"… The second, Wanyan Zhaodang, the Jin army's Yan Shan Wei Meng 'an … After deliberation by the Huaxia People's Court, he has been sentenced to death! Immediately! "
"… The third. Wanyan Ling … After deliberation by the Huaxia People's Court, he has been sentenced to death! Immediately! "
"… The fourth …"
"… The death penalty! Immediately! "
…
Sometimes the voices in his head seemed to be very far away, and sometimes very close. The voice of the verdict rang out along with the voices of the people. One by one, the crimes of the Jurchen prisoners of war were listed. These were the elites of the Jurchen army, and they were all high-ranking and low-ranking generals. Even the lightest crime was related to the word "massacre". From the Central Plains to Jiangnan, they had carried out countless massacres, from large cities to small villages. For them, it was just an ordinary mission in their military life.
The Huaxia army matched some of the records with their numbers.
Wanyan Qingjue stood there in a daze. This was the first time in his life that he had experienced such fear. His thoughts churned in his mind, and his soul struggled with all its might, but his body seemed to be drained of strength. He wanted to move, but in the end, he could not.
His mind was chaotic and complicated, but it was difficult to focus on reality. Sometimes it stirred up the most profound childhood memories in his mind, and sometimes it flashed across the silhouette of his countless heroic speeches. He remembered the conversation with his teacher, the memory of his wedding, and many scenes after the invasion of the south. These scenes were like fragments: groups of people kneeling on the ground, people screaming and rolling in pools of blood, people who were as thin as sticks with their mouths foaming, ragged clothes, but still kneeling and begging for mercy in the most humble manner … He had seen countless such scenes. He had scoffed at these Han people, and then the Jurchen soldiers had slaughtered them.
He wanted to resist, and he wanted to beg for mercy, but he could not make up his mind at the moment. If he ran away, what would happen in the next moment? He had to think carefully, because this was his last choice … He carefully looked to the side, but there were only ordinary Huaxia soldiers standing next to him. He remembered the footsteps he heard every morning in the camp …
The Huaxia army's sentence was to be executed immediately, but they did not kill them one by one. Perhaps they wanted to gather five, or perhaps ten?
He didn't know when, but he realized that his whole body was trembling and his snot was flowing out. He wanted to reach out to wipe it away, but he didn't. It's okay to be a little embarrassed. Maybe these Huaxia soldiers will let down their guard if I'm so embarrassed … He didn't dare to look at those soldiers' eyes, afraid that they would find out that he was trying to escape …
The judge announced the fifth person on the list.
An officer of the Hua Xia army said something in front of him. He was pushed by the person beside him. The other party spoke. Wanyan Qingjue did not hear clearly, but it was obvious that he wanted him to move forward.
"Hey …"
The voice that came from the depths of his throat was barely audible. He was unwilling to leave. The warrior beside him pushed him forcefully, and Wanyan Qingjue resisted with his feet.
"Hey …"
In his mind, he thought of his deceased parents, his wife and son at home, his teacher who was almost omnipotent … He wanted to break into a run.
Two arms had already reached out from both sides and grabbed him. Two Huaxia soldiers pushed him, and only then did he stagger forward with small steps. Just like that, he was pushed forward. Just as he was thinking of a countermeasure, a Jurchen general not too far away screamed. That voice was hoarse and desperate as he struggled. The Huaxia soldier beside him pulled out an iron rod and hit him. Then, someone came over with a long rod with a ring on it and tied the upper half of the Jurchen general's body, pushing him forward like he was an animal.
The Jurchen general's struggle was not fierce. It looked more like the desolation of a trapped beast. Wanyan Qingjue did not resist fiercely. He knew that these Huaxia soldiers were inhumane. If he resisted, they would not treat him well.
His steps were very small, trying to prolong the time it took for him to reach his destination. He tried to shout "Ning Yi", but before the word "Ning" even left his mouth, he thought about whether he should call him "Mister Ning". Then, he opened his mouth, but the word "Ning …" was drowned out in his throat. He knew that the other party would not let him go, so it was useless to shout.
He had to think of another way. Otherwise, he might as well just run away …
Countless voices buzzed over. It was as if everything he had experienced in his life and everyone he had met were all looking at him. He did not know when he had started crying, but his tears and snot had mixed together.
There was a huge pit in front of him. He walked to the edge of the pit.
The Huaxia soldier pulled his hand and seemed to be saying, "Turn around."
Wanyan Qingjue turned around mechanically.
He saw the Huaxia soldiers walking over in a row with guns in their hands.
Should he lie down in the pit …
Perhaps he could play dead …
He did not know why, but he suddenly clenched his teeth and bit down hard on his tongue. It was very painful, but it did not matter at this moment. He still had strength in his body. The countless massacres he had seen flashed through his mind. Once, a teacher had asked him, "Why do you think they are standing there and not resisting when they know that they are going to die immediately?"
He had given a very good answer. What was his answer again? He could not remember.
Those Hans who had been massacred looked at him with eyes filled with extreme fear. He looked back at them.
"Father, mother …"
A portion of the memories in his mind began to become clearer …
"I …"
His thoughts …
…
Bang —
…
The heads of the five Female Zhenrens who were standing in a row exploded.
Countless people in the city were cheering. The five corpses fell into the pit. No one cared about their thoughts and fear before they died. Just like the countless murders they had participated in in in the Central Plains or Jiangnan, the dead turned into corpses and fell. The living turned around and continued with their colorful lives.
The sentencing had already begun and was continuing.
Not long after, more and more people in the city learned of this news.
*****
The sentencing and execution of the Female Zhenrens and the group of war criminals continued for more than half a day after the military parade ended.
Gunshots rang out from time to time near the Victory Square. The unrecognizable corpses fell into the pit, and the smell of blood filled the air. But more and more people gathered here after hearing the news. They were either crying, cursing, or cheering to vent their emotions.
Even though the prisoners were all former Jurchen generals, very few of them actually put up any resistance at the moment of sentencing and execution, and none of them put up any effective resistance.
The soldiers of the Huaxia army had already defeated them on the battlefield. In reality, they had also witnessed the power of this army. The main force of the Female Zhenrens had already returned to the Jin Kingdom and was thousands of miles away. At this moment, all resistance was futile. When they realized that it was futile, no matter how fierce their struggle seemed, it was nothing more than the howls of dying beasts.
The news that the Huaxia army would execute the Female Zhenren prisoners of war was not announced to the public in advance. When it suddenly happened, the onlookers felt excited and their blood was boiling. Some people even went home with steamed buns and money to find the executioner, hoping that the hot blood of the condemned prisoners could be used to cure the disease. This kind of behavior was naturally prohibited. On the other hand, the bigwigs on the viewing platforms were also surprised to see this scene.
If the ordinary people still had a desire for the scene of "beheading", people like Yan Daolun and Guan Shanhai had indeed not expected this scene at all. In their view, "not killing" these Female Zhenren prisoners would bring them countless benefits. For example, if they could put them on the table and negotiate with the Female Zhenrens, they would immediately gain a lot of benefits and would be able to establish an advantage in the chaotic situation later on. Even if they did not negotiate for the time being and imprisoned them, they could be used as bargaining chips at any time in the future to attack or defend.
On the contrary, once they were killed, apart from letting the people below celebrate, they would not get any tangible benefits at all.
For a long time, the Huaxia army, which had been struggling to survive in the cracks, had shouted the slogan of doing business and negotiating contracts. Ning Yi had done business in the northwest, Western Xia, and many times with the Female Zhenrens. After arriving in the southwest, he had done countless business with various forces in the Central Plains and Jiangnan. During the southwest war, Ning Yi had even used the Female Zhenren prisoners to exchange for a group of Huaxia soldiers. But this time, with such a good bargaining chip in hand, he suddenly decided not to do any business?
While he was puzzled, someone mentioned this matter to Ning Yi during the noon banquet. Of course, the topic was old-fashioned.
"… After this matter, the Huaxia army and the Jin Kingdom will truly be irreconcilable."
"Has there ever been a chance to mediate between the Huaxia army and the Jin Kingdom?" Ning Yi asked with a smile.
"There has been. For example, during the Little Canghe period, the Jin envoy Fan Hongji once came to Mister Ning's place to negotiate with you. Before the southwest war, I heard that Xi Yin had also sent an envoy. "
The one who said this was a great scholar surnamed Huang. Ning Yi smiled. "Then, Elder Huang, do you know why the Female Zhenren was willing to negotiate with the Huaxia army?"
The other party thought for a moment. "… Because the Huaxia army has chosen to fight to the death from the very beginning."
"Yes." Ning Yi said, "That's how things are in this world. If you choose to fight to the death, the other party will give you leeway. If you want leeway, the other party won't even bother to talk to you. So, why should I care? "
"But in this way, you slaughtered the Female Zhenren prisoners. How can the Jin not kill the Han people as revenge? There should have been room for negotiation. "
Ning Yi looked at the other party and was silent for a moment. "They are already killing."
He paused. "War is like exchanging chess pieces. Some debts are owed in the past. It may look like the people are still there, but in reality, they are no longer in your hands. The Jurchens have been massacring Han people for a long time, and they will kill a few whenever they want. If we kill the Jurchens, they will naturally return the favor. But if we really care about the favor, from today onwards, they will use these Han captives to threaten us for the second, third, and fourth time. In the end, our losses will only be greater. "
His answer ended here. Someone then asked, "The Jin are already killing the Han people?"
"No one can stop them." Ning Yi sighed softly.
The faint sound of a gunshot could still be heard from the outside …
*****
The revelry in the city continued for more than half a day without stopping. Even in the remote hospital, one could hear the commotion coming from outside.
The wound on Qu Longjun's back is slightly healed. Occasionally, she can sit on the bed. She has also heard about the magnificent feat of the Nu Zhenren being shot to death outside. The doctors and the wounded in the hospital also run out to watch the fun. Sometimes, she can hear people exclaiming from afar, "The Huaxia Army is really great …"
"They have guts …"
Even though these voices were separated by a few walls, Qu Longjun could still hear the heartfelt praises.
Based on her simple experience at the age of 16, the Huaxia Army was indeed good. This was something that could not be refuted in the past few months. However, the fact that her father had been killed by the Huaxia Army prevented her from thinking about this matter. She could only try her best to think about some other problems.
For example: Can women hold up half the sky?
She sat on the bed and flipped through the book for a long time.
This book was written in the vulgar vernacular. The content was very easy to understand. It was the Huaxia army's advice and summary of what women could do based on the self-reliance of some women. There were also some slogans in the book, such as "Who says women are not as good as men?". It encouraged women to actively participate in work. For example, working in the Huaxia army's weaving workshop was a good way to feel the warmth of the community …
Qu Longjun completely did not understand the purpose of the young military doctor putting this book here.
She came to the southwest because Wen Shoubin wanted to cause trouble for the Huaxia army. Her father was killed by the Huaxia army when he led an expedition to Little Canghe. The Huaxia army already knew about this. They did not even know how they were going to deal with it. Once she recovered from her injuries, it was possible that she would be punished, beaten, or even killed …
But looking at this book, could it be that the Huaxia army had decided that she would marry a man here and work in the Huaxia army's workshop for the rest of her life as punishment?
This kind of thinking would seem a little strange anywhere in the world.
She flipped through the book for a long time. She was still a little hesitant about whether this book was left behind by Doctor Long. When Aunt Gu came over at noon, Qu Longjun opened her mouth to test her. She said that she did not know who had left a book beside her bed. Aunt Gu took it and looked at it, but she said that it was not her.
In the afternoon, the young doctor came over to ask about her injury. Qu Longjun plucked up her courage and lied on the bed. She whispered, "Someone, someone left a book beside my bed. Doctor Long … Did you put it there?"
"What book?" Long Aotian looked proud and confused.
It wasn't him?
Qu Longjun was also confused. She took out the book . Long Aotian took the book and looked at it. He even stood beside the bed and flipped a few pages seriously.
"Women Can Hold Up Half the Sky? Why would I read this kind of book! You see, it's written here for you women to read. "
"Uh …" Qu Longjun felt that his expression was fierce. She was so scared that she shrunk her neck. "I'm not saying that you read it. I'm saying that I don't know who put it here …"
"…" Long Aotian was silent for a moment. He put down the book. "Anyway, it's not me. You can take a look at it. It's for women. "
After he said that, he didn't say anything else. Qu Longjun didn't dare to ask anymore. She waited until he was about to leave before she said, "Doctor, Doctor Long, if it's not you or Aunt Gu, then who exactly entered this room?"
"There are good people in the hospital. What do you have to be afraid of … Well, anyway, I'll be watching over here. You don't have to worry about this. It should be … Maybe it was a nurse who gave it to you. Anyway, you don't have to worry."
He repeatedly emphasized that she didn't have to worry. After that, he walked out with an arrogant face.
…
In the evening, when Aunt Gu was washing clothes in the yard, she chatted with Xiaoning Ji, who was sitting by the side peeling beans.
"Ning Ji, was it you who gave the book 'Women Can Hold Up Half the Sky' to that little girl?"
"Shh." Ning Ji put up a finger. "Aunt Gu, don't tell her."
"Why?"
"Aunt Gu, didn't you say it a few days ago? She's alone. She's 16 years old. Her family is gone. Wen Shoubin, who kidnapped her, is also dead. She doesn't know what to do in the future. I thought about it and it made sense. So I bought her a book so that she can be self-reliant. "
"Ah?" Aunt Gu pretended to be confused with her round eyes on her chubby face. "Why … do you want her to be self-reliant?"
"Of course she has to be self-reliant. Our Huaxia Army has done good deeds. She's been saved and her injuries have been treated. We've spent a lot of money recently. When she recovers, of course she can't stay here anymore. I think it's better for her to leave on her own. If she's driven away, it won't look good … Humph, it's so troublesome to save people. "
"Uh …" Aunt Gu looked up and down at the young boy who was peeling beans on the steps. "So … Xiaoning Ji, this is your plan …"
"What else?" Ning Ji stared at her matter-of-factly.
"Hehe, I just think …" Aunt Gu smiled and thought for a moment. "I'm thinking that you … you … you didn't save this little girl because you like her …"
"Ah?" Ning Ji's mouth opened wide. His fair cheeks began to flush and turn red at a speed visible to the naked eye. Then he jumped up. "I … How could it be possible? How could I like women … No, I mean, how could I like her? I, I, I … "
"It's okay, it's okay. It's not a big deal. Aunt Gu made a mistake before. I thought you wanted to take her back as a child bride. Hehe." The fat woman smiled and waved her hand.
Ning Yi jumped on the spot. "How is that possible? I just happened to save her. I just thought that she didn't deserve to die. Then, Sister Chuchu asked me to settle this matter. That's why I gave her the book! Otherwise, I'll drive her away now … "
"Okay, okay, I believe you. Of course I believe you. You're just thinking the wrong way. You peeled beans. Why do you want to drive her out now? She's a child … "
"I'll drive her away when she recovers."
"But don't be too reckless. Okay, her injuries are not light. Aunt Gu will take charge here. Keep her for now. Alas, she's young and delicate. She can't eat much."
"I don't think she's delicate."
"Not delicate. She's a little rough …"
When the setting sun dyed the ground red, the people in charge of collecting the corpse had already dragged Wanyan Qingjue's body onto the wooden cart. Inside and outside the city, people walked to and fro. Things, big and small, intersected and happened non-stop.
The girl named Qu Longjun tossed and turned on the bed, reading that boring book. She didn't know that in the courtyard next door, the serious-looking military doctor was swearing that he would drive her out to fend for herself. The youth who was insulted because he was accused of liking girls naturally didn't know either. Not long after nightfall, Aunt Gu met up with Min Chuyi who was patrolling. She talked about his behavior in the evening. Min Chuyi smiled and felt puzzled at the same time.
A little later, Min Chuyi met up with Ning Xi who had a hard day near the Maha Pool. They talked about this quietly. Ning Xi didn't care about her brother's relationship problems. He was exhausted and needed care. Then he was beaten up by his violent fiancée. The one-sided beating turned into a mutual fight. Then it was covered by the flowing clouds in the night sky.
In the Gold Territory of the North, massacres of Han slaves were happening in all kinds of ways. The news of Wu Qimai's death had already spread. A storm that concerned the fate of the entire Jin Kingdom was silently brewing in this chaotic and crazy atmosphere.
At the beginning of August, Tang Minjie, who was spying in the dark, received the first order from the south after Lu Mingfang's death.
At this time, the first military parade of the Huaxia Army had ended. The first Huaxia People's Congress started as scheduled. The southwest was thriving.
At this time, no one could predict what would happen in the North. Those things …
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