Who says the prince is weak and can't take care of himself?

Chapter 195: Disobeying the Prince Will Not Leave His Body Unbroken

All the wealthy and famous people in Bashan City, including their relatives, were invited to the city wall. The hall was packed with people, and everyone was trembling with fear. Men looked at each other, and women protected their children, but they did not dare to whisper to each other under the guards' noses.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long." Tang Ling walked in gracefully, wearing a moon-white brocade robe and a fox fur cloak, which made her look warm and noble. He was already extraordinarily handsome, and at this moment he looked so gentle and elegant that people could not take their eyes off him. However, he was also so heroic that no one dared to stare at him.

Qi Xiao brought Tang Ling back on horseback, but Tang Ling went to a clothing store halfway. After coming back, she took a shower, washed up, and changed into new clothes before coming out to meet people. She made so many people wait for him for a full hour.

Tang Ling took the main seat and smiled faintly at everyone, "My last name is Tang. Let me extend my regards to everyone on behalf of my Highness the Prince of Chu."

Everyone looked at each other again. Since there was no King of Chu in Qi, they were not sure whether there was such a King in Zhou or Chen. It seemed that they had never heard of such a person and could not remember him for a moment.

Seeing Tang Ling's youthful appearance and distinguished demeanor, and her warm demeanor, someone couldn't help but ask, "...King of Chu, is he His Royal Highness the King of Chu of the State of Chen?"

Tang Ling smiled and nodded: "My prince is the ninth prince of Dachen, Qi Xiao."

"Ninth Prince?"

“…I haven’t heard of it…”

"This...Bashan has been lost?"

"Where's General Han? Did General Han surrender? Did our Qi army surrender?"

Tang Ling ignored all the whispers and continued, "Bashan is now in the hands of my prince. He is too kind to harm innocent people. Therefore, I have called you all here to explain. From today on, the entire city is under martial law and a curfew at twilight. Every household must declare their water use before using it. All daily necessities in the city, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea, will be under our control. Every transaction must be reported. You will continue to earn the money you deserve, but if anyone dares to be cunning, deceive their superiors, or try to fool the prince, then you cannot blame my prince for enforcing the strict military law."

Tang Ling took out a letter and placed it beside her, pointing her finger. "Here is a letter of surrender. If you sign it, you will be submitting to Da Chen and will be credited with a merit. My prince will not treat you unfairly. If you don't sign, that's fine too. You can come back and sign later when you have thought it through. However... there are some minor conditions and requirements."

Ye Huai took the book with both hands and presented it to everyone for review.

Qing Lan brought in a cup of hot tea and offered it to Tang Ling, "Young Master, please have some tea. Although Bashan is located in the northern border and not very wealthy, it does have some good green tea. Please try it."

Tang Ling took the teacup with a smile and took a sip. She glanced at everyone and met many inquiring gazes.

He wasn't worried about no one signing the surrender. There were those like Han Chaosheng who were fearless, but there were also those who were as timid as mice and afraid of death. Bashan was short of water, and their control of the water source was more effective than a thousand tortures. When Tang Ling left the Xia Mansion, she smashed all the water tanks in front of the Xia family. He had made it clear just now: anyone who wanted water had to apply for it before claiming it. Those who wanted to be tough had better not risk their lives.

“…I, I…I surrender…”

"Sun Jin! You cowardly wimp! Old Master Sun has lived a life of integrity, honesty, and loyalty. How could he have such an unfilial grandson like you?! Are you worthy of the plaque bestowed upon you by the late emperor, hailing you as a noble and virtuous person?"

"A soldier can be killed but not humiliated! We will not surrender!"

A tough guy rushed up and snatched the letter of surrender from Sun Jin's hand, and tore it into pieces in a few seconds.

"No surrender!"

"Yes, we will never surrender! We will never yield! This is Qi territory. Reinforcements from the imperial court will surely arrive soon. General Xu Zheng will rescue us!"

"That's right! No surrender! We will never surrender!"

The crowd became noisy, as if their loud voices could defeat the men with swords inside and outside.

"Clang clang..." The soldiers of Dingyuan Army drew their swords, and the shiny white blades pointed at the group of unarmed men, women, young and old, as if the next blow would fall on them and cause blood to splatter on the spot.

The crowd couldn't help but take a half step back, but one person stepped forward and shouted, "Everyone has to die, some as light as a feather, some as heavy as Mount Tai. We were born and raised in Qi, and we should live and die with our great Qi! If our country is destroyed and our families are ruined, where will we have a place to live? Why not die bravely and leave a mark in history!"

"that's right!"

"well said!"

Tang Ling gently put down the teacup, slowly stood up, took two steps forward and asked, "Sir, you speak so beautifully. May I know your name?"

"I... my name is Feng Yi."

"Feng Yi... Feng... is he the young master of Renxin Hall?"

"Exactly!"

"I'm a newcomer, Tang, and I didn't realize that the young master is not only an expert in medicine and a compassionate person, but also a learned man with a wealth of knowledge."

Feng Yi looked at Tang Ling, not knowing what she was up to. He straightened his back and replied, "I, Feng Yi, am not talented, but I have a passion for life."

"Master Feng, you are too modest. Everything you just said about the righteousness of family and country is true, but there is one thing you did not make clear. Even if a country is destroyed and a family is ruined, the mountains and rivers remain. Who will write the history books since ancient times? Naturally, it is the living."

"What do you mean?"

"Master Feng is a man of many books, but doesn't he know that Bashan was originally the territory of the Huyan clan, and was later occupied by the Former Sui Dynasty. The Huyan clan was completely slaughtered, and the history books only gave it a sloppy mention. Besides, the Former Sui Dynasty lasted only thirty years from its founding to its fall. Who can still remember the name and surname of the king who lost the country? Master Feng is so heroic, but if you die here, and your entire family is overthrown, who do you think will pay tribute to you at your tombstone in ten or twenty years? Oh, you are wrong. The rebellious prince will not have a complete body. I am afraid there will not even be a tomb, let alone a tombstone."

"you you!"

"Someone, take Young Master Feng out."

"Yes." Two soldiers held Feng Yi on the left and right and dragged him out.

Tang Ling turned and looked at the others: "Please follow me and watch the execution."

Standing on the city wall to watch the execution were not only Tang Ling and the wealthy merchants, celebrities and scholars in the city, but also Qi Xiao and Han Chaosheng standing on the corner tower.

Feng Yi's limbs and neck were tied with ropes. He panicked and shouted, "What are you doing?! What are you doing?!"

The centurion in charge of the execution was none other than Yan Chuan. He snorted and laughed, "What are you doing? Master Feng, haven't you ever heard of being torn apart by chariots? You're quite ignorant. Don't worry, we've got the weapons ready for you, Master Feng. We'll make sure you die a glorious death covered in blood."

“You! You guys! You guys!!”

"Does Young Master Feng have any last words?"

"Ayi!"

"Young Master!"

On the city wall, Feng Yi's father, Doctor Feng, and the family's old servants were already panicking and kneeling before Tang Ling, crying, "Master Tang, spare me! Master Tang, spare me!"

"Dad! Don't ask them! I'm already unfilial, so I can't be unfaithful! In my next life, I'll repay you for raising me!"

Tang Ling smiled, looked at Doctor Feng, and said, "Young Master Feng is truly a man of courage and integrity. Doctor Feng has raised a good son."

"Sir! Lord Tang! Please release my son. I am willing to take his life as the scapegoat! Please, Lord Tang, have mercy!"

"Doctor Feng has spent his life saving the dying and healing the wounded, and building a Buddhist temple. Such merits will surely be blessed by heaven, and he will surely enjoy a long and prosperous life."

"No, no, no! Lord Tang, please, for the sake of my son's youth and ignorance, spare him this time! I will sign the letter of surrender! I will sign!"

Tang Ling smiled as someone beside her handed Doctor Feng a letter of surrender, complete with pen, ink, and inkpad. Doctor Feng picked up the pen and signed his name, placing his handprint on it.

"Master Tang, I have signed it. Please release my child!"