Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 253 The Torture of Combing and Washing (Many thanks to Yong Su for being the Alliance Leader)

The governor oversees the entire territory of a prefecture.

The prefect was responsible for handling government affairs.

The general is in charge of military affairs.

As the commander-in-chief, Zhang Zhen was the second-in-command of the Pingyang Prefecture military, holding a very high position and great power.

Before the turmoil in Pingyang Prefecture, he had witnessed many grand scenes. He had seen imperial inspectors, imperial envoys representing the emperor's authority, and even eunuchs delivering imperial edicts—he had seen them all many times, and his temperament had long been tempered. Yet, even such a general felt an indescribable sense of oppression when he saw the seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy not far away. Perhaps it was the shock brought about by the scene of dismembered limbs and flowing blood all around him... and the panic brought about by the uncertainty of his future.

Zhang Zhen knew very well that his request to see Song Yan was simply to find a way to survive.

For himself, and for his brothers.

Turning around, Zhang Zhen glanced at the familiar faces behind him, let out a heavy sigh, composed himself, took the rope in his hand, and strode forward.

At the other end of the rope, something was being dragged along.

That's a person.

This man was probably older than Zhang Zhen, but he was used to a life of luxury, so his skin was not nearly as rough as Zhang Zhen's.

His crimson official robe symbolized his status.

Qian Yaozu.

Although the rope was wrapped around his neck, he was still alive.

When Zhang Zhen stopped, Qian Yaozu was able to catch his breath.

After recovering somewhat, his bloodied face was filled with rage. He opened his mouth to unleash a torrent of curses, but the rope suddenly taut, and with a strong dragging sensation, it tightened around his neck. The curses that were about to come out were abruptly cut off. He desperately gripped the rope with both hands, trying to create a small gap between the rope and his neck, which prevented him from suffocating to death.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...

It's like a dog that's about to die.

Qian Yaozu strained to lift his head, but every now and then half of his face would still touch the cold ground. Broken ice shards and small pebbles would immediately leave streaks of blood on his well-maintained face. Occasionally, his head would accidentally bump into a larger block of ice or a rock, making a loud thud and drawing a trickle of blood.

In some places, the skin had been rubbed off, leaving it bloody.

The pain contorted Qian Yaozu's face into a grimace.

The eerie gazes cast from all around made Qian Yaozu feel extremely humiliated.

All of this mixed together, eventually evolving into a thick hatred and a chilling murderous intent. He vowed that as long as he could live, he would kill Zhang Zhen, kill Song Yan, and kill everyone who had humiliated him and witnessed his humiliation.

Even if rivers of blood flow!
Even if the corpses pile up like mountains.

From his throat came strange gurgling sounds, like a groan or the roar of some wild beast.

Zhang Zhen was unaware of Qian Yaozu's thoughts. He dragged Qian Yaozu along, and after only a few steps, they immediately attracted the attention of the black-armored soldiers around them.

All eyes turned to this side.

These black-armored warriors were all bloodstained, and even Zhang Zhen felt a chill run down his spine being stared at by so many of them. Their gazes were as sharp as knives, as if they were searching for a suitable spot to strike him. A squad of black-armored warriors had already blocked his way. They didn't attack, but their fingers were already on the hilts of their swords.

It was as if any unusual movement he made would immediately be chopped into mincemeat by a sharp steel knife.

He believed these people were capable of doing it.

A glance swept over the black-armored warrior; patches of blood, chunks of flesh, and even broken bones and internal organs clung to his black armor.

Then, a strong light of envy and jealousy suddenly burst forth in Zhang Zhen's eyes.

As the commander-in-chief of Pingyang Prefecture, Zhang Zhen naturally had excellent judgment. He could tell at a glance that the armor and weapons worn by these black-armored soldiers were all of the highest quality. Then, his body suddenly trembled, he gasped for breath, and his eyes turned to shock, even fear.

The material of these armors and weapons is... hundred-fold refined steel?

During iron smelting, there is a very small chance of obtaining 100-fold refined steel under various coincidences. It is extremely difficult for an iron workshop to produce enough 100-fold refined steel to make a weapon in a year.

It can be said to be the most precious of all iron materials.

It's no exaggeration to say that it's worth more than gold.

Because of its extreme scarcity, high-quality steel is mostly used for forging weapons. At the beginning of the founding of the Ning Kingdom, Emperor Taizu collected high-quality steel from all over the country and obtained seven precious swords, which he bestowed upon seven founding heroes.

These were the seven founding dukes.

These seven swords are also known as the Seven Famous Swords of Ningguo.

Zhang Zhen had only once had the good fortune to see one at a duke's residence, but what was he seeing now? Looking around, he saw two or three thousand black-armored soldiers, all clad in black, hundred-forged steel armor and wielding hundred-forged steel swords. Zhang Zhen even wondered if he was going mad. He rubbed his eyes hard and looked again. Yes, it was still hundred-forged steel armor and hundred-forged steel swords.

At this moment, Zhang Zhen almost couldn't help but scream!
How could Song Yan be so arrogant?

If he could possess a hundred-times-forged steel sword, he would even make it a family heirloom for the Zhang family, passing it down from generation to generation.

And this Song Yan, even the lowest-ranking soldier under his command, was armed to the teeth with hundred-times-forged steel.
Do you want to be so exaggerated?
Even if you have money, you shouldn't squander it like this.

Looking down at his own armor, he saw that only the breastplate was made of iron and was already rusted; the rest was just leather. Looking at his brothers behind him, they were even worse off than him. Compared to these black-armored warriors, they were practically beggars.

No, that's worse than a beggar.

Just as Zhang Zhen was feeling discouraged, a figure strode over and walked towards them. It was a burly man who was nine feet tall. Judging from his strong physique, Zhang Zhen had no doubt that this man could tear tigers and leopards apart. Even he could feel the pressure just standing in front of him.

"Who are you? What do you want?" the burly man asked in a deep, gruff voice.

Zhang Zhen's throat bobbed slightly: "This humble official, Zhang Zhen, is the General of Pingyang Prefecture. I have brought my generals to pay our respects to Lord Song. Please inform him." In terms of official rank and grade, Zhang Zhen was higher than Song Yan, the county magistrate, so he addressed him by his title, displaying extreme humility.

Luo Tianyang glanced at Zhang Zhen, then at Qian Yaozu lying on the ground, and waved his hand, causing the black-armored soldiers to disperse. Zhang Zhen breathed a sigh of relief; as long as Song Yan was willing to see him, there was a chance for him to live.

Seeing Luo Tianyang leading Zhang Zhen and the others closer, Luo Tianxuan smiled at Song Yan, then turned and left. Although she really wanted to be with her husband, she wouldn't stay by his side to disturb him when he was dealing with important matters.

When he was still a few steps away from Song Yan, Zhang Zhen stopped and bowed to Song Yan, saying, "This humble official, Zhang Zhen, the General of Pingyang Prefecture, greets Your Excellency."

Song Yan looked at Zhang Zhen in front of him. He was in his forties, but his face looked as weathered as someone in his fifties.

Song Yan had a strange feeling about this general; he couldn't say whether he was good or bad. As the general of Pingyang Prefecture, he commanded 15,000 soldiers, yet he could only watch helplessly as the Jurchen cavalry swaggered across Pingyang Prefecture's territory, as the people of Ningguo were slaughtered, as Qian Yaozu indulged in debauchery within Pingyang City, as batches of women were given to the Jurchens, and as countless civilians starved to death...

He clearly had the ability to change the situation, but ultimately did nothing.

On the other hand, Song Yan could understand it.

In this era of stark social hierarchy, civil officials wielded immense power, while military officers were marginalized and oppressed. Their fighting spirit was eroded under this oppression, and Zhang Zhen dared not disobey Qian Yaozu's orders; feigning compliance was the limit of his capabilities. Moreover, Zhang Zhen had to seriously consider the consequences of resisting Qian Yaozu. Given Qian Yaozu's methods, he could become the next Dou Xian or Liang Youde; not only would his life be at risk, but his wife, children, and parents would likely perish as well.

The conflict between Song Yan and Qian Yaozu pushed him to the brink of disaster, forcing Zhang Zhen to make a choice.

If he continues as before...

Once Qian Yaozu dies, the situation in Pingyang City will be completely exposed. The lives of Qian Yaozu's family alone will not be enough to quell the anger of Emperor Ninghe and the court. All the officials in Pingyang City, big and small, will be implicated, including Zhang Zhen. Just the fact that he knew about the incident but did not report it will be enough to cut off Zhang Zhen's head.

If Qian Yaozu wins, he will deal with Song Yan after he has dealt with him.

In this situation, he chose to capture Qian Yaozu alive and humbly beg Song Yan for a way out. Of course, the circumstances were probably much more complicated than Song Yan had guessed, but overall, they shouldn't be too different.

Song Yan let out a breath and glanced at the middle-aged man in his forties or fifties. If he could save the lives of this group of officers, from then on, the Pingyang Prefecture soldiers would be completely under his control.

That's it.

The fact that Zhang Zhen managed to hold out until now without colluding with Qian Yaozu, and that he managed to capture Qian Yaozu alive at the last moment, at least proves that a sliver of courage still remains in his body. "General Zhang, no need for such formalities." Song Yan smiled, "Isn't this our Prefect of Pingyang Prefecture? What's wrong with him?"

Song Yan's gaze fell on Qian Yaozu, who was in a very sorry state. He was covered in mud and blood, and even emitted a strong stench. His gorgeous official robes were covered with large patches of filth.

Did I fall into a latrine?

Unable to discern Song Yan's thoughts, Zhang Zhen could only force a smile:

"Qian Yaozu colluded with the Jurchens, transporting grain and women for them. He is a disgrace to Ningguo. In Pingyang City, he caused tens of thousands of people to starve to death. His crimes are heinous. Because Your Excellency discovered his crimes, Qian Yaozu tried to cover them up and gathered thugs in Pingyang City to attempt to assassinate Your Excellency."

"He himself stayed at the governor's mansion, waiting for news."

"Unable to bear seeing the people of Pingyang City continue to suffer, I led my troops to attack the governor's mansion. Qian Yaozu saw that the hundreds of guards were no match for the governor's soldiers, so he tried to escape by climbing over the wall. However, the outside of the wall was also blocked by the governor's soldiers, so he hid in the latrine."

“When my men found the latrine, Qian Yaozu was so terrified that he fell down.”

Song Yan was taken aback.

Good heavens, this is really like falling into a cesspool.

No wonder you smell so bad.

No wonder Qian Yaozu wasn't escorted here, but dragged here with a rope.

Anyone would feel disgusted and unwilling to touch a guy who's just been pulled out of a cesspool.

For a scholar like Qian Yaozu who valued his reputation highly, falling into a cesspool might have been more painful than being killed.
Zhang Zhen was also somewhat embarrassed. It was really inappropriate to visit Song Yan with such filth, but he didn't dare to delay for too long: "My lord, what do you plan to do with him?"

Qian Yaozu had just freed himself from the ropes and was panting heavily when he heard these words. He jerked his head up, his eyes fixed on Song Yan, filled with fear and pleading. Even so, he didn't want to lose his dignity as a scholar. His throat bobbed violently: "Song Yan, you are just a county magistrate. I am the Prefect of Pingyang, a third-rank official. You have no right to punish me. Only the court, only His Majesty, can decide my life or death."

“To deal with me privately is an overstepping of authority, a great disrespect, tantamount to treason, and warrants the extermination of nine generations of your family.”

Song Yan chuckled: "Exterminate nine generations of your family?"

"It's okay, make yourself at home."

The eldest princess is the mother-in-law.

Even Emperor Ninghe, based on our official relationship, would have to call him "elder brother-in-law." Are you afraid of exterminating his entire family?
Qian Yaozu's face immediately darkened.

Song Yan stretched out his arm: "General Zhang, please take this man back first and find a place to lock him up. Oh, and give him a bath."

"I want ice water."

“That comment about the water being too cold is practically a stain on our governor’s resume; we have to help him clean it up.”

Zhang Zhen's eyes lit up. Song Yan was giving him a task, and this alone greatly increased his chances of survival: "Your subordinate obeys."

Song Yan's smile gradually faded, and her eyes fixed on Zhang Zhen: "Next, I need you to do a few things for me."

"Please give your orders, General."

"The first thing to do is to lead the garrison troops to capture all the officials, big and small, in Pingyang City, leaving no one behind."

Zhang Zhen's pupils suddenly contracted.

This is a petition.

His throat bobbed, and without the slightest hesitation, Zhang Zhen immediately agreed.

"The second thing is to lead troops to surround the Huang family and the Zhang family. No one from either family is allowed to escape. If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible."

This surprised not only Zhang Zhen, but also the officers behind him and Qian Yaozu, who was lying on the ground. The Zhang and Huang families had been deeply rooted in Pingyang City for many years, and even at the height of Qian Yaozu's arrogance, they dared not make a move against the two families.

This Lord Song is truly fearless! Doesn't he fear provoking the rebellion of the two great families? Doesn't he know that these two families employ thousands of guards and servants?
He glanced around at the black-armored warriors still finishing off the attackers... well, this guy really isn't afraid.

With these black-armored warriors around, let alone the two major families being able to mobilize thousands of servants and guards at any time, if you include the tenants, it's possible that there are tens of thousands... But so what?

It will simply mean another batch of victims, nothing more.

"Your subordinate obeys." Taking a deep breath, Zhang Zhen replied in a deep voice.

"Third, seal off Xilin Academy in Pingyang City and capture all students of Xilin Academy alive."

Zhang Zhen gasped.

Compared to arresting officials, targeting the Zhang and Huang families and capturing students of Xilin Academy might seem to have little impact, but in Zhang Zhen's eyes, this was the most terrifying thing.

Throughout history, scholars have held a high social status.

Especially in today's environment that values ​​literature over military affairs, scholars are respected wherever they go.

Even the imperial court and government officials generally do not punish scholars too severely, but judging from Lord Song's intentions, he is preparing to uproot the Xilin Academy in Pingyang City.

Looking at the scattered limbs and broken bodies around, it's likely that few of the hundreds of scholars in Xilin Academy will survive.

Once he arrested these scholars, he would be condemned by all the scholars in Ningguo, his reputation would be completely ruined, perhaps even to the point of being infamous for eternity… The thought barely crossed Zhang Zhen’s mind before he made his decision: “Understood. However, what do you intend to do with these scholars from Xilin Academy, Your Excellency? Will you directly…” Zhang Zhen gestured across his neck, a murderous glint in his eyes.

These scholars usually looked down on these peasants, so if they had the chance to chop off their heads one by one, it would be something they were really excited and looking forward to.

Now that you've decided to join Song Yan's side, the worst thing you can do is waver.

Even if it means becoming a knife in Song Yan's hand, at least there's a chance to survive.

"Restrict them, gather evidence of their crimes, don't rush to kill them, take it slow."

Zhang Zhen was somewhat disappointed.

Having made all these arrangements, Song Yan seemed a little tired. He stretched and yawned, then looked into the distance. Beyond the black-armored soldiers, two carriages were parked on a hill behind them. A woman wrapped in a fox fur coat was leaning against the carriage shaft. Noticing Song Yan's gaze, she waved happily at him.

She's clearly a mother-in-law, but she doesn't have much of the demeanor of an elder.

Song Yan smiled in that direction, then gradually turned her gaze to Zhang Zhen, her expression becoming increasingly serious.

"When the Princess went to Liaodong to visit her son-in-law Song Yan, Qian Yaozu attempted to kidnap her and send her to the Jurchens. Zhang Zhen, the garrison commander of Pingyang Prefecture, led his troops to suppress the attack and captured Qian Yaozu, the prefect of Pingyang, alive in order to uphold the dignity of the royal family."

call……

Upon hearing these words, Zhang Zhen breathed a heavy sigh of relief. He knew that he and his men had finally survived. Without the slightest hesitation, Zhang Zhen and the officers behind him knelt on one knee: "Thank you, Your Excellency, for saving our lives."

The sound was loud and clear, echoing across the snow.

They understood that from this moment on, their lives were firmly tied to Song Yan.

"Get up, take me to the governor's mansion."

"Oh, and do one more thing for me: open the granary of the governor's mansion, distribute the grain overnight, and inform all the people that Qian Yaozu will be executed at the gate of the governor's mansion tomorrow."

"Your subordinate understands. May I ask what form of torture Your Excellency intends to use?"

Song Yan's lips curled up:

"The punishment of grooming!"

(End of this chapter)