I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 866: Jizhou affairs completed, the army returned to Beijing (5K2)

This scene completely shattered the last will of resistance of the Jizhou family.

Even Cui Lie, a die-hard anti-Soviet leader, has to kowtow to the general in order to save his life. What reason do they have to continue to insist?
Soon, representatives of the noble families rushed to the stage, expressing their support for the general's decision and their willingness to cooperate with the court's investigation and migration policy, and they submitted information about their own population and land properties.

In the following period, tens of thousands of aristocratic families will be relocated to Guanzhong, Central Plains and other places in batches. Their land here will be redistributed to landless farmers, and the hidden population will also be included in the household registration.

When the first group of migrants set out to leave Gaoyi, Su Yao stood on the city wall, looking at the caravan going away, and said to Xun You beside him:

"Gongda, things in Jizhou are basically on the right track. It's up to you guys from now on."

"This migration journey is long, and we must ensure the safety of the people and their proper resettlement."

"General, rest assured. Zhicai, Fazheng and others have all done their best. We will definitely handle this matter well and live up to your trust." Xun You bowed and replied, "But before that, there is one more matter that needs your decision."

"Oh? What's that?"

"Regarding the treatment of the two princes." Xun You whispered, "Although they are honest now, they are royal family members after all. It is a hidden danger to keep them in Jizhou."

"Don't worry, Gongda. I have made arrangements for this." Su Yao said with a smile, "Soon His Majesty will issue an order to summon the two kings to the capital to take up their posts. And once they leave, I'm afraid they will never come back."

Xun You's eyes flashed with understanding: "The general is indeed far-sighted."

As time went by, the aristocratic families gradually moved out, and the land distribution work in Jizhou was carried out in an orderly manner.

The landless farmers happily accepted the land contracts, their eyes full of longing for their future life.

In order to help the people resume production as soon as possible, Su Yao even ordered the transfer of soldiers who understood farming from the army to go deep into the countryside to guide farmers in planting and irrigation. At the same time, he opened the military warehouse and sold some farm tools to the people at low prices.

For a time, the fields and lanes of Jizhou were filled with busy figures, and the land that had been silent for a long time was revived again.

At the same time, new papermaking and printing workshops were being built in the cities of the counties. At the same time, new government-run schools were being planned in full swing, with plans to popularize official education and imperial examinations in the local area.

Everything was on the right track in domestic affairs, and Su Yao did not relax at all in military affairs.

Although Han Fu surrendered, it was only the destruction of the regular army. Not to mention that some counties in the north had not surrendered. The deserters who fled after a series of battles alone led to the emergence of many bandits and robbers in Jizhou.

Su Yao knew very well that if these bandits were not eliminated in time, they would become a huge obstacle to Jizhou's recovery and development.

Therefore, in order to solve the problems of public security and bandits, Su Yao immediately dispatched capable generals such as Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Zhang He and Qu Yi to lead their troops and attack in a comprehensive manner to eliminate the banditry in Jizhou after the situation in Gaoyi City stabilized.

At night, in a mountain village.

"Master Qu, something bad has happened!"

"They're coming in! The soldiers are coming in!"

"What? How come so fast?!"

As Su Yao's anti-bandit operation unfolded, the rebel camps in Jizhou fell into chaos one after another.

The chief of this stronghold was ecstatic about the chaos in Jizhou. His stronghold was located near a major transportation route and was easy to defend but difficult to attack. This time he was able to recruit more than 200 deserters. He was in high spirits and ready for a big fight.

As a result, before he could be happy for long, Dian Wei came in person. His figure like an iron tower suddenly appeared. He led the team to attack the gate of the village, wielding a pair of halberds.

Frankly speaking, the bandits were quite concerned about the defense of the stronghold. Not only was there a strict curfew and patrol system, but there were also many traps set up outside the stronghold gate.

But how could these mere bandits be a match for Dian Wei?

The knights of the Jinwu Guard under his command were well-equipped and well-trained. They launched a night raid, following Dian Wei's charge, clearing traps while storming the gate.

This mountain stronghold was just a mountain stronghold after all. Due to its construction conditions, its wooden gate had insufficient protection and was on the verge of collapse under the attack of Dian Wei and others. The arrows of the patrol soldiers at the head of the stronghold were unable to penetrate the armor, and they could not even contain or delay the attack. Soon, its gate was breached.

The bandit leader had just run out of the inner camp with his trousers in his hand when he saw Dian Wei leading the Jinwu Guards rushing in like a demon.

His face instantly turned as pale as paper, his legs went limp, and he almost collapsed to the ground. But the survival instinct he had developed from years of struggling in the underworld made him pull himself together and shout at the top of his lungs:
"Brothers, let's fight! We must not let the officers and soldiers succeed!"

However, his cry seemed so weak in this chaotic situation.

The bandits were already frightened by Dian Wei's bravery and the fierce offensive of the Jinwu Guards. At this moment, their morale was in chaos and they fought on their own, unable to organize an effective resistance.

Almost in the first encounter, the bandits were killed in pieces and died on the battlefield.

The bandit leader didn't even last a round before being killed by Dian Wei with one blow.

The following period of time was simply a one-sided massacre.

Dian Wei knew very well that the general hated evil and would show no mercy to these executioners with blood on their hands.

No matter how the bandits begged for mercy and cried, the soldiers of the Jinwu Guards kept a stern face and eradicated all the evil.

In just over an hour, this stronghold with nearly a thousand people was cleared out and destroyed.

Except for the dozens of women and children who were rescued, no other bandits were spared.

The stronghold was filled with a strong smell of blood. The bodies of the bandits were lying all over the ground. The blood gathered into a stream and flowed slowly along the terrain.

The next morning, the soldiers of the Jinwu Guard burned the corpses outside the village gate, and then they collected the bandits' weapons, food, and other supplies.

Although the bandits’ supplies are not abundant, every grain of food is extremely precious to Jizhou now.

And to use Su Yao's words, it would be like killing someone without touching the body, so wouldn't I have killed that person in vain?
Not to mention that the knights' attacks on bandits consumed no less food and supplies than a proper war, plus the post-war rewards and pensions, which were all considerable expenses.

Therefore, after suppressing the bandits, the soldiers paid special attention to looting the spoils.

"Everyone, open your eyes to me!"

Dian Wei held his weapon and shouted loudly:

"Gold, silver, treasures, grain, and cloth, none of them can be left behind. These are what we have exchanged our lives for, and we must take them all away!"

There was no need for Dian Wei to emphasize, the soldiers also acted very actively.

Although they could no longer privately appropriate the spoils as they had done in the past, everyone knew that the general's distribution was very fair, and as long as they fought hard, everyone would get the rewards they deserved.

These trophies are like a bonus pool, and everyone will spontaneously work hard to fill it up.

Soon, the soldiers of the Jinwu Guard returned with a full load. The property in the mountain stronghold was counted one by one, recorded in a book, and escorted away.

Afterwards, they set the stronghold on fire, and the Han soldiers returned with a full load.

Dian Wei won a great victory here, and the progress of Zhao Yun, Zhang He, Qu Yi and others was also very smooth.

In Gaoyi City, reports of great victories from the front were heard almost every once in a while.

Su Yao observed the map and listened to the report about the spoils, feeling quite satisfied.

As the saying goes, things have their priorities. Now that he is a general, he no longer needs to do everything by himself. After the BOSS is defeated, he can just let his subordinates fight on their own to take care of the rest.

Judging from the current progress, he will be able to return to Beijing soon.

One day, Su Yao was reviewing reports from various places in the county governor's mansion when his personal guards suddenly came to report:

"General, Miss Cui wants to see you."

Su Yao raised his eyebrows: "Oh? Let her in."

Soon, Cui Ying came in slowly.

Compared to a month ago, she looked much more haggard, but her eyes were more determined.

"Yingying greets the general." She bowed gracefully, her voice soft and gentle.

Su Yao put down the document in his hand and said calmly, "What brings you here, Miss Cui?"

Cui Ying raised her head with pleading eyes:

"Grandfather will leave for Liangzhou tomorrow. Yingying wants to take care of him, so she comes to say goodbye to the general."

Su Yao frowned slightly: "Are you sure you want to give up the comfortable life in the capital and go to that bitter and cold place?"

Cui Ying nodded firmly: "Grandfather is old and cannot be left unattended. Moreover, Yingying is already the general's man, so she should follow your arrangements." Su Yao was silent for a moment, and suddenly asked: "Does Cui Lie know about you and me?"

Cui Ying blushed slightly and whispered, "Grandfather, Grandfather already knows. He said, since Yingying has committed herself to the general, she is his person and it is up to the general to decide whether she stays or goes."

Su Yao chuckled: "This old fox is really good at taking advantage of others."

He stood up, walked to Cui Ying, and lifted her chin:

"What if the general says you can't go?"

Cui Ying's eyes flashed with panic, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Then Yingying will obey. But, I just ask the general to allow Yingying to send some money and clothes to grandfather every month."

Su Yao stared at her for a long time, then suddenly laughed:

"What a filial girl! Well, I am not a devil, so I will allow you to accompany me this time. But..."

Su Yao changed the subject and looked directly into Cui Ying's eyes:
"Don't forget you are mine, over there"

Before Su Yao finished speaking, Cui Ying knelt down with a plop:
"Yingying swears to heaven, I am the general's man in life and his ghost in death. If I dare to do anything to let the general down, I will..."

DUANG——

"What nonsense are you talking about? Why are you swearing such a vicious oath?"

Su Yao tapped Cui Ying's head with his fingers and said:
"This general wants to remind you that Liangzhou is remote and the environment is harsh. You are weak but strong-willed. You should be careful on your way. If you encounter any difficulties, I will allow you to send me a letter at an expedited rate of 800 miles, and I will send someone to help you."

After saying that, Su Yao handed Cui Ying a token with flying dragons and snakes on it and the word "Su" carved on it, which shone with a cold luster in the sunlight.

"Hold this token, as if I were here in person, and even a high-ranking official of 2,000 liters would have to bow to me. If you are in danger, you can use this token to ask for help from the nearby officials and garrisons. Be sure to protect your own safety."

"Like the general himself?!"

"This, this, this is not right, absolutely not right, it's too expensive, I can't accept it!"

Cui Ying was shocked and hurriedly shook her hands to refuse:
"Since I met the general, Yingying has received so much care from him. I cannot repay him for his kindness in this lifetime. Now, Yingying cannot accept this token."

"Just take it when I tell you to."

Su Yao grabbed Cui Ying's wrist and put the token into her palm and held it tightly:
"The journey to Liangzhou is difficult and dangerous. I cannot always be by your side to protect you. This token is your life-saving support."

After saying this, Su Yao paused for a moment, his eyes slowly moved down to Cui Ying's belly, and he narrowed his eyes and said:

"Besides, you are not alone now. If not for yourself, you have to think about our children as well."

"Child, kid?!"

Cui Ying covered her mouth and screamed, her face full of disbelief.

"This, how is this possible?"

Cui Ying's hand unconsciously touched her belly, her eyes full of shock and confusion. She and the general had only had one night of love, how could she get pregnant so quickly?
Could it be that the general was deceiving her and using this as an excuse to make her accept the token?

"You still don't trust what this general says?"

Su Yao chuckled and asked in her ear:
"Let me ask you, have you had your period this month?"

When Cui Ying heard this, her face immediately flushed. She lowered her head shyly and replied in a soft voice, "Never..."

Su Yao looked as if he knew it, and continued to ask:

"Then let me ask you again, have you had a loss of appetite or nausea in the morning in the past few days?"

When Cui Ying heard this, she suddenly remembered that she did seem to be feeling unwell these days, but she was busy taking care of her grandfather and never paid attention to it. When Su Yao pointed it out, tears welled up in her eyes:

"I see. Yingying is so stupid that she didn't even notice it."

Seeing that she finally understood, Su Yao patted her shoulder gently and said, "That's why I asked you before, are you sure you don't want to go back to Beijing with me?"

When returning to Beijing, in addition to favorable living conditions, the most important thing is naturally the issue of status.

Now their relationship has not been made public. If Cui Ying follows Su Yao back to the capital, with the fetus in her belly, she can become a concubine in the Su residence. Although it cannot be said to be a glorious life, at least she can have a status and live a stable life in the prosperity of the capital.

But once she went to Liangzhou, although she could take care of her grandfather, life in that cold and bitter place would be difficult, and the rumors that she had given birth to a child out of wedlock were enough to discourage people.

It was for this reason that Su Yao, for the first time in history, gave the General's Order to this woman with whom he had only had one night of pleasure, as a guarantee for her and her unborn child.

"Filial piety comes first among all virtues. I will not stop you from going to Liangzhou, but you must keep this token for me."

"I will send a team of Jinyiwei to escort you to Liangzhou. If you encounter any difficulties in Liangzhou, don't forget to send me a message immediately."

Cui Ying held the token tightly, tears welling up in her eyes:
"I will never be able to repay the general's kindness in my lifetime. But... it's just this child."

Su Yao interrupted her:
"You don't need to worry about the child. After you give birth safely, I will find a chance to bring you and your child back to Beijing. As for Mr. Cui."

A meaningful smile appeared on his lips:

"Go back and tell him that if he can really turn over a new leaf, behave himself and teach and educate people there, and preach the new policies of the court, after the child is born, I will consider allowing him to return to Beijing to retire after seeing his performance."

Cui Ying's tears finally burst out when she heard this, and she buried herself in Su Yao's arms:
"The general is so magnanimous. Yingying thanks the general for his grace on behalf of her grandfather!"

Su Yao lowered his head and kissed her, then he relaxed for a while before pulling away from her and gently wiping away the tears on her face:
"Okay, stop crying. It's not good to hurt your body. We are only separated temporarily, not forever. Maybe the next time we meet will be much earlier than you think."

"Really? Is it true?" Cui Ying raised her head, her eyes full of tears.

"Hehe, who knows, anything is possible."

Just like that, Cui Ying, with mixed and touching feelings, bid farewell to Su Yao with Su Yao's instructions and token, left the county magistrate's mansion and went home to pack her luggage.

After Cui Ying left, Xun You walked out of the side room, frowned slightly and said:
"General, this girl is Cui Lie's granddaughter after all. Should we let her go with us?"

Su Yao waved his hand indifferently:

"It's okay. Cui Lie is already old and frail. After this incident, he won't be able to cause any more trouble. As for Cui Ying."

There was a hint of amusement in his eyes:
"This general knows his limits."

Upon seeing this, Xun You said no more and turned to report other matters.

The next morning, Cui Lie, supported by his granddaughter and old servant, boarded a carriage bound for the border. As he watched the Jizhou City where he had lived for most of his life gradually fade away, the old man's eyes were filled with complex emotions.

"Grandfather, don't be sad." Cui Ying comforted softly, "When we get to the border, we will start over. The general said that as long as you behave well, you will have a chance to come back in the future."

Cui Lie gave a bitter smile and said, "Come back? Haha. I am old and I'd better not have such extravagant dreams."

Cui Ying shook her head and held her grandfather's hand: "Grandfather, don't say that. You are in good health, and the general is kind and righteous. This time he even sent someone to escort us. As long as we are dedicated to our duties and loyal to the court, we will definitely be able to wait for that day."

Cui Lie sighed and looked at the Gaoyi city wall getting farther and farther away. He then looked at Cui Ying stroking her belly from time to time. A trace of regret flashed in his turbid eyes.

He took out a scroll of bamboo slips from his arms with trembling hands. It was the "Book of Filial Piety" given by the late emperor when he was the prime minister in Luoyang.

"Grandfather." Cui Ying held the old man's skinny hand worriedly.

Cui Lie smiled bitterly and shook his head: "Ying'er, the people that Grandpa has been most sorry for in his life are your father and you." He handed the bamboo slips to his granddaughter, "When we get to Liangzhou, will you read a passage for Grandpa every day?"

As the carriage went further and further away, the conversations between the grandfather and grandson became quieter and quieter. Just like that, under the escort of the Jinyiwei knights, Cui Lie's team gradually disappeared at the end of the official road.

Soon after that, with all matters in Jizhou concluded, Su Yao finally decided to return to the capital.

This time, not only Zhao Yun, Dian Wei and others will still accompany him, but Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Liu Bei, Wei Ming and other old subordinates who had been in Youzhou and Liaodong will also set off with him.

They brought cartloads of seized family treasures and large amounts of food and fodder from Jizhou and Youzhou, and tens of thousands of troops formed a long dragon and marched towards the capital in a mighty force.

There, a grand triumphal ceremony was being prepared in full swing.

As time passed and Su Yao's army approached, the imperial city inside and outside was filled with a joyous scene.

The Wannian Empress in the deep palace stood by the window with some difficulty under the service of the palace maids, stroking her round and bulging belly, looking towards the north with her eyes full of expectation. At the same time, the other princes of the world were deeply panicked and uneasy after hearing the news.
(End of this chapter)