Chapter 1813 - 1799

Ye Liang’s words were merely spoken without much thought, and Little Shunzi didn’t mind. He continued, "But the strictest rule is still for us soldiers. I heard someone went to Gourd Island out of curiosity earlier and was executed by the Prince on the spot."

Ye Liang was shocked, "Just because they went to Gourd Island?"

Little Shunzi nodded.

"Is there treasure on the island? It seems so mysterious."

"No one knows what’s there; no one’s ever been up there. It’s just folklore. After all, it’s the Forbidden Land. If there weren’t treasure, why would it be forbidden?"

Ye Liang was silent for a moment, then asked again, "Where are the Old Gang Leader and Chu Ge now?"

"I heard they’re by the shore, caught red-handed, couldn’t even argue back. The Prince sent dozens of elite soldiers who captured them immediately!"

Little Shunzi was still talking to Ye Liang when suddenly there was a commotion outside; they had brought back the Old Gang Leader and Chu Ge.

Originally, the Old Gang Leader and Chu Ge had already entered the cave and saw the Time-Space Mirror, identical to the one Chu Ge had seen with the Man Yue Clan, only this Time-Space Mirror was intact, without any cracks.

Upon seeing the Time-Space Mirror, their plan became clear. They would find a chance to bring Feng Luo over and use his blood to open the Time-Space Gate.

But due to time constraints, the Old Gang Leader was worried about Feng Luo, so he and Chu Ge headed back.

As soon as the two landed, a group of soldiers came charging out, targeting them.

The lead officer conveyed the Prince’s command, stating they had entered the Forbidden Land.

The Old Gang Leader knew precisely this was just an excuse for the Prince to capture them. He must have guessed their real purpose for going to Gourd Island.

He should have anticipated it; the Prince’s wisdom wouldn’t have missed the true intent of his arrival at the military camp.

What he hadn’t expected was how quickly the Prince would capture them.

Unlike the calm Old Gang Leader, Chu Ge was somewhat perplexed.

"Why are you capturing us?" Chu Ge demanded.

"We’re just following orders!" one of the soldiers replied. "You’ll know why we captured you when you meet the Prince."

"You can only blame yourselves for going to the Forbidden Land on the first day."

"Forbidden Land?" Chu Ge frowned, wondering if they meant Gourd Island.

"It’s Gourd Island!"

Chu Ge felt somewhat frustrated; no one had told him Gourd Island was forbidden. However, they were arrested for trespassing into the Forbidden Land without much injustice.

Even if it was a Forbidden Land, he must step into it to return to his time.

The soldiers, seeing they had captured Chu Ge and the others, did not show any fear or nervousness, a bit puzzled. It was their first time seeing people who’ve been caught so calm and unafraid.

"Old Gang Leader, don’t blame us for being rude."

The speaker was one they had previously taught a lesson to, now enjoying seeing the Old Gang Leader caught.

Chu Ge and the Old Gang Leader were brought to the Prince’s tent, where Prince He Shuo was already waiting at the entrance.

Upon meeting, the Old Gang Leader sneered at Prince He Shuo, "Prince, what’s your intention in capturing us?"

"Old Gang Leader, you should know why I captured you."

The Prince replied expressionlessly.

"Forgive my ignorance, I do not know."

The Old Gang Leader glared at him coldly, showing no fear.

"Facing death, you’re still so arrogant! Not kneeling before the Prince! Kneel!"

One of the Deputy Generals stepped forward and kicked the Old Gang Leader, trying to force him to kneel.

The kick felt as though it struck an iron post—painful, yet unable to bring the Old Gang Leader down.

The Old Gang Leader gave him a sharp look, "Even the current Emperor never made me kneel, and you want me to kneel to your Prince? Does this imply your Prince is more noble than the Emperor?"

"How dare you!"

"I think you’re the bold one!"

Prince He Shuo coolly glanced at the Old Gang Leader, then addressed the Deputy General, "Alright, back down. Kneeling is just a formality, it’s not necessary."

"Yes." Although unwilling, the Deputy General had no choice but to step back.

The Prince descended the steps in front of the tent, approached the Old Gang Leader, and said in a low voice, "I know your true intention, and you know why I captured you. We all understand each other. I don’t want the disaster from fifteen years ago to recur, so I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you."

Although the Prince lowered his voice, Chu Ge heard it. He sensed from the Prince’s words that the Prince was worried about the disaster of the past repeating, causing irreparable damage and severe consequences for the common people.

"Take the Old Gang Leader and Chu Ge to the dungeon!"

By the time Feng Luo heard the news, the two had already been captured and brought back. She rushed over only to find she was a step too late.

The Old Gang Leader and Chu Ge had already been taken to the dungeon.

The so-called dungeon was just a wooden enclosure, a temporary makeshift prison. Soldiers who committed offenses would be detained here overnight and sent to the city’s dungeon the following day.

"Old Gang Leader, what should we do next?"

Chu Ge glanced around; the surroundings made of wood were insignificant to them, entirely breakable.

After scanning the area, Chu Ge’s gaze fell on the Old Gang Leader, who was surprisingly sitting comfortably on the ground, eyes closed as if resting, possibly dreaming, with a smile on his face.

"..." Chu Ge was speechless; was it even possible to sleep at such a time?

He was about to wake him but hesitated. The Old Gang Leader had exhausted himself all day; he should have some rest.

Even if he hurried, it would be futile. Breaking out now would just mean more waiting outside.

"Don’t worry, we will get out."

Suddenly, the Old Gang Leader spoke.

Chu Ge was surprised, "You weren’t asleep?"

"In this bitter cold, how could one sleep?" The Old Gang Leader sighed, "I was just reminiscing about past events, lost in thought."

"What should we do next?"

Chu Ge asked in a hushed voice. Guards surrounded them, unfortunate since these guards were Commander Zhang’s subordinates, some close confidants. Seeing Chu Ge and the Old Gang Leader in trouble, they would certainly seize the chance to bully them more, getting revenge for Commander Zhang.

"What’s all this noise?!"

Someone slapped the cage with a sword, "Separate them! Also, add more locks to the cage; these two know martial arts, take care!"