Chapter 12 Chapter 44: The Rising Sun

The door opened, and it was Cheng Jingtang who came in.A dozen soldiers of the Golden Spear Squad came in behind him. Seeing him come in gave me a little refreshment.The Golden Spear Squad is Mr. Nanwu's personal soldiers, and the ones who come in now are probably Mr. Nanwu.Although I've definitely seen the remodeled Mr. Nanwu, it's the first time I've met him formally.What is the purpose of this supreme leader of the Republican Army who single-handedly destroyed the empire to come to see me?I guess it might be to talk to me about the conditions for disarming the Wude Camp.Although he detained me, the Wude Camp is just outside Wuyun City, and it will attack the city at any time.Even though Wude Battalion now has less than 40,000 troops, and the republican army assembled has exceeded 100,000, but with the reputation of Wude Battalion's victorious victories over the years, I think Mr. Nanwu would never dare to start a war lightly. Duan still wants to negotiate with me.

Perhaps, this is an opportunity.I simply lay down on the bed, put my hands behind my head, and crossed my legs. I put on a defiant posture to show that even though I was in prison, I still had a sense of normalcy. As soon as the soldiers of the golden gun squad came in, they lined up on both sides, standing neatly, and someone walked in. When I saw this person, I couldn't pretend to be calm anymore, turned over and sat up, and exclaimed, "Wu Wanling!" It was Wu Wanling who came in! To be honest, even if the golden gun squad lined up, I wouldn't be so surprised if a snake man or a rat man came in.I never dreamed that it would be Wu Wanling.Wu Wanling has been working as a mid-level officer since joining the Fire Corps.When he became the Chinese army in the Fire Legion, the relationship between Bi Wei and me became more and more tense, and I never had the chance to see him again.When I think about it occasionally, I just worry about him.But the army was in a hurry, and the chance to see him was unique. When Bi Wei was forced to land in the Republican Army by Deng Canglan, I had already forgotten that Wu Wanling was also in the Fire Army.Seeing him come in now, his appearance hasn't changed, but his bearing is extraordinary, he has the courage to command thousands of troops, as if he has become another person.

Wu Wanling came over, with no expression on his face, and saluted me through the iron bars of the cage, and said, "Brother Chu, don't come here without any harm." I looked at him, and I didn't know what it was like, so I just said lightly: "Brother Wu, who are you?" Wu Wanling smiled slightly, and said: "Brother Chu has been hiding something from you, and Wanling hereby expresses his deep apology. It's just that the two countries are fighting each other, and the soldiers are doing everything they can. Brother Chu should understand." I said, "Are you a hidden stake laid down by the Republican Army?"

Wu Wanling shook his head and said, "My father is Duke Cang Yue." These words were like a thunderbolt from the blue again, which made me feel bored.I was tongue-tied and speechless, I just said: "What... what? Then who is that Mr. Nanwu?" "My father has two sons and a daughter. The adopted son's name is Nan, and the parent's name is Wu. My father doesn't want us to take advantage of his shadow to bully others, so he never takes us out. My three brothers have always lived as ordinary children." Wu Wanling's The voice was still calm as usual, as if what he said was just a common thing, "I am Wu. When the Marquis of Tang crossed the river and defeated my father, I was injured and failed to return to the south with the crowd, so I was taken in by a family. into the army."

I murmured: "No wonder, when you passed Fudun City on the way back, you would rather stay in Fudun City than go back to the imperial capital." At that time, in order to stay in Fudun City, Wu Wanling explained to Tao Shouzhuo the identities of the four women who went north with us, which made Tao Shouzhuo plan to present them as offerings to the emperor, so that Feng and I could never be together again.At that time, I was so angry that I almost killed Wu Wanling. Now that I think about it, maybe it would be better to kill him then.Deng Canglan's rebellion against Marquis Wen was coerced by Bi Wei, and in the end Bi Wei surrendered to the Republican Army. Although he was coerced by Deng Canglan, Wu Wanling certainly played a significant role in it.I was upset for a while, and I didn't know whether to express admiration or anger.In the past, I always felt that although Wu Wanling was good at rectifying military affairs, his ability was not very strong after all, so no matter where he put it, he would be ignored by everyone.Thinking back, Wu Wanling has been in the Imperial Army for so long, this kind of perseverance is already daunting.

Wu Wanling said: "Don't be afraid that Brother Chu will laugh at you. Before, my father said that I was cowardly and useless. At that time, I was still not convinced. After the battle of Gaojiu City, I really knew that I was cowardly and useless. My father was in the city, but I was attacking the city in the midst of the enemy army. At that time, I also thought of living and dying with my father after entering the city, but firstly, I didn’t have the ability, and secondly, the encirclement of the Marquis of Tang Dynasty was already established, so I was able to enter the city as the victor. I escaped with my life by chance, and I feel that the world is so big, and I am at a loss, but there is no place for me."

I am silent.Although there are very few people who know him as Mr. Cang Yue, if he is recognized in the imperial capital, it will be a dead end.Although he spoke with sarcasm, but with a heart to heart, if I were in his position, I'm afraid I would do the same.I said: "Why did you still stay in the Imperial Army? At that time, you joined forces with the Anti-Snake Army. You had a lot of opportunities to go back." Wu Wanling saluted, and said: "Brother Nan had brought the troops left behind by my father to great effect, and he had established prestige in the army. If I go back, his status will be affected. And I feel that I am not Nan People with extraordinary abilities like Brother and you can only be minor officers at best after returning. Rather than that, it’s better to stay in the imperial army and wait for the opportunity.”

I sneered and said, "Don't say you are incompetent. Half of the Imperial Army was destroyed by your perseverance and self-knowledge. It's just that you handed over your father's family fortune. Are you afraid that it will be difficult for you to face your father?" When Wu Wanling offered a plan to raid Wuyang City and captured He Congjing, I just felt that this plan was a bit dishonest.Looking back and thinking about it, it was actually Master Nanwu who ordered us to get rid of He Congjing, so Master Nanwu completely controlled the leadership of the Republican Army. There was no strange expression on Wu Wanling's face, he just saluted, and said, "Brother Chu is absurd. The world is not a world of one person, but a world of the world. Wanling feels that he can't compare with Brother Nan, the banner of the republic, only Brother Nan can If he can bear it, I am willing to give him the title of Nanwu."

When I say this about him, I am not without a provocative heart.But Wu Wanling was not provoked at all, and his words were very calm.I didn't know what it was like, although I only felt that I should hate the person in front of me, if it wasn't for the two of them, even if Deng Canglan was dissatisfied with Zhang Longyou, he wouldn't have threatened Bi Wei to rebel.He kept saying that he was incapable, but it could indeed be said that half of the empire was destroyed in his hands.I sighed, and said, "Stop gossiping. Brother Wu, since you're here, explain why you're here."

Wu Wanling clapped his hands, and a soldier came over with a gourd.Wu Wanling took out a wooden cup and poured a glass of wine, passed it in from the gap in the cage, and said, "Brother Chu, today Wanling just came to have a few drinks with you to catch up on old feelings. This cup is to thank you from Gaojiu City. The feeling of saving each other." I took the cup with mixed feelings in my heart.Wu Wanling used the wooden cup because he was afraid that I would hurt someone with it.I took the cup and drank it down, and said: "No need, even if it wasn't you, I would still have to save it. What's more, there was Wu Keqing and a woman who were killed by me."

Wu Wanling also drank a glass of wine, and said: "That's something that can't be helped, and Brother Chu doesn't have to blame himself. God has the virtue of being good at life. Brother Chu, you value benevolence and righteousness, and what my father said is that people are the first. It is a truth to put the people first.” Suddenly my heart was full of hope again, and I said, "Brother Wu, now that you have won, that is the number of days. Are you here to let me contribute to this new country?" Wu Wanling looked at me and didn't speak for a while.My heart sank, and I said, "What's wrong?" Wu Wanling said: "Brother Chu, do you still remember the story of the emperor killing King Jialuo?" The emperor won the country and destroyed the Jialuo country. King Jialuo asked to surrender, but the emperor beheaded all the family of King Jialuo on the grounds that "the king is like a grass, if you let it go, foxes and rabbits will gather together".Although it seemed cruel at the time, the remnant party of the Jialuo Kingdom could not find any direct clans, so they managed to get a few side clans. As a result, even the people in the hometown of the Jialuo Kingdom did not support it.Hearing Wu Wanling talk about this matter, my heart skipped a beat and I said, "So, are you going to kill me?" A trace of pain flashed in Wu Wanling's eyes, and he remained silent.After a while, I raised my head and said, "Brother Chu, I know I can't forgive you. Everything in the world is born and dies, and there are gains and losses. The establishment of this new era requires someone to sacrifice blood. Brother Chu, you are the sacrifice of this new era." I smiled dryly and said, "Sacrifice? That's right. I have led the imperial army to fight against you for many years, and I can't help myself. If I am alive, I am afraid that Mr. Nanwu will have trouble sleeping and eating. I will worry day and night that one day I will reorganize the army." , rise up." However, politicians do things unscrupulously.At the beginning, I betrayed Marquis Wen precisely because I couldn't understand Marquis Wen's style of unscrupulousness in achieving his goals, but Mr. Nanwu and Marquis Wen are obviously the same kind of people, even more unscrupulous than Marquis Wen. I thought, I He ordered the local legion to give up resistance and take over. Even if Mr. Nanwu won't use me, at least he can let me go back to the mountains. However, now I feel that even if they are willing to use me, it may be a tragedy in the end.I smiled wryly, looked at the wine in the glass, and said, "So, are you going to kill me now? What kind of poison is in this glass?" Wu Wanling said: "Not now. Brother Chu, please rest assured that this wine is the muguzi wine stored in King An's mansion, and it is not poisonous." Is this wine muguzi wine?I also smelled a faint scent of wine at the end of my nose, which was vaguely what I smelled when I first invaded Gaojiu City.It's just that I have never liked drinking, so I haven't noticed it all the time.I said, "I really love you." Wu Wanling put down his cup and said, "One more thing." He beckoned, another soldier came over with a package, he put it on the table outside and unwrapped it, and said, "Brother Chu, this is your bag." A few weapons. I know you like these things very much and always wear them close to your body, so I ask Brother Nan for permission to be buried for you." He untied the knife wrap, which contained the invisible knife, hand crossbow and meteor hammer that I brought with me when I entered the imperial capital for negotiations.I have always carried these things with me, and I have feelings for them.It's just that Wu Wanling certainly wouldn't give it to me when I was alive, so I can't even touch it now.I looked at these things and murmured: "The hand crossbow was made for me by Xue Wenyi. Bury it with me. The meteor hammer was given to me by Li Yaotian. It was originally a family heirloom. Brother Wu, please Give it back to Juluo envoys when they come." Li Yaotian had a very high reputation in Juluo because he fought against the invasion of the Japanese island.But he died in the storm, and there were no bones left. There must be very few relics left in Guluo.Wu Wanling nodded, pulled out the invisible knife, and said, "What about this knife?" I sighed, and said, "This knife was used by Jian Zhonglan, who joined the army before, and it belonged to me after he died. This knife is a sacred object. After I die, I will give it to you. The crossbow is buried for me. enough." Wu Wanling raised his head and said, "Thank you very much." He paused, and then said, "By the way, Mrs. Zheng Zhao has taken your horse, is it okay?" Bai Wei?My heart ached, and I said, "That's the best result, thank you." He put away the knife, poured himself another glass, and said, "Brother Chu, today is probably the last time we drink together, please." I took a sip and said, "Brother Wu, what do you want to do after the establishment of the new dynasty?" He smiled wryly, and said: "I'm not afraid that Brother Chu will laugh at me. My only strength is to organize soldiers. When I was young, I liked to watch soldiers drill and see them walk in an orderly manner. I was so happy that I couldn't express it, so I went to the army to be a soldier." It's a good place to be a Chinese army. It's just that Brother Nan will definitely not let me do this, maybe it's just eating and drinking for the rest of my life." I said: "It's peaceful, and the army will definitely be disarmed. In fact, there is nothing wrong with eating and drinking. Even if you are a peerless famous general, you will still have nothing to do in the peaceful era." Wu Wanling said: "Yes. I still remember that you once said that the most precious thing in the world is people. You said that treasures are easy to lose, but mountains and rivers will always exist, but if there are no people, everything is meaningless. As long as the people can live a stable life, It is the best thing to put the weapons in the warehouse and release the horses to Nanshan." I drank the wine in the glass.Muguzi wine is sweet and soft on the palate, but it has a lot of stamina. I drank it in a hurry, my head was a little dizzy, and my body felt a little hot.I held out the cup, and Wu Wanling poured me another cup, and I said, "Such a peaceful day could have come a long time ago, but you didn't want to disarm the people at the beginning, which made the common people suffer so much more. Now that the Republic is established Yes, but you said, is there any difference between the Republican Army and the Empire? It was called Dijun at that time, but now you call it Datongzhi, and the Nanwu Datongzhi and Dijun are just different in name." Wu Wanling said: "Brother Chu's words are wrong. Maybe you can't see the difference now, but there is one biggest difference between the Republic Army and the Empire. The Empire is a family with one surname, but the Republic is a world shared by all people. The Empire If there is a wise emperor, the people can live a good life, but once there is a tyrannical and fatuous emperor, there is nothing that can be done even if there are capable ministers. The republic is different. It is possible to impeach the ruling system and select another worthy person to take over. This is like a large cart. If there is only one person driving the cart, if the direction deviates and the cart falls into the abyss, others will only be buried with him; The right to drive, then you can correct the direction at any time, even if the big car goes off the track, it will not be a big problem, and you can get back on the right track at any time. Now that the country is new, the system must not be perfect, and many places still use the imperial system, but very Years and a hundred years later, the idea that all people in this world share the world has become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and even if the great ruler wants to restore the monarchy, it is no longer possible." I can't speak.No matter how much I hate the Republican Army and Mr. Nanwu, I have to admit that Wu Wanling is right.Originally, my heart was full of indignation, but now I calmed down a lot, took another sip of wine, and said: "The empire may be exhausted. Well, if you want to kill me, I will admit it, but I have one more thing to say." , Brother Wu, please tell Young Master Nanwu, and ask him to complete it." Wu Wanling said: "Brother Chu, don't worry, I will satisfy you whatever you want to eat." I smiled and said: "The Wude Battalion has fought against the Republican Army for many years, but they all obeyed my command. If you want to convict, just convict me alone." Wu Wanling nodded, and said: "Wu Deying is the most powerful army in the world. No one will deny it. It is naturally the best thing to resolve it peacefully." Listening to his words, I was relieved at first, but after thinking about it, I felt something was wrong.I said, "What do you mean by 'nature is the best thing'?" Wu Wanling raised his head and said, "Just like you, the Wude Camp is already a legend. If they are allowed to stay, even if they are dismantled and reorganized, they will be like a sharp knife hanging by the bed. Brother Chu, forgive me for this matter." There's nothing I can do." I was stunned, and my heart was extremely cold.The combat power of the Wude Camp obviously scared them all, so they would not stop until the Wude Camp was wiped out.I shouted: "Wu Wanling, you can't break your promise! It was you who said you wanted to negotiate with our army, so I ordered them not to resist!" Wu Wanling picked up the cup and said: "Brother Chu, you have said this many times. The Wude Battalion accounted for almost half of the imperial army's combat strength. If they keep their establishment, it will be like raising tigers." It is a trouble. Only by completely disappearing the Wude Camp can the new republic be able to enjoy long-term peace and stability." I threw the wine glass away, and said with a sneer, "Long-term peace and stability? You scold the empire for tyranny, but what you are doing now is no different from the empire. The Wudeying is a human being, fifty thousand living people. The people of the Republic. You say people-oriented, people-oriented, is this a fart?" I got angry and scolded more and more fiercely, but Wu Wanling just looked at me with a smile.When I got tired of scolding, he said: "Brother Chu, now is an extraordinary period, and it is difficult to build the power of thunder without using thunderbolt means. As long as the republic can win the recognition and support of the people, what's the problem even if it is like an empire now? This seed has been sown After all, it will eventually grow into a towering tree. Ask the people of the Republican Army, what will happen if someone calls himself an emperor now. I also know that this is too cruel for Wudeying. But like a seriously ill person, Only by cutting out the diseased part can the person be healthy again." I have actually asked this question before.It was hearing that the people almost overwhelmingly did not support the imperial system, which made me feel a little shaken, wondering if it was right for me to devote myself to the empire.Wu Wanling may be right. Wudeying is indeed a threat to the new republic, but I can't believe it. Mr. Nanwu, who has vowed to negotiate with Wudeying, has already made this idea from the very beginning.I rushed to the side of the cage, grabbed the iron bars and said: "Wu Wanling, I beg you, please let me write a handwritten letter. I will disband the Wude Camp on the spot, let them scatter everywhere, and never gather again." ,Do not do this!" Wu Wanling looked at me, with a trace of pain in his eyes, slowly shook his head and said, "Impossible. Although we are negotiating now, all the armies have assembled, and the attack will be launched at any time." I looked at him and cursed: "Breach of faith!" Wu Wanling met my gaze and said, "What is faith? What is righteousness? For the sake of great things, a little faith and small righteousness are nothing. Brother Chu, General Ding admires your ability to command troops, but if you lose, you will lose." It's too faithful." I gasped for breath and couldn't say a word.Maybe, I should really follow the advice of Yang Yi and Cao Wendao... I closed my eyes.Some people say that there is nothing more sad than heart death, and I think my heart is dead now. Suddenly, there was a loud noise in my ear, which was the sound of artillery that I was used to hearing.Hearing the sound of the cannon, I opened my eyes and said, "It started?" Wu Wanling saluted, and said, "Brother Chu, the Wude Camp is loyal to you and is unwilling to lay down its weapons. Now that the cannons have sounded, it means that the negotiation has completely broken down and the attack has begun." I sneered, "Isn't that what you want?" Wu Wanling was also a little dazed, and said: "I don't know either. Maybe, the peaceful years can only be bought with the blood of countless people." I slumped down on the bed and said, "Since the war has already started, why do you sit with me? Want to see me in pain?" "I'm sorry, Brother Chu," Wu Wanling put down his wine glass, and said in a low voice, "The strength of the Wude Battalion is obvious to all. Although they are in a desperate situation, they still can't be careless. I will guard you here, just in case. " Guard against the Wude Battalion attacking here?I can't help but smile wryly.Mr. Nanwu doesn't seem to be really strategizing, and he is sure to win. He is also worried that if I am rescued by Wu De, the victory will change hands.He might not think highly of me, Wudeying didn't even know that I was locked up here.Even if Wudeying can break into the prison and rescue me, the whole army will definitely be wiped out in the end.It's just that I always have a fluke in my heart. With the power of the Wudeying, maybe it can really save me.Although the Golden Spear Squad is strong, there are not many people after all. If they can kill here, maybe there will be a miracle... The gunfire grew louder.There are only some small artillery in the Wude Battalion, and the heavy artillery is at the Fire Corps. The sound of the artillery is so loud now, it must be the firepower of the Republican Army.I looked up at the skylight of the prison. The window was small and separated by iron bars. I couldn't see anything now.It's just that I still keep my eyes open, hoping to see the battle flag of Wudeying suddenly appear in the window-although I also know that it is just a delusion. The cannon boomed and grew louder.Wu Wanling was also looking at the window, frowned suddenly, and sighed: "The Wude Battalion is really powerful, it really came from the opposite city, and it has approached so much under the mighty cannon, it looks like the airship team is about to go out! .” With the white gunpowder of the Republican Army, the artillery fire is already higher than that of the Imperial Army, not to mention that the Wude Battalion has small artillery.The Wude camp is fighting unyieldingly, and the battle line is still approaching the city. I know that Yang Yi and the others must want to rescue me at all costs.Hearing Wu Wanling talk about airships, my heart skipped a beat and I said, "Airship team?" Wu Wanling smiled slightly, and said, "Brother Chu, you probably thought that the Wind Legion of the Imperial Army was a unique secret, right? Look!" He pointed outside.Due to the gunfire, the sky has become much darker. In the smoke, I saw a few ellipsoidal objects flying slowly in the sky.I said, "Is this the airship?" "Exactly. Although the airship is not as flexible as the Wind Corps, it carries much more mines. The surrender of Dongping City was forced by the airship. General Chu, so although the Wude Battalion is strong, it has no power." Odds." The airship swam in the air, and from time to time something fell from it, and then it made a deafening explosion.These explosions seemed to explode on my heart, I clenched my fist tightly, my nails pierced my skin, pierced my palm, and blood dripped down.If it wasn't for Wu Wanling, I think I would have burst into tears.With every explosion, how many brothers in Wude Camp will die?They survived the fierce battle with the snake people, but eventually died at the hands of their allies who fought side by side.If they could hear me, I would yell at the top of my lungs, tell them to run away, run away, and never think about revenge again. But even these are delusions. The gunfire grew louder.Wu Wanling stood by the window watching, her body trembling a little.Suddenly, he turned his head and said with a smile: "Brother Chu, to be honest, although I must die, I am almost willing to be your subordinate, and I am rushing here to kill you." Although he spoke calmly, I could see a trace of fear in his eyes.I cheered up and said with a sneer: "If you want to take Wu Deying's life, I'm afraid you will have to pay ten times the price." Wu Wanling shook his head and said: "It's not that exaggerated. Although the Wude Battalion is strong, it is impossible to win this battle. Now, there are probably more than 10,000 dead soldiers of the Wude Battalion lying outside the south gate. The loss of the people is very small, but I really can't imagine that even though they know they will die, they still rush towards the gate of the city stepping on the corpses." He paused, and then said: "If the Wude Battalion is full, we will I really don’t know who will win in the end.” The Wude Battalion fought repeatedly, and it became more and more difficult to replenish soldiers. Now it is less than 40,000.Wu Wanling said that more than 10,000 people fell under the city, and I am afraid that the actual loss is now more than half.I didn't say a word, but the tears flowed down involuntarily. Hot tears, maybe, blood from the eyes? The sound of the explosion showed no sign of abating, and the smoke grew thicker and now obscured the windows.Among the shouts of killing, I vaguely heard a singing voice. It was the "Patriarch of the Kingdom".Although the Imperial Army has a military song, this song seems to be the real military song of the Land Legion.The singing was shattered by the gunfire, and I could only hear a few scattered words. Since the body is dead, it will be buried in Shanyang. How lofty the mountains are, how blue the sky is, There are trees in the mountains and sorrows in the country, The soul comes back to look after the family. They also know that now that they are killed in battle, they will only be infamous, and even the word "National Martyr" will not be added to them. I stood straight, the blood from the palm of my hand flowed drop by drop and fell to the ground, mixed with tears.During the war, I was in danger several times, but only now did I realize the meaning of the word "despair". The singing was intermittent and continuous, but it became clearer and clearer.Wu Wanling's face became more and more serious. Finally, he couldn't calm down and shouted: "Lock the door! Be on guard!" The prison is in the south of the city.If Wudeying breaks through the south gate, it will not be very far to rush to the prison.But what if he could rush here?The prison gate is a natural moat, and if you go back, it is an insurmountable ditch.But Wu Wanling was also panicked, indicating that the Wude Camp's offensive was beyond their imagination, and they were unexpected.What surprised me was that the Wude Camp came over without hesitation at all, as if confirming that I was locked up here. I watched them silently.At this point, it calmed down.Mr. Nanwu locked me in this big prison, apparently using me as a bait. Even if the Wudeying can break through the south gate, they will definitely not be able to kill them back.If they had opened a bloody road to the west to break through from the beginning, some people would have escaped.Yang Yishen knows the art of war, so he doesn't know it, but they clearly knew it was a trap, so they rushed forward regardless. I really can't bear them to lose their lives for me.Now I'm looking forward to the Wude Camp coming in, but I'm also afraid that they will really make it. The shouts of killing were getting closer and closer, but the artillery fire was much sparser. It was possible that the soldiers had already been engaged in hand-to-hand combat, so the artillery fire could no longer show its power.Wu Wanling couldn't stand anymore, so she dragged a chair to sit upright, looking outside.Now the outside is filled with gunpowder smoke, and the distance can no longer be seen, only the open space outside can be seen.I also can't figure out that the Wude Camp can really rush over. Although I can't see it now, I can hear the sound that it is getting closer and closer, and I am afraid it will not exceed one mile. Time seemed to pass slower and slower.Wu Wanling sat on the chair, straight as a clay puppet and wood carving, but the fighting sound in his ears became louder and louder, and the singing could no longer be heard, only roaring and screaming.I closed my eyes, in front of my eyes seemed to be struggling bodies under the sword and gun, those soldiers stepped forward, blood flowed into puddles, and some people fell down from time to time. How long?Is this sound of fighting the accompaniment for the end of the invincible Wude Camp?I thought, and my heart hurt like bleeding.It took only a dozen years from the formation of the Vanguard Battalion, the predecessor of the Wude Camp, to the later Hengye Army, and to the Land Army in its heyday.These ten years seem to be eternity when we experience them, but they are as short as a snap of fingers when we look back.Like a luxurious feast, there have been countless talented people on the stage, some rushed through, and some went to the end.No matter how long they stayed, it was still the end of the song, leaving a mess.Xiaolie, Tan Qing, Jin Qianshi, Zhen Yining, Li Yaotian, Shao Fengguan, these people who used to share my life and death with me, are all dead, no one will even remember their names, right? I listened silently. The shouts grew louder.Even in the deepest part of the dungeon, I could feel the shaking of the ground.Suddenly, there was a muffled sound like a giant gong in the distance.Wu Wanling stood up abruptly, and shouted, "What's going on?" A jailer rushed over and said loudly: "General, the imperial rebels came in! They just overturned the iron gate!" It's really here!My spirits lifted and I stood up straighter.Wu Wanling had obviously noticed it too, and said with a sneer, "Brother Chu, don't be happy. Go down to Shimen!" In addition to the iron door at the exit of the prison, there is another door in the cell.Because the gate needs to be driven by cars, it cannot be too small, but this prison gate is much smaller and more difficult to overturn.I was locked in the innermost place, and there was a stone door to pass through.It's just that once the stone door is opened, it will be extremely difficult to open it.Cheng Jingtang hesitated and said, "My lord, now..." Wu Wanling interrupted him, saying: "General Cheng, you don't know the strength of the Wude Battalion. They broke down the gate, and I'm afraid it's too late to open the stone gate now." As soon as he gave the order, I only heard a tooth-piercing sound of the winch twisting, it must be those jailers who were opening the stone gate. useless.I wanted to say that, but didn't open my mouth either.When the door was lowered, the voice from outside suddenly became quieter again.This skylight is so small that no one can get out of it even without a very thick iron rod.But since Wudeying has already killed here, they must be desperate. I dare say that even if they use gunpowder to blow it up, they will blow Shimen to pieces. At this time, there was another sound in the distance.This sound was much lighter and duller than before, probably because the door of the cell was knocked down.There are quite a few guards in the prison. Although they are not regular soldiers, they are also soldiers. However, under the impact of the Wude Battalion, they are vulnerable to a single blow. Wu Wanling was startled, couldn't sit still anymore, stood up and shouted: "Cheng Jingtang, get ready!" The golden gun squad removed the holster on the gun point at the same time.Ordinary soldiers never wear leather holsters on their spear points, but the spears used by the Golden Gun Squad are all very long, each point reaching more than a foot, and Cheng Jingtang's golden gun has a particularly long point, a full foot and a half long, it is simply A dagger.They pointed their guns at the door without making a sound. There were two more bangs, and someone was knocking on the stone door.This stone door is extremely thick, and it cannot be knocked open by human power.Wu Wanling's expression changed, and he murmured: "Oh no, they want to use gunpowder!" This is indeed to put gunpowder on the stone gate.I couldn't help but smile bitterly to myself, Yang Yi and the others really put all their eggs in one basket, desperate.The stone gate was blown to pieces with gunpowder. Although I was locked in the innermost place, I could not escape the danger.It's just that at this time, I can't help myself, I can only see what they do. Usually gunpowder is used to blow up mountains to extract rocks, and the gouging hole does not need to be very large, but the gouging outside is non-stop.Wu Wanling was uneasy, and said: "Cheng Jingtang, go and listen to how many people are here." Cheng Jingtang agreed, walked to the stone gate, put his ear to the stone gate and listened carefully for a while, then turned his head and said, "Master Hui, there should be a hundred or so people." "A hundred people?" Wu Wanling was stunned, and said angrily: "The more than ten thousand guards at the top of the city are eating shit, but even a hundred people have come in, and they haven't come for reinforcements for a long time!" If the Republican Army came for reinforcements, none of the soldiers of the Wude Battalion who were attacking Shimen would be able to escape.It was because the Wude Battalion's attack was too strong, and the Republican Army at the top of the city couldn't get through at all.I went to the bed and sat down, quietly listening to the noise outside. The knocking stopped, and only then did the sound of fighting outside be heard.It seems that the jailers guarding the prison have not been killed by Wudeying. Wudeying was fighting with the jailers while gouging holes in the door.As soon as the knocking sound stopped, Cheng Jingtang's complexion changed, and he rushed over, shouting, "Hurry up and hide! It's about to explode!" Is it really here?I couldn't hold back the excitement in my heart.Originally, there was no hope for the Wudeying to break into the prison, but they did it. This is really a miracle! As soon as Cheng Jingtang finished speaking, there was only a "boom", but it was not very loud.With the sound of the explosion, the door split into four diagonally, and a scorching wind blew in my face, carrying some flying pebbles inside, and even the iron bars of my cage were smashed by gravel. Ding dong noise.I stretched out my hand to cover my face, but before I took it off, I heard someone shout, "Chu Shuai! Where are you?" It's Lian Baice's voice!Although he is Zhang Longyou's secret agent placed by my side, he is also the loyal leader of the Wude Battalion, but I never thought that he would be the first one.Maybe he felt that he was a little sorry for reporting my affairs to Zhang Longyou, and he wanted to take credit for it.At this time, the gunpowder smoke had not cleared, and Lian Baice had just jumped in, choked by the gunpowder smoke and burst into tears.He stretched out his hand to wipe his eyes, and I saw two golden gun squad soldiers rushing up quietly, saying in surprise: "Be careful!" Before Lian Baice took his hands off his eyes, two golden guns had already plunged into his body, one on the left and the other on the right.I was angry for a while, my heart felt like a knife, and I shouted: "Lian Baice!" But Lian Baice had already knelt down softly, bleeding from the corner of his mouth.The Golden Spear Squad's spear skills are extremely strong, and the two of them are doing their best, and Lian Baice's spear skills may not be too high. Although he was the first to rush in, he couldn't even fight back, and died in the middle of the two golden guns. Under the squad gun. Those two golden gun squads stabbed Lian Baice to death with one shot. Before the gun was drawn out of his body, a gun suddenly protruded from the hole.This spear appeared out of nowhere, and it stabbed the golden spear squad on the right.The golden gun squad in the left hand reached out to pick it up, but he didn't even touch the gun. The gun had already pierced into the heart of the golden gun squad in the right hand.The man died before the gun was pulled out of Lian Baice's body, only a moment later than Lian Baice's. This is Yang Yi!Only Yang Yi has such a strong marksmanship!In the Wude camp, apart from the little prince and me, Yang Yi is the strongest in terms of marksmanship alone.Yang Yi's marksmanship is on par with mine, and although the golden spear squad's marksmanship is excellent, it is not his opponent. This shot stabbed the golden gun squad on the right hand to death, and the man on the left screamed, and the gun pressed down on Yang Yi's gun barrel, taking advantage of the situation.This shot was very clever, and Yang Yi used it all the time. Unless Chen Zhong had a chance of defeating the defeat with head-to-head confrontation, otherwise there was no way to fight back.Unexpectedly, his gun had just caught Yang Yi's gun, but with a "bang", Yang Yi's gun was twisted into the air.The man was stunned, and at this moment, a figure rushed in, and a knife light flashed across the throat of the golden gun squad. It was Yang Yi.He actually abandoned the gun and used the knife, and while the golden gun squad was concentrating on the gun, he rushed in and slashed the man's throat with the knife.The gold-gun class let out a few strange screams, and bloody foam appeared in its throat, and it fell down all at once. With Yang Yi's move, Wu Wanling was also shocked.He suddenly shouted: "Liu Guotao, take three steps up to the left, Zong Nan, take two steps up to the right, Shi Wenhu, go up to the center, and the rest stand in the gap!" He spoke fluently and his voice was loud, and several golden gun squads immediately set up as he said.My heart sank, and I shouted: "Yang Yi, be careful, this is a solid formation!" The Fortified Wall Formation is an infantry battle formation that was favored in the military in the past, relying on the seamless cooperation and trust of all units.因为练这种阵势对单兵战斗力要求很高，如果有哪个士兵稍弱一点，坚壁阵有了突破口，反倒更易冲破，当我从符敦城学会了更易于布阵，防御力同样不俗的八阵图后，就一直以八阵图为主战阵势了，坚壁阵几乎没有用过。只是金枪班个个都是一流的好手，不存在哪个稍弱一点，吴万龄布得也严谨之极，虽然仅仅十几个金枪班，布成这阵势却真有铜墙铁壁之意。 杨易挥枪挡开最个叫刘国涛的金枪班的攻击，一边叫道：“楚帅果然在这里！快进来！” 杨易，你为什么这么笨！我心中又是急，又是感动。杨易不会不知道这是个陷阱，但他还是义无反顾地踏了进来，让我都不知说什么好。我也不敢分他的心，只是默默道：“杨易，撑住！” 然而杨易显然有些撑不住。从五德营驻地冲杀到这里，他的体力消耗得已经差不多了。虽然先发制人击杀了两个金枪班，但那两人的性命也可以说是廉百策一条命换回来的，现在几个金枪班以坚壁阵冲上，杨易连冲了两次都没能冲过来。他也已看到我了，可是在这时也不敢分心。我正在担心，他身后又钻进了几个人，都是五德营的战士。可杨易虽然有了帮手，在金枪班的抵御下却仍然没法上前一步，反倒是刚冲进来的几个五德营士兵被轮番击倒。杨易他们要杀进来，必须经过一条甬道。这甬道很窄，长枪只能刺击，枪法中的砸抡之类手法根本用不上来，杨易他们要杀进来，简直比登天还难。 又是几轮冲击，五德营的士兵已死了十来个了，几乎要把石门上炸开的那缺口都堵上，杨易自己也挂了几处花，鲜血染红了战袍。我见他出枪已是越来越慢，心中疼痛，叫道：“杨易，你快走吧，别管我了，不然你会死的！” 杨易挡开一个金枪班的进攻，豪笑道：“楚帅，幸亏小魏回来传信，我们方才知道有这等变故。放心吧，人固有一死。杨易早就该死了，死在今天也已值得。”他忽地收枪一抱，两手在枪杆上靠得极近，一个金枪班只道是便宜，急冲上前，哪知杨易的枪忽地点出，正中他的咽喉，那金枪班被这一枪顶得倒翻在地。这是二段寸手枪。这路枪是当初武昭老师教我们的顶级枪法，最终学会的人并不多，是借助二段发力来加强威力的。可是杨易在步下也使出这路枪来，我知道他已近油枯灯烬了，只能借二段寸手枪来增强威力，否则恐怕长枪连人都刺不进去。 杨易又干掉一个金枪班，冲在最前的几个都有点害怕，退了两步。我惊喜交加，道：“冯奇他们呢？”那个小魏那天正在澡桶里洗澡，郑昭以摄心术制住了众人，却肯定没料到那个澡桶里还有一个，这才让他逃脱了吧。杨易又踏上一步，道：“楚帅请放心，他们都已救出去了，现在陈忠和曹闻道还在外间抵挡，但钱文义兄已然战死。” 钱文义战死了？我心头只觉一空。钱文义曾经出卖过我，虽然我原谅了他，但我和他之间终究疏远了许多，不像当初在南征军前锋营为百夫长时那样推心置腹，无话不谈了。在他心里，也许永远都在后悔，可细细想想，这岂不是我一直对他心存芥蒂的证明么？如果钱文义现在站在我面前，我想告诉他，我们是生死与共的兄弟，可是这已经永远来不及了。 我只怔了一怔，耳畔忽然响起了杨易的呻吟，两个金枪班已透过他的枪招，一起刺入他的小腹，他的战袍也登时染得红红一片。这里有个五德营士兵正探头要钻进来，见此情景已惊得呆了。这人我也记得，是廉百策麾下一个都尉，名叫文士成的。我大叫道：“文士成，叫大家快逃吧，不要来了！” 文士成呆了呆，道：“楚帅……”我见有个金枪班已踏上前去，心中更急，一把抓住铁栏，叫道：“让大家都走！不然只是送死。依令执行，不得有误！” 这是以前在五德营分派任务时说的套话，文士成忽地挺了挺身子，行了个军礼道：“得令！”钻了回去。我见他缩回去的脸上已满是泪水，应该也知道我说的不是假话。关我的囚笼即使用最快的锉刀来锉，只怕两三天都锉不断，更何况里面还有十来个以逸待劳，虎视眈眈的金枪班了。他们如果再进攻的话，只能是最终被斩尽杀绝。 而这，正是南武公子的计策。 文士成一走，外间一下安静了许多，也许是冲进来的五德营开始退走，也有可能是文士成以下全部战死了。我惴惴不安，不知该怎么办。文士成即使向还在苦战的陈忠与曹闻道传达我的命令，他们两人会听么？陈忠力大忠厚，但智谋弱了点。曹闻道虽然可圈可点，却顶多是个猛将之材，靠他两人统率，五德营还能杀出重围么？ “楚帅，请原谅。” 杨易上气不接下气的话让我一下回到了现实。我看着他，也许是泪水已经枯竭了，流也流不下来。我道：“杨兄，你根本没有对不起我，是我害了你们。” 杨易笑了笑，道：“不要说了。”他肚子中了两枪，五脏六腑只怕都已受伤。即使那些伤不至命，现在这样子流血也肯定活不下去了。我看着他，这个难得的将才现在也走到了生命的尽头么？这许多年来，他虽然一直还对帝国有所保留，时不时有弃官归隐之心，但最终还是听我的劝告留了下来。如果他第一次要出奔到五羊城时我没有拦他，现在他起码是共和军的中层将领了吧，也不会落到这样的地步。他虽然叫我不要说，但这话让我更加心痛。廉百策和钱文义战死，在他们看来大概也是死得其所，是为国捐躯。可杨易不同，杨易一直不满帝国，最终却还是为帝国殉葬了。 杨易忽然皱了皱眉，手捂住的伤口里又是许多血流出来。他吼道：“你们，上来一个，补我一枪，让我少受这些罪了！” 金枪班本来补上一枪就可以要他的命，但杨易踞坐在甬道中，竟是没有一个人上前只是呆呆地看着。 吴万龄忽然上前，向杨易行了一礼，道：“杨将军诚当世人杰，请受我一拜。” 杨易也不知他是谁，微微笑了笑，道：“多谢了。给我个痛快吧。” 吴万龄拔出了无形刀，道：“杨将军，此刀是楚将军所用。楚将军刀下所斩，尽是英雄豪杰，杨将军雄姿英发，不可死于寻常刀剑，纵然死也要死在这神器之下。” 他挥刀向杨易砍去。我嘶声道：“不要！”但刀光一闪，我看到杨易那没有头的身体晃了晃，倒了下来。 杨易也死了。陈忠和曹闻道还能活多久？我茫然地看着。甬道里横七竖八堆满了尸体，最先战死的廉百策已被别的尸体掩埋起来，都看不出来。吴万龄看着这一地尸首，忽地脸上也流下了两行泪水。半晌，他才道：“程敬唐，将这些尸身好生掩埋了吧，他们都是当世杰出的英雄豪杰。” 程敬唐持枪走了过来，却不说话，忽地单腿跪倒，哽咽地道：“公子……” 他为什么要跪？我一怔，吴万龄显然也有些莫明其妙。他怔了怔，忽然苦笑道：“原来，南哥还是容不得我啊。果然，斩草要除根，这才是他做的事。” 程敬唐要杀吴万龄！一刹那，我才恍然大悟。南武公子让吴万龄来看守我，一开始就已经打了要除掉他的心思吧。杨易他们多半也是南武公子故意放进来的，否则地军团再强，也冲不破共和军的重重包围。吴万龄是苍月公嫡子，如果与南武公子争位，南武公子是争不过他的。虽然吴万龄自愿让出南武这个名字，可是在南武公子看来，他仍是一个极大的威胁。在这时杀了他，可以毫无破绽地嫁祸给地军团。只是程敬唐显然还有点良心，不忍杀了这个真正的主人。 程敬唐泪流满面，道：“公子，你走吧。敬唐身受公爷大恩，没齿难忘。”虽然共和军号称人人平等，也没有公侯伯一类的爵位了，他情急之下说起苍月公时还是说“公爷”两字。 吴万龄淡淡笑了笑，道：“走到哪里去？走到天边，南哥也是找得到我的，他总是不信我。敬唐，你转告南哥一句，以人为尚，以民为本，这八个字是共和国立国之本，一定要落到实处。” 他扭头看了看我，苦笑道：“楚兄，没想到我还走在你之前。九泉之下，你要找我报仇就报吧，只是鬼死了又是什么？” 我也不知鬼死了是什么，程敬唐痛哭失声，不再抬头。我也不忍心去看吴万龄。他一向认为自己做的是对的，为了父亲的信念，生命也可以付出。也许，直到现在，他还是认为自己所做的是正确的吧。 刀已落下。几个金枪班也有不忍之色，扭过头去。 “楚帅，好好上路吧。” 天还没亮，但断头台前已围得人山人海，水泄不通。斩杀帝君，这是有史以来第一次，肯定谁都想看一看。我看了看边上的帝君，他的脸色苍白，比身上的白袍子还要白，只怕已是傻了。张龙友背着手站在一边，却看都不看我。 第一个上断头台的，就是帝君。当帝君被推上台去，一个赞礼大声宣读判词，说他“骄奢淫逸，独断不仁”，还说了许多条罪状。平心而论，帝君并不算骄横，后来那些年也算勤政。如果是太平朝代，他最起码也会是个守成之主，等老病死后得个美谥吧。可是现在，话是由别人说的了。 上断头台的还有不少人，尽是帝国的宗室高爵。今天是共和国的流血之日，大概要杀一整天吧。这时我听得有个孩子轻声道：“妈，到底发生什么事了？” 我扭过头，看着坐在角落里的她，她穿着一领土布的裙袍，一手揽着太子。太子神色木然，似乎还不知道发生了什么事。他其实也有十四五岁了，可是自幼生长在深宫，只知读书习字，现在这样的变故一定让他晕头转向。我看见她在太子耳边说着什么，脸上也和平常一样木无表情。也许，对于她来说，生与死，早在高鹫城破的那一天就已经一样了吧。今天，也许只是一场解脱。 我看着她，看着这个曾经朝思暮想的人。有人说得不到的东西才最美好，也许是。直到现在，我也不知道她的真名叫什么，眼前晃动的，只是那第一次见到她的情景。 淡黄的衣衫，雪白的手指，碎珠崩玉的琵琶声。这一切，永远都不会再来了。 这时外面一声炮响，围观的人们也是一阵震天也似的欢呼，有人在叫着：“打倒帝君！”还有人在喊：“共和国万岁！”当初启用断头台斩杀共和军驻帝都代表时，台下喊的无非是把打倒和万岁的对像换过来而已。现在听到这种声音，倒似一场嘲弄。 刽子手已经过来带她了。她作为最得帝君宠爱的妃子，又是太子的母亲，尽管她什么都没做过，她的一生只是被人伤害，被人玩弄，到头来也要作为罪魁祸首被斩杀。我看着她站起来，整了整衣裙，挽着太子的手走去。我想说句话，喉咙口却哽咽着，什么都说不出来。 她走过我身边时，我再也忍不住，道：“枫！” 她转过脸，看了看，忽然微笑道：“楚休红。” 她知道我的名字！我想要说太多的话，却突然间又连一个字都说不出来，心里百感交集，只是道：“如果能回到以前，那有多好啊。” 她微笑着道：“是啊。” 她的笑容如春花一般明媚，虽然她的眼角也略略有些细纹了。太子好奇地看着她，也许为第一次看到母亲的笑容而奇怪。我强忍着泪水，点了点头，道：“是的，那时真好。” 那时并没有什么好。可是，在我的回忆中，那个战火纷飞的年代却显得如此温馨。至少，在那时我们都还活着。 有个宗室忽然痛哭起来，叫道：“我不想死啊！来人！快把我放了！”虽然被绑得死死的，那人居然还站了起来，便要向外冲去。两个狱卒冲上前去，手持木棒向他头上打去，打得铮铮有声，那人口鼻流血，还在挣扎。 她向是没有看到一般，向我轻轻点了点头，道：“楚休红，永别了。” “永别了。”我喃喃地说着。为她刻的那个沉香木雕像也已失落在最后一场战役中，如果将来有人找到的话，也许就是她仅留下来的一点东西了吧。我目送着她一步步向外走去，在凌晨前最后，也是最黑暗的暮色中走上断头台。我也没心思去听赞礼在编排她的什么罪状了，只是默默地想着从前。 “第三个被杀的，该是我了。” 张龙友突然轻声道。他原本就坐在我对面，一直都没理我。虽然做了几年太师，养尊处优，人也稍稍胖了点，但他的脸上却还依稀有着那个从海老处逃出来时的青涩少年的影子。他见我没理他，苦笑了一下，道：“楚兄，你到这时还在恨我么？” 我叹了口气，道：“人之将死，恩怨已尽。” 张龙友也笑了笑，道：“也是啊。以前我就想着杀你，现在看看，真是可笑。” 这时狱卒又已下来了。看着他的身影，我的心里一沉。不是惧怕死亡，只是知道了她已经走了。 狱卒走过来，却没有和张龙友所说的一般到他跟前，反倒走到我面前，行了一礼道：“请吧。” 我站起身来，道：“龙友兄，原来还是我先走一步。” 狱卒摸出一个黑纱头罩，轻声道：“楚帅，请海涵。” 我不知道为什么到我这儿就要戴头罩了，恐怕只有帝君一家才能享受不蒙面处斩的待遇吧。我任由他把黑布罩到我脸上，一步步跟着他出去，上了断头台。 断头台的利刃已经拉起，上面虽然擦了一下，还沾着血迹。这些血是她的吧？我看着，只是呆呆地向前走。与前面被处斩的不同，赞礼也根本没有读我的罪状，下面的看客倒是群情激昂地喊叫着。 我看着他们，心里充满了怜悯。 突然，我呆住了。在人群的前列，我看到了白薇！ 她清瘦了许多。更让我震惊的是，她手上拉着一个男孩子。这男孩只有六七岁吧，靠在白薇身边，根本不敢看我。 白薇有孩子了！我只觉一阵晕眩。这个孩子，肯定不是郑昭的，那就是我的了？ 我想再看一眼白薇，那刽子手却凑到我耳边，小声道：“楚帅，请稍快一些。” 别再看了吧。也许，再看下去会让他觉得我这个帝国军元帅也会贪生怕死。其实，我真的很贪生怕死，直到现在，我也害怕会死。只是当死真的来临时，我也会去勇敢地面对。 我站到了断头台前，刽子手帮我将头放到刀下，小声道：“楚帅，请放心。” 放心么？I smiled wryly.下面的看客又是一阵欢呼，我听得一阵轻响。从头罩下看出去，眼前的一切都如血染就一样红。 这一个新时代，终于来临了。