Chapter Forty-Two: Confiscating the Nine Clans and Seven Families, Gaining Abundant Spoils

Ji Ling: “???”

He pursed his lips—hadn’t he killed quite a few, too? He wanted to argue, but recalling how stories of Chu Feng single-handedly facing hundreds of deathsworn soldiers were spreading through the camp, he felt ashamed by comparison. Hastily, he replied, “I shall redouble my efforts!”

“Good. Now that the rebels have been dealt with, go and seize the Wang and Li families. At noon tomorrow, execute them for colluding with the enemy—slay any who dare resist,” commanded Chu Feng with a wave of his hand.

“My lord, the rebels this time include Yuan Yin, your own kin, and his son-in-law Huang Yi, among others—a total of nine families. Shall all be put to death?” Ji Ling asked.

“Yuan Yin? Huang Yi? Nine families in all?”

Chu Feng was momentarily stunned, not quite understanding. Just then, Lu Su hurried over; seeing Ji Ling present, he leaned in and quickly whispered a few words.

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng narrowed his eyes.

Damn it, so there really were traitors within the city. No wonder Ji Ling had rushed him to lead the army in quelling the revolt. He’d been puzzled earlier—why was Ji Ling so bloodied over a mere squad of men?

With a bang, Chu Feng struck the table and rose.

“No matter their distance or closeness to me, all who have betrayed the state are guilty beyond pardon. Their entire households will be executed. Tomorrow at noon, I will personally oversee the executions.”

“Yes, my lord!” Ji Ling accepted the order.

It seemed Shouchun would tremble once again.

But it was only fitting—a band of traitors deserved no mercy.

As Ji Ling withdrew, Lu Su sighed with relief. “My lord, we are truly fortunate! Had you not been on guard, Shouchun would have run red with blood tonight.”

Chu Feng remained silent. Ji Ling had performed exceedingly well today—he could be entrusted with great responsibility in the future. But these ceaseless rebellions in ancient times were truly vexing. Don’t these people realize rebellion means death?

On reflection, though, history is full of records of feudal lords facing rebellion—there was no escaping it.

“Lu Su, take stock of all assets from those households. Oversee the confiscation. Everything seized is to be turned over to the treasury,” Chu Feng ordered decisively.

“Yes, my lord,” Lu Su nodded.

“And send word to Ji Ling: strictly enforce military discipline. Anyone who takes advantage of the chaos to commit crimes will be put to death. In turbulent times, harsh laws are necessary. Once this storm has passed, the army must be restructured as well,” Chu Feng said coldly.

...

That night, Shouchun ran with rivers of blood.

The Wang and Li families, along with seven others—a total of nine clans—were exterminated to the last member. Their kin resisted with all their might, but all fell to the blade. Yuan Yin and Huang Yi collapsed to the ground, limp with terror.

Only at dawn did the sounds of slaughter subside.

The rest of the clans in the city spent the night trembling, fearing the soldiers would break down their doors. Though the noise faded, the scent of blood hung heavy throughout the city.

In the market square, the heads of several family leaders were displayed. Below, clusters of townsfolk stopped and whispered, and the other clans—having learned the news—were stricken with dread.

They thanked their fortune that they had not rebelled.

This Chu Feng was a madman indeed.

...

Noon, at the execution ground.

With each swing of the executioner’s blade, heads tumbled and blood streamed down the scaffold, sending chills through the watching crowd—though some clapped and cheered.

These prominent clans had come with Yuan Shu, most hailing originally from Runan and other regions. Since arriving, they had bullied sons, seized daughters, and forcibly occupied fertile lands. Such things had become commonplace.

When the executions were finished, the stench of blood overwhelmed the air. Throughout, Chu Feng’s face remained inscrutable; having chosen this path, there was no turning back.

If he were to fail,

he would surely face an even more horrific fate.

Besides, these great families were hardly innocent—their punishment was well deserved.

...

Back at the Yuan residence,

Lu Su arrived just then, beaming. “My lord, congratulations! The wealth confiscated from those nine families exceeds that of our own treasury.”

“Assets so far: three hundred sixty thousand hu of rice, four hundred seventy thousand hu of wheat, countless miscellaneous grains, over a billion in coin, fifty warhorses, a hundred suits of armor, countless bows, crossbows, and swords, as well as bolts of cloth and more.”

“My lord, here is the inventory—you may have it verified.”

With that, Lu Su handed over the list he had copied himself, in a show of honesty.

“A pack of parasites!” Chu Feng ground his teeth.

“No need to verify—if I can’t trust you, who could I trust? All assets are to be seized for the state. Also, inform the entire army: after this campaign, rewards will be distributed according to merit.”

“Yes, my lord!” Lu Su saluted and withdrew.

As Lu Su left, Chu Feng began to ponder, stroking his chin. Billions in coin was no small sum—he’d have to find a way to spend it, or the currency would collapse even further.

If that happened, gold and silver would become worthless.

The most urgent need was to procure military supplies: in chaotic times, grain was the highest priority, followed by iron ore, warhorses, and logistics. However, at present, what he lacked most was—warships!

Strategically, attacking Sun Ce took precedence over confronting Cao Cao, and Sun Ce, newly arrived in Jiangdong, had few ships. Chu Feng needed to find a way to borrow vessels from Liu Biao.

But for now, consolidating his control of the region was paramount.

...

Early autumn, in the seventh month.

The air was dry, with only scattered summer rains.

Throughout the Jianghuai region, the harvest had failed completely. Countless peasants knelt to the heavens in grief, but to no avail. The drought affected not only crops—livestock and wild greens were scarce as well.

Along the roads, ancient trees had been stripped of bark.

Countless commoners staggered and fell, becoming food for wild beasts; some, in utter desperation, even exchanged children to eat—scenes of inhuman tragedy. And the disaster would last into winter.

...

Shouchun,

Outside the city, in Liu Xun’s camp.

At present, Liu Xun had shed his outer robe to ward off the heat, drinking sour water that remained warm in his belly, leaving him hot and irritable.

“General, no matter how we taunt them, Chu Feng refuses to leave the city. Now the blazing sun torments us, and the men are bitterly complaining. What are we to do?” his subordinate asked, frowning, with a respectful salute.

“Damn it, how should I know!” Liu Xun snapped irritably.

Just then, a man rushed in from outside. Liu Xun received him, frowning at Li Kui, “Captain Li, weren’t you assigned to guard Lujiang? What are you doing here?”

“My lord, disaster has struck! Lujiang—it’s lost. The Chu army took Wan City three days ago, and all the counties surrendered without a fight.”

The guard shouted anxiously.

“What?” Liu Xun shot to his feet. “The Chu army took Wan City? Impossible! I posted sentinels all along the way—how could they have gotten through?”

“My lord, the Chu army numbered only a few hundred, as if appearing out of nowhere. Moreover, Liu Ye opened the city gates and surrendered. We had no power to resist!” the guard stammered.

“Liu Ye? That traitor who betrayed his lord for glory! I’ll tear him limb from limb!” Liu Xun trembled with rage—losing Lujiang meant he was rootless.

“Order the entire army—we break camp tonight and retake Lujiang!”

“My lord, you must not!” Yang Hong cried urgently. “With Lujiang lost, we have no choice but to stake everything on an assault on Shouchun. Only then can we survive!”

“My lord, we have enough rations for half a month. I say, seal the news and launch a desperate attack on Shouchun. If we win, the loss of Lujiang will be of no consequence!”

“But if we retreat, the Chu forces will surely pursue us relentlessly; the army’s morale will collapse, and you will have no more chances!” Yang Hong pleaded anxiously.

Liu Xun frowned, but did not heed the advice. He barked, “Why are you all standing around? Execute the order!”

Such stubbornness, just as in the history books.

But in his eyes, Lujiang was his foundation—returning to save it offered a glimmer of hope. His wife, children, and the families of his officers were all there; how could he abandon them?

“Yes, my lord!” the commanders replied.

Yang Hong sighed lightly—a mediocrity, indeed.