Chapter 15
Of course, the houses that needed to be raided still had to be raided. This was her basic capital; without the help of the assets from these Aristocratic Families, she wouldn't be able to produce anything at all.
When Merlin eventually produced some daily necessities, she could hand them over to the Aristocratic Families that were still decent. Once these families started making money following her lead, wouldn't they be at her disposal?
Thinking of this, Lia was in a great mood.
Right now, these Aristocratic Families were as terrified of her as if she were a ghost. How could a ghost be as cute and beautiful as her?
You avoid me like the plague now, but in the future, I'll have you begging me on your knees!
Lia stayed in Liang Province for only three days before mobilizing 5,000 cavalry and heading towards Linsong Commandery.
Because she intended to fight a lightning war this time, she didn't bring a single piece of siege equipment.
However, she wasn't worried about this at all. Forget the current earthen walls; even real stone walls would be like tofu under her light cannon.
After preparing all of this, Lia set off directly.
Linsong Commandery.
These days, Prefect Liu of Linsong felt that life was getting a bit difficult.
Being closest to Wuan Commandery and Wuxing Commandery, Linsong Commandery was among the first to know about what had been happening in those two regions recently.
Because Liang Province was still suppressing this Rebel Leader previously, Common People had been very law-abiding and hadn't shown any major signs of abnormality.
But now, things had changed.
The problem still lay with the suppression of the rebels; not only had the Rebel Leader not been eliminated, but they had also grown stronger.
Now that Liang Province had been occupied by the Rebel Leader, could their Linsong Commandery be far behind?
Prefect Liu had been patrolling the city walls for the past few days, terrified of seeing the Rebel Leader heading for Linsong Commandery. If the Rebel Leader really came with a grand army, what choice should he make?
While one couldn't say all crows under heaven are equally black, he wasn't clean either, and he had done plenty of things that went against his conscience. By Lia's standards, his death would not be a loss.
Soon it was noon. After finishing his patrol for the day, Prefect Liu walked toward his home. Walking down the street, he saw Common People passing by looking at him with strange gazes, making him feel somewhat uneasy.
As for why this was happening, it was because Common People already knew what had happened in Liang Province, and now they were all restless.
The way they looked at him was like looking at a piece of succulent meat, as if they were dying to rush up and devour him. If it weren't for the many soldiers guarding him, a tragedy might have already occurred.
"It's all that damned Rebel Leader's fault. Why give all the land to these Untouchables? Now these Untouchables are looking at me all wrong."
Thinking of this, Prefect Liu secretly cursed Lia.
The subordinates following behind Prefect Liu were also trembling in their hearts. Among them, Wang Linbao, relying on his kinship with Prefect Liu, leaned in and whispered, "Uncle Liu, the atmosphere isn't right lately. These common people are getting bolder and bolder. Who knows if they'll actually do something like that one day!"
!
Prefect Liu naturally knew this as well and was secretly lamenting in his heart, but he didn't want to lose his prestige in front of his subordinates. Thus, he snorted coldly and said, "What's so bad? It's just a few unruly mobs. What's there to fear?"
However, Wang Linbao did not feel reassured by Prefect Liu's words. After all, quite a few small conflicts had already occurred in Linsong Commandery over the last two days.
Although they hadn't been brought into the open yet, it certainly wouldn't take much time. It was simply unrealistic to expect the few soldiers in Linsong Commandery to resist the Rebel Leader's grand army.
PS: Requesting votes~
Chapter 34: The Tree Has Fallen
It would be one thing if the Imperial Court could dispatch a grand army to suppress the rebels, but in reality, by the time the court mobilized, it would be two or three months later.
By then, the opportunity would have long passed.
Thinking of this, Wang Linbao said in a low voice, "Uncle Liu, I see that the situation is beyond saving. Why don't we..."
Hearing this, Prefect Liu pulled a long, sour face and scolded in a low voice, "You know exactly what those rebels are doing. You know how many wicked things your Uncle Liu has done; how could those rebels possibly let me go?"
"You were the one who did the wicked things, not me..." Wang Linbao thought to himself.
As subordinates, they did all the back-breaking work and took all the verbal abuse, but the person who enjoyed the rewards in the end wasn't them. Thinking about it, although Prefect Liu was his relative, he didn't treat them like human beings at all.
Then thinking about the Rebel Leader's methods—distributing the grain and land of the Aristocratic Families and the government to Common People so that everyone benefited—Wang Linbao immediately came to a decision.
However, the act still had to be played out. Wang Linbao bowed and scraped as he responded, smiling flatteringly, "Uncle Liu, you are right. How could these unruly mobs achieve anything? In a moment, I will make sure my men pay more attention to the situation in the city. As soon as any mob starts trouble, we'll arrest them immediately."
Prefect Liu hummed in agreement, his eyelids drooping as he said, "Remember, once a mob starts trouble, do not be soft-hearted. Let those Untouchables know that there are some things they are not allowed to do."
Wang Linbao bowed and scraped again, repeatedly promising that he wouldn't fail.
After seeing Prefect Liu back to his residence, Wang Linbao looked at his dozen or so brothers, waved his hand, and said, "Brothers, today it's on me. I'll take everyone to Yuanxiang Pavilion to try something fresh. I heard they have a new dish called Roasted Whole Lamb. Let's all go try it."
Hearing that Wang Linbao was treating them to a meal, everyone immediately thanked him, and the group walked toward Yuanxiang Pavilion with their arms around each other's shoulders.
Wang Linbao found a private room, and after everyone was seated, he intentionally or unintentionally brought up the events of the past few days.
"Brothers, I heard a few days ago that those rebels have already attacked Liang Province. Liang Province couldn't hold out and is now under the rebels' control. What do you all think?"
"Think? What is there to think, Brother Wang? But given the way things are going, those rebels will probably come to take our place in less than half a month, right?"
"I heard that those rebels are quite good to Common People, basically not taking a single needle or thread from them. Not only that, but they've also killed many Aristocratic Families and officials. I just don't know if it's true."
"It's definitely true; the news has spread everywhere. Today, Brother Wang and I caught a few unruly commoners. Guess what they were saying when they were caught?"
"What were they saying?" the others asked curiously.
"Kill the corrupt officials, distribute the grain, raid the Aristocratic Families, and get land! They're already shouting slogans like that. It's crazy." Thinking of the events from this morning, the Bailiff shook his head.
"Do you think we subordinates will be in trouble?" one Bailiff asked, a look of worry appearing on his face.
The others also fell into deep thought.
Seeing this, Wang Linbao immediately spoke up, "There will definitely be trouble. After all, we've done plenty of bad things under Prefect Liu."
"Brother Wang, what do you think we should do?" the others hurriedly asked upon hearing this.
"That... it's hard for me to say." Seeing everyone's eyes on him, Wang Linbao showed an expression of wanting to speak but not daring to, and he shrank back.
"Brother Wang, don't you have some idea? Just say it."
"Yeah, Brother Wang, all the brothers are waiting for you to say something to save our lives."
"Brother Wang, as long as you have a way, from now on, I, Lin Fengyuan, will only listen to you."
"Yes, Brother Wang, me too!"
...Seeing Wang Linbao's expression, everyone felt that he must have a plan, and they each patted their chests and made promises.
Seeing their promises, Wang Linbao knew that half of his plan had already been achieved. The rest was to rely on his eloquence to make these people believe in him.
"To tell you the truth, brothers... right now, our only path is to..." At this point, Wang Linbao paused.
"Only what?" the others immediately asked.
Wang Linbao glanced at everyone, and seeing them looking at him eagerly, he pondered for a moment before saying, "Brothers, what is said in this room stays in this room. Even if one of you goes to inform on me later and says I said it, I will not admit it. Do you understand?"
"Understood! If anyone dares to inform, I'll be the first not to let him off!" the others hurriedly replied.
Wang Linbao took a deep breath and said, "Then there is only... surrendering the city."
"Surrendering the city!" The others were stunned upon hearing this.
"Yes. If the Rebel Leader really attacks, perhaps they won't do anything to us based on the merit of surrendering the city. But once the city falls, none of us whose hands are dirty are likely to have a good future."
Everyone looked at each other, completely unexpected that Wang Linbao would suggest such a thing.
"Brother Wang, do we really have to go to such lengths?" a Bailiff asked with a hesitant look on his face.
"Of course not. I'm just saying that in the event the Rebel Leader comes to attack Linsong Commandery, if we want to avoid being implicated, this is the only path left for us," Wang Linbao said.
"And if we don't surrender the city?"
"Then it's simple. On the day the city falls, when the Rebel Leader settles accounts, I reckon none of us will be able to escape." Wang Linbao shrugged.
"Of course, everyone needn't worry. Perhaps the Rebel Leader won't necessarily come to Linsong Commandery, and nothing will happen to us," Wang Linbao added with a slight smile.
Regarding Wang Linbao's final words, everyone felt that such a thing was simply impossible. One had to know they were so close to the Rebel Leader; how could those rebels possibly not come?
"Brother Wang, if those rebels really do come, how would we surrender the city? With just a dozen or so of us, I'm afraid we'd be shot dead by the guards on the city walls before we even got close to the gates," a Bailiff asked.
"That's simple. Have you all forgotten what we usually do? As long as we can directly capture Prefect Liu, making the guards open the city gates then will be a simple matter, won't it?" Wang Linbao said cryptically.
One must know that they usually followed the Prefect's side; capturing him would indeed be a relatively simple task.
"Kidnap Prefect Liu!" Hearing this, everyone looked at Wang Linbao in shock. That guy was your relative! If they remembered correctly, one of Prefect Liu's concubines was Wang Linbao's aunt.
Chapter Thirty-Five: Betrayal!
Wang Linbao's face darkened as he said, "Do you brothers think I am cruel? But think carefully, has that Prefect Liu ever treated us well? Hasn't he just given us all sorts of dirty and exhausting work to handle while he fills his own pockets? Has he ever thought about us brothers?"
Hearing this, everyone also felt some anger. It was true that they did all the dirty and exhausting work and received not a single benefit in the end. It served Prefect Liu right to be deserted by everyone!
"Brother Wang, since that's the case... why don't we discuss this properly." In that small room, the group began their deliberations.
On Lia's side, she led an army of 5,000 and first made a trip to Wuxing Commandery.
When Common People of Wuxing Commandery saw Lia returning from Liang Province City, they practically lined the streets to welcome her.
Although Lia had not been in Wuxing during this time, Mulan had been executing her orders well. In these many days, the land had already been surveyed, and all that remained was to lead Common People in distributing it.
Common People had also learned of this news, which was why they were so enthusiastic about Lia's return to Wuxing Commandery.
Seeing the expressions on Common People's faces, Lia also felt very satisfied. To seize the world, the most important point was that one could not do without the hearts of the people.
"Mulan, you've done well." Lia first praised Mulan for the work she had done these past few days.
Mulan felt a bit embarrassed by Lia's praise.
"My Lord, I heard that you are going to Linsong Commandery this time?" Mulan asked.
"Yes. Not just Linsong Commandery this time, but also over at Dunhuang Town; I plan to take them both down," Lia replied.
"Can you take me with you?" Mulan asked.
"There's no rush for that. There will be a time when you're needed, and besides, your work in Wuxing Commandery isn't finished yet, is it?" Lia said.
The place where Mulan was truly famous was actually in the battles against the Nomadic Confederation. Therefore, Lia planned to organize the soldiers to sweep through the surrounding alien tribes after fully subduing the territory of Liang Province.
These alien tribes naturally included the Nomadic Confederation, and she herself could not be running around everywhere all the time. At that time, the position of leading general would be vacant, and that would be when Mulan would have to step up for her.
"I understand." Thinking of her duties in Wuxing Commandery, Mulan nodded helplessly.
"Also, there's this. I specifically brought it for you. Read it often. If you can meet my requirements, I will let you lead troops then." Saying this, Lia handed some books on how to train and lead troops to Mulan.
"This... I will definitely study hard and will not fail my Lord's cultivation of me!"
Seeing that Lia had specifically brought her books on how to train and lead troops, Mulan knew that Lia intended to focus on cultivating her in the future, and she couldn't help but say so gratefully.
"Yes, I have high hopes for your future." Lia patted Mulan on the shoulder.
Lia and the soldiers rested in Wuxing Commandery for a night, and set out for Linsong Commandery the next morning. By nearly noon, the army arrived at Linsong Commandery.
Lia was in no hurry to attack the city; instead, she first sent someone to the city walls to shout. If they were willing to open the gates and surrender, it would save a lot of trouble.
If they were unwilling, she would let the soldiers rest for a while, and when the time was right, she would directly blast open the city wall with a cannon. She would still be able to take Linsong Commandery just the same.
"Listen up, those above! My Lord bids you to open the gates and surrender. As long as you do, my Lord promises that your positions will remain unchanged. My Lord says she will give you only one hour to consider!" After the soldier finished speaking, he retreated.
At this moment, Linsong Commandery could be said to be facing a formidable foe. Facing Lia's army of 5,000, Prefect Liu, who had already received notice, looked at the army outside the city, and sweat unconsciously began to flow.
The troops in their Linsong Commandery numbered less than 2,000. Wasn't this just waiting to be slaughtered like pigs?
"Lord Prefect, there is no need to worry. I have observed them. Although the opponent has over 5,000 men and they are cavalry, they haven't brought any siege equipment. We should have no problem holding out," the general defending the city said immediately upon seeing Prefect Liu's panicked state.
The city walls of Linsong Commandery were six or seven meters high. Without siege equipment, even ten thousand cavalry could not hope to take it.
"Oh, is that so?" Hearing this, Prefect Liu's fearful expression immediately turned into one of pleasant surprise.
"Yes. If it were a frontal battle, we would surely lose. But a siege is different. Even cavalry must honestly dismount their warhorses and use scaling ladders to climb the walls," the defending general said confidently.
"In that case, everything will depend on General Bai from now on." Prefect Liu was in a much better mood.
"I shall not fail my mission!"
Just then, Wang Linbao stepped forward and said, "Uncle Liu, look, once the fighting starts in a bit, there's the danger of stray arrows if one isn't careful. I think it's better for us to leave the city wall; such matters can just be left to General Bai."
A hesitant look immediately appeared on Prefect Liu's face.
"Lord Prefect, that is indeed true. You might as well return to the city; just leave this place to me." General Bai, standing to the side, also nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
The Lord Prefect was a scholar; if he decided to meddle on a whim, it would be troublesome. It was better to let him return to the city so the general could defend the city in peace.
"Since that's the case, I'll leave this place to General Bai then." Since the other party had said so, there was indeed no point in him staying here; he might as well return to the city to enjoy himself.