In the quiet prison, there was silence everywhere. The people who were originally imprisoned here have long been released. The gray wall, the cold iron door, and the black blood on the ground are like a huge beast's mouth, quietly waiting for the arrival of prey.
Only the occasional crackle of the torches on the wall gave the place a little more life.
The sound of chaotic footsteps came, breaking the silence of the prison.
Wu Gen was barefoot, holding his knife, and strode forward in the light of the fire. Chu Xi, Hashan, Hu Yanmo, Zhang Yanpu and others followed closely behind with food boxes.
When he reached the innermost cell, where Hasan was originally imprisoned, Wu Gen stopped.
In the cell, Ha Bao's hair was disheveled, his hands were hung on the wall by iron rings, and his clothes were stained with blood.
Walking to the cell door, Wu Gen looked through the iron bars at the man who was hanging like a big goose.
Behind them, Hashan and others' eyes flickered, but they did not dare to say anything and could only wait quietly.
"Open the door." Wu Gen said softly, and his voice also raised the head of the man in the prison.
Seeing Wu Gen's arrival, the man was a little surprised, but also a little relieved. He opened his mouth but did not make a sound.
Wu Gen entered the cell and looked around, "Put it down."
So, someone put all kinds of delicacies on the table in the cell, as well as wine bottles and wine cups.
Hashan and others quickly put Ha Bao down and helped him to the table.
"The leader of the village..." Ha Bao muttered, his eyes a little wandering.
"Sit down." Wu Gen stretched out his hand to signal, and he took the lead in sitting down.
Ha Bao sat down with support on the ground, lowered his head and said nothing.
"Each of you offer a glass of wine to Ha Bao, and then go out. The room is cramped, so don't stay here." Wu Gen ordered aloud, filling the wine cup in front of Ha Bao with wine. The clear sprinkles danced, jumping for joy under the dim light of the torches.
With Chu Xi taking the lead, these people stepped forward to toast one by one. After toasting, they turned around and walked out of the cell door. After each drink, Wu Gen personally filled it up for Ha Bao.
After everyone had finished drinking, Wu Gen poured himself a glass of wine and said, "Come on, Ha Bao, I respect you."
"Fortress leader, I..." Ha Bao's hands trembled slightly as he picked up his own wine cup.
Wu Gen waved his hand, drank it all in one gulp, reached out and grabbed a handful of beans and stuffed it into his mouth, "Ha Bao, the first time we met was in Shixing Village."
"Yes, I made a mistake and spoke arrogantly, so I was punished by the leader of the village." Ha Bao smiled miserably and his eyes were a little red.
"Yes, such a long time has passed by so fast." Wu Gen was also quite emotional, reaching out and picking up a few pieces of rabbit meat for Ha Bao, "Come on, eat, and press your stomach, otherwise the cold wine will be intoxicating."
"I wish I was drunk at this time. When I woke up, I would be back to before." Ha Bao obviously had no appetite and only put a small piece of meat into his mouth.
"In this life, a person's name is like a dream, and he can tell when he is awake and when he is dreaming." Wu Gen took a piece of fish into his belly and couldn't help but nodded, "This fish is good, come and try it. Not today." Let’s talk about other things, just have a drink.”
At this time, Ha Bao also let go, munching on the dishes and pouring Wu Gen a drink from time to time. Everything in the room became more alive.
The two chatted while eating, and Wu Gen recalled how he started from Shixing Village, worked hard, and finally established Shixing, Lingyun, and Renfa Villages. Then he recounted what he had done in Iron Hand Province, and when he talked about the thrilling parts, Ha Bao couldn't help but click his tongue.
After chatting for half an hour, the outsider had added wine three times in a row, and the two of them were still enjoying their conversation.
"Fortress leader, now the fearless army is strong enough, but it needs to go to sea." Ha Bao's face was a little red, he grabbed a leg of mutton and asked while chewing.
"We have to wait a little longer. I plan to take over the territory of Shule Province south of Liangzhe Mountain. In this way, Zuoheng Road and Liangzhe Mountain will be integrated into one. Based on this, our army can have sufficient personnel and Pay taxes and march to the sea." Wu Gen dipped his hand in wine and drew the terrain and the location of Hengmen Port for Ha Bao.
"When everything is in order and the navy is ready, you should kill yourself towards Tianyuanzhou and Beizhou. Let me tell you, there are people on the sea
What's strange is that even on the land over there, the scenery is very different from Kuntian Continent. Wu Gen's eyes were shining as he outlined his plan to Ha Bao and told him about the wonders of Beizhou and other places.
Whether it was the Fuming Pass built by himself, the huge city walls of the garrison, the mysterious and terrifying fog, or the magnificent mountains and rivers of various countries, they were all described to Ha Bao one by one.
Before you know it, the wine in the pot is empty. Wu Gen poured a glass of wine for Ha Bao and himself. Looking at the empty bottom of the pot, he couldn't help but sigh. Put down the wine bottle and brighten the already dim candle.
Ha Bao was already drunk at this time, lying on the table and clenching his fists. I can't help but feel heartbroken when I think that such a magnificent prospect that Wu Gen depicts has no chance to meet me.
"Captain, Ha Bao made a mistake. He made the old men like Zuo Heng Lu unable to hold their heads high in the army, and you also lost face." Ha Bao lay on the table and burst into tears.
Wu Gen sighed and patted Ha Bao on the shoulder, "Originally, I thought that people who have shared weal and woe will still be old friends when they come back with rice wine in hand, but I was wrong this time.
I shouldn't have listened to Yang Zheng and used the tribulation to try to gauge people's hearts. Ning Yuxi is right, people's hearts really can't be tested over and over again. I'm sorry for this, and I let you embark on this road of no return.
In fact, from your point of view, this choice is never wrong. Who doesn't want to have a beautiful girl in his arms, who doesn't want to be dignified in front of others, and who doesn't want to dominate one party.
But it’s okay. If you lose the bet, just accept it. As for face, everything is false, and it is just asking for trouble. In life, you sometimes smile at others, sometimes you smile at others, and in the end you are just a few thin boards. "
Hearing the meaning of Wu Gen's words, Ha Bao stared at the candlelight on the table, suddenly raised his head and said, "Captain, Ha Bao is willing to sacrifice his life to kill the enemy to atone for his sins."
Wu Gen smiled and shook his head, "There are many ways to atone for your sins, and you don't necessarily have to go into battle to kill the enemy. If you can teach others a lesson, it is also a great kindness. Ha Bao, this wine, just think of it as my farewell to you. .”
"I understand, village leader, Ha Bao died with no regrets, but I can't accompany you to build a career, travel across the continents, and create a grand hegemony." Ha Bao grabbed the last glass of wine and seemed reluctant to drink it in one gulp. Drink slowly and little by little.
Wu Gen also drank the drink gently, patted his legs and sighed, "The so-called achievements are just for a moment. Not to mention a thousand years, just after a hundred years, the hegemony will turn into dust and the grand plans will be empty. Ha Bao, it's getting late. I have to leave too. I asked them to prepare steamed buns. Eat a few so you won’t be hungry on the way."
Ha Bao looked at the bowl-sized steamed buns next to him, stretched out his hand tremblingly, grabbed one and brought it to his mouth. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I ate it in big mouthfuls.
"False thoughts lead to illness, and past events lead to mourning. Ye Luojun heard who complained. Wait and see, the red paper has faded, the white walls are dyed green, right and wrong, success or failure are all lies. But when you see the mountains in the distance, the clouds are chaotic, the dawn The mountains are green..." Listening to the chewing sound of Ha Bao, Wu Gen looked sad, patted his legs, and sang a little song he had heard from Yunyuntang.
Outside the cell, Chu Xi, who was hiding in the neighboring room, felt sad. Hu Yanmo and Zhang Yanpu lowered their heads. Only Hashan was in tears.
The next day, there was a deserted ridge outside Lingyun City. Many fearless soldiers who died due to the previous drastic change on Zuoheng Road were buried here. Zhong Lei and others were also buried here.
At this time, in front of the cemetery, more than 10,000 people from the fearless army and the newly arrived navy in the city surrounded this small mass grave. There was silence everywhere, everyone pursed their lips tightly, only the mountain wind blew, and they cried quietly.
A large pit had been dug in front of the tomb of Zhong Lei and others, and four swordsmen and axemen were standing in front of the pit. Near the pit, four furnaces were set up, with fireworks rising, and a craftsman was throwing ingots of dazzling gold into the furnaces.
Suddenly, there was a slight commotion in the team. Wu Gen came here with a group of generals and walked step by step to the handsome chair that had been arranged.
Everyone's eyes followed Wu Gen's figure. Today, the army suddenly issued an order. The entire army rushed here and heard that a military lieutenant colonel was going to be dealt with.
Except for the veterans of the Fearless Army, these sharks are all a little curious. Among the Fearless Army, the captain is second only to Wu Gen. What kind of person is he? What kind of mistake has he made? In front of so many people Disposed of in public.
"Fortress leader, let's start." Chu Xi said to
Wu Gen bowed and said.
"Let's get started." Wu Gen sat on the chair, looking tired and closing his eyes slightly.
Chu Xi stood in front of the pit, holding the iconic iron ruler tightly in his hand, "Everyone, we are gathered here today to deal with a criminal in the army.
This person is a veteran in the military, and none of the people present, including the military commander, have such qualifications. This man had great military exploits. When the Fearless Army was founded, he followed the leader of the village to kill in the east and attack in the west. This person occupies a high position and is the captain of our fearless army, Zuoheng Road.
But it was such a person who yearned for glitz, and when the leader of the village was at sea, he listened to slander and repeatedly committed serious crimes.
Among them, those who accepted his orders, but did not think about defending their territory, surrendered to others, and committed the crime of rebellion. Killing Pao Ze, imprisoning his colleagues, chasing away loyal men, and committing the crime of a mad army. Acting extravagantly, being a villain, disregarding the life and death of officials, and committing crimes against the party and the army. He complains a lot, is stubborn and difficult to control, and commits the crime of rebelling. Acting in a flamboyant manner, greedy for merit and disdainful of righteousness, committing the crime of underestimating the army.
These five crimes are all crimes punishable by death in the military discipline of the Fearless Army. Today, under the command of the village master, I killed this thief in public, to comfort Paoze who died in vain, and to bring him up in order to maintain the discipline of the army. "
Soon, someone escorted the ashen-faced Ha Bao to the crowd. At this time, his clothes were disheveled and he had long lost his former majesty. He was almost dragged forward by the executioner.
"It must be executed in public." Chu Xi stepped forward to ask for instructions. According to the original discussion, Wu Gen wanted to announce in public that Ha Bao would be sentenced to death as a warning to the entire army.
Wu Gen opened his eyes and suddenly felt lifeless, "No need, just take him directly to the pit. Don't behead him, leave his body intact. By the way, take Qi Yue's head and put it together." In the pit, let him and his wife be reunited after death. Besides, since he loves glitz and glitz and can't live with it while alive, he will give him a wealth of wealth and build a golden tomb after his death."
Ha Bao, who was originally despairing, struggled hard after hearing this, and several executioners could not hold him down. Wu Gen waved his hand and said, "Let him go and see what else he has to say."
The executioner let go of Ha Bao, and he walked a few steps to Wu Gen, knelt down on his knees, and kowtowed several times. The force was so great that it smashed the rocks on the ground into pieces.
After kowtowing, Ha Bao did not speak as Wu Gen expected, but stood up and strode into the pit. The executioner quickly jumped into the pit, holding Ha Bao down and making him kneel down. One man took out a military spear and thrust it into Ha Bao's back so hard that the tip of the spear pierced the heart, penetrated the body, and sank deeply into the soil.
Ha Bao's body kept twitching, blood kept flowing down the spear shaft, but his eyes still refused to close. Upon seeing this, Chu Xi quickly asked someone to place Qi Yue's head next to him. Ha Baofang let out a long sigh, tilted his head, and there was no movement.
The executioner checked his breath, climbed out of the pit and reported to Chu Xi. Chu Xi waved his hand, and the craftsman took out the melted gold from the furnace and poured it on Ha Bao's body.
Smoke was everywhere in the pit, and a foul smell came from the pit. Ha Bao's flesh and blood was gradually melted by the golden juice, and only the skeleton was still kneeling on the ground.
After a long time, I don't know how many gold ingots were consumed, and the entire pit was filled with gold juice. These golden juices solidified again, trapping Ha Bao's body within them.
Beside the mass grave, everyone was watching this scene. Seeing so much gold buried with Ha Bao, no one was envious, and many people had already turned pale. There was no sound from the team of more than 10,000 people, not even a cough.
Forty soldiers stepped forward and threw earth and rocks into the pit, and a new grave appeared in the mass grave.
The grave has no monument, just like other people buried hastily in mass graves.
After seeing everything end, Wu Gen stood up and, under the attention of everyone, walked down the mountain without saying a word.
(Remember to bookmark it for next time reading!)
