Chapter 38

In the tent that originally housed only four people, the sudden addition of two more caused Zhao Zheng, who was still in a state of anger, Wen Fang, who was feeling ashamed, and He Chuan, who was trying to mediate, to be taken aback simultaneously. Wen Fang, who was concerned about Zhao Zheng's safety, almost drew his sword from his waist, but soon, the three of them realized that the two people on the ground had their hands and feet bound and posed no threat. Upon closer inspection, the two were dressed in fine clothing, but their mental state was somewhat listless. Most importantly, these two were not strangers.

"Wolfe! Brian!"

Zhao Zheng was naturally very familiar with these two. Before the war, they had a good relationship, but after the war, they became his greatest enemies. Zhao Zheng had dreamed of eliminating them, but he could never find the opportunity. Wolfe was cunning by nature and always commanded his troops from the rear, retreating immediately if things went wrong, never leading the charge. Brian was the same, excelling in underhanded tactics, but running faster than anyone when faced with a tough opponent.

In fact, the entire Wolfe faction was similar, including Chris. Despite his reputation for charging ahead, he was never reckless. After the war, Zhao Zheng and the military strategists in his family had devised multiple plans to eliminate Chris, but none were successful. Chris, who seemed simple-minded, always managed to see through their plans and escape in advance. If it weren't for He Ping, Chris would still be living a carefree life.

Although Chris had been eliminated, Zhao Zheng did not believe that the remaining two core members of the Wolfe faction could be quickly dealt with. He was prepared for a long-term battle, gradually wearing down Wolfe and Brian. Fortunately, he was still young, while Wolfe was already old. After a few years, when Wolfe either died or became unable to command his troops, Zhao Zheng would then engage Brian in a proper battle. He was confident in his ability to defeat Brian.

However, now, these two appeared before Zhao Zheng in such a state, which left him stunned. Even Wen Fang and the usually calm He Chuan were gaping in disbelief. Zhao Zheng, disregarding his dignity, immediately rushed over to examine them closely, fearing they might be decoys. He had encountered such situations before, thinking he had eliminated these two, only to find they were just ordinary Auckland civilians who looked somewhat similar and had been disguised.

"Hmph, you little brat Zhao Zheng! Stop examining my hair and beard, it's me, Wolfe," Wolfe said, unable to bear Zhao Zheng's thorough inspection.

"Ha ha ha ha! Wolfe, you old villain, you have this day too!" Zhao Zheng, speaking fluent Auckland with a hint of the Lance Province accent, burst into laughter upon confirming it was indeed Wolfe. This was indeed a cause for celebration, though he was slightly disappointed that he hadn't captured Wolfe himself, he wasn't pedantic. As long as Wolfe was captured, the details didn't matter.

"What's so funny! Zhao Zheng, I tell you, you won't catch us even in another few decades. This isn't your achievement, why don't you fight me fairly and squarely!" Seeing Zhao Zheng's triumphant demeanor, Brian, feeling both angry and embarrassed, immediately retorted.

"Fairly and squarely?" Zhao Zheng said with a laugh. "You talk about fairness and squareness? How funny, Brian, when have you ever been fair and square? You're like a gray rat, always plotting behind the scenes. I'd love to face you on the battlefield, but every time you see me, you run faster than anyone. My wish has never been fulfilled."

"Zhao Zheng! You..." Brian, hearing Zhao Zheng's sarcastic remarks, was speechless. Although Brian had some strength on the battlefield, he was accustomed to underhanded tactics and always thought of them even in direct combat. His confidence gradually waned, and when facing a renowned general like Zhao Zheng, his first thought was not to fight fairly but to weaken the opponent through underhanded means.

"Besides, what does it matter if it's not my achievement? What does it matter if I didn't capture you myself?" Zhao Zheng patted He Ping beside him and said, "He Ping is a distinguished guest in my army. You were captured by him, and I have no regrets. I'm just glad!"

Brian wanted to say more, but Wolfe stopped him. The situation was now clear. If He Ping had dealt with them privately, there might have been a sliver of hope, but now that He Ping had handed them over to Zhao Zheng, their fate was sealed. Zhao Zheng would not let them go, and any further arguments were meaningless. As prisoners, they had no advantage. The only thing they could hope for was a dignified death befitting their noble status.

"Little brat Zhao Zheng, what do you plan to do with us? If you are willing, the Lance family can pay you a sufficient ransom according to the noble customs of Auckland. If you insist on killing us, you will face the wrath of the Lance family," Wolfe said, though he knew it was unlikely, he still tried to negotiate for his life.

Zhao Zheng shook his head and said, "Wolfe, Brian, you know the crimes you have committed in my Qingyang territory are too great. I cannot forgive you. Even if I were willing to release you, the people of Qingyang would blame me, and without their support, the Zhao family would not be able to stand in Qingyang. Besides, I have long wanted to eliminate you. For both public and personal reasons, I cannot let you go. This time, you are doomed!"

"Is it really so?" Wolfe sighed. Although the Tianhua Empire also had a noble system, the nobles could not act as they pleased, unlike in Auckland. In Tianhua, nobles were role models for the people, guiding them forward, which is why the people paid taxes to support the nobles. In Auckland, the distinction between commoners and slaves was almost nonexistent. Although he did not understand Tianhua's philosophy, Wolfe knew he could not escape death. He said, "At least give us a quick death!"

"A quick death?" Zhao Zheng looked at Wolfe strangely and laughed in anger. "You want a quick death? Why didn't you give the prisoners you tortured a chance to live? Why didn't you give the villages you burned and looted a quick death? How many people have you tortured to death, and now you want a quick death for yourselves? Wolfe, you're so old, I can understand your lack of shame, but to be as naive as a child is unacceptable!"

"Wen Fang!" Without giving Wolfe a chance to respond, Zhao Zheng turned to Wen Fang and ordered, "Inform the entire army! Tomorrow, I will publicly try and execute these two wolves at the border between the two countries!"

[PS: Second update of the day!]