Chapter 427 Tribulation Field (5k)
A night of silence.
Early the next morning, before dawn, the county government officials carried notices and paste and posted the news of the destruction of Zixiao Palace in places where pedestrians must pass through.
Not only that, the prefect also ordered that the notice be sent to all counties under the city's jurisdiction to ensure that the incident would be made known to everyone within seven days.
As expected.
When the people saw the notice, they were all in an uproar and were shocked. Teahouses and restaurants were filled with discussions.
"Lu Shenxian of Zixiao Palace colluded with the party and rebels? Was he thrown into prison? Is it true or false?"
"How is it possible? What kind of person is the immortal from Zixiao Palace? Not to mention rebelling against the party, he is just being caught by the officials. Can he be caught?" someone questioned.
"Haha, don't you know? The magistrate has already arrived in Fengcheng. Not only that, there must be powerful masters among the officers and soldiers who entered the city yesterday. The immortals in Zixiao Palace are powerful, but among the imperial army Are there no masters? ”
"The notice also said that Taoist priests on the mountain kidnapped and defiled women... If this is true, they should be killed! Public beheading in seven days? I will go and take a look then!"
The people in the city had different attitudes. Even if they were unhappy because the god they admired was arrested, they wisely kept their curses to themselves when they thought of the officers and soldiers in the city.
In the corner of the teahouse, Wu Ling finished drinking a large bowl of tea, put down a few coins, stood up and walked out.
After twisting and turning, we arrived at a certain house in the city.
After knocking on the courtyard door, there were more than a dozen local sub-rudders or people at the level of minor leaders gathered around the stone table, including Lin Yuebai who was disguised as a man, and Kou Qichi, a young man with a temper like a little tiger. , stood up at the same time, looking over with pairs of eyes.
"How is the situation over there?"
A middle-aged man with a beard asked. He was the sub-ruler of Fengcheng Territory.
Wu Ling took off his straw hat and face mask and said seriously:
"It seems that Taifu's prediction was good. The Zhao thief did come. Not only that, he also captured Alliance Leader Lu."
Lu Zhengchun is code-named "Leader" within Kuangfu Society.
"Bang!" Another Linfeng Dao small-eyed sub-rudder slapped the table and said:
"This is too much! Thief Zhao is so vicious that he clearly wants to use Leader Lu's life to seduce us."
Lin Yuebai, with big and bright eyes and a cloth bag hanging on his waist, frowned and said:
"It seems that Thief Zhao deliberately spread the news everywhere. Now we cannot act rashly and must ask the Taifu for instructions."
Among the crowd, there is a middle-aged woman, who is also the backbone of the society:
"Don't panic, everyone. Since the new year, the Taifu has secretly ordered us to mobilize the members around Binhai Road and the people from the peripheral Jianghu to secretly gather towards Fengcheng and wait in hiding. Isn't the purpose of dealing with the imperial eagle dogs?
With Taifu's wisdom, there will definitely be arrangements. I'll just wait and obey. ”
Young Kou Qi Chi looked excited:
"Then what are you waiting for? Report to Tai Tu immediately.
Last time we were in Huting, we failed to kill the Zhao thief. This time, the Taifu had been planning for a long time and dispatched troops. Now a large number of our men are hidden throughout Fengcheng. They only wait for the Taifu's order to kill them in groups. thief! ”
Everyone was excited and gearing up, with both anger and excitement.
Wu Ling glanced at everyone and sneered in her heart:
Do you really think Mr. Zhao is easy to deal with? Just wait, after seven days, I'm afraid it will be the day of your destruction.
……
……
In a vineyard somewhere in Fengcheng.
Many members who returned from the prisoner exchange are still being raised in the garden. At this moment, they are not aware of the changes that have occurred in the city.
At noon, Yun Xi silently took lunch from the dining hall and returned to her room.
After recuperating, the scars on the girl's body have gradually faded away, but her beautiful face shows a coldness and maturity that is different from before.
No one is surprised.
It would be abnormal if he returned to the light of day from the government prison and remained mature.
Yun Xi took a sip of the soup, then grabbed a steamed bun and ate it mixed with pickles. After only taking a few bites, she suddenly frowned.
Lowering his eyes, he discovered that there was a paper roll sandwiched in the half-bitten steamed bun.
"..." Yun Xi was silent for a moment, then stood up and went to the door and window. She looked carefully to make sure there was no one around, then quickly took out the grease-soaked paper roll and unfolded it.
A series of strange numbers and symbols were written on the scroll.
Yun Xi silently recalled that before she was released from prison, Zhao Duan asked her to memorize the "code book" in her mind, compare the symbols, and use special rules to analyze it.
After a while, she understood the information in the secret letter.
Yun Xi confirmed three times that it was correct, and decisively stuffed the paper into her mouth. Her throat rolled, and she swallowed it into her stomach. Then she picked up the soup bowl and swallowed it.
Then she sat down again, finished her lunch calmly, and returned the dishes to the kitchen.
In the process, she stopped a member of the Kuangfu community in Zhuangzi who was responsible for taking care of (supervising) the prisoners:
"Fifth Uncle, I have something important to inform Taifu."
The bald middle-aged man named Uncle Wu was stunned for a moment: "What's the matter?"
……
Forbidden Mountain Villa.
In the pavilion next to the cliff, Zhuang Xiaocheng was sitting cross-legged with a chessboard in front of him.
There were no pieces on the chessboard, only a letter of latest information sent from members of the Fengcheng community. Standing in the pavilion were Qi Yuchun and Ren Kun.
"Beheaded in seven days. As you expected, this Zhao Duan does have a back-up plan." Qi Yuchun, who was holding the spear behind him, looked solemn.
Ren Kun, with his arms folded and a slightly frivolous demeanor, wearing a khaki robe, glanced at the Taifu, whose demeanor could be called "unparalleled in the country":
"What should we do? They have already set up a battle, and they are going to use Lu Zhengchun and others as bait. They are asking us to rescue them openly. How do you accept the move?"
Zhuang Xiaocheng looked calm and seemed not surprised:
"Lu Zhengchun must be saved. But although there are many of our people, most of them are Jianghu people. They are not good at fighting the army head-on. If we rush over rashly, we will only be defeated."
"So?" Qi Yuchun asked, he was a little anxious. Because of Hu Ting's failure last time, he needed to kill Zhao Duan to wash away the shame of his failure.
The great master, Daxiu Piaopiao, was about to speak when he suddenly paused and looked into the distance.
I saw a member running straight along the winding corridor and standing in the pavilion:
"Taifu, Commander-in-Chief, Ren Xianshi... Lao Wu from the prison camp sent a message. It was sent by... your disciple Yun Xi."
Zhuang Xiaocheng's eyes lit up: "What did she say?"
The latter said: "Yun Xi said that she suspected that there was something wrong with a few people. She said that last time you told her to keep an eye on the prisoners around her, she had been paying attention..."
While talking, the members presented the information provided by Yun Xi.
Zhuang Xiaocheng took it and unfolded it, and found that it was a list of suspected persons. There were several names on the list. It was clear that Zhuang Xiaocheng had already mastered it, and he suspected that he was a spy for the imperial court.
And the name at the top of the entire list, ranked first, is:
"Wu Ling."
Zhuang Xiaocheng's eyes were deep, he clenched the letter paper into a ball with his hand, and murmured:
"Sure enough, there is something wrong with him! I have always suspected that when the real person Zhuo died in the hands of Zhao Duan, how could Wu Ling escape successfully? The evil Daoist Zhu is a person who would rather die than support others...
After that, there was an assassination in Huting, and the news was suspected to be leaked... Fortunately, I was never really relieved, so I never let him know the location of the headquarters. ”
Qi Yuchun's face darkened: "Wu Ling has a problem? I'll go and get him."
"No need!"
Zhuang Xiaocheng shook his head and said lightly:
"It's not a good time to alert the enemy at this time. Aren't you asking me how to receive the call? Pass the order and disperse the people in the Vineyard prison camp and integrate them into the various units waiting for orders in Fengcheng. Divide the people at the foot of the mountain into multiple teams. < br>
Seven days later, we will launch an operation according to my order. As for Wu Ling... Well, let him lead the team to rob the law field. ”
"Really want to rob the court?" Ren Kun looked at the old fox suspiciously.
Zhuang Xiaocheng smiled:
"What is true is false, what is true is false, what is true is false, if Zhao Duan wants to play a game of chess with me, we must not let him down."
Qi Yuchun and Ren Kun looked at each other, unable to understand what the old fox was thinking.
"By the way, don't send out all those prisoners. After seven days, bring those on the list back to the mountain."
Zhuang Xiaocheng picked up his pen and wrote a list. He calmly pressed it on the chessboard and pushed it with his fingers. He sighed:
"There must always be some available people left."
The two of them lowered their eyes and saw the name "Yun Xi" in the handwriting on the paper that was not yet dry.
……
……
Seven days passed in a blink of an eye.
The news that Fengcheng was going to behead Lu Zhengchun had already caused a stir.
In a few days, many prominent people from the surrounding counties, especially Jianghu people, came to Fengcheng.
It's not that they want to watch the excitement so much, but that Lu Zhengchun has been rooted in Binhai Road for too long and has some interests with almost all local forces.
now.
The imperial court publicly stated that the Zixiao Palace colluded with the rebel party, which was no more than a sword hanging over their heads for the leaders of surrounding forces who had good relations with Lu Zhengchun.
Who knows whether the "King of Hell" who arrived unexpectedly will be implicated?
Are they said to be Lu Zhengchun’s accomplices?
Therefore, in order to protect their own families, the surrounding families, martial arts circles, scholarly families, officials of all sizes... After hearing the news, they all came to Fengcheng to ask for an audience with King Zhao of Hell. Those who could not see him turned around and asked for an interview with Magistrate Luan.
Drawing a clear line with Lu Zhengchun, Zhao Duan also waved his hand and simply invited these people to watch the beheading together.
"Kill the chicken to scare the monkey. Many of these local forces who came to me must be involved with the rebel party.
But it doesn't matter. When Your Majesty first learned that there was a traitor in the court who was secretly helping the Eight Kings, he did not choose to investigate thoroughly, but instead pardoned him. I am not as big-hearted as Your Majesty, but I also know that there is a lot of help in the right way and few help in the wrong way. ”
Zhao Duan said this while sitting in a rocking chair on the patio of the inn and listening to the report.
"Tell Luan Cheng to tell this group of people that I will only punish the culprits and will not implicate them." "Yes."
When the promise from Zhao Yanwang came out, the local leaders who were waiting anxiously at Jinfu Inn and outside the county government all breathed a sigh of relief.
One after another, they were rushing to get a spot to watch the beheading, for fear that their sides would not be clear.
……
……
In a blink of an eye, the day of beheading arrived.
Early morning, Jinfu Inn.
When the first ray of morning light shone into the lobby through the crack in the door, when Zhao Duan walked down the stairs, he saw Haitang and others waiting.
Today, Zhao Duan changed into official robes, and the imperial officers also changed into fish-dragon suits, with sabers hanging from their waists.
Lang Shiba and Ji Yue are still dressed in the same way, focusing on one person who doesn't fit in.
After Gongshu Tianyuan struggled, he still didn't wear the priest's robe. According to him, it was not good to participate in such things on behalf of the Tianshi Mansion.
"There may be a fierce battle today. Are you all full?" Zhao Duan joked and looked around at everyone.
Hou Ren patted his belly and smiled with Shen Juan, Qian Kerou and other direct team members:
"Don't worry, sir, we've been holding it back for a long time."
"Okay," Zhao Duan said with high spirits and a casual smile, "Let's go with my officer."
Haitang suddenly looked at Gongshu Tianyuan: "Won't Priest Jin Jian go with us?"
The fifth disciple of Tianshi said "Oh" and said lightly:
"Junior sister is very sleepy right now, let her sleep. It doesn't matter, after she advances to the worldly realm, she can use the 'Moon in the Water' technique to travel, which is comparable to the escape technique. If necessary, she can be here soon."< br>
Haitang recalled the golden slip's habit of "staying up during the day and coming out at night" and accepted this explanation.
She frowned again and said: "The two shadow guards are not here either?"
This time it was young secretary Qian Kerou who answered: "They were sent out last night and have other tasks."
Mysterious... Haitang muttered, but she also knew that Zhao Duan was good at scheming people, so he must be holding back his bad intentions today.
But I was also curious.
……
The group left Jinfu Inn and went straight to the county government office.
When I arrived at the county government office, I found that on the street outside the government office, Deputy General Yuanji led a large group of officers and soldiers to block the street.
Lu Zhengchun and the more than 30 Zixiao Palace disciples who were exposed to each other after examination and determined to be executed according to the law, were all disgraced, wearing prison uniforms, and their hands and feet were bound with iron chains.
The lower abdomen of the prison clothes was stained with blood - they were driven into the Qi Sea with nails in prison to break their cultivation.
Lu Zhengchun has woken up. At this moment, this once famous warlock has messy hair and heavy shackles around his neck.
His face was haggard and his eyes were fierce.
Under the supervision of a group of soldiers, he looked up at Zhao Duan, who was riding towards him, and suddenly cursed:
"Zhao family's lackey! You must be so...ah!"
beside.
Lieutenant General Yuan Ji, who was almost as big as a mountain of meat, punched the old Taoist priest who had been sealed with magic power so hard that he bowed like a shrimp. He knelt on the ground and vomited violently, but because he hadn't eaten for seven days, he couldn't vomit anything. .
"Da da da..." Zhao Duan stopped his horse, looked down at Lu Zhengchun, and said sarcastically:
"What did Palace Master Lu just say? I didn't hear clearly."
Lu Zhengchun was retching on the ground, trying to raise his head, staring at him fiercely without saying a word.
Zhao Duan smiled, no longer paying attention to the dying man, and looked at the prefect Luan Cheng who was coming to greet him.
Today, Magistrate Luan is also wearing a crimson official robe and a black veil on his head, followed by his guard Zhang Jian with a long and a short sword hanging from his waist.
"Zhao Shaobao, all the prisoners are here, and they can go to the execution ground immediately."
Luan Chengdao paused, then looked worried and said:
"The official has received the news that there has been some uneasiness in the city in recent days..."
"It doesn't matter," Zhao Duan smiled faintly and pointed to the clear sky: "The execution will be carried out today, and the soldiers will come to cover it up with water and earth."
"...Okay." Luan Cheng could only nod, but he was still uneasy in his heart.
As a civilian prefect, he rarely experienced such murderous battles in his life as an official.
A large group of people headed straight to Qiu Zhan's execution ground.
The most famous execution ground in the capital is Caishikou, which was established due to the dense flow of people.
There is no food market in Fengcheng, but there is also a special "Autumn Execution Ground".
The purpose of public beheading is to be visible to others, to clarify the canonical punishment and to shock the people.
Today is not the Queen of Autumn, but Zhao Duan holds the gold medal and keeps everything simple.
The execution ground is located near a crossroads. At this moment, there are many people waiting around.
Mainly those local families who came to stand in line to express their attitude. Outside, there were people from the world who joined in the fun and ordinary people watching the fun.
In an era when entertainment is scarce, how exciting is it when a dignified "god" is about to be killed?
And when Yuanji, who was wearing armor and carrying a warhammer, led a large number of officers and soldiers to arrive, he sealed off the entire execution ground, with swords and guns like a forest, and his power was self-evident.
"Get in!"
The officers and soldiers waved their whips and drove Lu Zhengchun and more than thirty evil-doing Taoist priests into the execution ground, knocking them down and kneeling on the ground one by one.
The executioner waiting here inserted the execution wooden sign behind his head.
Immediately, he carried the beheading knife and stood behind the criminal.
Zhao Duan, together with Magistrate Luan and other officials, sat at the table and chairs where the supervisor was sitting.
The cold wind blows at the end of winter, but today is a rare sunny day. The entire execution ground is solemn and majestic. The crowd of onlookers whispers and points at the dying Taoist priests.
"Zhao Shaobao," Magistrate Luan sat next to him, glanced at the sky, and said softly:
"Do we have to wait until three quarters past noon? It's still early now, so I'm afraid I have to wait for a while."
Zhao Duan said calmly: "Since we are beheading according to the law, we should follow the time."
Magistrate Luan hesitated and said: "Please let me know everything. If you take any action against the party today..."
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"Do you think, Lord Magistrate, that these people under my command can push the Zixiao Palace evenly, but they can't guard this mere execution ground?"
"No, no... I just feel that Zhuang Xiaocheng has deep thoughts and is so blatant. What if he doesn't come?" Luan Cheng was worried.
Zhao Duan smiled and said: "They will come."
Seeing how determined he was, Luan Cheng had no choice but to shut his mouth and thought helplessly that although he was apparently the supervisor today, in fact, he didn't even know what arrangements Zhao Shaobao had made.
Can't you trust yourself?
Luan Cheng glanced at the officers and soldiers nearby, as well as the "masters" behind Zhao Duan, and thought to himself that in the eyes of this Shaobao, he, the prefect, was also suspected of colluding with the party.
He is sitting here today supervising the beheading. How can he be on the same side as the heads of the local powerful families who are watching below?
Time passed by minute by minute.
The sun slowly slid into the sky.
More and more people gathered around the execution ground, and the surrounding flags hung loosely.
There didn't even seem to be any wind in the air.
Zhao Duan closed his eyes and sat on the prison table, as if he was asleep.
finally.
At three quarters past noon, a clerk struck a gong and shouted:
"It's three quarters past noon!"
Zhao Duan suddenly opened his eyes and said calmly:
"Master Prefect, give the order."
Luan Cheng took a deep breath, expressionless, threw out the token with the word "Zhou" written on it and a circle drawn in it, and said calmly:
"The time has come, kill!"
On the execution ground.
One of the kneeling Taoist priests cried out in horror and tried to break free, but was fixed and unable to move.
"Master!"
"We don't want to die..."
"Zhao Thief, you will not die well..."
Some begged, some cursed, some cried in despair.
Lu Zhengchun squinted his eyes, slowly raised his head, and looked at the dazzling sun in the blue sky.
He felt that the wooden sign behind his neck was pulled out and dropped. The executioners, who were big and round, picked up the liquor and sprayed it on the blade with their mouths. Then they moved their arms and slowly raised the machete.
"Zhuang Xiaocheng, why don't you take action?" Lu Zhengchun murmured, with a trace of panic finally showing in his eyes.
Just at this moment.
A sudden shout came from the crowd: "Do it!!"
Buzz! ! !
In the distance, many archers hidden in the dark released their bowstrings at the same time, and dense arrows rained down towards the execution ground.
"Robbery of the law field!"
(End of chapter)