Chapter 13 Chapter Twenty-nine

This person is Wang Hai, the leader of the army.When he saw me, he bowed and said: "What a coincidence, my lord just wanted me to call you, so you came." I was stunned and said, "My lord called me?" Wang Haidao: "Exactly. Not only you, but I also want to inform Generals Deng, Bi, and Shao. General Chu, please go in first. Your Excellency is waiting for you in the study." When I followed Si Yan, I was extremely confused.What is the matter with Marquis Wen calling Qi Sixiang Legion so urgently? In front of the study, I straightened my clothes at the door and said loudly, "My lord, the last general, Chu Xiuhong, begs to see you."

The door opened.To my surprise, it was a stranger who opened the door.This man was full of thought, but he was still very young. When he saw me, he bowed and saluted, and said: "Young general Sidi Shajihan, I have met the governor of Chu. The governor, please come in." He's a dick!His imperial speech is very correct and standard. If I don't look at his clothes, I would doubt whether he is really a Diren.A few years ago, the Di people formed an alliance with five kings, and the coalition forces invaded the frontiers. Qingyue Gong, who was stationed in the northwest, could not resist. Acquisition, but I didn't expect that there would be a Di person under Wenhou's command.I walked into the study suspiciously, only to see Marquis Wen writing a picture.I walked up to Marquis Wen and saluted, "My lord, the last general, Chu Xiuhong, is very polite."

Marquis Wen didn't raise his head, and said, "Chu Xiuhong, you came too early, sit down first." I hesitate.If this Di person is not here, of course I will report it immediately, but I don't know what to say now.I whispered: "My lord..." Before I finished speaking, Marquis Wen said without raising his head, "Sit down, we'll talk about it later." My heart suddenly became cold.In Wenhou's words, there is clearly a hint of impatience. Although Wenhou has become a lot colder towards me now, this has never happened before.I looked at the Di man next to him, he understood, bowed again, and said: "Chu Dudu, please sit down."

Before I replied, Marquis Wen said, "Chu Xiuhong, His Highness Shajihan is Prince Di, and he will be included in your camp in the future. You should talk to him first." All the kings of the imperial vassals must send their princes to the imperial capital as hostages, and only after the death of the previous king in the country will the hostess be sent back to the throne.One is to prevent the vassals from causing chaos, and the other is to allow these vassals to be transformed into imperial kings early, so as to integrate with the empire. For example, the current king of Juluo lived in the imperial capital for more than ten years. She is the daughter of the imperial clan.It wasn't long before Di Ren returned to the imperial capital, and Shajihan hadn't been in the imperial capital for many years, but he was smart enough to speak so fluently.Just seeing him makes me feel bad.Once upon a time, I used to accompany Marquis Wen, but now this position is taken by Shajihan, does Marquis Wen intend to let this man take my place?

Naturally, Shajihan didn't know that I was thinking about this. Seeing me sitting down, he stood beside me, and said in a low voice, "The governor of Chu is famous like a thunderbolt. I can see you today. Shajihan is very lucky." His words are very elegant, and he is not much different from me in age, but he is extremely respectful to me, which makes me have a good impression of him.I said, "His Highness Sha, please sit down." Shajihan said: "The governor of Chu is now a famous general, the young general will never dare to insult him, let's just stand."

Although Di Ren is only a vassal, he is still a prince. Although he looks fierce, he can be so humble, which is really rare.It's just that he was standing, so I didn't dare to sit anymore, so I hurriedly stood up and said: "His Highness Sha is too modest, how dare the last general be so rude." Marquis Wen suddenly said from the side: "Shajihan, sit down." He was still writing this letter without raising his head.Only then Shajihan heaved a sigh of relief, and said in a low voice, "Chu Dudu, please sit down." This Shajihan treats Marquis Wen as if he were a heavenly man, and respects him extremely.I have also heard that the people of Di are fierce and disobedient, but once they are convinced, they will be loyal. It seems that Marquis Wen has beaten them to their heart's content. I am afraid that there will be no wars in the northwest area in the end of Marquis Wen's life. .

Although Shajihan said he would sit down, he waited until I sat down before sitting sideways to show that he did not dare to sit on an equal footing with me.I took a quick glance and found that five chairs had already been set up in the study, surrounding Marquis Wen's side, which seemed to be reserved for Shajihan and the four commanders of our Four-Phase Legion.This surprised me even more. Marquis Wen's move actually compared Shahjihan with us. This bearded young Di Ren is definitely not a simple person. At this time Shajihan said in a low voice: "Chu Dudu, the young general has heard stories of adults fighting against monsters since he was a child, and he has longed for it. It is Shajihan's blessing to meet today."

I was startled again.There probably won't be any rumors about the time when I joined Marquis Wu in the Southern Expedition. The real rumors probably started from the battle of Fudun City.That was only five years ago, he said he had heard it since he was a child, how old should he be now?I said: "His Royal Highness Sha is a hero, I don't know how old this year will be?" Although he had a beard on his face, I still saw his dark face turn purple, and said: "The young general will be nineteen in the Chinese New Year, let Dudu Chu laugh." He is only eighteen years old now!Although Di Ren eats a lot of meat and is exposed to the wind and sun, he looks old, but I really didn't expect him to be eighteen years old.After thinking about it, I couldn't help laughing, Di Wang himself is only in his forties, he should be this age, but I was deceived by his appearance.

Knowing that he is only a young man, I do not know why my guard against him faded a lot, and I couldn't help but smile slightly: "His Royal Highness Sha is a young hero, which is admirable." This is just a common courtesy, but Shajihan was very excited, and said: "Thank you for the blue eyes of the governor of Chu." Seeing what he meant, he actually had the intention of standing up and saluting, so I hurriedly said: "His Highness Sha, the last general in the camp Jun is the young Highness of King An Le, and I can introduce you to accompany me during the 18th Chinese New Year."

The little prince is only seventeen this year, so he should have a lot to talk to Shajihan.Shajihan was stunned, and said: "Your Highness is younger than me?" His face sank, I was dumbfounded, I don't know what offended him, but he said: "Chu Dudu, The young general has never been on the battlefield, so compared with the young highness, he is really far behind." Only then did I understand that he felt that he couldn't even compare with the little prince, and was very discouraged, and hurriedly said: "Your Highness also just graduated from the military academy this year, ha ha." , and his conversation is quite elegant, but his personality still retains Di Ren's straightforwardness, which really wins my heart.

Hearing my explanation, Shajihan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "From now on, the governor of Chu should cultivate it more. Don't blame Shajihan for his ignorance and lack of knowledge, making the Fang family laugh." His words reminded me of Pu Shifang back then, and when I thought of Pu Shifang, I thought of Li Yaotian, who had unfulfilled ambitions and was in the middle, and I couldn't help feeling sad for a while.The death of Li Yaotian, who is both civil and military, amazingly talented, is too unworthy, not only him, Zhen Yining, Lu Gongxing and others are not the pillars of the country, but they died without a sound, and there is... the princess. When I think of the princess, I feel even more uncomfortable.Probably because his face was also exposed, Shajihan said in great confusion: "Chu Dudu, did the young general say something wrong?" I forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, I just thought of a few comrades who have sacrificed their lives for the country." Shajihan said: "Sacrificing one's life for one's country is a worthy death, and the governor of Chu does not have to suffer. Although Shajihan is a humble man, he also knows the responsibility of being loyal to the king and loving the country, and the people's responsibility." I forced a smile again.Shajihan was able to win the favor of Marquis Wen, and this kind of talk was probably one of the reasons why he opened his mouth.I was about to say something, but Wang Hai's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "My lord, General Deng, General Bi, and General Shao have arrived." Deng Canglan and the others are on the same level as me, so they naturally have to salute to Marquis Wen when they come in. Of course, I have no reason to sit ostentatiously.I stood up at once, and Shajihan also stood aside with me.Marquis Wen tossed the pen in his hand, grew long, and said, "Come in." He is not tall, but with such a long body, he really looks down on the world.I couldn't help but look at Shajihan next to me, and suddenly felt a chill in my heart. Shajihan's eyes were bright, full of fascination, and if I read correctly, there was a gloomy hatred in them!Shajihan is still young and speaks modestly. I never thought he would have such a look in his eyes. This person is obviously not a kind person!Marquis Wen brought him by his side, fearing that he would make tigers infestation.It's just that I know that I am definitely not as important as Shajihan in the eyes of Marquis Wen. Even if I say this, Marquis Wen will definitely think that I am jealous of Shajihan.Fortunately, Shajihan will be incorporated into the ground army, and by then... The door opened, Deng Canglan and the others stepped in at the same time, bowed and bowed to Marquis Wen, Marquis Wen said, "Sit down." When they saw Shajihan, they couldn't help but startled. Marquis Wen said: "This is King Di Prince Shajihan. He will be incorporated into the local army in the future. He is your colleague." Shajihan saluted them very respectfully.Now he has become a modest young man with a beard again, and his eyes are no longer aggressive, but I still remember the expression in his eyes at that moment. Marquis Wen waited for us all to sit down before slowly saying: "I called you here today for one thing." He raised his head, glanced at us, and said in a low voice: "Everyone, the end of the snake people has arrived." When I returned to the camp, Yang Yi and the others were still waiting for me.I didn't wait for them to speak, and said first: "Go to my account immediately, there is an urgent order." When we arrived at my camp, I asked Feng Qi and the others to lead their own soldiers to guard outside, not to let idlers approach. Cao Wendao couldn't help asking: "Control, what happened?" I poured a glass for each of them and said, "Lang Mo has spoken." Yang Yi was dumbfounded and said: "Wen Hou really used a trick?" I nodded and said, "Yes." Just now Marquis Wen didn't hide any more, and revealed all his strategies. I guessed right.In the past two days, he has been intensively interrogating Lang Mo in Wenhou's mansion, but Lang Mo is also stubborn, and he has not spoken until now. On the southwest border of Langyue and Nanning provinces, there is an extremely long mountain range.Because of the extremely high terrain and extremely high mountains in that area, although it is located in the southwest, it is still like severe winter all the year round, and the mountains are covered with snow all the year round, so it is named Daxue Mountain.The lower terrain is also densely covered with forests, and there are many rare and exotic animals.Across the mountain is the Xianghu Kingdom, a vassal of the empire. Just because of this mountain range, the Xianghu Kingdom and the empire pay a tribute every ten years, and there is very little communication. Even if they travel, they are all by sea.When the great emperor won the country, in order to conquer the Xianghu country, he wanted to advance both land and water, and sent 20,000 troops to explore the road, preparing to open the Daxue Mountain passage.But as soon as the 20,000 people left, they lost the news, and only 200 people came back two years later, saying that the road was too difficult and dangerous to walk at all.The army general desperately lost his way in the mountains and encountered an avalanche. More than 18,000 of the 20,000 people were buried by the avalanche of snow on the top of the mountain. They were killed one after another, and only two hundred people survived.The emperor was invincible in all battles, but he suffered heavy losses in Daxue Mountain. Fortunately, the 20,000 people who traveled by sea arrived smoothly, and the Xianghu Kingdom was destroyed in seven battles.It was just because it was too difficult and dangerous to go to the Xianghu country, and it was impossible to take it back to the territory, so they had to be stationed on the spot and become a vassal state. I have read the whole story of Xianghu Kingdom earlier.And Lang Mo, under severe torture, finally revealed that there is a valley at the northern foot of Daxue Mountain, which is quite the most remote place where Langyue and Nanning meet, where the seasons are like spring. base camp.The terrain of Fuxi Valley is extremely dangerous. There is only one mountain pass leading to the outside, while the outside is a vast forest. It has been uninhabited since ancient times, so it has never seen anyone. The snake people have lived in the valley for more than a hundred years, and the leader is called Bashan King.Underneath are Xiangliu, Zhuyin, Gonggong, and Yuqiang, who are called Sibi.Lang Mo was in charge of Yu Qiang's position.And on top of Bashan King, there is a Master Tian who gives orders, but Master Tian is extremely mysterious, even with the honor of Lang Mo Sibi, he has never seen Master Tian once.Even Ba Shanwang only saw Master Tian three or four times in total. "The body is extremely small, but the sound is extremely loud, and there are lightning bolts in the hands." This is how Ba Shanwang once described Master Tian to Si Bi.Master Tian taught them how to make fire and hunt, and forge ironware. In the eyes of the snake people, Master Tian was the incarnation of their ancestor, Fuxi and Nuwa. That's what Master Tian also told them.It's just that snake people are naturally afraid of fire, and they don't need too many iron tools to hunt food, so their progress has been very slow. The snake people cultivated and lived in Fuxi Valley, and hunted prey in the forest for a living, but as the number of snake people increased, the prey became less and less.Although Master Tian taught them to domesticate wild boars, sheep, and bison, they still couldn't meet their needs.Although the snake people can eat a full meal for several months, but if things go on like this, there will be a day when there will be no more food, so a few bold snake people left Fuxi Valley and went to the outside world. The reason why snake people were first discovered in southern Xinjiang.It's just that Master Tian strictly ordered the snake people not to go out of the valley, so very few people went out after all. Gradually, the number of snake people has reached 200,000.Although the snake people don't eat much, live in a simple way, and Fuxi Valley is a big place, but it is quite difficult for two hundred thousand snake people to squeeze into one valley. Many snake people have started to complain, saying that Master Tian The ban on leaving the grain is too unreasonable. If this continues, one day the prey will be eaten up, and the domesticated pigs, cattle and sheep will not be able to support them, and they will all starve to death. Just when the snake people began to complain, Master Tian suddenly issued a new order, Sibi divided the 200,000 snake people into four groups, and went out of the valley in batches.Master Tian told the snake man that in ancient times, the world was ruled by Fu Xi Nuwa. At that time, the two-legged man, that is, the snake man, was the master of the earth. The world that the Two Limbs took away, now it's time for the Two Limbs to take it back. The snake man started off.Xiangliu and Zhuyin were the first to leave the valley, with a total of 100,000 people.The 100,000 snake soldiers were divided into two groups, one route was directly issued by Master Tian to attack Gaojiu City, and the other route was to sweep up scattered villages in the surrounding fields.When they were in Fuxi Valley, the snake people only thought that Fuxi Valley was the world, but only after leaving the valley did they realize how big the world is.Thinking that such a big world was originally owned by people with two limbs, but it was taken away by people with four limbs, the snake people were very angry, their morale was high, and they won consecutive battles.In less than a year, a huge territory that even they couldn't believe has been leveled. The initial victory made the snake people dazzled, thinking that it won't be long before the world will be theirs again.In fact, most of the simple-minded snake people are satisfied, and now this place is full of food, except for the four-limbed people themselves, the livestock domesticated by the four-limbed people are also much fatter and more delicious than those domesticated by the snake people.Some snake people even made up their minds, thinking that there is nothing wrong with letting people with four limbs live in the world. Although snake people are the masters of the world, they are also amazed by the dexterity of people with four limbs. Let people with four limbs raise livestock and serve them. Far more cost-effective than eating directly.There are a lot of people who have this kind of thinking, and Lang Mo thinks so too. But Master Tian disagreed, Master Tian asked them not to contact with the four-limbed people, and must wipe out all the four-limbed people, and there must be no leftovers. Although the snake people felt that it was a pity to eliminate the four-limbed people, they still did so.At this time, their weapons and wisdom have greatly improved in the battle with the four-limbed people. They originally thought that eliminating the four-limbed people would be easy.But the strange thing is that at this time, the limbs suddenly became much more powerful, and the snake army, which was originally invincible, became more and more difficult as they fought.On balance, the war-weariness of the snake people is getting stronger and stronger, and almost half of the snake people are unwilling to fight any more. But Master Tian's orders are extremely strict.Although the snake people encountered many difficulties, they finally attacked the imperial capital of the four-limbed people, and were ready to launch the final decisive battle, because they felt that victory was coming. Execute without deduction. Then, it was the battle to defend the city of Wuyun City.The result of this battle surprised the Snake Man. The Limb Man counterattacked so fiercely that he wiped out nearly half of the Snake Man.This was the worst defeat in the history of the snake people. In anger, some snake people suggested to gather the army and attack the imperial capital again with all their strength.But unexpectedly, this plan was rejected by Master Tian. Master Tian asked the snake people to fight on their own and try their best to expand the territory. The snake man finally began to doubt Master Tian's intentions.The simple-minded snake people can't think of it, but there are still some quite smart ones among the snake people. They feel that Master Tian's orders are more and more biased against the snake people.Although the combat power of the four-limbed people is not strong, they are large in number, far exceeding the number of the snake people, and they are almost endless, but the losses of the snake people are often not replenished.In addition, although the combat power of the snake people far exceeds that of the four-limbed people, the endless new weapons of the four-limbed people offset the physical advantages of the snake people.In fact, the snake people don't have much upper hand now. If things go on like this, if they still fight on their own, it is most likely that they will be defeated by the limbs one by one, and eventually the whole army will be wiped out. It is still incomparable, and the snake people's individual battles are not without results. The sky mage dispatches and dispatches from time to time, which also brings some victories, making most tree snake people still believe in the sky mage.Although Lang Mo had doubts, he had no choice but to obey the dispatch and lead eight thousand snake men to defend the lonely city of Nan'an. When I said this, I felt my mouth was dry, so I picked up the cup and took a sip.But Lian Baice sighed: "It turns out that there are only 8,000 snake people in Nan'an City, we thought there were 20,000." I nodded and said, "If it's really 20,000, I'm afraid it won't be that easy to win." Yang Yi was also surprised: "Yes, there are only eight thousand, and the south bank is far away from the front line, and the return route was cut off by us. Why did the mage order these snake men to stick to the isolated city that day?" No one can answer this question.I remember that when Dongping City exchanged prisoners with Shandu, there was an emissary from Master Tian who came to stop Shandu from exchanging prisoners, but he was killed by the desperate Shandu.No one knows what Master Tian's plan is.I cleared my throat and said, "That's what Lang Mo said. The most valuable thing he said is the location of Fuxi Valley. According to it, the Daxue Mountain stretches for thousands of miles, and there are about two thousand to three For more than a thousand miles, hundreds of miles of them are vast forests, and more than a hundred miles out of Fuxi Valley are covered with ice and snow, even for snake people, it is extremely difficult to get out." Yang Yi said angrily: "What's the matter with the reproduction of the snake people? They don't seem to be multiplying outside." Cao Wendao also interjected: "Yes, Commander, did Lang Mo say that snake people still lay eggs when they give birth?" I shook my head, and said: "The adult's report didn't say that." Speaking of this, I couldn't help but feel a little dazed.Indeed, after fighting snake people for many years, knowing that there are women among snake people, it stands to reason that snake people have been outside for five or six years, so they should give birth to some.But I have never seen little snake people. Although those snake people have different sizes and lengths, they all look like middle-aged people. I really don’t know how they came out. Yang Yi murmured: "I read a book when I was a child, saying that there is a fish in the sea that lives in the river and swims back to the sea every year, but it will return to that river to lay eggs in a certain season. Is it the same for the snake man? Only in Fuxi Valley can one be born?" I slapped the table and said, "Yang Yi, you are right!" The expedition to Fuxi Valley is not an easy task, it is even more difficult than the southern expedition of Marquis Wu, but Marquis Wen wanted to make the expedition go at all costs. I always felt a little strange before, but when Yang Yi said this, I suddenly realized.Indeed, Marquis Wen must have thought the same way. No matter how many snake people were killed outside, there would always be a batch of snake people killed in Fuxi Valley from time to time. The only way out of the fire was to simply destroy Fuxi Valley. Yang Yi frowned, and said: "It seems that the most straightforward way to destroy the Snake Man is to destroy Fuxi Valley, making the Snake Man a source of water and a tree without roots. But I think it is very difficult for Teacher Lao to go on an expedition. Fuxi Valley is located in such a remote place, even if we find them, it is really unwise to attack a strong enemy with weary soldiers, even if we find them, it will be extremely difficult to supply them." I said: "These are not things we have to consider, and Lord Wenhou will naturally make a comprehensive arrangement." I took out a silk book map from the cabinet and hung it up, pointing to the southwest of Gaojiu City and said: "Lang Mo said that Fuxi Valley is in the This area." They all leaned over to look at the map.Cao Wendao snorted.Said: "This is a ghost picture. Controlling, when will we start?" Although Marquis Wen ordered people to draw a map, that area has been uninhabited since ancient times, and the drawing is quite rough, so we can only see the general situation.To march there, the map is useless.I said: "The matter is urgent, but it will take some time to prepare, probably..." I estimated the situation, and the supplies, food and grass cannot be prepared overnight, "It will probably take two months." Lord Wenhou said, Depart early February next year. Yang Yi frowned, and said, "It's about five or six thousand miles from the imperial capital to Fuxi Valley. Even if you march, it will take two or three months. Besides, there will probably be a lot of battles along the way. Even next year Starting in February, it is also a miracle that we can reach Fuxi Valley in August." I said: "Miracle must be created by man. First of all, you must have confidence. Since your lord has made this determination, you will not be able to turn back. Let's make preparations and don't disclose this news. And," I pointed in the direction of Fudun City, " My lord orders, go this way." As soon as I finished speaking, Cao Wendao yelled, "Here? It's much harder to go." Below Tianshui Province are high mountains, few people and few roads.Although the journey from the inside to the Fuxi Valley area is shorter, the difficulty and danger cannot be compared with that of the Wuyang City area.Yang Yi murmured: "If you go there, you won't be able to take the water army's boat." I said: "Yes. Everyone work hard, this battle must be successful, and we must not fail." Even though I said that, I also feel that I don't have much confidence.Marquis Wen's plan always reminds me of Marquis Wu's Southern Expedition. I don't know if I can come back alive.Yang Yi and the others also turned solemn, stood up at the same time, and said, "Obey." Perhaps, this is my last battle.After assigning the task, I suddenly felt distraught.Get out of the tent and walk around the training ground.It was very noisy here during the day, but now it is empty, only occasionally a few soldiers on duty pass by.I found a flagpole and sat down, and saw a small piece of wood next to it, which was a broken gun handle.I took out the carving knife from my pocket, and with a few knives, I carved out a fish shape.Now I often engrave for a while, and the technique is quite proficient.At the beginning, Marquis Wen asked me to learn to play the flute, but I had no interest in playing the flute, but I became famous for carving.Although the surroundings are pitch black, such a simple fish engraved with such a simple line will not stick to his hand at all. Just as sawdust was flying, Lian Baice's voice suddenly sounded behind him: "General Chu." I turned my head and saw Lian Baice standing a dozen steps away, and said, "Brother Lian, why don't you go to rest?" Lian Baice came over and said, "General Chu, I just saw that your complexion is not very good, are you worried?" Lian Baice's ability to observe words and expressions is also very good.I forced a smile, moved a piece of the flagpole stone aside, and said, "Of course, we're going on an expedition again, how can we not be worried? Sit down." "Lord Wenhou made a decision, there should be no mistakes." Lian Baice walked to me and sat down, "Just, General Chu, why did Lord Wenhou keep the information from the Republican Army?" I said: "My lord's thoughts, I don't dare to guess. What do you think?" Lian Baice said: "The general feels that Lord Wenhou seems to want to subdue the snake man." I sighed and said, "Why do you think so?" Lian Baice said: "Since snake people can only breed in Fuxi Valley, it is not difficult to control them. It stands to reason that Fuxi Valley is in southern Xinjiang, and Wuyang City is much closer there. It is much more convenient than starting from the imperial capital. Lord Wenhou ordered us to look far away and not to cooperate with the Republican Army. Naturally, he wanted to subdue the snake people." I was shocked.What Lian Baice said was absolutely right.Marquis Wen is about to ask us to find out how the snake people reproduce after we break through the Fuxi Valley, and bring back their seeds.Back in Gaojiu City, Lu Gongxing told me that if someone could tame a snake army, it would be invincible and invincible.At that time we were afraid that the snake man was domesticated by Lord Cang Yue, but later we found out that it was not, but Marquis Wen must have had the idea of ​​taming the snake man.With the fighting power of the snake people and the command of military tactics, this army can be said to be almost invincible.Today, when I heard Marquis Wen assign a task, I wanted to advise Marquis Wen, and advised him not to think about it. Snake people are already so difficult to deal with, and when they have weapons like thunder crossbows, dragon cannons and armored vehicles, in case At that time, rebellion, what else can be used to restrain them?But seeing Marquis Wen's appearance, I lost my courage again.Now Marquis Wen treats me no better than before, he cultivates Shajihan vigorously, isn't An Zhi going to take my place?If I contradict him again, I'm afraid it will make him suspect me even more. I looked around.It's pitch black now, and there's no one around.I whispered: "Don't make random guesses, go back." Lian Baice said: "General Chu, the last general is probably arrogant. But the last general thinks that Lord Wenhou did not take our lives seriously. He clearly hoped to join forces with the Republican Army, but he wanted us to act alone. .Fighting for five or six thousand miles, I don’t know how many brothers will fall again.” My heart ached like a knife, and I whispered, "Stop talking." But I knew that what Lian Baice said was not wrong at all.If we act alone, the casualties will definitely be much greater than if we act together with the Republican Army, but since Marquis Wen has issued such an order, what should I do? Although I asked Lian Baice not to talk about it, he was very persistent today, and said in a low voice: "General Chu, I feel that monsters like snake people must not be left behind, otherwise there will be endless troubles. General, you have always been a little indecisive. But you have to make up your mind when it comes to right and wrong.” I was taken aback and looked at Lian Baice.He has always been the most low-key among the five commanders of the Wude Camp, but today he seems to be a different person.I said, "Have you told anyone?" Lian Baice said: "I discussed with General Yang and the others just now, and I feel that General Chu, you should think twice before you act. There is a saying in the art of war, and there is something wrong with random orders, even if it is Marquis Wen who made the plan." My heart skipped a beat.What he said made me disobey the orders of Marquis Wen. Although I secretly promised to be loyal to the emperor, I never dared to disobey the orders issued by Marquis Wen.Now Lian Baice has actually told me not to listen to Marquis Wen's orders anymore. Once Marquis Wen finds out, I'm afraid the consequences will be unpredictable.But I also think that Marquis Wen's strategy is too ignorant. If he wants to subdue the Snake Man, he will naturally use it against the Republican Army.The Republican Army now also has the Shenwei Cannon, and they are not far behind in firearms. Most of them will also make armored vehicles. If the Snakeman is subdued, they will definitely have the upper hand in future wars with the Republican Army.But I really can't agree with his approach, not only will it make us suffer even more losses, but I also don't believe that the snake people can really be subdued, once the snake people have people like Shandu, Mukun, and Lang Mo Intellect, and with our weapons, I can't think of anything else we can do to resist the snake people. Marquis Wen is playing with fire.Maybe it can be counted for a while, but I absolutely don't believe that it will never go wrong. I swallowed and said, "You mean..." Lian Baice said: "Let's cooperate with the Republican Army. If Marquis Wen won't let us act, then do it secretly." I said angrily: "Nonsense! Isn't this tantamount to rebellion? Even if the plan is wrong, my lord can't do this." Lian Baice was startled, stood up straight, and said: "Yes, yes, I will know my mistake in the end." With a look of panic on his face, he stood upright, not daring to move.I whispered: "Your Majesty Wen's worries are not superfluous. I don't know if the Republican Army will also have this idea." Lian Baice said: "Then General Chu, what do you mean..." I thought for a while and said, "I can't notify them in advance, but I can tell them the news about Fuxi Valley. At that time, the two armies will jointly attack Fuxi Valley and destroy Fuxi Valley. No one will use the snake man again." Lian Baice said: "General Chu has learned a lesson." I said, "Let's rest, we need to train hard now. This expedition will span half of the empire, it's not an easy task." As soon as Lian Baice left, I sighed.In fact, my idea is similar to what Lian Baice said, the only difference is that he said that he would take the initiative to contact the Republican Army. I looked at the sky, it was late at night, and gusts of cold wind were blowing like blades.Now the sky is full of clouds, there are no stars and no moon, and the surroundings are getting darker and darker.I remembered that Mr. Hai in Wuyang City once told me that all things in the world are equal and have the right to survive.Even if snake people are not human beings, they are still beings just like us. If they can coexist, it may not be a bad thing. It's just that it's impossible now.After fighting for so many years, the snake people also wanted to communicate with us, but they all cut off.Now the snake people and humans have stood on the same cliff, only one can be left. You can be rivals, but not slaves.I thought silently. Let's fight to the death, Mu Kun, that's also my respect for you. I stood up and walked to the barracks.After taking two steps, he stopped suddenly.Suddenly, I remembered the burnt handkerchief I saw in Deyi's residence. Why did Henry Ding burn a handkerchief? I shivered.I suddenly felt like I had overlooked something.Why did Henry Ding do such a strange move?Handkerchiefs are not cheap, just wash them if they are dirty. Henry Ding is not a son of a family who does not know that farming is difficult and spends money like water. What is he doing for it? Is there anything on the handkerchief that must be destroyed?I can't think of anything that would make him burn a handkerchief.Even if you write the words and carry them back in your pocket, no one will find out.This kind of silk handkerchief stinks and is quite eye-catching. With Henry Ding's ability, is he so careless? I just felt the chill on my body increase, and faintly, I felt that I had fallen into a trap again.No, Henry Ding is not an idle person, and there are only a few of them in the second-floor private seat of Ziyiju. Could it be that they are doing this confidential matter in there, and they don't let it go? I wiped my face.Although it was cold and windy, I was already sweating on my forehead.The more I think about it, the more strange it becomes. I can't figure out why Henry Ding burned a handkerchief, unless he wanted me to know on purpose... deliberately?I was stunned again, so Henry Ding already knew that I followed them into the proud house?He wrote on the handkerchief for Zheng Zhao to see?But even so, he doesn't have to burn a handkerchief, and since Henry Ding has discovered me, why does he still say those confidential things? I closed my eyes and thought back to the conversations I had heard in Ziziju.I heard Henry Ding say good things about me to Mr. Nanwu, and that he had installed a Tiandun sound on the cage where Lang Mo was held, but it turned out that I did not interrogate him privately. I opened my eyes at once.I didn't care about it just now, but now that I think about it, I realized that the words I heard were all about me!I'm afraid that Henry Ding had already noticed that I followed him in, and guessed that I would probably be eavesdropping next door, so he said those words on purpose.Then, his intention of burning the handkerchief was to remind me, to let me know that he had found me, right?And they said they didn't find out that Marquis Wen had already passed the trial, so they lied to me? My heart sank suddenly.Perhaps, unknowingly, I fell into a trap again.What is their intention?What exactly is the "Heavenly Dunning Sound" that Henry Ding mentioned? The next day, the interrogation continued at Shilang Temple.Zheng Zhao came back today, and now he knows that the snake man is not Lang Mo, but after looking carefully, I still can't find any difference between this snake man and Lang Mo.Marquis Wen's strategy was really powerful, he actually found a snake man who was so similar to Lang Mo.I took a peek at Henry and Zheng Zhao, their expressions were as usual, and they seemed to have no doubts.After half a day of interrogation in the morning, many instruments of torture were used, but they were still useless.Wei Zongzheng was ordering the use of new instruments of torture when a small official came over and said, "Master Wei, General Feng of the Land Legion has something to report to the Governor of Chu." This is what I told Lian Baice yesterday.Let him report to Feng Qi, and then let Feng Qi come in and report that something is wrong with the local army, and let me return to the camp quickly.Even if Zheng Zhao used mind reading skills on Feng Qi, he would not be able to read any surprises.Sure enough, Wei Zongzheng did not suspect him, and Zheng Zhao and Ding Henry were not surprised either. After I resigned, I went out with Feng Qi.As soon as I got outside the door, I said, "Feng Qi, you should go back to the camp first, I still have something to do." Feng Qi was startled and said: "But in the camp..." "Yang Yi suppressed the affairs in the camp, so there won't be any big troubles. I'll be right back." I didn't talk to him, turned around and walked to the Ministry of Industry. It's not easy to hide it from Zheng Zhao. Feng Qi, as my personal team leader, will come to see me. It's better to keep these secrets from him.冯奇倒也不说多，点点头道：“是。” 到了街头，走在人群中，我才有种安全之感，我长舒了一口气，看了看周围。这里是个十字路口，有一大块空地，原本是逢年过节时那些富户请戏班来唱戏还愿的所在，现在却有一些工匠正爬上爬下地搭着一个台子，台上竖着一个高高的架子，约略像一张椅子，只是椅背是两根旗杆，足足有长许高，也不知道谁坐的椅子那么怪。 我到了工部，刚到薛文亦的工房，便听得里面有笑闹之声。走进门，却见小王子正和薛庭轩在院子里玩枪。薛文亦现在常年坐轮椅，人也长胖了，薛庭轩没有他那么胖，也是个小肉球子，手里拿了一把木头枪，正和小王子比试着。见到我，小王子有些局促，叫道：“楚将军，你也来了啊，我正要回营呢。” 薛文亦坐在一边带着微笑地看着，见我进来，道：“楚兄，什么风把你吹来了？小殿下正要我给他做一把手弩，他马上就要回营了。” 军有军纪，士兵轻易不能离营。小王子是地军团监军，身份特殊，他要走也不须向我告假，但他回家后一直没有再来营中报到，多半是因为训练很枯燥，他耐不住。见到我，大概怕我怪他，所以说在头里。我笑了笑，小王子和别的监军相比，不知好到哪里去了，那些监军不遵军令还是小事，更麻烦的还是多嘴。邓沧澜营中的玉公公，就是不懂装懂，老喜欢干涉军务，连向来沉稳的邓沧澜私底下也向我吐过苦水。我道：“这两天枪术没有练吧？” 小王子叫屈道：“哪里，武昭老师天天教我呢。对了，你学过交牙十二金枪术么？” 我摇了摇头，道：“这是武昭老师的十二种枪法吧，我没学全。” 小王子大为得意，道：“哈，原来你也不知道啊。嘿嘿，这是一种枪法，是武昭老师的不传之秘，楚将军，我们来试试。” 我虽然没心思练枪，但小王子兴头那么大，我也不好回绝，而且交牙十二金枪术原来是一种枪法，我倒也想看看，便道：“好吧。” 工部木府承担着制作兵器的任务，边上枪杆也多。小王子拿了一根枪杆扔给我，自己也拿了一根，道：“楚将军，你可要当心点。庭轩。你看着。大哥我可要使出真本事来了。” 薛庭轩“嗯”了一声，拿着那杆玩具枪站到一边。小王子将手中枪杆一抖，道：“楚将军，我可来了。” 他现在长得快，个子已经追上我了，握枪的手法也老练至极，看来天天练枪之说不假。不过他的枪术虽精，我自信仍然斗不过我。只是他与我比过几次，每次都败，不让他赢一次，只怕他要死缠烂打，觉都睡不好。我道：“好吧，你上来。” 如果我先出手，小王子的动作仍然没有我快，他刚学的这一路交牙十二金枪术只怕没有使出来便要被我扎中前心了。军中说到枪法，有种说法是：“一力降十会，一快伏九牛”，说力量大，足以可知种种花哨枪术，而出枪快。就算对方力量再大，仍有机可乘。想想也是，一个人枪法极佳，号称“滴水不漏”，可以格挡飞箭，但人力终有穷时，如果把一具雷霆弩放在身前几步内射出，他枪法再好也挡不开的。 小王子嘿嘿了一声，道：“小心了。”他脚下一错，人踏上一步，枪已当胸刺来。这一枪力量、方位、手法都大有可观，小王子的枪术又有长进。我喝彩道：“好！”手中枪探出，便去格挡。 只消将这一枪格开，下一枪便顺势刺出，足以将小王子逼开数步。哪知两枪甫交，我只觉枪尖一沉，像是系了万钧重物一般，小王子的枪竟然将我的枪压了下去。 败枪势！这是枪术大忌，两枪相交，如果枪尖被压住，那就败了七分了。小王子的力量不及我，但他居然毫不费力就压住了我的枪，当真令我大感意外。 小王子压住我的枪，他自己恐怕也没想到，登时满面欣喜，手下却顺极而流，长枪一缩一伸，枪头忽地弹了起来，刺向我前心。这时我中门大开，已是根本闪不开，他手中是根枪杆，虽然没有枪尖，但毕竟不是白垩枪，我身上又只穿了便服，这一枪只怕要刺得我吐血。他枪是发出来了，但脸上喜色未退，马上又是一片煞白，想必连他自己都没想到交牙十二金枪术的威力一至如斯。 我脑中也是一片空白。小王子虽然上过战场，但他经验到底不足，这路枪术他自己也不太熟，手下拿捏不准。现在我的枪已经被他压制在下，再抽枪阻挡已是来不及，我也不及多想，索性手腕一压，枪头在地上一抵，猛一提气，人已一跃而起。而这时小王子的枪正从我脚下掠过，被我一脚踩中，小王子已经握不住枪，枪杆“啪”的一声被我踩在地上。 我落下地来，小王子已抢上来道：“楚将军，你没事吧？” 我惊魂未定，道：“好枪法！”小王子的枪术我已经很熟悉了，没想到这交牙十二金枪术居然如此神奇，短短几天就有了那么大的长进。如果是真个搏杀，我固然还不至于败北，但这样下去，迟早他会超过我的。 小王子见我没有受伤，眼中闪过一丝得意，道：“楚将军，你说我的枪法有没有进步？” 我苦笑了一下，道：“进步太多了。小殿下，我已经打不过你了。” 小王子打了个哈哈，道：“楚将军，你别乱拍，我知道我还斗不过你。不过总有一天，我会超过你的。” 如果别人这样对我说，我总会觉得不舒服，这话明摆着是挑衅了。可是小王子说来，我却并不觉得不快。小王子比我更痴迷于枪法，他才是武昭老师真正的传人。怪不得武昭老师向来眼高于顶，从不媚上，但对小王子却向来都赞不绝口。 小王子将来，会事我一大臂助吧。帝国诸军中，有哪个军团的监军也能带兵打仗的？我拍拍他的肩头，道：“不是拍马，小殿下，你的枪术已经不下于我了。现在正在步下，我有这种怪招，如果在马上交战，已经被你一枪挑下来了。小殿下，你多学些兵法，过两年也能自统一军。” 小王子眼里却有些黯然，道：“还有过两年？” 我道：“战争还久着呢，你急什么。” 战事是不会那么快结束。我们这攻破伏羲谷，接下来肯定就要和共和军对上了。只是小王子大概根本没想到这些，喃喃道：“这两年蛇人大概就要被消灭得差不多了。唉，我该早生几年就好了。” 我道：“你先和庭轩玩玩吧，我有些事和薛大人商议。” 我向边上的薛庭轩招招手，他跑过来叫道：“楚叔叔。”口齿还有点不清，说起来三个字连成一片。我一把抱起他，笑道：“庭轩，你喜欢练枪法吗？” 薛庭轩道：“殿下叔叔还说要带我骑马呢。” 我笑了笑，摸摸他的头，道：“好厉害啊，我像你那么大时，连驴子都没骑过。和小殿下去玩吧。” 放下薛庭轩，让小王子带他到一边练枪，我捡起地上的两根枪杆，拿起小王子那根枪杆时，不由一怔。 小王子的枪头那边，有一小块地面的浮土也被逼开。虽然不明显，仔细看还能看得清。我暗自吃惊，只有枪术极高知人刺出一枪才会如此，小王子实在不知轻重，大概他自己都不知道这路枪法的厉害之处。 当初我见到的徐蒙的黑眚枪也不过如此，而且小王子枪术上的进益，实在也远远超过了我的预料。 如果能学到这路交牙十二金枪术就好了…… 薛文亦推动轮椅过来道：“楚兄，你找我有什么事么？” 我把枪杆放到一边，看了看左右，道：“去屋里说吧。”我看了看拿杆玩具枪便在摆架势的薛庭轩，道：“你儿子可不像你，大起来说不定会成为武人。” 薛文亦笑了笑道：“这样不错啊。我正想待他发蒙后就请你教他兵法呢。” 她的儿子也有薛庭轩那么大了吧？我心里忽地一疼，不知是什么滋味，曾经见过一次那个小太子，一身华服，虽然年纪幼小，却一脸一本正经。不知不觉，又是一代人，我也快到三十了。 薛文亦在一边忽然叹道：“楚兄，你也结婚吧。毕竟也不算太年轻了。” 我讪笑了笑，向小王子努努嘴，道：“小殿下可是看着呢，我要是敢娶别人，他宰了我。” 薛文亦也笑了起来，道：“那只是说说的。这小子，对你可是崇拜的五体投地，刚才教薛庭轩枪法时，就时不时说他要能有你的枪法好就好了。” 我听他老牵扯着说这个，忙道：“别说这些了，对了，路上我见十字路口在搭一个台子，上面有个椅子一样的东西，那是做什么的？” 薛文亦道：“那个啊，是断头台。” 我吃了一惊，道：“断头台？” “文侯大人说，现在刁民日众，为杀一儆百，以后处斩就会在大众之前。以前的刽子手用刀砍，看到的人不多，因此他设计了这个断头台，让木府做出来的，装好了上面会有一把闸刀。把闸刀拉上去，一放，一下把人头砍落。” 我只觉周身一阵阴寒，身体也有些发木了。在文侯看来，杀人也是一种威吓的手段吧。可是，这样下去，百姓明着不敢说，有什么话都在私底下说了，只会觉得帝国更不稳定。 我正想着，薛文亦道：“楚兄，你不说有事找我么？” 我摇了摇头，道：“是啊，我有件事要问你。” 我推他进了屋，小声道：“薛兄，你有没有一种不用线也能偷听的东西？和你以前给陈忠的传声筒差不多，但不用线。” 我也只是碰碰运气，哪知薛文亦眼里忽地亮了起来，道：“你耳朵可真长！” 我呆了呆，道：“怎么了？” “你是从谁那儿听到天遁音的？” 我的心猛地一跳，与其说是惊喜，不如说是震惊。我怎么都想不到居然从薛文亦嘴里听到这三个字，我一把抓住他的肩头，道：“你也知道天遁音？” 薛文亦道：“不是我想出来的。上半年有个法统的法师来找我，还是小殿下陪着来的，就说起这个东西。我以前做了个传声筒，也觉得拖根线太不方便，但要拿掉线却实在麻烦。那法师居然也在想这个，这人当真了得，被他做成了。听说过钟妖之事么？” 我道：“没听说过。” “那是东平城的事。东平城有座大涤玄盖观，山门前后有两口大钟。那还是当初东平两大富豪斗富，同时给大涤玄盖观还愿，结果铸了一模一样的两口……” 我急道：“这些事以后说吧，你快说说天遁音。”薛文亦一肚皮的掌故，我怕他说起来没完没了。薛文亦笑了笑道：“那法师和我说，每当一口大钟敲响，另一口居然不敲也能响，因此他就想到了这一切。” 他转动轮椅到了桌边，两手伸进抽屉里，左手取出一个盒子，道：“你看，这就是天遁音。” 我打开盒子，里面是一个喇叭形的东西。薛文亦道：“你放到耳边听听。” 我刚将那喇叭口贴在耳朵上，只听得有刮动的声音，好像里面有个虫子。我连忙拿下来看了看，但里面什么都没有。我不由诧异地看着薛文亦，薛文亦带着得意的笑容，将右手从抽屉里拿了出来。他右手里也放着一模一样的东西，他的右手手指正在那东西的喇叭口刮动。我心中一动，道：“是你在刮？” 薛文亦点了点头，道：“这就是天遁音。”