“Damn it, just one step short! One step, and we could’ve taken the gate!”
The pirates, like rabid dogs, charged to the gate only to be shut out at the last moment. Furious, they kicked at the door in frustration.
Inside, the gate guards braced their bodies against the gate, terrified the pirates might somehow burst through. In truth, even without their weight, the gate wouldn’t have budged. If a city gate could be kicked open, it would be a disgrace to craftsmanship.
“Where’s the battering ram? Drag it from the ship and smash the gate!”
“Archers and musketeers, aim at the soldiers on the wall! Anyone who shows their head, blast them! Cover the ram!”
The pirate vanguard leader, enraged at his men’s failure, roared orders to use a battering ram to breach the gate.
Soon, dozens of pirates hauled a massive ram, charging at full speed and slamming it into the gate.
*Clang!* *Boom!*
Each collision shook the gate uncontrollably, producing deep, muffled thuds.
The crossbar bracing the gate jolted with each hit, and the guards behind were thrown into disarray, rattled and dizzy. Panic set in as they shouted, “Quick, quick, prop the gate with beams!”
The guards scrambled to wedge several thick beams against the gate. This reduced the shaking, but the relentless battering still posed a risk of breaking through if it continued.
The soldiers on the wall weren’t idle. Under their officers’ command, they fired arrows and hurled stones and logs at the pirates below, targeting those manning the ram.
Though poorly trained, the defenders had the advantage of height. Shooting arrows and dropping stones from above, they managed to hit several pirates, temporarily slowing the battering.
But the pirates were prepared. Their skilled longbowmen and musketeers quickly returned fire, targeting any soldier who dared peek over the wall.
Soon, screams rang out from the ramparts. Defenders who tried to shoot or throw stones were struck by arrows or bullets, collapsing in agony or tumbling off the wall.
The pirates swiftly suppressed the wall’s defenders.
“Smash it! Harder!”
The pirates outside went berserk, no longer using just one ram. They dragged two more from the ships, and three rams now pounded the gate relentlessly, shaking it precariously, teetering on the verge of collapse.
“Reinforcements! Reinforcements are here!”
At this critical moment, a jubilant shout echoed from within the city—their reinforcements had arrived.
The city’s garrison, alerted to the pirate attack, rushed to the gate under the command of Jiangyin County’s Clerk, Cao Fangge.
With these fresh troops and Cao Fangge’s leadership, the defenders on the wall withstood the pirates’ longbows and muskets. They resumed firing arrows, shooting muskets, and hurling stones and logs at the pirates below.
“This fortress is tough to crack. The defenders have too much of an advantage,” Matsuura Shimazaburo said grimly.
He no longer held the world in contempt as he had initially. While Ming soldiers were weak, the Ming’s national strength was formidable. Defending such a sturdy fortress, the pirates faced a steep challenge.
Even their elite Japanese warriors would pay a heavy price to take this city.
“If we’d caught them off guard and the gate guards had reacted just a bit slower, it would’ve worked. But they closed the gate, and our surprise attack failed. For a siege, we’re unprepared. We only have rams—no siege ladders or proper equipment. And now, with reinforcements arriving, it’s even harder,” Ryuzoji Nobutake nodded, his hopes of capturing Jiangyin fading.
He saw little chance of success without siege equipment, especially with only rams and now facing reinforced defenders.
“General Ryuzoji, General Matsuura, don’t be hasty. Sieging a city isn’t just about surprise attacks or brute force with rams and ladders. Though we lack siege ladders and other equipment, we have other preparations. Since I chose Jiangyin, it *will* fall,” Xu Hai said calmly, unfazed by the setback, exuding confidence.
Maye, too, remained composed.
“Other preparations?” Matsuura Shimazaburo and Ryuzoji Nobutake turned back, puzzled.
All they saw behind them were ships—no sign of anything else being unloaded, like cannons or other siege weapons.
They exchanged confused glances, baffled by Xu Hai and Maye’s calm assurance.
The pirates attacked, the defenders held, and the battle reached a stalemate.
At that moment, a large group of civilians poured toward the gate, carrying food and drink, tearfully expressing gratitude. “Soldiers, you’re working so hard, risking your lives to protect us! We’ve brought some food to show our appreciation.”
The crowd included not only young, able-bodied men but also women, children, and the elderly. They carried steaming buckets of meat stew, baskets of freshly steamed rice, trays of fragrant dishes—both meat and vegetables, hot and cold—piles of fried egg pancakes, a roasted suckling pig, and a whole roasted lamb.
The gate guards, starving from the fight, salivated at the sight and smell of the food.
“Soldiers, eat up! Fill your bellies so you have the strength to fight the pirates!”
“We didn’t bring wine since you’re in battle—it might interfere. Once you drive off the pirates, we’ll bring the good stuff!”
The civilians warmly urged the guards to enjoy the feast, explaining they’d avoided bringing alcohol to not disrupt the defense.
Cao Fangge, the county clerk, came down from the wall upon hearing of the civilians’ gesture. Seeing the people voluntarily supporting the troops, he felt a surge of morale and unity.
But to be cautious, he verified their identities. “Folks, where are you from?”
“We’re all from Yongchuan Quarter,” the civilians replied eagerly. “Lord Cao, we often see you patrolling the streets. Thanks to you, our quarter is so peaceful. We’re truly blessed.”
“Ah, Yongchuan Quarter folks! On behalf of the magistrate and the soldiers, I thank you,” Cao Fangge said, his suspicions eased. He waved the guards to let the civilians through, allowing them to bring the food to the gate for the troops.
