The old woman grinned. "My fourth son is a clerk in the prefectural government. He led us to escape. Alas, it's a complete mess there now, and many people have died."
After she finished speaking, she was urged to leave and hurriedly took her family with her.
Xiao Zhixing said, "I have foiled this plan. This Prefect Feng should be the scapegoat. I wonder how Feng Min will continue his act?"
She said this verbally, but secretly contacted Black Tiger, "Enter Weixian County, act according to the situation, and completely cripple or kill Feng Min."
He dared to use the rebel army, so she dared to retaliate in kind.
He got what he wanted, and was truly killed by the chaotic army.
Anyone who dares to scheme against her should be prepared to suffer her revenge.
Black Tiger said "Okay" and quietly headed towards Weixian County.
Upon hearing her question, everyone began to speculate about Feng Min's plans.
Either uncover the so-called truth and kill Prefect Feng to gain merit, or get injured and suppress the rebel army along the way; in any case, you have to earn some merit for yourself.
Two days later, they arrived outside Weixian County. The latest news was that the rebel army and the Chianan army were still in a standoff.
The live stream audience finally learned what method Xiao Zhixing used to solve this problem.
[Yellow comment: Ahhh, screaming like crazy for the prince!]
[Red comments: I admire you! I admire you!]
[Green comment: In later times, this would be the most normal method, but for the prince to think of it so immediately in ancient times is brilliant.]
At this moment, the group sat in an abandoned teahouse, not caring about cleanliness, and gathered around to look at one thing—the Dasheng Daily in Li Wenxiu's hand.
It was the same version from two days ago.
Li Wenxiu loudly read aloud the headline: "By order of Prince Yuansheng, I hereby issue an announcement regarding the abolition of the silk weaving industry in Suzhou: ...The Imperial Court, the Ministry of Revenue, and General Zhao have not issued any order to abolish it. Why is there such a rumor of abolition circulating throughout Suzhou? Where did this so-called official document on abolition come from? I hope everyone understands that silk weaving is the lifeblood of Suzhou, and the Imperial Court has absolutely no intention of cutting off this lifeblood. This matter is an attempt by unscrupulous individuals to disrupt Suzhou. I urge the elders of Suzhou to distinguish right from wrong and remain calm! The Imperial Court will surely give the people of Suzhou an explanation. Please, elders and fellow villagers, do not be misled into injustice! Signed: Prince Yuansheng of Dasheng, Xiao Zhixing."
The back is stamped with Xiao Zhixing's royal seal.
Everyone was inexplicably shocked, experiencing the power of the Dasheng Daily for the first time.
Thanks to its immense popularity and Xiao Zhixing's own prestige, the civil unrest was completely quelled.
Those behind the scenes probably never imagined that things could be handled this way.
Xiao Zhixing smiled; this was the power of the official news dominance.
Eliminate public opinion, control public sentiment, ensure smooth communication between the government and the people.
In the past, when such things happened, the imperial court would either send down an imperial envoy to convey orders or send down a large army to suppress the uprising.
If it had been a few days later, the uprising would have burned down half of Weixian. Even if the matter had been resolved in the end, those blindly loyal people would have died tragically, and the mastermind behind it would have already achieved its goal.
In severe cases, it could even drag the imperial court down with it.
Therefore, the greatest fear in ancient times was the uprising of the common people, and the mere mention of it would cause them to turn pale.
In fact, apart from the leaders, most of the people in the uprising were ordinary people who blindly followed the crowd. They did not know the imperial court's orders and did not hear any good news. So, they were swayed and incited by those around them and rebelled.
This time, her announcement reassured the people of Suzhou.
As everyone knows, the imperial court doesn't intend to ban the silk industry; rather, someone is stirring up trouble, so they have nothing to fear.
Who would want to become a troublemaker as long as they don't jeopardize their own livelihood?
Looking at the Dasheng Daily, Li Wenxiu and the others seemed to have learned new knowledge and opened the door to a new world.
At this moment, Mo Mei returned with the news: "The Jianan Army did send people to rescue Feng Min and Prefect Feng. Coincidentally, there were also martial arts masters in the rebel army. In the end, they returned empty-handed. Now, the Jianan Army is preparing to attack the city."
Xiao Zhixing stood up. "Let's go. Do any of you dare to follow me and charge into the enemy lines?"
"dare!"
They are all passionate young people, willing to risk their lives to participate in such a momentous event.
Xiao Zhixing was in front, followed by the others from Junziyuan, with three hundred members of the Xiao family army surrounding them on three sides.
A bright red military flag bearing the character "Xiao" fluttered open and stood tall in front.
After walking for half an hour, the group heard shouts of battle.
Xiao Zhixing waved his hand, "Let's go, follow me on this charge."
Shi Jiao, carrying the flag, focused her martial energy into her dantian as she ran alongside Xue Ye, shouting, "Prince Yuan Sheng has arrived! All soldiers, heed my command, cease the siege!"
"Prince Yuansheng has arrived! Cease the siege!"
The eight members of the Shi family shouted in unison, their voices booming like bells, carrying far and wide, their power overwhelming.
The two sides facing off thought they were hallucinating.
"What? Who? Prince Yuansheng?"
"No, no, ah, that's the Xiao flag—"
The rebels on the city wall had a high vantage point and a wide view. Their bright military flags came from afar, creating an imposing aura of thousands of troops that intimidated people.
The Chianan Army soldiers below the city wall looked at each other in bewilderment, then hastily ceased fighting and retreated.
"Prince Yuansheng? He's come to Suzhou?"
The general leading the army turned around and saw the battle flag fluttering rapidly towards them.
"General Wu, it really is Prince Yuansheng!!"
The eight members of the Shi family ran in the lead; this anti-counterfeiting mark is known throughout the world.
Boom, boom...
Several hundred cavalrymen overwhelmed the entire field and advanced to the front of the battle line.
Xiao Zhixing rode forward, his phoenix eyes sweeping across the area. "Where is the commander of the Jianan Army?"
Wu Chun's expression changed slightly, and he stepped forward and cupped his hands on horseback, "This humble general is Wu Chun, the commander of the Jianan Army, and greets Prince Yuansheng."
Xiao Zhixing nodded and said calmly, "I order your troops to cease the siege and retreat ten miles."
Wu Chun hesitated, "Well, Your Highness, I have not received orders from Commander Feng, so I dare not retreat without permission. I must rescue the Marquis's heir."
Xiao Zhixing twitched the corners of his mouth, a forced smile, "By order of the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces of the Realm, anyone who disobeys may be executed on the spot."
Wu Chun's cheeks twitched. He believed him. Xiao Zhixing's temper meant that when he said he would kill, he really meant it.
He glanced at the city wall and finally had to wave his hand to order the army to retreat.
Xiao Zhixing turned away from Xue Ye and looked up at the leader on the city wall. "I have already explained this in the Dasheng Daily. The court has never intended to abolish the Suzhou silk weaving industry. Why are you still so stubborn and turning into rioters?"
The rebels on the city wall were in turmoil. The mere mention of Xiao Zhixing's name terrified them. Upon hearing this question, some couldn't help but want to throw away their weapons.
Upon seeing this, the leader shouted, "Prefect Feng has issued an official document without authorization, attempting to disrupt Suzhou. I am acting on behalf of Heaven. Prince Yuansheng, you are a role model for the world and should understand our feelings."
Xiao Zhixing nodded. "I understand, but dealing with corrupt officials is the duty of the court. After my proclamation, you still incited the people to revolt. What is your intention?"
She was too lazy to argue with him anymore. "Listen up, people on the city wall! Apart from the ringleader, I have shown mercy to the rest of the people and will not hold them accountable. Those who lay down their weapons and surrender will not be killed!"
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