Chapter 8 Chapter 40
Since the new year, spring has come early.On Tianshou Festival in February, spring is already blooming, and people say it is a good omen.On the day of Tianshou Festival, the emperor issued a constitutional edict, declaring the world, and the empire entered into a constitution.Ordinary people don't know what a constitution is, but they also know that the former rebel Cang Yuegong is no longer a rebel. From now on, the corvee tax will be reduced, and all schools in all parts of the empire will be open. Anyone, as long as they can afford the tuition fees, regardless of their status High or low, as long as you can pass the entrance examination, you can go to school, and you can start your official career step by step after reading.These measures related to vital interests made the common people burst into cheers, calling the emperor the number one enlightened emperor since the founding of the empire.Listening to these arguments, I can't help feeling dumbfounded.In fact, most of these proposals were put forward by the Republican Army, but because they touched the interests of those dignitaries, the imperial dignitaries obstructed them and rejected several of them.
On this day, I was studying at home, and Lao Zhou came in again and said, "General, there is a strange guest outside asking to see you."
I put down the book and said, "Who is it?"
"A man with yellow hair, eyes like blue glass, and even a yellow beard."
I laughed.That was Henry Ding.Ding Henry came from the far west, and his appearance was far from that of ordinary imperial people. Lao Zhou naturally felt strange.I stood up and said, "Ask him to come in quickly." Lao Zhou promised, and was about to go out, I stopped him and said, "Wait, I'll go out to meet you."
As an enemy, Henry Ding made me feel like a thorn in my back and restless; but as a friend, he was a good friend who made me feel like a spring breeze.I rushed out to meet him, but saw Henry Ding standing at the door, and hurriedly said, "Brother Ding, what gust of wind brought you here."
During this year, Henry Ding, as the chief envoy negotiating with the empire, never came to see me in order to avoid suspicion.Now that the major event has been accomplished, he should come here now.When he saw me, he also smiled and said: "Brother Chu, I'll see you in the future, please also invite my brother Haihan."
I said: "How dare you, in fact, I have always wanted to come and see you, but I am afraid that people will talk too much, please come in."
He laughed.Now the beard on his mouth is longer. Unlike others, his beard is golden and very dazzling. Old Zhou kept looking at him, as if he was looking at something strange.
I went into the main hall with him, asked the cook to let him prepare a table of good dishes, the cook looked embarrassed and said: "General, there are some ordinary dishes at home, I'm afraid..." I'm not as good at eating as Shao Fengguan, He is a bachelor again, and the food at home is always home-cooked.The cook was so ignorant, it was a bit embarrassing, afraid that he would say something like Mili also had worms, he hurriedly said: "Forget it, Brother Ding, let's go outside for a drink, I know there is a restaurant that is not bad , clean and quiet, and the food is delicious.”
Henry Ding smiled and said, "Let me invite you. I'm going back soon."
I said: "How can this be done? Next time I go to Wuyang City, you can invite me again, ha ha." Henry Ding also smiled and didn't insist anymore.
The empire has been at peace for a whole year, and now there are more business travelers in the imperial capital, and the business of restaurants has improved a lot, with delicacies from all over the world gathered together.I took Ding Henry to a Juyoulou not far from my residence. This restaurant is not very big, but the decoration is very elegant and clean, and the dishes are also from the south of the Yangtze River.I ordered a pot of good wine, ordered a few stir-fried dishes, and while waiting for the dishes, I first served four cold dishes, two meat and two vegetables, which were duck tongue, bad belly, hand-peeled bamboo shoots, and roasted cabbage heart.Although none of them are rare and expensive, each dish is exquisite and delicious.Wuyang City has always been famous for its food, Henry Ding tasted it, but also praised it a few times.The wine is also this year's new brew, with a little sweetness, not too strong.
After taking two bites, I said, "Brother Ding, you said you're going back soon, are you going back to Wuyang City?"
Ding Henry said: "Yes. You're done, I should go back and rest for a while."
I smiled and said, "By the way, now I want to ask you a question, why didn't you make a move in the end when you were at Fuxi Valley?"
Henry Ding smiled slyly, and said: "The ground army's combat power is amazing. Henry knows that he is invincible, so he dares to change his mind. Brother Chu made fun of it."
I sigh to myself.Although Ding Henry and I have a good friendship in private, but after all, they are two people, and he will not tell me the whole story.He said that knowing that he was invincible was an excuse, but he must have such concerns.At that time, the Republican Army outside Fuxi Valley was almost their entire strength, but because I laid down Qian Wenyi's Yizi Battalion, the Republican Army lost the advantage of waiting for work and blocking our way out. If we start a war, we can only fight recklessly Under the balance, Ding Henry must feel that the gain is not worth the loss, and the odds of winning are slim, so let us retreat completely.But in any case, only Henry Ding can do this. If you think about it in another position, if the commander of the Republican Army is replaced by Marquis Wen, then Marquis Wen will definitely kill us at all costs.In the end, I still want to thank Henry Ding for not being the kind of unscrupulous person.Although he didn't answer directly, this non-answer has already told me the reason why he let me go.I picked up the cup and said: "Brother Ding is too humble. For the kindness of Brother Ding not to kill, I will toast you first."
Ding Henry smiled and said: "Brother Chu, what you say and do, these are all things of the past. Now, it is the beginning of a new era, let's make a toast to this new era."
Before the princess died, she also said that a new era would come.In fact, no matter who has stayed in this painful age for a long time, they all look forward to the arrival of a new era.I stood up and said, "Yes, for this new era, I respect Brother Ding. Thanks to Brother Ding's efforts, the people of the world can enjoy the peaceful years."
Henry Ding also stood up, and said, "Brother Chu, the establishment of a constitution is thanks to the support of you and Mr. Nangong. On the battlefield, Henry will not admit defeat, but in politics, Henry has nothing but admiration for you, Brother Chu."
I wanted to smile wryly.Although I tried my best to reach a reconciliation with the Republican Army and complete the constitution of the Republic, I have only a shallow view of political affairs, and I can't express any good opinions.The establishment of a constitution can be achieved, and none other than Nangong Wenli who has devoted all his efforts to this end.Nangong Wenli is worthy of being a talent selected by the princess himself. Even though the princess has passed away for a long time, he still turns the princess' idea into reality step by step.Perhaps, just like the imperial plan left by the princess, the princess probably also left a long-term vision for Nangong Wenli during her lifetime.Although I don't believe that the princess can do what's expected, but in the end the empire and the Republican Army reached an agreement to form a constitutional government, which must have been in the princess's conception.
I drank the wine and sat down again.Ding Henry also sat down, wiped the wine stains from his beard, and said: "I also have something to ask Brother Chu, please tell Brother Chu frankly."
I said, "Please tell me."
"In Fuxi Valley, why did you blow up things?"
I raised my brows, and was about to deny it, but seeing Henry Ding's eyes sparkling, I knew I couldn't deny it.Apparently, the Republican Army also knew the secret of the reproduction of the snake people in Fuxi Valley. I said: "All creatures in the world have birth, old age, sickness and death. If there is any kind that will be born continuously, it is going against the sky, and it shouldn't be in this world. Appear. If the war is won by these, it is like killing oneself with a sharp knife, let it disappear from the world."
Although I didn't answer directly, I spoke more directly than Henry Ding.Henry Ding bowed his head and murmured silently, I raised my cup and said, "Brother Ding, I still hope that there will be no more wars in the world, let's do it."
Henry Ding said, "Brother Chu hates war so much?"
I sighed and said, "I only hope that there will never be a war."
Henry Ding put down his wine glass, looking thoughtfully in front of him in a daze.I said, "Brother Ding, what's wrong?"
Henry Ding wiped his beard again, and said, "Oh, I'm distracted. Brother Chu, this is the first time I've heard such words among the soldiers."
I smiled wryly and said, "While the losers lay dead for thousands of miles, the victors also lay dead everywhere. When I joined the army, I also wanted to rely on my military achievements to climb up step by step, but after going through a lot on the battlefield, I just felt that every step I made , all have the bones of thousands of soldiers. Don’t be afraid that Brother Ding will laugh at you, sometimes I will wake up from my dreams.”
Ding Henry didn't think so, just smiled, and said: "Actually, we can't generalize. Unjust wars, of course, the less the better, but just wars, how can we escape."
I said: "As long as it is a war, whether it is to defend the country or to expand the territory, it is bloody and only ambitious people are manipulating it. There is no justice at all. Those who are not benevolent will be punished by heaven. The so-called Fighting for justice is often an excuse for ambitious people to manipulate people behind the scenes and send people to death."
When I said this, I saw Ding Henry's face was a little displeased, and I knew that these words touched his heart.The Republican Army advertised to the people that they were the army of justice, and that they fought wars to save the people. But when I said that justice is an excuse for careerists, he probably felt a little accusatory in his ears.I said: "Brother Ding, I'm probably a little drunk, but you just ask those people who have war dead at home, would they like a war that takes away their loved ones? Even if this war is called justice."
Ding Henry said: "However, when the enemy came to your door and wanted to kill your whole family, wouldn't it be just to counterattack at this time? When the snake people surrounded the imperial capital, you launched a counterattack. Will the families of the deceased say that this battle was unjust?"
I took a long sigh and said, "But, what is this enemy? What is his intention? Is it possible to fight back with swords and guns? Can an understanding be reached through peaceful means? All the roads are blocked, and innocent soldiers are sent to death, but they say that this war is just. Brother Ding, don’t forget, when someone comes to kill you with a knife, of course you will resist, but when others are only threatening, you insist War, can that be called justice?"
Maybe it was because I drank too much, and my voice was a little loud.Henry Ding "hush" and said, "Keep your voice down. Brother Chu, you are drunk."
I also felt that I had lost my composure, so I hurriedly picked up the teacup next to me and took a sip.Henry Ding looked at me drinking tea, and said, "Brother Chu, I also admit that you are right, but many things are out of our control. Like the snake men, can we reach an understanding with them?"
Ding Henry probably felt that I was accusing him, not without excuses.Actually, what I think of now is not him, but Marquis Wen.That day in Mukun, Dongping City, told me that when the imperial capital was besieging the city, the Snake Man once wanted to seek peace.However, Wen Hou received the peace letter from the Snake Man, but he lied to the soldiers and civilians of the imperial capital that he wanted us to surrender.
Wenhou has indeed made great contributions to the empire. The battle to break the siege of the imperial capital has been spread among the people so far, so the emperor and Wenhou fell out, and still dare not openly attack Wenhou.However, is the battle to break the siege of the imperial capital really a must?I still don't believe it.Although Mu Kun is a snake man, he is more wise, generous and benevolent than many people I have met.But he also died in front of me in the end. The peaceful coexistence between snake people and human beings he envisioned finally failed.That battle was won, but it also brought countless new ghosts to the empire.It is these countless dead ghosts that have made Marquis Wen's reputation.
Although I knew he had misunderstood, I didn't say much.Even if he doesn't misunderstand, I'm afraid he will still feel that I'm making excuses.We are sympathetic to Henry Ding, and we can only be enemies when fighting, but we didn't expect peace to come, and we still didn't speculate.
At this time, the waiter served the stir-fried vegetables, and we drank a few more glasses with our heads sullen.I don't know how it turned into such a situation. Henry Ding also noticed the embarrassment of the situation, and joked with me from time to time, and talked about the customs of various places, but we all know that it was just talking about nothing. .
If you talk less, the food and wine will be eaten quickly.After a while, several dishes had bottomed out, and I was about to ask the waiter to come over to add some more dishes, when there was a sound outside the door, and the waiter said outside, "Mr. Henry Ding is here?"
Henry Ding stood up and said, "I'm here."
"Mr. Cheng Jingtang is here to see you."
I don't know who this Cheng Jingtang is. Looking at Ding Henry, Ding Henry said softly: "Cheng Jingtang is the leader of the Golden Spear Squad in our Republican Army. He is protecting the young master."
The so-called Golden Spear Squad was originally a common name for the emperor's personal guards.There were only 200 people in the golden gun class, but all of them were outstanding spear masters, and all of them were young and handsome, and they all used uniform golden long spears, so that they became the most talked about in the legend of the empire. One of them, the more it spreads, the more divine it becomes.The twelve generals are the heroes of the founding of the country. It is not easy to make up nonsense. The golden gun squad is just some bodyguards. The stories about them can naturally be wild and unconstrained. They can kill monsters and destroy rebels. They even have a status higher than twelve in the legend. The name of the famous general also made many officials in the frontiers presumptuously call their guards the Golden Spear Squad.The republic that Mr. Nanwu believes in is people-oriented and people-oriented, but it can be seen from the fact that he named the bodyguard the Golden Spear Squad that he is actually pursuing the emperor.Although the emperor is a famous emperor, doesn't this run counter to his belief in a republic?
Before I said anything, the door was pushed open, and a person broke in.Seeing Henry Ding, he bowed and said: "General Ding, it's time to go, the last general has been looking for you for a long time."
This Cheng Jingtang was neither tall nor burly, but his physique was extremely strong, his body was so muscular that even his clothes seemed to be torn by his muscles.Henry Ding was startled, and said, "Don't you have to leave tomorrow?"
Cheng Jingtang said: "My lord is ahead of time." He saw me at this moment and said: "This is..."
Ding Henry said: "This is the governor of Chu of the Land Army, General Cheng, haven't you always wanted to see him?"
Cheng Jingtang's eyes suddenly had a strange light, I couldn't tell whether it was admiration or hatred.He came up to me, bowed deeply, and said, "So it's General Chu, he's disrespecting Tang."
This Cheng Jingtang must be a master of spear skills, if the little prince meets him, he will be extremely happy.I smiled and saluted, "General Cheng, please sit down for a while and have a drink together."
Ding Henry said: "Brother Chu, General Cheng never drinks..." Before he finished speaking, Cheng Jingtang had already taken an empty glass and poured wine.There was not much wine in the jug, and when he emptied it, there was only half a glass left.He picked up the cup and drank it down, saying, "Thank you, General Chu."
Henry Ding had a look of surprise on his face.Probably Cheng Jingtang never drank alcohol, so he made an exception and drank half a glass today, which really surprised him.I was inexplicably moved in my heart, and I had a good impression of this cheerful young man, and I raised my cup and said, "Brother Ding, Brother Cheng, you are going back, I wish you all the best of luck."
Henry Ding also stood up and said, "May this country never have war again." Although he said that there would never be war, there was a sense of sadness in his words.There should never be a war, everyone knows that is impossible.Even the hard-won peace in front of me, how long will it last, who knows?
After paying the bill, I accompanied Henry Ding and Cheng Jingtang downstairs.As soon as he walked out of the door of Juyou Building, a young man with a stack of papers came running over and shouted, "Three gentlemen, do you want to read today's bulletin? Your Majesty's longevity, enjoyment with the people, today's constitution is a big event. "
I was slightly taken aback.Nangong Wenli once proposed the establishment of a mansion newspaper, recruiting scouts to copy state affairs every day, and distributing them to ministers at all levels, so that they can understand state affairs faster, but he did not expect that it would be implemented so quickly, and it was different from the original plan. The boy went to the street and sold it.I said, "How many?"
The young man said: "One copper coin, sir, is only half the price of a sesame seed cake."
There are also three coppers for sesame seed cakes.Although there are more literate people now, it is not that many after all, and probably the young man's business is not doing well.Nangong Wenli also thought about sending out another copy. After copying it, someone would post it on the main thoroughfare of the capital every day. However, passers-by may not have the intention to read it. They would bring it to restaurants and tea shops for sale. People here are free, as long as there is one Individuals who are literate will definitely come to ask others if they are interested, even if they are illiterate, the effect will be better.I smiled and said, "Give me one."
The boy gave me one, and before I took out the money, Henry Ding had already found four or five coins and said, "You don't need to look for it." He smiled and said, "Brother Chu, I didn't expect to copy hands so quickly. Just copy it."
I froze and said, "You guys did it?"
Ding Henry said: "Yes, Mr. Zheng's idea. Constitutionalization is a major national event, and we must let people know what constitutionalization is as soon as possible." He looked up at the sky and said: "Brother Chu, we will see each other for thousands of miles, but there will be a difference. I look forward to it Brother Chu can come to Wuyang City as a guest as soon as possible."
I smiled.The constitution has been established, Pu Anli and the prince who were hostages in Wuyang City should also return, and the task of meeting them will most likely fall on my shoulders.Although I don't like Pu Anli, but Pu Anli stayed in Wuyang City for the past few years, and he has made great contributions to today, not to mention going to Wuyang City to see it again, it is also my heart's wish.I said: "Okay, when I come to Wuyang City, brother Ding can be my host."
Henry Ding smiled and said, "Naturally."
His horse has been drawn out.After saying goodbye, I rode on Feiyu Xinma.Fei Yu knew the way back, she didn't need me to take her, she could walk by herself, so I immediately read the letter.The number of words in the express is not many, but the words are concise and the words are very popular. It briefly talks about several constitutional measures.Because it was issued by the Republican Army, there are much more things about the Republican Army in it.
After returning home, I looked at the letter carefully.Although the calligraphy is not very good, the handwriting is very clear, it seems that it was not done hastily.I can't help but sigh for the abundance of talents in the Republican Army.At this moment, someone sent me a package. When I opened it, it turned out to be a large piece of finless porpoise meat sent to me by Shao Fengguan from Dongping City.The finless porpoise meat is perishable, but it is winter now, and it is frozen hard, and Shao Fengguan was brought by the person who delivered the urgent documents, so it still looks very fresh.I remembered that Shao Fengguan told me at that time that he would treat me to another meal of finless porpoise meat, but he never fulfilled it, and now it finally arrived.
Early the next morning, before dawn and I was still sleeping, Lao Zhou knocked on the door and said, "General, Mr. Nangong is here to visit."
Is it Nangong Wenli?I hurriedly said, "Okay, I'll go out now."
After putting on his clothes and entering the main hall, he saw Nangong Wenli sitting in the dim light.Seeing me coming in, Nangong Wenli shook his clothes and wanted to salute me, I hurriedly supported him and said: "Master Nangong, you are now a minister, I can't afford it. Why did you come here so early? "
Nangong Wenli looked a little frightened, and said, "General Chu, please come and meet His Majesty with me immediately."
He actually asked me to meet Dijun in the early morning, my heart sank, and I whispered: "Something serious?"
Nangong Wenli nodded, and said: "It's not small. Let's go to the Huichun Hall in the north of the city now, and talk about something on the way."
After getting into the car with Nangong Wenli, I couldn't wait to ask: "What happened?"
Nangong Wenli said: "Last night...actually this morning, Huichun Hall suddenly subsided and a big hole appeared."
Earthquakes are a major event and are related to the lifeline of the country, so predicting earthquakes has always been an important task of Qin Tianjian.Regardless of whether the prediction is accurate or not, as long as an earthquake occurs, the emperor will without exception issue an edict to forgive himself and amnesty the world.Usually it doesn't matter if you issue an edict of guilt, but today is Tianshou Festival and the day when the constitution is promulgated. Today's earthquake has a great impact on the people. It may make people feel that the constitution is against God's will. No wonder Nangong Wenli is so frightened.I said, "There was an earthquake just now? I didn't feel it at all."
Nangong heard the ceremony and said: "Yes, Qin Tianjian also reported that no earthquake was observed, but the big hole in Huichun Hall is real, and," he paused, took something out of his arms and said: "I found this thing nearby. It looks like a diamond, but the world has never seen such a big diamond."
He took out a small bag, which contained a piece of ice-like thing the size of a palm and about half an inch thick.I was taken aback and said, "I've seen this before!"
Nangong Wenli raised his eyebrows and said, "Have you seen it? Where is it?"
I said: "It's in Fuxi Valley. Don't talk too much, just go."
This kind of thing is colorless and transparent, extremely hard, and really looks like a diamond.But I have seen in Fuxi Valley, on that strange machine, there are quite a few transparent containers of this kind, and the broken and broken appearance after being blown up is exactly the same as this one.My heart lifted up.Hai Lao told me that the snake man was made with an incubator, and I have seen that machine with my own eyes.Hai Lao also said that the one in Fuxi Valley can only produce snake-men, while the other one in Wuyun City can produce humans.Just because he wanted to get this one, Master Tian drove the Snakeman to go on an expedition to the imperial capital at all costs.Now that this kind of thing is found in Huichun Hall, I dare say that it is probably another incubator that produces human beings.
My whole body was shaking from shock and fear.Master Tian could have continuously produced snakemen without worrying about their losses. We have no chance of winning, but Master Tian is a person like Hai Lao, not a snakeman. The combat power of the snakemen is even afraid of himself, so It is only because of the intention to suppress the snake people, so that we can eliminate them.After breaking through Fuxi Valley, I didn't see anyone like Hailao again. I just thought that Master Tian must have died in the rebellion. Maybe it was the desperate snake people who finally found out that Master Tian was actually harming them and killed them all. have eaten.However, in this situation, I have an ominous premonition, as if I vaguely see the appearance of the sky mage in the dark.
Master Tian is not dead, perhaps, he is still continuing his plan, but this time the weapon in his hand is no longer a snake man, but another kind.
Huichuntang is a big medicine shop, located in the north of the city, the door is filled with a strong smell of medicinal materials, soldiers have already sealed the door, it turned out to be a member of the local army.When we entered, we saw that the masters and servants of Huichun Hall were all guarded on one side, and there were all soldiers of the Land Legion standing there, mixed with some guards.
Nangong Wenli and I jumped out of the car, Chen Zhong and Cao Wendao came up to meet him at the same time, saying: "General Chu, you are here."
I said, "Are you here too?"
Cao Wendao made a salute: "Controlling, your majesty is inside, you go in quickly. Chen Zhong, you accompany General Chu."
Cao Wendao and Chen Zhongding were transferred here by the emperor's direct order.Cao Wendao asked Chen Zhong to follow me, probably worried that the emperor would be like the second prince back then, who would harm me, so he asked Chen Zhong to be my guard.In fact, he didn't expect that if the emperor really wanted to kill me, he wouldn't transfer the army.I didn't say much, and said to Nangong Wenli: "Master Nangong, let's go in."
Inside is the drying yard of Huichun Hall.Huichuntang has a big business, and the drying yard is really not small, covering an area of fifty or sixty feet square.At the northwest corner of the drying yard, a group of people gathered, and the one in the middle was Dijun's Huang Luogai, and Zhang Longyou stood beside him.Nangong Wenli and I stepped forward, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty."
Dijun was sitting on a chair. When he saw us coming, he stood up and said, "Please get up. Chu Qing, do you know everything?"
I said: "I have heard something from Mr. Nangong. Did this cave appear just now?"
Zhang Longyou hurriedly said: "General Chu, this cave appeared three hours ago. The people in the Huichun Hall said that this was the pond where they raised aquatic medicinal materials. When they were getting up early this morning to make the nourishing ointment, they heard a strange sound , the ground moved a lot, and a big hole like this fell into the drying yard."
His face was a little worried.The emperor said on the side: "Chu Qing, is it because the heavens are angry with me for my lack of virtue? You must find a way."
What Dijun thought was probably a warning from heaven.I thought about it, and said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will go down and have a closer look."
"Go down!" Dijun was a little startled.This crypt is unfathomable, he probably thinks that if he goes down to Jiuquan, there will be some strange monsters inside, and I will scare him if I go down.He said in surprise, "Chu Qing, let someone else go down."
I smiled secretly in my heart, and said: "I have Your Majesty's Hongfu blessing, and I will be safe, Your Majesty, please rest assured." I am almost sure that this crypt is where the second incubator Hailao mentioned is, and I can't wait to go down to see it. clear.I said to the side: "Prepare the rope, put a big basket on it, and I will go down."
The emperor wanted to stop him, but Zhang Longyou suddenly said: "Your Majesty, General Chu is extremely loyal and brave, and he will surely save the day. Your Majesty, please let him go down."
Dijun was really uneasy at this time, probably, he didn't really trust me until now.Zhang Longyou said something to the left and right, and after a while, several people came over with a big roll of rope and a big basket.Zhang Longyou came over and said: "General Chu, I put a bottle of water, a towel, and a pack of flame rockets in the basket. After you go down, if you smell nitrate and sulfur, put the towel wet and cover your mouth. If it doesn't work, light the rocket and pull you up immediately. If there is anything important, use this shovel."
My heart suddenly lit up.Zhang Longyou prepared so thoughtfully and in detail, he clearly knew that this was not a naturally formed crypt, it was probably exploded.Thinking of when I came back, the emperor asked me the secret of the snake man's reproduction in a hurry. Now I can be sure that he is the "Aaron" who escaped privately mentioned by Hai Lao.I didn't even think about this. If it really exploded, the nitrous smell inside would be enough to choke people to death. If I went down rashly, I might be suffocated inside.For the first time since I turned against him, I saw in him the shadow of the gentle and simple Zhang Longyou from long ago.I patted him on the shoulder and said, "Master Zhang, don't worry, I'm fine."
Zhang Longyou didn't say much, just said: "Be careful."
As soon as I stepped into the big basket, Chen Zhong suddenly said: "General Chu, I will go down too."
Although I dare to conclude that the incubator is placed below, I am still a little scared.With Chen Zhong, a man of supernatural power, by my side, I can rest assured.Anyway, this basket is big enough for two people, so I nodded and said, "Okay."
There are many soldiers above, all of them are strong and strong, and it is easy to pull two people.Chen Zhong and I sat below, holding torches in our hands, and we didn't know how deep it was.It was still dark, and it was strangely dark inside, and the torch could only illuminate a small area around it.The more I put it down, the smell is a bit heavy, but it is very different from the pungent smell of sulfur and saltpeter after the explosion of gunpowder. I can't smell the smell of sulfur.
I tore the towel in two, poured some water, and handed one piece to Chen Zhong and said, "Cover your mouth." With the wet towel covering it, I couldn't even smell the saltpeter smell.But my heart became disturbed instead. Could it be that this place was not exploded with gunpowder?Just as I was thinking about it, I felt that my body was shaking, and it was the end.I was startled, but I heard someone shout from above: "Captain, are you here?"
The voice was unusually clear.I looked up and saw a round hole above, like a deep well.Putting it down, it is about twenty feet long, which is not too high. At the beginning, a wall of Gaojiu City was built unusually high, and it was nearly twenty feet long.I shouted, "Yes. Let's go down first."
Now you can hear what you say, so you don't need to use the kind of flame rocket prepared by Zhang Longyou.Chen Zhong and I jumped out of the basket. Although we couldn't see the surroundings clearly, we could feel the softness of the ground.I took a torch, lit the fire from the torch in Chen Zhong's hand, and illuminated the surrounding area.The bottom of this cave is big and small, the top is only about Zhang Xu, but the bottom has a radius of three Zhang.Walking around the four walls, I felt that the soil on the wall was not very wet, and it didn't seem to be formed by the collapse.While watching, Chen Zhong suddenly said: "General, there seems to be a door here!"
I walked over.There is indeed a door over there, which has been half-buried by the soil, but it has not been covered, and half is exposed.My heart skipped a beat, knowing I guessed right.Chen Zhong said on the side: "General, how can there be a door under the ground?"
I didn't answer him, just said: "Come on, push it away."
Most of the door was buried by soil, but there was no mud on the door, apparently the soil above it had collapsed to hold it down.I was both excited and uneasy, I didn't know how to go up and tell Dijun.If there is really a machine for incubating humans here, the emperor must regard it as a treasure, because there is no need to worry about the strength of the troops.But I thought further, if people can really be hatched, are those people still called humans?There is only one Chen Zhong. If there are tens of thousands of Chen Zhong, the combat power of this army is terrifying.But the sound from here can be transmitted to the upper part. If I break the machine, the upper part will definitely hear it. What should I do now?
Anyway, now I'm down there.If I ask someone to come down, then there is nothing I can do.The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I became. Seeing Chen Zhongzheng digging hard, most of the door was exposed.
Suddenly, a voice came from above: "General Chu, what's down there?"
The bottom is bigger than the top, and most of them can't see the light of the torches in our hands now.I said loudly: "I'm watching." I shouted from below, and the echo was buzzing endlessly.Just after I finished speaking, I whispered: "Chen Zhong."
Chen Zhong raised his head and looked at me.I gritted my teeth, but still didn't say anything.
I'm ready to destroy this incubator desperately, even if the emperor blames me.The emperor may not punish me for this, but Chen Zhong will come down with me, but he will definitely die.
Chen Zhong, don't blame me, I will definitely save your life at all costs.Chen Zhongxin is peaceful, he doesn't value fame and wealth, but he came down for me, but I want to make him lose his future, maybe even his life, I feel so guilty.But by this time, there was no other good idea.
The soil had been dug up, Chen Zhong looked at me and said, "General, I pulled it away."
I nodded, Chen Zhong pulled the door frame, and with a sudden force, the door creaked. I hurriedly stuck the torch on the wall and reached out to help.The two worked together and finally opened the door.The door was heavy and strange, and it was very difficult to open and close.As soon as I pulled it away, there was a heavy saltpeter smell from inside. I was choked and coughed again and again, so I quickly covered my face with the wet towel.
Chen Zhong also covered his face with a wet towel, and said, "General, what's inside?"
Before I said anything, I suddenly heard Zhang Longyou's cry from behind: "General Chu, what did you find?"
Zhang Longyou is also here!I complained secretly, the original idea has all come to nothing.Before I said anything, Zhang Longyou ran over quickly.He was smaller than us and more nimble, and with our torch leading the way, he ran over in a few steps and shouted, "There's a door here!"
In the darkness, his eyes were shining brightly.I was anxious in my heart, stopped him and said: "Master Zhang, wait a moment, let's go in, you can wait outside."
But Zhang Longyou didn't know where the courage came from, and said: "I want to go in and have a look! Chen Zhong, give me the towel, you wait outside."
I couldn't help crying in my heart, but Zhang Longyou was already holding onto Chen Zhong's towel and got in first.I touched the Baipi knife on my waist and said, "Chen Zhong, wait outside."
Chen Zhong obviously also saw me touching the knife, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes.I ignored him and walked in.
As soon as I entered the door, I couldn't help being surprised.The ground inside is simply a replica of Fuxi Valley, the ground is extremely flat, and the joints cannot be seen.
Here, there must be that incubator!
I held the torch in my left hand, held the Baipi knife in my right hand, and was about to pass by, when the light from the torch suddenly flashed a light from the corner of my eye.
That's really a trace.I was startled, and looked down.By the light of the torch, I saw a hair on the ground.If it is black hair, it will definitely not be seen here.But this hair is golden, and the ground is dark brown, so it is much clearer.I bent down to pick it up and looked at it, but my heart was tingling again.
At this moment, Zhang Longyou coughed suddenly.I stuffed the hair in my pocket and looked up.The smoke inside was much thicker. Although I covered my mouth with a wet towel, I could still smell the heavy nitrate, but it was still not so hard to breathe.Holding the torch in his hand, Zhang Longyou stared blankly. Around him, there were countless bright ice-like fragments. In front of him, there were some broken gold and iron frames.
I was suddenly relieved, surprised and happy, but I didn't dare to show the slightest bit on my face, I walked over and said, "Master Zhang, what's inside?"
Zhang Longyou murmured: "It's over, it's over." His voice seemed so tired, and he was too regretful.
I know he has known about this place for a long time, but he didn't know it was right under his nose.I was secretly happy in my heart, but I just said: "This place is very similar to Fuxi Valley."
Zhang Longyou nodded, and said: "These are the relics left by the previous generation of humans. Brother Chu, I'm afraid there is a destiny right in front of me, but I let go of this opportunity."
I smiled faintly, and said in a low voice: "Elder Hai also said the same, Ah Lin and you really look alike."
Zhang Longyou seemed to have been stabbed, his face was contorted, looking so terrifying.But I remember Hai Lao said that he is not good at swordsmanship, so naturally I am not afraid of him.I murmured: "The destiny has its return, and it is not a crime of war. Brother Zhang, this new era has arrived, and these things are no longer needed."
Zhang Longyou said angrily: "I know that Fuxi Valley must have been manipulated by you, did you do it here? Damn it, you have committed a serious crime! If there is such a thing, there is no need for us to be afraid of the Republican traitors !"
他气急之下，终于承认他的来历了。听着他骂我，我却突然对他产生了同情。这个人才华绝世，为了隐瞒他的身份，这许多年来他也经受了多少折磨啊。他在海老身边学到了很多东西，才能也足以改变这个世界，只是在宦海中，他却被权势蒙蔽了双眼。我伸手从口袋里摸出那根头发，道：“你看看这个。”
张龙友不知我拿出些什么，一根头发在地上显眼些，拿在手上却看不出来了。我把头发凑到火把边上，道：“看到了么？”
张龙友睁大了眼，突然道：“丁亨利！”
那种金发碧眼的人并不多，现在虽然也没有丁亨利拿根头发来比较，但也可以断定这就是丁亨利的。我点点头，道：“我们晚了一步。”
丁兄，谢谢你。看着那七零八落的孵化器残骸，我心里暗自说着。孵化器并不很大，要搬走也不是太困难。丁亨利一定受命找到孵化器，但他还是把这孵化器炸毁了。虽然他与我政见不同，立场不同，但我们做出了同样的选择。我直到这时才明白昨天丁亨利那个奇怪问题的深意了，以及最后那句话。
愿这个国家，永远都不再有战争。
张龙友又是恼怒，又是失望，道：“该怎么向陛下交待？该怎么说？”
我叹了口气，道：“还是把这里填了吧。我们快走，这里快透不过气来了。”
里面虽然没有硫黄味，但硝石的味道却很浓。张龙友眉头一竖，道：“是啊，丁亨利是用什么东西炸的？怎么没有硫黄？”
I sigh.张龙友如果和薛文亦一样把心思全放在手艺上，他也会过得更快活一些吧。其实我比他好得有限，一样也在这个污浊的泥坑里随波逐流，渐渐染得连自己都认不出来。唯刀百辟，唯心不易。大概，只能让自己的心保持原样，才是解脱之道吧。
知道那个造人的孵化器也已毁了，我心里放下了一块大石头。现在，联合政府间最后一个障碍也已消除，两边都该一心一意了。我的心境从未有过的好，叫出了五德营五统领，一块儿到我家吃饭。
吃的是久违了的石板烤江豚肉。江豚肉油脂很多，烤过后就没那么腻。在烧得滚烫的石板上浇点美酒，酒香腾起，把连瘦带肥的肉片铺在上面，看着肉片“滋滋”作响，再往蘸料里蘸一蘸吃下去，这等美味当真难以言说。五德营五统领又不是外人，一个个聊得口沫横飞，连向来沉默的陈忠也被曹闻道逼着唱了个小曲。只是我总觉得廉百策有些异样，也许那天我突然说他是文侯的暗桩，让他心中有了顾忌吧。
正吃到兴头，外面突然传来一阵高呼。我吓了一跳，曹闻道也跳了起来，叫道：“出什么事了？谁敢胡乱喧哗？”
地军团军纪极佳，营中从来不会有喧哗之事。曹闻道已有了三分酒意，想必以为是在军中了。我道：“坐吧，没事的。”这声音我听得出，正是尊王团那种如歌如泣的大声疾呼，什么“为国捐躯，为君分忧”，还有什么“帝国荣耀，不容玷污”什么的。我笑了笑，道：“是尊王团。对了，他们那份血糊糊的血书我一直没交上去，会不会找我算帐来了？”
这当然是句笑话。我虽然不喜欢尊王团，但我现在是帝国首席军官，他们似乎挺喜欢我。我刚说完，他们还没来得及笑，却听得一声惨叫。这声惨叫声嘶力竭，让我心惊肉跳。我正想让老周出去看看，却见老周冲了进来，叫道：“将军，外面在杀人！”
我吓了一大跳，杨易他们也一下站了起来。曹闻道惊叫道：“什么？没王法了么？执金吾在哪里？”
我们全都冲了出去。一出门，却见前面有一群人正在走过来。那些人头上全都扎着红色的布条，有个人走在最前，正在振臂高呼。他喊一句，边上的人跟着吼一句。而在人群中间，树着一根旗杆，在旗杆上竟吊着一个被扒光衣服的人。这人遍体是血，也不知是死是活，身上还扎了一支箭。这些人走过，路人纷纷变色躲避。我吓了一跳，道：“这是怎么回事？”
我迎了上去。此时那伙人已经走过来了，他们看来倒不是来拜见我的，只是路过而已。我拦住他们去路，领头那人也吓了一跳，叫道：“是什么人？”
我看了看那个吊在旗杆上的人，道：“他是谁？”
那人道：“此人是共和叛贼！这些叛贼蛊惑人心，意图巅覆帝国，我等身为帝国忠贞子民，定不允许他们阴谋得逞！”
他说得理直气壮，我却莫名其妙，道：“现在不是立宪，共和军与帝国联合么。他犯了什么罪了？”
我只道那个共和军的人犯了什么事，结果被这些人动用私刑抓了。就算那人十恶不赦，但法律就是法律，私刑是不允许的。那人却喝道：“什么共和军，那是叛贼！你难道也是共和叛贼一员么？”说着，也不知从哪里取过一支长枪，直直对着我。看枪尖，这人臂力不小，也练过两年，居然不弱。我怒道：“难道就因为他是共和军的人，你们就这般折磨他？”
那人叫道：“乱臣贼子，人人得而诛之。共和叛贼妖言惑众，意图乱我朝纲，我等义民誓与叛贼不两立！”
他说着，举枪便向我刺来。我心中不由升起怒火，厉喝一声，拔出百辟刀来，脚下一个错步，已闪过他的枪尖，接连砍到他枪杆上。百辟刀虽然锋利，要一刀砍断枪杆也不可能。但我出刀极快，一瞬间已有十几刀砍出，砍的又都在同一个地方。那人见我闪过了枪尖，正待抽回，“嚓”一声，枪杆已被我从中砍断。
砍断他的枪是为立威。我哪容得他再还手，枪杆一砍断，右脚在地上一点，左脚转了个圈，脚背重重踢在他的左脸上。那人被我踢了这一脚，人一下摔倒。我抢上前去，把刀压在他喉咙口，喝道：“他们到底是什么人？”
尊王团只不过会喊些口号游行，从来没有这等公然在大街上杀人的。那人虽然被我制住，却倔强之极，喝道：“不要管我，这共和叛贼还敢动粗，杀了他！”
我还没说话，身边响起了曹闻道的声音：“这是地军团都督楚休红，你们狗胆包天，哪个敢动？砍了你们！”
那人听了忽然叫道：“原来是楚都督。楚都督，你是国家栋梁，可不能不分青红皂白啊。共和叛贼蛊惑君心，妄图以立宪为名，行共和之实。长此以往，必将国之不国，要国破家亡的！”
他这样说，我倒没办法反驳了。立宪制原本就与君权至高无尚的帝制背道而驰，所以他说的话其实并不错。只是帝制难道就好么？这帝国不成为帝国，并不是一件坏事。国破了，家却不会亡。可是他说得这么冠冕堂皇，我也不能公然说帝国亡了是好事。我骂道：“胡说八道什么，你恶言诅咒陛下，妄杀平人，该当死罪。”
现在我说“陛下”两字，他们倒没有磕头了，反倒有一大批人呼啦一下站上前来，挺枪对准我们，又有个人喝道：“与叛贼同流合污者，也是叛贼！楚休红，你不要自恃对帝国有功，我们千百万帝国义民绝不答应！”
他喊完，身后那些人齐声喝道：“尊王义民，忠君爱国。为国捐躯，死得其所。”声势甚是骇人。他们的吼声整齐划一，我想说什么连自己都听不到了。我心里一阵茫然，身后杨易上前小声道：“将军，立刻把五德营调来吧。”
我摇了摇头，心里不知有多么空虚。当初离开军校时，有个叫柳风舞的学生问过我什么叫名将，我说军队是为了保国安民，如果用来对付民众，那这军队也就失去了存在的意义。尊王团的人纵然不可理喻，他们还是帝国子民，我怎么能调用军队，过来大杀一阵？那又与当初文侯在帝都之乱时有什么两样。昨天，我还满心欢喜，觉得这个新时代已经到来，没想到仅仅过了一天就变成这样子了。不知道这个被杀的共和军成员地位高不高，假如是郑昭那一级，联合政府立刻就要寿终正寝。
这时那些尊王团一阵呼喝，已挺枪向我冲来。我拖着那人，一时间也走不开，却听得曹闻道怒喝道：“王八蛋！”他身形一晃，如旋风一般直冲上去。那些人见有人上来，挺枪便刺，枪还未中，当先一人忽然“啊”了一声，仰天摔倒在地，曹闻道趁势一把夺过他的枪，倒握着以枪纂一扫，将那些枪挡开，他手里的枪已顺了过来，便要刺去。我惊叫道：“不要杀人！”
那个要刺曹闻道的人是被一个弹丸击倒的，自然是冯奇出手。冯奇他们九个人住在我宅子隔壁的一个小宅里，我和五德营统领饮酒，他们自然放假，听到外面有声音，这时也冲了出来。冯奇冲到我跟前，道：“楚将军，要不要动手？”
我道：“不要杀人。杀了人就难办了。”
冯奇露齿一笑，道：“楚将军放心，我用的是泥丸，他不会死，就见点红。”冯奇平时用的不是铁丸就是石丸，那两种伤人立死，练习用的却是泥丸。虽然打上去颇为疼痛，但还不会死人。
那个被他打倒的汉子此时果然正晕乎乎地爬起来，额角已流出血来。他一起身，就叫道：“你们……你们竟敢打尊王团义民！”
冯奇不等他说完，手起弹落，又一个泥弹正打在他嘴里。泥弹虽然着物即散，但这一弹也打得他满嘴是血，只怕牙齿都打掉了几个。那人唔唔叫着，口齿已是不清，快步向后退去。曹闻道还要追，我道：“曹闻道，不要追了！”
这时有人忽然叫道：“执金吾来了！”那些尊王团的人忽然一阵骚乱，向后退去。挂着人的旗杆原本由几个人扶着，此时失了扶持，登时倒下来。曹闻道见势不妙，抢上前去一把扶住。但他力量虽大，这旗杆上还挂着个人，要扳回来，他力有未逮，仅仅稍稍减弱了些下坠之势。
这时杨易陈忠他们齐齐冲了上去，五个同时扶住，旗杆立时止住倒下之势。他们将旗杆慢慢放倒，把那人放了下来。我抬起头道：“那人怎么样了？”
杨易弯下腰试了试那人的鼻息，向我摇了摇头。我心头怒起，百辟刀向下压了压，对那个被我制住的人骂道：“混蛋！你们竟然随意杀人！”
那人却也死硬，我的刀已架在他脖子上，他仍然梗着脖子道：“叛国反贼，死不足惜！你不识好歹，算得上身为帝国军官么。”
我恨不得一刀把他砍了，但仍然留住了手。这时前面有人喝道：“我们是执金吾，这里出什么事了？”
那是一小队执金吾，当先是个少年军官。我正待说话，当先那执金吾军官惊叫道：“曹将军！天啊，真是曹将军！”
曹闻道收好了枪，道：“你是……”
“我是林武啊，曹将军，当初你还训练过我们，前两年在送一个难妇去卑田院时还碰到过你一次。”
曹闻道定然忘了这林武是什么人了，唔唔了两声，那林武忽然又惊叫道：“楚将军！”
一听到那林武说送难妇去卑田院，我已想起了前两年的那事。这林武给我留下的印象甚好，忠厚善良。我收好刀，站起来道：“是林武将军么？我是楚休红。”
林武三步两步冲到我跟前，一并脚，行了个礼，道：“小将金吾卫骁骑林武，见过楚都督。”
上一次他还是百夫长，现在看来已升了一级。我指着地上那人道：“此人蓄意杀人，将他收监，送刑部审判。”林武道：“遵命。”他从怀里掏出法绳，正要去捆那人，忽地怔住了，抬起头道：“楚都督，他是尊王团的人啊。”
林武大概是从那人围着头的红布看出来的。我道：“尊王团怎么了？”
林武有些局促不安，小声道：“楚都督，陛下有命，说尊王团都是忠贞爱国的义民，民心可用，所以命令我们让尊王团便宜行事。都督，只怕就算抓去了，刑部也不收啊。”
I was startled.从没想到帝君还有这种圣旨，这一年来我心思都在与共和军的谈判上，为立宪奔走，几乎毫不关心街头巷尾的事。我道：“陛下说让他们便宜行事，难道说了他们可以随便杀人么？”
林武道：“这倒没有。”
“这人蓄意杀了一个人，以杀人罪拘捕他！”
林武眼中也有了光彩，一个立正，道：“遵命！”
林武将那人反绑起来，那人却面无惧意，只是看着我嘿嘿冷笑。曹闻道见他那样子，怒不可遏，挥拳又待上前，我一把拉住他，道：“曹兄，让执金吾处理此事吧。”
曹闻道脸上满是怒色，道：“太嚣张了，居然有这等不法之徒，像什么样子。”
我心里也极是沉重。没想到尊王团在不知不觉间竟然发展到这个程度，而他们几乎是病态地反对共和军的一切，又病态地宣称支持帝君。假如是一两个人也就罢了，可他们正如自己说的，是千百万人。那天那个上血书的人更说了，尊王团足足有二十万之众。
先前我心里的喜乐已经荡然无存，一片阴霾沉重地压在我心上。帝国，到底怎么了？