Chapter 1553: Death Before Dishonor
Behind Li Chen, Wu Ban Shan replied, “This subordinate understands.”
Li Chen sighed and patted Wu Ban Shan's shoulder, saying: "General Wu, there is no war in this world that does not involve sacrifice, and the only thing we can do is to make all sacrifices worthwhile."
These conscripts, hundreds of thousands of them, most were kept in the dark, but some clever ones saw through it. It doesn't matter though, in this world right now, one person's death can provide a family with five or six years of food and shelter without worry. The court even promised to care for their children and parents. This kind of exchange, in their eyes, is worthwhile.
Wu Ban Shan's heart trembled slightly. He knew very well that Li Chen's decision would place a significant financial burden on the imperial court, something he hadn't anticipated before.
Indeed, although Li Chen was headstrong, he tried his best within his capabilities to ensure these laborers received what they deserved.
For them, money is the best reward.
Cash on delivery, even for a life, is quantifiable.
This money will only make an already difficult financial situation worse.
"Your Highness, all this effort… if it fails…"
Li Chen turned his head to look at Wu Ban Shan, saying with a hint of meaning, "Are you afraid?"
On the eve of battle, Wu Ban Shan, as the garrison commander of Yueya Pass, uttered these words. To put it bluntly, he was courting death.

At best, it will shake the morale of the troops. At worst, it will lead to a retreat before battle. Either way, it is enough to make Wu Ban Shan take a sip.

But Wu Banshan still said, which was enough to prove that in his heart, the prince wasn't such an unreasonable person.
...Indeed, Li Chen did not reprimand him but asked a question instead. ...

Wu Ban Shan bitterly smiled and said: "Actually, Your Highness, if you let this general go to the battlefield, even if facing thousands of enemies alone, this general would not frown. A true man should die wherever duty calls, there is no need for mountains everywhere. But this general is afraid, afraid that we might lose this battle. Those who die will not be just me. My life and death are as light as a feather, but I do not want to see Mount Tai collapsing before my eyes."
Li Chen nodded and said, "Your feelings, this palace can understand."
"Actually, this palace doesn't know either."
Li Chen supported his hands on the city wall, turned his head to the dumbfounded Wu Ban Shan and said: "This palace is not divine, how can I guarantee a certain victory? If I truly had that ability, this palace would have marched north a year ago, raided Langting, and drunk horses in Baikal."
"Sometimes, this palace will also think, what if I really lose? But after thinking about it for a long time, the answer I get is...I don't know."
"Things didn't get to that point, so no one knows what that situation would be like."
But there is one thing this palace knows very well, if we don't take advantage of the present while we still have a chance to strike and make the Liao army crumble, next year, when their domestic affairs stabilize, these bloody teeth will bite onto the people of our Great Qin.
"After taking a deep look at Wu Ban Shan, Li Chen said: "This palace can choose to ignore it. After all, Yueya Pass is still there. If this palace defends it, it would be nothing more than losing some silver and face, paying tribute to the Liao Kingdom. It could buy a few more years of peace. In that case, this palace would still be the carefree Prince, above ten thousand people."
"But I... don't want to."
Li Chen slapped the city wall with a resounding boom, facing the howling west wind, and said in a deep voice: "The Chinese nation, the glory of our ancestors, must absolutely not be tarnished during my reign. I would rather die than disgrace!"

(Editor in charge：novel peter pan)