Chapter 12 Chapter Eleven Capital
Kang Zhefu stepped out of the luxurious bathroom after washing his whole body three times and making sure that there was no more smell of underground sewage on his body.
After drying his naked body with a soft towel, he faced the mirror over the sink.He decided not to shave.After all, they will use its cover to leave the United States in the future.
A clean suit of clothes stood next to the bathroom.He put on the dark black wide short and black long hakama, and a pair of special straw slippers.These are probably the traditional casual clothes of Shuo Kingdom.
Two tall and strong men have been waiting outside.They led Kang Zhefu through a corridor covered with thick carpets, at the end of which was a pair of large steel doors.
The big man pushed the door open from left to right.What unfolded in front of Kang Zhefu was a moving scene.
A quaint hall under the deep sea of stars.
Kang Zhefu looked up for a while, only to realize that the starry sky on the ceiling of the hall is actually a computer image made artificially—the entire ceiling is a huge projection screen.When people walk in the hall, the starlight also subtly moves with the change of the angle of sight.
On the left wall of the hall is a huge relief mural, inlaid with countless colorful jade and gold and silver fragments, and assembled into a magnificent picture of a majestic knight riding a horse to stand alone on the mountain and holding a long sword to the sky; The brown stone flakes are piled up, with beautiful blood-colored blemishes on the stone-this kind of jade Kang Zhefu has never seen before; the armor of the knight is covered with gold leaf, and the cloak fluttering in the mountains is all made of rubies; "On the right hand of the knight is a real sword. The sharp long blade divides the vast sky made of white jade and sapphire. The whole composition creates a heroic and aggressive momentum.
The wall opposite the mural is covered with large characters one after another—a kind of writing that Kang Zhefu has never seen before. It is written directly on the white wall with dark green ink. No, it seems to be a whole long poem.
A huge low table was placed in the center of the hall. The tabletop was in the shape of a regular pentagon and carved with various patterns. The table was filled with cups, pans and tableware. On each of the five sides of the table were placed backrest cushions for guests to sit cross-legged.
There were only two people sitting at the table.Sitting in the main seat right behind and facing Kang Zhefu was the little old man in an ancient silver-embroidered robe, sipping alcohol from a carved wooden cup.On the wall behind him is a large glass cabinet embedded in the wall, which houses a gray-black stone head, the circumference of which is the size of a car tire. The carving is fine, but there are many cracks and peeling off. Hundred years of history.
Sitting on the left side of the old man is a strong middle-aged man also wearing ancient clothes and with a short crew cut.Kang Zhefu was stunned - this face was too familiar.
"Takahashi!"
Takahashi Ryuichiro stood up from the cushion.
"Long time no see, Zeff." Takahashi smiled. "You are finally here." Takahashi spoke Chinese.
Kang Zhefu walked slowly to the dining table, feeling a little pretentious in his steps. "Takahashi...no, what should I call you?"
"My real name is. If you're not used to it, call me Takahashi. It's my name anyway."
Kang Zhefu sat cross-legged at one side of the dining table, the unbelievable shock was still not subsided.
Takahashi sat down again and waved his palm to the old man beside him. "Zeff, this is the current Regent of our country—Your Majesty."
The old man nodded slightly to Kang Zhefu, then clapped his palms together.The waiters by the hall began to bring the dishes to the table.
A waitress was about to pour wine into Kangzhefu's glass.The old man stopped her in a language he could not understand.The waitress hastily pulled back the long cylindrical wine bottle and filled Kang Zhefu's glass with water instead.
"The king knows that Mr. Kang doesn't drink alcohol." The old man Savud said in pure Chinese. "Please eat as much as you can. If you have any requirements, you can tell these attendants in English. You are welcome."
"English?"
"Seventy-five percent of our subjects have a college degree or above," Takahashi said. "Is this the country with the highest level of education in the world?"
"Can I meet Tilia?" Kang Zhefu couldn't hide the excitement in his heart.
Takahashi looked at Savud.The regent touched the brass ring on his hand, sighed and shook his head. "Not for the time being. Since she came back, Tilian Logie's spirit seems a little abnormal. On the one hand, she is eager to meet you, but at the same time she is afraid-she blames herself for deceiving you. Now her inner emotions are very unbalanced, just Like a tight string. Give her some time to prepare, so that the king and Meng Gang can explain everything to you, and you will feel better when you meet."
Although he was still anxious, after confirming that he could see Tilia again, Kang Zhefu's emotions calmed down a little, his mood and stomach relaxed at the same time, and he began to fill his stomach that had been empty all night.
The combination and flavor of the dishes are unprecedented for him.Most of the ingredients can be distinguished, but the seasoning is completely different from what you usually eat.
"Takahashi." Kang Zhefu put down the tableware that looked like a fork, and drank a whole glass of ice water. "You arranged for Tilia to contact me, right?"
Takahashi nodded slightly hesitantly.
"Is it because you know I'm investigating Chen Changde's case?"
"This is only part of the reason." Takahashi drank the wine in his glass and sighed. "I know, with your ability, there must be a way to find out some clues. Although you are not an agent of the CIA, we need to determine how much you already know, and how much the CIA knows through you."
"So sent Tilia to get close to me, and still bugged me in my purse?"
"That was my order. Tilia happened to be in Tokyo at the time..."
"She..." Kang Zeff paused, and mustered up his courage again. "Has she been doing this... work?"
"No." Takahashi's tone this time was firm. "But she has been preparing to accept such a task and has also received this kind of training. As a citizen of Shuo Kingdom, she must have the consciousness of dedicating and sacrificing everything for the royal family. But before you, we never used her needs."
"Takahashi, don't tell her that I asked that once."
Takahashi nodded. "Actually, for another more important reason, we will find you sooner or later. Chen Changde's death is just an opportunity."
"What's the reason?"
Takahashi smiled and didn't answer, but reached under the table with his left hand and pressed a button.
The starry sky above the hall disappeared.The picture on the projection screen turned into a huge map, and a crescent-shaped island with a gap to the right appeared above everyone's heads.
"This is the whole map of our Shuoyue island country 'Maersan', covering an area of about 236,000 square kilometers, from the northernmost 'Beidoujiao' to the southernmost 'Nanqiongtou' in a length of 680 Three kilometers. In the center of the island is the 'Shuo'an Mountains', and the highest point 'Xijin Peak' is 3,428 meters above sea level." Takahashi proficiently read out this bunch of precise numbers.
"I've never found this big island on the world map..." Kang Zhefu looked carefully at the map above his head.
"Of course." Takahashi looked sad. "It has now disappeared below the horizon of the North Pacific Ocean... In the year 397 of the Xuanshen calendar, that is, 944 A.D., our country suffered a terrible earthquake and tsunami. After forty years, Shuo Island gradually descended. sinking, the last few descendants of our country had to leave the soil of the lost motherland and migrate to other continents. Some reached Asia and Australia eastward, and some traveled westward to the American continent. Our ancestors 'discovered' the new continent, more than Columbus About five hundred years earlier."
The regent Sawud, who had been sitting silently by the side, sighed: "The horror brought about by that terrible disaster has been in the blood of every survivor of Shuo Kingdom for thousands of years, and has been passed down from generation to generation. None of us has forgotten that we are the people of Shuo Kingdom. Identity, as well as the glorious history and civilization of our country in the past..."
"What is the 'Xuan Shen Li' you mentioned just now?" Kang Zhefu asked Gao Qiao.
"It's my Shuo Kingdom's calendar, and there is a magical legend behind it." Takahashi stood up from his chair with a smile, and walked behind Savud. "Do you see the head of this stone statue in the glass cabinet? This is the most important ancient cultural relic left in our country so far - the statue of the Great Xuan God 'Eight Eagle Sky'. Unfortunately, only the head is left. He has eight arms, each holding a long sword , with wings on his back, able to fly through the sky, is the god of war that our country believes in."
Takahashi went on to tell the mythical history behind the statue: Oborodo Zongxuan (formerly known as Oboroduming) of the Ming tribe in the north of Shuo Island succeeded to the position of patriarch in the 27th year before the Xuanshen calendar. Qiang, eight years later, sent an army to the whole island, first unified the tribes in the northern region with lightning cavalry, and then went south to invade. After nine years of fighting, he finally conquered the sixteen tribes in Guannan, unified the world of Shuo Island, and established his capital in Tianya, formerly known as Tianya. Guan Jing established the Mizhao Dynasty.
At this time, the full map of Shuo Island above the hall lights up the location of Guanjing, a seaport city located in the center of the inner bay.
Just before the enthronement ceremony of Obodo Zongxuan, there was heavy rain in Guanjing for three days and three nights in a row.
On a soil slope in Qili, the northwest suburb of Guanjing City (a mile in Shuokuo is equivalent to about one-third of a kilometer in modern times), after the heavy rain washed away the soil, this mysterious stone statue unexpectedly appeared.Zongxuan of Miodu regards this as an auspicious omen authorized by heaven for the royal family of Mioshi to rule Shuo Kingdom forever, so he welcomes the statue into Beijing and builds a temple to protect the country. ".
"What a smart king." Kang Zhefu said coldly. "Isn't he the one who sent people to bury the god? Using the people's beliefs to consolidate the authority of the king's government is the most brilliant maneuver."
Takahashi and Takede looked at each other and smiled.
"Povado, you are right." Savud took a sip of his wine. "This Mr. Kang is really a good man - he can see subtle things."
"Gaoqiao, please speak clearly." Kang Zhefu took a deep breath. "What is the purpose of you looking for me?"
Takahashi looked at his Regent, His Majesty.Savud nodded.
"Zeff, please join our country. We need your talents."
Kang Zhefu frowned.
"A long time ago—actually, when I first met you—I have taken a fancy to you." Takahashi paused, and then said: "After knowing that you have joined the mercenary regiment, this idea is even more determined. Your Wisdom, strength, courage, skills and knowledge in military, intelligence and martial arts are rare. More importantly, you don't have the vulgar desires of ordinary people."
"Gaoqiao, with your current status, you can find more people better than me!"
"Money cannot buy loyalty. After so many years in the mall, I fully understand this truth." Takahashi smiled. "We are close friends, not to mention..."
"Not to mention I owe you."
"Don't talk like that. I didn't intend to coerce you." Gao Qiao showed a little embarrassed look, which Kang Zhefu had never seen before. "You said it yourself: You will help me when I really need you. Now is the time."
"Since you had this idea long ago, why didn't you bring it up to me?"
"Confidentiality is very important to our country at present. I have always wanted you to join the work of 'Longmeitang' under my banner, so as to get closer to each other, and then wait for the right time..."
"Then, you found out that I was investigating the murder of Chen Changde."
Takahashi sighed. "I didn't know you were involved in this case until I received the measurements of the sword you sent me. I thought we couldn't wait any longer, and we wanted to know how much information the CIA had. So With His Majesty's permission, I will send Tilia to approach you..."
Kang Zhefu showed a sad expression.
"Mr. Kang, don't blame her." Savud stared at Kang Zhefu with bright eyes. "She really loves you."
"I know." Kang Zhefu closed his eyes and said, with a firm expression as if he believed that the sun would always rise from the east, and the water would freeze when the temperature dropped to zero degrees Celsius.
"I love her too."
On the other side of "Genizlong", the temporary capital of Shuo Kingdom, more than 30 meters away from the straight line where Kang Zhefu was, Tilia held a wooden disc in both hands and pushed open a double door. Tilia stepped into a rather wide lobby, filled with a solemn and murderous atmosphere: a huge bright blue crescent-shaped mark was painted in the center of the wooden floor; There are more than a hundred ancient swords with different lengths and shapes. In front of the wall, there is a wooden frame full of ancient weapons such as spears, hard bows, giant hammers, axes, scimitars, and barbed shields; Eight colorful banners, some painted with animal claw patterns, some with abstract heraldry woven with thick threads; under the sea of flags stood twenty-six pieces of armor, with locks mottled with gouges and rusty Armor clothing, faded thick leather armor, a whole new set of armor made of gold and silver, and a pair of armor that is missing the left arm and waist; the wall facing the gate is a huge bookshelf filled with thick and thin There are different old books, several of which are opened on a low table under the bookshelf. Beside the short table, a thin old man with white hair was curled up on the ground, his shoulders slowly rising and falling with his long breathing, and he seemed to be in a deep sleep. "Teacher, are you tired?" Tilia spoke blunt Chinese with a smile. "I've brought my lunch." She walked through the empty martial arts hall with a plate containing porridge and several snacks, and put the meals on the low table. "Tilliam Logy, do you speak Chinese?" A male voice suddenly came from behind the door that opened inward. Tilia's shoulders trembled, and the porridge almost fell over.She looked back with a terrified look in her eyes. The door was pushed open.Karta, who was wearing light blue casual clothes, was playing with a long sword with a slender blade in his hand, and approached Tilia with a smile. "Did you learn it for that Chinese man?" He looked at Tilia's attire: her black hair had grown to shoulder length, and was pulled back with a brown wooden hairpin; her light limbs were under a plain white silk robe, Curves appear fuller than usual.Karta sighed secretly in his heart. "Have you considered my request?" Kartha took a step closer. "We will be the most enviable couple in Shuo Country." Tilia didn't answer, but turned her head away.Even so, Karta already knew who she was thinking of from the flash of charming eyes. "Don't think about him anymore, Tilia," Karta suppressed the sullenness in his heart. "That Chinese has no life to see you again." The corner of Tilia's mouth twitched. "It seems that he gave you a lot of trouble?" "No, my men have dealt with him." "You're a terrible liar. You're no match for him." "Why do you say 'you' and dare not say 'you'?" Karta smiled instead of anger. "Because you know in your heart: if he meets me face to face, he will be separated in a second!" Tilia seemed to turn a deaf ear. "He said he would find me. Brother Nanhan would bring him. He would definitely take me away." "Impossible!" Karta Yang raised his sword. "I will kill him with my own hands, and then you will know who is the real man compared with him!" Tilia shook her head. "I only know which man can give me happiness. This man is definitely not you." She stroked the soft hair on her back. "Karta, I know you really like me. But don't you understand? That's 'like', not 'love'. You want too many things. You always only know how to grab and refuse to give back. Then Not 'love'." "You don't understand what you're talking about at all!" Kartar angrily thrust his long sword into the wooden floor. "I am a dignified boy from the Shuo Kingdom who was born on the earth. Is it wrong to try my best to show my ambitions? Is it wrong that a man like me is not worthy of a woman's love?" "I didn't say that." Tilia said lightly. "I'm just saying we're not compatible. I'm just saying: Karta, I don't love you." The words burned Karta's hair like a flame.He trembled all over.He wanted to cry, but couldn't squeeze any tears.He really wanted to cry, but couldn't. A sound of breaking wind sounded from the left side of Karta, drawing back his soul that had fallen into the ice cellar.Relying on the beast-like instinct of a swordsman, he dodged, drew his sword from the ground, and turned to fight back. The whole set of movements was swift and natural. The two blades clashed six times in three seconds.Kaerta jumped back and retreated quickly, fearing that the sword fight would accidentally injure Tilia. The long sword in the white-haired old man's hand was tightly wrapped around it as if it was sticky. The dense confrontation made Kartha unable to put on the preparatory stance of the stunt, and could only keep parrying with reflex movements. "Behead you, old man first!" Karta yelled angrily, pouring all the force of his talent, plus the sadness of being ruthlessly rejected by Tilia, on the blade of his sword, and slashed violently several times. The old man's long sword was bounced away vigorously, so he had no choice but to withdraw his troops. "These tricks are not bad!" The old man spoke in Chinese, and looked at Karta with a pair of shining eyes without any hostility. "In which book is it recorded?" Karta snorted coldly, swiping his sword in a proud stance. "Don't hurt him!" Tilia rushed over anxiously, standing in front of the old man. Her pleading eyes softened Karta's posture. Karta threw away the long sword in frustration, turned around and walked away. "Kalta..." Tilia whispered. He stopped. "...You weren't hurt just now, were you?" Karta wanted to turn his head away, but his pride made his neck stiff. ——I don't want you to be pitiful! "Tiliya, even if it's not for you, I still want to kill Kang Zhefu. I want to kill Chaidelian." He stepped out of the solemn martial arts hall. Tears of anxiety flashed in Tilia's eyes.She held the sleeve of the white-haired old man. "Teacher, he wants to kill Zhefu!" She forgot that the old man couldn't understand the Shuo language in her mouth. "How to do how to do?" The old man only knew how to smile silly at Tilia.
"Join our country, Mr. Kang." Savud said, "You can be with Tilia forever." "What is your goal? Restoration of the country?" Savud nodded emphatically.The projection on the ceiling changed suddenly, and another tiny island appeared. "This is the place where the New Moon Kingdom will be revived." Kang Zhefu recognized that it was a small and uninhabited American island in the western Pacific Ocean.Since the island has no strategic value and lacks natural resources, there are no US military bases or observation stations on the island, and it is an unremarkable and desolate island. "You are crazy." Kang Zhefu shook his head in disbelief. "No matter how low the value of this island, it is still the territory of the United States of America. Do you want to take it from Washington?" "This is one of the remote vassal territories of my Gushuo Kingdom." Savud clenched his fists. "We have sufficient documentation. Our country will formally submit these records to the United Nations in due course." "You can't succeed." "What the Jews can do, can't we do it?" Savud refers to the history of the restoration of Israel. "Israelis still have to deal with Arab enemies all around them. We only need to fight against the United States. Yes, the United States is the only superpower in the world today - but it is a hegemony that is constantly weakening itself." "The restoration of Israel was achieved by relying on the huge economic power and political influence of American Jews." Kang Zhefu knew this period of history in detail. "Do you think we don't have enough strength?" Prince Savud smiled, looking at Ryuichiro Takahashi. Seeing Takahashi's smile, Kang Zhefu completely understood. "My 'Takahashi Heavy Industries', as well as 'Haiquan Enterprise' and dozens of large enterprises and financial institutions in many East Asian countries, are all controlled by Chinese people." Takahashi said while taking a sip of wine. "In recent decades, we have relied on the 'bloodline', a network of relationships that outsiders are completely unaware of, to support each other and grow. Our companies are actually a huge multinational company that is beyond the reach of the United States, Japan, and Europe. 'Cartel'." Kang Zhefu nodded. "With economic power, political power is at your fingertips, right?" He also heard that Takahashi "raised" many congressmen in Tokyo. "Even illegal forces can easily buy it...Chen Changde is one of them. The buyer with the code name '1/30' is you." "Does the CIA know this?" Takahashi showed a nervous expression for the first time. Kang Zhefu shook his head. "They don't even know your country exists. I just guessed it. '1/30'—the first and thirtieth of every month are the days when the new moon appears. Right?" "Mr. Kang's wit is admirable." Savud clapped his hands and said. "This king is still interested in hearing what other things your Excellency has guessed." "You killed Chen Changde and Holmes because they threatened to reveal your secrets?" "Holmes 'already' leaked our country's secrets. He wrote that book." Takahashi said lightly. "Fortunately, we used the power of the critics to completely suppress the popularity of that book. As for Chen Changde, the reason we got rid of him is: we don't need him anymore." Savud went on to say: "At first we got to know Holmes first. A small number of important cultural relics in our country have flowed into the black market, and we need to use this British gentleman to buy them back. We also used him to find Chen Changde." "For the purchase of armaments?" Takahashi nodded. "We think it's time to build our military power, and we need to use people like Chen Changde. He is indeed a rare talent. Anything can be obtained for us. But gradually we found that with the end of the East-West Cold War, our great cause of national restoration It still needs to be postponed, and the accumulated armaments are difficult to deal with... For our country, how to store armaments is the most difficult part, and funds are only a secondary issue." Kang Zhefu nodded. "The best way is to sell the outdated weapons and armaments in your hands." "good." "So you just kill Chen Changde and take over his black market arms business?" "In order to avoid attracting the attention of Interpol, the FBI, etc., our country has never been involved in any illegal business." Takahashi said firmly. "But the military is too important for the revival of the Shuo country. Our country must have a certain amount of military power, so that the United States cannot send troops at will, so that we have time to use political and economic influence to establish our country's autonomy on the island." "When Chen Changde was killed by you, what was he holding?" Kang Zhefu suddenly remembered that piece of paper. "Does the CIA also know of this thing?" "Only a few corners. The area is less than one square centimeter. But they were tested to be a product of the tenth century AD. Is it some important document of yours?" Takahashi breathed a sigh of relief. "It's an ancient painting, used as a token of the arms deal. The swordsman we sent tricked Chen Changde into taking it out of the safe before doing anything." Kang Zhefu stared at Gao Qiao: When Gao Qiao mentioned killing Chen Changde, there was no change on his face.This is not the Takahashi that Kang Zhefu knew—at least not the Takahashi Ryuichiro who reprimanded Da Kui for "killing life indiscriminately". ——Are countries and nations really so important? "It's not enough to have armaments," Kang Zhefu said. "There is no one who knows how to use a weapon, and a weapon is nothing more than a pile of rubbish—a pile of expensive rubbish." "Have you forgotten that the people of our country are scattered in various countries as citizens?" Takahashi smiled with extreme confidence. "At present, more than 55% of Shuo Guo's men have joined the military forces of various countries, and about 10% of them have successfully entered the elite special operations forces, or other positions that require high skills, such as fighter pilots; in addition Forty-three people have been promoted to the rank of commander above the school level. I can only tell you: the mobilization power of the Shuo State Armed Forces is beyond your imagination." "Join our country, Mr. Kang." Regent Savud's majestic and charming voice sounded again. "After marrying Tilia, you will become a real Shuo countryman. You will immediately get the title and power of Admiral Shuo Jun. The arms trading network seized from Chen Changde will be handed over to you to manage." Takahashi nodded. "There is no one better than you, Zeff. I know you have no passion for fame and wealth. But what cause is greater and more attractive to a man than the founding of a country?" "You told me all these things. If I refuse, will I not get out of here alive?" Kang Zhefu's words made Takahashi speechless.In Takahashi's mind, Kang Zhefu is indeed the friend he admires the most.He even regards this Chinese as his younger brother—although they don’t have a close relationship like brothers, and they don’t even have many opportunities to meet each other, but they are the kind of close friends who will not be relatively silent even if they meet again after decades of separation . Kang Zhefu drank the clear water in the glass, heaved a long sigh, and stood up from the seat cushion. "I have lived for more than thirty years. I have killed people. I have seen what is probably the cruelest dark corner in the world. I finally got out of there and set out to find the meaning of life. Do I want to be an arms dealer in the end? ? Takahashi, do you call this the meaning of a man born between heaven and earth? My mother never taught me that, nor did Master Gu Feng." "Zeff, you said..." "Yes. I owe you. But what about Dacqui? Just like you, Pedro Dacqui Gabbio is the only friend I have left in the world—friends like family. And you killed he--" "As I said, it was just a misunderstanding caused by disobedience—" Kang Zhefu waved his hand to stop Takahashi.He looked to Savud. "I understand. A country, a government kills a person, there are always many reasons and reasons - deliberate or not. Fuck him! I hate this. To me, a person - my good Friend—has taken his life, and the murderer was one of yours!" "Where's Tilia?" Savud looked directly at Kang Zhefu with raging eyes. "Can you abandon her?" "I want to see her." Kang Zhefu looked back at Savud without fear. "I want to see her now." Savud's hand with the brass ring suddenly punched the pentagonal table.Cups and plates overturned. Savud stood up, his gaze never leaving Kang Zhefu's eyes. "No one has ever dared to be so rude in front of this king!" Not bad, thought Takahashi.Even the eleven-year-old Crown Prince of Oborzhao Dynasty—now living in hiding in a place known to only a few people—has respectful to this regent elder like a primary school student in a famous Japanese school. Takahashi didn't dare to look at Savud, and stood aside blankly.He could feel the flame-like anger emanating from the sixty-three-year-old prince's body.He remembered seeing Savud so angry only twice before.Both times ended in blood spatter. Kang Zhefu also understood how dangerous he was at the moment - Savud's wrinkled and furious expression had already explained everything.With a wave of that brass-ringed hand, his head would sink into the Hudson before long. Kang Zhefu thought of the terrible Major Holle: Holle's horror existed in the evil smell all over his body; while this old man who was only five feet two inches tall in front of him overwhelmed everything with a sense of aristocratic pride. "Gao Qiao, you said: Money can't buy loyalty." Kang Zhefu didn't leave Savud's eyes. "Threats are not acceptable either. If I succumb at this moment, I will not be the Kang Zhefu you want." He smiled at Savud with an expression neither humble nor overbearing. "Is your way of dealing with things the style of the Shuo royal family and nobles?" Cold sweat dripped from Takahashi's forehead. Savud, who is well-known and memorized, is a rare genius among the aristocrats of Shuo Kingdom. He has extensively studied world politics, military affairs, history, philosophy, literature and art, economy and various cutting-edge technologies in his youth. He is proficient in eight languages and traveled ten times in secret In five years, with such outstanding insights and wisdom, he stood out in the power struggle and ascended to the throne of the regent king under one person and above ten thousand people. But after all, he has the common weakness of "nobility": the fragile and strange self-esteem that is so strong (even sometimes naive) that the common people will never understand. ——No one has ever dared to question his bearing and ability face to face! "It's over." Takahashi whispered in his heart.He closes his eyes. Savud's expression suddenly calmed down in an instant.he said in a strangely calm voice. "Mr. Kang, our conversation is over." "I want to see Tilia." Kang Zhefu said word by word, revealing an extremely firm determination. Savud seemed unheard of. "Mr. Kang, I respect that you are a rare and strange man, so I will let you choose a way to die." "Your Majesty!" Takahashi shouted urgently. "I implore Your Majesty to grant him his life! I assure you—" Takahashi spoke in his native dialect in a hurry. Savud waved his hand to stop Takahashi. "How is it? Has Mr. Kang made a decision?" "Let's leave it to the last general to execute." An extremely loud voice came from behind the hall. Kang Zhefu turned his head and looked at the man who was pushing open the door and stepping in.What he thought he saw was a meteor plummeting to the ground with fiery brilliance, which dazzled him. A long-haired man wearing a black and strange battle robe stepped forward dignifiedly, dragging a long scarlet cloak.Behind him are three warriors of different heights who also wear robes and swords on each side. The man's left palm was pressing the golden sword of the long sword at his waist, his right forearm was horizontally across his chest, and the palm lines stopped in front of his left shoulder armor as if motionless, and he made a very strong military salute to the regent of Savud.The subordinates behind him also saluted the prince. Savud nodded slightly, and introduced to Kang Zhefu: "This is the vanguard general of the imperial guards of my Obscure Dynasty, the admiral of the number one swordsman in Shuo Kingdom today!" Even without Savud's introduction, Kang Zhefu could see at a glance how powerful and domineering Karta is.The great general of the ancient dynasty.Quite a fitting identity. Although Kang Zhefu saw Karta for the first time, he felt very familiar with him like a "déjà vu phenomenon". Karta actually felt the same way about Kang Zhefu - this kind of thought surprised him a little. ——Is this the Chinese that Tilia had her eye on? "Mr. Kang." Carta said in English with a mouth surrounded by a thick mustache: "It is your honor to die by my sword. That Spanish swordsman is a good opponent. I hope you will not make me Disappointed." Kang Zhefu's brows were pressed down, and they were tightly knit together.He tried to control himself not to be angry.But those eyes fixed on Karta had betrayed him. Kartha knew that his words had worked. "Mr. Kang, I assure you that Your Excellency will die as comfortably as that Spaniard." "Your friend died too hard." Kang Zhefu said lightly.The anger in his eyes had faded. This time it was Kartha's turn to change his face. "That is the most honorable way of suicide for a swordsman in our country: 'Xue Shuo'! Chai Delian is worthy of being a man of Shuo! You almost died by his sword!" "You almost died under Da Kui's sword." Kang Zhefu pointed to Karta's right ear where the long hair was exposed. Karta gritted her teeth hard. "Your Majesty, the general wants to compete with this Chinese immediately!" Takahashi said anxiously: "Admiral Karta, there is no you here—" Savud stopped Takahashi with a second wave.He looked at Kang Zhefu. "Mr. Kang, you still have the right to choose." — To choose life or death?Or choose how to die? Kang Zhefu clenched his fists and made up his mind. "A sage and sage monarch in ancient my country taught people to set nets on three sides when catching birds, leaving one side for the birds to survive." Kang Zhefu said slowly. "Your country and I are not enemies. Can the prince accept a fair proposal from me?" "Go ahead." Kangzhefu pointed at Karta with his halberd. "I will compete alone with this Great General of Kartha. If I win, let me take Tilia away alive. I will never reveal the secrets of your country." Savud was taken aback. Takahashi was stunned. Kartha akimbo laughed. "How can you guarantee that you will not reveal our country's secrets?" Savud said with a frown. Kang Zhefu showed a proud expression. "I can't guarantee it, and I don't have to." "Your Majesty!" Takahashi Ryuichiro said in a sonorous voice, "Your Majesty will use your head as a guarantee!" He turned his head and smiled at Kang Zhefu. That smile moved Kang Zhefu so much that he had the urge to cry. Savud fell silent. "Your Majesty, Tetsuo is right." Takahashi persuaded. "We were not sworn enemies with him. His advice was fair enough." "Your Majesty, please approve!" Karta said through gnashing of teeth. "This kid can't escape the last general's sword!" "Kalta!" Savud shouted in a majestic voice. "yes!" "You have disobeyed this king's military order many times, and this king should dismiss you as a general." Savud's eyes turned to Kang Zhefu. "Now let you, the number one swordsman of Shuo Kingdom, atone for your sins!" When Kartar was about to order his subordinates to remove the cloak and shoulder armor for him, Takahashi asked Savud: "Your Majesty, allow Mr. Kang a little time to prepare!" Savud glanced at Kang Zhefu, and saw that this Chinese man was very vigorous at the moment. "Approved! One hour later, there will be a pre-seat competition in the 'Martial Arts Hall'!" "I hope to meet Tilia first before the competition!" Kang Zhefu said. Savud didn't even look at him, neither refused nor agreed, and took Kaerta and all the swordsmen away like a whirlwind. In front of the door, Karta turned his head and stared at Kang Zhefu. From Karta's pupils, Kang Zhefu seemed to see two raging white waves.
Notes:
On the other side of "Genizlong", the temporary capital of Shuo Kingdom, more than 30 meters away from the straight line where Kang Zhefu was, Tilia held a wooden disc in both hands and pushed open a double door. Tilia stepped into a rather wide lobby, filled with a solemn and murderous atmosphere: a huge bright blue crescent-shaped mark was painted in the center of the wooden floor; There are more than a hundred ancient swords with different lengths and shapes. In front of the wall, there is a wooden frame full of ancient weapons such as spears, hard bows, giant hammers, axes, scimitars, and barbed shields; Eight colorful banners, some painted with animal claw patterns, some with abstract heraldry woven with thick threads; under the sea of flags stood twenty-six pieces of armor, with locks mottled with gouges and rusty Armor clothing, faded thick leather armor, a whole new set of armor made of gold and silver, and a pair of armor that is missing the left arm and waist; the wall facing the gate is a huge bookshelf filled with thick and thin There are different old books, several of which are opened on a low table under the bookshelf. Beside the short table, a thin old man with white hair was curled up on the ground, his shoulders slowly rising and falling with his long breathing, and he seemed to be in a deep sleep. "Teacher, are you tired?" Tilia spoke blunt Chinese with a smile. "I've brought my lunch." She walked through the empty martial arts hall with a plate containing porridge and several snacks, and put the meals on the low table. "Tilliam Logy, do you speak Chinese?" A male voice suddenly came from behind the door that opened inward. Tilia's shoulders trembled, and the porridge almost fell over.She looked back with a terrified look in her eyes. The door was pushed open.Karta, who was wearing light blue casual clothes, was playing with a long sword with a slender blade in his hand, and approached Tilia with a smile. "Did you learn it for that Chinese man?" He looked at Tilia's attire: her black hair had grown to shoulder length, and was pulled back with a brown wooden hairpin; her light limbs were under a plain white silk robe, Curves appear fuller than usual.Karta sighed secretly in his heart. "Have you considered my request?" Kartha took a step closer. "We will be the most enviable couple in Shuo Country." Tilia didn't answer, but turned her head away.Even so, Karta already knew who she was thinking of from the flash of charming eyes. "Don't think about him anymore, Tilia," Karta suppressed the sullenness in his heart. "That Chinese has no life to see you again." The corner of Tilia's mouth twitched. "It seems that he gave you a lot of trouble?" "No, my men have dealt with him." "You're a terrible liar. You're no match for him." "Why do you say 'you' and dare not say 'you'?" Karta smiled instead of anger. "Because you know in your heart: if he meets me face to face, he will be separated in a second!" Tilia seemed to turn a deaf ear. "He said he would find me. Brother Nanhan would bring him. He would definitely take me away." "Impossible!" Karta Yang raised his sword. "I will kill him with my own hands, and then you will know who is the real man compared with him!" Tilia shook her head. "I only know which man can give me happiness. This man is definitely not you." She stroked the soft hair on her back. "Karta, I know you really like me. But don't you understand? That's 'like', not 'love'. You want too many things. You always only know how to grab and refuse to give back. Then Not 'love'." "You don't understand what you're talking about at all!" Kartar angrily thrust his long sword into the wooden floor. "I am a dignified boy from the Shuo Kingdom who was born on the earth. Is it wrong to try my best to show my ambitions? Is it wrong that a man like me is not worthy of a woman's love?" "I didn't say that." Tilia said lightly. "I'm just saying we're not compatible. I'm just saying: Karta, I don't love you." The words burned Karta's hair like a flame.He trembled all over.He wanted to cry, but couldn't squeeze any tears.He really wanted to cry, but couldn't. A sound of breaking wind sounded from the left side of Karta, drawing back his soul that had fallen into the ice cellar.Relying on the beast-like instinct of a swordsman, he dodged, drew his sword from the ground, and turned to fight back. The whole set of movements was swift and natural. The two blades clashed six times in three seconds.Kaerta jumped back and retreated quickly, fearing that the sword fight would accidentally injure Tilia. The long sword in the white-haired old man's hand was tightly wrapped around it as if it was sticky. The dense confrontation made Kartha unable to put on the preparatory stance of the stunt, and could only keep parrying with reflex movements. "Behead you, old man first!" Karta yelled angrily, pouring all the force of his talent, plus the sadness of being ruthlessly rejected by Tilia, on the blade of his sword, and slashed violently several times. The old man's long sword was bounced away vigorously, so he had no choice but to withdraw his troops. "These tricks are not bad!" The old man spoke in Chinese, and looked at Karta with a pair of shining eyes without any hostility. "In which book is it recorded?" Karta snorted coldly, swiping his sword in a proud stance. "Don't hurt him!" Tilia rushed over anxiously, standing in front of the old man. Her pleading eyes softened Karta's posture. Karta threw away the long sword in frustration, turned around and walked away. "Kalta..." Tilia whispered. He stopped. "...You weren't hurt just now, were you?" Karta wanted to turn his head away, but his pride made his neck stiff. ——I don't want you to be pitiful! "Tiliya, even if it's not for you, I still want to kill Kang Zhefu. I want to kill Chaidelian." He stepped out of the solemn martial arts hall. Tears of anxiety flashed in Tilia's eyes.She held the sleeve of the white-haired old man. "Teacher, he wants to kill Zhefu!" She forgot that the old man couldn't understand the Shuo language in her mouth. "How to do how to do?" The old man only knew how to smile silly at Tilia.
"Join our country, Mr. Kang." Savud said, "You can be with Tilia forever." "What is your goal? Restoration of the country?" Savud nodded emphatically.The projection on the ceiling changed suddenly, and another tiny island appeared. "This is the place where the New Moon Kingdom will be revived." Kang Zhefu recognized that it was a small and uninhabited American island in the western Pacific Ocean.Since the island has no strategic value and lacks natural resources, there are no US military bases or observation stations on the island, and it is an unremarkable and desolate island. "You are crazy." Kang Zhefu shook his head in disbelief. "No matter how low the value of this island, it is still the territory of the United States of America. Do you want to take it from Washington?" "This is one of the remote vassal territories of my Gushuo Kingdom." Savud clenched his fists. "We have sufficient documentation. Our country will formally submit these records to the United Nations in due course." "You can't succeed." "What the Jews can do, can't we do it?" Savud refers to the history of the restoration of Israel. "Israelis still have to deal with Arab enemies all around them. We only need to fight against the United States. Yes, the United States is the only superpower in the world today - but it is a hegemony that is constantly weakening itself." "The restoration of Israel was achieved by relying on the huge economic power and political influence of American Jews." Kang Zhefu knew this period of history in detail. "Do you think we don't have enough strength?" Prince Savud smiled, looking at Ryuichiro Takahashi. Seeing Takahashi's smile, Kang Zhefu completely understood. "My 'Takahashi Heavy Industries', as well as 'Haiquan Enterprise' and dozens of large enterprises and financial institutions in many East Asian countries, are all controlled by Chinese people." Takahashi said while taking a sip of wine. "In recent decades, we have relied on the 'bloodline', a network of relationships that outsiders are completely unaware of, to support each other and grow. Our companies are actually a huge multinational company that is beyond the reach of the United States, Japan, and Europe. 'Cartel'." Kang Zhefu nodded. "With economic power, political power is at your fingertips, right?" He also heard that Takahashi "raised" many congressmen in Tokyo. "Even illegal forces can easily buy it...Chen Changde is one of them. The buyer with the code name '1/30' is you." "Does the CIA know this?" Takahashi showed a nervous expression for the first time. Kang Zhefu shook his head. "They don't even know your country exists. I just guessed it. '1/30'—the first and thirtieth of every month are the days when the new moon appears. Right?" "Mr. Kang's wit is admirable." Savud clapped his hands and said. "This king is still interested in hearing what other things your Excellency has guessed." "You killed Chen Changde and Holmes because they threatened to reveal your secrets?" "Holmes 'already' leaked our country's secrets. He wrote that book." Takahashi said lightly. "Fortunately, we used the power of the critics to completely suppress the popularity of that book. As for Chen Changde, the reason we got rid of him is: we don't need him anymore." Savud went on to say: "At first we got to know Holmes first. A small number of important cultural relics in our country have flowed into the black market, and we need to use this British gentleman to buy them back. We also used him to find Chen Changde." "For the purchase of armaments?" Takahashi nodded. "We think it's time to build our military power, and we need to use people like Chen Changde. He is indeed a rare talent. Anything can be obtained for us. But gradually we found that with the end of the East-West Cold War, our great cause of national restoration It still needs to be postponed, and the accumulated armaments are difficult to deal with... For our country, how to store armaments is the most difficult part, and funds are only a secondary issue." Kang Zhefu nodded. "The best way is to sell the outdated weapons and armaments in your hands." "good." "So you just kill Chen Changde and take over his black market arms business?" "In order to avoid attracting the attention of Interpol, the FBI, etc., our country has never been involved in any illegal business." Takahashi said firmly. "But the military is too important for the revival of the Shuo country. Our country must have a certain amount of military power, so that the United States cannot send troops at will, so that we have time to use political and economic influence to establish our country's autonomy on the island." "When Chen Changde was killed by you, what was he holding?" Kang Zhefu suddenly remembered that piece of paper. "Does the CIA also know of this thing?" "Only a few corners. The area is less than one square centimeter. But they were tested to be a product of the tenth century AD. Is it some important document of yours?" Takahashi breathed a sigh of relief. "It's an ancient painting, used as a token of the arms deal. The swordsman we sent tricked Chen Changde into taking it out of the safe before doing anything." Kang Zhefu stared at Gao Qiao: When Gao Qiao mentioned killing Chen Changde, there was no change on his face.This is not the Takahashi that Kang Zhefu knew—at least not the Takahashi Ryuichiro who reprimanded Da Kui for "killing life indiscriminately". ——Are countries and nations really so important? "It's not enough to have armaments," Kang Zhefu said. "There is no one who knows how to use a weapon, and a weapon is nothing more than a pile of rubbish—a pile of expensive rubbish." "Have you forgotten that the people of our country are scattered in various countries as citizens?" Takahashi smiled with extreme confidence. "At present, more than 55% of Shuo Guo's men have joined the military forces of various countries, and about 10% of them have successfully entered the elite special operations forces, or other positions that require high skills, such as fighter pilots; in addition Forty-three people have been promoted to the rank of commander above the school level. I can only tell you: the mobilization power of the Shuo State Armed Forces is beyond your imagination." "Join our country, Mr. Kang." Regent Savud's majestic and charming voice sounded again. "After marrying Tilia, you will become a real Shuo countryman. You will immediately get the title and power of Admiral Shuo Jun. The arms trading network seized from Chen Changde will be handed over to you to manage." Takahashi nodded. "There is no one better than you, Zeff. I know you have no passion for fame and wealth. But what cause is greater and more attractive to a man than the founding of a country?" "You told me all these things. If I refuse, will I not get out of here alive?" Kang Zhefu's words made Takahashi speechless.In Takahashi's mind, Kang Zhefu is indeed the friend he admires the most.He even regards this Chinese as his younger brother—although they don’t have a close relationship like brothers, and they don’t even have many opportunities to meet each other, but they are the kind of close friends who will not be relatively silent even if they meet again after decades of separation . Kang Zhefu drank the clear water in the glass, heaved a long sigh, and stood up from the seat cushion. "I have lived for more than thirty years. I have killed people. I have seen what is probably the cruelest dark corner in the world. I finally got out of there and set out to find the meaning of life. Do I want to be an arms dealer in the end? ? Takahashi, do you call this the meaning of a man born between heaven and earth? My mother never taught me that, nor did Master Gu Feng." "Zeff, you said..." "Yes. I owe you. But what about Dacqui? Just like you, Pedro Dacqui Gabbio is the only friend I have left in the world—friends like family. And you killed he--" "As I said, it was just a misunderstanding caused by disobedience—" Kang Zhefu waved his hand to stop Takahashi.He looked to Savud. "I understand. A country, a government kills a person, there are always many reasons and reasons - deliberate or not. Fuck him! I hate this. To me, a person - my good Friend—has taken his life, and the murderer was one of yours!" "Where's Tilia?" Savud looked directly at Kang Zhefu with raging eyes. "Can you abandon her?" "I want to see her." Kang Zhefu looked back at Savud without fear. "I want to see her now." Savud's hand with the brass ring suddenly punched the pentagonal table.Cups and plates overturned. Savud stood up, his gaze never leaving Kang Zhefu's eyes. "No one has ever dared to be so rude in front of this king!" Not bad, thought Takahashi.Even the eleven-year-old Crown Prince of Oborzhao Dynasty—now living in hiding in a place known to only a few people—has respectful to this regent elder like a primary school student in a famous Japanese school. Takahashi didn't dare to look at Savud, and stood aside blankly.He could feel the flame-like anger emanating from the sixty-three-year-old prince's body.He remembered seeing Savud so angry only twice before.Both times ended in blood spatter. Kang Zhefu also understood how dangerous he was at the moment - Savud's wrinkled and furious expression had already explained everything.With a wave of that brass-ringed hand, his head would sink into the Hudson before long. Kang Zhefu thought of the terrible Major Holle: Holle's horror existed in the evil smell all over his body; while this old man who was only five feet two inches tall in front of him overwhelmed everything with a sense of aristocratic pride. "Gao Qiao, you said: Money can't buy loyalty." Kang Zhefu didn't leave Savud's eyes. "Threats are not acceptable either. If I succumb at this moment, I will not be the Kang Zhefu you want." He smiled at Savud with an expression neither humble nor overbearing. "Is your way of dealing with things the style of the Shuo royal family and nobles?" Cold sweat dripped from Takahashi's forehead. Savud, who is well-known and memorized, is a rare genius among the aristocrats of Shuo Kingdom. He has extensively studied world politics, military affairs, history, philosophy, literature and art, economy and various cutting-edge technologies in his youth. He is proficient in eight languages and traveled ten times in secret In five years, with such outstanding insights and wisdom, he stood out in the power struggle and ascended to the throne of the regent king under one person and above ten thousand people. But after all, he has the common weakness of "nobility": the fragile and strange self-esteem that is so strong (even sometimes naive) that the common people will never understand. ——No one has ever dared to question his bearing and ability face to face! "It's over." Takahashi whispered in his heart.He closes his eyes. Savud's expression suddenly calmed down in an instant.he said in a strangely calm voice. "Mr. Kang, our conversation is over." "I want to see Tilia." Kang Zhefu said word by word, revealing an extremely firm determination. Savud seemed unheard of. "Mr. Kang, I respect that you are a rare and strange man, so I will let you choose a way to die." "Your Majesty!" Takahashi shouted urgently. "I implore Your Majesty to grant him his life! I assure you—" Takahashi spoke in his native dialect in a hurry. Savud waved his hand to stop Takahashi. "How is it? Has Mr. Kang made a decision?" "Let's leave it to the last general to execute." An extremely loud voice came from behind the hall. Kang Zhefu turned his head and looked at the man who was pushing open the door and stepping in.What he thought he saw was a meteor plummeting to the ground with fiery brilliance, which dazzled him. A long-haired man wearing a black and strange battle robe stepped forward dignifiedly, dragging a long scarlet cloak.Behind him are three warriors of different heights who also wear robes and swords on each side. The man's left palm was pressing the golden sword of the long sword at his waist, his right forearm was horizontally across his chest, and the palm lines stopped in front of his left shoulder armor as if motionless, and he made a very strong military salute to the regent of Savud.The subordinates behind him also saluted the prince. Savud nodded slightly, and introduced to Kang Zhefu: "This is the vanguard general of the imperial guards of my Obscure Dynasty, the admiral of the number one swordsman in Shuo Kingdom today!" Even without Savud's introduction, Kang Zhefu could see at a glance how powerful and domineering Karta is.The great general of the ancient dynasty.Quite a fitting identity. Although Kang Zhefu saw Karta for the first time, he felt very familiar with him like a "déjà vu phenomenon". Karta actually felt the same way about Kang Zhefu - this kind of thought surprised him a little. ——Is this the Chinese that Tilia had her eye on? "Mr. Kang." Carta said in English with a mouth surrounded by a thick mustache: "It is your honor to die by my sword. That Spanish swordsman is a good opponent. I hope you will not make me Disappointed." Kang Zhefu's brows were pressed down, and they were tightly knit together.He tried to control himself not to be angry.But those eyes fixed on Karta had betrayed him. Kartha knew that his words had worked. "Mr. Kang, I assure you that Your Excellency will die as comfortably as that Spaniard." "Your friend died too hard." Kang Zhefu said lightly.The anger in his eyes had faded. This time it was Kartha's turn to change his face. "That is the most honorable way of suicide for a swordsman in our country: 'Xue Shuo'! Chai Delian is worthy of being a man of Shuo! You almost died by his sword!" "You almost died under Da Kui's sword." Kang Zhefu pointed to Karta's right ear where the long hair was exposed. Karta gritted her teeth hard. "Your Majesty, the general wants to compete with this Chinese immediately!" Takahashi said anxiously: "Admiral Karta, there is no you here—" Savud stopped Takahashi with a second wave.He looked at Kang Zhefu. "Mr. Kang, you still have the right to choose." — To choose life or death?Or choose how to die? Kang Zhefu clenched his fists and made up his mind. "A sage and sage monarch in ancient my country taught people to set nets on three sides when catching birds, leaving one side for the birds to survive." Kang Zhefu said slowly. "Your country and I are not enemies. Can the prince accept a fair proposal from me?" "Go ahead." Kangzhefu pointed at Karta with his halberd. "I will compete alone with this Great General of Kartha. If I win, let me take Tilia away alive. I will never reveal the secrets of your country." Savud was taken aback. Takahashi was stunned. Kartha akimbo laughed. "How can you guarantee that you will not reveal our country's secrets?" Savud said with a frown. Kang Zhefu showed a proud expression. "I can't guarantee it, and I don't have to." "Your Majesty!" Takahashi Ryuichiro said in a sonorous voice, "Your Majesty will use your head as a guarantee!" He turned his head and smiled at Kang Zhefu. That smile moved Kang Zhefu so much that he had the urge to cry. Savud fell silent. "Your Majesty, Tetsuo is right." Takahashi persuaded. "We were not sworn enemies with him. His advice was fair enough." "Your Majesty, please approve!" Karta said through gnashing of teeth. "This kid can't escape the last general's sword!" "Kalta!" Savud shouted in a majestic voice. "yes!" "You have disobeyed this king's military order many times, and this king should dismiss you as a general." Savud's eyes turned to Kang Zhefu. "Now let you, the number one swordsman of Shuo Kingdom, atone for your sins!" When Kartar was about to order his subordinates to remove the cloak and shoulder armor for him, Takahashi asked Savud: "Your Majesty, allow Mr. Kang a little time to prepare!" Savud glanced at Kang Zhefu, and saw that this Chinese man was very vigorous at the moment. "Approved! One hour later, there will be a pre-seat competition in the 'Martial Arts Hall'!" "I hope to meet Tilia first before the competition!" Kang Zhefu said. Savud didn't even look at him, neither refused nor agreed, and took Kaerta and all the swordsmen away like a whirlwind. In front of the door, Karta turned his head and stared at Kang Zhefu. From Karta's pupils, Kang Zhefu seemed to see two raging white waves.
Notes: