Chapter 316: The North Exposed
Except that her skin is slightly whiter.
But even though she was dressed in a weird way and looked so young and immature, no one present dared to look down on her.
This woman could raze the entire Qiongzhou to the ground with just a wave of her arm.
The iron army behind her, with solemn appearance and sharp eyes, guarded their goddess like heavenly soldiers and generals.
Lord Cao, the Prince of Qiongzhou, had already knelt with everyone, chanting "Kneel before His Royal Highness Prince Zhao" three times. Xu Zhenying then took two quick steps and gently helped Lord Cao and the other civil and military officials to their feet. Her voice sounded neither cold nor warm, yet possessed the authority of a superior. "This is the territory of our Jinzhou Prefecture. There's no need to kneel."
Everyone quickly agreed.
Xu Zhenying raised her head again and looked at the people on the city wall and at the city gate. Seeing that they were looking at her in shock and fear, a smile appeared on her face and she waved to everyone.
"Everyone, I didn't mean to bother you with such a large force today, but since I, Xu Zhenying, have entered the city, I'd like to ask everyone to come out and see me. From today on, you are my subjects. Recognize my face carefully. I am in the Qiongzhou government office. If you have any needs, any grievances, any suggestions, or if you would like to recommend yourself, you are all welcome to visit the government office!"
Finally, someone plucked up the courage to ask, "Your Highness, will we in Qiongzhou also have universal education?"
Xu Zhenying looked at the person who spoke, "How did you hear about universal education?"
The man's face turned pale and he spoke in a whisper, "It's... it's when the city was captured. There were propaganda workers going door to door to announce it."
Someone else, hiding in the crowd, shouted, "I heard it! They say that in Xiangzhou, regardless of gender, everyone can read and write now!"
"That's right," Xu Zhenying replied with a smile. "Since you are all citizens of Jinzhou Prefecture, I will naturally treat you all equally. Whatever Jinzhou Prefecture has, you will have it too! You must have heard of more than just universal education, but also smallpox vaccine, standardized animal husbandry, and poverty alleviation. Don't worry, now that I, Xu Zhenying, am here, I will get started on these tasks quickly! I ask for your patience."
Cheers instantly erupted from the crowd.
"Your Highness, by the end of this year, will every household be able to eat meat like the people of Jinzhou Prefecture?"
"That requires a lot of hard work. But by the end of next year, it will definitely be fine."
The crowd cheered again.
Before, when Zhou Heng was in Qiongzhou, they had never seen the King Ming, let alone talked to him face to face. It was said that Jinzhou Prefecture advocated the unity of officials and people, and the officials were all polite and easy to talk to. Now that they saw each other, everyone knew that this was indeed true.
It is said that the people of Jinzhou Prefecture live like gods, and now they are going to become gods too!
Some caring people thought silently in their hearts that it was a good thing that Zhou Heng died!
Qiongzhou Prefecture can finally have a new ruler who is powerful and loves the people like his own children.
Xu Zhenying slowly stepped into the gate of Qiongzhou Prefecture amid cheers.
However, something unexpected happened.
"Xu Zhenying, a traitor, must be killed by all!"
With a loud shout, a soldier who was leading the way suddenly turned around and rushed forward. A cold light flashed, and Xu Zhenying's face changed, and his body leaned back slightly.
The blade of the dagger was like a poisonous snake, passing in front of Xu Zhenying's eyes!
However, Xu Zhenying's security team reacted faster!
Xu Zhenying only felt someone pulling his arm, and he fell backwards. A member of the security team who was following closely beside him turned half his body to the side and actually blocked it with his arm!
Then he kicked the man hard in the knee.
There was a sound of "crack" as the joints broke, and the man fell to the ground in front of Xu Zhenying with a "thump"!
Almost at the same time, Jiang Yongkang dragged her to the side, and the whole person blocked her way like a mountain!
“Your Highness!!!”
Several shouts came one after another!
Everyone was shocked, and there was chaos in front of the city gate!
Even Elder Lin's face turned pale with anxiety as he came forward to check on Xu Zhenying. "Your Highness, are you hurt anywhere?"
Jiang Yongkang even grabbed her wrist tightly, and a murderous aura suddenly burst out from his body that made it impossible to look directly at him.
Xu Zhenying shook his head.
Then she frowned and shouted, "Why are you panicking? He's just an assassin!"
Sure enough, the next moment, the man was subdued. Five or six soldiers handcuffed his hands behind his back and dragged him to Xu Zhenying like a dead dog.
Jiang Yongkang was enraged. He stomped the man's face into the ground and asked coldly, "Who sent you to assassinate His Highness?!"
The man sneered: "If you want to kill me, do it! Xu Zhenying is a witch, and she usurped the throne. It is unacceptable to heaven! In this world, not only I, Yang Zili, am dissatisfied, but there are also thousands of brave men who are dissatisfied! Today it's me, tomorrow it's him. As long as Xu Zhenying refuses to give up the throne, countless heroes of the Great Zhou will want her life! If you have the guts, kill me——"
Xu Zhenying raised his eyes and saw that Yan Xuesong from the security team had his arm pierced by a dagger and was bleeding profusely.
The dagger pierced deeply into the flesh, and one could even see the blood and flesh churning on the arm.
Xu Zhenying asked, "How is it?"
Yan Xuesong was still smiling at this moment, "It's just a minor injury, nothing serious. Your Highness, our security team is finally of some use."
Xu Zhenying was extremely distressed. "What are you talking about, military doctor? Quickly take Xuesong down and treat his injuries!"
Silence soon returned to the city wall, and the people in the city seemed to be frightened by the farce just now. No one had expected that someone in Qiongzhou City would dare to ambush and kill His Royal Highness Prince Zhao.
The acting governor of Qiongzhou was so frightened that his face turned pale. He almost rushed to Xu Zhenying and knelt down in front of him with a "thump". He was so trembling that he could hardly speak clearly, "Your Highness, Prince Zhao, I deserve to die, I deserve to die... I didn't know that someone was ambushing and trying to assassinate Your Highness——"
Xu Zhenying helped the prefect up, but did not say anything. He just looked at the assassin who was pinned to the ground by several people. The assassin seemed determined not to speak. He gritted his teeth and refused to say anything no matter how others asked.
Fang Ruyu quickly stepped forward from behind. Seeing this, he immediately said, "Your Highness, this man is a general under Zhou Heng, named Yang Zili! He was Zhou Heng's servant, and he rose through the ranks to become a general defending the city. He is incredibly loyal to Zhou Heng! This man will never surrender. He's mixed in with the surrendering troops, and he must have been planning to assassinate Your Highness from the beginning!"
Jiang Yongkang immediately apologized, "Your Highness, it's my fault. I didn't verify whether these people were truly surrendering one by one, and I let them into the team. Please punish me, Your Highness!"
Xu Zhenying raised her eyes and saw that the officials and people around her were all trembling as they looked at her. There was also a group of young people dressed like scholars. When they stared at her, their eyes were fierce, and they were obviously full of resentment and dissatisfaction.
It’s a pity that they are unarmed and dare not speak out.
If possible, this group of scholars would probably rush up like Yang Zili and hack her, the traitor, to death with their swords!
"Why would I punish you?" Xu Zhenying glanced at Yang Zili coldly. "In this world, only mediocre people are not judged by others. Ever since I, Xu Zhenying, occupied Jinzhou Prefecture, countless people have wanted to kill me. Let me tell you here, my head is here. If you have the guts, come and take it! Also, this Qiongzhou Prefecture does not belong to any one person, nor to any one army, but to the people of Qiongzhou as a whole. Who do you think you are? Are you worthy of representing the millions of people in Qiongzhou Prefecture?"
A total silence fell on the city wall. Then, fearing the wrath of the people, some bravely said, "Your Highness, these officials want to kill you. We, the people of Qiongzhou Prefecture, are here to protect you!"
"That's right! These crooked officials bully men and women, only knowing how to arrest people for military service and even forcing unarmed civilians to block firearms. They're nothing! People like them are unworthy of representing the people of Qiongzhou Prefecture!"
"We welcome His Royal Highness Prince Zhao! Now that His Royal Highness has arrived, our good days are just around the corner!"
As soon as one of the common people spoke, countless people followed, and the situation reversed in an instant.
Upon hearing this, Yang Zili burst into a rage, "You heartless bastards! His Highness treated you so well, providing you with food and clothing, and now that his body is still warm, you're surrendering to the enemy so quickly! Do you even understand the meaning of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism?"
"Ugh!" Someone spat at Yang Zili. "Loyalty to the emperor and patriotism? Who the hell is Zhou Heng? Is he worthy of being the monarch of Qiongzhou Prefecture? Ever since he came to Qiongzhou, the people's lives have been getting worse and worse. After collecting taxes for three years, I don't know how many people in my hometown have starved to death—"
"That's right! Ordinary people are almost eating their own children, but he has several beautiful concubines. Do you think we are blind?"
Yang Zili cried out, "Foolish! That was all for the purpose of making firearms! If you want to blame someone, you should blame Xu Zhenying, why blame His Majesty the Prince of Ming? If it weren't for firearms, you would have died under the cavalry of Jinzhou Prefecture long ago!"
Xu Zhenying said coldly, "There's no need to glorify yourselves. Zhou Heng and you are both just greedy for power and want to be the best. Why bother glorifying yourself? It's for the benefit of the people of the world. Don't be disgusting."
Jiang Yongkang had already drawn his sword, "Your Highness, no need to say anything, just kill him."
"No need, let him go."
Everyone was shocked.
Elder Lin said quickly, "Your Highness, don't be soft-hearted. This man is incorrigible. Letting him go is like letting a tiger return to the mountains. What if he comes to assassinate us again someday?"
Zhou Houfang also disagreed. "Your Highness, if you let the assassin go so easily, then others will learn that there is no cost to assassinating you. Will they follow your example?"
Xu Zhenying smiled, "There are countless people in this world who want to kill me, Xu Zhenying. If I kill them all, I will commit too much sin. Enemies are endless. Today there is him, and tomorrow there will be others. Killing is not enough. I just want those who hate me to live, so that they can watch me while they live. Watch how I unify the world, how the people follow me wholeheartedly, and how we build a brand new country! This is a thousand times more painful than killing them. Again, I, Xu Zhenying, am standing right here. If you want to kill me, just come!"
Xu Zhenying's last sentence was truly eye-opening.
Elder Lin's expression froze, then he stroked his beard and laughed, "Your Highness, this is a murderous act that breaks the heart."
Xu Zhenying slowly stepped into the city wall. Amidst the roaring tide, she took each step firmly. Her back looked a little thin, but very strong. As she strolled leisurely, it was impossible to tell that she had just experienced a storm.
There was even blood on her collar, but she had a smile on her face, as if she was not affected by the assassination at all.
Old Lin followed behind her and couldn't help but sigh that this woman's strong character and broad mind were rare in the world.
We still need to have an heir as soon as possible.
Mr. Lin was very worried about Xu Zhenying's marriage.
Mr. Lin had a strong premonition.
Xu Zhenying will definitely bring this dynasty to an unprecedented height.
The officials who stayed in Qiongzhou Prefecture all wiped their cold sweat and followed Xu Zhenying into the city cautiously.
This guy... seems to be even more difficult to deal with than the previous Prince Ming.
Judging from her actions just now, she had the demeanor of an emperor. Also, hearing that Jinzhou Prefecture had its own administrative system, this made some of the civil and military officials in Qiongzhou Prefecture who did not go to the warehouse that day feel even more uneasy.
However, when Xu Zhenying moved into the government office, a piece of bad news suddenly came.
An expedited and encrypted military report was delivered to Xu Zhenying's desk. After reading it, Xu Zhenying frowned and remained silent for a long time.
However, several people around him were shocked.
Xu Zhenying had never shown such an expression before.
The government office had been cleaned up front and back, and the interior had been redecorated, but in accordance with Xu Zhenying's minimalist style, it was only roughly divided into office area, canteen area, waiting area, secretary area, reception area, etc. It was not a waste of time and money.
Even the acting prefect felt that compared with the previous government offices, these were too shabby.
However, the acting prefect also deeply felt the so-called "truth-seeking and pragmatic" style of government administration of Jinzhou Prefecture. Just look at the decoration style. So many benches are actually prepared for the common people who come to do business.
There were also charcoal fires in the waiting area, all of which were fine charcoal, and they were all placed there for the people.
In particular, an area was cut out next to the main entrance to be used as a lounge for guards and a reception window for the common people. After this, the government office no longer had the grandeur it once had.
Xu Zhenying almost moved the two stone lions at the door.
The acting prefect was heartbroken.
But he had just arrived and had surrendered voluntarily, so he took advantage of the opportunity to be promoted to a prefect. Even so, this prefect was only temporary and he might be dismissed at any time.
Therefore, the acting prefect was extremely cautious. He would hit wherever the people from Jinzhou Prefecture pointed at him without saying a word. He trotted attentively all the way and smiled at everyone he met, perfectly embodying the image of a newcomer in officialdom.
Right now, the conference room was holding a meeting. He was not summoned and did not dare to step in. He could only guard the door.
However, even from a distance, I could see that Xu Zhenying didn't look well.
Jiang Yongkang then asked, "Your Highness, what happened in the west?"
But Zhou Houfang didn't think so.
This battle report was not from Liu Dazhuang in the west, but from the city of Bianjing.
Only secret letters from Bianjing City would be written so densely.
Xu Zhenying looked up and saw that the room was filled with his confidants, so he didn't hide it anymore and said in a deep voice, "Something happened in Bianjing. Our base was discovered. Feng'er was summoned to the palace by the Queen and then disappeared into the harem."
Before anyone in the room could react, Xu Zhenying barked again, "Zhou Zhongchun was accidentally shot by an arrow while hunting and died instantly. Right now, Zhou Mian is leading his men in a massive search of the city, claiming to be searching for Zhou Zhong's murderer. Bianjing is in chaos, and several of our hideouts have been raided. Feng'er's fate is uncertain."
Xu Zhenying bit his lip lightly.
Feng'er.
Her heart tightened.
Xu Huiming's letter was filled with urgent words, hoping they would provide support immediately! Otherwise, everything in Bianjing would be lost.
Everyone in the room was stunned!
Jiang Yongkang asked in surprise: "Zhou Zhong is dead?"
But no one answered, as if everyone was trying to digest this sudden news.
Elder Lin was the first to react, saying anxiously, "Your Highness, Bianjing must be in chaos right now! Not to mention the numerous suspicious points surrounding Zhou Zhong's death, because that's not the point. It's simply that there can't be two tigers in one mountain. One of Zhou Zhong and Zhou Mian must die. This is the outcome we anticipated. Now, what we need to focus on is whether or not we can take advantage of the chaos to capture Bianjing!"
When the topic of taking over Bianjing City came up, everyone in the room gasped.
No one expected that the final opponent would be so confused and leave such a big loophole for them to exploit.
If we took advantage of the chaos in Bianjing City to head north, wouldn't we be able to advance the original plan by five years?
Xu Zhenying once said that rebellion is a long process. Anyone who can reach the city of Bianjing within ten years is a tough guy sent from heaven. According to history, there are often decades of unrest, and even hundreds of years are not uncommon. People like them who start from scratch and have the hope of pacifying the world within five years are extremely rare.
Jiang Yongkang said, "Taking Bianjing City is not difficult. The difficult part is that if Bianjing City is in trouble, Zhao Yi in the north will definitely take action. He will either rebel and establish his own country, or immediately send troops back to reinforce. If he rebels and establishes his own country, it's fine. But I'm afraid he will send troops back to Bianjing to reinforce. If that happens, the north will be like a no-man's land, and the Tartars will definitely move south. Then, millions of people in the north will be immediately caught up in the war."
Ming Xiaoshuang said, "Those who are not of our race must have ulterior motives. The Tartars are cruel and treat our Han people like sheep. After entering the city, they burned, killed, looted and tortured, leaving no one alive. We cannot let the people of the north fall into the tiger's mouth."
Zhou Houfang asked, "Then is there any way to make Zhao Yi declare himself king?"
"Zhao Yi won't declare himself king," Elder Lin said. "Firstly, Zhao Yi is loyal to the Great Zhou Dynasty. Secondly, he knows that even if he declares himself king, we will soon annex him. Therefore, I think he will most likely choose to stand with the Great Zhou Dynasty."
Xu Zhenying frowned slightly.
Jiang Yongkang, who was standing to one side, seemed to be staring at Xu Zhenying. He then whispered to her, "Your Highness, are you worried about Feng'er?"
Xu Zhenying nodded. "Zhou Mian hates us to the core and is worried about not finding an opportunity to deal with us. Now that the intelligence network in Bianjing City has been exposed, I'm worried that Feng'er is in great danger."
Upon hearing this, Elder Lin immediately said, "In that case, why not just attack directly to the north? That way, we can rescue Miss Feng'er faster."
There was silence in the room.
No one mentioned that even if they set out now and headed north, it might still be too late to save Feng'er.
After all, according to the information just now, Feng'er disappeared in the palace, and it is very likely that she was captured by Zhou Zhong's men.
Since it is a rebellion, you have to put your head on the line and take life, death and separation lightly.
Maybe this is what happens to everyone.
In the face of such a huge achievement, how insignificant is the life and death of an individual?
Xu Zhenying clenched the love letter in his hand, feeling conflicted.
She had never been so conflicted as she was now.
It all happened so fast, much faster than she expected, and almost ruined all her plans.
It was like a sudden gust of wind that threw her off balance.
Her original ten-year plan was a gradual, step-by-step approach: first, establish a woolen yarn trade with the Tartars, then subtly educate them, ultimately leading to a national integration. Simultaneously, she would slowly infiltrate the northern garrisons, aiming for a peaceful, bloodless transfer of power.
It is unthinkable to overthrow a regime in ten years.
Unfortunately, the Zhou family's children are incompetent and now they can't wait to give the kingdom to her.
Should we take Bianjing City or not?
If I want to get it, how do I get it?
Use wits or just send a large army to attack?
Although she now claims to have an army of 300,000, Jinzhou Prefecture is at war on three fronts, with 100,000 troops spending their time in the west advancing towards Shushan, 150,000 in the east, and only 50,000 guards left in Xingyuan Prefecture.
If you want to fight against Zhao Yi's 200,000-strong army, you need at least 100,000 men, plus firearms.
However, the eastern battlefield has not been completely occupied. Zhou Heng's power is large, deep-rooted and complex, and there are also local tyrants. If it is just conquered but not governed, it will sooner or later become a disaster.
Everyone in the room looked at Xu Zhenying calmly.
Only Elder Lin strongly advocated for war. "Your Highness, although marching north is a matter of time, the chaos in Bianjing right now is the best time for us to march north."
Zhou Houfang was puzzled. "Mr. Lin, why are you so determined to fight? Although this is a good opportunity, the battlefield in the east is still unstable. Can we completely annex the northern border with our current strength? Where will we mobilize the manpower? These are all problems—"
Elder Lin sighed, his gaze drifting away, his voice thick and hoarse, "Your Highness, you always feel that you are not good enough. You always think about conquering and governing one city after another, slowly growing stronger and expanding. But have you ever thought that the people of Bianjing City also want to live a good life like the people of Jinzhou Prefecture?!"
Xu Zhenying frowned and looked at him, seemingly confused about what Mr. Lin was talking about.
"Your Highness, it's been almost six years. After the promotion of standardized livestock farming, pork prices have dropped, and the people of Jinzhou Prefecture can now eat meat with every meal. Even the poorest families can make a bowl of meat soup. As for starvation and freezing to death, it sounds like a distant memory. Even now, the people of Jinzhou Prefecture simply don't believe that anyone can still starve to death in this world!"
"But I think today's Qiongzhou Prefecture is just like the current Bianliang. I wonder if you have heard of this poem?" Old Lin spoke slowly in a mournful voice.
"In recent years, locusts and droughts have been frequent and devastating, chewing up crops and preventing them from growing. The price of rice has risen several times, and the people are struggling to make a living. Grass roots and leaves are barely enough to fill their stomachs, while children cry to each other. Dust flies from the cauldrons and the smoke from the cooking stoves is gone, and it has been difficult to get a meal of porridge for several days. The government has little food and lets the tigers run wild, while the wealthy families demand debts like jackals. It's a pity that the remaining breaths are gone, but their souls are buried in the earth first. Skulls are piled up like mountains on the ground, and it's hard to survive the hunger. How can I not shed tears? Tears are shed like blood spots——"
As Old Lin spoke slowly, the hearts of everyone in the room were gripped with fear.
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