Chapter 1547: Execution
Chapter 1547: Chapter 1547: Execution
"Military supplies and weapons have fixed quantities; every item lost must be recorded. If I give them to you, what will the Central Plains Commandery’s soldiers do? If the Emperor finds out, what will happen to me? You’re trying to get me killed!"
Wu Mang spoke excitedly, but Luo Ying clearly didn’t want to hear it. Waving his hand, he said, "Old Man Wu, don’t talk about this to me. I know military matters better than you. How the records on the book are written is up to you. Besides, I’m only asking for 70% of the supplies and weapons. Even if the Commander’s Office is emptied, you’ll have your reasons to deflect the court."
Upon hearing this, Wu Mang became anxious and said, "Young man of the Luo Family, you can’t do this..."
Luo Ying interrupted him, slamming the gavel down with a bang, and said, "The price I gave you is already an old friend’s price. If you dare to waste any more words, I’ll take all your belongings, not just 70% of the supplies!"
He then pointed at Wu Po and his son, saying, "Stop wasting time. Either meet all my demands or see your nephew and grandnephew killed — your choice."
Upon hearing this, Wu Mang felt a surge of murderous intent, wishing he could kill Luo Ying.
Yet, Luo Ying knew the shortcuts to leave Beicang Prefecture and had already transported the loot acquired in the city a day prior. Once they left again, all fierce bandits could escape swiftly unladen, and even if Wu Mang pursued with cavalry, it would be difficult to catch up.
What terrified Wu Mang even more was the city’s people’s attitude toward Luo Ying.
He turned to look outside the government office, seeing the city’s people support Luo Ying one by one, showing that Luo Ying had won significant favor while staying in the city.
The people’s hearts are terrifying; whoever wins them becomes the victor.
After pondering for a while, Wu Mang was forced to agree, "I agree with you, but you must leave Beicang Prefecture quickly and ensure not to cause havoc here for five years."
Luo Ying laughed, looking down at Wu Mang, and said, "Old Man Wu, I’m the winner now. What qualifications do you have to set conditions for me?"
Waving his hand, he continued, "Putting that aside, I have a letter here. You must have it delivered to Emperor Jingyuan. Otherwise, even if I’m gone, I’ll send the Eagle Food Gang to capture your nephew and grandnephew and have them chopped up."
With that, he threw the letter down.
Magistrate Jin, very perceptive, quickly went over to pick up the letter and handed it to Wu Mang with both hands, looking extremely humble.
Wu Mang was very angry, displeased with Luo Ying’s sudden demand, "I need to see what’s written on the letter first. If it’s treasonous, I won’t help you even if it costs me my life!"
Luo Ying said, "Heh, why are you in such a rush? I didn’t say you couldn’t look."
Wu Mang took the letter, opened it, and was shocked, "How is this possible? There’s a member of Dongqing’s Imperial Family as a concubine in Great Chu’s harem, and how could Prince Yi conspire with the Rong people to help them buy up our weapons and supplies?"
Luo Ying laughed, "Old Man Wu, stop pretending. With your experience, couldn’t you have guessed the truth of this matter? Still pretending to be surprised here, aren’t you tired?"
Wu Mang was speechless. He had indeed suspected that Prince Yi buying so many supplies to sell to the Desert Countries was false, but Great Chu now needed Dongqing as an ally, so what could he do? He could only pretend not to see.
"I will personally send the letter to the Emperor, but don’t hold too much hope," Wu Mang accepted the letter and gave Luo Ying this statement.
They both understood that even if the Emperor knew of Prince Yi’s actions, he would likely pretend not to hear and not break ties with Dongqing.
Naturally, Luo Ying realized this, feeling vexed. The once-prosperous Great Chu had fallen to such a state, needing to tolerate even former vassal state Dongqing.
"And Wu Po and Wu Chengqi? Get rid of these two useless men; they don’t deserve to lead!" Luo Ying vented his frustrations on Wu Po and Wu Chengqi.
"What?"
"Uncle~" Wu Po choked, looking at Wu Mang, saying, "We’ve already lost so much..."
In other words, they’ve lost so much, can’t they at least retain their official positions?
However, Wu Mang quickly agreed, "Even if you didn’t say it, I would remove them."
"Uncle!"
"Great Uncle!"
Wu Po and Wu Chengqi called out, only to be silenced by Wu Mang’s piercing stare. Pointing at them, he said, "You got lucky this time, but people’s luck runs out. If you continue as military officers, next time you might end up dismembered."
Wu Po and his son feared death and Wu Mang. Being reprimanded like this, thinking of being dismembered, they felt scared and didn’t dare to protest, only shedding silent tears for their lost career.
Luo Ying was uninterested in watching them cry, saying to Wu Mang, "Minor matters are settled; let’s move on to the real business."
Wu Po and his son were shocked, "What, weren’t those just now the real business?"
What the hell, are you kidding us?
Luo Ying sneered, mocking, "That’s all you’re worth."
He instructed Pang Hai, "Bring all living members of the Witch Army."
"Yes," Pang Hai responded, leading people to the Yang Mansion.
Less than an hour later, they brought over 400 living Witch Army members, all kneeling before the government office door, filling half the street.
Wu Mang was frightened, "These are your captives?"
Luo Ying corrected him, "They’re the Rong People’s Witch Army."
Ten times more powerful than typical Rong Army.
Wu Mang was delighted, "Keep them here. I want to send them to the Capital to the Emperor!"
Delivering these hundreds of captives to the Capital could both redeem himself and possibly earn rewards.
Hehe, Luo Ying sneered, "With over 400 Witch Soldiers, can your troops escort them to the Capital? No amount of soldiers would be enough to die."
Wu Mang replied, "Young man of the Luo Family, I know you want to use the Rong invasion to elevate the Eagle Food Gang’s and your Luo family’s name, avenging those families that were massacred. But if not a single Witch Soldier is sent to the Capital, who will know if you’ve actually captured Witch Soldiers?"
This statement made sense.
Luo Ying gestured to Pang Hai, who immediately led people to drag ten Witch Soldiers aside and break their limbs, "Old Man Wu, I’ll give you these ten Witch Soldiers. Remember to tell the people in the Capital that it was my Eagle Food Gang under Luo Ying’s command that captured them, and you Great Chu generals and officials are all useless!"
Wu Mang was infuriated. If Luo Ying hadn’t seized Beicang Prefecture, he would’ve wanted to kill Luo Ying then and there.
Clang clang clang!
The Eagle Food Gang began beating the copper gong; moments later, countless citizens poured in from all directions.
The crowd rushed toward the government office, saying, "Hey, let’s hurry, Lord Ying is about to behead the Rong Witch Army!"
Luo Ying had already spread the word that he would execute the captured Witch Soldiers at the government office on the day of the negotiation with Wu Mang, inviting the city’s citizens to witness the spectacle after hearing the gong sound.