1908 Far East Maniac Chapter 229 Huayang (I)

rì slanting sun. The wind blows the rice. Near the base of the city wall, you can see curling smoke

This is Huayang County. Chengdu Prefecture in Sichuan Province is a small county town under the jurisdiction of the government. It is only a few dozen miles away from the capital to the north. It is the only way from Chengdu to Jianzhou. Jianzhou is an important waterway merchant on the Tuojiang River. Since the outbreak of the nation-building struggle. Jianzhou became an important transit point for military supplies for both warring sides. After the occupation of Chóngqìng by the Republican Army. Jianzhou became a transportation channel for the revolutionary army. Because the transfer of materials from Jianzhou must pass through Huayang County. Therefore. This small city of Huayang also has a military station. and stationed a regiment to defend the guard.

After the Qing army in southern Sichuan changed banners. This regiment of Republican Army troops stationed in Huayang was transferred to Yazhou. It was a brigade of the Revolutionary Guards that took over the defense. Two thousand five hundred troops were stationed inside and outside the city. Four of the five squadrons under it were armed with breech-loading guns. And there are two, the bore frame is withdrawn. The firepower is not insignificant. The place attaches so much importance to Huayang. out of the importance of its rational location. It is also home to the newly established "First Model Prison". Basically, the entire ward of western Sichuan is where felons are imprisoned. Among them, there are not - they are all officials of the former Qing Dynasty. Jiangyang thieves, known as "Brother in Muddy Waters", were also sent to Huayang County Prison. But this is not their final destination. After the trial. Many of them will be escorted to the side of the river. Served in the miasma-ridden southwestern frontier.

It is because of the existence of the first model prison. The curfew in this small Huayang town is also exceptionally strict. Every day is not dark yet. The city is closed. In fact, all the prisoners here are felons. There is no shortage of outlaws. If you go repeat offenders. The governor of the city defense was to be court-martialed.

With the sound of the trumpets of the closed city, the gates sounded everywhere. The heavy and ancient wooden gate "creaked" slowly. The streaky iron bolt snapped the gate shut. Unless there is a cannon. Otherwise, there is no force to break into the city.

The entire patrol for curfew duty walked out of the barracks. The people also returned to the house with interest. Although there was a curfew, the people lost some of their nighttime pastime. But the security in this city is much better. Even the pigsty and sheepfold don't have to be guarded.

Night fell. Huayang County gradually fell asleep. It was pitch black inside and outside the city.

Only the area near the west gate of the city is brightly lit. This is where the Revolutionary Guards Brigade Headquarters is located, which is also the prison block of the First Model Prison. At night, many lanterns are lit up here. They were hung in various parts of the wall. To facilitate the sentry on the watchtower, the jǐng ring.

The supervision is divided into two districts: A and B. Area B is home to ordinary criminals. All large cells. A dozen people and more than twenty people in one room. A is holding special prisoners. It's all small cells. A room for several people or even one person for one person.

Except for Zone A and Zone B. There is another one behind a horse near the jǐng dormitory. This one is also used to imprison prisoners. Before the Qing Dynasty. The prisoners here are all important criminals such as the revolutionary party. After the takeover of the Revolutionary Army. Cleaning up the prison guards. This one is empty. It was only a few days ago that people were detained again.

As the only person locked up in this. Zhao Erxun has been in absolute darkness for the past few days, almost unable to see anything. Nothing can be heard. Just come over as a jailer who delivers food. It was only when he opened a small window in the door that he could hear some sounds. And to see the blinding horse, the light was bright, but even that pitiful little light would be fleeting. The jailer who delivered the food would never say even half a sentence to Zhao Er, and Zhao Erxun even suspected that the jailer was a mute for a while.

Right now. There was another knock at the door. The darkness is exceptionally clear. Zhao Erxun sat up from above almost immediately. Look at the location of the little window.

But to his surprise, the small window did not open. The jailer opened the heavy wooden door.

A lantern was brought in. It's very glaring. Zhao Erxun immediately closed his eyes. Before he could get used to the light in front of him. A soldier has entered. Move Erxun to the top. Take out the rope. He tied him in a knot.

"What do you want to do? You ......"

Zhao Erxun struggled a few times, but didn't wait for him to stabilize his mind. One had strangled his mouth. Silence him.

"Hmm........."

Zhao Erxun snorted a few times from his throat. Then it quieted down. Between thoughts and thoughts. Countless thoughts have been turned.

"That's it. That's it. Whether it's a shot or a head. After all, you can't escape death. Why should I, Zhao Erxun, make a timid appearance in front of others? Finish. That's it. Horizontal and vertical are all chess pieces in other people's hands. When to die. How to die. Isn't it up to someone else to handle it? My Zhao Erxun's life began from the moment Chengdu fell. It's not my own. From that moment on, my life was in the hands of someone else. It's just a chess piece in this chess game. Zhao Erxun, Zhao Erxun. Earlier known today rì. Why did you bother in the first place? Whether the Qing Dynasty is dead or defeated. Can you turn the tide with a small chess piece? ”

After this epiphany. and struggled again. Let the soldiers drag themselves up. Walking on the shelf.

The former leader was a jailer. Carrying a lantern. Zhao Erxun didn't know if he was the jailer who brought him food every day. I don't know where he's going to take him. I don't even know what this is here. The first few

After the extrusion out of Chengdu. He was blindfolded all the time. And no one listened.

Out of the the. Follow the wooden ladder to the face. Erxun looked up at the sky. Only then did I find out that it was night. Lanterns hang on high walls all around. At intervals there are wooden towers several feet high. The figure above swayed. It seems to be a soldier. It's just that there is no light in the tower. But I can't see clearly.

He was escorted forward by these soldiers. After a while, I came to a sign room. The soldiers escorted Zhao Erxun and waited outside the door. The jailer with the horse went to the cell. A moment later, he walked out again. He nodded to the soldiers. The soldiers escorted Zhao Er into the signing room.

There is a table of eight immortals in the signing room. There was a horse lamp on the table. There was a man sitting at the table. Under the light, he looked at Zhao Erxun who was escorted into the house by the soldiers.

Zhao Bei!

Zhao Erxun glanced at the person sitting at the table. Not someone else. It was the commander-in-chief of the Republican Army, Zhao Bei, Zhao Zhenhua. There was still a man standing beside him. But it was the inseparable guard captain Tian Jinfu.

“… Hmmm......"

Zhao Erxun whimpered a few times. Earn hard. But he was held down by the soldiers. Not in the least.

"Take the rope from his mouth." The commander-in-chief spoke. A soldier removed the hemp rope from Zhao Erxun's mouth. so that he can speak.

But Er Xun closed his mouth and didn't even hum. But he didn't know what he was thinking. "Zhao Erxun. Don't come unharmed, huh? I've just come from southern Sichuan. Don't talk to people. but came to you first. You must be weird. ”

Seeing the general secretary greeting Zhao Erxun, he snorted coldly.

"Humph! If you want to kill, you will kill. Why so much nonsense? The old man is not just a pawn in your fight with Yuan Shikai, whether you win or lose. The boss is inevitably dead. Death is a happy death. Why talk nonsense with you? ”

"You're smart. I will not go around in circles with you - one of the stubborn representatives of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. You are in your own right. I can't blame anyone else. I can only blame you for not knowing the times. ”

The commander-in-chief said a few words unhurriedly. And he said, "But taking you here now is not to kill you." It's about how many people you meet. ”

After speaking. He glanced at the captain of the guard.

Tian Jinfu turned around and left the signing room. Return in a few moments. He was followed by a middle-aged man.

"Five buckets!"

Zhao Erxun saw the middle-aged man's appearance clearly. I couldn't help but be surprised.

That person was none other than his new butler, Zhao Wudou. This person was sold into the Zhao Mansion since he was a child to serve the Zhao Erxun brothers for decades. Needless to say, he is loyal, and he is also very calm. After Erxun's old butler defected to the commander-in-chief. This Zhao Wudou was promoted. As a housekeeper, some time ago, Zhao Erxun was under house arrest in the Yamen of the Governor of Sichuan. It all depends on people to take care of the trivial affairs up and down the Zhao Mansion.

"The slave has seen the master."

Zhao Wudou entered the signing room and saw Zhao Erxun tied up. The circles under his eyes suddenly turned red, and he knelt down and made a big salute.

The commander-in-chief did not reprimand Zhao Dou for forgetting the etiquette of the republican era. Just sit on the Taishi's chair. Quietly looked at the master and servant.|I still saw any expression.

"Five buckets. How did you get here? You came alone? ”

Looking at the old servant in front of him. Zhao Erxun's eyes were also slightly red.

"Back to the master's words. The villain didn't come alone. The villain came with Fu Jin. Several side Fujin also came over. Listened to Zhao Wudou's words. Zhao Erxun's heart was shocked. Turn around and go north.

The commander-in-chief said lightly: "I have ordered all your family members to be moved here." As for why they were moved. Figure it out for yourself. I said you have a lot to ask. But you don't have to ask me. You can ask your family. Count the rìzi. You also haven't seen them anymore. Now let's talk. Say whatever you want. I'll give you half an hour. ”

After speaking. He waved his hand. Motioned to the guards to untie the ropes on Zhao Erxun's body. took him and Zhao Wudou out of the signing room together.

……

Half an hour later, Zhao Erxun was escorted back to the signing room by the guards. He looked at the commander-in-chief sitting upright.

"You brought my family to Huayang. What is the intention? Last time in the Governor's Yamen. You said that you would never implicate your family. The republican era did not engage in strain connections. But what did you say? The Commander-in-Chief nodded. "That's right. Our revolutionary soldiers count when they speak. It has been said that if it is not connected, it will not be connected. Actually, bring your family with you. It's to stabilize your mind. In a few more days. The army will set up a special court. Tried the case of the deficit of funds on Chuanhan Road. Considering the turbulence of the common people. In order to ensure the smooth conduct of the trial. This special court is located in Huayang County. In order to prevent insanity at the time of trial. Specially bring your family to comfort you. Of course. After the trial, they still have to go back to Chengdu. But here's what needs to be said. Now the war has just passed. The bandits are worried. If your family members are unfortunate enough to run into bandits on the way back to Chengdu. And was killed by bandits. But he can't complain about the head of the revolutionary army. ”

"You...... You're a threat! Zhao Erxun's whole body trembled.

"Nope! Here's a reminder! Kind reminder! The commander-in-chief corrected. But. If you're willing to cooperate. I will send troops to escort your family between Huayang and Chengdu.

It's bandits. It was the sporadic armed forces of the Manchu diehards. It also definitely hurts a cold hair. ”

Zhao Erxun's face was blue. Glaring at the commander-in-chief. Leng asked coldly: "Cooperation?" What do you mean? ”

The commander-in-chief stood up. Paced back and forth a few steps with his hands behind his back. asked a little abruptly: "Do you know this person Duanfang?" ”

Zhao Erxun said: "I met a few times in my early years. After he was beheaded by your army. The old man also set up a festival in Chengdu. What does this do, you ask? ”

"So do you know Duanjin?" The general commander did not answer Zhao Erxun's question.

"Duanjin is Duanfang's brother, of course. At the beginning, he was caught with Duan Fang. Later, I heard that I had escaped. but I don't know where. ”

The commander-in-chief walked back to the Taishi's chair. He reached out and patted the back of his chair. Said: "I'll tell you." Now Duan Jin is also in Huayang County Prison on charges of "attempting to assassinate the commander-in-chief". ”

Zhao Erxun was stunned for a moment, and then laughed wildly.

"Haha! Good! There are still a few loyal among the banner people. Whether it's for the Qing Dynasty. Or to avenge the end. This Duanjin finally gave a sigh of contention. ”

This "madness"! The commander-in-chief corrected. In fact, it doesn't matter what Duanjin wants to do. Important: If you want your family to return safely to your Chengdu apartment. You're going to have to work with me. Give Duanjin a set"

Zhao Erxun's heart sank. I vaguely seemed to grasp something, but I couldn't see clearly. So there was silence.

The commander-in-chief took out a piece of paper from his military pocket. It was handed to Zhao Erxun.

Zhao Erxun took the piece of paper. Take a closer look. The intentions of the commander-in-chief are still not clear.

"There's a piece of cloth here. And a bowl of chicken blood. Now copy it on this cloth according to what was written on the paper. Then, do as I say. Your family can return to your Chengdu apartment safe and sound, regardless of what will happen to you. They will never be implicated by you. Your elder brother Zhao Er can also get out of the way. ”

The commander-in-chief's words made Zhao Er hesitate. Looking at the bowl of chicken blood brought over by the captain of the guard, the god was a little confused.

"You...... What exactly do you want to do? ”

Zhao Erxun was self-calm. Stared at the revolutionary soldier in front of him. As a smart man, he knew he was almost alive. Officialdom has been in the running for many years and has experienced this revolutionary chaos. Self-questioning has reached the realm of enlightenment. The only thing that can't be relieved is that there are dozens of people in the Zhao Mansion. and the old brother Zhao Erfeng who is still trapped on the riverside.

"You don't care so much. Just write it. The commander-in-chief said lightly.

"No pen. How to write-" Zhao Erxun said.

"Where's the pen in the cell? Write with your fingers. ”

Zhao Erxun hesitated for a moment. Gritted his teeth. Take the table of the Eight Immortals. Place that piece of paper on the table. The captain of the guard handed over a piece of cloth. It seems to be the lining of a dress. It's only half a foot square. To write so many words on this. But it's not an easy task. I dipped my fingers in some chicken blood. Gritted his teeth. Zhao Erxun uses his fingers as his pen. Write on the white cloth. I was in a trance. Arm shake hand fight. But more than a hundred words. I wrote for half an hour.

After writing. Throw the white cloth to the captain of the guard on the side. He looked at the commander-in-chief with his hands behind his back. said: "This word is written." What else do you command? ”

"Then I will wronged you first|."

The commander-in-chief made a slight. Several guards swarmed up. tied Zhao Xun up again. The captain of the guard used a bayonet to pick the tip of one of Zhao Erxun's fingers. Then he wrapped the wound on his fingertip with a muslin cloth.

"Do as I say." The commander-in-chief walked over to Zhao Erxun's side. Say something to a whisper.

After Zhao Erxun listened. Yes|. However, it is a sneer.

"Aren't you afraid that the old man will tell that Duanjin this?"

"No"

The commander-in-chief is also simply. snorted. Four more people walked into the signing room. and they are all sturdiden.

"Get acquainted. They were all staff officers of the Republican Army. They will be locked up in the same cell as you. They're watching you. Do you dare to talk nonsense? You talk nonsense to Duan Jinduo. The likelihood of your family encountering bandits increases a little. ”

Pointing to the four sturdy "human prisoners" who were tied. The Commander-in-Chief snorted with a slight understanding.

"You've put this painstaking arrangement. What do you want to do? Zhao Erxun asked unwillingly.

"You don't have to ask. Just do as I say. I guarantee the safety of your family. Now it's a republic. Pay attention to the rule of law. Even if you Zhao Erxun is greedy for ink, there are more ways to pay. As long as your family members don't get a share of it. The republic will never embarrass them. ”

The commander-in-chief waved his hand. Ordered the guards to escort Erxun out of the signing room first. Then he gave some advice to the four staff officers who were disguised as chéngréns. He stuffed the white cloth with chicken blood written on it into the pocket of one of them.

"Remember. After entering. A group of people took turns guarding Zhao Erxun. Monitor his every move. This piece of cloth was handed over to Zhao Erxun at the right time. He was not allowed to write any more words on it. Can I implement this plan? It's up to a few of you! ”