"Chief Commander Han Xin, were you the one who killed Wu Commander Zhu Zao?"
The military judge went to read the script about what happened, then raised his head and asked the tall young man who was tied up and sent to the military court.
Go Jinai is from Huyang Pavilion, Anlu County, Nan County. More than ten years ago, he was arrested by the pavilion chief Heifu for anonymous submission of letters. However, because of his report, he followed the clues and solved a tomb robbery case that shocked the whole county. From then on, he started his life.
peak……
When he attacked Chu for the second time, Qu Ji served as a secretary beside Heifu. After the Chu was destroyed, he accumulated merit and became a jailer. Later, he served as a jailer in E County, Hengshan County. Now Heifu was gathering a large army in Wuchang Camp, so he transferred Yuzhang
County prisoner Cao Lehe Quji came over and served as military judge. Le was appointed as "Junzheng", with a rank of 600 shi, and was in charge of the army. Quji was appointed as "Junzheng Cheng", with a rank of 400 shi, and was responsible for farming and transporting heavy troops.
The forest is big and there are all kinds of birds. In the past few months, I have had to deal with various cases, private fights, escapes, malfeasance, and some minor matters, so I just handed them over to my subordinates to handle. Today's case, if someone hadn't died,
, and he will not come forward in person.
Interesting person, the commander in front of me named "Han Xin" came to report it himself. When faced with Qu Ji's inquiry, he replied in a neither humble nor overbearing manner:
"I report to the superior officer that Wu Commander Zhu Zao was killed by Han Xin in accordance with military law."
Qu Ji frowned: "According to military law? But his fellow villagers said that you were angry because Zhu Zao humiliated you in public yesterday, so you found an excuse to kill him today."
I have heard about what happened yesterday. Wu Commander Zhu Zao revealed the secret of Han Xin in public. He talked about the scandal that he once got into someone's crotch, which caused the whole camp to laugh. Han Xin didn't say anything at that time and just kept quiet.
After finishing the meal, it was as if he hadn't heard anything.
The people in each camp then discussed and said that Han Xin was really a coward and anyone could bully him.
The most despised thing in the army is a coward. Zhu Zao was very proud. He already disliked this unworthy man who came from the air. This time he revealed his true colors to see if Han Xin dared to attack them.
Cry five and drink six.
Unexpectedly, the next day, this "coward" stood on a wooden stake in the forest farm, holding an ax and chopped off Zhu Zao's head!
Han Xin did not feel panic at all after the murder: "I killed Zhu Zao because he violated military law, not because he insulted me in public."
"Which military law was violated?" Qu Ji didn't take it seriously. In his impression, these junior officers and corps commanders, who didn't even know how to read, knew the military law?
"The method of killing in battle!"
Han Xin directly recited the original text: "If you are very long, you can kill ten people; if you are a great uncle, you can kill very long people; if you have a general of a thousand people, you can kill a hundred people; if you have a general of ten thousand people, you can kill a general of a thousand people; if you have a general of left and right, you can kill ten thousand people"
All generals, great generals, will be punished! On the battlefield, those who walk in disorder will be punished, those who dare to speak loudly and disobey orders will be punished, and those who dare to disobey orders will be punished!"
It's true to every word. In the past, there were no channels for learning. During the time he came to the military camp, Han Xin was not idle for a day.
Qu Ji looked at Han Xin again in surprise: "Go on."
Han Xin said: "Zhu Zao despises me and Ji Zui is rude. The most important thing is that he disobeys my orders and speaks rudely, saying that if I have the guts, I will kill him, otherwise I will crawl under his crotch."
"I tried to persuade him three times, but he still continued to curse. Han Xin had no choice but to resort to the method of war and kill him. This is not to surrender, but to bring his head back to the army to report his passing!"
Qu Ji shook his head: "Although there is this method, you killed Zhu Zao in the forest farm near the camp, not in the battle formation. Even if Zhu Zao disobeyed the order, you could have detained him and reported him to the Ming military judge...
"
"The forestry farm is Han Xin's battle formation. In emergencies, you have to take control!"
Han Xin bowed his head and said: "Gathering the soldiers into an army has an empty name but no reality. It is not enough to defend the enemy from the outside, and it is not enough to defend the country internally. The reason why this army is not given is the reason why the general will seize power. Even though it is small, it is also
As a military official, if he loses his prestige, he will not be able to restrain the soldiers. The soldiers will not obey my orders and will be lax and rude, causing the corvee and the prisoners to take the opportunity to cause chaos and escape. If something goes wrong, who can bear the responsibility? For such a black sheep, Han Xin
We have to kill him immediately! To shock everyone."
Qu Ji seemed to be convinced and nodded: "You have only been in office for two days, how did you convince other people to help you win Zhu Zao?"
Han Xindao said: "Zhu Zao was arrogant and claimed to be a fellow villager of Changnan Hou. He often bullied the soldiers of Hengshan County and was deeply hated by others. At that time, since he did not dare to risk his life to kill me, he had no choice but to be beheaded by me."
Qu Ji understood, but Han Xin surprised him even more. He was very organized and never hesitated when it was time to kill someone. Was he still the coward who got under people's legs?
He made a few notes on the desk and looked at Han Xin.
"last question."
"There are many senior officers in the army. Even if there is someone under the command who disobeys the order, the most they can do is report it to various levels, and the military judge will catch the person and give him a few whips. It would be better for you to just kill him! How brave. In that case, why?
In my hometown, I got into someone's arms because I was timid? Is this an untrue statement?"
Han Xin gritted his teeth: "Han Xin was indeed humiliated by the crotch in his hometown, but at that time, he was humiliating me alone, and it was against the law to have a private fight with him. But now, what Zhu Zao is humiliating is military law and discipline, and he must be killed."
Not guilty!"
"You can retreat if you are private, but you cannot retreat if you are public!"
"Okay, I'm a good person and I can't retreat."
Go Ji solemnly asked Han Xin to leave first. He called several people to the hall and asked what happened. It was just as Han Xin said. After discussing with the left and right, he ordered to be loosened.
"Zhu Zao refused to obey the order. Han Xin killed him in accordance with military regulations to show his military authority. You are not guilty. You can leave!"
…
Different from the civil affairs, the military courts of the Qin army were extremely efficient. After setting the tone for this case, Zuo Zuo asked Qu Ji with some hesitation:
"Jun Zhengcheng, let him go like this? Although the little chief said a lot of nice things, in my opinion, he still killed people because of personal grudges!"
Qin Lu regards whether there is criminal consciousness as the main basis for sentencing and conviction. In the opinion of his subordinates, as long as it is proved that Han Xin is suspected of reporting a personal grudge, he can be arrested again!
Qu Ji glanced at his subordinates and said: "The general will kill everything, even ten people. This is written in the military law, every word is recorded. Zhu Zao disobeys the military order, and Han Xin kills him. It is reasonable and legal.
Then there is no guilt.”
"But the person he killed was from Nanjun..." There was a grievance among his subordinates. He and Zhu Zao were from the same county.
"People from Nanjun can't be killed if they break the law? They have to be punished? Who said this?"
Qu Ji was furious and took action against the case. Although he was also one of the old Anlu troops, he deeply hated those who violated the rules and disciplines in the name of "Children of Nanjun".
"Pass on my order to hang Zhu Zao's head on the camp gate for public display. This incident will also serve as a reminder to everyone in the camp."
Quji glanced at the clerks from Nanjun and sneered:
"There is still a difference between the army and the neighbors in counties and villages! Then Zhu Zao still claims to be a son of Nanjun, a prince and a member of the township party, and bullies the soldiers and people of other counties? Bah! It would be better for this kind of rat shit to die! He will not ruin the prince.
reputation!"
Everyone was stunned and didn't dare to say anything.
Qu Ji wrote this incident in the love book and muttered:
"A young commander is actually well-versed in military regulations and can still talk about the art of war. It's not easy for Captain Su Su to find his subordinates from nowhere..."
…
"Xiao Jun."
Half an hour later, Han Xin knelt in front of Xiao He and begged him.
"Han Xin caused trouble for Mr. Xiao."
Xiao He put down the grain book in his hand, raised his head and said, "You got away on your own before I had time to send someone to intercede for you. What's the matter?"
Xiao He gestured with his hands, motioning Han Xin to get up, and cast his eyes on his trembling hands.
"First time killing someone?"
Han Xin also noticed the trembling in his hands and simply clenched them into fists so that his fingers could not be seen shaking. He smiled and said: "This is the first time."
I especially remember that before taking action, Zhu Zao, who was pinned on the stake, was still cursing. He was really a hopelessly stupid man. A moment ago, he thought Han Xin was a coward and did not dare to kill him. He said rudely, "You
Do you have the guts to come and kill me?" When Han Xin actually raised his axe, he was frightened and threatened, saying: "I am from Nanjun, a member of the Houxiang Party in Changnan, and my father and brother were his old troops. How dare you
Try to kill me!"
Han Xin ignored it and swung the sharp ax down, heavy and precise, with a fatal blow! Blood splashed on the faces of others.
But after that, whether it was because the ax was blunt or his hands were slippery, he chopped four times in a row before separating the head from the body. After he perfected it, his heart was pounding.
Alas, it’s still a hand job.
Hiding the matter, Han Xin recounted the story of Qu Ji's interrogation.
Xiao He listened quietly and asked: "Han Xin, is the reason why you killed someone really just for the sake of official duty?"
Han Xin was smart, but extremely honest in front of those he trusted. He shook his head and said, "There are also selfish motives. This officer humiliated me in public. If I don't kill him, I won't be able to gain a foothold in the army."
He had already had the experience of being humiliated and had no place to stay, so he had to leave his hometown in a hurry, and he didn't want to do it again.
But the difference from Huaiyin is that this time Han Xin is an official, with power in his hands, and he can command everyone with Xiao He's backing.
It just so happened that Zhu Zao was so stupid that he actually hit the knife's edge by himself. Since he didn't obey the order and the soldier gave him an excuse, it's no wonder that Han Xin was killed.
He misjudged Han Xin. Compassion does not lead to troops. How could a weak man send his troops to conquer the east and west? The more troops the better?
If you kill one person and the three armies are shocked, kill him! It's that simple.
Xiao He praised Han Xin: "You have adapted well. It seems that you have mastered the art of generals."
Han Xin smiled bitterly: "Xiao Jun was so ridiculous. Han Xin has no extraordinary martial arts skills. He only has a good memory. I am in the army and military law is the only weapon I can use. How dare I not polish it day and night?"
Xiao He raised his hand and said, "That's good, but everyone knows about your past. I will send someone to find out who told the truth, and they will be severely punished."
The person who spread the news could only be Xiao He's entourage, who had seen Han Xin's embarrassment when he was in Huaiyin.
"Jun Xiao, that's no need."
Han Xin declined Xiao He's kindness and said, "It's just right for people to know about this."
Xiao He was surprised: "Everyone likes to talk about their good deeds but hide their bad deeds. This is not a glorious thing. Aren't you angry?"
"If you cover it up, can you pretend that it never happened?"
Han Xin had his own ideas and whispered: "Han Xin will never forget the crotch humiliation, let alone who he is, because others will not forget it, and the more I cover it up, the more they will talk about it.
"
This is Han Xin’s experience over the years.
"Why don't everyone know about it, and let Han Xin remember this? Didn't Mr. Xiao tell me something? Knowing shame is almost courageous!"
Xiao He nodded and said: "As expected, although Han Xin is a commoner, his ambition is different from others."
After he pondered, he said: "Let's put down the work in the woodyard for now. I'll let you go over there. You'll be overqualified for your talents. From today on, you will be the commander of the village and be my personal guard!"
Han Xin thanked Xiao He, but looked embarrassed.
"But Mr. Xiao, I don't have a title, so I can do whatever I want. However, if I am promoted to the position of commander without any title, I will inevitably attract criticism."
Xiao He smiled and said: "Don't worry, the imperial court has issued an edict. In this southern expedition, all those in the army who are not more senior will be rewarded with a first-class knighthood. I have put you in the first batch of lists, and it will be implemented soon.
"
"So, I am also a public servant?" Han Xin laughed at himself. This title came too easily.
"Not a public official, but a superior."
Xiao He handed him a document, looked at Han Xin's surprised eyes, and showed a smile of pity:
"I have paid thousands of stones for you, you just need to write your name on it and press your fingerprint!"
…
"The head of the family really values Han Xin."
Han Xin thanked him again and again, and after saying goodbye with gratitude, the old domestic servant who had been serving Xiao He all year round came out. He had served the Xiao family for two generations and watched Xiao He step by step from a small official to six hundred shi.
The old domestic servant also knew that the master of the house had a keen eye for people, but since Liu Ji in Peixian County, he had never seen him pay so much attention to a person.
Xiao He looked at him: "How do you think the news about Han Xin's crotch humiliation spread?"
The old servant laughed and said: "When we were in Huaiyin, everyone on the ship knew about Han Xin's dilemma. When everyone saw that the master treated Han Xin favorably, they felt jealous and took advantage of his shortcomings."
"Who could it be?" Xiao He looked confused.
The domestic servant thought for a while: "It must be a garrulous little follower, maybe it's me, the old servant!"
Xiao He nodded: "Yes, it is possible for anyone. If there is no investigation, the matter ends here."
"The old servant will keep tight-lipped and take this matter to the coffin!"
After the domestic helper left, Xiao He thought about the whole thing and felt very satisfied.
He just wanted to see whether Han Xin was a stone or a piece of jade.
If it is just a piece of stone, it would not be a pity even if it is useless.
"If it were real jade, how could he be afraid of cutting it with a knife?"
Things developed as expected. Under the ridicule of public opinion, Han Xin was once again in a dilemma, but he relied on his own wisdom and use of military law to completely reverse the situation.
And Han Xin's self-report just now made Xiao He even more impressed. He was right, Han Xin was indeed a talent!
Given time, you might even become a great talent!
If you want to give a favor, you must give it to the end! That thousand shi of millet was Xiao He's second investment in Han Xin.
It was not easy. After polishing this piece of rough jade, a corner was finally exposed.
But if you don’t accumulate steps, you won’t be able to reach a thousand miles; if you don’t accumulate small streams, you won’t be able to reach a river or sea. You have to keep grinding.
After arriving at Wuchang Camp, he was surrounded by a group of Nanjun soldiers. Xiao He felt that he was weak and weak. The only person he had any friendship with was Cao Shen, who was far away in Jiaodong. His son Xiao Lu, fellow countryman Zhou Chang and others were all mediocre people and not worthy of great responsibility. Xiao He needed
A friend who can be trusted by the Marquis of Changnan can help him stand out and consolidate his position.
Xiao He will look for the most suitable time to recommend Han Xin to the Marquis of Changnan...
but not now.
Looking at the map on the desk, Xiao He thought: "Calculating the time, the Marquis of Changnan should arrive in Guilin via Lingqu..."
Although Lao Xiao was good at reading people, he couldn't predict things like a god. Hei Fu didn't go to Guilin. An unexpected incident made him change direction and go to Yangshanguan, the southernmost point of Changsha County!