The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Dead... dead...

At this moment, the entire room was silent, only Zhao Douan's voice lingered in the air.

People stared blankly at the corpse lying on the ground, with blood gradually spreading on the floor.

"Ah." Someone instinctively gasped in shock, but was immediately silenced by a hand firmly covering their mouth.

No one dared to speak loudly, for fear of startling those above.

Grand Duke Lu's body suddenly shuddered, and he lowered his gaze. Under the table, the hands resting on his knees clenched tightly, then tighter...

The first and second sons and the others in the Lu family who were extremely dissatisfied with their grandfather for turning over half of the family fortune were silent at this moment, with a chilling cold running up their spines.

They finally understood why their grandfather was so obsequious in front of Zhao Douan.

This man truly would kill without hesitation.

The prominent owner of a rice shop in Linfeng Road was killed just like that.

And judging by Sun Xiaozhun's demeanor while announcing the crimes, it seemed he had known about it all along.

This was a premeditated slaughter.

To kill a chicken to scare the monkeys.

Everyone had this phrase in their minds.

"It seems no one has any objections anymore." Zhao Douan held the Chasing Saber, waited for several breaths, and seeing no one respond, he once again broke into a satisfied smile:

"In that case, let's happily decide it like this. This governor knew that there weren't many pests like this who blatantly violate laws, inflate prices, and profit from war. I originally planned to bring this person to justice later, but he was so bold as to jump out on his own, so I had no choice but to send him off early. Hope it doesn't disturb the Lu Mansion's floors?"

Grand Duke Lu rose and cupped his hands in salute:

"Governor, by removing harm for the people, I am delighted, there's no need to worry about disturbance."

"Good!" Zhao Douan laughed heartily, and with a sound, the bright Chasing Saber returned to its sheath: "As expected of the first good man of the prefecture city, what a bold spirit."

At this moment, the terrified Landlord Qian of Da Tong Bank stood up tremblingly:

"As a humble citizen, I am willing to follow the Lu family's example, donating half of my family wealth. In my home, there are also many strange objects regarded as antiques, I will have someone send them to the governor."

He had given in, only wanting to quickly leave this bloody place.

Zhao Douan said displeasedly:

"What do you mean by gifting to this official? It's all for the great cause of pacification. Besides, how can there be a reason for guests to scatter before the banquet has ended?

Here's what we'll do, all of you have brought family members or servants. Simply write a letter personally, send someone back to your residences, and let the subordinates handle the donation affair. We should continue eating and drinking so as not to waste these delicacies."

As his words fell, Sun Xiaozhun exchanged a glance, and the government officers guarding the gate immediately drew their swords to seal off the courtyard.

Everyone's hearts sank, panic spread, realizing that Yama Zhao was holding hostages out of concern they might play tricks.

What donation? It's nothing but paying to ransom their lives.

But the situation was stronger than them, the body on the floor was still warm, no one dared to object.

"Governor Sun," Zhao Douan leaned on his saber and spoke to Sun Xiaozhun:

"Mobilizing the troops to collect the donation money and goods will rely on you."

With a complex expression, Sun Xiaozhun nodded and agreed, expressionless as he walked out.

As a magistrate of the place, he had the resolve, understanding that after today, he would be at odds with the city's gentry.

To avoid trouble afterwards, he must use this "donation" opportunity while the army is suppressing the city to eliminate these gentries and support a new batch of elites, only then could he secure his position.

Having no way back, he exhibited a ruthless side.

The grain supervision officer Zhao Shande was named by the Magistrate to stand and follow out the door when he suddenly remembered something and turned hesitantly to look at Zhao Douan:

"This Kangzhuang Rice Shop... also donate half?"

Zhao Douan said indifferently:

"Having already been beheaded according to law, let's just confiscate the entire estate."

Immediately, he cheerfully laid down the Chasing Saber, walked over to the head seat at the round banquet table, sat down boldly, called for the body to be carried away, and with a smile raised his cup:

"No need to be nervous, as long as you all support the rebellion suppression, I believe none of you are lawbreakers."

The gentry raised their cups with forced smiles, bodies cold as ice.

Grand Duke Lu drank it all, and as he set down the cup, he saw the red lanterns under the azure sky, thinking:

The world has changed.

...

...

In the government office, within the "temporary command center," the lights were on.

Under Xue Shence's lead, the generals were still discussing battle plans, without time to eat a bite.

"What happened?" Xue Shence leaned over the sand table, suddenly straightened up, and frowned looking outside.

Shi Meng, Yuan Feng, and others also heard the commotion outside, someone pushed open the door, and in the night, there was a large group of soldiers lined up with torches.

Xue Shence's heart tightened, thinking something unexpected happened, he took a few steps outside, just in time to see an official from the government office rushing by. He raised his hand to stop him for inquiry, the latter first cupped his hands in salute, then explained:

"Reporting to the Secretariat Envoy, it is a directive from the Magistrate, mobilizing the city garrison troops overnight to collect military provisions, silver coin, and other items."

Mo Chou also came out from the room, puzzled: "Why such a big movement?"

After a short rest, she returned here.

The official smiled wryly:

"We've just received the news and don't know the details either.

Just know that Commander Zhao is hosting a banquet at the Lu Mansion within the city, summoning the prominent gentry in the city, saying it's for the rebellion suppression, to raise military provisions and funds...

The gentry enthusiastically donated, with each family contributing at least half of their wealth, hence requiring more manpower..."

Mo Chou, Xue Shence, Shi Meng, Yuan Feng, and others were all stunned.