I was a conman in the Ming Dynasty.

Chapter 569 The Witty Hero

Chapter 569 The Witty Hero

Hanshan 38th checkpoint.

The soldiers at the checkpoint stopped two young men on horseback and asked, "May I ask what brings you two gentlemen to Hanshan?"

Hou Fangyu thought for a moment and then said, "I'd like to come and have some fun."

The soldier nodded, took out a form, and said, "Please fill out this form, gentlemen."

Although Hou Fangyu couldn't understand why the soldiers were making him fill out a form, he went along with it. Since he and Mao Xiang entered Hanshan territory, this was the third checkpoint. The soldiers were all very friendly, with smiles on their faces, unlike in other places where they would extort money at the drop of a hat.

Hou Fangyu and Mao Xiang took the forms, leaned over the table, and began to fill them out carefully.

The information is actually quite simple: name, place of origin, and other personal details. This feature was recently added, primarily targeting students from other areas coming to Hanshan. Wang Wenzhou was worried that these "elderly" students might be caught in the crackdown, so he wanted to clarify the identities of those coming to Hanshan in advance to ensure differentiated treatment.

As for why so many students from other places have been flocking to Hanshan these days, we have to go back to the previous issue of the "Hanshan Weekly".

Some time ago, after the performance of "Hanshan Sword", the Hanshan Weekly published a special issue introducing the performance and the noble sentiments of the people of Hanshan who enthusiastically joined the army and were determined to defend their country.

One article in particular evoked complex emotions in readers, especially young students of the Ming Dynasty. They were moved to tears and filled with fervor, yet also so angry that they blushed and cursed.

The author of the article was Wang Wenzhou, who was known by many names, including the number one traitor, the biggest rebel, the mad dog, and the official butcher of the Ming Dynasty.

In his article, Wang Wenzhou wrote: "Why are my eyes often filled with tears? It's because I love this land beneath my feet so deeply." Well, I know that in many people's eyes, I'm a completely wicked, treacherous, corrupt, and lawless person; even using various derogatory terms to describe me wouldn't be an exaggeration.

I have no intention of defending myself; I only wish to demonstrate through my actions that I am innocent. Therefore, I have decided to sacrifice my family and overcome all difficulties to establish an expeditionary force. I swear I will not rest until the Tartars are destroyed!

Here, I want to ask those students who criticized me the most, do you have any shame? You all keep talking about loving your country, loving your country! In the end, besides shouting a few slogans in the Fuxing Press Journal, what have you done?

I, Wang Wenzhou, the traitor you all call me, have spent all my wealth in Hanshan to train elite troops, preparing to reclaim Liaodong, even at the cost of a decisive battle with the Tartars. And you? Are you still just heroes in name only, without taking any real action?

If you love your country, come to Hanshan. Here lies the traitor you despise. Here, you can monitor him closely, and if he harbors rebellious intentions, you can execute him in your anger. If you fear him, then don't come.

If you love your country, come to Hanshan. The Expeditionary Force awaits a hero, its ranks vacant. What is the meaning of death today? The founding of the nation was arduous, fraught with countless battles. Now I go to the netherworld to summon my old comrades, with ten thousand banners to slay Yama, the King of Hell. If you fear death, please don't come.

If you love your country, come to Hanshan. Here, people from all walks of life, regardless of age or region, are all striving to recover Liaodong. Even women, out of gratitude to their country, eagerly join the army. If you are not as patriotic as the women, don't come to Hanshan and embarrass yourself.

If you love your country, come to Hanshan. A true man is swift and decisive, killing one man in ten steps, leaving no trace for a thousand miles. If this is true of a true man, then our Celestial Empire should be the same! Though our country is vast, we will fight for every inch of its land! You cowardly, weaklings, don't come to Hanshan. Swords are too heavy for you sissies; you can't lift them. Stay put with your pens, embrace the courtesans, and be your heroes on paper.

Territorial disputes boil down to nothing but war! The whole nation is playing chess, and I'm willing to be a pawn! You armchair strategists, do you dare?

After reading the article, the students of the Ming Dynasty blushed and could no longer sit still. Although they knew that Wang Wenzhou had ill intentions, he had already ridiculed them so much that if they didn't respond, they would truly be seen as effeminate and full of empty talk.

So the patriotic students packed their bags and headed to Hanshan. They wanted to see if Wang Wenzhou was just boasting; if not, they were truly prepared to abandon their studies and join the army. In times of national crisis, true men, especially those who are educated and understand righteousness, should stand up and face the national crisis together.

Hou Fangyu and Mao Xiang, as leaders of the Fushe Society, could not turn a blind eye. From the moment Wang Wenzhou was imprisoned, they were the ones who cursed him the most. These two, along with their brothers in the Fushe Society, added fuel to the fire, throwing all sorts of accusations at Wang Wenzhou, trying to turn him into the Qin Hui of the Ming Dynasty. They seemed determined not to stop until Wang Wenzhou was infamous for eternity.

Now, students from all over the Ming Dynasty are heading to Hanshan. Hou Fangyu and Mao Xiang discussed it and decided that they should also go and see for themselves. One reason was to find fault with Wang Wenzhou and expose his true colors, preventing him from continuing to deceive kind-hearted and patriotic students. On the other hand, these two also harbored a patriotic mentality; if Wang Wenzhou truly intended to recover Liaodong, they would wholeheartedly assist him.

These two are still young and passionate, with ideals and not yet completely corrupted. While the hatred of stealing a woman is despicable, it's ultimately a personal grudge. Compared to the greater good of the nation, such petty matters are utterly insignificant. For the sake of the country, a true man would gladly die without hesitation, let alone be cuckolded.

Don't bow your head, or the green hat will fall off; don't cry, or the adulterer will laugh. Why feel inferior? Once you've come to terms with it, things will be fine. The more you feel cheated, the more inferior you'll feel. Being cuckolded isn't your fault; it's all the adulterer's fault for being so despicable. It's the adulterer's fault, so why should you lower yourself?

Hou Fangyu and Mao Xiang filled out the forms and handed them to the soldiers.

The soldier, also a former labor camper, was literate. He glanced down at the document, quickly pulled out two passes, and handed them over.

The soldier cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile, "Keep these two passes safe. When you reach the last checkpoint at the city gate, please show them to us. The yamen runners will then help you obtain temporary residence permits and horse passes free of charge, so you can ride into the city."

The soldiers thought these two were students who had come to Hanshan. The principal had instructed them to treat them like brothers, since they had given up their comfortable lives and were preparing to abandon their studies to join the army in Hanshan because of their patriotism.

The soldier thought for a moment and quickly added, "The constables will also give you a brief explanation of the Hanshan Public Security Management Regulations. After all, Hanshan has some unique rules, and newcomers are prone to making mistakes. If you can't remember them, you can ask them for a booklet of the 'Hanshan Public Security Management Regulations.' Don't worry, it's free. Although Hanshan has many rules, as long as you abide by them, no matter which government office's officers are in charge, they will treat you like royalty. Even Lord Liang wouldn't dare to cause you any trouble."

Although Hou Fangyu couldn't figure out why the soldier was so enthusiastic, he could tell that the soldier was educated. Perhaps it was out of mutual respect, so he quickly cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for reminding me, brother."

The soldiers quickly lifted the wooden pole blocking the road, cupped their hands in farewell, and said, "Please take care, gentlemen."

Hou Fangyu and Mao Xiang mounted their horses and rode away.

Mao Xiang said incredulously, "I never imagined that Wang Wenzhou, that mad dog, could train such good soldiers."

Hou Fangyu nodded, he was also somewhat incredulous.