Outside the camp, martial law began.
The only ones who can enter this place are the group of soldiers Zhou Che originally brought.
They wore armor and held soldiers to guard the front and rear entrances.
About five hundred people from the imperial court's special surrender—that is, a group of people who were determined to be rebellious—were welcomed in.
Of course, they were all disarmed.
When they approached the big tent, they were stopped by several guards: "Stop."
"Yes." Cavalry Sima Wang Zhong immediately cupped his hands, stepped back and stood still.
A pair of eyes were staring at the big tent in front of them.
The man who can decide their fate is among them.
However, before meeting them, the other party actually met Huangfu Chaoyi first...
Someone came forward and asked Wang Zhong uneasily: "Sima, we voted more actively. Why did Gang Leader Zhou meet Huangfu Chaoyi first?"
"It's not necessarily better to see him first." Wang Zhong sneered and shook his head.
He was the first to take refuge, but Huangfu Chaoyi was the one who finally gave in due to the situation.
It can be said that Huangfu Chaoyi neither had the ironclad will to die, nor the united front value to surrender in advance.
So, how could Zhou Jiao accommodate him?
The reason for calling him in advance was probably because Huangfu Chaoyi was the nominal supreme commander of this unit after all.
Three thousand cavalry means nearly half of the casualties, but as long as logistics are provided, they are still an elite force that cannot be ignored...
"I probably know what Gang Leader Zhou means."
After thinking deeply, Wang Zhong smiled.
Everyone asked quickly: "What is it?"
"He wants us to be determined to stay in Hedong, and he also wants to cut off our way to return to the imperial court." Wang Zhong chuckled softly: "Then, is there any better tool to use than General Huangfu's life?"
"Before he dies in our hands, Gang Leader Zhou will test his residual value."
Everyone was shocked and immediately agreed... they had to agree!
Wang Zhong's inference was extremely consistent with the superior man's employment methods.
At this moment, the tent door opened, and a tall young man came out surrounded by guards.
Behind him, Huangfu Chaoyi followed step by step.
The two of them seemed to be familiar with each other, and Gang Leader Zhou had no defense against Huangfu Chaoyi.
Suspense flashed across his face, and Wang Zhong saluted quickly: "Cavalry Commander Wang Zhong, pay your respects to Gang Leader Zhou!"
The rest of the people shouted in unison: "I've seen Gang Leader Zhou!"
Zhou Che put his hands behind his back and didn't ask anyone to get up.
There was silence for a long time, and the scene fell into an eerie silence.
Wang Zhong wanted to raise his head but didn't dare, so he could only speak again: "Cavalry Division..."
"okay."
Zhou Che interrupted him: "It's enough to hear it once. Is it honorable to be a member of the imperial army supported by the royal family and to flatter the leader of thieves in order to survive?"
Wang Zhong was shocked, and everyone under his command also changed their expressions.
What's the meaning?
This person is obviously a thief, so why is he still speaking for the royal family to ridicule them?
After all, he was the one who could take the lead in instigating everyone to rebel. Wang Zhong obviously had a good psychological quality. The panic did not last long. He quickly expressed his loyalty: "Zhou Gang leader rose up with loyalty to save Hedong from danger. How can he be considered a thief?" Where is the head?"
"As for the Zhou royal family, he abandoned us first and let us die in vain... The Zhou family is not worthy of being the master!"
"Ha." Zhou Che twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing a cold smile.
He raised his hand and took off his mask, leaving it on the ground.
An ugly face burned by fire appeared in front of everyone.
He did not stop, but continued to cover the scar with his hand.
What is he going to do...Wang Zhong is confused.
Huangfu Chaoyi clenched his fists and stared at that face.
Although, he has confirmed Zhou Che's identity.
However, the new rebel bandit that rose up in Hedong suddenly became the Sixth Prince... This change still made him feel suffocated.
Wow——
Finally, the mask came off.
Wang Zhong and others were a little confused.
"Do you know why I cover my face?" Zhou Che asked.
After all, you are rebelling, so isn't it normal to hide your identity... Wang Zhong didn't dare to say this, so he could only shake his head: "The villain is stupid."
"Huangfu Chaoyi, tell them." Zhou Che said.
Huangfu Chaoyi lowered his head, stepped back, opened his shirt, clasped his fists, and got down on one knee: "The last general, Huangfu Chaoyi, has met His Highness the Sixth Prince!"
--boom--
The crowd was shocked.
"This is impossible!"
Wang Zhong roared and rushed towards the kneeling Huangfu Chaoyi, his eyes blood red: "Son of a bitch! What are you talking nonsense here!?"
Gai crossed the scabbard and hit his leg.
Several guards came out and knocked him to the ground with their spears.
At the same time, one person showed a golden waist badge: "This is the waist badge of the Sixth Prince's residence in Luo Jing City. Can you recognize it?"
Wang Zhong took one look and his whole body began to tremble.
"You are all from the Imperial Army, and have good military families for generations. According to our dynasty's system, for all Imperial Army ranks, military pay, pensions, and expenses for wives, children, and children are all paid from the royal family's private treasury."
"What do you want for such sacrifice? What you want is the Forbidden Army's combat effectiveness that far exceeds that of other sergeants. What you want is the Forbidden Army's absolute loyalty!"
"It takes a thousand days to raise an army, but it can be used in a moment. There are some families among you whose families have lived off the emperor's salary for hundreds of years!"
"When you are asked to be loyal, you raise your hands and surrender, and even force the general to surrender! Is this what soldiers do?"
"Who can avoid using troops to commit danger? If you go into danger, you will say that the Zhou royal family has abandoned you. What about me?!"
"As the emperor's heir, I have gone deep into the east of the river. Isn't it more precious than your life?"
thump--
Wang Zhong collapsed.
Covered in cold sweat and exhausted of all his strength, he knelt on his knees and cried: "We also have a wife and children, we are just looking for a way to survive and have always been loyal to the royal family!"
"Before entering a desperate situation, I have been cooperating with General Huangfu... Before that, I had cut off the queen twice and killed nine thieves with my own hands!"
"Even though we were surrounded here, we still tried our best to kill the enemy. We defeated Xu Ponu many times and killed thousands of thieves."
"However, I am tired, hungry, and unable to escape. I really can't see any way to survive, so I have no choice but to temporarily seek refuge with the Hedong bandits. I hope Your Highness will be merciful!"
"That's right!" The people around him knelt down and cried, "Your Highness, we are also human beings, and we all have family members who care about us. Who is willing to die in vain?"
"We have not harmed the people, nor have we done anything harmful to the royal family and the court."
"In the end, brothers just want to live... Please have mercy, Your Highness!"
Wow——
Everyone knelt down one after another: "Your Highness, please have mercy!"
"It is human nature to fear death and seek survival."
Zhou Che held the long sword in his hand and slowly shook his head, his eyes suddenly became sharp: "But you can't!"
"You are the Forbidden Army, a role model for the world's soldiers! You surrendered because you were afraid of the enemy, but you were forgiven. In the future, who among the world's soldiers will fight to the death!?"
Feeling Zhou Che's killing intent, Wang Zhong kept kowtowing and cried with tears streaming down his face: "Your Highness, since I joined the army, I have beheaded a total of fifty-one people. Please use your merits to atone for your sins!"
In the Great Xia Dynasty, titles, merits, and donations could all be used to atone for sins.
"I have beheaded twenty-three people, please use your merits to atone for your sins!" The person next to him also said.
Everyone rushed to speak first.
One is to try to survive in terms of procedures, and the other is to tell Zhou Che: Except this time, we have really served your Zhou family well in the past.
"This time you are facing a desperate situation, it is indeed due to the loss of Zhou and Han Dynasties. This palace understands."
"In the past, you have made many meritorious deeds, made great contributions to the country, and killed many enemies. This palace understands."
"I rushed to kill you many times and struggled to survive. I finally succumbed. I understand."
Wang Zhong could only sob in a low voice, not daring to interrupt and unable to guess what Zhou Che meant.
"But...the sin of rebellion cannot be redeemed!"
Zhou Che waved his hand: "Come here, bring the things up!"
"yes!"
Soon, wine bowls were placed in front of everyone.
Some soldiers brought liquor on a cart - liquor mixed with poison!
"Thinking of your past, this palace will give you three ways to go."
"First, after drinking this wine, all your sins will disappear - in court and in the opposition, you are still the heroes who sacrificed your country and died fighting in the east of the river. Your pension and hair will remain the same, your military household will remain the same, and your clan's glory will continue to exist, and you can add another one. "
"Second, take him back to the court to await trial."
"third……"
Speaking of this, Zhou Che suddenly sneered: "Since you dare to rebel, you are naturally very courageous. Then give it a go and swing your sword at me!"
"If you win, anything is possible."
"If you lose, your body and the nine clans will be wiped out!"
After listening, Wang Zhong fell silent for a while, and then his shoulders trembled.
He managed to raise his head and cried: "Your Highness... I am willing to die for Your Highness, and I am willing to continue killing the enemy to atone for my sins."
"There are only three ways, nothing else." Zhou Che turned sideways and didn't look at him.
Wang Zhong cried even louder.
"Sima!"
The man kneeling next to him suddenly had sharp eyes and wiped his face violently: "Sima, you have always been a strong and domineering person!"
"When we were at the end of the road before, you told us to give it a try."
"Why did you start crying when you reached the end of the road today?"
"Instead of waiting to die, it's better to give it a try!"
He stood up, took a defensive step back, and shouted to the people around him: "Brothers, kill the sixth prince so that we can survive!"
Gai Yue and the surrounding guards did not move, but stared at him with dead eyes.
The sergeants were still crying bitterly, or were frightened, or were looking up with their heads raised - but no one dared to follow!
You must know that these people are quite courageous.
Not long ago, they followed Wang Zhong and Huangfu Chaoyi to fight.
Now they are asked to kill the prince, but no one dares to respond...
"They are all going to die! What are you afraid of!?"
Seeing that no one responded, the man became more ferocious, and finally roared and rushed towards Zhou Che: "Since you are afraid of him, then I will come first!"
During a quick step, a dagger was drawn on his sleeve, and he held it firmly in his hand.
Zhou Che looked at him coldly.
Gai Yue put his hand on the hilt of the sword.
boom!
Before Gai Yue and the soldiers could take action, Wang Zhong knocked him to the ground.
He looked at Wang Zhong, panicked and angry: "Sima! What are you doing? That fifty-level head can't atone for your sins. Do you still expect that my head can make him forgive your life?"
Wang Zhong shook his head, tears falling on his face: "We were wrong."
"Brother Wang!?"
"We have all forgotten that we have been warriors who have dedicated our lives to the royal family for generations. How can we rebel against the emperor as a minister?"
The man who fell to the ground was stunned for a moment.
"This was true for our fathers, this is true for our ancestors, and it will be true for our children and grandchildren in the future."
"Everyone in the world can subjugate the enemy, anyone can disobey the royal family, but we can't!"
"We live for this, and we should die for this. If we betray this way, what is the meaning of our lives? It's just... death!"
The fallen man closed his eyes and shed tears, and his hands loosened.
Wang Zhong took his dagger and stabbed him in the throat!
Poof!
After putting away the knife, Wang Zhong picked up the wine and said, "Your Highness, I would like to choose the first path. It's just what Your Highness said..."
"I guarantee it in the name of the emperor's heir." Zhou Che answered briefly.
Wang Zhong shouted with a cry: "Brothers, we have committed a serious crime of rebellion."
"We were supposed to die late and not be intact, but His Highness gave us the whole body."
"The whole family should be punished, but Your Highness only pursues one person."
"Do you still need to hesitate about this huge favor?"
He knelt down again and bowed his head to Zhou Che: "Thank you, Your Highness, for the gift!"
After saying that, he raised the wine bowl and poured all the poisonous wine into his stomach.
There were loud cries all around, and then there were intermittent shouts: "Thank you, Your Highness, for the gift!"
Until the last person fell, Zhou Che did not turn around. He couldn't help but sigh in a low voice: "I have to thank you even if you die. Is this the so-called imperial power?"
After cleaning up the mess here, Zhou Che led his men to attack Li's Wubao.
The Xu brothers were on their way back to the west.
——Jiguan Front——
Previously, Zhang Boyu received news: Guo Denlin took the initiative to attack, was defeated by Zhou Jiao, and was suspected of death.
The next day, he received new news: it was confirmed that Guo Deng was dying and the county had been destroyed.
Just when he was about to send someone to confirm again, a disciple came to report: "The Li family is sending someone!"
"Ms. Li can't sit still. It seems the information is correct..."
Zhang Boyu's thoughts moved and he waved to call some of his confidants: "I have arranged a few things, please remember them."
"First, stop Li's visitor to the west and prevent him from approaching the front line again."
"Second, spread the news in the mountains, saying that the front line has won the battle and the imperial army has begun to retreat."
"Third, instruct the reserve camp to slaughter more cattle and sheep and prepare a celebration banquet."
Everyone was confused, but they did it anyway.
After the three people retreated, Zhang Boyu shouted again: "Brother Niu."
"Commander, please give me your orders." A tall, dark-skinned, honest and strong man came out.
Niu Mu once saved Zhang Boyu's life and was extremely brave. He was Zhang Boyu's most trusted confidant and the most powerful man in Jishan.
Zhang Boyu took out a letter and handed it to him: "Take this book and go to the imperial military camp. Once delivered, you will stay there. There is no need to come back."
"Okay!" Niu Mu took the letter and went out without saying a word.
"Old dog."
This time it was a skinny old man who stood up. He smiled and said, "Commander, please speak."
"Those mountaintops who are close to the Li family, hold them all down and prevent them from spreading any news!"
There was a rare flash of evil spirit on that gentle face.
The old dog rolled his eyes and said in surprise: "Is the commander going to take action against Li?"
"Yes." Zhang Boyu nodded.
"Why?!" Lao Gou was puzzled and said: "The main force of the imperial court has retreated, and the Sixth Prince is unable to advance. Aren't we asking for death by offending the Li family at this time?"
"What if I tell you that Zhou Jiao is the sixth prince Zhou Che? What if I tell you that the sixth prince has killed Guo Denglin and defeated the county?"
"If I take action now, I can help him defeat the Li family quickly."
"In this way, the overall situation of Hedong will no longer be related to Guo Gong."
"With this skill, the Sixth Prince will be able to secure his position as the emperor's heir. How can he not benefit from you and me?"
After listening to Zhang Boyu's words, Lao Gou was shocked and speechless.
After a long time, he smiled strangely: "In time, if the sixth prince ascends the throne and becomes emperor, you will be a hero of Conglong!"
Zhang Boyu, whose face was as smooth as a lake, suddenly laughed and said: "Being a thief is not a long-term solution. The ambition in my heart has been waiting for this moment for a long time!"
Not long after, he went to a mountain stronghold in the west and met with the elder of the clan sent by the Li family.
The fact that the elders of the clan are the envoys is enough to prove Li's eagerness and the importance he attaches to Zhang Boyu.
Snapped!
After listening to the clan's old saying, Zhang Boyu smashed the cup and plate in front of him to pieces!
"That's unreasonable!"
"How dare Shen Xin, a mere Zhou Jiao, covet the power in Hedong?"
"I will kill him and determine the chaos for Mr. Guo."
"My dear Mr. Li, please reply to the noble man and Brother Wangsong, and tell me that Zhang Boyu will mobilize all the troops in Jishan to relieve the Li family from danger and behead Zhou Shen!"
When the clan elder Li Chen heard this, he was moved to tears and held Zhang Boyu's hand tightly: "With Commander Zhang's words, I will die without regrets!"
