Yang Feng's soldiers witnessed Yan Shiyu's brutal methods, and their eyes were filled with shock and fear.
These soldiers were once warriors on the battlefield, but now they seem to have lost their courage, and the swords in their hands have become incredibly heavy.
They watched helplessly as Yan Shiyu rushed in front of Yang Feng, but no one dared to step forward to stop him.
"Human butcher? Thank you for the compliment!"
As he spoke, Yan Shiyu suddenly raised his long sword to kill Yang Feng, but Chen Zhennan suddenly thought of something and hurriedly stopped him.
"Wait!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Shiyu abruptly stopped what he was doing. The long knife was less than three centimeters away from Yang Feng's neck, which terrified him so much that his breath trembled and cold sweat poured down his face.
Chen Zhennan took a deep breath, slowly walked up to Yang Feng, and coldly questioned, "I have read your memorial. You oppose the new emperor's land reform policy. Is there someone who is joining you in opposing the new policy?"
His words were like a sharp sword, aimed straight at Yang Feng's heart.
Upon hearing this, Yang Feng was startled. His face turned pale instantly, and he asked in a trembling voice, "Who are you? How could you possibly have seen the governor's memorial?"
Yang Feng was shocked. The person in front of him was young and did not seem to be an official from the capital. But if he was not an official from the capital, how could he have the right to view his memorials?
Chen Zhennan gave a cold laugh, his smile carrying a hint of disdain. He did not answer Yang Feng's question, but instead warned Yang Feng.
"I'll give you one chance. If you don't tell the truth, not only will you be dead, but even the Emperor himself will die."
His words revealed a cold decisiveness that left no room for doubt about his decision.
Yang Feng was filled with fear. His lips trembled as he nodded thoughtfully.
"Many of the original officials of Dawu opposed the land reform policy. Three months ago, they began to secretly collude. After Chen Zhennan ascended the throne, they submitted a memorial together, saying that there were various difficulties after the land was distributed, and that they could also ask the court for money."
Upon hearing this, a look of understanding flashed in Chen Zhennan's eyes. He finally realized that all those previous memorials were indeed from these guys who had joined forces to oppose the imperial court.
"Write down the names of all the officials who joined in opposing the new policies!"
Yang Feng finally backed down at this moment, but he still couldn't resist his curiosity and asked again, "Who exactly are you? Are you part of the Emperor's special forces?"
Chen Zhennan clicked his tongue, showing some impatience, and frowned slightly.
"I'll tell you who I am in a bit. Just write what I tell you to write!"
Although Yang Feng did not know Chen Zhennan's identity, he still nodded obediently, turned around and picked up the paper and pen on the desk, and wrote down the list.
Chen Zhennan glanced at them and saw that there were more than 30 people, all of whom were high-ranking officials from various places.
He reached out and took the list, folded it in half, and stuffed it into his collar.
"Shiyu, kill him!"
Yan Shiyu nodded, his movements swift and decisive, raising his long sword to finish off Yang Feng with a single blow.
"No, no, you can't kill me!"
Yang Feng's voice was filled with fear and despair as he threatened, "I am Chen Zhennan, the Prefect of the Imperial Court. If you dare to kill me, you will not escape death either!"
Chen Zhennan snorted coldly, pointed to himself, and asked with a sneer, "Guess who I am?"
His voice carried a hint of amusement, as if he were enjoying Yang Feng's helplessness at this moment.
"You... are you an official from the capital?"
Yan Shiyu snorted coldly upon hearing this and shouted, "Who do you think the person in front of you is? He is none other than the current Emperor of the Great Yan!"
These words immediately changed the atmosphere throughout the county government office.
Yang Feng was so frightened that he went limp and his soul almost left his body. He knelt down and began to beg for mercy, hoping that Chen Zhennan would spare his life.
A playful smile appeared on Chen Zhennan's face, his eyes revealing a calm and composed demeanor.
"Yang Feng, you could have lived a few more days, but alas, your fate was sealed!"
Yang Feng's face was filled with shock and regret, his lips trembled uncontrollably, and he knelt down with a thud.
"Your Majesty, I was blind and didn't recognize your greatness! Please spare my life!"
Yang Feng pressed his forehead tightly against the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably with fear.
Chen Zhennan remained unmoved and kicked him in the chest.
"Wrong? Too late!"
After saying that, Chen Zhennan turned his gaze to Yan Shiyu and nodded slightly.
Without the slightest hesitation, Yan Shiyu swung his long sword down, abruptly ending Yang Feng's threats and pleas.
Blood splattered on the cold ground as Yang Feng's body slowly collapsed, his eyes wide open, filled with resentment and fear.
Yang Feng's body lay on the cold ground. Chen Zhennan slowly bent down, took his silver note back from Yang Feng's chest, and a mocking smile appeared on his lips.
"This is the consequence of forcibly seizing foreign wealth!"
His voice was calm and indifferent, each word like a heavy stone pressing down on the hearts of everyone present.
The soldiers Yang Feng brought were all shocked by this scene. They put down their weapons, knelt down, and kowtowed to Chen Zhennan.
"Your Majesty! We truly do not know your identity. We beg Your Majesty to have mercy and spare us!"
The soldiers' voices were filled with fear and unease, deeply shocked by Chen Zhennan's identity as emperor.
Chen Zhennan's gaze swept over the soldiers. He knew very well that they had been following Yang Feng in his misdeeds all along, and his heart was filled with anger.
But after thinking it over, Chen Zhennan decided to let them go. There were so many people; they couldn't all be stupid.
"Ignorance is no excuse. Go back and settle Yang Feng's family. We'll determine the charges and punishments after Xu Bin has investigated the matter thoroughly. I warn you, if anyone dares to oppress or exploit the people again, their crime will be doubled, and they will be executed without mercy!"
Upon hearing this, the soldiers breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Chen Zhennan for his leniency.
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!"
Chen Zhennan waved his hand, "Everyone, disperse and go back to your posts!"
Upon hearing this, the soldiers hurriedly turned and left, their footsteps echoing clearly in the county government hall.
At this moment, Xu Bin hurriedly ran behind Chen Zhennan and knelt down with a thud.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Xu Bin bowed his head deeply, his voice filled with shock and awe. He never expected that the emperor would be the one to help him seize the position of county magistrate.
Chen Zhennan hurriedly waved for Xu Bin to get up. His voice was gentle, but more so commanding and expectant.
"Xu Bin, starting today, investigate all matters involving Yang Feng in all counties of Jingzhou. Find out all his crimes and make sure everything is clear."
Xu Bin nodded emphatically: "Your Majesty, rest assured, this humble servant will do his utmost to investigate the truth and leave no detail unchecked."
Chen Zhennan gave a satisfied "hmm" and finally smiled again.
"As long as you, Xu Bin, do a good job, the position of Governor of Jingzhou will be yours."
"What? Mine? I'm just a city garrison officer, this... this isn't quite right, is it?"
Chen Zhennan shook his head slightly: "That's not right. A minister who governs a peaceful world should be virtuous and talented. The most capable should be in charge. Besides, I am the emperor, so I have the final say!"
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