Jinan County, Licheng.
West Street is where the main square of the city is located.
There is a high platform at the entrance of the city, which is called the Robbery Platform. It is usually used by small officials to watch the situation in the city, checking whether there are fires, thieves, market deception and other problems in the city.
But now, the high platform was surrounded by soldiers.
Outside the high platform, many people gathered here. They looked at the high platform blankly, feeling uneasy in their hearts.
They were forced to come here. The mandrill general from Hebei, whose soldiers are particularly fierce, has been running around the city since yesterday to tell the story, asking the men of every household to come to the high platform on West Street to watch.
If the others want to be punished, they can come.
The people of Licheng have been tortured so hard that they dare not disobey the government in the slightest.
They all felt that this was to capture men as husbandmen or soldiers.
Before the appointed time came, men from every household bid farewell to their families with tears in their eyes, and came to West Street amidst the sounds of crying and howling.
These people don't know what kind of things are waiting for them next.
Thinking of their young children or elderly parents, they just shed tears silently.
There were people coming one after another from further away.
There are more and more people, more and more.
But the strange thing is that even though there are so many people coming here, there is no noise at all and no one talks to each other. These so-called men are either half-grown children or gray-haired old people.
They stood there silently, with obvious tears on their faces. They shrank inward, looking very defensive against everything.
An army was walking quickly in the distance, led by a man who looked like a general.
The crowd suddenly panicked. Some people knelt down, some lay down, and some bumped into people around them.
Liu Taozi walked up to the high platform and looked at the men in front of her.
"I am General Liu Taozi!"
Liu Taozi's voice was extremely loud and could be heard far away, but those people behind her might not be able to hear it.
Liu Taozi looked at the frightened people around him and said, "Fathers in Licheng, don't be afraid!"
"I heard that King Nanyang of the temple was killing people here, so he came with his troops and subdued him and his minions."
"Today, we are going to punish them to death in front of all the elders!!"
"Come here, bring someone here!!"
Liu Taozi gave the order, and immediately there were sergeants escorting more than 20 people onto the high platform. Some of these people were still wearing official uniforms, and some were dressed as officers.
These are state and county officials. Unlike the prefect who at least resisted, these are beasts who have sold their humanity for profit.
Liu Taozhi asked several sergeants to read out their crimes together.
"Zheng Sixang, the governor of Qi!! Colluded with the King of Nanyang, flattered his master and sought glory. In order to please his master, he tortured and killed five innocent people. He participated in attacking the government office, conspired to cause chaos, killed his colleagues, and betrayed his loyalty. His crimes were so heinous that he did not need to be tried.
,punish!!!"
Zheng Sixing's hair was disheveled and he was in a state of utter disarray. He raised his head and stared at Liu Taozi in the distance, "Qihu!! You can't kill me! You can't kill me! You can't control me! You can't control me!"
"Pfft~~"
The sergeant slashed him with his sword, his head rolled down and blood spurted out.
This sudden change really shocked the people. When they saw the headless body falling to the ground, there was silence under the high platform.
I don’t know who started it first, but suddenly someone clapped and cheered.
"Don't drive away from Qizhou and don't be embarrassed!"
"Colluded with the King of Nanyang, conspired to cause chaos, acted as an accomplice to the tiger, participated in attacking government offices, proposed policies to trouble the people, and killed innocent people with wild beasts. There is no need for court trial, execution!!"
"Jinan County Magistrate. Execute!!"
"Licheng County Magistrate. Execute!!!"
The charges were read out one by one, and heads fell to the ground one after another. The sergeants dragged away the headless corpses and began to replace the next batch of criminals.
Under the high platform, the people's expressions became more and more excited. Every time someone was killed, some people began to applaud and chant. When they chanted, they were almost hysterical, as if they wanted to express the humiliation they had suffered in these days.
All the grievances and grievances were vented.
The performance of these officials was also particularly unbearable. Some were frightened and fainted, some cried and begged for mercy, and some shouted insults.
But no matter what, it can't change their final outcome.
After dealing with the officials, we began to deal with the officials and soldiers.
Although these people were acting under Gao Chuo's orders, they were the perpetrators of many tragedies.
Sure enough, when these little people were pushed up, the people began to become more excited. The officials who were originally dealt with had only heard about the evil deeds of the other party, but these 'little people' in front of them had really made them endure evil.
OK.
Someone tried to rush up and beat him, but was stopped by the soldiers.
Some people pointed at the official and insulted him, while others broke down and cried.
Liu Taozi once again asked someone to read out his crime.
When the common people watched these evil spirits who had killed their own families being pinned to the ground and then having their heads chopped off with a knife, they did not feel any excitement about revenge, but only endless grief.
Not only the criminals, but also the sergeants were changed one after another.
The last one to come up was Gao Chuo.
The demon who used to be aloof was now kneeling on the high platform, facing the people of Licheng, with a look of fear on his face.
When he was led up, there seemed to be a pause under the high platform.
Obviously everyone still knows each other's identity.
Gao Chuo looked at Liu Taozi on the side in horror, with tears running down his nose, and his face turned pale with fear, "I am the emperor's brother! I am His Majesty's biological brother! I am the eldest son of the Supreme Emperor! You can't kill me. You can't kill me."
"Read the crime!!"
The sergeant stood aside and began to read out Gao Chuo's crimes.
In front of Gao Chuo, the crimes of other people instantly became worthless.
Gao Chuo's evil deeds are too numerous to describe. Countless people died at his hands. Many of them were brutally killed and tortured to death by him using various inhumane methods. In official terms, during the busy farming season, he
But he summoned the people to fetch water to build a pond for himself, attacked government offices, and killed officials. These are all serious crimes.
After the sergeant read out Gao Chuo's crimes one by one, Liu Taozi finally gave the order.
"Hunting!"
The execution of this punishment requires the cooperation of doctors and specialized sergeants to separate Gao Chuo and take him apart bit by bit.
Gao Chuo's screams continued, and the sergeant was quite skilled, as if he was dismantling a pig or dog. He kept waving the knife, and Gao Chuo fainted in pain. Some doctors hurriedly revived him, and then continued the execution. I don't know how long it took.
The incomplete Gao Chuo was finally divided equally on the high platform.
But the people didn't feel sick and vomited.
Gao Chuo, who was riding a big horse, was a nightmare for the whole city. Watching him being torn apart bit by bit, the cheers rang out again.
Liu Taozi stood solemnly on the high platform and looked at everyone.
"From now on, no matter where the officials are, they dare to prey on the people and run rampant everywhere, just like today!!"
"Long live the General!!!"
"Long live the General!!"
Under the high platform, the people shouted, and Liu Taozi asked people to clean up the scene and turned around to leave.
Soon, there was no residue left here. Only the blood stains that could not be washed away still showed what happened here. Many heads were hung on the tower, and there were even a few dog heads among them.
The dog's head was also chopped off and hung up together. The big dog's eyes finally lost the original viciousness of cannibalism, only the fear remained, just like the innocent people they ate.
The cold wind blew, and the heads collided again, making bursts of sounds.
The people in Licheng rushed to tell each other, and the city boiled instantly. Some people came to the tower with crutches, just to curse those people to have no peace after death.
After a few days of this, a group of people finally arrived in Li City in a hurry.
There were more than a hundred riders in this group, and the leader was none other than Zu Jue.
Zu Jue quickly entered the city and rushed to the government office.
Finally I met Liu Taozi.
As soon as he saw Liu Taozi, Zu Jue showed a helpless look, "Lord, you... this."
Liu Taozi sat in the upper position with a calm expression, "I asked Yan Heijin to lead a group of people to continue towards Qingguang, so as not to delay the war."
After Wang Lin surrendered, Zu Jue proposed to capture Guangzhou.
After nearly a year of accumulation, although it is still unrealistic to capture the entire south, if we only capture Qing and Guangzhou, it would be more than enough. After all, the six local frontier states have been developed under Liu Taozi's rule for many years.
, not to mention the military strength, the reserve of officials is still sufficient. Besides, this is a populous state, and trustworthy people can be recruited from the local area in the future.
Everyone then formulated a strategy.
Liu Taozi led the Mandrill Battalion to attack Qingguang.
Zu Jue knew that the governors of these two states were timid people. As long as Liu Taozi could give them huge defensive pressure, they would definitely send a large number of troops to the front line to garrison. Qingguang and other states built many fortresses.
, these are all leftovers from the previous dynasty, but they are quite easy to use.
When the troops of these two states are blocking the front, Wang Lin can land from the Gwangju coast and directly attack the rear area in order to capture the king.
Zu Jue believed that the matter should not be delayed and troops should be dispatched as soon as possible.
Liu Taozi then used his cavalry all the way from Pingcheng to Qingzhou under his rule, while Wang Lin rushed to Youzhou.
After resting and recuperating, Zu Jue stayed in Taozi Qingzhou to take charge of logistics and transportation, while Liu Taozi led his troops to Qi Qingzhou.
Just as Liu Taozi was heading toward Qingzhou, he suddenly divided his troops, changed direction, and led his men to Qizhou.
This really confused his subordinates.
When the people sent by Liu Taozi arrived at Zu Jue, Zu Jue understood the situation and chased after them in a hurry.
Liu Taozi looked at the helpless Zu Jue and explained: "On my way here, I saw all the dead people from Qizhou. There were thousands of them, big and small. I stopped them and asked them about their situation."
"What they said is really intolerable to me."
"I understand what my lord said, but we can definitely take action after taking Gwangju."
"Let this beast live another day and thousands of people will suffer."
"I can't wait."
Zu Jue shook his head, "That's fine, it's just that the lord used such a cruel criminal method to deal with the emperor's younger brother. From now on, we will no longer be able to use the identity of Qi Chen."
"Why, grandpa can't bear to part with you?"
"No, it's just that many things will no longer be so convenient. The emperor's brother was executed in this way by the lord. The Daqi clan has been disgraced. From now on, south of the river, I am afraid that it will completely enter a state of separatism.
I won’t be afraid of temples either.”
Zu Jue frowned and thought of many things.
He still felt that his lord was a little too hasty.
It's not that King Nanyang cannot be killed. If the master hands this person over to him, he has a hundred ways to make his death worse than he is now.
But it really shouldn’t be executed in public.
This will definitely completely destroy the imperial power of Da Qi.
The officials south of the river were waiting and watching. The emperor's brother was chopped up in public, so who would care about Daqi in the future?
After this incident spreads, many areas south of the river are likely to gradually break away from the Daqi regime and become small princes one by one, no longer obeying any orders. Once they are dispersed, there will be enemies on both sides.
Opportunity to attack.
Zu Jue thought more and more, and finally just sighed.
"My lord, if something like this happens in the future, you can let the ministers handle it. Even if you have to do it yourself, you can also ask the ministers for their suggestions first."
Liu Taozi replied: "I know what you are worried about. I have never thought about recovering these insects in the name of Daqi. What we did in Hebei also means that they will not surrender easily. In this case
, then you don’t have to worry anymore.”
"This guy's crimes are extremely heinous. Using him as an example may serve as a warning."
Zu Jue smiled bitterly, "Lord, do you think those people can think of this? They will only think that the lord is killing the clan to intimidate everyone, and is preparing to formally ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor. Other than that, they will not consider anything else.
.”
Liu Taozi did not continue to dwell on this topic. He asked: "Did Yan Heijing send you a scout?"
"Sent."
"General Yan attacked several cities in Qingzhou and read out the order to attack Qingzhou and the two governors of Guangzhou."
"At present, these two states are preparing troops and horses to block General Yan's offensive."
Liu Taozi stood up slowly and looked at Zu Jue, "Since you are here, I should also go over."
"I'll leave Qizhou to you."
Zu Jue stood up in a hurry and said, "My lord, we have only prepared officials from two states. We are here in Qizhou. I will come up with a solution."
Liu Taozi nodded and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you, grandpa."
Zu Jue's expression gradually softened, and he smiled again, "My lord, just go and fight. As long as we don't take over the whole world tomorrow, I can handle it!"
"Okay, I'll try my best."
"Hahaha~~~"
Liu Taozi left Zu Jue there while he led his troops to leave.
When the general on the black horse led the knights through the street, many people quickly appeared on both sides of the road. They did not dare to get too close. They just stood there and faced the mandrill who had eradicated the evil ghost.
The general salutes you.
On both sides of the road, there were people paying their respects.
Liu Taozi did not dismount, but kept a straight face, still with that ferocious and cold face, and led the troops to leave Licheng and go to the front line.
Outside the tall city wall, three forts stand guarding the city.
Yan Heijing led the cavalry and galloped past these forts. For a moment, chaotic arrows were shot out from the city. They were not shooting in volley, nor were they powerful, and they did not pose any threat at all.
Yan Heijuan made a complete circle, and the several Wu bases were the same, and they kept shooting arrows, regardless of whether the arrows could cause any damage to the enemy, as if they were using this method to intimidate the enemy.
Tell the enemy not to get close to me, I have a crossbow here!!
Yan Heijing once again formed his formation and stared at the Wu Lei in the distance, but his eyes were full of disdain.
Their behavior not only failed to intimidate the enemy, but also revealed their true identity. Yan Heizhen could see at a glance that several of Wu Lei's generals did not know how to fight, and the soldiers lacked training.
Yan Heijing frowned, and the officer on the side slowly stepped forward, "General Yan, these people have no fighting power. It is better to capture them before the general arrives and offer them to the general."
"No need."
Yan Heijing said calmly: "The general's military order is for us to harass the garrison cities and post houses on the front line, but he has not ordered us to attack the city."
"There is no need to value this military merit so much. Just stay here and wait for the arrival of the general."
"In addition, let the military craftsman build a few more walking and throwing vehicles."
"only!!"
Yan Heijuan was stationed outside the city and began to let his craftsmen build siege equipment. He was not in a hurry to attack the city. This was a huge pain and suffering for the people in the city.
They did not dare to leave the city, nor did they dare to fight back. They watched helplessly as they prepared to take their own lives.
Although Yan Heijing had no intention of taking the city in advance and dedicating it to the general, he could not help but disagree with the low morale in the city.
On the third day of the garrison, Liu Taozi had not yet arrived, but the city's defenders directly surrendered.
The Lord will tie himself up and come to the camp crying, begging for forgiveness.
Yan Heijing was quite helpless about this, so he had to take over the city and continue to wait for Liu Taozi.
On the fifth day, Liu Taozi arrived here.
The two of them were sitting in the official office, and Yan Heijian was telling the intelligence from various places.
"My lord, the generals everywhere have no desire to fight and have no intention to fight. There is no need for the prince at all, so we can take it down."
"After I led troops and appeared in its territory, there were escapes in many cities in Qingzhou. People in Qingzhou were running towards Guangzhou, but I did not take the initiative to intercept them."
"It seems that the governor of Qingzhou has also run away. There is no army organized at all. The original garrison generals are still in place everywhere. There is no change at all."
Yan Heizhu felt that Zu Jue's strategy was still too conservative. These fools were even stupider than Zu Jue expected. They did not even have the ability to organize a real line of defense, and everything was in chaos. Yan Heizhu
He even felt that if the general gave him all the cavalry, he could rush into Guangzhou and capture the governor of Guangzhou within six days. This would not be difficult at all.
Liu Taozi glanced at Yan Heijian and said seriously: "Don't underestimate it."
"Those two governors are stupid, but Qing and Guangzhou have always been home to strong and powerful people. They will soon find a way to fight back."
"In the past, there was a lot of internal discord between these two states. Now that they see us coming, I'm afraid they will join forces to deal with us."
"If we can win the second state at the lowest cost, then there is no need to attack by force."
"only!!"
Chapter completed!