"Ah? This...this...sir, General Zhao requested a reward on my behalf, how could it be that he harmed me?"

Upon hearing Gongsun Yang's words, Yang Feng's heart, which had been pounding in his chest, was filled with dread.

"Mr. Gongsun, I was petitioning for a reward for General Yang. How did that harm him? Please explain clearly, or don't blame me for not showing any mercy and punishing you!"

Gongsun Yang sighed and spoke slowly.

"General, have you forgotten? In our Bingzhou, the laws are strict. Although they have been slightly modified, they can be adapted to the times, the place, and the people."

However... however, if a high-ranking official or noble person commits a crime, the laws of Bingzhou clearly state that their punishment will be doubled!

Yang Feng shuddered. Could it be that all the things he had done had been exposed?

"Oh? If that's what you mean, Mr. Gongsun, does it mean that General Yang committed some crime in my Bingzhou?"

Before Yang Feng could even protest his innocence, Zhao Hao and Gongsun Yang had already taken over the conversation and continued their dramatic performance.

"Yes, a few days ago, after the general pacified Hedong, people from all the counties and prefectures in Bingzhou filed complaints with the government."

For example, in April of the fifth year of the Zhongping era, Yang Feng of the White Wave Army attacked Xihe County, causing 73 deaths and more than 300 injuries among the civilians.

For example, in July of the fifth year of Zhongping, Yang Feng and Han Xian of the White Wave Army launched a surprise attack on Shangdang and various counties in Henan, resulting in the death of the prefect, the deaths of more than 3,000 government and military personnel, more than 7,000 civilians, and no fewer than 30,000 government personnel, military personnel, and civilians who were injured!

Every single incident is still recorded. If General Yang were to hold another high-ranking official position, his crime would only be compounded! But if he is not punished according to the law, how can we win the hearts of the people, and how can we win the hearts of those with lofty ideals across the land?

Alas... but if we don't reward them, how can we demonstrate that General, you are fair in your rewards and punishments and never mistreat those who have rendered meritorious service?"

Zhao Hao nodded in satisfaction, "If I insist on appointing General Yang as General of Chariots and Cavalry, well... I must also add the title of Marquis within the Pass, what then?"

Gongsun Yang sighed again and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Therefore, as the chief clerk of the General of the North's Office and the Governor's Office, I shall naturally bring the guards to imprison and interrogate Yang, so as to demonstrate the strictness of the laws of Bingzhou!"

Yang Feng panicked. He had made a great contribution, but instead he was going to be thrown into prison?

This shouldn't be happening, it really shouldn't be happening!

"Zhao Zhenbei, I... I have served the Zhenbei Prefecture, I have shed blood for the Zhenbei Prefecture! General Zhao, you cannot treat me like this, you cannot, you cannot!!"

Yang Feng was almost in tears. All thoughts of high office, wealth, and beautiful women were instantly forgotten.

Zhao Hao simply smiled faintly and looked at Gongsun Yang, who understood perfectly.

"Chief Clerk, we cannot treat meritorious officials like this. Think about it, is there a compromise that can better resolve this matter?"

Gongsun Yang nodded, full of regret, and read out Yang Feng's fate.

"General Yang... if it weren't for the mistakes you made in the past, you would be in a high position today. What a pity."

Now, I do have a solution that can be a compromise.

That is, to have General Yang write a self-criticism, stating that he had colluded with the remnants of the Xiongnu to plunder prefectures and counties in order to make them more vigilant.

Now, General Yang has realized his mistakes and has made amends for his crimes. Next, General Yang will report to General Meng Tian in the northern desert to defend the northern desert for the people and repel the invading enemy, thereby washing away the sins he has committed.

"Young Master, General Yang, what do you two think?"

Zhao Hao wouldn't give Yang Feng a chance to argue, so he quickly made a decision and sealed Yang Feng's fate.

"Very well! General Yang, I'm sorry to trouble you. When you get to General Meng's side, remember to write to me often. When you achieve new merits, I will definitely petition for your promotion again!"

"I...I...thank you, General Zhao, and Clerk Gongsun?"

"Alright, I still have things to discuss with them. Registrar, take General Yang down and settle him in properly, and also arrange when to head north."

"promise!"

Yang Feng is insatiable; sparing his life is already the greatest act of mercy.

In the future, perhaps we will need such greedy people to go to Fuyu or the Western Regions as inside agents.

To make the most of waste, we should naturally place someone like Yang Feng in a position where he can best utilize his talents.

"General, you have a good approach. Although my brother has committed many crimes, he is not the worst of the worst."

Exile to the northern deserts, constantly on guard against invasions from all sides—this punishment is far worse than imprisonment!

After Yang Feng was taken away, Guo Tai took the initiative to speak.

"General, what exactly are you trying to say by putting on this show for us?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Huang frowned. However, being of lower status than Guo Tai, he could only listen quietly to the two exchanging barbs.

"I want to say everything, yet I also want to say nothing."

Zhao Hao snorted. A mere leader of the White Wave Bandits dared to question him. He really didn't know who gave him the courage.

"Guo Tai, how dare you ask me such a question? Tell me, as a Han Chinese, why did you aid and abet the wicked and collude with the Xiongnu to plunder prefectures and counties?"

"If it weren't for the wisdom and courage of my generals, and their ingenuity, how could you have turned against each other? How could you have turned on each other, fought to the point of rivers of blood, and left with so few troops remaining?"

Guo Tai snorted, "What a clever scheme! If it weren't for you, how could my Bai Bo brothers have suffered such heavy casualties, charging one after another at those ferocious Xiongnu with their infantry cripples!"

Zhao Hao was not to be outdone. "Oh? You're blaming me for killing your brothers? When you gathered your troops that day, was it just to become an outlaw and wreak havoc on the village, or was it because you had a sense of righteousness?"

Or you could ask your surviving brothers. They would rather live on as bandits, just like they used to.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!