Chapter 66 Hamburger, where is his village?

More than twenty bandits, bound together with hemp rope, staggered along the road. Huo Qubing, the leader, held a whip and occasionally turned back to give them a cold glance.

There were also many onlookers nearby.

"Hurry up, all of you!" Yuchi Jingde lashed his whip at the feet of the last bandit, the dust kicking up making the man cough. "With your abilities, you dare to be bandits? You can't even carry a brick properly!"

These unlucky guys were the bandits; if the brick kiln hadn't been short-handed, they wouldn't have been put in charge.

"Sir, sir..." a burly bandit with a fierce face asked, mustering his courage, "Where are we going?"

Huo Qubing didn't even turn his head: "Brick kiln."

The bandits immediately erupted in chaos:

"We have backbone!"

"Kill me or torture me, it's up to you..."

"Ouch!"

Finally, the stubborn one was struck on the knee by Qin Shubao's mace handle and immediately knelt down.

"Integrity?" Huo Qubing suddenly reined in his horse and turned around, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. "You don't even spare ordinary people, yet you dare to talk to me about integrity?"

The bandits immediately deflated.

"We've arrived." Huo Qubing waved his hand, and the group stopped in the open space in front of the brick kiln. Zheng He was already waiting there, holding a roster in his hand.

“According to the rules of Songyang County…” He smiled and flipped through the booklet, “Those who commit robbery more than three times will be sentenced to three months of hard labor; those who injure others will be sentenced to six months; those who commit murder…” He paused deliberately, “will be sent directly to be used as target practice.”

The bandits all shuddered; wouldn't they be shot right through?

“Of course, those with good behavior can get a reduced sentence.” Zheng He closed the booklet, pointed to the bustling construction site in the distance, “For example, Lao Zhang’s group, they got there half a month early…”

No more whipping!

The bandits have been thoroughly defeated by Huo Qubing these past few days. If they're not careful with their words, they get another lash. Their food was already bad, and now they're being beaten and forced to work every day. They've become so thin that they're just skin and bones.

Ouch.

Before the bandits could even finish their grieving, Zheng He had already clapped his hands and was ready to assign tasks. Each person's task was the most tiring and hottest job.

It absolutely meets the renovation standards.

The bandits working there cried out in their hearts: "Where are you, Boss? Why haven't you come back to save us yet?"

——

Songyang County is developing well now, and the meals provided by the system have become much more varied, such as rice bowls and ramen, which are popular lunch options.

Three children came to Songyang County, and Jiang Ge made appropriate adjustments to the lunch.

What should we eat for lunch?

Of course, it's hamburgers and fries that both kids and adults love!

A peculiar aroma wafted from the backyard of the Songyang County government office, rich and intense, a perfect blend of oil and wheat scents, drawing passersby to stop and stare. Several young men tiptoed inside, their Adam's apples bobbing involuntarily.

Unfortunately, after being scolded by Hei Fu, they scattered like birds and beasts.

"What new food is this?" Hei Fu sniffed, his eyes shining. "It's even more delicious than yesterday's braised pork!" Ever since he tasted the lunch in Songyang County, he looked forward to mealtimes the most every day.

Because of little Liu Ju, the meals these past few days have been especially nutritious, but still very oily and flavorful! Zheng He patted Hei Fu on the shoulder with a smile: "The master said that today's meals are hamburgers and fries, specially prepared for the three new little guests."

Others might call them Your Highness or Crown Prince, but Zheng He didn't need to. His Ming Dynasty had no connection with these three young men, so naturally, he didn't need to pay much attention to their titles.

The new guests were Liu Ju, Li Chengqian, and Li Tai. The three of them were a little reserved as they studied together today. Liu Ju was composed and mature beyond his years; Li Chengqian's brows revealed intelligence, and his bright eyes were always quietly observing everything around him; Li Tai was the youngest, with a round face and big, bright eyes that darted around, curious about everything.

She's a chubby baby who's just as adorable as can be.

Django specially ordered a super luxurious children's meal to be prepared—a chicken fillet and egg burger, golden and crispy fries, secret-recipe fried chicken wings, plus a large glass of sparkling ice-cold cola. When these delicacies were served on the specially made low table, the three children's eyes widened.

Liu Ju stared at the round pancake in front of him, which contained golden chicken strips, tender fried eggs, and bright green lettuce, and frowned slightly: "How... should this be eaten?" He had been influenced by court etiquette since childhood, and when faced with novel food, his first reaction was to think about whether his eating manners were proper.

The young prince was secretly anxious: he had never eaten anything like this before, and it would be terrible if he lost his composure. His father had specifically instructed him before he left to make a good impression on the immortals...

Li Chengqian carefully picked up the hamburger and tentatively took a bite. The next second, his eyes widened suddenly, and he unconsciously chewed faster, his cheeks puffing out, looking just like a little squirrel stealing a bite.

Delicious! So delicious!

He exclaimed inwardly, "This tastes even better than the most delicious desserts made in the imperial kitchen!"

Li Tai was the most direct. He took a big bite, and the chicken strip juices instantly overflowed, staining his hands. Without bothering to wipe it away, he grabbed a golden-brown fries, dipped them in ketchup, and stuffed them into his mouth, his eyes crinkling with happiness: "Delicious! No wonder Father sent me here!"

Django sat to the side, smiling as he watched them. "Eat slowly, don't choke." He then handed them a large cup of cola with a straw.

Li Chengqian reluctantly swallowed the food in his mouth and couldn't help but ask, "Lord Jiang, what kind of delicacy is this hamburger? I've never seen it in Chang'an before." He was already thinking to himself how wonderful it would be if he could bring this chef back to Chang'an and eat such delicious food every day.

Django winked mysteriously: "This is my secret way of eating it. It's made by baking bread with refined wheat flour, sandwiching it with special chicken strips and a fried egg, and then adding fresh leafy greens and a secret sauce. One bite and you'll experience endless flavor."

A secret technique?

That means I can't say it.

Liu Ju finally abandoned his reserve and took a big bite, just like them.

Instantly, the soft bread, tender and juicy chicken strips, smooth fried eggs, and refreshing vegetables created a symphony in his mouth, causing him to involuntarily let out a soft "mmm," completely unaware that the sauce had gotten on the corners of his mouth.

"How was it?" Jiang Ge asked with a smile.

Liu Ju rarely showed a smile: "Very good." Although it was just two simple words, it was already a very high compliment for this usually reserved young prince.

You should know that yesterday, when Xiao Liu ate the braised pork, he just grunted and then finished it all.

Li Tai had already devoured a hamburger in no time and was now staring longingly at the second one on the plate: "Lord Jiang, may I have another one?" His big, round eyes were filled with desire.

Um.

He'll eat a billion more!

Django laughed loudly: "Of course! Plenty!"

The three children cheered and buried themselves in their food again. Li Tai ate with both hands, one hand holding a hamburger and the other a chicken wing; even the usually restrained Liu Ju sped up his eating, occasionally stealing glances at his Coke cup, both curious and expectant of the bubbling black liquid.

Not far away, Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu stood side by side, watching this scene. Zhou Yu raised an eyebrow and said, "Magistrate Jiang, you certainly know how to coax children."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and smiled slightly: "Children are innocent and easily satisfied. However, it is Magistrate Jiang's skill to make these three descendants of the royal family so relaxed."

Flattery.

Zhou Yu snorted and was about to retort when he suddenly saw Huo Qubing striding over. Without a word, Huo grabbed a hamburger and took a bite. The crispy bread, juicy chicken strips, and tender fried egg burst in his mouth, and the iron-blooded general's eyes widened instantly: "Mmm!" Without saying a word, he took another big bite, eating with great gusto.

"What kind of kids' meal? How come he never ate this when he was a child?" Huo Qubing thought as he ate. "This is a million times tastier than military rations!"

Seeing this, the children immediately followed suit. Li Tai held the hamburger with both hands and took a big bite, his mouth immediately covered in sauce; Li Chengqian carefully tore off a small piece to taste, and was immediately captivated by the deliciousness, so he quickened his pace; Xiao Liu Ju curiously studied the sesame seeds on the bread, picked one out and put it in his mouth to taste, and found that it was also very fragrant.

"Eat slowly." Jiang Ge couldn't help but chuckle, taking out a handkerchief to wipe Li Tai's face. "No one's going to take it from you."

The fries caused a stir. Zhou Yu picked one up, examined it for a moment, elegantly dipped it in ketchup, and then raised an eyebrow in surprise at its crispy texture. What was this flavor? Sweet and sour with the fresh aroma of potatoes, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it was so delicious that you couldn't stop eating it.

Yuchi Jingde grabbed a handful and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing loudly: "This meal is pretty good today!"

The funniest one was Qin Shubao—he ate his hamburger with a serious expression, and didn't forget to nod and agree with Yuchi Jingde's words. His serious look, coupled with his mouth full of food crumbs, was quite funny.

Kui Shun asked Django if he could take the hamburger home so that the children could try it.

Naturally, it was politely declined. Taking it back was fine, but how could I explain such a thing?

Kui Shun is still keeping it a secret from both sides. He's hiding from his wife that he's working every day, but he actually resigned a long time ago.

However, it probably wouldn't be a secret for long. After thinking about it, Jiang Ge decided to let him take it, since it wouldn't be a secret for long anyway.

Meanwhile, on the other side, at Black Wind Village.

After a period of studying away from home, Wang Laohu, the leader of Black Wind Stronghold, finally brought the other bandit leaders to visit his old lair.

Wang Laohu walked proudly along the mountain path, followed by seven or eight mountain stronghold leaders.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling his brand-new silk jacket—a gift from the eldest prince.

"Brothers, look!" He waved his hand and pointed to the gate of the stronghold that could be vaguely seen halfway up the mountain. "I'm not bragging, but Black Wind Stronghold is definitely the best in the area within a hundred miles—" He gave a thumbs up, and the gold bracelet on his wrist dazzled everyone.

Zhao, the leader of Qing Shi Village, squinted and sized him up: "I heard that Leader Wang has three hundred brothers under his command?"

"Three hundred?" Wang Laohu scoffed and pulled out an ivory bone fan from his pocket, unfolding it with a whoosh. "There are eight hundred capable fighters alone! And that doesn't even include the women, children, and servants!" The four pure gold characters "威震八方" (Wei Zhen Ba Fang, meaning "Awe-inspiring in all directions") on the fan surface gleamed in the sunlight.

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

Chief Sun of Black Tiger Cliff couldn't help but ask, "I heard that you keep twenty warhorses in your stronghold, brother?"

Wang Laohu smiled mysteriously, tucking his fan into his waistband: "That's not all! There's more hidden in the back mountain..." He suddenly lowered his voice, "...ten repeating crossbows, all of them large..." He swallowed the words back, changing his tone to, "...all purchased at great expense!"

After rounding the last mountain ridge, the main gate of Black Wind Stronghold finally came into view. Just as Wang Laohu was about to boast about his three-zhang-high watchtower, he suddenly froze in place—

The village gates were wide open, and the large flag embroidered with the character "王" (King) on ​​the gate tower had vanished. Even more strangely, the village, which should have been bustling with activity at this time of day, was eerily silent, not even a dog could be heard barking.

"Boss Wang, is this...is this going to give us a surprise?" Boss Qian from Shuigou chuckled dryly.

Cold sweat beaded on Wang Laohu's forehead as he rushed through the village gate. The scene before him struck him like a thunderbolt:

In the drill ground in front of the council hall, the weapon racks were burned down to their frames, but there was not a single person in sight; the iron pot in the kitchen was upside down on the ground, and only a few rats were scurrying around in the rice jar; even his favorite tiger-skin chair was now just four bare legs.

Everywhere was a scene of destruction.

"Scarface Li! Mountain Tiger!" Wang Laohu's roar echoed through the valley, startling a flock of birds. Only the howling wind whistling through the empty thatched hut answered him.

Where is anyone now?

The grass on their graves might already be two feet tall.

"Reporting, Master!" One of his henchmen scrambled up from the back hill, yelling, "The warehouse, the warehouse too..."

Empty.

Wang Laohu rushed towards the warehouse like a madman. When he saw the large iron door that had been pried open, his legs went weak and he knelt on the ground—not only were there no gold or silver treasures inside, but even the money boxes were gone, leaving only a few tattered sacks swaying gently in the wind.

"My three thousand taels of silver..."

"That jade Guanyin statue..."

"And there was something from the eldest prince..."

Wang Laohu suddenly shut up, his face pale as he looked at the crowd behind him. These village chiefs, who usually addressed each other as brothers, now had subtle expressions in their eyes.

So you're a corrupt official, huh?

Chief Sun touched the scar on his chin: "Chief Wang just said that there are over a thousand brothers in the stronghold?"

Manager Qian kicked the empty wine jar on the ground: "Where are the repeating crossbows? Where are the warhorses?"

It was completely empty.

ah? ?

Is this still his village?

Where are his men? Where is his gold and silver treasure? Where is his stronghold?

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