Chapter 101: Raze the Family and Wipe Out the Grass
erself, nor did she want to see the Empress be humiliated. That's why she couldn't bear it tonight and called her out, hoping that she could regain her spirit and take back everything that once belong...Then, those who were bold enough came forward and received the silver.
"I swear my allegiance to the lord, unto death!"
The yamen official, after receiving his silver, clasped his fists and bowed respectfully.
One person started, and the rest followed suit, lining up to receive silver and offering words of loyalty.
Even why should one pledge allegiance It seems to be just because the people in front said so, and if I don't say it, it would seem inappropriate.
Among them, there were also many who hesitated. They were originally confidants of the Zhou and Zhao families and had done a lot of things with Zhou Kun and Zhao Deyi. Therefore, they worried that even if they received the silver, Yang Lin would not let them go.
"I said it before, let bygones be bygones! If anyone doesn't want to just forget past grievances, fine, I, Yang Lin, will stand my ground!"
As soon as these words were uttered, those who had been hesitant just moments before rushed forward to claim their silver.
They are now worried that Yang Lin won't let them go, and since they have already said so much, if they don't come to collect the money, it would be a clear declaration of war!
A nobleman who had private soldiers, crossbows, a title, wealth, and was well-loved by the people, addressed Gan
They aren't that brave yet.
Soon, the 134 yamen guards all received silver. Whether genuine or feigned, they all expressed their loyalty to Yang Lin.
Song Qian whispered to Yang Lin beside him: "My lord, there are a few relatives of the Zhao family and Zhou family inside. Should we clean them up"
A flash of ruthlessness appeared in Song Qian's eyes.
Yang Lin simply waved his hand, pretending not to understand Song Qian's words: "Hey, now everyone is their own people, their own brothers, there's no need to end things."
But...
Song Qian still wanted to speak, but Yang Lin interrupted him.
"I am a man who values loyalty above all else. Once brothers, always brothers! Mr. Song, my mind is made up, please don't try to persuade me any further!"
How could Yang Lin not know that among the constables, there were also confidants of the Zhou and Zhao families
Now there are too many things to do, it's impossible to completely control them in one night.
Even if silver is given, it is only a temporary way to appease.
Compared to eliminating rivals, what Yang Lin had to do was tie all these people to his own ship!
As for the rat droppings, they can still be utilized for now. We can wait until we truly have control of the situation before gradually cleaning them up.
"Who among you has the highest position" Yang Lin asked.
Someone immediately stood up and bowed with their fists clasped.
"My lord, I am Zhang Ping, a clerk of the household."
Yang Lin turned back to look at Song Qian.
Song Qian lowered her voice: "He's not from the Zhao family or the Zhou family."
"Very well, Zhang Ping. You will temporarily serve as the head of the criminal justice department. I will inform Master Wu, the county magistrate, in due course."
Zhang Ping was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.
"Thank you, Sir! I will certainly do my best to repay your kindness and cultivation!"
Zhang Ping was so excited.
He has always been smooth in his dealings, neither clinging to the wealthy nor making enemies of them. He himself believes that his approach of not taking sides or aligning with anyone is without prospects and that he will only be able to remain in his position as a low-ranking government official for life.
Originally, Zhang Ping was reluctant to be called by Zhao Deyi. During the standoff in Koushan Village, he was almost scared out of his wits.
Surprisingly, he ended up being the biggest winner today!
Except for the County Magistrate and Deputy Magistrate, the county magistrate can at will appoint or dismiss all other officials in the county.
As for what Yang Lin said, the magistrate will definitely listen. He wasn't worried at all.
Perhaps others are unaware, but as a clerk in the Ministry of War, Zhang Ping knows. The last time Zhao Deyi brought people to trouble Yang Lin, Wu, the county magistrate, even hurriedly sent his master Zheng Dongqiao to Kaishan Village. Zhao Deyi could only return empty-handed. It seems that the county magistrate must have known long ago that Yang Lin was an official!
Zhang Ping unknowingly thought too much.
Having temporarily appeased the government officials, the next step was to board their warships.
"Enter the city!"
Yang Lin waved his hand, and the team of over two hundred people immediately marched into the city.
It is now *xu* shi, which is roughly 10 pm. Nowadays, people have no entertainment activities at night, so they go to bed very early.
In this vast county town, it was dark and silent.
Jiangxia County had no city walls, and even the patrolmen were withdrawn by Zhao Deyi. As a result, Yang Lin entered the city with his men as if it were deserted.
More than 200 people, without making a sound, rushed straight towards Zhou's family!
Not until they arrived at Zhou's house did the officers realize what Yang Lin was up to!
Though many are fearful, the situation has reached a point where they can no longer back down.
"Third Uncle, you take people to guard the front and back gates, as well as every corner of the courtyard wall. Not even a fly can get out!" Yang Lin instructed.
"Don't worry."
Zhao Fuguai had already gone all out, knowing full well what was going on, but instead of being afraid, he felt a hint of excitement.
"Lao Ge, get the guys to hand over the work to the yamen. Your job is to keep an eye on them and make sure no one messes things up! If anyone tries to cause trouble, don't ask me, just shoot them!"
"Yes!"
Zhong Tao hurriedly nodded.
Zhou Li, brother! Today I can finally get revenge on you!
Thinking of Zhou Li, who had died tragically at the hands of bandits, Zhong Tao clenched his fists so tightly that they crackled.
After giving his men their orders, Yang Lin didn't hesitate for a moment, nor did he give the yamen servants any time to think. He shouted directly: "Everyone follow me, charge in and raid the house!"
As soon as Yang Lin's words fell, Zhao Fugui commanded a dozen strong villagers to charge at the Zhou family's gate.
Zhang Ping, who had just been "promoted" by Yang Lin, now steeled his nerves and shouted: "Comrades of the strong battalion, follow me!"
Though the courtyard gate was sturdy, it was after all not a city gate. A dozen or so people surged forward and in the blink of an eye, they pushed down both gates.
Zhang Ping, leading a group of strong yamen guards, charged in first.
Although the following officials were not enthusiastic, with Zhong Tao's guard team watching from behind, they did not dare to hesitate. They could only follow him in.
They were very clear that entering the Zhou family meant severing ties with the old aristocratic families, completely standing on the opposite side. If they didn't pledge allegiance to Yang Lin afterward, these old aristocratic families would never let them go!
Once they step through this door, they will become part of Yanglin!
Song Qian was also greatly shocked at this moment.
He could guess that Yang Lin brought so many people into the city tonight, just to strike while the iron was hot, taking this opportunity to eliminate his rivals and establish his own faction, consolidating his power.
But I didn't expect Yang Lin to be so decisive, he actually brought the person directly to Zhou's house and raided their home!
This is going to be a thorough extermination!
Ruthless, decisive!
And it is more effective to screen those confidants of the Zhou and Zhao families a little.
This is a gamble, but it's the only way.
Won it all.
If we lose… the consequences will be dire!
At this moment, Zhou Zhengyang, who was fast asleep in the grand Zhou family mansion, vaguely heard the old servant shouting, which made him restless.er to see me Could we speak in private"Although he didn't know what was inside the boxes, it gave him a bad feeling. With so many people watching at the moment, he didn't want to cause too much of a c...