In the Crown Kingdom in the Peace Province in the Jasmine City, Yueliang Jian, the Crown Prince of the deposed government, gathered and organized his army in preparation for the last battle to free the Jasmine City from the grip of Zixin Quon, the current emperor of the Chinese Empire. Yueliang began to march with his army toward the Jasmine City and when they were three days away from reaching the walls of the Jasmine City, Yueliang delivered a memorable and heroic speech to infuse his army with enthusiasm and boost their morale significantly. Here is the full speech that Yueliang delivered to his army:
Yueliang's Enthusiastic Sermon
“In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the One and Only True God, my Creator, the Creator of humankind and the Creator of everything. Peace be upon all the prophets and messengers of Allah. Peace be upon Prophet Muhammad, the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah who was sent with the message of Islam to all mankind. Dear Chinese valorous soldiers, we are three days away from the Jasmine City where we will fight our last battle with Zixin, the evil magician. Zixin has usurped the throne of the Chinese Empire and he used illicit means to reach where he is today. He killed thousands of innocents by his evil coup. Zixin betrayed the former emperor, Wei Jian, who entrusted him with serving the Chinese nation with sincerity and devotion. Zixin has used all the resources he had to serve his selfish interests and malicious desires. By his occult magic, he generated millions of counterfeit golden taels that later brought disasters to the Chinese economy as a whole. The last battle between our heroic army and Zixin's army represents the vengeance battle in which we will avenge all those wronged by the evil acts of Zixin and his soldiers and supporters. This battle is fateful and will shape the future of the Chinese Empire for decades or even centuries thereafter. We are the camp of Truth and Zixin and his army are the camp of falsehood. Allah mentioned in the Holy Koran that Truth will ultimately defeat falsehood. Allah said in the Holy Koran: “And say thou: the truth is come, and falsehood hath vanished; verily falsehood is ever vanishing. (81)” [THK: S 17: V 81] and Allah said in another verse: “Aye! We hurl truth against falsehood, so that it braineth it, and lo! it vanisheth; and to you be the woe for that which ye utter! (18)” [THK: S 21: V 18]. Dear Chinese valorous soldiers, you left your dear families, relatives and friends and joined this army because of your love for China and the Chinese nation in addition to your willingness to support justice and fight injustice; you placed the national interests of the Chinese nation above your own personal interests; you sacrificed your souls, money, comfort and peace for the sake of reviving the Chinese nation after it has been hurt by Zixin and his soldiers; you set a noble and supreme goal of freeing China from those villains who usurped the sovereignty illegally and compulsorily; you chose not to rest until you let truth and justice be victorious. Together we will free China from Zixin and his soldiers forever. History records the achievements of great leaders and soldiers and I am certain that your contribution to the freedom of China will be remembered generation after generation.
We chose to resist Zixin and his evil plans and bring peace, justice and truth to the Chinese Empire after they vanished during the reign of Zixin. If we die, we will die as heroes who defended the glorious land of China to the best of their abilities and sacrificed their souls for the sake of the freedom of China and the Chinese people. If we live, we will live with pride and dignity and guard the noble and supreme values of China. Defeat is not an option for us in this consequential battle; either we become the victor or we all die defending China and its exalted grains of sand. China deserves our sacrifices and we are all willing to irrigate China's land with our blood. Nations do not prosper and thrive by cowards but they prosper and thrive by heroes who spend all what they have for the sake of their patriotism. History does not remember cowards but it only remembers heroes and their sacrifices and achievements.
This battle will determine the future of ourselves, our children and our loved ones. Let our swords, spears, bows and arrows drink from the blood of our enemies in order to restore our dignity that Zixin and his soldiers wounded by their atrocious coup. The blood we give in this battle will sow flowers of love and loyalty to the Chinese nation and will have the nicest fragrance. Defeat is not an option; either we become the victor or we all die. May our hopes and dreams come true and I pray to Allah to make us victorious and let us vanquish Zixin and his army. Be safe, strong and tranquil. We share one fate and you are truly great.”
After Yueliang finished his eternal sermon, a myriad of soldiers shed tears and they started to hail Yueliang and repeat his exalted words: “Defeat is not an option; either we become the victor or we all die; Defeat is not an option; either we become the victor or we all die; Defeat is not an option; either we become the victor or we all die; ...” Also they applauded Yueliang and Taiyang: “Long live Yueliang and Taiyang; Long live Yueliang and Taiyang; Long live Yueliang and Taiyang ...”
The Final Battle
Yueliang led his army toward the Jasmine City and when they reached the borders of the Jasmine City, they saw the troops of Zixin waiting for them. Zixin's army consists in total of 40000 soldiers distributed across the four gates of the Jasmine City. In other words, the army of Zixin is divided into four wings where each wing is assigned the mission of protecting one gate of the city. In each wing there are 9000 soldiers stationed to guard the respective gate. Inside the city there are 4000 soldiers to protect the interior of the city. Yueliang's army consists of 30000 soldiers in total and their morale is very high despite being less in number than their enemy. Yueliang's army reached the Jasmine City from the direction of the south so they had to confront Zixin's troops stationed at the southern gate of the city. The two armies clashed fiercely with one another. The battle started by shooting arrows from a far distance. Yueliang's army shot thousands of arrows toward the enemies and so did Zixin's army. A myriad of soldiers were killed and injured from both sides as a result of shooting arrows. Then the two armies approached one another and they clashed using swords and spears. Yueliang's army fought with matchless courage and they demonstrated exceptional heroic acts during the battle. There were victims from both sides but the death toll was higher for the army of Zixin. Yueliang fought bravely in person with Taiyang and the rest of their friends (i.e. Junjie Song, Liling Heng, Mei Shun, Mohammad Azzumurrud, Cong Fai, Ju Jianyu, Guotin Chuanli, Baozhai Aiguo and Ji Biming). They all fought with noteworthy valor, determination and enthusiasm. They killed and injured tens of the enemy's soldiers with their swords and spears. The battle was tough and exhausting for both sides.
When the soldiers of Zixin at the southern gate were exhausted and suffered a high death toll with plenty of injuries, they sought the help of the other wings of army. The other wings of the army marched toward the battlefield to confront the army of Yueliang. The army of Yueliang had strong determination to win the battle and be the victor at all costs. The battle was ablaze and so many victims fell from both sides. The battle lasted for ten consecutive days and the army of Yueliang stood firm and steadfast in confronting the army of Zixin. By the end of the tenth day, the army of Zixin had a death toll of 10000 soldiers with 5000 wounded soldiers. The army of Yueliang had a death toll of 3000 soldiers with 2000 wounded soldiers. The fear, frustration, anxiety and despair filled the hearts of the soldiers of the army of Zixin after having an expensive death toll so the leaders of the army chose to withdraw and flee from the battlefield to the plains and mountains away from the Jasmine City. However, the four gates of the Jasmine City are still closed and heavily guarded by the interior army (4000 soldiers). After the external army of Zixin withdrew and fled from the battlefield, the army of Yueliang now is comfortably stationed at the southern gate of the city waiting for the chance to burst into the Jasmine City to capture Zixin, his Imperial Family and the ministers.
The four gates of the city have airtight defense and it is very difficult for the army of Yueliang to enter under the current conditions. Yueliang decided to besiege the Jasmine City from the four gates to prevent any food supplies from entering the city so that when the food supply of Zixin and his army inside the city is depleted, Zixin is forced to surrender to Yueliang. The siege of the Jasmine City lasted for one month and there was no precursor that Zixin was going to surrender to Yueliang or the food supply of Zixin will deplete soon. Yueliang felt that there is a deep crisis that looms on the horizon. Winter is approaching and his army cannot stand the fierce coldness of winter in the open area outside the Jasmine City. Also, the rations of the army of Yueliang have become more difficult to secure and find as time passes. The scarcity of the rations will make the army of Yueliang crumble and evaporate over time. Therefore, Yueliang wanted to capture the Jasmine City in the soonest time possible but he is puzzled and perplexed how to achieve this goal. Yueliang consulted his closest friends and army leaders regarding the feasible options that are on the table.
Some leaders proposed that the army of Yueliang must withdraw without capturing the Jasmine City and they will come for a later battle after winter elapses. Yueliang did not like this idea because if his army leaves the Jasmine City without capturing it now, this will give Zixin the advantage of time to gather and reorganize his army. The army of Zixin will have the opportunity to heal and recover from this battle and become stronger in the future. Yueliang wanted a conclusive and decisive solution that will force Zixin to surrender at all costs. Yueliang opened the door for other suggestions and alternatives.
The Catapults Plan
Mohammad had a clever plan that he finally suggested to Yueliang. This plan is called the catapults plan and it is known in the Islamic history. The plan suggested that some soldiers are hurled using catapults toward the interior of the city. When those soldiers land inside the city, they will do their best to open the gate of city so that the army of Yueliang can enter quickly from the opened gate. Those soldiers might need to fight courageously the enemy's soldiers inside the city in their quest for opening the gate of the city. In Islamic history, one companion of Prophet Muhammad carried out this plan with slight variations and he manged to open the gate of the garden in which the enemies of Muslims were hiding and barricading themselves [AB-2]. The name of this companion of Prophet Muhammad is Albaraa Bin Malek (البراء بن مالك). When Albaraa Bin Malek landed in the garden of the enemies, he fought them bravely until he opened the door and was heavily wounded. History mentions that he had over eighty wounds in his body during his clash with the enemies inside the garden [AB-2]. Mohammad Azzumurrud explained the plan thoroughly to Yueliang and he was waiting for Yueliang's approval.
Here is the conversation between Mohammad and Yueliang in this regard:
Yueliang: Thank you, Mohammad, for your valuable suggestion. I see this plan is excellent if we implement it well in a way that guarantees its success. Who are the soldiers that we should hurl to the city to open the gate for us?
Mohammad: I volunteer to be one of those soldiers. I also suggest that my friends Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji are hurled with me for accomplishing this mission.
Taiyang: No, Mohammad. You are a guest in China and you should not subject yourself to such a grave danger. I do not want you to be injured or killed inside China.
Yueliang: True, Mohammad. You are our guest and guarding your safety and guaranteeing your security is our top priority.
Mohammad: My life is not more precious than the lives of my friends who will be chosen to execute this plan. If Allah wills that I will die in this mission, no one can prevent me from dying and if Allah wills that I will be safe, no one can harm me. This is the essence of believing in Allah and in the Divine Decree in Islam.
Baozhai: I like your plan, Mohammad. I am happy to be chosen for this plan along with my husband and other friends. We will do our best to fulfill the mission successfully. Yueliang, Taiyang, we will not let you down.
Yueliang: Thank you, Baozhai, for your great words. I appreciate all that which you did and will do to support my cause. Cong, Ju, Guotin, and Ji, do you agree to participate in this plan as Mohammad suggested? You will be the six soldiers who will be hurled to the city using catapults and you will do your best to open the gate of the city for us.
Cong: Certainly, count me in.
Ju: Absolutely, I am willing to sacrifice my life for the sake of Allah and for letting justice prevail again in the Chinese Empire.
Guotin: Surely I will be one of the participants in this glorious mission, Yueliang. I am always at your service and command.
Ji: Yueliang, you are my great leader and I am willing to sacrifice my soul for the sake of Allah and for helping you restore justice in the Chinese Empire.
Yueliang: Your sincere words have brought tears to my eyes. I am truly indebted to you for all what you have done for me throughout our journey. I ask Allah to reward you with the best because I am unable to reward you sufficiently in this life.
Mohammad: May Allah make us victorious. Yueliang, you have loyal and chivalrous soldiers who are willing to serve you until their last breath.
Yueliang approved the Catapults Plan and selected Mohammad, Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji to execute it. Large catapults were brought and placed near the southern wall of the Jasmine City. The six team members of this mission said their farewells to Yueliang, Taiyang, Junjie, Liling, Mei and other army leaders. The farewell was touching and Taiyang wept deeply for the parting of Mohammad. She was very afraid that her sweetheart, Mohammad, will be killed or injured in this dangerous mission. Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji felt sorry for the tears of Taiyang and they promised her to protect Mohammad to the best of their abilities because he is their guest in the Chinese Empire. The mission is about to start; the army of Yueliang is well-prepared to invade the city once the southern gate of the city is opened by the six valorous soldiers who chose to sacrifice their souls in this glorious mission. Mohammad, Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji were placed on six large adjacent catapults and were ready to be hurled to the inside of the Jasmine City. Yueliang ordered his soldiers to cut the six ropes of the six catapults simultaneously so that the six soldiers are hurled concurrently. When the ropes were cut, the six soldiers were hurled to the inside of the Jasmine City near the southern gate. When Mohammad, Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji landed, they found a small troop of the enemy's soldiers (12 soldiers) guarding the southern gate so they clashed with this small troop and were able to kill all those twelve soldiers. Mohammad and his friends moved toward the southern gate and opened it with all their power.
Unfortunately, a guarding troop from the enemy's army (50 soldiers) was patrolling near the southern gate of the city and they saw Mohammad and his friends while opening the gate so they started to shoot them with arrows. When Cong saw this troop just before they will shoot the arrows, he screamed: “Protect Mohammad, our noble teacher!” Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji quickly gathered around Mohammad and formed a human shield to protect Mohammad from the arrows. Sadly, these five heroes and heroines were shot fatally by plenty of arrows. They started to bleed heavily and fell to the ground. Mohammad was successfully protected by the majestic sacrifices of Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji. Mohammad started to weep when he saw his friends dying because they sacrificed their souls to protect him. In the meantime, Yueliang's army invaded the Jasmine City from the southern gate that was opened by Mohammad, Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji. When Yueliang entered the city, he ordered his soldiers to fight the troop that shot his friends. Yueliang's army killed all the fifty soldiers who killed his friends. Then, when Yueliang met Mohammad, he saw his five friends wounded on the ground and bleeding to death. Cong, Ju, Guotin, Baozhai and Ji were breathing their last and they said their final farewells to Mohammad, Yueliang and their other friends:
Cong: Mohammad, it is my death time. Thank you for rescuing me from Hellfire by teaching me Islam. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (Then Cong died).
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Ju: Mohammad, it is my time to meet Allah. Thank you for teaching me about Allah, my Creator. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (Then Ju died).
Guotin: Mohammad, Yueliang, my friends, do not weep. We will meet in the Hereafter in Paradise, Allah willing. See you then. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (Then Guotin died).
Baozhai: Mohammad, Yueliang, my friends, take care of yourselves. I am very happy to meet Allah and I pray to Allah to accept me as a martyr for His sake. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (Then Baozhai died).
Ji: Mohammad, Yueliang, my friends, be safe and cherish and protect the Chinese Empire. My journey in this fleeting life has ended and I am happy to meet Allah now. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (Then Ji died).
Mohammad, Yueliang, Taiyang, Junjie, Liling and Mei wept deeply for hearing these touching words from their friends before their death. They admired and appreciated the sacrifices and heroic acts of those noble, caring, loving and faithful friends. Yueliang said: “My devoted friends, your memories will live in my heart forever! I will never forget you, my heroes and heroines.” Taiyang said: “My faithful friends, history will remember you for your great sacrifices and matchless bravery.” Mohammad said: “My beloved friends, may Allah shower your souls with mercy and forgiveness and reward you with the best for sacrificing your souls to protect me. I shall be always indebted to you.” Junjie said: “The Chinese Empire will prosper and thrive as long as we have the likes of the those heroes and heroines.” Liling said: “Your memories are engraved in my heart and Chinese history will certainly remember your heroic acts. May Allah forgive you all and have mercy on you.” Mei said: “We are sad for your death but I pray to Allah to make you happy in Paradise after you met Allah. I also pray to Allah to let us meet you in Paradise in the Hereafter.”
Yueliang then took a troop from his army and headed to the Imperial Palace to capture Zixin. Upon the invasion of the Jasmine City by Yueliang's army, Zixin received the news that Yueliang could invade the city from the southern gate with his army. The companions of Zixin told him that he must flee from the Imperial Palace and hide in a safe place away from the eyes of Yueliang. Therefore, Zixin fled with his family (his wife Empress Xiulan Yongnian and their four children who are two sons and two daughters) and close companions from the secret tunnel that exists in the Imperial Palace. This secret tunnel is the same tunnel that Yueliang, Taiyang and Junjie used to flee in the night of the coup. However, when Zixin discovered this secret tunnel in the Imperial Palace, he realized that it is a valuable means for fleeing and that he and his family might need to use one day. But since the current secret tunnel is known by the Ministry of Intelligence of the deposed government, it would not be safe for Zixin and his family to use it. As a result, Zixin at that time ordered his workers to dig a new secret tunnel that branches from the current secret tunnel. This new secret tunnel will be used by Zixin and his family in case of emergency. The new secret tunnel is a top privacy concern for Zixin and only a few relevant people know about it.
Fortunately, Lijuan Shanyuan, the female spy planted in the Imperial Palace by the Ministry of Intelligence of the deposed government, knew about the news of the new secret tunnel when she was spying on Zixin and his companions. One night, when it was quiet and safe, Lijuan entered the secret tunnel from the Imperial Palace and she walked all the way until she reached the exit of the new secret tunnel. She knew the area surrounding the exit of the new secret tunnel and where it is located in the Jasmine City. Lijuan concealed this news for herself so that she can use it in the suitable time.
Now, Zixin has decided to flee with his family and companions from the new secret tunnel he dug during his reign. The new secret tunnel takes around two hours of walking from its entry to its exit. Zixin and his family entered the secret tunnel and fled. The Imperial Palace was in great turmoil and agitation expecting the attack of Yueliang at any time. Yueliang reached with his elite troop to the Imperial Palace and entered it after they fought the guards of the palace. When Yueliang entered the Imperial Palace, he was looking for Zixin everywhere but he could not find him. During this time, Lijuan came to greet Yueliang, Taiyang and Junjie and congratulate them for the exalted victory over Zixin. When Junjie saw Lijuan, he was very happy to see her after a long time and he thanked her deeply for her achievements that paved the way for their victory and success. Junjie introduced Lijuan to Yueliang and Taiyang and the rest of his friends. Lijuan said to Yueliang: “Your Highness, Zixin fled with his family and companion from a new secret tunnel that he dug during his reign. I traced the new secret tunnel one night and I know exactly where the exit of this new secret tunnel is located. I strongly recommend that you send me with a powerful troop of your army to capture Zixin and those with him at the exit of the new secret tunnel before he reaches that exit.” Yueliang said: “Of course, I will send with you the best troop in my army for this mission. I am lucky to have you in my army, Lijuan. Your heroic acts are greatly appreciated and will be remarkably rewarded.” Lijuan said: “Your Highness, your victory is my best reward. I devoted my life to serving Emperor Wei Jian and Empress Fang Huan and after they were killed, I devoted my life to serving you. I will do my best to capture Zixin as soon as possible.” Yueliang appointed Mohammad as the leader of the troop which will trace Zixin and capture him. Yueliang said: “Mohammad, you are the antithesis of Zixin and I want you to capture him.” Mohammad said: “Consider it done. May Allah make us successful in our quest.”
Then, Mohammad set out with his troop and Lijuan toward the exit of the new secret tunnel that was dug by Zixin. They rode their horses and rushed through the roads of the city to reach the exit before Zixin reaches it. Now Zixin is moving through the secret tunnel underground with his family and companions while Mohammad, Lijuan and their troop are moving through the roads of the Jasmine City above the ground. Luckily, Mohammad and his troop reached the exit of the tunnel before Zixin. This is because they used horses while Zixin and his family and companions were traveling on foot. When the troop of Mohammad reached the exit of the new secret tunnel, it was heavily guarded by 200 soldiers of Zixin. Mohammad's troop was 150 soldiers. A great battle occurred between Mohammad's troop and Zixin's troop at the exit of the new secret tunnel. Allah made Mohammad's troop victorious and they killed fifty soldiers of Zixin and wounded many others. There were thirty soldiers killed from Mohammad's troop and some were wounded. At the end, Zixin's troop were defeated by the matchless and unrivaled enthusiasm of Mohammad's troop. After the defeat, Zixin's troop fled to different scattered areas. Now, Mohammad and the remaining of his troop are alone at the exit of the new secret tunnel. Lijuan showed Mohammad and his troop the exit of the new secret tunnel. Mohammad thanked Lijuan and said to her: “Let us sit here and wait until Zixin exits with his people.” During the waiting time, Mohammad told his soldiers to clean up the battlefield and remove any corpses from the ground so that Zixin will not suspect anything when he exits the tunnel.
After half an hour, Zixin exited the tunnel with his family and companions. When he exited, he saw Mohammad with his troop waiting for him. He thought that this was the troop that he appointed to guard the new secret tunnel. After Zixin exited with his people, he moved toward Mohammad. When he was within striking distance of Mohammad and his troop. Mohammad told Zixin: “Zixin, surrender yourself to me peacefully.” Zixin said to him: “Who are you?!” Mohammad said: “I am your antithesis, Mohammad Azzumurrud. I am a soldier in Yueliang's army.” Then, Lijuan appeared suddenly to Zixin from behind the soldiers of her troop. When Lijuan appeared to Zixin, she was laughing. Zixin was shocked greatly to discover that Lijuan is a spy for Yueliang. Lijuan told Zixin: “Zixin, checkmate! It is the end of the game.” Zixin told her: “What a despicable traitor!” Lijuan said: “You are the atrocious traitor. I have been working for Emperor Wei Jian all the time and it is you who betrayed our Emperor, Wei Jian.” Zixin then unsheathed his sword and challenged Mohammad in a duel. Mohammad accepted Zixin's challenge and they started to fight each other with swords. After a staggering fight, Mohammad defeated Zixin and forced him to surrender himself. Mohammad's troop captured Zixin, his wife, his children and his companions. Mohammad returned with his captives to meet Yueliang.
When Mohammad arrived to the Imperial Palace with his captives, he entered first alone with Lijuan and told Yueliang that Zixin is captured with family and companions and they are now in a confined room in the Imperial Palace. Yueliang ordered to bring Zixin and his family and companions to meet them in person. That was a historic meeting between Yueliang and Zixin after a long series of events and battles.
When Zixin entered with his family and companions to the hall where Yueliang, Taiyang and the rest of their friends were waiting, Yueliang said to Zixin: “Welcome, Zixin Quon. Long time no see! Do you think that you can be a nefarious traitor and flee easily? The time of recompense has finally come!” Zixin said: “I am not a traitor; I am just an ambitious leader who has lofty goals and he worked hard to achieve those goals. I am your enemy but my wife and children are innocent so do not harm my wife and children.” Yueliang said: “I am a Muslim and Islam forbids killing women and children. I will not kill your wife and children as you killed my cousins and their parents ruthlessly.” Yueliang then ordered his soldiers to take Zixin and his family and companions to jail while he makes a final verdict about their destiny.
The Final Verdict
In the following days, Yueliang held a series of investigation sessions with Zixin and his family and supporters. Yueliang obtained as much information as he could from Zixin and his family and supporters about different topics such as the coup, the occult magic of Zixin that converts stones to gold, the final moments in the life of Yueliang's parents, the major leaders of the army of Zixin and other details. Zixin chose to be truthful and not misguide Yueliang because Zixin knows for sure that Yueliang is going to execute him eventually and that he will not gain much by lying to Yueliang.
Yueliang had a discussion with his friends and leaders of his army about the execution of Zixin. Yueliang said that Zixin must be executed and that he is only concerned about the method of the execution. After a long discussion, Yueliang said that he wants to kill Zixin by his hand in a sword fight between the two. Yueliang said he wants to avenge his family and all his loved ones that Zixin killed unjustly since his coup. Junjie warned Yueliang that fighting Zixin directly is dangerous for Yueliang because Zixin will strive desperately to kill Yueliang before he dies. The other friends and leaders of Yueliang's army warned Yueliang similar to Junjie about this dangerous step but Yueliang insisted on fighting Zixin by himself. Mohammad had an in-between solution to ensure the safety of Yueliang in the sword fight. Mohammad said: “I had a sword fight with Zixin before I captured him and I won the combat. Yueliang, have a sword combat with me and if you can defeat me, you can defeat Zixin with greater reason.” Yueliang liked the idea and he decided to fight Mohammad to see who is stronger. Yueliang and Mohammad had a fierce sword combat and Yueliang won the combat at the end. Therefore, Yueliang now has greater confidence that he will win the combat against Zixin.
Yueliang summoned Zixin and his wife Xiulan and declared his final verdict as follows: “For all the atrocious crimes that Zixin has committed by his heinous coup, I, Yueliang Jian, issued the final verdict regarding the fate of Zixin. I and Zixin will fight in a sword combat until death. If Zixin kills me, he will be killed directly after me. If I kill Zixin, that is his punishment that he deserves for all his evil acts. The sword combat will take place after three days from now. During these remaining three days in Zixin's life, Zixin will spend his time with his wife and children and have access to all delicious food and drinks they ask for. Xiulan Yongnian and her children will return safely to the Lightning City and live a normal life with her family there. No one is allowed to offend Xiulan and her children and they will be protected under the watchful eye of our government. This is the final verdict and it will not be changed whatsoever.” After hearing the final verdict, Zixin thanked Yueliang for his verdict that spares his wife and children. Xiulan cried of happiness and sadness at the same time. She was happy that she and her children will be forgiven and restore their normal life. However, she was sad to know that her loved husband will be executed after three days.
In the following three days, Zixin spent his time with his wife and children and he recalled the beautiful memories with Xiulan and his children before and after the coup. Xiulan had this conversation with Zixin while she was weeping:
Xiulan: Zixin, do you remember when I warned you against carrying out the coup? Look at where you ended because you rejected my advice.
Zixin: If I can go back in time, I will listen to you advice, my sweetheart. But do not deny that we together lived beautiful days as the emperor and the empress of the Chinese Empire. It was only the ending of our story that is tragic.
Xiulan: It is tragic for you mostly. Yueliang chose to spare me and your children. But I cannot imagine living without you, my only love.
Zixin: Yueliang was nobler and more generous than me. Look at how I treated his family and how he chose to treat my family. I honestly scorn myself when I compare what I did for him and what he did for me.
Xiulan: Zixin, your memories will stay with me until I die. I will never forget how we spent our life together, both bitter and sweet days.
Zixin: From now on, take care of yourself and our children and bring them up well. Protect yourself and our children to the best of your ability. Do you understand, my sweetheart?
Xiulan: Of course, I will do my best to cherish our children and take care of them and myself. Rest assured that I will make our children righteous citizens of the Chinese Empire.
Zixin: I wish you a prosperous life, my love. I love your forever, Xiulan.
Xiulan: I love forever, Zixin.
After the three days elapsed, it was the time of the sword combat between Yueliang and Zixin. People were crowded waiting to see the duel. Taiyang and the friends of Yueliang were in the first row. Xiulan also attended the battle and she is in the first row as well. Yueliang and Zixin both stood facing each other and ready to fight. The combat was the most amazing duel Yueliang and Zixin ever had. It was very fierce and each one was seeking to kill his enemy. Zixin made a desperate effort to kill Yueliang or at least wound him before he dies. Yueliang started to remember all his beloved ones that Zixin killed since his coup and he started to shed tears while fighting. He remembered his father, his mother, his uncles and aunts, his cousins, Junjie's family, his friends at the Merlin School and all the innocent people that Zixin or his followers killed. This gave Yueliang a matchless power and a strong determination to kill Zixin at any cost to avenge his loved ones. At the end of the long combat, Zixin could wound Yueliang in his arm. Yueliang did not surrender and he forced Zixin to throw his sword and stay unarmed. Yueliang then hit Zixin in his neck. This was the final hit that caused Zixin to bleed until death. Zixin died and his blood filled the ground. Yueliang raised his sword with his hand and started to say: “Allah is greater! Allah is greater! Allah is greater! Justice is the victor and injustice is the loser! Long live justice! Long live justice!” Taiyang and the friends of Yueliang started to repeat the words of Yueliang enthusiastically and they added these words: “Long live Yueliang, the Emperor the Chinese Empire! Long live Yueliang, the Emperor the Chinese Empire! Long live Yueliang, the Emperor the Chinese Empire! ...”
Taiyang and the friends of Yueliang congratulated him for his victory and safety and he was then hospitalized in the Imperial Palace to heal the wound in his arm. The reign of Zixin has ended and now the reign of Yueliang has started. Chinese people were happy for the results of the combat and they trusted the justice of Yueliang and his verdict against Zixin. They hope China will now find peace and turn the page.
Capturing the Two Traitors
Yueliang, with the aid of the Ministry of Intelligence, could capture the two traitors who betrayed the Ministry of Intelligence and handed the uncles, the aunts and the cousins of Yueliang and Taiyang to Zixin. These two traitors are: Yuanjun Manchu and Boqin Taio. Yuanjun reported Li Jian and his family and they were killed as a result while Boqin reported Laquan Jian and his family and they were also killed as a consequence. After carrying thorough investigations with them, Yueliang executed these two traitors.
Treatment of the Defiant Cities
When Yueliang overthrew the kings of the five kingdoms and called all the cities in the five kingdoms to surrender to him, some cities rejected to surrender and they chose to remain with Zixin. After the execution of Zixin, Yueliang sent messengers again to these cities asking them for the second time to surrender and threatening them of war in case they choose to be stubborn and refuse to surrender. The vast majority of these defiant cities agreed to surrender to Yueliang while a few cities rejected to do so. Yueliang sent troops from his army to punish and discipline these defiant cities. The armies of Yueliang had some battles with the leaders of these defiant cities and Yueliang's armies were victorious. Now, all the cities in the Chinese Empire bear true allegiance to Yueliang as the new emperor of the Chinese Empire.
Treatment of the Soldiers and Followers of Zixin
When dealing with the soldiers and followers of Zixin, Yueliang chose to forgive as much as he can and punish only when punishment is needed. Yueliang punished the leaders of Zixin's army and those ministers who suggested wars against Yueliang. Some were executed, some were imprisoned and some were exiled. As for the soldiers of Zixin, Yueliang realized that he needs to accommodate and assimilate them as much as possible and let them merge smoothly with his army. Had Yueliang rejected them and treated them as pure enemies, he would force them to be a destructive force in the Chinese Empire and they might turn into gangsters, bandits, or defectors. Therefore, Yueliang decided to merge them with his army after they go through a complete training for rehabilitation. Not every soldier of Zixin's army agreed to join Yueliang's army. Some soldiers decided to forsake armed forces altogether and start their own peaceful civil life away from the noise of weapons.
The Chinese nation is now united under the rule of Yueliang Jian, the Crown Prince and the legitimate heir and successor of Emperor Wei Jian. It is time for China to heal and recuperate after these years of painful wars that brought destruction, sorrow and grief to a myriad of Chinese households and divided the Chinese Empire into two enemies competing for power. It took Yueliang and Taiyang ten years after the coup to defeat Zixin and his armies and restore the usurped throne. They had many episodes of pain, sadness and calamities in addition to paying expensive sacrifices that caused them to suffer the loss of their loved ones. Life has taught Yueliang and Taiyang many valuable lessons that improved their personalities and enriched their experiences to a great extent. The values of teamwork and sacrifice were two of the most important driving forces behind achieving victory against Zixin and his army. Restoring the throne was not a breeze but demanded hard work and great sacrifices that shaped the future of Yueliang, Taiyang and the Chinese Empire as a whole. Yueliang, Taiyang, Junjie, Mohammad, Liling and Mei are now happy that their mission completed and a new episode of prosperity will start in their lives after all China is united under the rule of Yueliang.