Chapter 8, Do Not Say You Love Me in the Afterlife
I have come to understand that the Crown Prince is merely a banner. If the Crown Prince is killed today, evidence of the crimes of the current Grand Tutor will arrive tomorrow, and the evidence of the current Chancellor's crimes will follow the day after. Subsequently, there will be evidence against numerous princes and nobles. By then, the daily execution of royal relatives will have already shaken the morale of the entire army. The war will be impossible to continue, and the court will be filled with panic, undermining the very foundation of the state.
Stabilize them, seal off the information, and even have them investigate upon their return to the court; it is imperative to restrict the news to the minimum extent possible!" Gao Xianzhi said in a low voice
The Crown Prince? That is one's own son. How could one's own son, far away in the capital city of Song, be framed?
A person tears open their shirt
"Xiao Yu, what brings you here? What has happened to you?" Lin Chong exclaimed in surprise
At this moment, the overall situation is paramount! Lin Chong, how many years have you been with me? You should understand that kindness does not govern soldiers! A glimmer of cold light flickered in Gao Xianzhi's eyes
Countless individuals have turned their attention to this matter
... ...
Crown Prince Song also fixed his gaze on Gao Xianzhi. At this moment, the battle between Song and Chen was of utmost importance. If Gao Xianzhi was determined to kill Song Zhengxi, even the Crown Prince himself would be unable to stop it. In fact, he truly could not intervene, as the current Emperor was above him, and even the Immortal Sect was watching. He would be unable to save Song Zhengxi at all.
... ...
Lin Chong deeply understood that secretly seeking Gao Xianzhi would definitely be futile; if he wanted to take revenge, it could only be known to the entire army
Lin Chong once again saw the fifteen individuals who were kneeling
... ...
"Impudent!" Lin Chong glared with his eyes
Gao Xianzhi's teacup was crushed in his hand
This time, the target is locked onto the current Crown Prince, Song Zhengxi!" Lin Chong said in a deep voice
"We earnestly request the great commander to uphold military law and execute Song Zhengxi!" Thirteen voices shouted in unison
Lin Chong trembled. The light rain began to speak again.
Not bad! Gu Hai smiled faintly
"If Gu Hai were to directly kill those family members and frame my son, wouldn't that be more advantageous for him?" Prince Song said with a frown
Lin Chong walked out of the main tent like a soulless being, followed by Xiao Yu and two suffering soldiers, slowly making their way to the outside of the central command tent
Sir, I have already spread the news, and now many people in the military camp are aware of it. The Crown Prince has exterminated my entire family, and during this time of war, according to the law, he should be executed! But who among those high-ranking officials dares to trouble him? In the future, he will be the Crown Prince, and later he will become the Emperor. We will never have the chance to take revenge in our lifetime. Did the General not say he would stand up for us? Now, let him take charge. If he does not take charge, then he is just talking nonsense! In the future, he will be the Crown Prince, and later he will become the Emperor. We will never have the chance to take revenge in our lifetime. Did the General not say he would stand up for us? Now, let him take charge. If he does not take charge, then he is just talking nonsense! The General's military orders are just nonsense!
"Song Zhengxi cannot die?" Lin Chong looked at Gao Xianzhi in surprise
... ...
However, Gao Xianzhi's expression was grim
"Did you just say that the news came from their life-and-death brother? Is the person delivering the message reliable? Could they be bought off by Gu Hai? You must understand that the depth of some friendships is not determined by what has been experienced, but rather by how much one is willing to sell out for." Gao Xianzhi said solemnly
"You scoundrel, are you framing my son? Lin Chong, have you clarified this with them? These are all false accusations!" Prince Song said anxiously
"Good!" Prince Song nodded in gratitude
In the next life, do not say you love me
Yet, a very frail man, with a pale complexion and tattered clothing, intruded into the main tent. Following behind him were two guards
Lin Chong nodded and said: "The arrangements made by the commander have indeed made the soldiers more proactive, while simultaneously fostering an intense hatred for Gu Hai. Now that we can correspond with our families, our morale is exceptionally high. When we capture the cities from all directions, we are becoming increasingly fierce, and our speed in taking the cities within the three passes is accelerating!"
Enough, because he is the Crown Prince. Nowadays, the 800,000 troops are certainly keeping a close watch. It all depends on how Gao Xianzhi will provide an explanation to the entire army!" Gu Hai said with a hint of confident laughter.
Two guards went out immediately
They intend to execute the Crown Prince according to military law Lin Chong nodded
Hmm? The Crown Prince of Song's expression darkened.
Song Zhengxi? Lin Chong was trembling all over.
Adult, do you still wish to exterminate us? Do you still want Song Zhengxi to go unpunished?
What is going on?" The Crown Prince of Song's expression changed.
Do not worry, we will return to the capital soon and investigate thoroughly. If it is true, then we will...!" Lin Chong advised
Yes, those two individuals are both followers. The disciples know that their sister is exceptionally beautiful, and in the past, there were intentions to betroth her to me. However, I have Xiao Die and do not wish to take a concubine, so it never came to fruition. The person who wrote the letter is their sworn brother, who was only injured in the past war and is now recuperating at home. He witnessed everything with his own eyes, even the bodies of their family members. He also brought some tokens from their family.
There will be no issues, following the great leader to achieve success is my lifelong dream, believe me
My lord, we must seek revenge, even if it costs us our lives, I must avenge! When we were conscripted, we came to fight because we listened to you, but in doing so, our entire family perished. My lord, sob sob sob ... ...
News from Song City reports fifteen cases of family massacres, all pointing to Song Zhengxi as the culprit. The reason given is that Song Zhengxi is driven by lust, bringing disaster to Song City. At this moment, fifteen soldiers are kneeling before my tent, pleading for me to seek justice from the commander-in-chief
Crown Prince Song swiftly issued commands one after another
"Well, you may go out!" Lin Chong nodded.
Adult, wuwuwuwu!
The two individuals immediately began to knock their heads against the ground with great fervor
The soldiers who had followed Lin Chong through life and death received the news and, upon seeing Lin Chong kneel, also knelt down in unison
Little Butterfly, I should not have left, I should not have left! When you needed me the most, I was fighting for Song Zhengxi, I was fighting for Song Zhengxi!" Lin Chong cried out in anguish.
Saying this, he took a black piece from a small bowl filled with numerous black pieces beside him and placed it on a position on the chessboard in front of him
Adults, I know that in the past, those who bullied others were minor officials, and it didn't matter how they were dealt with. This time, it is the imperial grandson, a truly significant figure. We are merely ants, and perhaps we won't even know how we perish along the way
The commander will certainly provide us with an explanation, but at this moment, the situation in the battle is critical. Once the war is over, I will do everything in my power to plead with the commander on your behalf, even if it costs me my life!" Lin Chong advised.
... ...
Lin Chong furrowed his brows and said: "I have investigated, and those who brought the news are all relatives or close kin of the fifteen soldiers. However, there are only thirteen cases of missing persons, and that Gu Hai has not yet gone so far as to crazily murder the families of the soldiers"
"Foster father, have you not seen the new message?" Gu Han inquired
"If there were no incident involving Song Zhengxi, what would we do?" Gu Han asked curiously
Little Butterfly? I do not wish to love you in the next life; I want to love you in this life!
What is going on? Do I still need to avoid it?" Prince Song said with a serious expression
"Great General, does this count as using power for personal gain? Favoring the wicked and oppressing the good?" Lin Chong furrowed his brow and said
Indeed, at this moment, hundreds of thousands of people in the camp heard Lin Chong's loud shout
Shopping mall, Gao Xianzhi Camp
Lin Chong glanced at Prince Song
In the next life, I will love you again
General, Lin Chong has followed you for fifteen years, killed five hundred enemies, suffered serious injuries ten times, and minor injuries fifty times. He has faced death and danger without ever complaining. Now, Lin Chong's family has been destroyed, and he earnestly requests you to take charge, uphold military law, uphold national law, and execute the Crown Prince, Song Zhengxi
Indeed, what if Song Zhengxi did not kill Xiaodie
Step outside the grand tent of Gao Xianzhi
Lin Chong's suffering is indeed one matter, while the general's attitude is another. Would the general offend the imperial grandson for Lin Chong? Can the promises made not long ago be fulfilled? Will he retract his previous words simply because of the other party's status? Is military order as solid as a mountain, or is it treated as child's play?
Sister said: 'Lin Chong, in the next life, do not say you love me!' Xiao Yu recalled painfully
"Lin Chong, are you certain this is the doing of the Crown Prince?" Gao Xianzhi also said with a grim expression.
The cripple clenched his fist, but could only do so helplessly
Sister's husband, before my sister crashed into the wall and faced death, she looked towards the north, as if speaking to you, saying a sentence! It was very desolate!" Xiao Yu said while crying
Lin Chong suddenly felt a whirlwind of confusion. The scenes from before the expedition instantly flooded his mind
Now that I think about it, how heartbroken Xiaodie must have been at that time! Why didn't I consider things more from Xiaodie's perspective back then? How selfish I was!
Even with carrier pigeons, the news is too delayed; it is better not to look at it. At this moment, perhaps Lin Chong has already begun to blow up the camp!" Gu Hai dropped a black piece and said with a smile.
Hmm? The Crown Prince Song's eyes brightened as he looked towards Gao Xianzhi
This person, Gu Hai, employs schemes that are difficult to guard against. That group of wealthy merchants should be watched closely, and they must not be allowed to have prolonged contact with the soldiers. Anyone who defies this order should be dealt with immediately said Gao Xianzhi as he took a sip of tea
... ...
Then, what should we do now? They are still kneeling outside my tent!" Lin Chong said with concern
... ...
"How is it going? What is the morale of the soldiers like now?" Prince Song asked with a smile
Lin Chong suddenly knelt on the ground, holding his head in agony, suffering immensely
"Is there no such thing?" Gu Hai paused and looked towards Gu Han
On this expedition, one aspect is to achieve great accomplishments, but more importantly, it is to return and attain a high official position, allowing Xiao Die to become a dignitary's wife, living a life of eternal happiness and joy... However...!
"Sir, I saw it was your family, so I did not stop them!" explained the two guards as they entered.
Brother-in-law, you must avenge my sister, she cannot rest in peace, wuwuwuwuwu...! Xiao Yu knelt on the ground, holding Lin Chong's leg and crying out.
"Brother-in-law, it is Song Zhengxi. He has taken a liking to my sister, you know, from the last lantern festival. After you left, Song Zhengxi came to harass my sister several times, but she refused him. Until that day, until that day, when Song Zhengxi attempted to assault my sister, she slapped him. He went back and gathered a group of people, intending to forcibly humiliate my sister" Little Yu said while crying
... ...
Since Gao Xianzhi became aware that Gu Hai was his rival, he has never dared to show even the slightest relaxation, being cautious even about the smallest details. After all, not long ago, a mutiny nearly occurred without a sound.
Gao Xianzhi's pupils also constricted
Upon seeing Lin Chong, Xiao Yu immediately began to cry.
Song Zhengxi must not die!" Gao Xianzhi said with a grim expression
It is ninety percent likely that it is my son, as the Crown Prince of Song's expression turned grim.
At this moment, Gu Hai is gazing at a chessboard, lost in thought
Thirteen of them were pacified, and dirty water was splashed on Gu Hai, instructing them to go prepare their luggage and return to the capital to find their relatives
What if they insist on having the General make decisions for them? Lin Chong furrowed his brows and said
If I were Gao Xianzhi, even if it were the Emperor's grandson, I would still kill! Ancient Han pondered for a moment
Adult, you understand better than we do. When the war ends, no one will listen to the general's words, what is the use? Wuwuwu!" another person lamented.
The schemes of the ancient sea have become too frequent; we can no longer afford to linger. It is imperative to summon all troops immediately and swiftly engage in the great decisive battle. We must march to Hulaoguan at once, to inflict injuries in order to sustain injuries, and bring this to a swift conclusion. Otherwise, no one will be able to defend against it
No, General, Crown Prince, you should know that it is possible that the ancient sea has kidnapped some military families and then framed the local officials. Although this is wrong, it has caused widespread panic among the people. Even though the General has already requested the Emperor to issue a decree for severe punishment to stabilize the morale of the troops, the incidents of 'family extermination' continue to occur!
Lin Chong's expression turned grim as he glanced at the Crown Prince, then lowered his head and said: "Indeed, it is the work of the Crown Prince, Song Zhengxi!"
What happened
Bang
Within the large tent, there was a chorus of weeping voices
"Gu Hai, I still underestimated your speed; you didn't even leave me a moment to catch my breath?" Gao Xianzhi said with a grim expression.
Lin Chong suddenly stumbled, as he was too eager to follow Gao Xianzhi at that moment, which led to a moment of impulsive words, and it was based on the premise of his own death. It was not Xiao Die, it was not Xiao Die
Little Butterfly, trust me, it’s all right. I am following the Great Handsome One. As long as the Great Handsome One is here, there will be no danger. Trust me!
No, when we return, who will recognize us? At that time, we will ask the commander to make a decision. We are just two insignificant individuals, and it is impossible for us to return to the camp. Although I am a rough person, I understand that if we do not receive the commander's orders now, we will never have another opportunity in the future
"Letter, I have already sent it, and I hope you can fulfill your promise and do not harm the families of my two brothers!" said the crippled man in a deep voice
What about Song Zhengxi? Lin Chong looked towards Gao Xianzhi
"It is!" Lin Chong frowned and walked out of the camp
The heir apparent to the throne? This person is highly likely to be the future emperor. Is this possible?
Gu Han looked at a limping man in front of him, who was staring at Gu Han with a sullen expression.
"Yes, don't worry, my dear general, it's just...!" Lin Chong suddenly frowned
The two soldiers behind him were likewise stripped of their upper garments, revealing their gruesome scars from blades. They knelt together outside the grand tent of Gao Xianzhi
The wealthy merchants no longer dare to act recklessly; no one dares to set off firecrackers or fireworks. Everything is subdued, at most bringing some letters from the rear, or secretly mixed with some victims. However, based on the description from the great commander, the families of those missing victims have all placed the blame on Gu Hai, and the soldiers have not shown much displeasure!
My lord, look at me, my body is covered with scars from the battles fought alongside you. Throughout these years, I have never uttered a word of complaint. But now, my younger sister has been insulted, my elderly mother has been slaughtered, my entire family has been silenced. I only ask you to take a stand for me. My lord, I have followed you for so many years; can you not grant me this one request?
Thud
Do not say you love me
After a considerable amount of time
"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law!" Suddenly, urgent shouts came from outside the large tent
"Not bad, nowadays we can only search everywhere. We all know about this matter, but what is different this time?" Gao Xianzhi asked in confusion
Sister, sister was killed by the imperial grandson Song Zhengxi. All the people in our village were killed by the minions of Song Zhengxi, everything was burned to the ground, everyone is dead, all dead! Wuwuwuwu!
Husband, please do not go to war. Wouldn't it be better for us to live as wealthy gentlemen? I am afraid if you go to battle
The two individuals have already cried their eyes red, kneeling on the ground unwilling to rise.
But, sob sob, what if something happens while you are gone? I cannot be without you!
"What?" The Crown Prince of Song suddenly stood up, his expression changing dramatically.
"The elder sister vowed to never submit and crashed her head against a pillar, dying. Song Zhengxi, filled with rage and humiliation, ordered a subordinate to violate the elder sister's corpse, and then killed everyone in the village. Not even the elder sister's body was spared. Including me, each person received a sword thrust, and the entire village was set ablaze. Everyone died, everyone died, wuwuwu!" Xiao Yu said while crying.
At this moment, Lin Chong was also feeling troubled. Although he had placed his trust in the two of them, the orders from the commander weighed heavily on his mind
The ancient Han's expression shifted slightly, and he nodded, saying: "It seems that Song Zhengxi brought this upon himself; it is also his misfortune. As long as the position is right, anyone can take his place"
Sir, please do not advise me any further. Do you know what kind of person Lao Wu is? His life was saved by me. He has no children or family, and he is physically impaired. Would he be swayed by money? Even if he were given more money, he would have no use for it. Would he deceive me? What token did he bring? This small stone of my sister's has always hung around her neck, never leaving her side, hidden beneath her clothing, known to no one. Lao Wu is not here to collect my sister's body; what could he possibly gain? Sir!
"Xiao Die? Xiao Die? What happened to Xiao Die?" Lin Chong's face suddenly changed dramatically, and his hand gripping the hilt of the knife trembled violently. He looked at the weak man in terror
"Your Highness, I speak candidly. The Crown Prince Song Zhengxi has, over the years, taken advantage of his status to harm countless virtuous women in Song City. You are not unaware of this. Before the two nations went to war, you even looked after the officials of Song City and helped to suppress a scandal involving the Crown Prince!" Lin Chong said softly
"Old Five, rest assured, they are absolutely safe. This was unavoidable, and I ask for your understanding. In a conflict between two armies, there will inevitably be casualties. What we are doing has already minimized the losses. Once the war is over, all of them will be safe!" Gu Han solemnly stated.
At this moment, Lin Chong was also feeling extremely distressed. However, there was nothing he could do
"I cannot guarantee, but they have been kneeling outside my camp, pleading for the commander to provide an explanation. According to the severe punishments issued, those who have insulted the families of soldiers should be sentenced immediately, and the crime of the imperial grandson should be punished by immediate execution! They earnestly request the commander to handle this matter fairly! To avenge their loved ones!" Lin Chong said solemnly
Ah! Lin Chong cried out in anguish, holding his head.
The subordinate understood that these unstable factors must be eliminated, but what about those two soldiers who were most likely harmed by Song Zhengxi
The capital of the Song Dynasty, Song City
Lin Chong slowly removed his battle robe, shedding his official status. Bare-chested, he knelt outside Gao Xianzhi's tent, the numerous scars on his body appearing extremely fierce, sending a chill to those who beheld them
I just thought of it; how malicious and terrifying Gu Hai's intentions are. I almost fell for the surface deception again. His schemes actually hide more schemes within! Gu Hai has kidnapped the families of those soldiers. Although the soldiers hate Gu Hai, they still harbor a glimmer of hope, believing that their relatives are still alive, at least alive. Their feelings towards Gu Hai are merely hatred, not to the extent of deadly enmity; at least Gu Hai has not killed their entire families. In the hearts of these soldiers, being taken by Gu Hai is, in fact, the best outcome. If the news from the messenger were true, that would be the real disaster. I suppressed their anger and thoughts; they are not calmed down, but rather restrained. This suppressed anger, if it erupts again, they would not even listen to my words. Moreover, if their loved ones are truly in Gu Hai's hands, these soldiers would be hesitant in battle! Although they are just a small group, emotions can spread! I do not know what other schemes Gu Hai has in store for them. If he were to incite them, wouldn't that be...!" Gao Xianzhi's expression kept changing.
Tear it apart
It turns out that the family tragedies of Lin Chong's two subordinates are both fabricated
Gu Han arranged for the lame Old Five and then went to meet Gu Hai
Yet there were two others who were staring at Lin Chong
However, in war, people will die. If you... sob sob sob!
Oh? Gao Xianzhi's expression suddenly tightened. What new trouble has arisen now?
The other thirteen individuals who had been persuaded to leave earlier also quickly ran over upon hearing the news
Lin Chong's cry was extremely loud, a painful scream that was heard throughout the entire military camp
Lin Chong's mind was constantly echoing with the despair, helplessness, and heartache of Xiao Die before her death
In the next life, do not say you love me
At this moment, Gao Xianzhi was sitting in his own large tent, on his own chair, looking through the door curtain at the scene outside the tent. Although he could not see it, Gao Xianzhi could guess the situation outside, and his brows furrowed into a frown.
Lin Chong gritted his teeth, at this moment he had no choice but to harden his heart. He looked at the two, a trace of reluctant coldness flickering in his eyes. His hand was firmly pressed against the hilt of his knife
Lin Chong is the vanguard general of Gao Xianzhi, fighting on the front lines, and his comrades who brush shoulders with death are the true brothers in life and death. With a single bow from Lin Chong, hundreds of people followed and knelt down.
I have made up my mind, do not say anything more! If I die, I will love you again in the next life
Buzz
"Little rabbit, before I left, I told him not to stir up trouble, and along the way, I kept writing letters home to his mother, restraining him. I never expected, I never expected...!" Prince Song said in anguish
Indeed, it does not matter whether the news is true or false, as long as the most critical piece of information is true, that is sufficient. Song Zhengxi brought this upon himself and deserves to be punished! Moreover, he is the current crown prince, so it could be considered a stroke of luck for me!" Gu Hai once again placed a white piece on the board.
"You just mentioned that there are fifteen people kneeling outside your tent, among which thirteen should be easy to restrain. Pour all the dirty water onto Gu Hai. As for the soldiers whose family members have disappeared from the camp, they should be immediately singled out and allowed to return to their homes to search for their families together with the entire city. They should be willing to do so," Gao Xianzhi said in a deep voice.
Indeed, kill! However, this game of chess has just begun, so I want this prince to live!" Gu Hai said as he slowly placed a white piece on the chessboard
Within the central tent
But now, Gao Xianzhi needs to save Song Zhengxi
Previously, they were merely ordinary officials and nobles, but this time it is the Crown Prince? Is Gu Hai about to reveal his fangs?" Gao Xianzhi said with a grim expression
"Is it worth operating at such a great cost, just for Lin Chong and Song Zhengxi? Is that enough?" Gu Han expressed his concern.
Lin Chong looked at the Crown Prince and said: "Your Highness, although I cannot guarantee anything, if the Crown Prince truly can accomplish these deeds, and considering that in the past you were able to restrain the Crown Prince in Song City, now that you have been away for so long, there are not many who can hold the Crown Prince in check. If it is indeed Gu Hai who has bribed him, then Gu Hai has acted too ruthlessly this time, for before these fifteen soldiers set out, the Crown Prince had already shown a demeanor that they found repugnant. This sentiment has taken root in their hearts. Moreover, if there are issues with the messenger, I cannot guarantee it, but I believe there is a 90% chance there is no problem. I have seen that person; he would rather die than yield, and he is deeply loyal and righteous. Furthermore, this time, there are corpses as evidence!"
"Lin Chong, you mentioned that among those fifteen soldiers, thirteen are missing family members, but what about the other two?" Gao Xianzhi fixed his gaze on Lin Chong
"Not good, not good!" Gao Xianzhi's expression changed.
The two individuals continuously bowed their heads.
The Crown Prince Song's eyes lit up, indeed, the person who sent the letter may have been bribed as well
... ...
Crown Prince Song and Gao Xianzhi sat beside, savoring tea, while Lin Chong stood respectfully in front of them
Snap
"What about those wealthy merchants?" Gao Xianzhi asked after taking a sip of tea
Lin Chong's anguished cries had already drawn the attention of people from all corners of the military camp
With a thud, Crown Prince Song sat down heavily on the chair
"Adults, what are we fighting so hard for? Song Zhengxi is the future king, and we are risking our lives for him, yet he is plotting against our entire family from behind! Wuwuwu!" another person cried out.
I earnestly request the great commander to fulfill the promise, uphold military law, and execute Song Zhengxi!" The two suffering soldiers also cried out in anguish.
Bang! The Crown Prince Song, however, slammed the table.
"Subversion?" Hiss! The Crown Prince of Song also took a sharp breath.
Hehe, it's alright. This strategy is originally called 'Creating Something from Nothing'. Without Xiao Die, there are still Xiao Mao, Xiao Hua, and Xiao Wen. Moreover, to be honest, I wasn't initially planning to use Song Zhengxi, after all, the identity of the Crown Prince is not prestigious enough. In this Song City, there are still the Grand Tutor and the Chancellor. It doesn't matter if we use them as a pretext. In this crucial stage, we only need to fill in a black piece. In this bowl of mine, there is not just one black piece!
No, the situation is even more complicated than I imagined. It must be suppressed immediately. Your Highness, you must give the order to gather the soldiers who are attacking the various cities at once, to assemble the 800,000 troops immediately, and to march against Hulao Pass. Once we break through Hulao Pass, no matter how many schemes and plots Gu Hai has, they will be of no use!
Crown Prince Song was issuing orders over there when he suddenly heard Lin Chong shout to execute Song Zhengxi, which made his heart tremble
"This, this result is not out yet, how can we determine the sentence?" Prince Song said anxiously
"Foster father, did you prepare so much true and false information just for this Lin Chong?" Gu Han asked curiously
What nonsense about the grand situation, what nonsense about the war, I just want my family to survive, please, let the general avenge us
Not long after, outside Gao Xianzhi's camp, more than 500 people were already kneeling, each having removed their upper garments, revealing numerous scars from military honors on their bodies