan shook his head and said, "General Han, it's easy for you to say that. But in this situation, how can we fight against Dong Zhuo?"

Han Sui took a deep breath and said, "No matter how difficult it is, we must grit our teeth and persevere! We can't give up so easily! Otherwise, we will all die without a burial place!"

At this time, the tent fell into silence. The leaders all looked hesitant, their hearts filled with entanglement and struggle.

Meanwhile, inside Wuwei City, Ma Teng's army suffered heavy losses. Standing on the city wall, Ma Teng looked at the tragic scene with a worried look on his face, his brows furrowed tightly.

His daughter Ma Yunlu hurried over and brought some food. Ma Yunlu looked at her father and said distressedly, "Father, please eat something."

Ma Teng waved his hand and looked at Ma Yunlu, his eyes full of worry: "Yunlu, our army has suffered such heavy losses now, your father really can't bear it."

Ma Yunlu said, "Father, the brothers in the city are still fighting desperately. We can't give up."

Ma Teng sighed and said, "I know, but the situation is getting more difficult."

At this time, Ma Yunlu's brothers also came to Ma Teng. They looked at Ma Teng with concern in their eyes.

Ma Dai said, "Uncle, we will defend the city with you and will never retreat."

Ma Teng looked at them and felt a little comforted, but he still couldn't eat.

Ma Teng didn't know how much longer he could hold out, and he only hoped that reinforcements would arrive quickly to lift the siege of Wuwei. His heart was filled with anxiety and worry, and he seemed to be shrouded in an invisible pressure.