From Hoarding to Time-Travel: My Supplies Saved Him

Chapter 540: Chapter 542: Choosing Only Three

Even though Prince Zuo Tengshang was so agitated he wanted to stamp his feet, he could only suppress his temper. "The sooner I return, the greater the benefits for you. I’m sure you gentlemen are sharp enough to see the pros and cons here!"

Zhou Shixiong had no intention of bickering with him. "Go back and pick three men. We’ll set off early tomorrow morning."

Prince Zuo Tengshang tried to bargain one last time. "Can’t I bring a few more? These are all my trusted men. I will pay a higher ransom when the time comes."

That’s right; this so-called ransom was what Prefect Gu had proposed a few days ago.

With the prospect of returning to his homeland, what did he have to fear from these people? Of course he’d dare to make empty promises and offer more.

But Ancient Wenheng shook his head. "That won’t do. Who knows if Your Highness will simply never return? As it happens, I’m short on manpower. If Your Highness doesn’t come back to ransom them within a certain time, then these men will be registered as my slaves and serve me for the rest of their lives."

Prince Zuo Tengshang protested, "Prefect Gu, you worry too much. I am not—"

"Take him away!" Ancient Wenheng had other matters to discuss with General Zhou and the others. At his side, Fan Changxi, along with two constables, immediately dragged the man away.

"You can’t treat me like this! I wish to bathe and change my clothes..."

Fan Changxi sneered, "Aren’t you leaving with your men? Why don’t we go to the cells for you and just pick two or three at random?"

Prince Zuo Tengshang was instantly silenced. Even knowing that choosing his men would be a task that created enemies, he was unwilling to let these people mess things up for him.

Besides, no one knew better than he who was most loyal. "I can go myself."

With that, he no longer needed the two Government Officials to drag him. He shook off their hands and walked towards the prison with practiced ease.

Fan Changxi followed with a cold smirk. He was more than happy to watch the commotion among these bandits.

「 」

Seeing that they were surrounded only by his own people, Ancient Wenheng said, "Brother Zhou, although we’ve made thorough preparations, the winds and waves at sea are not something we can accurately predict. Are you sure you want to make this trip?"

Zhou Shixiong replied, "I have already sent a secret report to the Holy Emperor about this mission. The arrow is already on the bowstring; it must be fired.

"Besides, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’ve suffered so many losses at the hands of these people. It’s about time I got some payback."

And these bandits were active on the sea day in and day out, always choosing the autumn harvest season to come and raid. This proved they were far more familiar with the changing conditions at sea.

"This Tengshang is not as foolish as he appears. His current despair is just an act to play along with our plan and trick us into sending him back." Ancient Wenheng felt he should give another reminder. "Although we’ve agreed to let him bring three men, once you’re on the ship, you must have people watching them."

Zhou Shixiong put a hand on his shoulder. "Now, tell your big brother, why did you only agree to let him have three men?"

Ancient Wenheng replied, "Wasn’t I just thinking of keeping more people here to clear wasteland?"

"That’s just what you say for outsiders. There are no outsiders here, so don’t hold back."

When He Gaofei and the others heard this, they felt a thrill of excitement. ’It seems General Zhou doesn’t see us as outsiders either. Does this mean we’ve caught his eye and latched onto a powerful patron?’

Vice General Wang was silent. His loyalty was to the General, plain and simple.

Ancient Wenheng glanced at everyone present. "Nothing gets past Brother Zhou. As I understand it, about ten of the men who came this time are Prince Zuo’s confidants. With only three spots for a chance at survival, it’s a mistake no matter who he chooses.

"Once we take the Prince and those three out of the prison, won’t the rest be filled with resentment?

"This is our golden opportunity. A psychological attack right now will be more effective than at any other time."

"What if they don’t break?"

Ancient Wenheng said, "Then we’ll see what they choose: loyalty or survival."

「 」

Inside the main prison, Tengshang pointed to three men. "You three will return to the Eastern Yi with me first. The rest of you, wait here peacefully. I will come back for you soon."

The bandits in the prison immediately erupted into chaos. Everything was just as Ancient Wenheng had predicted. The moment Tengshang left the prison with his men, a rift had already formed in the hearts of those left behind.

This was especially true when Fan Changxi added, as he was leading the men away, "Our Great General has already prepared a post station for you gentlemen to rest. This way, please..."

The bandits left in the cells were filled with anticipation. ’Does this mean we also have a chance to get out?’

This hope was quickly extinguished. Not long after Tengshang and his men left, a squad of soldiers arrived for them.

"All of you, get up! Form a line and follow us out."

Tu Zhong and the others were thrilled. ’We’re being released!’

’It seems the Emperor of the Rong Dynasty is as concerned with saving face as ever. Just like before, he’ll lock us up for a while and then let us go.’

This time, the soldiers didn’t need to say another word. The prisoners immediately and obediently formed a line, following the man in front of them out.

Finally seeing the light of day again, everyone greedily breathed in the outside air.

"Keep up!" Long whips cracked incessantly on both sides of them, stirring a sense of unease in their hearts.

’This situation doesn’t look like they’re sending us back.’

Tu Zhong licked his chapped lips and cautiously asked a soldier next to him, "Brother, where are you taking us?"

"Who’s your brother? Don’t go claiming kin." The young soldier’s face was full of disgust. "As for where we’re taking you? To a good place, of course."

Tu Zhong’s heart pounded with even more anxiety. He didn’t dare stop. Just moments before, a man in front had paused briefly, only to be lashed several times with a whip. Even as the man writhed on the ground in pain, one of the soldiers had just said coldly, "Get up, or the whipping continues."

With such a clear lesson before them, no one else in the line dared to cause trouble, no matter how doubtful they felt.

But after walking for a long time, the path grew more and more remote, and their panic grew with it. Someone became frantic. ’They’re not planning to execute us on the spot, are they?’

Santian was the first to lose his patience. He decided to rely on his physical strength to try and force a path to survival.

But the very instant he made his move, a blade was pressed against his neck.

"I can’t believe you people still can’t read the situation. What’s this? You want to see some blood?" Qi, who had been sent to watch over them, appeared in a flash, startling the bandits. They hadn’t expected such a figure to be hidden among their guards.

Santian felt the cold steel of the blade on his neck and tried to pull back, only to feel a sharp sting. He knew the edge had broken his skin. He clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and didn’t dare to move an inch.

"Just a coward after all," Qi said, retracting his blade. "Get back in line and behave. If anyone else tries to stick their neck out, I won’t be so lenient next time."

As soon as he finished speaking, he vanished from their sight.