Chapter 214: Taking Over Jinzhou

Xu Zhenying's voice was a little cold. "Xu Deyuan is collaborating with the enemy and betraying the country. The evidence is irrefutable. Now we need to investigate everyone in the second house to see if there are other people involved."

Xu Yinxi didn't seem flustered. She smoothed her hair and said to Ming Xiaoshuang, "Don't pull me. I can walk on my own. Brother Xiaoshuang, lead the way."

But the other people in the second house seemed very flustered.

Aunt Chun hugged the trembling Xu Minglu and said, "City Lord, the innocent will be innocent. We, the second branch, are loyal to you. I hope you can clear our name."

Xu Zhenying laughed, "The innocent are innocent? Didn't you notice that someone from the second house has been missing for almost half a month?"

These words made Xu Yinxi's face change drastically.

Almost everyone immediately thought of the missing Xu Deyuan!

But Xu Yinxi thought of the letter!

The letter she casually wrote back in her busy schedule!

Then Xu Yinxi bit her lower lip and clenched her fists in the dark: Father, what on earth have you done again?

Seeing the second uncle and his companions pale with fear, Xu Zhenying continued, "To tell you the truth, Xu Deyuan and Sun Qingchen collaborated, took advantage of the chaos to escape from Jinzhou, and went to Qianzhou Prefecture to deliver a letter to General Bai, asking him to send troops to wipe us out, hoping to take the lives of all the Xu family members and restore their positions. Do you really want to keep your second uncle, who stepped on us to get to the top, out of kinship?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expression changed!

Huang Cui'e immediately cursed, "Is the Second Brother crazy? He actually asked the court to send troops to suppress us. Does he know that rebellion is a capital crime? We are fighting in the front, but he is stabbing us in the back? City Lord, you did the right thing. Immediately imprison all of these ungrateful people from the Second Branch and punish them!"

Xu Degui also shouted angrily: "How could Second Brother be like this?!"

"The evidence is irrefutable. Sun Qingchen's blood letter was found on him. He has already entered Qianzhou. If our people hadn't been alert and spotted him, he would have been attacking us with his men by now!"

The people from the Fourth Branch were also furious. Xu Dekai raised his fist and cursed, "We've all done our best for you, the Second Branch, and yet you're betraying us! We're all blood relatives, and you're trying to kill us! Do you, the Second Branch, still consider us family?!"

Lian's eyes were filled with tears, she felt angry and aggrieved. "Why are you yelling at us? This is Xu Deyuan's fault. What does it have to do with Yin Xi and me? Yin Xi and I have always been loyal to the city lord! If you want to blame me, blame Xu Deyuan!"

This is a bit embarrassing.

Speaking of which, since the siege, Lian and Xu Yinxi have indeed been loyal to them. Lian cooperates with Miao to manage logistics, and Yinxi follows Xu Zhenying to manage government affairs. The mother and daughter are conscientious and careful in their work, and there is no fault to be found.

What's more, Lian and Xu Deyuan had long been estranged from each other, and the two had once reached the point of divorce. Lian might not really be aware of what Xu Deyuan had done.

"In any case, lock up the people from the second house first, and then discuss how to deal with them after further verification."

Xu Yin glanced at Xu Zhenying, but saw his cold expression. She hated Xu Deyuan to death, but she also knew that even to appease his subordinates, Xu Zhenying had to pretend.

No matter what Xu Zhenying's motives were, Xu Yinxi couldn't possibly distance herself from Xu Deyuan in front of everyone. She truly hated and annoyed Xu Deyuan, and all she could do now was cooperate. She brought Lian Shi with her and said to Xu Zhenying, "City Lord, I hope you can investigate as soon as possible and clear our Second Branch's name."

"Don't worry about that."

Ming Xiaoshuang and Mo Jinchun took the second wife and others back to the house, and then dispatched dozens of soldiers to surround them. The second wife and others could not go in or out, and were as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

However, Xu Zhenying had already brought his men into the government office.

The scene in the second room seemed to shock and scare everyone.

On the day Xu Zhenying attacked Jinzhou Prefecture, the Xu family was the last to know about it and naturally were powerless to stop him.

The slogans of rebellion had been raised, and Jinzhou Prefecture had been taken into their hands. They had no choice but to pack up their things and rush to Jinzhou Prefecture overnight to deal with the aftermath.

At this time, everyone in the Xu family was already terrified.

Those who are smart and shrewd will naturally come to their senses afterwards. Xu Zhenying has been making plans in Lan County, and his ambition to dominate the world has been exposed long ago.

But Xu Zhenying actually hid the truth from his closest relatives and acted on his own, as if he didn't take them seriously at all.

They didn't even dare to get angry. They just felt that Xu Zhenying was too thoughtful and that they were drifting away.

What's more, when Xu Zhenying returned to Jinzhou Prefecture, the first thing he did was to deprive the second branch of the Xu family of their power and lock up all the people in the second branch. His methods were unprecedentedly harsh.

Everyone in the Xu family raised their eyebrows and followed Xu Zhenying, but they were secretly guessing Xu Zhenying's intentions in their hearts.

However, those people in the second house are really no good.

But they surrendered to the enemy and betrayed their country. Could it be that Xu Zhenying was really planning to kill them?

Xu Zhenying walked into the county government office and sat high in the main seat. The people below took their seats one by one. There was silence and a strange solemnity.

Only Huang Cui'e seemed unable to see the situation clearly. She kept cursing at the people from the second house. Sometimes she blamed Xu Deyuan for not letting them participate in the soap business, and sometimes she cursed Xu Deyuan for being crazy and letting his entire family die just to get his official position back.

She also glanced at Xu Zhenying from time to time, as if secretly observing her expression. Seeing that Xu Zhenying did not stop her, she continued, "City Lord, what are you going to do with the Second House?"

Everyone looked over.

Xu Zhenying said, "Once the facts are clear, we'll deal with the case based on the severity of the crime. Minor punishments include imprisonment, and serious cases include beheading."

The Xu family's face jumped.

On the other hand, there was a hint of approval on the faces of the others.

The Xu family's thoughts at this moment were very complicated. Their resentment towards Xu Deyuan was real, and their fear of Xu Zhenying was also real.

Miao's mind was in turmoil, and seeing Xu Degui's downcast expression, she said, "City Lord, he is your uncle after all—"

Xu Zhenying didn't seem to want to listen and raised his hand to stop Miao from saying anything. "Let's wait until the results of the investigation come out before we discuss anything. Now that we have occupied Jinzhou and Qianzhou, there are still many things to discuss. There's no need to mention Xu Deyuan's matter. Let's discuss the matter first."

Seeing everyone stunned, Qian Zhenniang was the first to speak out in surprise: "City Lord, have we taken over Qianzhou Prefecture?"

"That's right. Those chieftains have decided to evacuate Shunyuan City and hand over Qianzhou Prefecture to us for management. However, we must provide them with assistance. We'll discuss the details with Zhang Wanjun." Ming Xiaoshuang took a tour of Qianzhou, looking even more high-spirited than before, a smile hard to suppress. "The city lord didn't return empty-handed this time; he brought back thousands of captives from the Great Zhou Dynasty. Now that we own two prefectures, we can barely be considered a powerful force."

Everyone in the room could not hide their shock. It was already shocking enough that Jinzhou Prefecture was captured without bloodshed, but who would have thought that Xu Zhenying had only been in Qianzhou for ten days or half a month and had captured another prefecture.

Moreover, the casualties in this battle were no more than a thousand.

Before the crowd could react, two cities appeared in the blink of an eye.

Xu Zhenying's expansion speed is too alarming!

At this moment, everyone in the room became active.

Although there was a bit of fear when they occupied Jinzhou Prefecture before, after Qianzhou was also taken into their possession, everyone became indescribably excited.

Ming Xiaoshuang is right. If you count it this way, they are the only one dominating the southwest region. Isn’t that a local hegemony?

Xu Zhenying looked at Miao, then looked away. "Yes, I was just about to discuss this with everyone. The natives have withdrawn from Qianzhou Prefecture, and we will provide assistance. We need both sides to send hostages to ensure that both sides fulfill the agreement. I have already agreed."

The shocking news comes one after another!

The expressions of the people from the third branch of the Xu family changed instantly.

For hostage?

Despite his excitement, Xu Degui appeared unusually calm and asked, "Is there no room for change in this matter?"

Xu Zhenying looked at him, his eyes calm. "No. It's a done deal."

Miao's voice trembled a little: "Then who among us will go?"

Xu Zhenying pursed his lips, but kept his gaze fixed on Miao. "Don't overthink it. As long as there's no unusual movement here, anyone who goes there won't be in danger. I'll send twenty soldiers to protect you. Once the situation in Qianzhou is resolved, you'll naturally return."

you?

Xu Degui's heart trembled. If that was the case, it must be him and Miao.

In addition, there is no one in the third room.

Miao sat back in her chair somewhat dejectedly.

Xu Degui was a bit bewildered, not knowing what he was thinking. Then he spoke woodenly, "Is it like two warring countries exchanging the emperor's son? But what would they do there? Would it restrict their personal freedom?"

"No." Xu Zhenying couldn't quite explain his feelings at the moment. A heavy heart filled him, yet he spoke calmly. "After we get there, we'll have to help the natives resume production and increase grain output. We'll also connect with our people on the cultivation and marketing of various products. Ultimately, we'll help them live the same good lives as the people of Lan County. Of course, when necessary, we'll have to infiltrate their ranks, gather intelligence, and pass on messages to prevent them from backstabbing us."

The other members of the Xu family also understood and looked at Miao and Xu Degui with solemn expressions.

They wanted to say something to persuade him, but they didn't know how to start.

Even Huang Cui'e just moved her lips, unable to think of what to say, and then looked at Miao with a worried look on her face.

Firstly, it was Xu Zhenying's decision, and they couldn't persuade him anymore.

Secondly, although going to Qianzhou was dangerous, it wouldn't cost them their lives. Since they had the character "Xu" in their names, they naturally had to fight for Xu Zhenying.

What's more, Xu Zhenying is no longer the same person as before, and their Xu family is also no longer the same person as before. When Xu Zhenying speaks, they have no room for refusal.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that the world was going to be in chaos. Without the support of Xu Zhenying, they would not even be able to guarantee their own safety if they went outside. Naturally, they could only follow Xu Zhenying's lead.

Xu Degui understood a little after hearing this. A wry smile appeared on his face. "After all, it's similar to what we did in Lan County."

"That's understandable. We're about to enter into negotiations with the chieftains, and both sides are just trying to show their sincerity. As long as I'm here, there will be no exchange of fire. Besides, we also hold the sons and daughters of the four chieftains in our hands. We're afraid of them, and they're afraid of us."

"If that's the case, then what's there to be afraid of!" Xu Degui, who had experienced so much, was no longer as taciturn as before. "It's just a job in a new place. If we go there, they might even treat us like honored guests. My son has a strong army and horses, so why should I be afraid of those natives?"

Miao calmed herself down. She was genuinely frightened. She had been living a good life in Lan County, but Xu Zhenying had suddenly invaded Jinzhou Prefecture and turned into a rebel. She had been living in fear for the past two weeks, only to find that Xu Zhenying had taken back Qianzhou.

Why didn't she realize that Xu Zhenying had such ambitions at the beginning?

Seeing that Xu Zhenying's territory was getting bigger and bigger, Miao was forced to adjust his mentality in time.

If it were in the past, she would have been trembling with fear and walking on thin ice, but now she is no longer the Miao of the past. She has been in charge of logistics for half a year and has unknowingly developed her courage. What's more, her daughter is already a local lord, so she must follow her daughter's footsteps closely and stand up for herself!

Miao gritted her teeth and said, "It's okay, I'll go. I'm not afraid of them, and I don't think they dare to kill us!"

Xu Zhenying shook her head, "Mother, the Miao people chose you and Mei Xiao."

Miao was shocked, her heart pounding. "Zhenying, Mei Xiao is only seven years old! The climate in Qianzhou is terrible. How can she go there as a hostage?"

Xu Zhenying looked at the sad-looking Miao with deep eyes, "The little grandson sent by the village chieftain is only six years old this year."

Miao opened her mouth wide, her expression frozen. At that moment, it was as if someone had grabbed her neck and she couldn't move.

Since Xu Zhenying moved out the grandson of the chieftain of Zhaifang, it meant that Xu Meixiao's going to Qianzhou as a hostage could not be changed.

A strong feeling of powerlessness came over me.

Xu Degui was also very confused.

Xu Zhenying deliberately ignored the sad expressions of the two people. Since the matter was already a fait accompli, there was no point in saying more. As the saying goes, if you want to wear the crown, you must bear the weight. Not only today, maybe she will have to bear more in the future.

A qualified leader should not be swayed by emotions.

"Fourth Aunt, my mother is going to Qianzhou now, and the people from the second house are being held in custody. You need to take care of the logistics. It will be very hard for you these days, and I will assign you some staff as soon as possible—"

Zhao looked at Xu Zhenying, who was so cold and ruthless, and even had a sense of imperial oppression, and quickly responded respectfully.

"Also, the details of Qianzhou's aid will be sent to you soon. Money, food, seeds, and other necessary equipment should be prepared in advance. We should also discuss with the wealthy families in the city to see if there are any who are brave enough to go to Qianzhou to pan for gold. We can provide them with policy support. As for other unresolved matters, please speak with me, Zhenniang."

Qian Zhenniang had just witnessed Xu Yinxi being arrested, and heard the news that the third room was going to take her as a hostage. She was a little dazed at the moment, but as Xu Zhenying's secretary, Qian Zhenniang had long developed the habit of keeping an eye on all directions. As soon as Xu Zhenying said something, she would follow immediately.

"When you went to Qianzhou earlier, many people fled. County Magistrate Xu came up with the idea of ​​confiscating the homes of the wealthy and dividing their wealth. This appeased the people in the city. Now, these wealthy families and all the officials of Jinzhou Prefecture are being held in the prison, awaiting the city lord's decision."

Xu Zhenying thought for a moment, "Tell them to only kill half of them. If they can prove the other party's guilt, they can be exempted from the death penalty. Let them fight each other. Select the most evil among them, announce their crimes to the entire city, and then sentence them according to the severity of their crimes. Then, from the rich families whose property is unkind and the people are against them, the money seized from the confiscation of their property will be distributed to the people and part will be added to our public treasury."

Qian Zhenniang asked, "How do we determine the scale for distributing money to ordinary people?"

"A few copper coins per person will be enough." Seeing Qian Zhenniang's incredulous expression, Xu Zhenying said, "Why? Are you going to give all the money to the common people? Give out a few copper coins to celebrate our arrival in the city. Save the rest; it will come in handy soon."

"Also, Wang Sanniang's family sold their assets and donated 100,000 taels of silver to us."

Xu Zhenying raised his eyebrows, "Do they have any demands?"

"I never said that."

Xu Zhenying smiled, "Then they must be aiming for something big. No problem, take it for now, and we'll talk to them later if they have any needs. If you have any other questions, please continue."

"When we entered the city, the students of Bailu Academy in Jinzhou Prefecture were causing quite a stir. A group of scholars brought others to the government office to cause trouble, cursing terribly. We couldn't beat them or scold them, so we had no choice but to throw them in jail. We don't know what to do with them, so please give us some advice, City Lord."

Xu Zhenying sighed, "If only Han Ruqing were here at this time, at least he could argue with these nerds for a while."

Qian Zhenniang wanted to ask what the criticism was, but she didn't dare to ask.

That doesn't sound like a good word.

"Alright, they're spitting so much all day, they must have more energy than they need. Let's send them all out to open up new land and see if they still have the energy to curse."

Ming Xiaoshuang immediately said, "City Lord, please assign me some scholars from the breeding area. I just happen to be short of people who can write and calculate!"

Xu Zhenying curled his lips and smiled, "Okay, let them choose whether to open up wasteland or raise pigs."

This trick is a bit damaging.

"And the most difficult thing right now is that Jinzhou Prefecture currently has nine counties, plus Qianzhou..." Qian Zhenniang looked at Ming Xiaoshuang, who immediately added, "Qianzhou has six counties."

"That adds up to fifteen counties. Arranging the selection of county magistrates is a major problem. We have currently sent people to notify each county and temporarily control the county magistrates, but this is not a long-term solution."

Qian Zhenniang paused. "If County Magistrate Xu is suspended for a short period of time, then we'll only have Fang Xun and Wang Xingye to support us. Furthermore, as our city grows, we'll need dedicated personnel to handle many tasks."

Xu Zhenying couldn't help but have a headache.

The Xu family was obviously very excited and eager to try. Huang Cui'e even wanted to mention Xu Huijia's name immediately, but Xu Dechi stopped her with a look.

Xu Zhenying ignored the expressions of the Xu family and turned to Qian Zhenniang and said, "Do you have any recommendations?"

Qian Zhenniang was well prepared. She took out the list she and Xu Yinxi had prepared in advance and spread it in front of Xu Zhenying. "City Lord, this is the list copied from the barracks. It's the top ten overall scorers, and their profiles are at the back. The last one is for the outstanding students from the Lan County intermediate class. There are a total of forty people."