Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 155 Langdu
Quan Rou's words represent the general understanding of officials today.

Since the Han Dynasty, the imperial court has attached great importance to the etiquette and regulations for officials. They believed that this was essential to maintaining social order and highlighting the hierarchy. All officials were required to follow the rules of etiquette, which could neither be violated nor treated arbitrarily.

For example, Huo Guang, Zhang Tang, Dong Xian, and Dou Xian were all impeached for their excessive ceremonial guards, which caused dissatisfaction among the government and the public. Xie Yiwu was also impeached for his simple carriage when traveling.

The empire was now in chaos, and the central government's authority was gradually declining. The court's supervision and deterrence over local officials were no longer as strong as before. Officials had become more casual in matters of etiquette and regulations, and violations were common.

Among them, the more narrow-minded, like Zou Ta, with only a few dozen square miles of territory, dared to call themselves the Benevolent King of Eastern Wu, traveling in carriages that only kings, dukes, and ministers were entitled to ride. Yuan Shu even semi-publicly used the emperor's ceremonial guards, demonstrating the collapse of ritual and music.

Compared with these people, Yan Yi is just a dwarf compared to a giant.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that he recently made a request to Xu Gong and needed to consider the other party's feelings.

Yan Yi boarded the carriage and sat down in the spacious compartment. The convoy slowly set off, drums and music playing, heading north along the long street.

Crowds of onlookers stood on both sides of the long street, and heads popped out from behind the attic windows. Seeing the carriages and horses with hats and halberds passing by, everyone was filled with awe and envy.

"Look, this is the carriage of Young Master Yan. It's really magnificent!"

"I heard that the young master intends to implement a new tax decree in Qiantang. If that's the case, I plan to open another rice shop on West Street. Mr. He, are you interested in contributing?"

"Why open a rice shop? With this spare money, you might as well go to Qiantang Port and buy some land. If you're late, don't blame me for not warning you!"

"Where is Qiantang Port?"

"It's Guling Harbor. The young master has already ordered it to be renamed. From now on, there will be no more Guling, only Qiantang. This name change must have profound significance!"

Yan Yi sat in his carriage, his eyes closed as he pondered Zhu Zhi's assassination. The murmurs on both sides of the street merged into a cacophony, reaching his ears and causing a strange feeling to well up in his heart. He wondered if one or two of these people would suddenly say, "He can replace him."
The carriage was very slow, and although comfortable, it was not as exciting as riding a horse. Fortunately, this mode of travel did not need to be continued forever; it could be replaced once the situation in Qiantang stabilized.

It took a full quarter of an hour before the convoy arrived at the prison in the north of the city.

The Qiantang prison was larger than the Yuncheng prison, and likewise surrounded by high walls and deep moats, it was a formidable sight. However, the cells were cleaner, and there was no "yin prison" at all.

Since most of the prisoners had been summoned by Zhong Jin to defend the city, and many had died, the prison seemed quite deserted. At least two of the three cells were empty. When someone walked past the cells, you could even hear the echo of their footsteps.

Only from the deepest cell came the shrill screams, which seemed particularly clear and harsh in this quiet environment.

Yan Yi stopped in front of the cell with a wooden sign that read "Class 13" and walked in slowly after Yin Li pushed open the heavy door.

The cell was dark and damp, emitting a pungent odor of mold and excrement. The floor was covered with hay, and torture instruments such as shackles, branding irons, and footlockers were scattered around. When the two jailers carrying out the torture saw Yan Yi enter, they quickly bowed in greeting.

In the open space next to the jailer, a naked man lay, his body covered in wounds and blood. His hands were folded behind his back, chained tightly and suspended, his toes barely touching the ground. Yan Yi had heard of this form of punishment, which had a rather elegant name: "Su Qin Carrying the Sword." The prisoner's arms were in excruciating pain.

But at this moment, he felt no mercy, only anger that he had nowhere to vent. He also knew this accomplice, a military officer under Yan Baihu named Langdu, who was quite brave in battle.

Lang Du heard the noise and raised his head with difficulty. His lifeless eyes slowly focused on Yan Yi. His dry, bleeding lips opened and closed slightly. "Young Master, I confess everything. I really don't know the origins of those people. I beg you to spare my son's life, considering I risked my life for the Marshal."

Yin Li said, "Langdu was friendly with one of my officers. After luring him to his death, he first took the command token, then led the assassin to where Zhu Zhi was imprisoned, and then fled in a hurry. The assassin had promised him that he would rescue his family in Wucheng, but it was clear that he would not keep his promise. He was attacked on his way to Qiantang Port. If the soldiers sent by Fan Jun to blockade the port had not happened to pass by, he would have been dead by now. Fifty kilograms of gold and some jewelry were found on him at the time."

He paused, then continued, "When Yan Yong was alive, he tried to recruit him. Although he didn't agree, he was very close to Yan Yong's people."

Lang Du was horrified when he heard this. Tears streamed down his face and he shook his head vigorously, saying, "I have never done anything for Yan Yong. I really haven't!"

Yan Yi's expression was grim as he asked, "Has the person who silenced us been captured?"

Yin Li shook his head and said, "The soldiers passing by initially thought it was just a common revenge killing and did not pursue him, allowing him to escape."

Yan Yi was silent for a moment, then signaled his attendants to leave the cell, leaving Yin Li alone. Then he slowly approached Lang Du, his cold gaze fixed on his face, and he spoke word by word, "The assassin was sent by Wu Jing, wasn't he?"

"I don't know." Lang Du shuddered, then noticed a sinister look in Yan Yi's eyes. He suddenly came to his senses and said quickly, "Yes, yes, it was Wu Jing who sent them. I can testify."

Yan Yi took two steps back, turned around and walked towards the prison gate. As he passed Yin Li, he ordered, "Prepare some evidence as soon as possible and spread the news that Wu Jing assassinated Zhu Zhi. Also, send someone to Wucheng to see if his son is dead. If not, bring him back."

Yin Li's heartbeat quickened a bit, and his expression became more respectful: "Yes!"

Yan Yi walked out of the cell and took a breath of fresh air. The murderous intent between his brows gradually disappeared, turning into a solemn look.

Just like when Yan Yong assassinated him, the person behind the scenes was very clean and did not leave any trace.

But from this incident, Wu Jing was undoubtedly the most suspicious, because as long as Zhu Zhi died, Wu Jing would no longer be threatened by Zhu Zhi's life and death, thus clearing the way for the attack on Wucheng.

Yan Yi could even foresee that once Zhu Zhi died, Wu Jing would immediately pin the blame for Zhu Zhi's death on him, thereby stirring up a sense of shared hatred among the army and attacking Wucheng under the pretext of revenge for Zhu Zhi.

Therefore, Zhu Zhi's life and death becomes extremely important.

Let's first pin the assassination of Zhu Zhi on Wu Jing, and then make some plans.

Yan Yi secretly made a plan, and when he thought of Lang Du's betrayal, he suddenly realized another thing that needed attention, which was the background of his soldiers.

(End of this chapter)