Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3707 Calling Me Arrogant
Deep in the vegetation on the southern slope of Mount Song, a small team of about fifty people emerged from the foot of the mountain under the cover of twilight, collapsing exhausted on the banks of the Wei River.

The straight-line distance from Songshan to Xuxian is no more than two hundred li.

But this thing is like the 'distance' that real estate developers later painted on their advertisements...

Moreover, the key to whether or not one can travel depends on having water.

Sima Yi could not send a large force to bypass Mount Song, because a large force would not only trigger alarms, but it would also be too dependent on water. If it deviated from the route even slightly, it would go without water for three or four days, and the troops would fall into disarray without a fight.

Fifty men was already the limit, and they were the elite troops that Sima had drawn from the mountain troops supported by Fei Qian.

Even so, when this small team finally managed to leave the mountains and reach the banks of the Wei River, they were practically dried-out meat. If even a few dozen Cao soldiers appeared, the most ordinary Cao soldiers could easily take down these nearly thirsty and exhausted mountain elites.

Unfortunately, Cao Cao's army did not have any outposts here.

After drinking water and eating, and resting for most of the day, these elite mountain soldiers recovered about 50-60% of their strength and then began to try to find targets to attack along the Wei River.

However, attacking Cao Cao's supply lines also depended on luck.

This is similar to staking out the hometowns of certain fugitives on New Year's Eve in later generations. If they don't come this year, they might come next year; if they don't come on the first day of the new year, they might come on the fifteenth. You never know when you might successfully ambush them in the bushes...

This group of mountain soldiers was quite lucky. After hiding on the outskirts for more than ten days, just when their rations were about to run out and they had to eat wild fruits and the occasional mountain rats they caught, they discovered a Cao army supply convoy that was advancing along a tributary of the Wei River and was being guarded rather loosely. Their tired eyes then lit up with a fierce light again.

Attacks often occur in the darkest hour before dawn.

This is determined by human beings' animalistic nature.

This time is no exception.

The goal of mountain troops is not annihilation, but destruction.

The squad pounced out of the darkness like ghosts, precisely eliminating Cao Cao's sentries that seemed to exist but were actually less effective than nonexistent, and then poured oil on the grain sacks and supply wagons.

Flames erupted instantly, waking the escorting soldiers from their sleep. They wandered around in a daze, completely bewildered.

As Cao Cao's disorganized resistance was quickly suppressed, the leading mountain platoon leader blew his sharp bronze whistle after confirming that the main objective had been achieved.

This is the signal to retreat.

They did not linger in the battle, nor did they even attempt to take any prisoners. They simply took some provisions they could carry and then quickly disappeared into the mountains, leaving behind only towering flames and a scene of devastation.

Several days later, news of the attack on the supplies reached Cao Cao's army camp after being relayed through various channels.

Normally, the destruction of one or two troop supply lines is not a catastrophic event for a large army.

Because a slightly more experienced general wouldn't wait until the grain supplies had already fallen below the red line before rushing to transport more, it's unlikely that a grain transport team would transport too much grain at once.

In this way, even if one or two teams are lost, it's not a big problem.

After all, the supply lines were long, and in the Han Dynasty's environment, anything could happen.

What if the cold chain doesn't keep the food fresh, and it spoils before you even get it?

The only thing that displeased Cao Cao was that he discovered the attack on the supply convoy was carried out by a small group of soldiers from the Flying Cavalry who had infiltrated the area!
This is one of the reasons why lower-level bureaucrats report upwards layer by layer.

After Wei Yan infiltrated Zhongtiao Mountain and caused trouble in Ji Province, is it now Yu Province's turn to be disturbed?

The Wei family's troublemaking wasn't enough, now they're adding the Sima family's troublemakers to the mix?
Cao Cao pinched his forehead.

The key point is that some other things were mixed in with the news of the attack...

Where else were attacked? What were the losses?

Cao Cao's voice was slightly hoarse; the continuous travel and immense pressure on the southern front had left an unyielding weariness between his brows.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, besides the area near the Wei River, about fifty li west of Yingyin, at Yelanggou, we were also attacked by unidentified troops... Fifteen grain carts, 1,300 bushels of millet, and a quantity of fodder were burned... More than ten escorting soldiers were killed or wounded, and the rest scattered..."

Xun Yu answered softly.

"Yingyin..." Cao Cao paused meaningfully before asking, "Where did it come from?"

"Yangdi," Xun Yu said briefly.

"One thousand three hundred bushels..." Cao Cao pondered for a moment.

This number is neither particularly large nor particularly small.

For a large army, let alone thousands of bushels, even tens of thousands of bushels would be a small number.

But why is it like this...?

Does it have whole numbers or fractions?

"At the Wei River... the defeated soldiers reported that the attackers were few in number, about a few dozen, and moved extremely quickly, striking and fleeing immediately, unlike ordinary bandits. Their weapons and tactics... were quite disciplined, suggesting... that it was the work of elite scouts from the Flying Cavalry." Xun Yu's voice lowered slightly. "But at Yingyin... it was slightly different..."

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. 'It seems it's not just the Flying Cavalry...'

Xun Yu fell silent.

This is Yingchuan, this is Yuzhou, this is the prefecture that originally contributed nearly 30% of the Han Dynasty's economy, this land of the Han Dynasty that once looked down on Xiliang and Guanzhong and sneered at them as country bumpkins.

Once upon a time, the people of Yuzhou and Jizhou shared a common wish: to abandon those places like Liangzhou and Bingzhou that only lived off government subsidies and allowances, so that they could save money to buy fine vintage wines.
Yes, they used to be proud...

Cao Cao's gaze fell upon the huge map hanging in the tent, landing on the location of Mount Song.

"Some of them must be Sima's soldiers... He wants to use these gnats to disrupt our morale, interfere with our supply lines, and keep our rear unsettled, preventing us from focusing our full attention on the south..."

Xun Yu stood to the side, his brows slightly furrowed.

He considered the matter more deeply, saying, "My lord, although this matter is small, it cannot be ignored. Firstly, the location is in Wild Wolf Gully, only fifty li from Yingyin... If it really is the cavalry..."

"And the second one?" Cao Cao asked.

"Secondly, at this time... the situation is quite delicate," Xun Yu said slowly.

Cao Cao nodded silently.

Cao Cao's southward campaign was precisely to resolve the predicament in Jingzhou. However, prior to this, grain supplies were looted and burned in Xinye, followed by an attack on a grain transport convoy along the Wei River. Now, even the area near his main base in Yingyin is facing problems. These "attacks" may not cause decisive damage, but they have indeed tied down a portion of Cao Cao's forces and have also sent a signal…

"After all, rumors are rampant in Xiangyang, and people are restless. The remnants of the Cai family have not yet been eliminated... If things become unstable in the rear..." Xun Yu said in a low voice, his face inevitably showing worry.

Cao Cao was silent for a moment, then his eyes sharpened: "Wenruo is right. Even small mosquitoes can be annoying if they bite incessantly."

Now that a big operation is about to begin, I'm covered in mosquito bites on my butt.

If you take a picture, it's like using a cannon to kill a mosquito; if you don't, you'll get bitten and feel uncomfortable.

The key point is that no one expected that problems would now arise from the Wei River to Yingyin!

Some were brought by the cavalry, but others were clearly not...

"My lord," Xun Yu cupped his hands in greeting, "I shall return to Yingchuan..."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then finally nodded.

In order to stabilize the rear and protect the front, Cao Cao not only sent Xun Yu back, but also strengthened the protection of the supply lines.

Order one.

All supply convoys will be reinforced with guards, and their journeys must be reported in advance. Additional beacon towers and sentry posts will be set up along the route, and any attacks will be immediately reported with fire. Nearby garrisons must provide rapid reinforcements. Suspicious individuals along the route will be thoroughly investigated, with particular attention paid to infiltration by cavalry squads from the Songshan direction.

Order two.

Xun Yu, together with the Prefect of Yingchuan and the military officers, is ordered to eliminate threats from the rear. A thorough search of the mountains and forests surrounding Yingyin is to be conducted, ensuring the complete elimination of any cavalry scout outposts. Better to arrest the innocent than let the guilty go free. Anyone suspected of treason will be severely punished.

Command 3.

Cao Cao sent a message to Cao Ren, informing him that the grain supplies were still plentiful and unaffected, and ordering him to stabilize Xiangyang, intensify the purge of spies within the city, and at the same time, to further harass Liao Hua and Li Dian to probe their strength and communication status. This was to prepare for the main army's attack.

Order Four: The garrison at Guiku Pass and Feihu Fortress on Mount Song is ordered to maintain pressure on Sima Yi's camp, remain vigilant, and project an image of an impending attack on Yique Pass, thus deterring him from making any rash moves. Closely monitor any changes in his camp's layout; report immediately any signs of a major troop movement!

Order five.

Another batch of provisions was requisitioned to replenish losses and as reserves for the army's subsequent maneuvering operations...

The order was passed on quickly.

The atmosphere around Yingchuan suddenly became tense.

The number of Cao army soldiers on patrol has increased significantly, and the checkpoints at various intersections are heavily guarded, creating an atmosphere of fear and unease among the villagers.

Several search teams were dispatched to the foothills of Mount Song to begin a comprehensive search.

But apparently...

Orders are orders, and actions are actions.

Cao Cao's orders to strengthen the protection of the supply lines and to purge the rear were like a stone thrown into stagnant water, creating ripples in the bureaucratic system of Yingchuan Commandery.

It's just a ripple.

That may not be the most accurate way to put it, but to some extent, it is true.

With the delivery of Cao Cao's orders and Cao Cao's departure from Yingyin, the "loss" of the grain supply route became an excellent excuse for these officials in Yuzhou to settle accounts, a good trigger to excite the entire local power and interest chain!
……

……

Chenjun, Fule County.

Perhaps it was previously called Fuping or Fule?
Anyway, it doesn't matter, since the name isn't up to the people to decide.

Just like now, the decision to impose additional taxes is not something ordinary people can make.

The decline of a dynasty and the collapse of a system do not happen overnight, nor in a day or two, but are the result of a long-term accumulation of seemingly trivial matters...

Before it completely collapsed, this decaying giant ship could still glide forward due to its inertia.

Just like the Han Dynasty at present.

County Commandant Wang Kui wore a brand-new blue official robe, with a sash symbolizing authority around his waist. Inside his leather pouch was a bulging copper seal, protruding like his belly.

He stood on the makeshift wooden platform, tilting his head back and scanning the crowd below through his lower eyelids.

Behind him stood several bailiffs with their hands on their swords, their faces expressionless.

The yamen runners were there to protect the county magistrate. They were yamen runners of the Han Dynasty, but not to protect the Han Dynasty itself; rather, they were there to guard against or suppress any potential unrest among the people.

Wang Kui's gaze swept across the dark, ragged crowd below the stage like a knife.

The wind made the hem of his robe flutter, and it also made the villagers below the stage shiver, whether from the cold or fear, they didn't know.

Wang Kui cleared his throat, deliberately raising his voice to convey an unquestionable official authority, yet subtly mixing in a hint of 'consideration,' 'Fellow villagers! Listen carefully!'

That's quite interesting.

After the death of Registrar Huang, there was also County Lieutenant Wang.

The fine traditions of Shandong, a land of great Han people, have been passed down from generation to generation.

As long as they don't have their property confiscated and their entire family wiped out, there's always a chance to make a fortune...

Wang Kui unfolded an official document stamped with the prefect's seal, shook it solemnly, and wrote, "The Prime Minister's army is fighting valiantly on the front lines! For what? To protect the borders and the people, to safeguard your lives and property! However!"

His tone abruptly shifted, becoming stern: "The traitors are rampant, attacking our supply lines and causing ration shortages for our soldiers at the front! How can our hungry soldiers protect you from swords and arrows?"

There was dead silence in the audience.

Only suppressed breathing and the faint cries of a baby could be heard.

"At this critical juncture for the nation, every citizen has a duty!" Wang Kui's voice boomed even louder, his gaze sweeping across the entire assembly as if inspecting a flock of lambs to the slaughter. "By order of the Prefect, to alleviate the urgent needs of the front lines, an additional levy has been issued for 'suppressing rebellion, pacifying the people, and supplying the army with provisions'! This is your duty to serve the court and protect your homeland!"

A buzzing sound arose from below, but it did not stop Wang Kui from reading out those suffocating details.

Every word struck the hearts of the villagers like a boulder...

First of all.

It must be "full".

"Based on the number of people and the amount of land, an additional 30% will be levied on top of the original autumn tax! Not a single grain will be exempted!"

The higher-ups only levied half a percent, since the officials above them thought that half a percent was too much or too little. But when it was added layer by layer to Wang Kui, it became thirty percent.

Secondly, it needs to be 'stable'.

"Every household must abide by its duties, refrain from gathering in crowds, spreading rumors, or causing disturbances! Anyone who makes irresponsible remarks about national policies or incites discontent will be treated as a traitor!"

Secondly, one must be 'decent'.

"You are all subjects of the Han Dynasty. At this critical juncture of survival, you should know loyalty, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame! Even if your families are struggling, you must still make provisions! The county government, understanding the people's hardships, has already informed all localities that you must...you must..." Wang Kui seemed to be searching for the right word, finally managing to utter an extremely hypocritical statement, "You must ensure that no one starving to death is found on the roads! If anyone starves to death on the road, the village head and the security guards will be held jointly accountable!"

Wang Kui was well aware that such additional troop deployments would inevitably lead to problems, but no matter what the problems were, he couldn't allow the ugly scene of people starving to die to occur, which would only cause trouble for those above him.

As for how to ensure it, that's the business of the lower-level officials, village heads, and ward chiefs. In any case, the quota for starving to death must not be exceeded!

No sooner had Wang Kui finished speaking than an old farmer could no longer hold back. He knelt down with a thud, his forehead hitting the cold, muddy ground with a dull thud: "Sir, have mercy! Last year's harvest was already meager, and at the beginning of the year, with the conscription and forced labor, all the able-bodied men in my family are gone... Since spring, we've almost eaten all the wild vegetables and tree bark... And now they want another 30%! Where can we get that 30%? This... this is taking the lives of my whole family!"

Wang Kui didn't even lift his eyelids, but the corners of his mouth turned down, revealing a fierce look. "I represent the Han Dynasty, the Prime Minister, and the millions of soldiers on the front lines! If everyone only cares about themselves and their own survival, what kind of Han Dynasty is this? The lives of the soldiers on the front lines are hanging by a thread, yet you dare to make excuses? Clearly, you harbor resentment and are maliciously resisting!"

A constable standing nearby waved the register in his hand, shouting, "How many people are there, how much land do you own? It's all written clearly in the register! Don't try to fool me!"

The old man was still wailing, but Wang Kui had already lost his patience. He frowned, not out of sympathy, but because the crying and pleading had ruined the 'quiet' and 'decency' he wanted.

"Stop making noise! ​​Drag him away! Put him in shackles for three days as a warning to others! Let these troublemakers see what happens when they resist taxes, wail, and disrupt order!"

The yamen runners pounced on them like wolves and tigers.

The village heads and magistrates, carrying stamped wooden tablets, began kicking down doors from house to house like deadly apparitions.

"Order from County Commandant Wang! Thirty percent! Not a single grain less! Deliver it to the village entrance before nightfall!"

"Behave yourselves! Don't cry, don't make a scene, and don't gather in groups! Anyone who dares to shout will be put in shackles and paraded through the streets! Someone died? That's bad luck! Bury them quietly! Don't make a fuss! And definitely don't die on the main road!"

"Think of a way! Sell your children, sell your house and land, you have to raise the money! The higher-ups want 'no starving people'! If you starve to death, or someone dies, I'll be implicated! If I'm not doing well, your whole family won't be doing well either!"

A village headman, facing a emaciated farmer whose house was practically bare, pointed to the half-sack of empty grain and a small bag of seeds he had painstakingly scraped together, and snapped, "Is that all? Are you trying to fool us? This little bit isn't even enough for 30%!" His eyes darted around, then he saw the farmer's bare house. "If you can't handle it, sell this house! Use the money to pay for the grain!"

Another village headman used a combination of persuasion and pressure on a slightly wealthier household: "Brother, I know you're not having an easy time either. But this 'military ration donation' is a strict order! If you don't take the lead, everyone's watching! How about this, let's 'circulate' it... You take the lead and hand it over first, and then 'circulate' it back later... How about that? It's better than having your property confiscated, isn't it?"

At the village entrance, a temporary grain threshing ground was set up as a collection point. The granary official, with a specially made sieve with extremely small holes, expressionlessly poured the grain that the farmers had painstakingly collected into it.

The chaff and sand were ruthlessly sifted away and scattered all over the ground.

"Is this all? How much sand and dirt did you mix in? Is this grain even edible? If the soldiers on the front lines get diarrhea from eating it, can you take responsibility?" The granary official shouted sternly, and casually wrote down "30% loss" in his notebook.

The farmer pleaded desperately, "Sir... there's really... there's absolutely nothing better..."

The granary official didn't even lift his eyelids: "According to the rules, inferior grain is discounted! Either make up the difference in money and silk, or... go home and gather more good grain! If you don't deliver it before sunset, you'll be in cangue!"

In the signing room, County Lieutenant Wang Kui nodded with satisfaction at the finally "complete" grain requisition ledger. The higher-ups only wanted 10%, so the extra amount was naturally for everyone's hard work. Otherwise, with so many people blocking village entrances, guarding official roads, and letting people run around, they would have to be paid some labor fees and hard-earned money.

He picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and solemnly wrote on the report to the prefect: "The 'Supplementary Grain for Suppressing Rebellion, Restoring Peace, and Aiding the Army' in Fule County has been collected in full and on time. The people are stable, with no disturbances or starving corpses on the roads. The people have the Han Dynasty in their hearts, are grateful for the Prime Minister's kindness, and have enthusiastically contributed grain; their loyalty and righteousness are truly commendable..."

What does it matter if one registrar, Huang, dies? There will be others to follow!
Millions upon millions, one after another, sacrificed themselves!