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(Two in One Chapter)
The 193rd chapter "temporary decree from 20 years ago"
As the infamous city of sin, the history of Big Ear City is not very long. Twenty years ago, this place was just a piece of barren land. Twenty years ago, after the war in the Northwest, the Empire built many military fortresses in the Northwest in order to strengthen the defense of the Northwest.
However, due to the tight financial situation of the Empire, many of the military fortresses in the Northwest lacked the funds to repair them and most of them were abandoned. Because Emperor Augustine thought that he had "conquered" the Northwest, he focused all of his attention on the rich and vast Southeast Ocean.
Most of the military fortresses in the Northwest only exist in name.
Big Ear City is one of the exceptions.
Twenty years ago, there was only one Big Ear Mountain here. This mountain is not big, but if you look down from the sky, you will find that the shape of the mountain is very similar to a human ear. During the war in the Northwest, the Empire built a military town here as a transit point for supplies in the Northwest.
Later, after the war, this place gradually evolved into a concentration camp for all the sinners in the Northwest.
In the whole Big Ear City, there are no civilians. There are only two thousand garrison troops stationed here and more than ten thousand sinners are imprisoned here. What awaits these sinners is the heavy labor work in the Northwest. Most of these people will not be able to survive the hard labor period and will die after two years of hard labor.
The cruelty of the Empire's laws can be seen.
Therefore, there is a saying in the Empire: Rather be sentenced to death than go to Big Ear City. Because of the death penalty, the worst that can happen is to die immediately. But if you go to Big Ear City, you will have to suffer for two more years and then die a tragic death.
•
Biaidro is the commander of Big Ear City. However, his position as a commander was truly a bit special. From the perspective of the Empire's military system, as a commander, he is usually able to lead a complete team. The Empire's military structure is that an infantry regiment has four thousand soldiers and a cavalry regiment has three thousand soldiers. However, Commander Biaidro only had a "shrunken infantry regiment" of two thousand infantry under his command. Moreover, they lacked equipment all year round, so they couldn't even give each soldier a complete set of armor and weapons. In fact, as a prison city, his soldiers did not need to go to the battlefield. They only needed to lock up the prisoners.
Biedero got up early today because he knew that a big shot was coming. It was an order from "above".
Biaidro was relieved to hear that. A few days ago, a total of four thousand people were escorted from the imperial capital! With Biaidro's vision, he could certainly see that these four thousand people were not ordinary criminals … They were all qualified soldiers, each of them was very strong and well-trained. Although they had been disarmed, they were still a criminal organization made up of 4,000 soldiers.
Looking at the 4,000 men being sent to Big Ear City, Biaidro could not even sleep well for the past few days. He only had 2,000 soldiers under him, and they were lacking in equipment. It was already very difficult for two thousand people to watch over ten thousand prisoners, let alone four thousand soldiers who had just taken off their armor. Oh, right, they were the rebels! Furthermore, it was said that they were the elite Imperial City Guards!
Such a group of people, whether in terms of quantity or quality, they were far better than the local miscellaneous troops under his command … No, his own men could not even be considered as a miscellaneous troop. At most, they were just a group of armed prison guards.
If these rebels were to riot … Biaidro was not sure if he could subdue all of them.
Therefore, when the order came from above that someone would come to take these 4,000 people away in two days, Biaidro was really relieved.
However, after waiting for a whole night yesterday, the expected guests did not come. Biaidro's heart was somewhat worried. Could it be that the orders from above were wrong?
From the bottom of his heart, Biaidro hoped that these 4,000 hot potatoes would get out of his hands as soon as possible.
Finally, the morning sun jumped out of the clouds, and when the red clouds shrouded Big Ear City, Biaidro who was standing on top of the city wall saw a group of cavalry quickly approaching from the horizon.
Looking at the banners, Biaidro's heart suddenly beat like a drum … God, it's the Thorned Flower Royal Flag, it's actually the Imperial Army!!
Could it be the Imperial Family?
Biaidro did not dare to neglect, so he quickly ordered people to open the city gate, and then personally led a team out of the city to greet them.
The group of Imperial Army cavalry was about 300 people, and they galloped all the way to the city before stopping.
At the head of the line was a middle-aged Knight, with a western face, short beard, and a very deep voice: "Let your officer come out and speak!"
Biaidro quickly took a few steps forward: "I am Big Ear City's Commander Biaidro, your excellency, please state your identity."
"My name is Robert." The middle-aged Knight lightly said: "Tulip Family's private army commander, Commander Biaidro, please prepare to greet the Duke!"
Duke? Tulip Family?
Biaidro carefully searched his mind for a long time before he remembered that this seemed to be a recent rumor, a newly appointed Grand Duke … Although it has been a few months since the coup in the capital, but in this world there is no phone, no newspaper, and no internet, so the transmission of news is not fast, let alone in this closed Big Ear City.
However, the identity of a Grand Duke is absolutely not something that Biaidro can neglect, so he quickly ordered the troops to line up. After waiting for quite some time, they finally saw a horse carriage slowly approaching under the protection of dozens of Royal Army cavalrymen.
When Biaidro saw the Grand Duke coming out of the carriage, he was really surprised. This Grand Duke … is simply an underage teenager.
But this thought only flashed in Biaidro's mind for a moment, he quickly kneeled down and saluted: "My Lord, welcome to Big Ear City."
Du Wei frowned, this Big Ear City in front of him is too dilapidated. The city walls are built according to the mountain, the main body is still intact, and the height is also in line with the imperial military system, but it can be seen that it has not been repaired for many years. Many of the stone materials have been peeled off, and there are also huge cracks on the walls. The patrolling soldiers on the walls look listless.
He gently took off his gloves, fanned himself and sighed. "Alright, Sir Commander, I don't have much time. Quickly take me to see the person I want … This damned weather is really unbearable."
With that said, Du Wei has already walked through the city gate, and Biaidro quickly followed.
Walking into Big Ear City, Du Wei found that this place is far more dilapidated than he thought. There are almost no decent streets in the city, and the streets on both sides seem to be grey and low. Further inside, there is a large wall around three meters high.
"Where are the people I want?"
"They are all waiting on the training ground." Biaidro carefully said: "I originally received the order, and thought you would arrive last night, so those people have been waiting since last night …"
Du Wei's footsteps slowed down a little, looking back at the tired commander, he showed a gentle smile: "Oh, I'm sorry, Commander. The road is too difficult to walk on, so we missed the time. "
How can Biaidro accept the apology of a Duke, he quickly said that he didn't dare, and then took a few steps forward, leading Du Wei and the others through the gate under the wall to the training ground.
The ground is completely paved with dust and stones, and when the wind blows, a lot of dust will roll up. Du Wei sighed: "It seems that your funds are very tight."
Biaidro immediately cried: "Isn't that so? My Lord … I have been racking my brains for money. God, there are tens of thousands of people here all year round, and my two thousand soldiers, but the delivery of supplies is often delayed. This place is surrounded by barren hills, I can't let my people eat sand. There is also the equipment … "With that, he lowered his voice:" My Lord, I don't want to complain, but to tell you the truth, I have two thousand men, but I can only gather eight hundred sets of armor and equipment! Every year when my people patrol, they can only take turns. Only eight hundred soldiers have weapons in their hands, but they have to look after more than ten thousand prisoners … "
Du Wei smiled, looking at the guy with a bitter smile, he suddenly said: "You have been the commander here for many years, right?"
These words immediately stabbed Biaidro's sore spot … Indeed, in this barren place, no one would be willing to come here to be some bullshit commander. Being a commander here would be better than being a captain in another city, life would be much more comfortable! But Biaidro is an unlucky official, he has no background, and he doesn't know how to be an official, but he has been nailed in Big Ear City for eight years. According to the empire's military system, the local officers should be rotated once every three years, and according to the assessment results, they can be promoted or demoted. But Biaidro has been here for eight years, and he hasn't been able to move his ass …
Looking at Biaidro's bitter face, Du Wei suddenly smiled and lowered his voice: "Do you know why you can't get promoted?"
"… Please enlighten me, sir!" Biaidro's eyes lit up.
"Because of the words you just said to me, and the bitterness you complained about!" Du Wei smiled.
This guy is always complaining, and he even exposed his shortcomings to the officer … Who would like that? In the military or in the bureaucracy, it's all about the flowers on the sedan chair. When a superior comes, who wouldn't want to show off their best and most beautiful side? Only an idiot like him would keep complaining about his troubles.
Such a guy, of course, can't do well in the bureaucracy.
"If you want to get promoted, I'll teach you a way." Du Wei said with a smile: "Next time when a superior comes here, you'd better let your people dress up, and then make this place clean and beautiful. No matter what difficulties you have, you have to pretend that everything is going smoothly and successfully … Then, I guarantee you will be promoted within two years."
Listening to this, Biaidro's heart was quite touched, and he couldn't help but fall into a trance for a moment. When he came back to his senses, he found that Du Wei has already walked away, so he quickly trotted a few steps to catch up.
•
The concentration camp's drill ground was so big that it was comparable to any military camp's training ground. However, the ground was a lot worse. Although he was wearing sturdy boots, Du Wei still felt uncomfortable under his feet.
Then, he saw the black mass of people in the square.
A total of four thousand people, wearing the same shabby prison uniform, sat listlessly on the ground. Everyone's face was covered with dust, their faces were indifferent, and their eyes were numb and empty.
Is this my future infantry regiment?
Du Wei frowned: "Why are they so listless?"
"This …" Biaidro scratched his head: "Sir, I received the news that you will come last night, so I called them out last night and sat here all night. And … "Biaidro sighed:" The recent supplies are insufficient, and there is a shortage of food. These prisoners can only eat one meal a day. "
Du Wei immediately became angry!
One meal a day?
These people are my future soldiers!! This damn guy, he actually dares to let my soldiers starve?
But looking at Biaidro's sad face, Du Wei couldn't get mad at him. It's clear to see that this commander is also out of options.
Sure enough … …
"… … Even my people can only eat two meals a day. Only the officers can guarantee three meals a day." Biaidro sighed: "If the supplies came ten days later, then even the officers would have to reduce their food rations."
Du Wei turned around and carefully stared at Biaidro: "Why are you so nervous? The one responsible for your supplies is … … "
"It's the Northwestern Army." Biaidro smiled bitterly: "Sir, this is the Northwest. According to the Empire's regulations from 20 years ago, all supplies in the Northwest will be handed over to the Northwestern Army for distribution … … The problem is … …"
At this point, Biaidro hesitated for a moment as if he didn't know whether to continue or not.
Seeing the guy's hesitation, Du Wei said in a deep voice: "Speak, I won't blame you!"
Biaidro's heart clenched. The Duke in front of him is the most important person to come here in the past few years. He has already reported this problem countless times to his superiors, but there's never been any news!
"Sir, the 2000 garrison troops of Big Ear City belong to the Empire's local garrison, not the Northwestern Army. But in the Northwest, all military supplies are distributed by the Northwestern Army, so … … "
"So what?"
Biaidro stared into Du Wei's eyes. Suddenly, he didn't know where the courage came from, but he gritted his teeth and said: "So, we are simply raised by a stepmother! Every year, we are the last to get our supplies, and we are often docked. And just 50 miles away from here, there is an infantry regiment stationed in the Northwestern Army's barracks. Every year, they can eat and drink well … … Here we are … … You can also see it. "
Du Wei frowned and pondered for a moment: "Why is it like this? According to the Empire's orders, the local garrison troops should be supported by the local government's revenue. Why does the Northwestern Army have this authority? "
"This … …" Biaidro smiled bitterly: "20 years ago, during the war in the Northwest, this temporary decree was issued. According to the war situation at that time, it's reasonable to designate the Northwest as a war zone. But the problem is that 20 years after the war … … this temporary decree still hasn't been lifted. Those guys in the Northwestern Army only know how to cover up. Their own troops are well fed and warm, but us local garrison troops … … Hehe. "
Du Wei's face was gloomy. He didn't expect the situation in the Northwest to be this serious!
Wartime decree?
If that decree still hasn't been lifted … … Then my territory, Desa Province … …
Every year, I have to take out a portion of the revenue to the Northwestern Army??
Du Wei pondered for a moment. This question isn't something that can be answered clearly right now. Suppressing these thoughts, he looked at the prisoners sitting quietly in the square.
"Go find someone to push a cart over, I want to speak." Du Wei ordered Biaidro.
Soon, a dilapidated cart was pushed over and placed in the middle of the crowd. Du Wei jumped onto the cart and took a deep breath:
"Attention everyone!!"
With a whoosh, he tore off the cloak on his body, revealing a black magician's robe underneath!
Duwei casually set up a magic spell around him so that his voice could cover the entire area from afar.
The attention of the 4000 prisoners was focused on Du Wei. This magician standing on top of the cart … … looks so familiar.
"Humph!" Du Wei sneered. With a dignified face, he shouted: "I believe most of you should still remember me! You should recognize me!! "
The crowd began to whisper among themselves. Several thousand pairs of eyes looked at Du Wei with a complicated expression.
Yes, a lot of people recognized Du Wei. Because most of the people here have experienced what happened in the square on the day of the coup.
This young man wearing a black magician's robe had left a deep impression on everyone that day!
"Yes, I can see from your eyes that you still remember me!" Du Wei sneered and said loudly: "Yes, I am Du Wei, Du Wei - Rollin from the Rowling family, the current Duke of the Empire, Du Wei - Rudolph, the Duke of the Tulip Family, and also a magician recognized by the Magician's Guild, a court magician, court scholar, court astrologer … … And in the future, I will be your master! Your commanding officer!! "
Du-Wei finished his speech in one breath. He stood on top and carefully observed the expressions of the four thousand prisoners below. Seeing that their eyes were gradually recovering from the emptiness and numbness, he was very satisfied with this result. Then he gathered his strength and shouted loudly:
"Everyone, listen to my order! Wang Family's Guards, 2nd Division, 1st Infantry Regiment! Line up!!! "
Following Du Wei's shout, Robert Knight who was ready at the side took out a horn.
The loud sound of the horn echoed throughout the square, mixed with Du Wei's roar: "All officers, stand up! I want you to line up as fast as you can! Officers, count your numbers and report to your commanding officer. If you have not completed the drill by the end of the horn, then wait for the military law!! "
Boom!
The crowd was boiling. The soldiers wearing prisoner clothes revealed a trace of toughness that had been hidden for many days in their numb eyes. Although they had been deprived of all freedom and glory, fortunately, the military instinct that had been deeply ingrained in their blood had not been completely lost.
Soon, the crowd surged up like ants. Everyone stood up and began to line up according to their original organization.
When the horn ended, the square was no longer filled with 4000 prisoners who were scattered like sand, but neat phalanxes!
Several phalanxes had finished lining up within the allotted time, but when the officers reported the results one by one, when they reached the highest level, they stopped.
Because their highest commanding officer was not here. The commanding officer of this infantry regiment had been executed after the coup d 'état.
Some of the officers hesitated for a moment, but one of them was slightly more quick-witted. Looking at Du Wei who was standing on top of the bullock-cart, he strode over to Du Wei and did a chest thumping salute. Then, he loudly reported the results of the formation.
With this first one, the other officers had no choice but to follow suit and report to Du Wei one by one.
Du Wei was very satisfied with the results, and even gave an encouraging look to the first officer who reported to him.
"Very good!" Du Wei coughed and cleared his throat: "I am very gratified, because after four months, you all still have the instincts of a soldier!"
"I know that you all are very tired and hungry … you all have been sitting here for an entire night, and you all have been hungry for an entire night. You all are very uneasy and fearful! Because of a transfer order, you all have been transferred to this place, Big Ear City! The infamous City of Sin on the continent! " Du Wei loudly said: "I believe that most of you must know, those who come to Big Ear City, those who come to the northwest, what kind of miserable fate awaits them!"
After saying that, Du Wei pointed at the people below and shouted: "That's right! You all are now prisoners, sinners! You all should be sent to the northwest desert to eat sand! You will be sent to build the city walls, and be whipped by the supervisors to move rocks! Then, you will only be able to eat a little wild vegetable soup every day. I guarantee that in less than a year, most of you will be dead! There will be no chance for you all to survive your sentence! "
Du Wei pointed at his own nose: "If it wasn't for me, your fate would be like that – if it wasn't for me coming here to save you all!"
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