As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 324 I need someone to pass on a message to me
"General, no!"

Faced with his imposing and murderous leader, Zheng Jun gritted his teeth and did not back down: "Does the general want to be a treacherous person? Does the general want our army to be a treacherous army, to be ridiculed by the world?"

Ling Yu's face grew even colder. She drew her sword from her waist and pointed it directly at Zheng Jun's face: "What did you say?!"

A terrifying aura of malevolence swept over us like a landslide or a tsunami.

Even the surrendered soldiers felt the cold wind blowing through the hall, as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

Not to mention Zheng Jun, who faced her directly.

"thump!"

Zheng Jun knelt directly on the ground, facing the sharp edge of Ling Yu's sword, blocking the surrendered soldiers: "If you want to kill the surrendered soldiers, please kill me first!"

What a courage!
This person is absolutely insane!
Among those present were some of Ling Yu's subordinate generals and Zheng Jun's colleagues.

Seeing the situation develop to this point, I couldn't help but feel somewhat shocked.

Zheng Jun was practically openly challenging Ling Yu's authority.

Does he still want to stay in the army?
It's incredibly unwise to ruin your career for the sake of some enemy forces.

"This……"

"General, stand up!"

"There's no need to plead with this despicable man."

"We are destined to die, General, do not kneel!"

"Even in the Qian Yuan era, there are still righteous men. General, I respect you!"

"General, Qian Yuan cannot tolerate you. Why don't you come to my Bei Lie instead!"

……

Not only Qian Yuan's own people, but also the group of bound Northern Lie surrendered soldiers behind them stared wide-eyed, somewhat shocked.

An unnamed emotion surged within my chest.

They are opposed in terms of their positions.

Yet this passionate general went to such lengths for these surrendered soldiers.

He openly defied his superior and threatened suicide.

A scholar dies for a confidant.

We are all passionate men, how could we not be moved?

For a moment, their eyes reddened, and they shouted loudly.

At that moment, they would rather die themselves than let this general die for them.

Some people even did good deeds but ended up doing bad things, publicly turning others against them.

Ling Yu stared intently at Zheng Jun, her face so dark it seemed to freeze over.

The two faced each other in silence.

The air was heavy; everyone was waiting for the next verdict.

Who lives and who dies... all depends on Ling Yu's single thought.

for a long time,

"What's all this commotion about?"

As the two sides were locked in a stalemate, another voice rang out.

A young and handsome general strolled over, surveying the chaotic situation before him.

At this point, everything had frozen in place.

It wasn't just a simple killing of surrendered soldiers.

It concerns the prestige of General Ling Yu.

By obeying Zheng Jun, Ling Yu would lose her personal charisma.

If they don't comply, Zheng Jun will have to die. Given how things have developed, it would be disrespectful to his own words if he didn't die.

At this point, someone of similar status to Ling Yu needs to step forward, offer a way out, and untangle this knot.

This saved Ling Yu's face while also saving Zheng Jun's life.

"Master Ming..."

"Master Ming..."

Everyone raised their heads and looked in the same direction.

Mingchen!

Only one person here has the right to break the deadlock.

"General Ling, in my opinion, how about this..."

"Let these surrendered soldiers do manual labor to build the city walls, so that they can atone for their crimes and comfort the spirits of the fallen heroes of Qian Yuan. As for those who resist fiercely, they may harbor rebellious intentions. Let them be imprisoned first and executed on a later date. What do you think?"

Mingchen stood between the two, a peaceful smile on his face, and offered a compromise.

Logically speaking, the two are of equal status, so Mingchen's speaking up suggests a power struggle and an attempt to suppress Lingyu.

However, given their close relationship, this interpretation of meaning has clearly disappeared.

Ling Yu didn't know what Ming Chen's plan was, but she trusted him and was willing to suppress her murderous intent and anger.

"Whoosh!"

A flash of cold light, and the longsword pierced the air.

The sword landed precisely on the muddy ground in front of Zheng Jun, trembling slightly, its sharp light captivating and awe-inspiring.

Ling Yu glared at Zheng Jun and said coldly, "Zheng Jun has committed insubordination. Go down and receive thirty strokes of the military rod."

"The rest of you are all locked up and awaiting your fate."

Zheng Jun was dragged away and beaten with military rods.

Several of the most vocal and aggressive surrendered Northern soldiers were imprisoned separately.

Other surrendered soldiers were sent to work as laborers, repairing the city walls.

With Mingchen's intervention, the matter was finally brought to a hasty conclusion.

……

"Mingchen, what are you thinking about?"

Ling Yu, who had just been cold and aloof, was now filled with barely concealed rage.

After leaving the execution ground, he changed his appearance again.

She was gentle and serene, making it impossible to connect her with the murderous butcher she had just been.

She knew that Mingchen's actions today, and General Zheng's unusual behavior, must all be for some purpose.

"I need someone to pass on a message for me."

"I'm going out in a little while to Libu Pass."

Ling Yu is someone Mingchen can trust completely, so naturally he has nothing to hide from her.

Ling Yu was taken aback: "Libu Pass? Leaving in a little while? In such a hurry?"

The objective of this expedition has been achieved: to capture Xingtai Pass and establish a foothold.

What is Mingchen planning to do now?
Does he want to capture another pass?
Mingchen shrugged and laughed, "Life is all about taking risks!"

"Since we're just idling around anyway, why not give it another try? I've also studied Liu Xifeng, the garrison commander of Libu Pass, to see if there's still a chance."

"Don't rush. If the news reaches Qingcang City and the Northern Emperor sends a large army to garrison it, I won't have a chance."

Time is indeed very tight.

If Qin Lou knew that he and Ling Yu had personally gone to the Northern Border, he would surely send his own generals and elite troops as well.

Soldiers against soldiers, against generals.

The generals guarding the remaining two passes in the North are not qualified to be opponents of Mingchen and Lingyu.

A level 90 player rarely has the opportunity to bully a level 50 mid-level player.

The weakness of a level 50 general lies not only in his rank, but also in his status and decision-making power. He lacks many authority, is constrained, and has many worries, which means he is destined not to be able to shoulder more responsibility like Tian Hong.

Mingchen dares to make any decision casually. He has immense power, and he doesn't care if he loses 100,000 soldiers or half a country.

But Deng Yingcheng dared not; having already lost one hurdle, he became even more timid.

Control others, not be controlled by them.

Now is the opportunity to take control.

Before the big boss on the other side arrives, Mingchen must take advantage of his level to relentlessly crush his opponent.

Ling Yu: ……

To become an opponent of this person is perhaps a tragic thing.

At any time, he can seize all weaknesses, keeping the enemy busy and in a sorry state.

If you are not careful, he will seize the opportunity.

Mingchen paused, then asked her, "Are there any scholars or scions of powerful families among the surrendered soldiers?"

Ling Yu nodded: "Yes!"

"Some of the most vocal ones claimed to be the nephews of some general, while others said they knew some important figures..."

The military is also a complex network of relationships.

Having met an important person is considered establishing a relationship, which can be used when necessary.

Among the surrendered soldiers were several squad leaders, minor leaders in the army, and perhaps some who came to gain experience or prove themselves, and some who had connections to rely on.

Of course, it can't be too noble.

"Okay! That's enough!"

The conditions are sufficient.

Whether it succeeds or not depends on luck and Zheng Jun himself.

Mingchen turned to look at Ling Yu and brought up the topic with her: "But you, sister, why do you want to kill those who surrender?"

Ling Yu pursed her lips and said, "I said before that if they don't surrender, not a single one will be spared, and I can't go back on my word."

"Is it?"

Mingchen raised an eyebrow.

Actually, what Ling Yu said makes sense.

You didn't surrender at first, and my army was almost breaching the city before you surrendered. My army suffered many casualties, and you were not in the right either.

If Ling Yu doesn't go all out to eliminate them, won't he lose his prestige?

If we repeat the same words when attacking the city again, it will have no deterrent effect.

Since you're not going to kill those who surrender, I'll try to resist first, and then I'll surrender if things get really bad.

In truth, whether to kill or not doesn't really matter.

Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Wars are governed by the general trend.

Xiao Xinyue lacks popular support in Beilie, so even if she doesn't kill those who surrender, she can't expect them to surrender for no reason.

Ultimately, the world still has to be won with fists.

Next time, if we reason things out properly and don't kill those who surrender, this matter can be let go.

Even if I defeat you later, you'll still have to surrender. Mingchen is just using this incident to complete his plan.

Even if Ling Yu really wanted to kill her, he would let her have her way.

What he was more concerned about was Ling Yu's condition.

He knew what Bei Lie meant to Ling Yu, and he also clearly felt the changes in his wife since she went to the battlefield.

He wouldn't say anything empty words, like "let go of hatred," "the others are innocent," or "the soldiers of Beilie also have their own families," and so on.

Ling Yu is his wife, and Bei Lie has nothing to do with him.

It is only natural that he should favor him.

Once on the battlefield, one represents the nation. Everyone benefits from the strength of their legion and must also bear the sins of their legion.

No one who has experienced the horrific scenes, the unforgettable hatred and despair that Ling Yu went through in her youth has the right to stand on the moral high ground and point fingers at her.

Someone will have to pay the price for Sister Dai's entire family and for the hatred she has carried all these years.

Kill if you want, kill until hatred dissipates, until you reconcile with yourself, until the knot in your heart is untied... until then.

However... Mingchen did not want Lingyu to become addicted to this, as no matter how many people he killed, the problem could not be solved.

To destroy one's own character.

Ling Yu remained silent for a moment.

She knew that everything she said was just a way to convince herself.

If it were any other enemy force, she wouldn't have resorted to such radical measures as killing those who surrendered.

Mingchen was very intelligent and could see through her complex emotions even more clearly than she could see through them herself.

Mingchen took Lingyu's hand and gently hugged her, his voice tender: "Sister, I'll do anything, I hope you'll remember me, remember our future, and remember those beautiful things."

Mingchen is an evil person.

He is cold-blooded and ruthless, manipulative and cunning, and will stop at nothing to do his job...

Great love is rare, but small love is profound.

He is completely open with those close to him, which is enough to earn their trust and reliance.

Upon hearing this, Ling Yu swayed slightly and hugged him back, saying, "I understand."

"you are right."

After the murderous intent subsided and he regained his senses,

Only then would one realize that Mingchen's decision was the most rational and best approach.

All the surrendered soldiers were made to work as laborers, repairing the city walls.

The dead have no meaning other than venting their emotions and intimidating the enemy; only the living have meaning.

We will build Xingtai Pass into a fortress to resist more of your Northern Lie enemy troops, to capture more of your Northern Lie enemy soldiers, and if necessary, to use it as a bargaining chip to exchange for a greater victory.

Isn't that good?
Many generals who win every battle are just generals, but they never become military strategists or tacticians.

Great military strategists don't just go wherever they go to fight; they go wherever they go to build and develop.

They built military fortresses and granaries, further strengthening their power.

It makes the enemy scratch their heads, and subdues them without a fight.

The three passes in the northern border of Qian Yuan now bear the fruits of her master's reinforcement.

By a twist of fate, the current outcome is actually excellent.

She and Mingchen played the good cop and the bad cop, and Zheng Jun kept urging them to stay.

The surrendered soldiers, who barely survived, deeply felt the difficulty of staying alive. Compared to death, labor seemed to be the best outcome.

Even if we take a step back and assume it's just to speak up for Zheng Jun, they would probably work hard.

……

In the evening, the sun sets.

"Let's go~"

Mingchen made no attempt to conceal his whereabouts, and swaggered off with a few guards toward Libu Pass.

His shadow stretched long in the setting sun.

Ling Yu saw him off from behind, her eyes filled with concern: "Be careful on the road."

She knew that Mingchen had some methods to ensure her safety.

Even so, one cannot help but worry about it.

This libertine always likes to do adventurous things.

Mingchen simply waved his hand and disappeared from sight.

……

At night, the firelight flickered on the execution platform in Guanzhong.

The soldiers took turns patrolling.

The surrendered soldiers of Beilie were separated and guarded.

As Mingchen said, most of them were assigned to hard labor and were simply managed.

Seven or eight people were detained separately for their fierce resistance and offensive remarks during the day, to be tried and executed separately when the higher-ups had time to spare.

Although it was supposed to be solitary confinement, there wasn't really a proper cell here. He was just crammed into a corner, tied up with ropes, and strictly guarded by a few soldiers.

Several Northern Martyrs were trapped here, their spirits low and their morale waning.

They were no longer as resentful and angry as they were during the day.

It's a waste of energy to curse; no one will listen, and you might even get beaten up.

The military always needs to establish authority and make an example of someone to deter others.

Many spineless people have been defeated and killed.

Those troublemakers who are so vocal in their criticism during the day are probably not going to have a good outcome.

They are few in number, so killing a few as examples wouldn't count as killing surrendered soldiers, and Ling Yu probably wouldn't care.

The group exchanged glances, each seeing the despair in the other's eyes.

"You guys, go and rest."

"This area is under my jurisdiction now."

Just then, a familiar voice suddenly came from beside my ear.

The group of people shuddered and suddenly perked up.

Before the soldiers guarding them, a figure leaning on a cane approached with several soldiers.

In the darkness, only a few flickering lights could be seen, making it impossible to make out his face.

"This……"

The three guards seemed somewhat hesitant.

Seeing their hesitation, the man's voice grew colder, and he said, "I have come on the orders of Lord Anguo to take over these people. Aren't you going to release them?!"

"This is Lord Ming's token!"

He held up an iron sign and shook it gently.

In the darkness, the firelight flickered, and the soldiers couldn't even see it clearly.

"Don't you know that Lord Ming is going to interrogate these people?"

"Lord Ming is already exhausted from his long journey. Do you want to waste any more time?"

Seeing the other party's overbearing attitude, the soldiers couldn't afford to offend them, so they simply nodded and agreed: "This... alright!"

"General Zheng, these people are now in your care."

After the soldiers left, the leader of the group blinked and recognized Zheng Jun, who was leaning on a cane: "You are... the general from earlier in the day..."

If it weren't for this general speaking up for them today, they would not have been able to achieve this.

These people have probably all become victims of Ling Yu's butcher's knife.

Zheng Jun, with a straight face, gently shook his head: "My name is Zheng Jun."

The guards behind him cut the ropes binding them and threw the packages they were carrying on the ground.

Zheng Jun lowered his voice and said to them, "Lord Ming has left Xingtai Pass. General Ling will execute you tomorrow. Change into these clothes now and leave through the north gate."

“My troops are guarding the city there; you can just say they are out on patrol.”

"Once you're out of the city, head north and don't look back!"

The group of people were shocked; they had escaped from a desperate situation and were somewhat incredulous.

Zheng Jun said coldly, "What are you all standing there for?!"

"Come on!"

"This... General Zheng, why... why are you helping us?"

Releasing these people is tantamount to treason.

She hurriedly put on her clothes and asked Zheng Jun somewhat haltingly.

Zheng Jun lowered his eyes, as if remembering something, and hesitated before speaking: "My mother..."

He immediately put on a stern face and said to everyone, "Don't misunderstand, we are still enemies."

"A soldier should die a glorious death on the battlefield, not be slaughtered unarmed."

"I just can't stand General Ling killing surrendered soldiers."

"You'd better leave quickly, before I change my mind."

During the day, the group didn't hesitate to hurl insults at Ling Yu, their words filled with fervor and passion.

It also expresses gratitude and respect for Zheng Jun.

That's enough to prove what kind of people these people are.

Seeing Zheng Jun's cold attitude, he was not angry at all, but instead became even more respectful and admiring of him.

They are principled, loyal, brave, fearless of power, and unafraid of death... because they believe they are the same kind of people.

In addition, there was the grace of being saved.

Despite their different nationalities, Zheng Jun has become an incredibly respected figure in their hearts.

"General Zheng, then... what will you do?"

Suddenly, someone spoke up and asked.

The Northern Martyrs were momentarily stunned.

Zheng Jun simply waved his hand: "This is none of your business. You can leave now."

The group also noticed that Zheng Jun was using crutches.

The thirty strokes of the military rod mentioned during the day were a real beating.

Everyone's not stupid; Zheng Jun had already offended the big boss, Ling Yu, today.

Now they've let them escape again.

For such a serious crime, it would be too lenient for Zheng Jun to simply die.

The leader grabbed Zheng Jun's hand and said urgently, "General, my third maternal uncle's second brother-in-law is the Northern Fierce Jianwei General, and he is currently serving under General Tian Hongda."

"You'll only die if you stay here. Why don't you come with us?"

(End of this chapter)