Chapter 004: Enlistment

Wu Sangui possessed extraordinary strength, and the knife he wielded was markedly different from those of others. At that time, the Ming army cavalry stationed in the Liaodong region, primarily composed of the elite troops trained by Yuan Chonghuan, the Guanning Iron Cavalry, mostly carried lightweight sabers for ease in mounted combat. However, Wu Sangui's knife weighed an astonishing twenty pounds.

Where else can I go if not here? Zhu Bin quickly thought to himself. The laboratory of the mad scientist, Dr. Chen, was likely destroyed, and he would never be able to return in this lifetime. That said, even if he could go back, what could he do? Would he still be just a wrongfully accused murderer?

In an instant, Zhu Bin suddenly recalled a ridiculous matter: in his time, due to the death of Liu Xiangxiang, he inexplicably became a death row inmate. Yet in this era, having caused the deaths of so many under his blade, he might even be able to achieve great merit. Is this not a form of irony

"Uncle, Father." Wu Sangui suddenly thought of something and hurriedly pulled Zhu Bin, who was standing behind him, over, saying to the group, "This time in rescuing my father, this brother contributed greatly. If it weren't for him, I fear I would have perished among the chaotic troops long ago"

This is the first time Zhu Bin meets Zu Dashou, who is considered a notorious traitor. However, the traitors of the late Ming Dynasty were indeed peculiar; before their surrender, each one fought fiercely, showing a disregard for their lives, genuinely devoted to the Ming Dynasty, willing to die for it. ... Zu Dashou, Wu Sangui, Hong Chengchou ... which one was not like this

Li Zicheng! Suddenly, a name sprang to Zhu Bin's mind. If, at the critical moment of resisting the Later Jin, Li Zicheng's peasant army could temporarily halt their offensive, would the history of the late Ming Dynasty be rewritten?

Zu Dashou looked up and down at Zhu Bin a few times, noticing that this person was about the same age as his nephew. He then glanced at Wu Sangui standing beside him and, seeing these two spirited young men, couldn't help but exclaim: "Good, good, indeed heroes emerge from the youth, heroes emerge from the youth. May I ask your esteemed surname and given name, as well as your title?"

Upon seeing Wu Sangui appear before him, Zhu Bin felt a moment of emotion. He had never held any good feelings towards the infamous traitor, yet at this moment, it was Wu Sangui who had come to save him, a man who was on the verge of breaking free from encirclement but was now facing death once again

... ...

"I dare not, I am a humble person named Zhu Bin. I have long admired the great name of the general, and it is a great fortune to meet you today." Zhu Bin replied cautiously, emulating the tone of ancient scholars.

Unfortunately, Zhu Bin's horsemanship was ultimately lacking. While on horseback, he had to control the warhorse and fend off the approaching enemies, causing him to become flustered. He could see the distance between himself and the main force gradually widening, and he was on the verge of being surrounded. With no other choice, Zhu Bin reached into his bosom; at this critical moment of life and death, he could only rely on that pistol to save his life

A knight riding on horseback, wielding a twenty-pound broadsword to engage in battle with the enemy, must possess immense strength to maintain fluid movement. Moreover, at this time, Wu Sangui was not even twenty years old

General, both my father and mother have passed away, and I have no relatives left in this world. Since you have not abandoned me, I am willing to follow you and fight to the death against the bandits!" Having made up his mind, Zhu Bin quickly voiced his response.

The bloodshed of the ancient battlefield, along with the real sounds of fighting, shouts, and the clashing of weapons ringing in his ears, caused Zhu Bin, who was caught in the midst of it, to suddenly forget himself completely, unleashing all the manly vigor within him. ... Following closely behind Wu Sangui, Zhu Bin recklessly swung his knife up and down time and again ...

The knife swept through everywhere, unstoppable, and the soldiers of the Later Jin fell one after another. At this moment, Wu Sangui's wound on the bridge of his nose reopened, and a large amount of blood flowed down his nose, dyeing his face a terrifying shade of red, making him look exceedingly fearsome. The Later Jin soldiers were so intimidated by this horrifying sight and the reckless bravery of the Ming soldiers that their formation began to falter.

Thinking of this, Zhu Bin felt somewhat perplexed. There were indeed too many generals capable of fighting during the late Ming Dynasty, yet how did it fall? Besides the corruption of the court's political situation and Emperor Chongzhen's obstinacy, were there any other reasons?

Just as Zhu Bin was lost in thought, Zu Dashou spoke up: "Zhu Bin, you have made a significant contribution this time. Once I report it to the court, you will certainly receive a reward. However, I see that you still seem to be an ordinary person. I wonder if you would be interested in joining my army?"

Wu Sangui rushed to the city, and Zu Dashou had personally come out to welcome him. Upon seeing him covered in blood, he could not help but exclaim: "Well done, my worthy nephew. Among all my subordinates, none can compare to your bravery and skill in battle"

Brother, follow me! Upon seeing Zhu Bin, Wu Sangui shouted and turned his horse's head, charging outward once again.

As one of the four great generals under Yuan Chonghuan, Zu Dashou, a native of Liaodong, has served as a military leader for generations and holds a high reputation within the Ming army. He achieved great merit in several battles while assisting Yuan Chonghuan in defending Ningyuan, having defeated both Nurhaci and Huang Taiji, the two emperors. When Yuan Chonghuan was captured by Chongzhen, he even risked the lives of his entire family to protect him, and he returned to Liaodong in an attempt to save Yuan Chonghuan through military achievements. He is truly a person of great loyalty and integrity

Wu San returned at just the right moment. At that time, he saw the Ming army carve out a bloody path. Zhu Bin, who had been lying on the ground pretending to be dead, realized the opportunity had come. Seizing the moment when no one was paying attention, he hurriedly turned over and mounted his horse, breaking through alongside the Ming army.

Wu Sangui dismounted and knelt before Zu Dashou, unable to hold back his tears. Wu Xiang, standing nearby, said in anguish: "If it were not for my son sacrificing his life to save me, we would never have met again"

At this critical moment, a thunderous roar suddenly echoed from outside the battlefield: "Wu Sangui is here; those who block me shall die, and those who avoid me shall live!" In the blink of an eye, a swift horse charged in front of Zhu Bin, and the imposing knight on the horse was none other than Wu Sangui, who had returned after leaving.

With the return of Wu Sangui, the several hundred Ming soldiers also turned their guns back to support him. Under the united efforts of the Ming troops, the breach was finally broken. The Later Jin soldiers, fearing the trap of luring them into pursuit, did not dare to chase after them, ... watching helplessly as this small group of Ming soldiers swiftly retreated ...

Zu Dashou gently patted Sangui's shoulder and affectionately said, "My dear nephew, do not worry about not being wealthy; I will soon recommend you for promotion!"