War Prisoner

CH 6

Kim Liao’s death row prison has always been located in the capital. Not only was it heavily guarded, but there were also masters of martial arts secretly patrolling. Su Yi did not understand at first why such forces were necessary at a death row prison. In Qi, when a prisoner was sentenced to death, the person seemed to become more docile because they have lost all hope. Thus, it was much easier to oversee them than other inmates. Whilst Liao Kim is different, he discovered that death row inmates tried their best to escape; even when the guillotine is happening the next day, they would contemplate on how to jailbreak the night before. What was more surprising was that Wan Yan Xu did not try to stop the attempt or squash the inmates of this idea, but just happily strengthen the defence of the prison.

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Wan Yan Xu’s name has been lingering on Su Yi’s mind for the last few days. As a General, he is a good one and as a King, he is more daunting. Su Yi had little doubt on why Kim Liao only took three years to recover. A nation that never gave up hope hence, there was nothing that can prevent its growing power. Perhaps the mark of his defeat was when Wan Yan Xu ascended the throne three years ago.

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He could hear the heavy door opening and two jailers bravely went into his cell. One of them stepped forward and violently torn apart Su Yi’s shoulder garment off, looked at the wound, then sneered: “Su General, your wound is better. His Majesty is asking again: will you surrender or not?”

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Su Yi smoothes his clothes and coldly said: “My decision has been made. Wan Yan Xu already knows so there’s no need to ask diligently.”

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Another jailer snorted and said: “If so, then it is such a pity.” His eyes fiercely stared and took Su Yi’s heavy flailing chain, then said loudly: “Do you know what is waiting for you now?”

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Su Yi said nonchalantly: “Execute or guillotine, do as you wish.” When he finished and calmly stepped out, he heard the jailer spat with disdain and said: “Yeah right. Just wait for grave torture then surrender. Like the previous La Guguo De’s General years ago, who was just like you, but after that……”Before his sentence was completed, the other jailer interrupted: “Shut up, do you want to die? He is now a General who led the army to fight Qi. The King is extremely confident in him. Be careful. That man’s servants can hear you.”

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Su Yi sighed. He heard of Yu Cang’s famous surrender. What else is there to say? Those who know the time was right are astute people. Wan Yan Xu was really a good master. Each person’s ideal is different. For him, it was impossible.

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The study room was quiet and filled with light lily aroma. Wan Yan Xu was holding a history book, leisurely turning over the pages. Zi Nong came in but he did not look up. His mouth form a provocative smile, then casually asked: “So? Has Su Yi surrendered?”

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Zi Nong did not dare to breathe aloud, sneakily peeked at his face, whispered and said: “No, not yet.”

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Wan Yan Xu sat upright, his eyes shot at Zi Nong and before long, he slightly relaxed. He leaned back at his royal seat and regained his usual laid-back composure, then said: “Really? He has not surrendered yet? I remembered it only took three days for Yu Cang. I never expected Su Yi to have such endurance. I’d like to see whether his bones are made of iron.”

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Zi Nong heart’s leapt and quickly said: “Master, those words are inaccurate. Yu General was truly subservient to master. If it’s only torture, I fear that he may not be willing to surrender so fast.”

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Wan Yan Xu revealed a hint of smile at his servant, then suddenly said: “Isn’t that right? My thought was clearly expressed, but what Zi Nong said, why not go enlighten him about it? Heralds my command, I’ll go to death row prison.”

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Inside the torture chamber was eerie. The brutal burly torturers were severely torturing Su Yi; they were trying to force him to yield. When they heard the King arrived, their usual aggressiveness suddenly was quivering in fear. Wan Yan Xu was known for his equally rewarding and severe punishment. It seemed that five days had passed and his frail looking enemy had yet to be weakened. They were ashamed of themselves, but have no idea what to do to make their ruthless King satisfied? If he is displeased, then their lives will be forfeited. This thought made their admiration for Su Yi turned into resentment.

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Wan Yan Xu was surrounded by the crowd at the torture chamber’s door. He was cloaked with a white fur coat, and his regal was radiant through the beautiful royal robe, allowing others to see his ethereal appearance like sacred jade which looked outstanding.

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Su Yi managed to raise his head and looked at him. He saw his familiar mouth with a pleasant, curvy smile, though his chilly eyes were gazing over the crowd. His heart trembled in shock. This man was duplicity. Although ingenious, he was not a magnanimous gentleman. The man would never easily let him go, even if he was calmly accepting martyrdom. When he thought of this, Wan Yan Xu appeared before him, suddenly reached out and lifted his chin. His tone was gentle and said: “Su General, I never thought you would be this stubborn.” Although his tone was soft, yet, his whole movement revealed that of contempt. Su Yi quietly looked at him, not saying a word. The cell was suddenly very quiet that if a pin drops, it could be heard.