Chapter 523: Harsh punishments in troubled times! (5k)
Zhao Duan stood up, dropped the half-eaten fat goose in his hand, washed his hands in the pool, and walked towards the courtyard where the banquet was held in the Lu family mansion.
The reason why he had a meal here in the afternoon was to have energy to work in the evening.
Sun Xiaozhun hurriedly followed and said tremblingly:
"The governor needs to think carefully. These gentry can be punished, but if they are too harsh, I'm afraid..."
Zhao Duan smiled and asked, "What are you afraid of? Do they dare to surrender to the enemy?"
Sun Xiaozhun smiled bitterly and said:
"The governor is joking, but at this critical juncture, if we want to maintain stability on the entire front line, it's not enough to rely solely on the government. We also have to rely on this group of people to contribute."
Why were local gentry so powerful and overbearing in the context of ancient feudal dynasties? Ultimately, it was because the imperial court had poor grassroots mobilization capabilities.
The so-called "imperial power does not extend to the countryside" means that under the current conditions, it is impossible to give orders to the grassroots level. If many specific matters are to be implemented, they must rely on the cooperation of these gentry.
This is also the reason why Sun Xiaozhun, a fourth-rank prefect, made many concessions to the Lu family on the issue of collecting grain.
Zhao Duan's face was facing the setting sun, and it looked particularly red.
He was silent for a moment, then said:
“I know that any changes must take into account the times. If the steps are too big, all the ideas will only become castles in the air. So I don’t intend to really abandon the gentry. However, the gentry can exist, but there is room for maneuver in who will play this role.
Do you know what His Majesty has been so focused on in the court of the capital for the past few years since he ascended the throne? Two words: 'blood transfusion'!
Letting old ministers step down and supporting new officials to take office is like slowly giving this 600-year-old dynasty a blood transfusion in an attempt to revitalize it. Abolishing the old cabinet and establishing the Xiuwenguan is the top priority!
Since the implementation of the new policy, local officials have also been laid off and replaced. You, Governor Sun, must have seen all of this.
But this is just the beginning.
Not only did officials at the court and the government need to be replaced, but local nobles also needed to be replaced, which is why there were imperial merchants in Huting...
Today, I'm not only seeking food for the tens of thousands of soldiers in the city, raising funds to quell the rebellion, but also taking the opportunity to exchange personnel...
Your Majesty exchanges the blood of the court, and I will exchange the blood of the gentry."
After he finished speaking, Sun Xiaozhun was completely stunned. He inexplicably felt his blood boiling and his heart surging.
He suddenly understood that Governor Zhao was willing to say these words to him because he was affirming his ability and showing his respect for him.
The second is to tell him the real purpose of dealing with this group of gentry so that he, the prefect, will cooperate.
"Your subordinate... understands!"
"I understand," Zhao Duan smiled. He liked talking to smart people. He walked a few steps and suddenly remembered something and said:
"By the way, tell me what criminal records the top gentry in the city have. Don't tell me you don't know."
…
…
On the other side, as the sun set, the entire Lu Mansion became lively.
In the courtyard, a maid from a famous family was moving back and forth, arranging the banquet.
The distinguished gentry in the city who had received the "invitation" outside the mansion also arrived one after another.
Red lanterns were hung under the eaves. Looking at the bustling scene inside the mansion, one would never have guessed that outside was the front line of a war where two armies were fighting each other.
However, Old Man Lu was not among the crowd. At this moment, this city's leading celebrity was meeting with several other gentry in a secluded side hall of the mansion.
"Old Master, please tell me the truth. What exactly does this King of Hell Zhao mean by summoning us all here tonight?"
Mr. Qian from Datong Bank asked.
He was of substantial stature, but now he was not as composed as usual.
"Yes, Taicang is our territory. We are of the same blood and should deal with it together." Mr. Li, the boss of Kangzhuang Rice Shop, also frowned.
Old Master Lu sat upright in the main seat, looking majestic without even getting angry.
There was no sign of servility in front of Zhao Duan.
His face was gloomy now, he glanced at everyone and said:
"Commander Zhao came here to raise military funds and food. Now that tens of thousands of troops have entered the city and they have to suppress the rebellion, you can imagine the cost.
I advise you all to avoid any tricks tonight. Just nod your heads to whatever Commander Zhao asks, and don't think about making money from this. Everyone should bleed hard. Otherwise, if you lose your life, don't blame me for not telling you in advance."
Everyone was shocked by the serious words: "How much blood is appropriate?"
Old Master Lu was silent for a moment and said:
"This is not something we can decide. It depends on how much Governor Zhao wants."
Mr. Li frowned and said, "Could it be that even if he asks for our entire fortune, we have to give it to him?"
Old Master Lu glanced at him:
"I'll say this one last time. Don't treat Commander Zhao the same as Prefect Sun and Privy Councilor Xue. I have a feeling he comes with murderous intent. Just think of it as paying for your life. That's all I have to say."
Buying life? Is it really that weird?
The gentry looked at each other in disbelief.
This is not the first or second time that the imperial court has asked them for money, and it is common for some people to play the good cop and some to play the bad cop.
The current war situation is tense and stability is the top priority. At this critical juncture, Sun Xiaozhun and Xue Shence have been quite tolerant of these people. Would it be different if it was Zhao Duan?
Some people even suspected that Zhao Duan and the Lu family were secretly collaborating to trick them... There are many precedents for this kind of thing.
"Father, that Zhao... Governor has come out." The second young master hurried over.
Old Master Lu stood up and walked out, sighing, "Let's go, there's no escaping the disaster."
The gentlemen in the house had no choice but to get up and walk out in groups.
…
When we arrived at the banquet venue, the last ray of sunlight in the sky had set and the night enveloped the entire city.
Under the azure sky is a banquet hall brightly lit.
Mosquitoes are flying around the red lanterns.
The main table for the banquet was set up in a hall with the door open, and several round tables were set up outside in the courtyard.
The gentry and celebrities in the city sat down from the inside out according to their wealth.
They were prepared in a hurry, but with the Lu family's background, the dishes on the round table were still extremely rich in just a few hours.
When Old Man Lu took his seat, the entire yard was already filled with people. The dense crowds of people made a faint noise, and a strong sense of unease surged in the air.
The grain inspector Zhao Shande was also present and was arranged to sit at the door, accompanied by the eldest son of the Lu family.
At the gate of the courtyard, there was a team of government officials brought by Sun Xiaozheng.
"Commander Zhao is here!"
Someone let out a low cry, and the whole place suddenly fell silent, with everyone's eyes looking towards the end of the corridor.
I saw two figures coming, one was Zhao Duan and the other was Sun Xiaozhun.
However, Zhao Duan had changed his clothes without him noticing. He was no longer dressed as a nobleman, but wore the robes of a military officer, with a black gauze hat on his head. Under the lantern, the crimson official uniform looked like a ball of fire burning through the darkness.
His right hand gently rested on the hilt of the knife at his waist——
The simple and gorgeous sword hangs majestically at the waist.
Old Master Lu's eyes narrowed, and he stood up first: "Welcome to the Grand Commander!"
The others followed suit and welcomed him respectfully.
With a smile on his face, Zhao Duan walked into the hall, facing everyone's gaze. He glanced at the reserved main seat for the banquet, but did not sit down.
Instead, he gave an order to the maidservant beside him. The latter was stunned for a moment and hurried out. Not long after, the servant of the Lu Mansion brought in a table and placed it at the top.
In an instant, the lobby became a bit like a courtroom for trials.
Zhao Duan held the knife and walked to the back of the table. He raised his foot and stepped on a low stool. He casually untied the knife from his waist and placed it horizontally on the table with a "bang".
He looked down at everyone and asked Sun Xiaozhun with a smile, "Is everyone here?"
Magistrate Sun stood aside with his hands behind his back and nodded.
"Very good," Zhao Duan smiled brightly.
"It seems you all have given this Governor some respect. When I sent someone to deliver your invitations this afternoon, many of you said you had family matters and couldn't make it, but you all still arrived on time."
Everyone forced out awkward smiles, and someone flattered:
"The Governor-General is helping the people suppress rebellions, which is a blessing for him. Compared to his hard work, our little troubles are nothing."
"That's right, that's right."
A group of people looking for backup.
Zhao Duan kept smiling, as if he didn't mind the matter. After the compliments died down, his gaze turned to Old Man Lu who was sitting at the main table very close to him.
And the table full of delicious food, he sighed:
"I came to Taicang once last year and there was a banquet there, but I was there to investigate a case and didn't get to meet you all properly.
Fortunately, someone recognizes my face. I am able to have this banquet today thanks to the efforts of the Lu family's grandfather. If it weren't for the Lu family, it would not be easy for me to invite you all here."
As soon as these words were spoken, many people looked at the Lu family with colder eyes.
The eldest son of the Lu family's expression changed slightly, with a hint of anger in his eyes.
After Zhao Duan said this, in the eyes of outsiders, the Lu family became a loyal dog of the court. In today's "fundraising", the Lu family also became an accomplice of the court.
However, how could outsiders know how aggrieved the Lu family was?
Not only was he used as a gun, but even his wives and concubines were called over by Zhao Duan to serve him. It was a great shame and humiliation... But the eldest son didn't dare to show it at all. Feeling Zhao Shande's curious gaze, he still had to force a smile.
Zhao Duan praised the food for a while, then suddenly changed the subject, looked at the delicacies, and sighed:
"The only downside is that the food is too rich. War is raging outside right now. Ning'an and Wenshui counties have been seized by rebel kings, who are burning farmland and slaughtering civilians!
Although there is no widespread famine, I have heard that the price of rice and grain in the market has skyrocketed and supplies are becoming increasingly scarce.
The common people are living frugally, and the soldiers are also living in difficult conditions. Not to mention eating meat, even military rations are not enough, and yet this governor is here to indulge in eating and drinking...
If this is the case, how can I repay Your Majesty's grace? How can I face the people of the world?"
A group of people listened, their faces turned black, and they cursed in their hearts, thinking that it was you who ordered the banquet, and now you are the one pretending to be a liar.
Are you still ashamed of the people of the world?
Don’t you know how bad your reputation is?
Shameless, so shameless.
Old Master Lu said with shame:
"The governor reprimanded me for my poor planning. To atone for this and to quell the rebellion, the Lu family is willing to offer half of our granary, 100,000 taels of silver, and various supplies to the governor."
Half the tribe's food and 100,000 taels of silver! What a generous gift!
You have to know that for a big family like the Lu family, the total amount of silver on their accounts is only a few hundred thousand taels at most, not counting the heavy assets that are difficult to liquidate in a short period of time.
Just donate half of your property for this fundraising?
Crazy?
When these words were spoken, all the gentry were shocked.
"Good!" Zhao Duan said with a satisfied smile: "The Lu family is worthy of being the best family in Taicang. Such a righteous act should be a role model."
He looked around at the faces:
"This governor is a military man, and I don't like long-winded greetings, so I'll get straight to the point.
I have gathered you all here today to raise food, military pay, and various supplies to quell the rebellion.
You are all local gentry, and I believe you are willing to do your part to protect your hometown. Of course, fundraising is entirely voluntary, and no matter how much you donate, it is a gesture of your heart."
Sun Xiaozhun glanced at him and suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
How can Governor Zhao say such hypocritical and shameless words so confidently?
What happened to the simple and pure minds of warriors?
Although the gentry also felt that the last sentence was too fake, they were relieved and decided how much to give.
What? According to the Lu family's standards?
Oh, you think we are all fools?
It's obvious that the Lu family is in collusion with Zhao Duan and is playing a double game. The so-called half of the family property is just talk. It would be considered good if they could really give out one-fifth of it.
So, no one really tries to imitate this proportion.
However, just as everyone was discussing how much blood would be shed to satisfy King Zhao, Zhao Duan suddenly changed the subject:
"However... although it is voluntary, the wealth of everyone here varies, some have more, some have less. If I ask you to follow the Lu family's example and donate 100,000 taels, then this governor would be unkind."
"Well... let's put it this way. This time, the fundraising won't focus on the total amount, but on the proportion. Everyone here can do like the Lu family and donate half of their property to help suppress the rebellion. That will be enough."
"Oh, by the way, let me just mention that there are also a large number of warriors and sorcerers among the rebels. Therefore, to help the war situation, this governor needs to collect all the rare treasures, talismans, and magical instruments related to cultivation in the city... I'm sure each of you here has treasures, so please send them as well. It's decided."
After these words were spoken, the entire banquet fell into absolute silence, and you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone's expression froze on their faces.
Sun Xiaojun looked at him in astonishment, taking a deep breath.
Zhao Shande's heart skipped a beat with fear. He looked at the young man on the "stage", suspecting that he had heard it wrong.
The old man of the Lu family was stunned, unable to hide his astonishment.
This governor's appetite... is even bigger than he expected?
He wasn't just targeting the Lu family; he was targeting everyone... How dare he? Wasn't he afraid of sparking public outrage?!
Yes, this time he only asked for donations from the gentry and did not extort money from the common people, so there would be no public resentment at all...
“Wow—”
Not surprisingly, the entire lobby exploded, all the gentry's faces changed, and some even stood up with shock and anger on their faces!
Half of their property will be forcibly confiscated, along with all the rare treasures they have collected!
How is this any different from a house raid? Even the rebels aren't this ruthless!
This has completely exceeded the limits of what they can accept.
The head of Kangzhuang Rice Shop stood up and shouted:
"Is Commander Zhao kidding? Half of his family fortune? Such a fundraising has never been heard of in the world!"
Mr. Qian from Datong Bank also had a bitter face:
"Captain, please don't be ridiculous. It's not that we are unwilling to support the suppression of the rebellion, but we have so many businesses that if even half of the funds were withdrawn, I'm afraid we would be unable to operate them. As for the rare items, they are the accumulation of generations in our family..."
With someone taking the lead, the gentry immediately expressed their dissatisfaction, as if they were gathering to resist.
In their subconscious, they still believe that the court cannot do without them for stability, so as long as they work together, they can fight back.
More people think that this is a kind of "bargaining". Zhao Duan quoted a high price, so he has to cut it down.
Zhao Duan listened to the noisy waves, and the smile on his face disappeared little by little.
At some point, he quietly picked up the sword from the table and leaned on it gently. When the noise subsided a little, he said indifferently:
"Do you think this governor is joking?"
He swept his sharp gaze over everyone, finally no longer bothering to hide his feelings, and sneered:
"I've already said that I'm not a civil servant who would argue with you. My patience is very limited. I'm already giving you face by inviting you here. What I just said wasn't a discussion, but a notification."
Li Dadong, the head of Kangzhuang Rice Shop, had a hot temper. With someone in his family serving as an official in the imperial court, he felt even more confident. He said in a cold voice:
"Commander Zhao is being overbearing! He's confiscating our property so forcefully. Surely the current emperor doesn't even know about it?"
Zhao Duan stared at this troublemaker with a strange look in his eyes, with a half-smile on his face:
"Are you teaching me how to do things?"
Li Dadongjia felt a sudden panic, as if he was being stared at by a ferocious beast, but he could only bite the bullet and say:
"I don't dare, I just feel there is no precedent."
Zhao Duan stared at him dangerously and suddenly said:
"I know you. Several of my clan members hold official positions in the capital, but they are not high-ranking. The only one who can even speak to His Majesty is the Imperial Censor. So you want to impeach me?"
He laughed, a very "wild" laugh, his eyes looking down upon me, as if he were looking at a clown:
"Yuan Li must be polite to this governor. When did a mere imperial censor have the right to dictate to me? I repeat, this is wartime!
I am the Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Rebellion Suppression Command, and I oversee the entire Linfeng Road! I have the right to act at my own discretion! If you continue to talk too much..."
Li Dadongjia was furious and pointed at him and said:
"You do this..."
Before he could finish his sentence, suddenly, a silver light flashed in the darkness.
Everyone could only vaguely see a thin silver line flash by in front of their eyes, and the sound of it being unsheathed, "clang", drowned out all other sounds.
Li Dadongjia stood in place, still keeping his finger pointed forward, but a line of blood slowly appeared on his neck.
Then, this celebrity, whose status and wealth ranked among the top ten in the entire Linfengdao, fell to the ground with a "thump" and his head raised!
His eyes were wide open, still filled with fear, and he died on the spot!
Kill with one blow!
Zhao Duan held the sword in his hand, looked around at everyone with a smile, and said:
"Prefect Sun, please read it out."
Sun Xiaozhun was stunned for a moment, then he walked forward woodenly and said:
"Kangzhuang Rice Shop hoarded grain and profited from it, openly violating imperial laws and taking advantage of the war to drive up grain prices. Despite repeated warnings, the evidence is irrefutable. According to Dayu law, they should be punished...by beheading."
Zhao Duan smiled and said, "Who else?"
The whole room was completely silent.
(End of this chapter)
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