My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 112 War Breaks Out, Six Garrisons in Chaos!
Huai Shuo was bombarded with a high density of information in a short period of time.

Anagui besieged Rouxuan Town to slow the spread of the news as much as possible, and continuously dispatched cavalry to intercept and kill merchants traveling around Rouxuan, which can be said to have completely blocked the source of the news.

However, there will always be some who slip through the net.

News of the Rouran people's southward raids first spread to the towns of Fuming and Huaihuang, which are next to Rouxuan Town.

The news spread from Fuming Town to Wuchuan, and then from Wuchuan to Huaishuo. The six towns were the front line against the nomadic herders of the grasslands, and they would pass on messages to each other and help each other.

Yang Jun just received news from Wuchuan that the Rouran people had invaded from the south.

Almost simultaneously, they received an official document from the imperial court, also stating that the Rouran people had raided southwards, and that the Six Garrisons should gather their forces to cooperate with Grand Commander Li Chong in attacking the Rouran in the north!

Actually.

When the imperial court issued this document, Li Chong had already set off with the central army, marching rapidly north to Pingcheng, then quickly arriving at Rouxuan Town, and then heading beyond the Great Wall to 'pursue' the Rouran people.

Chen Liugong was not only someone who took money to do things, but also had very strong professional skills.

News of the Rouran raids in the south has spread. To prevent more extreme situations from occurring, the first priority is to eliminate the fear in the hearts of the people.

otherwise……

The panicked people fled in all directions, and the Rouran army of 100,000 marched south to plunder, which was rumored to be a million-strong army.

The siege of Pingcheng could be mistaken for the fall of Luoyang. Such rumors could easily incite unscrupulous individuals, especially in border regions where the court's control is relatively weak. If not handled carefully, the entire northern border could be engulfed in flames of war.

He hurriedly led his men out of the border and returned after four days, declaring, "We have traveled three thousand li beyond the border, attacked the enemy, and utterly defeated them!"
Firstly, he had to give the court an explanation, even if it was just for show.

Secondly, such news is also needed to stabilize public sentiment!
People from powerful clans like them know that they can only enjoy a life of luxury when the world is at peace. When the world is in chaos, those bloodthirsty warriors don't care whether you are a so-called noble clan or not. Warriors only know that nobles are also human beings, and they can die if they are slashed in the neck.

Whether those who are interested believe it or not is not important.

The people believe that the most important thing is to prevent panic from spreading.

On the way to Yang Jun's residence.

Gao Yu looked back on the past few days and couldn't help but shake his head.

Given the rapid transmission of information in ancient times, information gaps were very easy to occur. Many schemes recorded in history were actually based on exploiting information gaps.
Once you have the ability, you must establish your own information channels. Only by having enough information can you always make the most advantageous decisions.

"Anagui was indeed a great ruler of his generation. He was very bold. If the court had been even slightly on guard, the Rouran army would have starved to death on the grasslands."

"Isn't the King of Jiangyang too unscrupulous? Well... he's been living in the bustling city of Luoyang since he was a child, surrounded by sycophants. Anagui was so humble in Luoyang, so naturally the King of Jiangyang wouldn't take the Rouran seriously."

The bloody lesson is that you should never underestimate any opponent.

When he arrived at Yang Jun's residence, Gao Huan was already there, seemingly waiting for him.

The two brothers did not rush inside.

"Erlang, you must have heard the news too, right?"

Gao Yu nodded, and couldn't help but chuckle and tease, "The Grand Commander is quite bold, daring to lead 30,000 soldiers out of the pass to pursue them."

With so much grain, livestock, and people looted by the Rouran, their army's march would inevitably be very slow.

It's entirely possible that Li Chong's expedition beyond the Great Wall could catch up with the Rouran.

Gao Huan chuckled, “It’s just that we’re forced by circumstances. How can we face the court if we don’t leave the border? Even if we catch up with the Rouran, it won’t be a big problem. Anagui led his army to plunder all the way to Pingcheng. The amount of money and livestock they looted is immeasurable. Their most urgent task is to return to the depths of the northern desert to digest this harvest.”

Even if Li Chong catches up, the Rouran people won't pay them any attention.

This would only hasten their escape into the depths of the northern desert, since Anagui was unsure whether the valiant warriors of the Six Garrisons had launched an attack and dared not entangle himself with Li Chong for too long.

"Does my brother have something to tell me?"

Gao Huan waited for me on purpose, it couldn't have been just to say this.

After glancing around warily, Gao Huan leaned closer and whispered, "Whatever the general says later, I will handle it. You must not utter a word."

"Could it be that the prince has received some news?"

"forage."

Gao Yu immediately realized what was happening and quickly nodded in agreement.

The two brothers then turned and entered Yang Jun's residence, where Yang Jun had already prepared a banquet.

Upon seeing the two of them, Yang Jun greeted them personally with a beaming smile, pulled them to their seats, and poured them wine, clearly indicating that he had something to ask of them.

After a few drinks and a few pleasantries,

Yang Jun got straight to the point, sighing with a worried expression.

"It is already August, and the imperial court has not sent a single grain of rice this year. The weather has been uncooperative for the past two years, with heavy snow every year, and the soldiers and civilians of Huai Shuo have no surplus grain."

The garrison commander was in charge of both military and political affairs. Yang Jun not only had to manage the army, but also the people of Huai Shuo.

While speaking, Yang Jun kept secretly observing Gao Yu and Gao Huan. Seeing that the two did not respond, he had no choice but to speak up.

"Many people in Huai Shuo are already starving. I have heard that you two brothers have stockpiled a lot of grain... I humbly request that you two brothers do me the honor of lending me some of the grain. Once the imperial court has the grain, I will return it in full."

Gao Huan and Gao Yu had been stockpiling grain and fodder since last year, which was not a secret, and Yang Jun certainly knew about it.

Gao Yu remained silent, but Gao Huan cupped his hands in greeting.

“My brother and I grew up in Huai Shuo since we were young, and we don’t want to see the people of Huai Shuo starving to death everywhere, but… the grain we bought belongs to the Lou family, how dare we make decisions on our own?”

"If the general is truly interested, he might as well discuss it with my father-in-law."

Yang Jun sighed, "I was also desperate, so I placed my hopes on you two brothers. I hope you two brothers will have pity on the soldiers and civilians of Huai Shuo."

Gao Huan didn't respond, but instead went to the heart of the matter, "Isn't there still plenty of grain stored in the granary?"

Huai Shuo has built granaries inside, which are stockpiled with a lot of grain. Instead of opening the granaries to release the grain, they come to the two brothers to play moral blackmail.
Yang Jun's expression suddenly changed, but he quickly returned to normal. "The grain stored in the granary is military rations prepared for the soldiers in battle. How can it be used for other purposes? If we use it now, where will we get more if war breaks out suddenly?"

Seeing that the two brothers were adamant, he could only wave his hand and say, "Fine, I'll think of another way."

Gao Yu sneered inwardly, feeling utterly contemptuous.

What to pretend?

Ultimately, it all boils down to the people being starving and desperate, and they can rely on their soldiers to suppress them.

If the soldiers were starving, would they really kill him?

Is it more worthwhile to keep enough provisions to appease the soldiers under your command than to appease the common people?
………………

Rouxuan Town.

Li Chong led his army south, still heading this way. Rouxuan Town had been plundered after its fall, and he needed to help Yu Jing appease the people.

"Grand Commander, this humble general is guilty!"

Yu Jing knelt in Li Chong's tent, tears streaming down his face, and cried out, "If only I had noticed the wolfish ambitions of the Rouran King earlier, the people of Rouxuan Town would not have suffered such a calamity."

Li Chong quickly got up and helped him up, saying, "This matter cannot be entirely blamed on the general."

Ultimately, it was the decision-makers in the imperial court, namely Prince Yuan Yi of Jiangyang, who insisted on helping the Rouran people.

Li Chong simply couldn't say it outright.

But he didn't notice the hint of secret joy that flashed in Yu Jing's eyes.

Information gap!
Li Chong only knew that Yu Jing was tied up along with Yuan Fu when they went out of the city to meet Anagui. He did not know that it was Yu Jing who ordered his men to open the city gate and let the Rouran people into Rouxuan Town.

From Li Chong's perspective, it was quite normal that Rouxuan Town, having been trapped for so long and facing a Rouran population several times larger than itself, could not hold its ground.

Yu Jing wiped away his tears before speaking, “Year after year, disasters have left the people of Rouxuan Town with no food left. Now, we are struck by this calamity. We hope that the Grand Commander will have pity on the soldiers and civilians of Rouxuan Town and grant them some grain to help them get through this difficult time. Otherwise, before the relief grain from the imperial court arrives, the people of Rouxuan Town will have to resort to cannibalism.”

Li Chong looked troubled, but still gritted his teeth and agreed.

Fortunately, he brought a lot of grain and fodder with him when he led the central army north, and there was still enough to help Rouxuan Town.

Yu Jing was overjoyed and quickly bowed again, "This humble general thanks the Grand Commander on behalf of the people of Rouxuan Town! I will also tell the people in the city that this is the Grand Commander's kindness!"

Li Chong waved his hand repeatedly.

With Li Chong's permission, Yu Jing immediately sent his trusted confidants to the military camp to bring a large amount of grain into the city, which was then escorted to the granary and strictly guarded.

Li Chong did not linger; his provisions were also running low.

He immediately led his troops south, eager to return to the imperial court as soon as possible.

On the way back.

His chief secretary, Wei Langen, sought him out again.

"Grand Commander, the northern border suffers from disasters every year. Even the Rouran are forced to plunder southwards. I'm afraid the people of the Six Garrisons are not much better off. I've heard that the court hasn't sent a single grain of rice to the Six Garrisons this year. I fear this will lead to a great calamity!"

"The court's oppression of the Six Garrisons has reached such a point that the people of the Six Garrisons can no longer survive. After returning to the capital, the Grand Commander must explain the problems of the Six Garrisons to His Majesty and propose changing the garrisons into prefectures as soon as possible to give the soldiers and civilians of the Six Garrisons a chance to live."

Same words.

Wei Langen said the same thing a few years ago when he went to Huaishuo with Li Chong.

Li Chong did not agree at the time.

But this time...

He did not refuse again, but agreed, saying, "When I return to Luoyang, I will personally submit a memorial to the emperor, saying that the court can no longer oppress the people of the Six Garrisons. Times have changed, otherwise, disaster will strike immediately."

Within Rouxuan Town.

Yu Jingling ordered his trusted subordinates to keep a close watch on the granary.

"The soldiers in the city must be supplied with their daily provisions on time, and we must not let them harbor resentment!" Yu Jing knew very well that he could offend anyone but the warriors with knives.

He then summoned one of his personal guards, saying, "Tonight, take some men to the granary and remove a small amount of grain. Tomorrow, sell it in the East Market..."

Anagui was in a hurry to escape, so the looting of Rouxuan Town was not too serious. It was just a rough search, and Yu Jing knew that many people in the town still had money and valuables in their homes.

but……

The only problem is that there's no food!
This is a great opportunity to make a fortune. If the Rouran people can squeeze a lot of money out of him, why can't he?

He looted the place and found an opportunity to send gifts to Yuan Yi to smooth things over, because he wanted to leave this godforsaken place, Rouxuan.

If Rouxuan Town still had some resources before, after being robbed by the Rouran people, those resources have been completely squeezed dry.

As long as it's not in a poor place like Liuzhen.

In any province in the Central Plains, he could extract ten or even a hundred times the generous gifts given to Yuan Yi from the local people!

When the Yu family was powerful, he did this before.

Several days passed.

Yu Jing was still asleep when he was awakened by a great commotion outside.

"What happened? Could it be that the Rouran have attacked again?"

He hurriedly dressed and went out, but a servant from the manor came to report the situation.

"It was the people of the city who gathered here, saying they wanted to ask the general for permission."

Yu Jing immediately understood and summoned his personal guards, ordering them to don armor and carry bows. Only after everything was prepared did he open the gates of his residence!
A large number of people came, completely blocking the entrance to his mansion.

"General! We really can't survive any longer. Please, General, open the granaries and distribute the food!"

"We beg the general to have mercy on us and open the granary!"

"…………"

The people knew there was still grain in the city's granaries, which is why they gathered there.

Yu Jing quickly squeezed out a few tears, "I also feel sorry for the people and soldiers of Rouxuan who have suffered such a calamity, but the grain in the granary is almost gone and we still need to supply the soldiers in the city. If the Rouran attack again, we will have to rely on the soldiers to fight bravely. If the soldiers are not fed, who can protect Rouxuan?"

"Wait a little longer, a few more days, and the imperial court's relief supplies will arrive. At that time, everyone will be able to eat their fill."

Who would believe this nonsense?
Immediately, some people in the crowd started to jeer, and Yu Jing immediately ordered them to be shot dead!

This finally intimidated the people in front of him, and they drove him away.

Yu Jing turned around and ordered, "Send another portion of soldiers to guard my residence."

Using force to intimidate ordinary people is not a wrong approach.

But Yu Jing forgot one thing.

The people of the Six Garrisons were no ordinary people. Like the Rouran, everyone in the Six Garrisons was a soldier, and they were not as easily intimidated as the people of the Central Plains.

and.

Who among the people of the Six Garrisons is not related to the soldiers of the Six Garrisons?

On the night Yu Jing shot and killed several petitioning citizens, the people of Rouxuan Town began to coordinate with each other.

“This town magistrate is truly despicable. We are all starving to death, yet he still refuses to open the granaries and distribute grain.”

"That sounds nice, but has the imperial court sent a single grain of rice this year?"

"Listen to me, everyone. I've heard some news. Do you know how the Rouran people managed to invade?"

Suddenly, an old man stepped forward from the crowd!
"The Rouran army was merely besieging the city without launching any attack, yet they breached the south gate in less than an hour after the garrison commander returned to the city?"

"what do you mean?"

"I heard that after the garrison commander returned to the city, he transferred his trusted men to the south gate. In no time, the south gate was breached, and the Rouran people entered the city to loot. Why was the garrison commander's mansion unscathed? Furthermore! The people selling grain in the east market were also the garrison commander's trusted men!"

Yu Jing was only concerned with surviving at the time and didn't think carefully about how unreliable the agreement Anagui had made with him really was!
Or perhaps he felt it didn't matter if the people in the city found out about it.

He certainly didn't understand the people and soldiers of the Six Garrisons well enough.

The next day.

Yu Jing was still fast asleep in his room when his personal guards rushed in, pushing open the door in a panic.

"General! Something terrible has happened!!"

Yu Jing woke up with a start and angrily rebuked, "What's making you so flustered?"

"The people gathered and surrounded the granary. Their numbers were several times greater than those who came to the general's residence yesterday, and they were either armed or carrying bows."

"what?"

Yu Jing was greatly shocked!

He hurriedly got up and rushed over to the grain rations with his personal guards.

Looking around, there were crowds of people everywhere.

Seeing the crowd staring at him, Yu Jing knew he couldn't back down. He immediately hardened his face and shouted, "Are you trying to rebel? Get out of my way!"

The people made way for him, and Yu Jing was able to reach the entrance of the granary without any problems.

"Didn't I tell you yesterday that the imperial relief grain would arrive in a few days? Why are you still gathering to cause trouble!"

"If you leave now, I will not pursue the matter further; if you resist stubbornly..."

Yu Jing's face hardened, and he coldly snorted, "Kill them without mercy!"

His personal guards drew their weapons and confronted the civilians!
Yu Jing was unaware of it.

Inside the granary behind us.

Du Luozhou was an ordinary soldier in Rouxuan Town, and these past few days he had been guarding the grain and fodder with the other soldiers.

He could see the situation outside very clearly from afar, and they also knew that Yu Jing's confidants had been taking grain out to sell for huge profits every day in recent days.

"hateful!"

Du Luozhou angrily pounded his fist on the wooden stake next to him.

"We are all from Rouxuan, yet we are now turning our blades against the people of Rouxuan. How can this be reasonable!"

"Among this crowd, who can guarantee that there aren't our family members or relatives?"

He became increasingly angry as he spoke!
Those nearby warned, "Be careful, don't let the general hear us, or it will be a disaster..."

"What are you afraid of! Do you want to kill your own family with your own hands? Or do you want to watch your comrades who have risked their lives for you turn their backs on your family? Or do you want to turn your backs on our relatives and friends?"

Seeing that the soldiers around him were softening their stance.

"Rather than watching my family members starve or be killed, it's better to..."

Du Luozhou successfully persuaded the soldiers inside the granary.

They all drew their weapons, wanting to help the people persuade Yu Jing.

The commotion behind him caught Yu Jing's attention.

He turned around and saw that his soldiers had picked up their weapons and were walking towards him.

He roared in fury.

Just as he and his guards turned their heads!

among the crowd.

I don't know who shouted it.

"Kill!"

"Kill this bastard who wants to starve us to death!!"

This roar completely ignited the pent-up emotions in the hearts of the people!

The civilians, who had been in a standoff, suddenly raised their weapons and charged forward!

Yu Jing stared wide-eyed at the crowd that had completely spiraled out of control before him, before he could even speak.

A cold glint flashed before my eyes!
A man holding a knife angrily slashed at his neck.

"Uh……"

Yu Jing clutched his neck, unable to make a sound, and finally collapsed to the ground.

Countless people trampled over his corpse.

He never expected this...

These people actually dared to lay a hand on him, a third-rank official who was personally appointed by the imperial court as a garrison commander!
After seizing the granary, the angry people didn't even think about filling their stomachs first; instead, they stormed towards Yu Jing's mansion.

They killed his wife, children, and elderly parents, leaving no one alive.

Slaughter the entire family!

(End of this chapter)