Northern Prefecture Rivers and Mountains

Chapter 377 Killing

If we capture Xunyang and cut off the retreat of the demon bandits, they will be able to infiltrate the three Wu regions and eight counties, destroying the land reclamation achievements of the past two years.

And now that the demon thieves are blocked around Jiankang, it suits their purposes perfectly.

At the end of the letter, he confidently told Liu Daogui to prepare, as the demon bandits might turn their attention to attacking Jingzhou and Xiangyang.

In military matters, Liu Yu's strategies were almost always correct. He said that if the rebels could not break through Jiankang, they certainly could not break through; and if they said that the rebels would turn to attack Jingzhou and Xiangyang, they would definitely turn to attack.

Throughout the world, almost no one understands the habits of demon thieves better than him.

The Battle of Suanshan back then only defeated the rebels. Afterwards, Liu Yu, with three or four thousand men, pursued them all the way from Jingkou to Wu County, and from Wu County to Kuaiji, forcing Sun En to commit suicide by jumping into the sea...

Since he was confident that he could hold Jiankang, Liu Daogui abandoned the idea of ​​supporting Jiankang and ordered his soldiers to take turns resting.

When Huan Qian and Qiao Daofu from the south saw Liu Daogui return, they obediently retreated to Baidi City.

Jingxiang was restored to peace.

However, this peace and tranquility applied to soldiers and civilians; powerful families were not so fortunate.

With secret letters communicating with the Huan family, none of the powerful clans in the three prefectures of Jing and Xiang will escape.

Liu Daogui was also quite disappointed. He had taken good care of them in the past, and in order to maintain the stability of Jingxiang, the land reform was not thorough, and he turned a blind eye to their hidden household registrations.

Unexpectedly, since the time of the Huan family, these people have shown no regard for past relationships whatsoever.

"The Xi, Cai, and Huang families have secretly kept slaves, possessed 51 sets of iron armor and 79 crossbows, misled the ignorant people in the countryside, and even colluded with barbarians. They should be killed as a warning to others."

Liu Yixing handed over the list of names.

The details of how many people from each family held local positions, how much money, grain, and servants they had, and which family they were all related to through marriage were all clearly stated.

He has put in a lot of effort during this period.

"We are currently at war. Why not wait until after the great battle to carry out this matter? It will surely be much more effective." Yin Zhongwen's face twitched slightly. The Cai family was his marriage partner.

The Yin family was also one of the powerful clans in Jingzhou.

The difficulty for the Tu Duan lies in whether they have the courage to take action against their own people.

"What does Ah Xing think?" Liu Daogui knew perfectly well, but remained calm and composed.

"I believe that precisely because a great battle is imminent, we should purge our internal forces. Otherwise, if the demons and bandits attack us from the east and west, and collude with the powerful clans from within, countless soldiers will die on the battlefield, and countless civilians will perish under the demons' blades. Hesitation will only lead to more chaos. I am willing to take charge of this matter!"

Liu Yixing readily agreed.

The younger you are, the more motivated you are.

Liu Daogui shook his head, "You are still young and should not be too sharp. Registrar Yin is familiar with the people and affairs of Jingzhou. You can entrust this to him. What does Registrar Yin think?"

Destroying someone's wealth is like killing one's parents.

Although these local tyrants are not as powerful as before, they should not be underestimated. Sun Ce swept through Jiangdong and was known as the Fierce Tiger, but he died at the hands of several of Xu Gong's retainers.

Yin Zhongwen was a very sensible person, otherwise he wouldn't have survived this long. He immediately cupped his hands in a salute, saying, "Your subordinate will do his utmost..."

Liu Daogui instructed, "Severing the land is beneficial to the country and the people; this time, it must be done thoroughly."

"I accept the order." Yin Zhongwen's face twitched, and he bowed and left.

"Do not get involved in the matter of the earth's destruction; just observe from the sidelines."

"Thank you for your care, Father." Liu Yixing instantly understood the deeper meaning...

Pingcheng, Tian'an Palace.

Since his failed attempt, Tuoba Gui has become increasingly irritable, often killing eunuchs and palace maids around him over minor mistakes.

This failed advance into the Central Plains signifies that Liu Daogui's power has expanded to the point where he can rival the State of Wei.

If he were to conquer Jiangzuo, his strength would undoubtedly surpass that of Wei.

Although the Wei Kingdom dominated the north, it had its capital at Pingcheng, and the surrounding arable land was limited. The entire Dai Commandery could only support a population of a little over one million. In contrast, Liu Daogui managed the Huai and Si Rivers, annexed Jing and Xiang, and destroyed the Southern Yan. He controlled a population of at least four million.

The two elite forces of the Northern and Western armies are by no means inferior to the Wei army.

At Hulao Pass and Yique, a mere two or three thousand men were enough to stop his attack of tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry.

The defeat in this campaign into the Central Plains had not yet subsided. The western chieftain Maoxian rebelled, colluding with the Rouran to plunder the counties of Yunzhong and Shuofang.

The Hu monk Bai Funu of Youzhou rebelled, gathering four thousand followers and burning, killing, and looting everywhere.

Although the Southern Yan was destroyed, the Northern Yan still stood strong. During Murong Xi's reign, he was tyrannical. General Feng Ba launched a coup, overthrowing Murong Xi and installing his adopted son Murong Yun as the Heavenly King.

With power in Feng Ba's hands, he revitalized the court, cleaned up officialdom, encouraged agriculture and sericulture, reduced taxes and corvée labor, established the Imperial Academy, and forged alliances with the Rouran and Khitan, thus revitalizing the dying Northern Yan state.

While Tuoba Gui was marching south to contend for the Central Plains, they captured Beiping County and invaded Youzhou several times.

Since the founding of the state by Tuoba Gui, there have been nearly thirty rebellions, both large and small, both inside and outside the country. Even his cousin Tuoba Yi joined forces with Duke Mu Chong of Yidu to rebel.

Living in such an environment all day, Tuoba Gui couldn't help but become suspicious and distrustful.

Over time, everyone seems like they're about to rebel.

"Minister Cui, did I make a mistake in giving the land to the people?" Tuoba Gui had been drinking and taking Wushi Powder, and his eyes had become somewhat crazed.

Cui Hong calmly said, "Your Majesty's actions have brought immediate benefits and are good for future generations. Liu Yuan, Shi Le, Fu Jian, and Murong Chui were powerful for a time, but where are they now? If the system is not reformed, Your Majesty's empire will also be unable to escape this calamity!"

The dynasties of the nomadic peoples rose and fell one after another, but none of them lasted long. Veins bulged on Tuoba Gui's forehead, and the two maids beside him trembled involuntarily. Those who knew him well knew this was the prelude to murder.

But Cui Hong showed no fear and calmly advised, "Since ancient times, reforms and changes have always been extremely difficult. Since Your Majesty has taken this step, it cannot be reversed. You can only continue. If you give up halfway, not only will all your previous efforts be wasted, but you will also bring disaster to your descendants."

With a loud "smack," Tuoba Gui slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "That's right! I have swept across the north and conquered the world. Why should I fear a few mere rebels? If we want to unify the world and ensure the eternal reign of the Tuoba clan, we must reform the system. When the reform is successful, we will defend against the desert tribes in the north, annex the powerful Hu tribes of You and Ji in the east, and march south to contend with Liu Daogui!"

Although the population and resources of the Wei state were inferior to those of the Jin state, its people were fierce and skilled in battle, with a large number of cavalry, giving it a significant advantage over the Jin army.

"Your Majesty is wise." Cui Hong bowed.

Although Tuoba Gui was suspicious, he trusted him implicitly and always respected him.

He even brought his son, Cui Hao, with him, serving as his secretary.

The two men chatted more and more congenially, but at that moment a eunuch outside the palace reported: "Your Majesty, it is late, and a curfew will soon be imposed in the palace."

Cui Hong had a vague feeling that something was wrong; the curfew seemed to have started half an hour earlier than usual today.

It's obvious someone wanted him to leave early, which means something big is about to happen in the palace...

But Tuoba Gui was so drunk and intoxicated by the Five-Stone Powder that he didn't notice these details at all.

Cui Hong intended to offer a warning, but suddenly noticed that the eunuch outside the hall had a pair of deep, piercing eyes staring intently at him, while several guards beside him had their hands on the hilts of their swords.

Although Cui was highly regarded by Tuoba Gui, in the eyes of the Xianbei nobles, she was no different from a dog.

Nobody takes a dog seriously if it's not a threat, but it's a different story if this dog is talkative.

Having lived through the Former Qin, Di Wei, Later Yan, and Wei states, Cui Hong has weathered many years of turmoil. To have survived to this day, he must be a wise man, most adept at assessing the situation.

No matter who was in power in the State of Wei, they could not govern Hebei without the help of the Cui family.

Getting involved in other people's troubles will bring misfortune to your family.

The Cui family consisted entirely of civil officials and had no military force.

"My minister retire."

"We haven't had enough fun yet, how can Minister Cui abandon me?" Tuoba Gui let out a burp.

"There is plenty of time in the future. I am feeling unwell today, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

"Minister Cui, please take good care of your health. You and I, ruler and subject, should be like Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong!" Although Tuoba Gui had read some books, he was not very knowledgeable about them.

Little did they know that Duke Huan of Qi met a tragic end.

Cui Hong paused for a moment, hesitated, and when he looked up, even the two maids beside Tuoba Gui had murderous looks on their faces.

The eunuch, his back hunched, entered the hall and said with a smile, "Since His Majesty is so kind to you, Minister Cui, you might as well stay."

Cui Hong trembled. "Your Majesty's kindness will be remembered forever. My lifelong wish is to support the Wei Kingdom and help the Tuoba clan unify the world!"

There is a difference between the Tuoba clan and Tuoba Gui.

However, Tuoba Gui was under the influence of the Five-Stone Powder and was in a daze, completely failing to understand the implied meaning. "Guards, escort Minister Cui back to his residence in a carriage."

Cui Hong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and retreated with his hands clasped in respect.

Even after he boarded the carriage, one of the guards kept a close eye on him.

It was none other than Tuoba Shao, the General Who Conquered the South and Prince of Qinghe of the Wei Kingdom.

When Tuoba Gui returned to Pingcheng, he frequently slaughtered the eunuchs and palace maids around him, causing everyone to live in fear. Tuoba Shao easily colluded with these people to inform him of his whereabouts.

"This man is always clever; he must have seen through something. We should eliminate him to avoid further complications!" the guard whispered.

"It's just a dog, so what? Didn't you hear what he said? He said he wanted to support the Wei Kingdom and help the Tuoba clan unify the world. Without him, who will help me govern the world?"

Tuoba Shao was ruthless and cruel, but not stupid.

Cui Hong was not a Xianbei nobleman and had no troops, so he posed no threat to him.

"Your Highness is absolutely right!" The guards didn't take it to heart.

Tuoba Shao took a deep breath, drew his long sword from his waist, and strode into the Tianan Hall. "Father, your son has arrived!"

Tuoba Gui was in a daze.

A guard in the palace shouted, "A traitor is trying to assassinate His Majesty!"

Tuoba Gui was startled awake and reached for his bow and sword, only to find they were gone. Looking back, he saw two maids carrying the bow and sword fleeing away.

Tuoba Shao laughed loudly, "Father Emperor arbitrarily killed palace maids and eunuchs, and imprisoned my mother. This is retribution!"

"The unfilial son wants to kill his father?" Tuoba Gui struggled to stand up, but his whole body was weak.

"We are Hu people, and the strong are respected. What does killing one's father matter?" Tuoba Shao raised his long sword, and with a single glance, most of the guards in the palace fled. The remaining few were killed by his retainers and eunuchs.

"You..." Tuoba Gui trembled with anger.

But Tuoba Shao's blade fell without any hesitation.

With a scream, this powerful and virtuous monarch, who had once dominated the northern kingdoms, met a violent end.

Tuoba Shao was still not satisfied and continued to hack at his own father's corpse with his sword, blood and flesh splattering all over his face, leaving the surrounding tribesmen stunned...

(End of this chapter)