Chapter 259 - Chapter 259: Chapter 268: A Bucket of Cold Water (1/2)
Chapter 259: Chapter 268: A Bucket of Cold Water
Han Yu didn’t intervene at that moment, allowing them to create a ruckus. He was naturally aware of what the items in the box were, and worried that opening it might frighten Li Bonian. But since Li Bonian was often too arrogant, his subordinates wanted to teach him a lesson, and he had no intention of interfering.
“What is it that requires me, an official, to open our eyes? You’re all a bunch of bumpkins who’ve never seen the real world. However, anything seized from the bandit’s den should be surrendered, don’t even think about pocketing it for yourselves, or else there’ll be consequences.”
As Li Bonian uttered these words, he didn’t forget to threaten Liu Cong and the others. In reality, when they went on missions, although a small portion of the seized goods was surrendered, most of it was split among them privately. This was tacitly permitted by their superiors; after all, living conditions in the camp were harsh. Relying solely on the meager monthly army provisions to support a family was barely sufficient, and it wasn’t easy for soldiers to fight and kill for their country. If they were to surrender everything, who would be willing to put forth the effort? They certainly couldn’t work on an empty stomach and naturally had to find other ways to “supplement” their income.
“Of course, of course, they should be surrendered,” Liu Cong said with a smile that was uncharacteristically good-natured; he didn’t argue with Li Bonian at all. He thought to himself: Why would they bring back such a thing from the box if not to “surrender” it? It was not only a great distance but also bloody, as if they had nothing better to do. As for everything else Li Bonian said, he treated it as if it was nothing but hot air, immediately forgotten.
Li Bonian looked at Liu Cong suspiciously. Liu Cong’s reaction seemed a bit off; this hotheaded guy was surprisingly amiable today. Perhaps it was because he had made a meritorious achievement in exterminating the bandits, otherwise, he would have typically erupted in fury and engaged in an argument, lacking any composure.
Liu Cong didn’t miss the suspicion on Li Bonian’s face. However, it didn’t concern him. He urged Liu Cong to open the box. He could have helped open it himself, but he thought it would be less dramatic for someone else to do so, wasting all the effort he’d put into controlling his disgust while preparing this specific surprise for Li Bonian.
“Lord Liu, please have a look for us, give us your guidance. Are these items that could bring us promotion and wealth?” Liu Cong asked with a flattering smile, his look towards Liu Cong nearly sycophantic.
This confirmed Liu Cong’s suspicions that this hothead was hoping to get ahead by turning in the items inside the box. Tsk, how foolish. If there were really valuable items, it would be more practical to keep them for oneself. As for getting promoted and becoming rich, Liu Cong wouldn’t even dream of it while he was around. Even a good opportunity would be ruined by him.
“Alright then, I’ll have a look for you.” Li Bonian glanced disdainfully at Liu Cong before reaching out to open the box. He, too, was curious about what was inside the box that made Liu Cong act so out of character.
Li Bo was also curious about what was inside the box, but unlike Li Bonian, he sensed something amiss. Still, he figured that under broad daylight and within the camp, Liu Cong couldn’t commit any serious misconduct, or else he’d be punished under military law. Since there was no danger, his curiosity took precedence and he also leaned in to have a look.
“Ah!” Li Bonian screamed in horror. It wasn’t that he was cowardly, but the sight of something so bloody and revolting, seen without any warning, would unnerve anyone – and especially Li Bonian, who, despite his years in the military camp, had avoided danger due to his superior’s connections and had rarely seen blood, unlike those who had truly fought on the battlefield.