"Too arrogant!"
Du Chengyuan and others burst out this sentence in their hearts at the same time, exchanging glances with each other, with disdain, contempt and anger on their faces. Pang Fei, who was standing with them, raised his eyebrows and glared angrily. Many people scratched their cheeks in embarrassment and coughed, turning their faces to avoid his eyes.
Qin Mubai stood proudly on the general stage. After waiting for a moment and seeing no one stand up to speak, he said: "So, everyone agrees with what I just said, which is good. The army is not the same as other places. . As the saying goes, military orders are like mountains. As a soldier, obeying military discipline and obeying orders are the most basic requirements. If you can't do these two things, just take off your military uniform and go back to your hometown to farm. The Tang Dynasty does not need such cowardly soldiers!"
The whole place was silent, but Qin Mubai's every word was so sonorous and powerful that it made many people's eardrums hurt.
"Last night, a strange thing happened in the army." Qin Mubai suddenly changed the topic and said in a stern voice with a bit of anger, "The Zuoying navy actually gathered a crowd of people to roar after the ban in the middle of the night, threatening to kill He went out to fight with others in the barracks. In addition, the leader was extremely arrogant and insulted the superior in public. His behavior was extremely bad, which was a serious violation of military orders! Today, I will judge him in public in accordance with the law - come on, put him on trial. Military prisoner Feng Daobao is here!"
All the troops opened their eyes wide as they watched several hundred knights dragging out the tied up Feng Daobao. After standing in front of the general, Feng Daobao, whose mouth was blocked by a rag, was still glaring at Qin Mubai with fire-like eyes and whining.
"Kneel down!" Qin Mubai shouted sharply, but Feng Daobao's eyes widened even more, with an angry look on his face as if he wanted to eat someone. The two Baiqiu behind him were annoyed. They kicked him from the left and right sides of his knees. Feng Daobao was caught off guard and slammed his knees to the ground. The two Baiqiu both pinched his collarbone pain point and pulled it. He held on tight and could no longer move.
"In front of the public, this thief has been bound and still wants to come forward to attack me. How audacious!" Qin Mubai said angrily, "Where is Chang Shi!"
"I'm here!" A thin man in his forties came forward, bowed and saluted Qin Mubai, "I'm here, the marching commander of the Xiangzhou Military Mansion, Shi Shen Youzhou, has met General Qin."
Qin Mubai nodded in return and said, "Chief Judge Shi, you are in charge of military discipline and execution of punishment orders. Please follow the military laws of the Tang Dynasty and declare Feng Dao Scar's crime in public!"
"Yes." Shen Youzhou cupped his hands and glanced behind Qin Mubai unconsciously with his triangular eyes, but hesitated and said nothing.
Qin Mubai knew that he was looking at Du Chengyuan, and snorted coldly: "Chief Judge Shi, is it possible that there is an inscription engraved with the military regulations of the Tang Dynasty erected behind General Cheng Yuan?"
"No, no, no." Shen Youzhou coughed in embarrassment, stood up straight, and said loudly, "Feng Daobao caused trouble after drinking and offended the superior officer. He tried to gather all the soldiers out of the camp to fight, but failed. According to the law, he should be punished. The rank of brigade commander was punished by confiscation of salary and property, and he was punished with fifty sticks. In view of his first offense, and his heroic service in suppressing the water bandits in the past, I decided to sentence him: he was reduced to a soldier, and he was punished with twenty sticks. If he is injured, he will be punished with a stick first to see if he will be punished again. If he commits the crime again, he will be punished with an additional penalty. "
Feng Daobao, who was forced to kneel on the ground, puffed up his chest and started laughing, shaking his head so proudly. I thought to myself: It doesn't matter if I remove the rank of brigade commander and take away my salary and land. In the future, if the situation calms down or this guy named Qin gets out, won't it be easy for me to get my official reinstatement? Twenty punishments with the rod, keep it and beat it later... Haha, this is even more of a piece of cake! —Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, you’re the one who can do it!
Qin Mubai sneered and stared at Shen Youzhou.
At first, Shen Youzhou looked calm and talked as if he was giving an endorsement, but later he was stared at by Qin Mubai and felt uncomfortable all over. After that, he became a little frightened and his mouth trembled.
"Are you done?" Qin Mubai said solemnly.
"Reply... General Qin, I've finished talking about the low position." Shen Youzhou took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down and returned, "General Qin, do you think the sentence of low position is appropriate?"
Qin Mubai did not answer, but turned to look at Du Chengyuan and other officers and generals behind him, and said, "Do you think the verdict of Chief Judge Shi is fair and appropriate?"
Everyone cluttered their heads to discuss, and then nodded one after another: "It's very appropriate, very appropriate..."
Qin Mubai was not in a hurry. He raised his finger and pointed at Du Chengyuan and said, "General Du, what do you think?"
Du Chengyuan was calm and composed. He took a step forward and clasped his fists and said: "Chief Judge Shi Dian is in charge of military discipline and execution of criminal orders. He is very familiar with military orders. He must have weighed them carefully and combined them with the 'reasons and laws' to make a fair judgment. This is a despicable position." I think it’s appropriate and I support it.”
Qin Mubai remained calm, nodded expressionlessly, and said, "General Pang, what do you think?"
Du Chengyuan and Pang Fei were both captains of Guoyi and Qin Mubai's right and left deputies. It was reasonable to ask Pang Fei after asking Du Chengyuan.
Pang Fei took a step forward and clasped his fists heavily: "Replying to General Qin, I will think that Chief Judge Shi's verdict is completely unreasonable and does not comply with military orders. It is just bullshit!"
"W-what did you say?!" Shen Youzhou's expression suddenly changed, and he pointed at Pang Fei and shouted in surprise.
"Shen Youzhou, let me ask you!" Pang Fei glared at Shen Youzhou and shouted, "As a chief historian, you are in charge of the internal affairs of the army and military discipline and military orders, but you are really familiar with the military affairs of the Tang Dynasty. All military orders and regulations?”
"Of course I know! I don't know, do you still know?" Shen Youzhou's face turned red and he argued angrily.
"Okay then, I will ask you -" Pang Fei pointed at Shen Youzhou and said sternly, "What does Article 7 of the Tang Military Order 'Ten Cuts' say?"
"S-What I'm saying is... What I'm saying is..." Shen Youzhou stammered, his face red with cold sweat dripping from his forehead. After thinking hard, he murmured: "It sounds like... those who lose, resell, or deliberately destroy weapons, behead them!" "
"You fart!" Pang Fei yelled angrily, "If you don't remember, I have a military order book here, take it and read it!"
After saying that, Pang Fei took out a military order booklet originally issued by Baiqi from his general's armor pocket and threw it heavily on Shen Youzhou.
Shen Youzhou's old face turned red and white in turns, and he couldn't hold back Pang Fei, a mighty military commander. He could only tremble as he opened the book of military orders and looked at them carefully row by row as if his old eyes were dazzled. He was suddenly startled. Said: "Article 7 of the Ten Orders to Behead, those who commit the following offenses and disobey the order shall be beheaded!"
"Hmph!" Pang Fei snorted coldly, "Look again at what is written in Article 27 of the 52 Punishments!"
"Yes...Those who leave the military camp privately will be punished with fifty rods and two days of fasting."
"Article 31!"
"Anyone who escapes the camp and commits suicide with a prostitute will be punished with a fifty-fifty rod, his military status will be reduced, and he will be expelled from the military camp!"
"Turn it over again, the second part of the Ten Kill Order!"
"Anyone who gathers more than ten people to organize a armed fight will be killed!"
"Turn it back again, fifty-two penalties and Article 46!"
…
Shen Youzhou was so tormented that he was running around and sweating profusely. He was trembling and flipping through the pages of the book in a hurry. He was already stammering: "Anyone who leaves the camp privately to make noise after the ban on Xiao will be punished with twenty sticks and two meals as a penalty."
"That's enough!" Qin Mubai shouted sharply, looked at Shen Youzhou, and said coldly, "Chief Judge Shi, I order you to go back immediately and read the military orders and regulations thoroughly, and be sure to memorize them. In three days, I will personally If you can't do it, you don't have to do it anymore!"
"What, what!" Shen Youzhou said in shock, "General Qin, although the humble position is of low quality, it is still an official position assigned by Ying Chunwei and Ju Mingjing after he was admitted to the imperial examination. What authority do you have to remove such a humble official? ?”
"Hmph! Then why don't you give it a try and see if I can terminate your official position right now and let you go back to farming. You will never want to enter an official career again in your life?" Qin Mubai sneered.
Shen Youzhou was stunned and the military order booklet in his hand fell to the ground. He looked at Du Chengyuan in panic and for help, but Du Chengyuan deliberately looked around and turned a blind eye.
Only then did he panic, and thought to himself: This man named Qin is from the capital. It is said that he is the son of Qin Shubao. He is both a general and the emperor's son-in-law. He must have great hands and eyes in the capital! If he wants to dismiss me from office, isn’t that just a matter of a letter or a sentence? Even if Du Chengyuan has some connections in Chang'an, how can those big shots like him who have connections go to work for me or fight against Qin Mubai? … Oh my god, how could I be so stupid that I listened to Du Chengyuan’s instructions and did such a stupid thing to get into trouble
"No, no, no, General Qin, forgive me! Please forgive me!" Shen Youzhou swallowed hard, hurriedly bent down and bowed his hands, his mouth was trembling and he said hastily: "I will go back and study hard at this humble post." Military order. It won’t take more than three days, but I’ll ask General Qin to inspect it in two days!”
"You know what's going on, go ahead!" Qin Mubai shouted in a low voice, and Shen Youzhou hurriedly picked up the military order booklet on the ground and ran away.
There was an uproar at the scene, and all the sergeants were shocked and started talking among themselves. Du Chengyuan and other generals looked even more embarrassed and nervous.
"Everyone, would you like to read the military order carefully and then judge whether the judgment of Shen Youzhou just now is appropriate?" Qin Mubai asked.
"No, no need..." Many people hurriedly waved their hands and laughed.
Only Du Chengyuan remained silent with a livid face, and did not even look at Qin Mubai.
"That means you have no doubts about the military order that General Pang Fei just recited?" Qin Mubai asked again.
"No, no, absolutely not!" All the officials responded again.
Seeing that Shen Youzhou suffered a big loss and was almost dismissed from his official position inadvertently, most of the officers and generals present had a clear understanding in their hearts: This Qin Mubai was not a reckless fool, he was completely prepared. Come, and have enough confidence and strength!
Otherwise, how could he dare to say such big words as to terminate Shen Youzhou in public? We are no longer three years old, how can we be frightened by such a sentence? This Qin Mubai doesn't look like an idiot. How can he say such stupid things without restraint and give others a handle
Obviously, his naked threat just now was just to scare the monkeys! - In the past, in the Xiangzhou Military Mansion, following Du Chengyuan, I could get along more easily and keep my official job; but now, if I go against Qin Mubai, I will definitely be dismissed from office and lose my job!
The officials present were all very proud of themselves. After weighing the two aspects, their hearts became clear - if this contest continues, Qin Mubai will definitely win and Du Chengyuan will be completely defeated. After all, your elbows can't twist your thick thighs! Okay, okay, even if you can't betray Du Chengyuan, then don't offend Qin Mubai!
"Then let's do it!" Qin Mubai said, "Everyone has seen that General Pang Fei is very familiar with the military orders of the Tang Dynasty. Let him temporarily replace Chief Shi Shen Youzhou and re-examine Feng Daobao. Do you have any opinions?"
Everyone was speechless and looked at Du Chengyuan in unison.
Du Chengyuan was already riding a tiger and couldn't get off. He swallowed his anger and forced himself to calm down: "General Qin, there is a saying about humble positions. I don't know whether to say it or not."
"Since you said that, you definitely want to talk about it?" Qin Mubai smiled, "Since it is a public trial, everyone should express their opinions, so you can say it!"
Du Chengyuan was ridiculed for a while. The corners of his mouth twitched but he did not dare to lash out. He could only swallow his anger and said: "As the saying goes, the law does not punish the crowd. As far as I know, those who went out to camp with prostitutes, those who fought with others, and those who gathered to camp and scream were all Feng Daobao was not the only one. If we were to investigate strictly, at least half of the soldiers of the Zuoying navy would have been beheaded... General Qin, since he strictly enforces the law and shows no mercy, he only takes action. To hold Feng Daobao accountable? Even if his behavior is the most outrageous and hateful, how can just punishing him comply with the military order and serve as a way to convince the public? "
Du Chengyuan's voice was neither loud nor quiet, just enough for the sergeants in the front rows to hear. Before he finished speaking, the scene was already in an uproar!
All the sergeants were shocked!
"Are you going to kill anyone again?"
"No way! Could it be that all our brothers in Zuoying will suffer?!"
…
Qin Mubai's eyes narrowed with murderous intent, and he said angrily: You are so cruel, Du Chengyuan! You actually want Scar Feng to drag so many people into the water! You said the law does not punish the public... Are you trying to deliberately provoke all the navy officers and soldiers in Zuoying to create chaos, put me in the crosshairs, make me their public enemy and isolate me? !
So vicious!
Seeing the heated discussion among the sergeants, Du Chengyuan quickly stepped forward and said loudly: "Brothers, do you think I am right? Everyone has committed a crime, and only one person is punished. How can this be justified?"
"Yes, yes! General Du is right!" Someone among the sergeants immediately shouted loudly.
Obviously, Du Chengyuan still has many close friends in this army.
"If the punishments are strictly based on the military orders, then at least half of the brothers in the Zuoying navy will be punished, their ranks will be reduced, their salaries will be deducted, and even their heads will be thrown to the ground!" Du Chengyuan was unyielding, and then shouted, "Such a punishment, Why do you want to convince the public? Is it possible that we must drive away and kill all the soldiers in Xiangzhou Military Mansion before complying with the military order? "
"Yes, yes! How can this be done!"
…
Pang Fei stood next to Qin Mubai, holding the handle of the knife in one hand, with murderous intent in his eyes as if he was about to step forward and kill someone at any time.
Qin Mubai remained as calm as ever, secretly giving Pang Fei a look to signal him not to be impulsive.
Du Chengyuan ran to the stage and screamed for a while, which really made all the sergeants angry. Seeing that the crowd was already in a state of excitement, it looked like they were about to mutiny!
Du Chengyuan glanced sideways at Qin Mubai, with a proud secret smile on his face. Turning around, he bowed his hands to Qin Mubai seriously and said seriously: "General Qin, it is not because he is humble and deliberately stirs up troubles, but because the people's hearts are like this and the sentiments of the people are like this. Qin Mubai please consider the hearts of the people." , when passing punishment, don’t cold the hearts of the brothers, and don’t anger the brothers!”
"Du Chengyuan, are you done yelling?" Qin Mubai said slowly and politely, as if nothing happened, with his hands clasped behind his back, "You instigated your intention to force the palace in public, and everyone present was a witness. After I have finished dealing with Feng, Scar, I’ll argue with you again! - Pang Fei, I haven’t pronounced my sentence yet!”
"Yes!" Pang Fei stepped forward and stared at Du Chengyuan with cold eyes. He held the handle of the knife with his left hand and flicked it slightly to draw the knife. Du Chengyuan was so shocked that he flicked back - "What do you want to do?" !”
"People who are greedy for life and afraid of death dare to fight with us!" Pang Fei's left hand was held on the handle of the knife, and the knife was not unsheathed.
"You, you..." Du Chengyuan was teased miserably, and he became so angry that his lungs were about to explode. He didn't know how to react, so he could only point at Pang Fei and tremble with anger.
Qin Mubai stepped forward and said, "Before General Pang pronounces the sentence, I have two words to say."
"First, the military has military regulations and the law is merciless. Most of the prisoners on death row are asked to be executed when they enter the prison. Could it be that there are still people who are to be killed who have not been captured outside the prison, which means that the law is unfair to them? ? Is it possible that we have to wait until all the felons in the world are caught before punishing the extremely vicious criminals on death row? Du Chengyuan’s argument is purely absurd. Brothers, don’t listen to his deception;”
"Secondly, Feng Daobao committed a crime yesterday. I saw it with my own eyes and caught him myself. As the saying goes, you can catch a thief in bed and catch the stolen goods. The evidence of Feng Daobao's crime is conclusive and cannot be denied. There may be other accomplices who followed the crowd, but I have no evidence. , I will never arrest people randomly. Du Chengyuan’s words are purely to stir up dissension. From now on, brothers must be careful in their words and actions, otherwise I will punish you without mercy.”
Then all the sergeants heaved a sigh of relief: They thought they were going to kill Lian, but it turned out they weren't going to happen!
The mouths of Du Chengyuan's best friends and confidants were suddenly blocked, and they were so anxious that they couldn't hold back their words.
Qin Mubai waved his hand, Pang Fei nodded, put his hands on his hips, and said loudly: "This general will sentence the military criminal Feng Dao Scar according to the military law of the Tang Dynasty - according to the second and seventh articles of the Ten Kill Order of the Tang Dynasty, Feng Dao Scar If Scar gathers more than ten people to fight with weapons, he shall be beheaded; if he commits the following flagrantly and disobeys the order, he shall be beheaded; if he goes out to the camp privately for prostitution, he shall be punished with fifty sticks... For several crimes, he shall be punished by being beheaded at the gate, and his military status and rank shall be revoked. The fine of property and salary shall be executed immediately!”
"yes-"
Four red-clothed executioners, carrying chopping knives as long as one man, stepped forward and dragged Feng Daobao towards the camp gate.
Everyone was shocked!
Scar Feng struggled desperately, and one of the executioners in red swung the handle of his knife and hit him hard on the head, causing him to faint on the spot.
Du Chengyuan's face suddenly turned pale, and he hurriedly ran to Qin Mubai: "General Qin, please Rong Beizhi say a few more words-"
"Pfft-" Hearing a crisp sound from the camp gate not far away, Du Chengyuan shuddered and his eyes straightened.
Qin Mubai said calmly: "You spoke too slowly, General Du. The deceased is already dead, please go and collect the body with your condolences!"
The executioners in red clothes were all members of Baiqi. Military attachés such as Si Ji and Si Ge of the Chinese Army also had the duties of executing punishments. The eight major beheadings in front of the Chinese army's tent were all carried out by the men of Baiqi.
Du Chengyuan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on his head. He was shaking all over, his face was pale and his lips were wet. He turned around and looked at the camp gate. I saw four red-clothed executioners striding over with a bloody hand in their hands. They raised their fists at Qin Mubai and said, "The military prisoner has been beheaded. The executioner is here to resume his life!"
"Tick, tick..."
Feng Daobao's big head was completely severed from the neck, and it was bleeding continuously. The head with a scar on its face and a ferocious expression was so horrifying that many officials behind Qin Mubai turned pale and did not dare to show it.
The whole audience was in awe, and I don’t know how many people were trembling in fear!
"General, show the heads of the prisoners to the whole camp to give orders to the three armies! From now on, whoever dares to violate our military orders will be the same as this thief!" Qin Mubai shouted loudly.
"Yes -" the executioners agreed and ran to the array with their bloody hands to signal the death of the head.
Du Chengyuan's body was cold, his expression was stiff, and he was stuck in place, his face was ashen, his lips were trembling, and he murmured: "How should I explain to the madam?"
"Don't worry, General Du." Qin Mubai said, "After all the heads have been exposed to the three armies, I will let you collect the corpses and return Feng Dao Scar's whole corpse. As for the fact that you just confused the crowd and caused chaos, I will keep you in my thoughts." For the sake of your loved one’s life and mental disorder, we will not be held accountable, but you must write a confession and submit it to me. First, you will admit your mistake, and secondly, you will promise not to make such mistakes again. " Do you have any questions
"Reply to General Qin, there is no doubt about my humble position." Du Chengyuan didn't know how to force himself up, turned around and bowed to Qin Mubai, and murmured, "Thank you, General Qin, for your forgiveness. Your humble position... I will write well about my humble position." of."
"This is the best." Qin Mubai raised his lips with a cold smile and looked up at the troops.
Several executioners ran around the venue, letting all the sergeants see Feng DaoScar's men, and then returned to the general stand.
"That's it for today." Qin Mubai said loudly, "I order all the officers and men in the army to return to camp, read and recite military orders and regulations, and conduct a unified assessment in three days. Anyone who fails to pass the test will be severely punished!"
After Qin Mubai finished speaking, the entire audience was silent. More than 90% of the people avoided looking directly at Qin Mubai, with frightened expressions occasionally showing on their faces.
"Did you hear that clearly?"
"Listen clearly..."
"Speak louder, are you all ladies?"
"Listen, clearly, clearly -" More than a thousand people roared with thunder, as if venting the infinite fear in their chests.
"Very good." Qin Mubai smiled with satisfaction and waved his hand, "Sanwu—"