Chapter 459: Torture, Ming Dynasty Shower
Chapter 459: Torture, Ming Dynasty Shower
The news of the Beijing army's action in the city spread rapidly with the summer heat wave.
Almost within half an hour after the incident,
Many important figures in the capital already knew the whole story.
When they learned the details of the rumors, they couldn't help but look strange.
They all believed that someone must have spread the news deliberately and was behind this.
Considering the tense situation in the capital these days, many people dare not act rashly.
In the Honglu Temple Yamen, Zeng Jingyuan, the Minister of Honglu Temple, had a solemn expression on his face as he paced in the main hall with a frown on his face!
He was in his fifties, and the scarlet official robe he wore made him look large and imposing.
But his face was somewhat elegant, and his neatly trimmed beard became messy because he kept stroking it.
Zeng Yanfu was his second son. His eldest son was ill and still in poor health.
Therefore, he devoted a lot of effort to his second son and loved him especially.
With his eldest son's experience, he no longer expected his second son to become an official.
As long as you can live your life in good health,
So we just turn a blind eye to some nonsense.
But now, how could my son, who had always been so peaceful, do such a thing?
This puzzled him!
Especially such rumors, if they happened to him, he would definitely not be able to accept them!
Anyone who stirs up trouble behind the scenes will be crushed to ashes.
Unfortunately, the person causing the trouble was his own son.
Moreover, he also offended Lu Yunyi, a powerful figure in the Beijing army, which gave him a headache.
He is not as high an official position as the other party, does not have as strong backing as the other party, and now he is not even in the right, which makes him at a loss as to how to rescue him.
"Ugh"
After he sighed for who knows how many times, Chang Yue, the Junior Minister of Rites, could no longer sit still.
He took a step forward and spoke softly:
"My Lord, it is not a good idea to sigh like this.
Although the young master was at fault in this matter, it was against the rules for the Beijing army to arrest people in the street.
Why don't we go to the military camp and ask Lord Lu what he wants to do?"
At this point, Chang Yue pursed her lips and continued:
"Young Master has always been honest and simple. I think someone is behind this. You may have been deceived by the villain.
As long as we explain the matter clearly, I think Lord Lu will not hold on to it."
Hearing this, Zeng Jingyuan's eyebrows stood up:
"No? That Lu Yunyi is lawless and unyielding!
In Yuezhou, he set up a private court and killed people in the street. Will he let Yan Fu go easily?"
"Sir, will you always try it?
The young master was taken to the military camp, and it would be dangerous if he stayed there any longer.
If you still have some youthful spirit and refuse to give up the person who bewitched you, you will suffer physical pain!"
Zeng Jingyuan's breathing quickened after hearing this, and he clenched his fists. He turned his head to look at Chang Yue:
"Who do you think is behind this?"
"This"
Chang Yue felt a little embarrassed. Even though he had some guesses in his mind, how could he say this?
"I don't know, but I think he is someone you are close to."
Zeng Jingyuan looked at Chang Yue with a calm expression and said in a deep voice:
"Master Chang, you usually help my son with some things. Do you know who his good friends are?"
Chang Yue still looked hesitant and didn't dare to speak.
"Don't worry, Master Chang, I will never reveal this to anyone.
I now urgently want to know who has bewitched Yanfu, so that I can ask Lord Li for help."
Chang Yue was shocked. Lord Li was the backer of the entire Honglu Temple, the Minister of Rites Li Yuanming.
In the Ming Dynasty, the Ministry of Rites was the institution in charge of rituals, sacrifices, banquets, tributes and other matters, and was responsible for formulating the country's ritual system and norms.
The Honglu Temple was mainly responsible for the specific execution of rituals and ceremonial operations, such as court meetings, guests, auspicious and inauspicious ceremonies, etc.
This is also true in foreign affairs and the imperial examinations.
The Ministry of Rites was the superior government office, and the Honglu Temple was the executive body.
"Sir, should we alert Lord Li about this matter? Why not first ask Lord Zhang, the Minister, for help?"
Zeng Jingyuan shook his head after hearing this, walked to the top seat and sat down, letting out a sigh:
"Lu Yunyi made such a big fuss today, just to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys, and Yanfu is the chicken.
In my opinion, asking Mr. Zhang to intervene will not only fail to resolve the matter, but will make the situation even more serious.
So why not just go to the end and ask Lord Li to mediate this matter?
Lu Yunyi is young, so he should give some respect to Lord Li."
After hearing this, Chang Yue finally understood the key.
The Beijing troops had just returned to the capital city only three days before rumors began to spread. If they were not dealt a heavy blow, they would be completely disgraced.
Afterwards, countless people thought that the Beijing army was easy to bully, and naturally, criticisms came in waves.
If he were Lu Yunyi, he would definitely make a big fuss about this matter and report it to the emperor!
Let everyone in the court see that this is the fate of the meritorious official who just returned from his mission.
Thinking of this, Chang Yue felt cold all over, held his breath suddenly, and spoke quickly:
"Sir, this matter cannot be delayed, it needs to be done quickly."
Then, he told everyone his guess and the people who were on good terms with Zeng Yanfu.
Hearing Zeng Jingyuan's face changing again and again, my heart began to tighten.
He stood up and said hastily:
"I was so worried that I was confused. Fortunately, Lord Chang was here and he woke me up. I will go find Lord Li now."
Chang Yue bowed slightly and said, "Your Excellency, please leave quickly. I will take care of all matters in the government office. Please rest assured."
"it is good!"
Puzikou City, the camp of the vanguard army’s scouts.
As evening approached, the weather was no longer scorching hot, but instead became thick and sultry.
The orange-red sunlight sprinkled down, and the entire Puzikou city became lazy.
Zeng Yanfu was captured and the soldiers who received the order to torture him did not hold back at all. In a matter of seconds, he was tortured beyond recognition.
Zeng Yanfu was also a tough nut to crack.
The fact that he didn't say anything after being tortured for a while made the torturers more anxious and they started to use ruthless force.
The reason they were so anxious was because they wanted to finish their military duties quickly.
Check out the army's new gadgets, which are said to make bathing more comfortable!
Now all the idle soldiers in the army gathered there, thinking that they would have to torture this rich young master here.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. He whipped him hard and spat at him.
"Tell me or not, who instructed you to spread rumors?"
Zeng Yanfu was a stubborn man. The burning pain in his body made his breathing rapid, and it felt like there was a fire burning in his chest.
He felt a fishy-sweet taste in his mouth, and the blood in his mouth became sticky.
He kept spitting out, but he couldn't spit it out completely.
As he vomited, he raised his head, his disheveled hair made him look ferocious and terrifying:
"What rumors? I don't know."
"Damn it, you're still talking nonsense. Wang Chihuo next door has already confessed everything, but you're still being stubborn!"
The soldier had a murderous look on his face, and whipped him ten times with a whip.
Zeng Yanfu was beaten so hard that he felt his skin and flesh were rotting away.
When the pain came over him, he screamed as usual and threatened at the same time!
"My father is the Minister of the Honglu Temple. If you treat me like this, you will not end up well."
"My general is a guest of the prince, and if you're not afraid of him, why should we be afraid of your father? You're such an idiot!"
The soldier threw away the whip in his hand and waved his hand:
"Put him on the tiger bench and see how long he can last!"
The soldiers who had been impatient for a long time rushed over, muttering:
"It's time to go up. Why be polite to him?"
There was even one person who looked at Zeng Yanfu affectionately and smiled:
"Don't worry, your life will not be lost here. At most you will suffer some physical pain.
If you can endure it, then endure it. If you can't, we have a way to help you.
When you get out, be careful.
If someone suddenly chops off our heads on the street, it’s not our fault.
Of course, if you want to turn into a ghost and cause trouble for us, we welcome that, and we will chop you down once more when the time comes."
Hearing this person's unscrupulous threats, Zeng Yanfu held his breath, a trace of fear flashed in his eyes.
He knew that these soldiers were desperate criminals who would kill without blinking an eye.
He began to hesitate. Was it really worth it to keep going like this?
The soldier smiled again:
"Hey, Mr. Zeng, I wonder if you have a wife and children?
Don't worry, we always do things with morality.
But when dealing with the enemy, you can do whatever it takes.
If someone comes to kill you, you must die quickly and efficiently.
Otherwise, how could you lie on the sickbed and watch your wife and children suffer so much? "
Zeng Yanfu stared at the man in front of him, hoping to remember his face! !
"You are bandits! You have no moral principles!!"
"Wow, listen to what you are saying. You are spreading rumors outside, what morality are you talking about?"
The soldiers were shocked after hearing this. How could a person be so shameless!
He looked at the bricks and stones under Zeng Yanfu's feet and said:
"Add four first, let him feel it for himself, and if he can bear it, we can add more."
"Okay."
Zeng Yanfu looked at the stones gradually piling up under his feet.
There was a flash of doubt in his eyes. What kind of punishment was this?
But soon, he knew it. When the number of bricks reached three, he could already feel a little pain, and the strong sense of restraint made him unable to move.
When the fourth brick was pushed in, Zeng Yanfu's eyes were filled with bloodshot!
The legs felt like they were being mercilessly pulled by a pair of large hands, and the piercing pain was like thousands of steel needles piercing the hamstrings at the same time, spreading from the ankles all the way up to the base of the thighs!
His muscles seemed to be torn apart and his tendons seemed to be burned by fire. He was shaking with pain and couldn't help but roar in agony.
“Ah—it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!!”
"Can you order more? Add more."
After the fifth brick was inserted,
Zeng Yanfu felt as if the bones at his joints were about to be broken, making a terrifying "crunching" sound.
He looked at his legs in horror and could clearly feel that his joints were dislocated and twisted.
The severe pain in the legs quickly spread to the whole body.
My heart was beating so hard from the pain that it felt like it was going to burst through my chest.
This pain beyond his limit made the world before his eyes blurry, his breathing became rapid and difficult, and every gasp was accompanied by painful sobs.
Cold sweat poured down from his forehead and back like a waterfall, soaking his clothes in an instant.
He unconsciously clenched his hands into fists, his nails digging deep into his palms.
Trying to distract from the crippling pain in my legs this way, but to no avail.
Moreover, he felt like he was mute, unable to shout or even open his mouth.
"Not dizzy yet? Add another piece."
A slightly teasing voice sounded, although it was light,
But to Zeng Yanfu's ears it was like the sound of a huge bell, enveloping him from all directions, and he could hear it very clearly.
The fear in my heart filled my body at this moment.
He shook his head with all his strength, sweat splashing out as his head shook.
Seeing this, the soldier holding the bricks and stones asked, "Want to speak? If you want to speak, just nod your head."
Zeng Yanfu nodded repeatedly as if he had grabbed a life-saving straw!
This is how the psychological defense line collapses. Once there is a gap, it is unstoppable like a flood breaking through a dam!
Seeing this, the soldier nodded and smiled:
"That's right, why would I have to suffer so much physical pain if I told the truth?
But since you are here, it would be a pity if you don't experience it.
Let Master Zeng reflect on this and write it down.
No one has ever been punished with six bucks here."
As they spoke, two soldiers pulled Zeng Yanfu's legs hard.
Just when it reached this point, Zeng Yanfu's body began to shake violently, his head swayed, and fear in his eyes could not be suppressed.
"Be good, don't move, you'll get used to it."
The soldier calmed him down for a moment and then stuffed the brick in.
"Well--"
Zeng Yanfu felt that his whole body was out of control.
It was as if countless hands were twisting and grabbing him, tearing his flesh and bones bit by bit!
The horrible pain instantly broke down his brain threshold.
Zeng Yanfu's head tilted and he fainted.
Seeing this, the soldier finally breathed a sigh of relief and stood up suddenly:
"It finally worked. Let's get him down and interrogate him thoroughly, no matter how big or small the matter is. Also, ask him about any corruption his father has committed."
"Yes!"
After the interrogation, the soldier tore off all the disguises on his face, revealing Chen Jingyi's face. He washed his hands and said:
"Ask nicely, and I'll go see what that thing is."
"Yes!"
After saying this, Chen Jingyi quickly left the military tent and ran towards the rear of the military camp.
He was also thinking about going to see new things.
Behind the military camp, two camps were demolished.
Instead, there is a platform that is ten feet high.
It's not just a wooden structure, there's also a lot of fine iron mixed in for support.
On the platform was a huge water tank, about the size of a house.
There is an extended keel water truck next to it, which continuously delivers clean water to the water tank.
As the weight increased, a clear dent appeared on the ground and the wooden support began to groan. Soldiers holding iron frames hurried forward to provide additional support.
The water used by the dragon-bone waterwheel is clean water pumped from the well.
There are two mechanical structures here. The water from the well is brought up by a donkey-drawn cart, and then pumped out by a keel waterwheel.
The waterwheel was still powered by manpower, and two soldiers stood on it, staring at it.
The reason why I don't go on the donkey is because this thing has yet to be verified and I have to take care of the key things first.
As designed in the drawing, a huge hole was opened in the water tank.
A braided water pipe about three inches wide is inserted on top, becoming thinner as it goes down, with more than ten water pipes serving as tributaries.
The water pipe is no longer horizontal or vertical as before, but has become a huge circle.
Dozens of shower heads hung down in an orderly manner, forming a circle.
Similarly, when taking a bath, the soldiers need to sit in a circle naked.
Lu Yunyi felt embarrassed just thinking about this scene.
However, the soldiers did not care and just looked at it curiously.
"Old Lu, can this thing be done?" a soldier asked.
The craftsman Lao Lu, who was thinking about installing a switch, rolled his eyes at him:
"Shut up and don't talk!"
Seeing that the progress was a bit slow, Lu Yunyi walked up and asked:
"Old Lu, is there any problem?"
When Lao Lu saw the visitor, he spoke much more politely this time:
"Sir, tell me, is it better to just have a switch, or to be able to adjust the water flow?"
"Of course it's better to be able to adjust the water flow. Is it impossible to take care of everything now?"
"Hey, sir, how did you know?" Craftsman Lao Lu looked at him in disbelief.
In fact, after seeing the real thing.
Lu Yunyi also realized this problem. After connecting the water tank with a braided water pipe, there was a large enough water flow, but it was not stable enough.
Once the shower head below is turned on and off intermittently, it will affect the other nozzles. If the flow rate of one is uneven, water will be cut off or the flow will be insufficient.
Lu Yunyi scratched his head and ordered, "Bring paper and pen."
"Yes!"
Gong Xianzhi went to get paper and pen. Lu Yunyi looked at Old Lu and instructed:
"First install the simplest switch and try it out to see how it works. This thing is crudely made and needs to be improved later."
"Yes!"
Old Lu responded, and then asked in a low voice: "Sir, what method have you come up with?"
Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment and told him the basic structure and idea of the ball valve.
"Since the size of the water flow cannot be controlled, we should limit it at the beginning.
Install a ball valve on the large water pipe of the water tank, and also install one on the small water pipe. By combining the two, you can control the water flow.
As for how to maintain the water pressure and momentum, you have to figure it out yourself. I can’t figure it out.”
Old Lu was a famous craftsman in the army. Just hearing this,
He knew that this ball valve was useful and a good thing.
"Sir, please draw the things first, and I will make a few to try when I am done."
"Row."
After a while, Lu Yunyi took the paper and pen.
He started to write and draw on the side. He knew the structure of the ball valve very well and wrote as if inspired by God.
But before he finished painting, a scream came from behind him!
Lu Yunyi looked back, and then he laughed too!
A huge circular shower area appeared!
The water passing through the lotus pod is divided and flows downward like a water curtain cave.
The lotus pods formed a circle, tightly wrapping Old Lu inside. Only a vague figure could be seen behind the water curtain.
Old Lu turned the switch, and the water from the two shower heads stopped abruptly.
After he walked out, he looked up and said with emotion:
"Wow, this is really a good thing. It washes from top to bottom. Not only does it wash very cleanly, but it also doesn't waste water."
At this time, the impatient soldiers rushed over and started to fiddle with the switch.
The water flowed intermittently, which made the soldiers very excited. It was the first time they saw such a novel thing, and they were not afraid even if they got wet.
Old Lu's curse came out:
"Get lost, get lost, the test isn't even finished yet, why are you in such a hurry?"
After the soldiers retreated slightly, he shouted:
"Twenty people come and try to see how long this box of water can last."
The soldiers rushed forward again, cursing, and the scene was particularly cheerful for a while.
(End of this chapter)