Chapter Fifteen: The Death of Zuo Ci

  Ren You is indeed a sharp and fierce Iron Eagle warrior, and when he takes action, it's swift and decisive.

  Although Qin has already eliminated the six states, the scholars of the six states are unwilling to cooperate with Qin, let alone help Qin govern local political affairs.

  Xiang Yu brought thirty iron eagles from Xianyang, still feeling overwhelmed. Because in his hands, there were no officials, which also made it difficult for Qin's policies to be widely disseminated. There was no way out, and the officials of Qin itself were already very tense, coupled with the strict laws of Qin, the selection of officials was even more restricted by law. This shortage of personnel was not only in Pei, but actually the same everywhere.

  But Ren Zong has his own views.

  In extraordinary times, take extraordinary measures. Ren Zongyao took ten days to select officials from the local area of Pei County to serve in the county government.

  This has nothing to do with you!

  The imperial court has summoned you. If you dare to refuse, you will be punished immediately. The six states have already been destroyed. You do not serve the Qin state, are you harboring rebellious intentions?

  A big hat comes down, no matter what background you are from, you have to obey.

  Xiao He was also one of them. His reputation in Pei County was not small, and he was also one of the first batch of officials recruited by Xiang Yu, serving as a senior official in the provincial government.

  However, this long official was not an officially recognized position in Xianyang, but existed as a vassal of Ren Jia.

  Xiao He had no choice but to yield. In private, he told Xianyu Ping and others that Ren Jun was a ruthless man who would kill without batting an eye. His methods were extremely harsh, and in the southern city of Pei County, a remnant of the Chu state who refused to surrender was beheaded by Ren on the spot.

  The meaning is very simple: either serve me or go die... Two paths, you choose.

  The people of Chu are strong and unyielding, but they're not fools. When necessary, they have no choice but to yield.

  When Liu Quan heard this news, he became even more certain: Ren Ze's arrival was not a coincidence, there must be another plot!

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, on the fifteenth day after arriving in Pei County, the weather became exceptionally hot. In previous years, there was plenty of rain at this time, but this year's rainfall seemed to have decreased significantly. However, compared to the terrible weather of later generations, it was a hundred times better.

  Blue sky, white clouds...

  The clear river water winds and flows, and the dense trees are exceptionally lush.

  Shen Wei rushed back home from outside, hastily running towards the kitchen, shouting as he walked: "Ah Juan, Ah Juan, come out quickly."

  Madam Kong poked her head out and said, "Ah Kong left the city early this morning!"

  "Going out of town?"

  "Yes, there was a shortage of firewood in the house, so I asked him to go out and chop some back. Ah Qi, what's the hurry?"

  In these days, Madame Quan's feelings towards Shen Shou had improved a lot, and she no longer prevented Liu Quan and Shen Shou from contacting each other.

  Auntie, you don't know. Today the county government issued a recruitment order, recruiting able-bodied men from 14 to 40 years old in Pei County... I met Mr. Xiao at the entrance of the county government office, he said that three days later, all those who meet the recruitment requirements will have to gather at the open space outside Qingzhulin in the suburbs. Mr. Xiao also said that anyone who evades the draft and is caught will be sent to the northern border for military service.

  Madam Kong's face changed instantly upon hearing this.

  "How can this be good? Isn't it..."

  "What's the big deal?!" Shen Shi said: "For unregistered vagrants, once they are caught, it is said that even if they get off lightly, they will be sent to the northern border for military service."

  "So we..."

  "Aunt, don't worry. Wu Shang has already helped you register your household... Never mind, I'll go discuss with my parents first, you go find Ah Jian instead. It's better to prepare early. Also, according to Qin law, those who are drafted must also prepare three days' worth of rations."

  Madam Kong responded with a sound and didn't even have time to tidy up her appearance, hastily rushing out.

  Liu Quan Zheng Guang wore a sleeveless shirt and practiced his skills in a sparse forest by the river in the suburbs.

  It's rare to have such an opportunity to relax, he didn't rush to pick up firewood, but instead followed the habits of later generations, loosening his body, and then practiced basic footwork and body methods according to what was written in "The Red Flag Book". After this period of study and practice, Liu Qian vaguely understood that the flag-waving technique mentioned by Mrs. Qian was roughly similar to a certain knife method used in later times.

  At that time, the use of knives was not widespread, and most people still used ge (dagger-axe), spear, and iron sword as their main close combat weapons.

  The concept of a knife did exist and was also made. However, at that time, the "knife" was mostly used in banquets and sacrificial ceremonies.

  In other words, the sword at this time was still just a ceremonial object and not a deadly weapon.

  The surname of Madame Kuan is said to have originated from the descendants of Chi You in ancient times. Even "The Red Flag Book" is also said to have originated from ancient times.

  But Liu Kan was not very convinced.

  According to his research, the text of Red Flag Book is a kind of Zhou Dynasty's Jinwen. Baobuzi is an ancestor who passed down under the name of Chiyou. According to the records in Red Flag Book, 'flag' is a weapon made by Huajian, the great-grandfather of Qifu.

  At that time, the Kan family had not yet declined. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Kan was also a heroic figure, so he specially drew the shape of the "flag" based on the oral tradition passed down from his ancestors, and then invited the most famous swordsmith in Shangyu at that time to spend three years creating today's "Red Flag".

  The shape of 'flag' is similar to what later generations called a banner.

  Of course, it's not entirely similar, but rather like a two-edged broadsword. If in the West, it should belong to the giant sword of both hands.

  Liu Jian did not see the red flag known as the 'divine weapon' by his ancestors.

  He followed the basic exercises in "Red Flag Book", and felt that if he could master this "Red Flag" skill, it would be simply amazing. The "Red Flag" weighed one hundred and seventy-three catties, but he didn't know whether it was referring to the weight unit of Qin State or other countries. However, based on his previous experience with that thing, it should be using the Qin calculation method, which is around one hundred and eight catties.

  The 'flag' must be wielded with one arm, assisted by steps and body movements, thereby producing great lethality.

  This kind of weapon is probably impossible for ordinary people to use. No wonder Mrs. Quan said that after the 'Red Flag' was forged, no one could use it.

  Even Liu Guan's father, Liu Fu, only learned footwork.

  Liu Jian tried again with items of the same weight, but after swinging them two or three times, he couldn't continue. He also knew that with his current physical condition, he was still far from reaching the "flag-waving" standard described in the Red Flag Book. Everything had to start from the basics. With continuous adjustments to his physical condition over seven or eight years, he should be able to use the Red Flag.

  The sun was scorching hot, Liu Jian had just finished practicing his footwork, and sweat dripped down his body, glistening with oil.

  When Mrs. Guan found him, he was just about to go gather firewood. Seeing Mrs. Guan running over with a worried look on her face, Liu Guan was taken aback.

  "Mom, what's wrong with you?"

  "Ah Jian, something terrible has happened..."

  Madam Liu pulled Liu Quan's arm and told him what Shi had just said during the meal.

  "Ah Qiang, the county magistrate is issuing a recruitment order out of nowhere, it's definitely not good news. I thought we could live a peaceful life here, but who knew we'd encounter something like this... Ah Qiang, let's leave Pei County, mother really doesn't want you to get into trouble."

  Are we starting?

  Liu Jian listened to Mrs. Qian finish speaking, and instead of being anxious, he smiled happily.

  Mobilization Order!

  It is estimated that Ren Xiao intends to eliminate the bandits who are rampant in Pei County. However, since the six countries were initially established, the Qin army could not allocate too many troops, so they could only recruit from the countryside to carry out the suppression. Why suppress... it must be related to the conquest of Baiyue.

  I'm not afraid you won't make a move, I'm just afraid you won't take action. As long as you make a move, there will be a way to counter it...

  Liu Jian comforted his wife, saying: "Mother, don't worry. Nowadays the whole world is under the rule of the King of Qin, where can we escape to? Since the new county magistrate has done this, he must have received orders from the King of Qin. If we resist, I'm afraid there will be no place for my mother and son to live in the world again.

  Besides, Qin has always had a system of military merit ranks.

  "If the child can achieve something this time, perhaps our mother and son will never have to worry about labor service again, it's also an opportunity."

  Mrs. Kong was also flustered for a moment.

  She didn't know that if she ran away, she would have to live in fear and anxiety for the rest of her life.

  I had long heard that the Qin law was severe, and if there was no household registration, once caught, it would be even more unlucky. But as soon as I thought of Liu Guang enlisting, I might encounter danger, these tears couldn't help but fall down with a plop, and in my heart, it felt like a big stone was pressing down.

  "Girl, don't be like this!"

  Liu Kan couldn't help but step forward, naturally wrapping his arm around Madame Kan's shoulder. He then flexed his biceps, "Look, I'm already a grown man, there won't be any danger. If we can make achievements this time, our days, who knows, might become better in the future."

  Besides, Da Ge of Shen Shi and Wu Shang will also go with me.

  "When the time comes, we'll take care of each other, nothing will happen... Mother, you can rest assured, your child has grown up and can take care of himself."

  Under Liu Quan's persuasion, Madame Quan gradually calmed down.

  Accompanied by her son, she picked up some firewood in the sparse forest. Then, with Liu Jian's support, the mother and son walked hand in hand along the road home, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

  Three days... What will be the scene three days later?

  In Liu Jian's heart, there was a little expectation. In any case, since he had come to this era, he should do something about it. Perhaps this recruitment order would be the beginning of his integration with this era. As for the final result...

  Who cares!

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  Collect!!!!!!!!!