Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

Tao'er was unaware that an hour earlier, the head of the gang, Zhang Fei, had met with the second-in-command, Hu Biao.

He had no idea that the chief was in such a hurry to find him because of the second-in-command, Hu Biao.

An hour ago, in the dark cell.

The so-called dark dungeon in Tiger Head Village is actually a cave, inside which is a dungeon enclosed by an iron frame.

There are two people guarding the outside.

This place is under the jurisdiction of the third leader, Ma Jiakang. Besides him, only the first and second leaders have the right to come here.

Besides them, there were four guards, working in two shifts, morning and evening.

Two days and two nights, alternating.

The head of the gang was resting inside, but he was quite angry just now.

Soon someone came to tell him that the second-in-command was looking for him. At first, the first-in-command was in a fit of anger and refused to see him at all.

Unexpectedly, Hu Biao sent word that he wanted to see the chief one last time, otherwise he would die with regrets.

After considering it for a while, Zhang Fei went to see Hu Biao anyway.

He felt that no matter what, Hu Biao had saved his life back then, so he should go and meet him!

Deep within the cave, in a dark dungeon, the iron-framed structure cast distorted shadows in the flickering firelight.

Hu Biao gripped the cold iron bars with both hands, his eyes fixed on Zhang Fei standing outside, regretting that he should have been ruthless enough to get rid of him long ago.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be a prisoner now.

However, he showed no hatred on his face, but rather a hint of regret.

As Zhang Fei approached the iron bars, Hu Biao immediately admitted his mistake, "Brother, you've finally come. I know you can't bring yourself to do it."

Brother, I'm so sorry.

I must be an animal to do such a vicious thing!

How could I possibly poison you!

You're my older brother...

Brother, please believe me, I really made a mistake for a moment!

"It's all that brat's fault. She blinded me with hatred, making me do such a foolish thing."

If only I had known then what I know now.

Don't blame a mere cook; she only gave you an excuse and the opportunity to kill me!

Zhang Fei could easily see that Hu Biao was making excuses for himself.

"Big brother, I was wrong!"

I truly know I was wrong. Please forgive me just this once more, okay?

Please let me go, considering that I saved your life!

From now on, let's call it even and let bygones be bygones!

Hu Biao was truly terrified; he really didn't want to die…

Zhang Fei was once a lieutenant general in Xiao's army, and he killed quite a few people.

He was also a ruthless person. Back then, he betrayed General Xiao Yi, who had promoted him, for personal gain, which shows that he was a vicious man.

Besides, he's just a bandit with a straw hat.

Yes, it turns out he was just a bandit with only a dozen or so men under his command.

Zhang Fei shook his head. "A Biao, the village has its own rules, and you know them better than anyone else."

If I let you off this time, others will follow suit.

I've always remembered your kindness in saving my life, but what you've done has gone too far. How can I possibly do this?

Zhang Fei sighed.

"Brother, since that's the case, what do you intend to do with me?"

Should I be handed over to that brat, or should I be put to trial by everyone?

Or do you really want to kill me too?

Don't forget, I know your secret.

If I were to reveal that you betrayed the imperial court and colluded with the Third Prince, do you think you could still stay safely in Tiger Head Stronghold?

Also, once I die, many people will know your secret.

I imagine that when the time comes, neither the remaining members of the Xiao family army, nor the Third Prince, nor the Crown Prince will let you live.

Hu Biao was barely able to contain his anger, and his words were full of threat.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei's expression hardened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he glared fiercely at Hu Biao. "Second brother, are you threatening me? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you right now?"

Hu Biao sneered, "Afraid..."

Of course I'm afraid, but since you're unwilling to give me a way out, what do I have to worry about?

Since I'm going to die anyway, I'd better have someone to keep me company when I die.

Otherwise, wouldn't I be too lonely going to the underworld alone?

We're brothers, we don't need to be born on the same day, but it wouldn't be bad to die on the same day.

However, it's a pity that my eldest brother died when he was living such a comfortable life, with a wife, daughter, and so many brothers.

So you should really think it over!

Anyway, if I die today, you won't live more than three days, because the news of my death will spread immediately.

"I've been in this underworld for so long, how could I possibly leave myself no way out?"

Hu Biao didn't care anymore, so he simply spoke frankly.

He slowly sat down cross-legged at the low table, drinking and gnawing on a chicken leg.

Zhang Fei remained silent for a while before speaking, "Second brother, considering you once saved my life, I can spare your life."

But you can never step out of this dark prison; you will spend the rest of your life in this dark prison!

You can have everything you need except freedom.

You can eat, drink, and relieve yourself; even if you want a woman, I can find you a wife.

Let her keep you company in this dungeon, so you won't be too lonely. That's all I can do.

As for letting you out, that's impossible...

"What...?"

Brother, are you going to imprison me in this dark and sunless dungeon?

I'd rather be dead. This place is dark and damp; is it even fit for a human to live in?

Are you sparing my life or finding another way to torture me?

Hu Biao roared angrily.

If he hadn't died, that person wouldn't have spread the information, and Zhang Fei's secret wouldn't have been revealed.

This leader Zhang Fei is truly ruthless, using such a method to punish himself.

"If you are unwilling, I will not force you. Then you can only follow the village rules."

You need to go through trials of fire and water to survive.

If you pull through, you'll still be the second-in-command of Tiger Head Stronghold.

Zhang Fei...

Can a person survive those mountains of knives and seas of fire?

You're clearly not giving me a way out...

Hu Biao roared loudly.

"Hahaha……

It's good that you know!

But then your death would have nothing to do with me.

Alright, I've already given you a choice. It's up to you!

And I won't be coming here again...

You don't need to ask me to relay your message anymore.

Only Hu Biao knew the secret from back then, so his death was actually a good thing.

He just didn't expect that this bastard would play tricks on him and have a backup plan.

There's no other way; we can't execute him immediately, at least not right now.

Among the hundreds of brothers in Hutou Village, there must have been some of Hu Biao's confidants.

He can't execute Hu Biao right now; he can only try to appease him for the time being.

After he finished speaking, he turned to leave, but Hu Biao called out to him and asked, "Boss, was everything you just said true?"

Can you keep your promise to me?

Are you really willing to find me a woman to keep me company and alleviate my boredom in this dark prison?

As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn!

We have no choice but to compromise for now!

At least for now, the boss won't take his life.

Zhang Fei turned around, nodded, his expression grave, "Of course it's true. You've come to your senses and agreed to spend your whole life here?"

If he could stay in the dark prison obediently for the rest of his life, he might spare his life!

"Boss, I promise you, it's better to live a wretched life than to die."

But you just said you could give me a woman to be my wife, so can I choose this woman myself?

Zhang Fei looked away, his voice low and deep: "Hmm, which woman in the village are you talking about?"