Chapter 30 (1/2)
Translator: Exodus Tales
Editor: Exodus Tales
Translated by Mianbao
Edited by RED
“Then please, listen to my analysis. Brother Zhu has seen Glory Valley City for yourself. We’re lacking in rain, the stream is dry. If it wasn’t for the water dike, we wouldn’t have much harvest for this autumn, not to mention providing any rations to the East Dawn battlefield,” Zheng Yu began explaining.
While listening, Zhu Minglang observed the weather.
The sky was changing, and the unusual change in atmospheric pressure was making his chest feel tight.
This kind of feeling was usually a sign before rain. Teacher Duan Lan had started summoning the clouds…
“If our fertile, well-irrigated Glory Valley City is already in this situation, what about the poorer, less fertile Wutu?” Zheng Yu looked up, gazing right into Zhu Minglang’s eyes.
“We have no rain, and neither does Wutu,” Zhu Minglang said.
“Yes, Wutu’s systems are primitive, its agriculture backwards, and its people barbaric. With not a drop of rain in the autumn, and the winter approaching…” Speaking up until this point, loud thunder boomed in the grey skies!
Rumble!
After the loud rumble, the originally clear skies turned dim. A bolt of lightning streaked across the skies above Glory Valley City, lighting up the common folk who were waiting for rain and the old streets like fireworks.
Their faces were filled with anticipation and joy. They could already smell the rain, the source of life!
In front of the mansion, Zheng Yu didn’t move a step. He maintained a humble attitude, standing in front of Zhu Minglang.
Zhu Minglang felt a little moved inside after seeing this young city lord.
What moved him wasn’t the loud rumblings of the thunder, but what Zheng Yu had said, the angle in which he considered the current affairs.
“This war…” Waves were raised in Zhu Minglang’s heart. “… will only have one conclusion,” Zheng Yu continued in a low voice.
Zhu Minglang looked to the east.
Actually, only the little valley was covered by the dense clouds. The skies in the distance were still sunny.
Patter…
A bead of rain landed on the back of Zhu Minglang’s neck. The coolness and the wetness…
Patter…
Pitter patter pitter patter…
More and more raindrops fell, falling onto the stone slabs on the old streets, producing pleasant sounds like a keyboard.
From light to heavy, like a slow melody gradually shifting to a faster tempo. His mind was thoroughly immersed into the wonderful rain orchestra.
“It’s raining!”
“It’s raining!!!”
Cheers were heard on the streets, the residences, and the fields. People could even smell sweetness in the rain.
The rain had dispelled their depression.
The rain was like blood flowing in a dried up body, bringing the valley and the city back to life!
The people cheered from their hearts, their moods happier than the New Year celebration, or a triumphant victory in the war.
Hearing the sound of the rain that nourished the lands, and the joy in the city’s voices, Zhu Minglang stood under the eaves of the mansion, his sleeves and shoes wet from the swaying of the curtain of rain.
Meanwhile, the city lord, Zheng Yu, stood outside from the shelter of the eaves, unmoving, maintaining his humble attitude…
His hair was drenched, his clothing completely soaked, and his face was wet with rainwater, making his scholarly appearance look extra determined. His eyes were shining, highlighting his unyielding attitude.
“Why aren’t you celebrating with your people? You’ve successfully managed to delay me and let the rain fall. Even if I inform my teachers about your deeds, you can claim the rain filled up the water dike,” Zhu Minglang chuckled, looking at this hypocritical city lord.
“Brother Zhu, how long have we been talking for?” Zheng Yu asked sincerely.
“Only a few minutes.”
“Do you know that a report came from the frontlines before I met you, and a delayed report, to boot?” Zheng Yu continued.
Zhu Minglang’s expression changed slightly. -A delayed report?-
Earlier, Zheng Yu had analyzed the battle with Wutu. Zhu Minglang agreed with what he had said.
He was right; there was only one ending to this battle… they were sure to lose!
Why would Ancestral Dragon City State lose?
They clearly had superior equipment, wise commanders, and a stronghold with high walls…
But so what?
Wutu was about to face its greatest crisis.
Zhu Minglang had lived in Wutu before. He was very aware that most Wutu citizens were living day to day.
Their land was barren; being able to fill their bellies was already a tall task, let alone stocking up on resources.
It hadn’t rained once since Zhu Minglang had left Wutu. Even Glory Valley City, which had a gorge irrigating their fields, was facing a crisis after having its fields dry up and its livestock die, not to mention Wutu!
With no rain, the fields would be wasted, and the trees would wither, completely cutting off their source of food.
In the winter, with no wool to make clothes, how were they supposed to keep warm? Wutu’s winter was even harsher!
They were in a desperate situation! They had no room for survival!
This was the cause of their rebellion!
The closer to the end of autumn, the nearer it was to winter, and more Wutu citizens would realize they wouldn’t live to the new year.
It wasn’t that the rebels were coveting Ancestral Dragon City State’s fertile lands, but that they were being forced to the borders by the death god known as “Winter”. Either they broke through the firm stronghold to barely have a chance at survival, or everyone had to die in Wutu!
Superior troops, ferocious dragons, all that didn’t matter in their eyes. Their survival instincts would push the Wutu citizens like a moth drawn to flames…
They were fighting to live! Ancestral Dragon City State was only fighting for their land and pride…
Who would win, and who would lose?
There was only one way this war would end. Zheng Yu was very aware of this, and now Zhu Minglang was clear as well.
So, about that delayed report…
Glory Valley City was only twenty-five kilometers away from the front lines.
It was a city inside a valley. The people couldn’t see the plains outside, even if they climbed high up. Wutu’s rebellion army would soon arrive!
Pitter patter… pitter patter…
The sound of rain continued beating down.
The people were celebrating.
As the city lord, Zheng Yu stood in the heavy rain. He could take cover with just a single step, but he didn’t do so.
“The rain is here, but the city is done for.” Zhu Minglang finally understood why Zheng Yu couldn’t break a smile.
“Brother Zhu, you can now go inform them. Please tell your teachers to quickly bring the students away, and express my gratitude on behalf of this one surnamed Zheng. Thank them for taking pity on the people.” Zheng Yu made another deep bow to Zhu Minglang.