Chapter 16
Fighting and killing, how unsightly.
Having received General Bai's assurance, Prefect Liu was very happy, and even his demeanor showed a bit more complacency.
As Prefect Liu was leading the yamen runners down from the city tower, passing a corner where no one was around, Wang Linbao glanced at his brothers and gave them a meaningful look.
Seeing this, the other yamen runners instinctively spread out, surrounding Prefect Liu in the middle.
At this moment, Prefect Liu was still unaware of the approaching danger, still fantasizing about returning to his residence to have some fun with his concubine.
Suddenly, Prefect Liu felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, as if something had bitten him. Before he could even cry out in pain, a blade was pressed against his neck, and a familiar voice rang in his ear.
"Uncle Liu, don't blame us. If you must blame someone, blame your own usual greed."
Prefect Liu was shocked; he never expected that his own subordinates would betray him at such a critical moment!
"Wang Linbao, do you know what you are doing?!" Prefect Liu roared in anger, looking at the weapon at his neck.
Wang Linbao chuckled and said, "Lord Prefect Liu, you don't recognize the signs of the times and want us all to be buried with you. Isn't that a bit too much? We don't want to die with you, Lord Prefect."
Chapter 36: Surrendering the City
Prefect Liu took a deep breath, looked at the others, and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? We are relatives; why would I want to drag you down with me? Besides, I haven't treated you poorly in the past, have I? Why do such a thing?"
The others, however, did not answer.
"Hehe, Uncle Liu, do you have the nerve to say that? What kind of things have you had us do? Abducting women, seizing fertile land—which of those is a human thing to do? Even if we did them, what have you ever rewarded us with? You haven't even treated us to a single meal, and yet you have the gall to say you haven't treated us poorly? If all these are"
"considered acts of kindness, then we'd rather not have them!"
After Wang Linbao finished, a yamen runner immediately said, "Brother Wang is right. Since you, Prefect Liu, don't view us as subordinates, why should we listen to you anymore? Although those outside are Rebel Leaders, in our eyes, they truly treat Common People well. We don't want to follow you in these disgusting dealings anymore!"
After saying this, the yamen runner did not hesitate and, under Prefect Liu's terrified gaze, took out a rope and tied him up tightly.
"Brother Wang, what do you think we should do next?" the other yamen runners asked after finishing tying up Prefect Liu.
Wang Linbao did not hesitate either and told everyone, "Since we have already done this, there is no turning back. Those soldiers guarding the city are all locals. Zhang Tie, go and call Common People, and have them join us in escorting Prefect Liu out."
As long as Common People's hearts were with them, the soldiers guarding the city would not make things difficult for them. If those soldiers were determined to oppose them, they would be in danger.
The other yamen runners responded and immediately went to carry out the task.
Listening to Wang Linbao discuss how to defect to the enemy with a tone as casual as discussing why the weather was so clear today, Prefect Liu was both shocked and furious, shouting, "Rebellion! This is rebellion!"
Wang Linbao chuckled and directly found a rag to stuff into Prefect Liu's mouth. "Look at what you're saying, Uncle Liu. We haven't harmed your life, so how can you say we've rebelled? Whether you live or die in the future is the Rebel Leader's doing; it has nothing to do with us."
...Lia didn't know what was happening in Linsong Commandery; she had waited outside the city for an hour, and seeing no movement on the city walls, she knew these people were unwilling to surrender.
Lia sighed, and at the same time, her gaze became firm.
Since Linsong Commandery was unwilling to surrender, she couldn't be blamed for taking harsh measures later.
Lia watched outside the city for a while, thinking about where the best place to launch a bombardment would be so that the damage to the residents inside the city would be minimized, when she suddenly heard a noisy commotion coming from the city.
Then the city gate was opened.
"Hmm? Have they surrendered?"
Lia looked toward the city gate and saw a crowd of people coming out. Her vision was very good, and she could see a well-dressed middle-aged man being brought out tied up securely.
"Was there a conflict?" Lia looked at the middle-aged man; it seemed that in this past hour, many things she didn't know about had happened.
Just as Lia was thinking this, a person ran over from the city gate, waving their hands while running to show they had no ill intent.
Lia did not intend to have the soldiers intercept him and just waited for the person to run over to her.
"Why did you come running alone? Have you agreed to the conditions I offered you before?" Lia watched as the person dressed in a yamen runner's uniform arrived before her.
"My Lady, we have surrendered, but Prefect Liu refused to surrender, so we tied him up. Please follow us into the city, My Lady." The person who ran over calmed his mind and answered Lia's question.
"I see. You've done well; I will reward you later." Lia's face showed a slight smile upon hearing this.
Regardless of whether the other party was betraying their master for glory, their actions had at least saved many of her soldiers from being sacrificed, which made them worthy of her reward.
"Thank you, My Lady!" the yamen runner said happily upon hearing Lia's words.
It seemed his previous decision was correct; this female Rebel Leader's attitude toward matters was quite objective.
"Enter the city!" Lia said to the soldiers behind her.
Following Lia's words, the massive cavalry force marched toward the city.
Walking to the city gate, Lia glanced at the bound Prefect. She was somewhat curious; if this fellow had been tied up only because he refused to surrender even to the death, he would be a loyal official.
"Lord Prefect, I wonder why they tied you up?" Lia asked, looking at the Prefect.
"My Lady, I have realized my mistakes; please spare my life." Facing Lia's question, the Prefect directly knelt down.
"Hmm?" Seeing the other party suddenly change his tune, Lia was instead a bit confused. Hadn't this fellow been tied up by his subordinates because he refused to surrender to the death? Why did he look like a coward now?
"Why is the Lord Prefect acting like this? I haven't done anything to you, have I?" Lia was puzzled but continued to ask.
"This humble official is willing to hand over all the wealth embezzled over the years, only asking that My Lady spare my life!" Prefect Liu continued to plead.
He knew that all the misdeeds he had committed could not be hidden; it was better to confess than to wait for others to report him. That way, he might still have a chance to live.
"I see."
Lia had wondered why this Prefect refused to surrender to the death; it turned out he was a major corrupt official!
This had also caused her to mistakenly believe he was a man of loyalty and righteousness, as only such men would choose to perish with their city.
After learning about this fellow's deeds, Lia's attitude toward him also changed, and she said indifferently, "Lord Prefect, I cannot decide on your punishment. Whatever Common People say, I will do. Take him along."
After saying that, Lia ignored him and entered the city.
As Lia entered, the city was filled with the laughter and cheers of Common People, who waved their hands to welcome her arrival. They knew that their good days were coming.
Perhaps only those from the Aristocratic Families had long, gloomy faces.
Facing the cheers of Common People, Lia also looked at everyone with a smile, and in this manner, she made her way to the city square.
Under Lia's orders, Common People soon brought up Prefect Liu, whose face was now bruised and swollen. It was clear that on the way over, this fellow had been severely beaten by a group of Common People.
Then these common people reported to Lia all the evil deeds committed by Prefect Liu and the Aristocratic Families in the city. They completely treated Lia as their advocate, believing she would seek justice for them.
Chapter 37: Aristocratic Families
Lia listened quietly and also observed Prefect Liu, who now had a look of utter despair, to see if his reaction matched what Common People were saying.
After Common People finished speaking, Lia hummed in acknowledgment before looking at Prefect Liu and saying, "Prefect Liu, is what they said the truth? If not, you may defend yourself. Of course, if you just play the fool, don't blame me for not warning you when something happens after I investigate the truth."
This time, Prefect Liu did not beg for mercy. Instead, he suppressed the fear in his heart and shouted, "You, you are rebelling! Release this Prefect at once! Perhaps I can still say a few good words for you before His Majesty. Otherwise, when the Emperor's army arrives, you will surely die a miserable death."
Hearing this, Lia let out a cold chuckle. "I am the one questioning you right now, not you threatening me. If you don't want to suffer physical pain, you had better answer honestly."
Prefect Liu was just about to answer honestly when a thought suddenly crossed his mind. He then yelled, "this official eats the Emperor's stipend and must naturally serve the Emperor's cause. Kill me or flay me as you wish, but don't think you'll get anything out of me!"
As soon as Prefect Liu's words left his mouth, before Lia could even react, Common People were enraged and all wanted to rush forward to give Prefect Liu a beating.
Lia did not stop them. Only when Common People had finished beating him did Lia say, "Do you think that as long as you act like those civil officials and generals in the books—as long as you act tough enough—I might actually let you go?"
If Lia hadn't seen Prefect Liu's side where he begged for mercy at the city gate earlier, she might have actually thought better of him. But since you've already shown your ugly side, did you really think I would let you off?
Having her thoughts exposed by Lia, Prefect Liu didn't blush at all. Instead, he stiffened his neck and shouted, "In any case, don't think you'll get anything out of me!"
Lia wasn't annoyed either. With a smiling face, she said, "Since you don't want to answer, then you don't have to. Common People here will tell me what you've done. If the people think you are innocent, I will release you. How about that?"
After saying that, Lia didn't wait for Prefect Liu to reply. She spoke to Common People, "Everyone heard what I said. I will not favor a bad person, nor will I wrong a good person. While we're here, everyone tell me your grievances, and I will surely seek justice for you."
After Lia finished speaking, dozens of common people immediately stepped forward, recounting their grievances and expressing their unfair treatment to Lia one by one.
Among these were accusations against Prefect Liu and anger toward the Aristocratic Families. Lia listened to every word.
Lia soon reached a decision and ordered her subordinates to summon those Aristocratic Families as well.
There were nine Aristocratic Families in Linsong Commandery in total. Among these families, there were good ones and bad ones. When they heard that Lia had sent soldiers to summon them, it could be said that every family head was filled with trepidation.
However, the fact that Lia did not lead her army to their doors was actually a signal to them.
If they weren't stupid, they would know what to do.
Before long, the heads of these Aristocratic Families arrived. They took one look at Prefect Liu's miserable state and were all left with lingering fears, terrified that they would be the next Prefect Liu.
When these Aristocratic Families saw Lia in the center, although they were surprised by her appearance, they didn't dare to harbor any improper thoughts and quickly bowed to her.
"We humble ones greet General Long." At this moment, Lia did not have any titles like 'General of Heaven' or declare herself a king, so they could only address her with this respectful title.
Lia gave a light "mm" and looked at the nine people, saying, "You don't need to be nervous. I am actually a very reasonable person. As long as you hand over the land in your possession and cancel those IOUs of Common People, I will not make things difficult for you."
Lia had thought about it. Although the Aristocratic Families were a tumor, they were also an indispensable link. In essence, the Aristocratic Families were equivalent to modern-day businessmen.
In ancient times, two types of people usually emerged from Aristocratic Families: profligate sons who enjoyed idle pastimes, or top-tier talents who were proficient in both civil and military affairs.
The former were nothing more than a waste of a few grains of rice, but the latter often changed the era.
In ancient times, the relationship between Aristocratic Families and ordinary families was like the relationship between modern-day Huawei and individual businesses. Huawei can research Kirin chips, but individual businesses cannot; Huawei is qualified to be disliked by the United States, but individual businesses are not.
This was the difference between the two.
Some say that "Aristocratic Families blocked the upward mobility of the commoners." This view is actually very one-sided. To consolidate their advantage in the imperial court, Aristocratic Families would continuously absorb outstanding talents from among the people.
And where did the Imperial Examination system of Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, come from? It was exactly Yang Jian moving the examinations from within the Aristocratic Families to the imperial court.
Aristocratic Families loved adventure, desired achievements, and were enterprising.
In contrast, "civil officials" from the Imperial Examination system were cautious, seeking no merit but only to avoid mistakes, becoming increasingly conservative.
Some say that history is created by the masses. In Lia's view, when the masses create significant history, they must do so through a focus of combined force; otherwise, it would only be a ground full of fragments.
Even with the same half of the country, the Eastern Jin was far stronger than the Southern Song.
The Five Clans and Seven Lineages dominated the Northern Wei court and greatly enhanced the Northern Wei's martial spirit.
Small landowners, however, prostrated themselves under the iron hooves of the Jin Dynasty, later eroding the Jin Dynasty's martial spirit and weakening its power.
During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Eight Great Families of Guanlong established the epoch-making "Fubing-Gentry system," gradually creating the powerful Sui and Tang Dynasties.
By the time of the Song Dynasty, no force worth writing about was born in the north south of the Great Wall. Despite inventing things like gunpowder, they only knew how to cede land and pay indemnities, lacking any initiative and being beaten like stray dogs. It was simply unbelievable.
It could be said that this was the qualitative difference between the powerful clans and small landowners.
Ancient manor owners, scholar-officials, nobles, and powerful clans would practice martial arts for the sake of their family's interests. They studied the classics, passed down technology, preserved art, managed wealth, and even established their words, virtues, and achievements. Therefore, their enthusiasm for external wars was very high.
Because of the strong strength of their family industries and accumulated management experience, the logistical support for war was very high, which was beneficial to the country. They also passed down Chinese civilization and developed the distinction between the Hu and the Xia.
Small and medium landowners had absolutely no ability or ambition to do these things. They only wanted to mind their own business and guard their own little plots of land, without a shred of enterprising spirit.
Of course, having finished with the advantages, we must also talk about the disadvantages.
As the saying goes, "a dynasty lasts a hundred years, but an aristocratic family lasts a thousand." This describes the situation perfectly. Aristocratic Families still posed a great threat to a dynasty; after all, they controlled the culture and knowledge.
Chapter 38: Final Handling of the Aristocratic Families
First, the downside of the Aristocratic Families was their monopoly on culture. In fact, in the dynasties before the Tang Dynasty, many scholars came from Aristocratic Families or were recommended by them.
Naturally, these people would favor the Aristocratic Families. Especially since the Aristocratic Families held the vast majority of positions in the imperial court, even the Emperor found it difficult to move against them.
Coupled with the people they promoted, many key positions in the court were actually controlled by the Aristocratic Families.
Second, the land of the Aristocratic Families.
In fact, most of a country's land was held by the Aristocratic Families. After gaining control of the land, the Aristocratic Families would rent it out to farmers at low rates and live off the rent.
But their lowest rents were fifty percent, and some were as high as ninety percent. For the farmers of that time, this was a terrifying thing.
After all, losing fifty percent of the year's harvest for nothing meant some farmers could barely feed themselves for the year. Having children became a problem; the children born would either starve to death or be sold to the Aristocratic Families as servants.
Third, the Aristocratic Families were corrupting the country's official system because many official positions in the court were held by the sons of these families.
However, not all of these sons were outstanding. After reaching adulthood, most of these children of the powerful would still go to work in the Ministry of War, not as soldiers, but as officers in the middle ranks of the army.
Furthermore, when the sons of the Aristocratic Families had nothing to do, they could do many things that harmed the interests of Common People, and some would even betray the country for profit.
These were all the disadvantages of the Aristocratic Families.
Since Lia was already clear on the strengths and weaknesses of the Aristocratic Families, she naturally wanted to stifle those disadvantages and preserve their advantages.
The aspect of land was the most important among them.
Once her power stabilized in the later stages, she could open academies. That way, culture would no longer be monopolized by the Aristocratic Families. As for the last point, she could only use the law to restrain them.