Chapter 10 Chapter 25

Chen Zhong was taken aback, and said: "My lord, Your Highness said that corporal punishment is not allowed..." Wei Zongzheng glanced at him coldly, and shouted: "Take this person down, if there is any noise, he will be punished as a crime of roaring in court." Chen Zhong shut his mouth at once.Although he was rude enough, Wei Zongzheng was able to invite Marquis Wen and the Second Crown Prince out, and it might not be impossible for him even before Zhang Shoutang. A yamen servant opened the door of the sitting cage, and the two behind me pulled out their knives and said, "General Chu, please come in." I looked desperately at Wei Zongzheng, who was sitting on it with no expression on his face at all. Impressed.To him, I was just an insignificant suspect, and whether I lived or died was nothing more than a trivial matter.

Wei Zongzheng may belong to the second prince's party.I was escorted by those two yamen servants and walked towards the sitting cage, while Chen Zhong turned his head with some unbearable embarrassment.Sitting in a cage is not corporal punishment, but it is more painful than corporal punishment. I have heard of precedents of old and weak criminals dying in a cage.Wei Zongzheng locked me in a sitting cage, so he insisted on making me tell the truth? If you don't say it, the second prince will kill me, if you say it, maybe the second prince and Marquis Wen will kill me.Shao Fengguan made a good point on this point, and I figured it out.Sitting in the sitting cage, I watched them insert wooden sticks into the cage with their pointed ends facing inward, I thought with a blank expression on my face.

The wooden sticks stopped when they were about two inches away from me. I counted, and there were forty-eight wooden sticks up and down.These wooden sticks left a space slightly larger than my body shape. Fortunately, I was sitting in the most comfortable position, and Wei Zongzheng didn't let me enter the cage. Maybe I can last a little longer.If it is a standing cage, after standing for a day, I am afraid that life would be worse than death. After the wooden sticks were inserted, Wei Zongzheng said to the two inspectors on the left and the officials of the Dali Temple: "Master Ding, Mr. An, this case is of great importance. The two lords have worked hard, and we must let the truth of this case come to light. Please Two Haihans."

Ding Yushi of the Procuratorate was tall and thin, while An Zhengqing of Dali Temple was a burly man, more like a general.Ding Yushi said: "Grandpa Wei will do his best, and the lower officials should help him." Ding Yushi spoke very tactfully, Wei Zongzheng just smiled, and suddenly said with a straight face: "Chu Xiuhong, everything in the world will never be revealed forever, even if you want to hide it, it will be useless, but remember that Ford The assassination of the emperor?" Emperor Ford is the eldest grandson of the great emperor, the third emperor of the empire. He was only five years old when he succeeded to the throne. Three years later, he was assassinated and died in the garden of the imperial palace. He was also a small eight-year-old child when he died. Naturally, he had no children. It was his eldest uncle, King Wade.Emperor Fude is just a child, he can't talk about virtue, he died suddenly at the age of eight, and he can't talk about blessings, but King Weide is a wise king. Since he succeeded to the throne, the empire's rivers and seas have been clean, and the grains have been plentiful. .But King Weide was not worthy of enjoying the Taimiao, because when he was still in power, the assassination of Emperor Ford was judged by the three judges at that time, and the assassin was sent by King Weide's mansion.When the memorial was presented to King Wade who had succeeded to the throne, the words "King Wade Killed the Registrar" were clearly written on it.King Weide was furious, and killed Tian Zhongtingzhang, Zhengqing of Dali Temple. The minister of the Ministry of punishment and the censor of the Inspectorate were demoted, and ordered a retrial, but the memorial was still submitted for the second time.The officials of the Three Jurisdictions were transferred to the third batch, and finally fabricated a murderer, but the news has spread throughout the empire.Although King Wade made no one in the world dare to discuss it with his cruel hands, he had no heirs in his life. After his death, Emperor Taiding, who succeeded him, was the stepson of King Wade, but due to public opinion, he still moved the throne of King Wade out. Taimiao, and removed the title of emperor, so that among the seventeen emperors of the empire that are listed in the current history books, the fourth generation is still a "King of Wade".

Wei Zongzheng told me this because he wanted me to understand the integrity of the Sanju Department.However, even though the three law divisions were steadfast, they still obeyed King Wade's wishes at that time, and the previous two batches of officials did not end well. Sitting in the cage, I said: "Master Wei, the general will not dare to hide, but the fact is so, even if the general is bold, he will not dare to fabricate it." Wei Zongzheng snorted and said, "In that case, come here." A yamen servant came over and said, "My lord." "You watch carefully, no one is allowed to enter without my order."

The yamen servant bowed and agreed, and Wei Zongzheng said to the other two officials: "My lords, let's stop here for today, go back and rest first, and try again tomorrow." When An Zhengqing left, he glanced at me and said, "Master Wei, what should we do if the crime will not be revealed?" Wei Zongzheng looked at me coldly, and said slowly: "Iron will melt sometimes." His words were cold, like the edge of a knife. Chen Zhong wanted to say something else, Wei Zongzheng said: "General Chen, I have something to ask you, follow me to the side hall to talk."

Chen Zhong saluted, looked at me again, and followed me out.Maybe Wei Zongzheng wanted to ask him about the journey, after they left, I sat in the cage, thinking about the past few days. Wei Zongzheng said that I was "firm and not telling the truth". In fact, what I said was all the truth, but there were some things that I didn't say.Chen Zhong doesn't know what's going on, and what I say won't contradict him. After they left, the lobby fell silent.The door of the lobby was locked, and there were only two yamen servants guarding me.I sat upright in the sitting cage, and my body began to feel a little sore.Sitting in one position for a long time will make people tired, not to mention there are sharp wooden sticks on the sides, and I will bump into them if I lean a little to the side.Sitting in a cage is a kind of torture, because it makes people unable to rest, even changing positions.I looked at those wooden sticks. Although they were not made of iron, those sharp points were enough to pierce into human flesh.I closed my eyes and silently recited the "Tao De Heart Sutra" in my heart.

It was slowly getting dark.The two yamen guards guarding me also began to doze off, and after an unknown amount of time, I suddenly heard someone calling me softly.I opened my eyes, only to see a yamen servant squatting outside the cage and looking at me.I was taken aback, and before I could speak, he put his fingers on his lips and whispered, "Take this." What he handed over was a wooden cylinder, not long, with one end covered with a cloth.I am a little strange, there is a thread stretched.I took it over, but I heard a voice from inside: "General Chu, did you hear that?"

This is Chen Zhong's voice! I was startled, and looked at the yamen servant suspiciously, but the man didn't speak, and pointed to another yamen servant who was sleeping next to him.Surprised and delighted, I whispered, "Chen Zhong, what's going on?" Chen Zhongdao: "This is the mouthpiece made by Xue Yuanwai. General Chu, Lord Wenhou will write a letter to the emperor tomorrow. Are you okay?" It's Xue Wenyi, the things he made are really unimaginable.Knowing that he was also helping me, I felt excited and whispered, "It's okay. How are you?"

"Master Wei asked me about the bow today. I insisted that the bow was left by the assassin, but he couldn't do anything about it. It's strange, he seems to know that I changed a bow." I sneered: "Because he belongs to the second prince, so he naturally knows." Chen Zhongxiang was fooled by what I said, and said: "The second prince doesn't know either." I said: "How could he not know that the assassin was originally sent by him." Chen Zhongxiang was taken aback, paused, and said, "What's going on?" I swallowed, and looked at the yamen servant just now. The yamen servant was standing aside, staring at the one who fell asleep.I put my hands on the microphone and said in a low voice: "Do you still remember that an assassin came to assassinate me that day, and you didn't know until you came back?"

Chen Zhongdao: "Yes. I tore a rat tiger that day. Seeing that His Highness is fine, I hurried back. I didn't expect such a thing to happen. It's the last general's dereliction of duty." I sneered and said, "Thanks to the three rats and tigers, I was able to get out of this trap. I had a faint feeling that something was wrong that day, but I couldn't figure it out for a while, and now I have figured it out." Chen Zhong was startled, and said, "What's wrong?" "You didn't know that I was assassinated until you came back. Where did the second prince get the news that he came here so soon?" Chen Zhongdao: "Someone informed the second prince that day, and I met him, but he didn't talk to me, I don't know what's going on." I said: "That's right. But he informed the second prince that he met you, and you are the captain of the centurion, why didn't he inform you?" Chen Zhong was startled again, and said, "Not bad. But..." I didn't wait for him to say "but", and said: "It was only because the three rats and tigers came that day, and you rushed to help the second prince, that there was an omission in their seamless plan, otherwise I would really fall into their trap." It's a trap. If there is no such thing as Shuhu, it would be a matter of course if he sent people to assassinate and then come to investigate, and there would be no loopholes." Chen Zhong was still somewhat ignorant and said: "But why did Your Highness blame General Shao? And if General Shao has taken precautions, why did you ask me to come?" Make you a scapegoat, you fool.I cursed secretly in my heart.Shao Fengguan wanted to save me, but if I was really killed on the way, he wouldn't come to save me.Let Chen Zhong be escorted only because he is not a direct descendant of Shao Fengguan, he lacks the ability to adapt, and he doesn't know the inside story, so death will not harm them. The assassin that day was so poor at archery that he missed several arrows in a row but was able to get away safely. I already vaguely felt that something was wrong.Shao Fengguan has a great archery master like Lian Baice under his command, the assassins he sent should not be so inferior, the assassins that day must have missed me on purpose.It's just that it's difficult to explain these things clearly. Chen Zhong may not understand, so there is no need to say more. Who will make this plan?The second prince may not have such a strict plan, most likely it was also thought up by Lu Gongxing.If it hadn't been for the mouse and tiger's surprise attack, then this plan would have been flawless. I would have mistakenly thought it was an assassin sent by Shao Fengguan, and would have turned to the second prince's side. Somewhere, there is also God's will.I sighed and had nothing to say for a moment. At this moment, the sleeping yamen servant suddenly moved, and the other hurriedly whispered: "General Chu, quickly give me the megaphone." I handed the wooden tube to him, and he took the wooden tube, wound the thread while walking, handed it out through the crack of the door, walked back and whispered: "General Chu, I won't be on duty tomorrow, you have to be careful." .” I nodded.Although I was still unable to move in the sitting cage, knowing that others were still trying to rescue me gave me a lot of peace of mind. I couldn’t fall asleep as usual in the sitting cage. After sitting for a whole day, I felt more and more sleepy. Just as I lowered my head, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my back.I hurriedly sat up straight, turned my face and looked at my arm, and there was already some blood on my right arm.The wooden stick on his back hadn't pierced the skin yet, but his right arm had probably been injured.Although he was still exhausted, his heart was full of shock and fear, and he dared not sleep again.But after trying to sit for a while, I couldn't take it anymore. It was like a person was hanging in the air by a spider's thread. Although I was still sitting steadily, it seemed to be floating in the air, but I didn't dare I was half careless, I knew that as soon as I moved my body, there would be severe pain again. No wonder sitting in a cage can make people turn pale when talking about it.This kind of torture instrument is not impressive in appearance. I have sat on it for less than a day, and I have learned how powerful it is. There are a lot of sticks, and I can only move a little with my hands.Since it is tied tightly, there is no need to push the stick away.People sitting in it can only keep awake tremblingly. Even if they are sleepy, when they touch the sharp end of the wooden stick, the sharp pain will wake them up. It's been like this for a day, and if it goes on, I really don't know if I can stick to it.If it is really according to the second prince's idea, I will be sent to the imperial capital in a cage, I am afraid I will have to confess on the way.Wei Zongzheng used this method to deal with me. It goes without saying that he must be on the side of the second prince. I sat upright in the sitting cage for an unknown amount of time.There is already a bit of dawn outside, and the sky may be dawning soon. I don't know how many more days this situation can last.Maybe, I can't last a day. If I don't rest, then Wei Zongzheng will come to interrogate me again at dawn, I'm afraid I will confess desperately. Now, if you want to switch to the Second Prince's sect, it's probably too late. I was sitting cross-legged at first, but now my legs were so sore, but I didn't dare to move.I also know that it is too difficult to maintain this posture, sleepiness hits me layer by layer, and slowly, I finally close my eyes again. As soon as I closed my eyes, the upper and lower eyelids seemed to be glued together with extremely sticky glue, and I couldn't open them again.My heart trembled, knowing that this was absolutely impossible, I tried my best to sit up straight, but I still couldn't open my eyes.At this time, it was really a strange feeling, my mind was clearly clear, but my body didn't listen to me. Can't sleep, must not sleep. I meditated and took a long breath.Taking in this breath, he leaned back, and suddenly there was another sharp pain in the vest.But this time I was prepared first, I didn't move around, I just leaned forward slightly, and sure enough, the stinging pain eased. Now you must maintain your body posture and never move. I breathe slowly and evenly.As long as a person keeps breathing evenly, the body will not move around.The first thing a good archer learns is not to shoot a target, but to breathe.During the period of aiming after drawing the bow, you have to hold your breath, and because I couldn't hold it for too long before, my archery skills have always been so-so, and it can only be regarded as mediocre.Now I breathe according to the meditation method in the "Tao De Heart Sutra", and it can last for a long time. After breathing out several times, my body gradually calmed down. It is said in the "Tao De Xin Jing" that those who have successfully practiced can meditate for several days without moving, so that they can last until Wei Zongzheng releases me. Sitting cages usually collapse after one day of sitting, and the highest record is said to be five days.After I adjusted my breathing, I didn't feel any pain anymore. If this continues, I'm afraid I might surpass that record.I couldn't help laughing. I studied the "Tao De Xin Jing" to learn mind reading skills. I didn't expect mind reading skills to be useful. At this time, I suddenly thought, in fact, now I can try to see if I have mind reading skills.Mind reading is a very strange skill, and I don't know what it feels like to perform mind reading. Maybe I have already practiced it, but I have never been able to enter it, so I don't know.While this is the time, I might as well give it a try.If I can really cultivate mind reading skills now, then I can read Wei Zongzheng's thoughts, and when he wants to interrogate me again, I will know what to say and what not to say. I remember that the yamen servant who helped me before was sleeping on a hidden chair next to the cage, he was relatively close, and I was facing his head.I imagined his position and fell into meditation. The method of using the mind reading technique is also unclear in the "Tao De Xin Jing". Zheng Zhao said before that it is not to read the words that the other party is thinking, but a feeling that is difficult to express in words, so it is not limited by language at all.The biggest possibility is to see what the other person is thinking, and if I practice mind reading now, I'm afraid I will see the dream he is having.I scrambled, imagining that I was entering his head, but it seemed to be just a wild idea.Suddenly, I only felt my whole body lighten up, as if I was floating up. Have you completed your mind reading skills?I was surprised and happy, but my mind was still empty, and I couldn't read anything at all. Not so fast.I'm afraid that before Wei Zongzheng interrogated me, I was discouraged for a while and was about to give up when the man suddenly said, "My lord, Chu Xiuhong has discovered that the story about the assassin is false." I was shocked, only Dao Wei Zongzheng hid in the dark and peeked, I am afraid that what I said to Chen Zhong just now was overheard by him.Because of fear, his tiredness disappeared, and his eyes suddenly opened.But when he opened his eyes, he saw that the man was still lying on the chair, soundly asleep. That was talking in a dream. I breathed a sigh of relief.But when he thought of the man's words, his heart immediately tightened. From what this yamen servant said, he was obviously sent by Wei Zongzheng!Chen Zhong and I talked through the megaphone, and he probably listened to everything.Although I didn't say anything important, I guessed that he already knew about breaking the second prince's plan. I looked at his head, he was sleeping soundly, with his hands resting on his chest, not moving. What else did you hear? I thought about it silently, and my fear gradually deepened.Unexpectedly, just as I was thinking this way, the yamen servant suddenly said again: "The villain didn't hear anything else." The words were answered very smoothly, I was still afraid, and I was suspicious again.Maybe that yamen servant really has the ability to read minds. "My lord, what is mind reading?" The yamen servant suddenly said something in his sleep.He spoke calmly, no different from his usual speech, but this sentence was like a stick, and it stumped me. He was obviously following me!Could it be... Could it be that what I have cultivated is not the mind-reading technique, but the mind-stimulating technique? When I thought of this, I suddenly became excited, looked at him, and said silently in my heart: "Forget everything I heard." The yamen servant didn't move.Only then did I wake up, even if he forgot, I couldn't see it.I stared at the back of his head, and suddenly said silently: "Stand up!" I was just thinking about it, but the yamen servant stood up abruptly like a puppet in my hand, turned around, and faced me.His eyes were closed, his face was dull, and he was still in a dreamland. It's really telepathy!I was excited.Mind-reading is stronger than mind-reading. Even Zhenqingzi can only read minds, but not mind-reading. Unexpectedly, instead of learning mind-reading, I learned mind-reading! The yamen servant was still standing straight, not moving.I looked at him, and said to him in my heart: "Go forward!" He took a step forward blankly, still like a puppet, as if his body was connected by invisible strings.As soon as I took one step, another step followed immediately, and I was much closer to me all of a sudden.His face was expressionless, and he walked stiffly like a living zombie. I was shocked and said silently: "Quickly go back!" But this time it didn't work, and his right foot stepped out again. One step, I was in a hurry, shouting in my heart, almost screaming, but the yamen servant ignored me at all, and still walked over slowly. He was so much like a zombie, I felt a chill in my heart, and was about to scream desperately, when someone suddenly shouted: "Xiao Fang, what are you doing?" The yamen servant had already walked to the sitting cage, and was stopped by the shout, but he still kept his forward posture, and suddenly his body rushed forward, fell forward, and slammed his mouth into the mud with a "bang". .He seemed to come alive all of a sudden, got up from the ground, looked around, and said, "What's wrong with me?" Another yamen servant stood up and said, "Xiao Fang, you must be sleepy. I saw that you were sleepwalking, and I was really shocked." He looked at me, and I quickly closed my eyes, leaving only a gap, pretending that I didn't know anything.He shook his head and said, "It's probably really sleepwalking." Apart from sleepwalking, he couldn't think of any other reason.I couldn't help snickering. Its daybreak.Because I have been meditating in the second half of the night, I no longer feel sleepy. Although I am sitting in the sitting cage, I am still full of energy.Wei Zongzheng and the other two interrogators came over, and when they saw me, they were startled, probably I was the only one who was still smiling and acting as if nothing had happened after being locked up in a cage all night.He must have thought that today I would ask for a confession in pain and tears, but he was surprised that nothing happened to me. During the interrogation on this day, what Wei Zongzheng asked was still the whole process of my rescue of the second prince. Chen Zhong and I didn't mention anything about talking through the megaphone. Probably the yamen servant he arranged inside really forgot all about it. He never told Wei Zongzheng.After I said it, I still insisted that the generals are innocent, but the second prince is suspicious.Wei Zongzheng was much more polite today, although he was probably the Second Prince's man, he really kept his word, like a person who upholds justice. There was still no result in the interrogation on this day, and Wei Zongzheng's face showed anxiety.In the evening, the two former yamen servants were changed and the other two were replaced. I'm afraid that among these two people, like that "Xiao Fang", someone Wei Zongzheng arranged to come in.This night I meditated very early, and after they fell asleep, I performed the mind-bending technique on him as I did yesterday. It's just strange, this time, although I tried my best, nothing happened to him. I tried everything, but he was still snoring in the recliner.After playing for a long time, seeing that he still didn't respond, I had to give up. Could it be that the mind-stimulating technique last night was just my illusion?But today Wei Zongzheng didn't reveal what I discussed with Chen Zhong last night, I'm afraid that Xiao Fang really forgot about it according to my order.But it worked last night, why didn't it work tonight? After much deliberation, I couldn't think of a clue, and I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.Maybe, last night's mind-bending technique was only successful by accident, right?It's really useless if you don't know when it works and when it doesn't. I stretched my body a little.My body ached from my desperate attempt to use Mind-Camera, so I managed to breathe properly and began to meditate again.If you don't know how to meditate, sitting in a cage is indeed a kind of torture, but if you maintain the meditating posture, you can stay still for a long time without being too tired. At this point, I can only persevere.Wei Zongzheng let that little Fang deceive Chen Zhong into believing him, and he just begged Chen Zhong not to be too credulous.Fortunately, Chen Zhong didn't know much about this matter. I'm afraid that even if he told the truth, it would only be detrimental to the second prince. In a trance, another person appeared in front of my eyes. Snow-white fingers, a pear-like face.Although the brows are already blurred and gradually faded in my memory, I know that it is her. After sitting for an unknown amount of time, I was suddenly awakened by the sound of a lock being unlocked.I opened my eyes, but saw a yamen servant opening the door of the sitting cage, saying: "General Chu, come out." When I got out of the sitting cage, he whispered: "General Chu, you are such a tough guy." His words were full of admiration, I am afraid that I will not let go after staying in this sitting cage for a day and two nights. Enough to make him admire it. I said, "Are you going to kill me?" The yamen servant whispered: "Don't worry too much, I'm going to let you go." Are you going to let me go?Although I tried not to let myself look happy, there was still a burst of uncontrollable joy in my heart.He probably noticed it too, and whispered: "Don't be too happy." I said: "Is there anything else?" But he didn't say anything more, and carried the cage down with another yamen servant, and the other two yamen servants with knives took me down and changed my clothes, and then took me to the court, Sanfa Division The three chief officials of the court have already sat in the hall, and the second prince and Wenhou are also sitting on both sides.But what surprised me was that Zhang Longyou stood behind Wenhou. I haven't seen Zhang Longyou for a long time, and seeing him now, I feel very kind.It's just that I haven't seen him for a month, and Zhang Longyou has lost his previous look of depression. He is wearing an official uniform other than a member of the Ministry of Industry, and he is very energetic.Although he was promoted by Marquis Wen, he is now an official of the Ministry of Industry, so he shouldn't have come to such an occasion. He appeared here, probably brought in by Marquis Wen as his entourage. This should also be good news.Seeing Zhang Longyou's seriousness, but with a hint of relief in his eyes, I knew it would not be bad news.I saved him once in Gaojiu City, and now, he can also help me. I knelt down, Wei Zongzheng looked at me and said, "Chu Xiuhong." I looked up and looked at him.There was still no expression of joy or anger on Wei Zongzheng's face, and he didn't know what he was thinking.I said a little nervously: "The crime will be there." Although I guessed that nothing would happen, I still couldn't help worrying at this time. Wei Zongzheng said: "You have been accused of plotting to assassinate the chief general. After the interrogation by the government, although you feel that the matter is suspicious, there is no real evidence in the investigation. It is the virtue of God's good life, so I will not be held accountable." I couldn't help feeling dizzy for a while.After being locked up for so many days, I can only breathe a sigh of relief now.Wei Zongzheng is probably the second prince's man, but his reputation of being fair and honest is not fake, and he didn't just pinch me for the second prince Afu.Before I had time to be happy, I heard Wei Zongzheng say again: "However, there is a reason for the incident, and it is definitely not groundless. Therefore, all military ranks and positions will be exonerated." The second prince's complexion was also a bit ugly, maybe he still felt that the punishment was too light.But Wei Zongzheng's punishment still surprised me. I had expected him to remove my military rank, but my post of commander of the vanguard battalion was appointed by the crown prince and Marquis Wen. .I took a peek at Marquis Wen, and Marquis Wen's face was also expressionless, as if he didn't hear it at all, but Zhang Longyou looked a little regretful. This is to let the second prince vent his anger.I also breathed a sigh of relief, I don't even think about fame and wealth, I just hope to live in peace.If the country doesn't want me to contribute in the army, then I can only resign myself to fate.I thought about what I would do after I didn’t join the army. I could read and write, and maybe I could open a primary school to teach students.It was just that he wanted to live with Su Wenyue at that time, but what about now?I have nothing left. I was a little sad, Wei Zongzheng stood up at this moment, bowed to Marquis Wen and the second crown prince and said: "Your Highness, Your Excellency, the lower officials' trial is over, this case is closed, I wonder if Your Highness and Your Excellency are satisfied?" I can't help but want to laugh.Wei Zongzheng's face was always serious, and I didn't know if he would laugh, but he said it a bit angry.It must be very difficult for him to be caught between Wen Hou and the second prince.I'm really like a hot potato. Although the second prince is the clan, Marquis Wen actually represents the prince. In comparison, even if he is the second prince and one party, he can't ignore Wenhou's intentions and design ideas. The truth was revealed, but they were not asked, so the question was only to ask whether the two were satisfied, and they simply did not talk about justice. Anyway, I was out of danger. The second prince's face was gloomy, but he didn't say anything.In fact, I resolutely refused to say that even if I were killed, it would be nothing more than venting my anger. I could not bring down Marquis Wen, but I would offend Marquis Wen even more.Although he is not as wise and powerful as in the wind review, he is not a fool, and he should understand the stakes.He snorted, and said to the guard beside him, "Lin Qiu, let's go." I don't know if I read it wrong or what, but the guard named Lin Qiu felt relieved when he glanced at me.As soon as they left, Zhang Longyou rushed over, hugged my shoulders, and shouted: "General Chu, you're fine, that's great!" There were tears in his eyes.I rescued him under De Yang, and he always remembered it in his heart.I was moved for a while, and said, "Are you okay? Where's Xue Wenyi?" Zhang Longyou said: "He is outside, let's go." He pulled me to go out, I said: "Wait, I should first thank Lord Wenhou." I walked up to Marquis Wen, knelt down, kowtowed and said, "The kindness of the lord, the villain will always remember it." There was still no expression of joy or anger on Marquis Wen's face, and he said indifferently: "Mr. Chu, what are your plans in the future?" I am now out of military service, and he immediately changed his mind.I said: "The villain has never thought about it." Zhang Longyou also knelt down, and said: "My lord, General Chu...Mr. Chu is versatile in both civil and military affairs, and he can be of great use." Marquis Wen nodded and said, "If Mr. Chu is interested, you may as well come to my residence." There are also many aides in Wenhou's mansion, just like Wuhou's shogunate before, it has gathered a lot of talents.Although Zhang Longyou was an official of the Ministry of Industry, both Xue Wenyi and Zhang Longyou were regarded as the aides of Marquis Wen.I thought for a while, and said: "The villain has just escaped the punishment, and at this time he will go to the adult's mansion, and he will inevitably give his testimony. I wonder if he can still find a job in the military academy?" Now that I am Marquis Wen's guest, it is obvious that I belong to Marquis Wen's side. I am afraid that the second prince will become angry and think of some way to deal with me.In the military academy, at least not directly subordinate to Marquis Wen.In fact, the military academy is also under Marquis Wen's power. When I left the military academy, the instructor who replaced me was originally a member of Marquis Wen.Marquis Wen said: "That's fine, then let Hu Tao come back." I kowtowed again and said, "Thank you sir." Saying goodbye to Marquis Wen, just as I was about to go out, Marquis Wen suddenly said, "Mr. Chu, I am very grateful for taking care of my son." His words were very peaceful, I turned my head and saw a smile on the corner of his mouth. Zhen Yining is really his son.I was a little excited, Zhang Longyou pulled me out and said: "Go quickly, Lao Xue has to wait." Apart from Xue Wenyi who was sitting in a wheelchair, there was also Wu Wanling outside.Xue Wenyi was injured too badly, and he is still unable to get out of the wheelchair because of his limited mobility, so he did not come in. Wu Wanling's official position is too low, so he cannot come in.As soon as Wu Wanling saw me, he wanted to salute. I helped him up and said, "General Wu please, I don't have any position now, I'm just a commoner." Xue Wen also said: "Brother Chu, let's go, let's have a drink together and wash away your bad luck." Zhang Longyou said: "Exactly. Let's go, let's go to Zuifenglou to have fun." Drunken Maple Tower.Hearing these three words, I was a little stunned.The last time when Marquis Wen took him to Zuifenglou, he had just returned to the imperial capital, and he was full of ambitions, thinking that he could show his strengths.Going this time can be regarded as revisiting the old place, but the word "Maple" reminds me of her. Where is she now?Perhaps, he has already become a member of Dijun's huge harem. Zhang Longyou and Wu Wanling had already walked first, and I pushed Xue Wenyi to walk behind, Xue Wenyi suddenly said: "Brother Chu, don't think too much, the world's affairs are most likely unsatisfactory. Keep it in your heart, I'm afraid people won't be able to bear it." I was a little embarrassed, and said in a disguised way: "What?" He sighed: "You look in a trance, I know you think of her." Xue Wen is also very good at observing words and expressions.I was a little embarrassed, and said: "It's nothing, I think of her occasionally." Without saying anything, he took out a small wooden sculpture from his pocket. That is the statue of the woman named Qin Yanchun.When I saw it last time, I only carved an outline, but now it is much clearer, but the expression of the eyebrows is not quite the same anymore.Of course, maybe my memory is wrong, except for her, I have mostly forgotten what the other three women look like now. He sighed again, reached out and threw the statue to the side of the street.The statue hit the ground twice, broke in two, and rolled into the gutter by the side of the road. I should be desperate too.It's not bad that we can be like this now, so don't think about it anymore.I was thinking, at this moment Zhang Longyou turned around and said, "Hurry up." I said: "Here we come." Pushing Xue Wenyi to walk faster. Zuifeng Building still looks luxurious and rich, and there are not many people now.We found a box upstairs and sat down. Zhang Longyou ordered some dishes and ordered a jar of wine. The four of us sat down. Zhang Longyou raised his glass and said, "General Chu has to get out of trouble. Let's have a toast for him first." .” The four of us have gone through adversity together, now Zhang Longyou and Xue Wenyi are celebrities in front of Marquis Wen, although Wu Wanling is only an instructor, he is a bit taller than me, but I have nothing.I raised my glass and poured the wine into my mouth.The spicy wine flowed into the throat, with a sweet tingle, and suddenly the person was a little drunk. After drinking for three rounds, they were all a little tipsy, Wu Wanling was still offering wine to Xue Wenyi, Zhang Longyou was knocking on the dishes, humming a strange little tune, I don't know what to sing, I Already drunk, half-prostrated on the table.Suddenly a thick voice called out: "Is General Chu there? Chu Xiuhong?" That was Chen Zhong's voice.I was taken aback, and I thought something happened again, Xue Wenyi also became alert for a while, and said: "Chen Zhong hasn't left yet?" I remembered what Chen Zhong discussed with me the night before yesterday using the megaphone Xue Wenyi had made.Xue Wen also said: "Brother Chu, he spared no effort for you, he did not hesitate to kneel in Lord Wenhou's mansion all night. I heard that even Lord Wenhou was moved in the end, and he did not hesitate to discuss with Wei Zongzheng in person." Chen Zhong really did his best to save me, but I was lucky to escape punishment, so I forgot about him.Feeling guilty, I staggered to the door and called out, "General Chen." Chen Zhong was looking around downstairs, when he heard me call him, he raised his head and said with a smile on his face, "It's great, General Chu, you're here." He ran upstairs, knelt down to me and said, "Congratulations! General Chu is out of danger." I quickly helped him up and said, "General Chen, I haven't thanked you yet. Come, come in and have a drink." He said: "No, once this matter is over, I have to rush back to Dongping City to pay the order. I came here to say goodbye to you. General Chu, take care of yourself." Shao Fengguan didn't necessarily have any good intentions in sending him here, it was nothing more than sending someone who had nothing to do with him, even if he suffered a catastrophe, it wouldn't be a big deal.But Chen Zhong was sincere in order to save me. This solid-eyed person really couldn't bear to lie to him. He didn't seem to know that I had been dismissed as a civilian, so he gave a big gift and got up to leave.Seeing him about to leave, I said: "Chen Zhong, you have to be careful yourself." He has offended the second prince, if he leaves Shao Fengguan's range, I'm afraid there will be no good results.But Chen Zhong didn't seem to care, and he didn't know whether he really didn't care or didn't think of it at all.He gave me a military salute and said, "General Chu, please go back." I want to say that I am not a general at all now, but he is out of the door by this time. I don't know how long I drank it, and I don't know how I left. I only know that it was already dark when I went back. Wu Wanling accompanied me to the residence, opened the door, and looked at the empty room. My breathing also stagnated.在这一片黑暗中，象是有把无形的快刀插进了胸口，我几乎已失去知觉。 吴万龄虽然没有我喝得多，但也有了醉意，他大概也知道我身上没有火石火镰，帮我点着了蜡烛，大着舌头道：“楚……楚……”说了半天也说不出来。他习惯称我为统领，但我现在什么都不是了，让他改口，一时还改不过来。 我道：“好了，你回去睡觉吧。” 等吴万龄一走，我走到床边。因为有两个月没住了，床上已经积了一层尘土。我拿出来抖了抖，只觉口渴得要命，又走了出来。 今天是四月下旬了。月亮只剩了一半，冷冷的，象是结了冰。我站在井台前，压了两下汲筒，从水龙里流出清冽的井水来。天是一天热似一天，又喝了酒，有些头痛。我把头探进水里，喝了两口，水寒刺骨，但也让自己头脑一清，不再那么晕乎乎的。 我把手撑在井栏上看着天空。月光清澈明亮，象是一只睿智的眼睛，但这只眼现在也是半闭着。我甩了甩头，把头发上的水甩掉，又重重地吐出一口气来。 从明天开始，又是一个新的开端了。人生在世，实在有太多的变故，当我入伍时，曾经想过这一天么？仅仅是几年而已，不仅是我一个人，帝国这个庞然大物也开始了分崩离析的第一步。从一片升平到战火纷飞，再到蛇人的出现，一共也不过是短短两三年而已。 帝国，真的有可能会覆灭么？这个雄踞于大地之上的王朝，会不会也踏上数百年前被大帝推翻的王朝一样的道路？如果是的话，这一代的大帝将会是谁？或者，帝国会象死而不僵的怪物，经过了一番修整，仍然苟延残喘下去？ 以后的事谁也不知道。我垂下头，茫然地又拉了两下汲筒。水冷得象是锋利的刀子，刺入皮肉，那一阵刺痛让我身上一抖。 回到军校，让那些学生都吃了一惊。他们仍然记得我这个能和“军中第一枪”斗个旗鼓相当的老师，因此我回来后，都让他们欣喜若狂。 只两个月不见，这批学生就大有进展。我带他们时，骑马骑得好的都还不多，但现在大多已经能在马上不拉丝缰而坐了。文侯很看重雷霆弩，因此雷霆弩的教程很多，而我对雷霆弩的用法还不如他们熟，一天下来就觉得有些力不从心，等放了学，便到工部去一趟，想向薛文亦讨教一下雷霆弩的使用心得。 一进木府，便听得有人在叫道：“殿下好本领！”这声音很熟，但也记不起是什么人了。难道二太子在这儿？我吃了一惊，刚想在一边看看仔细，却听得薛文亦在叫道：“哈，楚兄来了。” 薛文亦正坐在轮椅上，看着一群人在练习，领头的是个华服的小孩，正是那个小王子。他手上拿着什么，看见我，脸上露出了笑容，叫道：“哇，真的是楚将军！” 他跑到我边上，仰起头看着我。对于宗室，我大多没有好感，但对他我却没半分恶感。我笑了笑，行了个礼道：“小人打扰了殿下，请殿下恕罪。” 小王子道：“你不是在东平城么？怎么会回来的？” 我道：“小人现在已不在军中服役了，现在是军校教席。”我的事太过复杂，跟他说也说不明白。小王子眨了两下眼，道：“对了，楚将军，你来看看薛员外给我做的好东西。” 他把手上的东西递了给我。我接过来看了看，那是把小小的雷霆弩，具体而微，因为太小，把箭匣废除了，直接装箭。I said: "What is this?" 薛文亦道：“这是给小王子玩的手弩，打个野兔飞鸟挺好。楚兄，你倒试试看。” 小王子拿过一支箭道：“对，楚将军你试试。” 他指着二十余步外的靶子。这手弩很小巧，射程不会远，做得如此精致，单手可以施放，而且不用上弦，扳机分两档，扣下一半时是上弦，再扣就是放箭，薛文亦实在很有巧思。我对准准心，一箭射去，“叭”一声，那支小小的短箭正射中靶心。 这手弩因为要让小王子适用，做得太小了点，如果再大一些，因为单手可以施放，那么骑在马上，可以右手使枪，左手用手弩，让敌人防不胜防，不失为一件利器。但我刚想到这些，不由又有些失笑。手弩的射程太短了，看样子顶多也只能射到三十步外。以手弩的大小而论，力量不算小，但实战时这样的力道绝对不够，只怕射不穿蛇人本身的鳞甲，不用说是穿重甲的人的。而这手弩如此精致，只怕比雷霆弩做起来更费事，因为是木头做的，又不会太牢固，实在不实用。何况我现在已经不是军人，还想这些做什么？ 小王子咋舌道：“好厉害，不愧是楚将军啊。”我不禁一笑，我的箭术并不是很高明，但以这样的距离，要射中靶心实在是轻而易举，十万大军中，起码有五万能做到。只是小王子枪法很高明，以前箭术未必练过多少，才会少见多怪。不过这也难怪，军中一向重刀枪，轻箭术，因此军中的箭术好手大多并不得志，以前谭青如此高明的箭术也只在我手下当什长，江在轩更只是个小兵。唯一的例外，那就算是邵风观手下的廉百策了吧。 我把手弩还给小王子道：“殿下，你再练习，我有事和薛员外商议。” 小王子点了点头，和他的随从一箭箭地练习去了。薛文亦道：“楚兄，有什么事么？” 我道：“因为军校中要教授雷霆弩，我知之不详，想向你讨教一下。” 薛文亦道：“这个好办，我这儿写了一本《雷霆弩详解》，你拿去吧。不过实战我也不知道，你得自己教。” 我道：“这个自然。” 我跟着他到了内室，他在书架上翻着书。他现在是员外，也有了一架子羊皮书了，翻了半天，从底下拉出一本道：“你看吧，这是我写的。” 薛文亦写得图文并茂，把雷霆弩的各个部件都讲得很详细，要注意的事项也分门别类说了不少。我接过来放进怀里，道：“对了，你能给我也做一把大一些的手弩么？” 薛文亦道：“你想实战用？可以，过些天做好了我派人送来吧。” 我笑了笑，刚想走，又想起了什么，道：“怎么没见苑可珍？” 薛文亦道：“文侯大人将他调到船厂去了。听说，现在船厂要造出前所未有的巨舰，长度将达四十丈以上，尺寸数字很精微，要他算出来。” 四十丈！这个数字把我吓了一大跳。我见到的船最大的也不过二十余丈，那已是个庞然大物了，没想到竟然还会有比那长一倍的船。我道：“要那么大做什么？这么大的船，转动一定不灵，在大江上行驶，一旦遇伏，连转弯也转不过来，只怕是用在海上了。” 薛文亦道：“我也不知道。不过听说现在岛夷已在攻打句罗岛，句罗王前来求救，文侯大概有心赴援海外吧。” 听他说什么海外，我的心里突然有所触动，但一时也说不清有什么，只是隐隐地觉得有什么地方有问题。向薛文亦告辞后，我便回军校去。现在的马是军校里的，远没有我在东平城找的那匹飞羽神骏，但是在街上也足够了。骑在马上，我还在想着那个问题，到了军校门口，象是灵机一动，我突然想到自己觉得哪儿不对了。 那是陈忠说过的一句话。他说发现大江的江面在上涨，大约涨了半尺。那时我觉得可能是上游雨水多了，但是和蛇人在江面上筑堤一事连起来看，不免有些奇怪。 难道……蛇人是想截江灌城？ 东平城北面靠着大江，有这天然凭障，蛇人强攻难下，而东平城又能从水面上源源不断地得到补给。为了打破守军，蛇人最好的办法也的确是水攻。只是，蛇人难道真的有这样的智力，能想出这等计谋么？ 要水攻城池，不是简简单单地掘开河口就行了，必须让河流随人心意改道，才能顺利灌入城中。而要做到这一点，就得先行计划周密，再不断准备。如果蛇人在江面设堤是为了抬高江面的话，那就都说不通了…… I couldn't help shivering.如果让陈忠带个口信的话，还能让毕炜和邵风观他们提高警惕。但现在好象谁也没有注意到这一点。 我带转马上，加了一鞭，向文侯府跑去。不论文侯在不在意，我现在得向文侯汇报此事。甄以宁在城中，我想就算文侯不相信，也不会一笑了之的。