"Excellent! "
Zhang Xin ordered someone to retrieve the Governor's Seal from the State Prefecture. While waiting, he also sent for Zhang Liao and Zuo Bao.
A short while later, Zhang Liao and Zuo Bao arrived, and the Governor's Seal was also brought over.
Zhang Xin wrote out the imperial decree and handed it to Zuo Bao, explaining the situation. Then he said, "The common people have traveled a long way and can only sleep in the open. The weather is cold now, so you two go to the army and get some blankets, quilts, and other items to distribute to the people. Take good care of them; don't let them fall ill."
"Understood."
Zuo Bao nodded.
Zhang Xin then pointed to the list inside the box.
"There are many people who need to be apprehended this time. Relying solely on the government officials and martial officers will not be enough."
"I will give you two ten thousand soldiers. First, apprehend the criminals brought by the common people outside the city, then escort the people back to their hometowns, and bring the others back to me as well."
"Understood! "
Zhang Liao and Zuo Bao cupped their fists in acknowledgment, their faces alight with excitement.
Especially Zhang Liao, who wished he could fly outside the city right now, apprehend the people, and then slaughter them.
Originally, they had already fought their way to Chang'an, just one step away from welcoming back the Son of Heaven.
By welcoming back the Son of Heaven, Zhang Xin would naturally go down in history and be remembered for eternity.
And those of them who were generals would also get three to five lines in the history books.
Being granted official titles, bringing glory to their ancestors, and leaving their names in history were all within reach!
As a result, these dog-sired prominent families caused trouble in the rear, forcing them to retreat.
Especially during the period when Dong Zhuo claimed Zhang Xin was dead, Zhang Liao and Xun You were both overwhelmed trying to stabilize the army's morale.
All these hardships were thanks to the prominent families of Qing Province!
Earlier, when Zhang Xin burned the letters, they had some complaints in their hearts.
Now they finally understood.
It turned out that Zhang Xin wasn't not retaliating; it was just that the time hadn't come yet!
The busiest time of the year had already passed.
The work was done, and these people deserved to die!
Zhang Liao and Zuo Bao took Zhang Xin's transfer order, along with the list in the box, and excitedly went to mobilize troops.
"Biejia."
Zhang Xin looked at Hua Xin and smiled slightly.
"The food and drink for the common people outside the city will trouble Biejia."
"Understood."
Hua Xin bowed respectfully, cursing inwardly.
No wonder Xun You had asked him to prepare grain and fodder a few days ago; it was for this very purpose.
Oh, you, Xun Gongda, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, usually look so simple and honest.
Your heart is truly too dark!
"Everyone, disperse. Go do what you need to do."
Zhang Xin ordered someone to escort the common people from the city wall out of the city, then he descended from the city wall.
"Your subordinates respectfully send off Governor."
The State Prefecture officials bowed in unison.
Zhang Xin, with his back to the State Prefecture officials, curved his lips into an arc.
"Our common people, tonight we are truly, truly happy."
Zhang Xin returned home, humming a tune as he entered Zhang Ning's courtyard.
"Brother."
Zhang Ning came to greet him, "Why are you so happy today? "
Zhang Xin babbled on and on…
"You didn't see it, but the expressions on their faces were so wonderful when they personally said they would execute their own clan members."
Zhang Xin laughed heartily, the depression in his heart clearing away during this time.
"Brother truly has methods."
Zhang Ning smiled and praised him, then said, "However, this method is not the righteous path. Using it occasionally is fine, but if it is used too often, suspicion will arise between ruler and subject in the future, which may lead to disaster."
"I know."
Zhang Xin pinched her face, "Are you lecturing me now? "
"Hmph, if it weren't for the fact that the autumn harvest is imminent with my return this time, I would have cut them down long ago. Why would I have let them live for two more months? "
"It's good that Brother knows what he's doing."
Zhang Ning smiled and said, "I'll go make you dinner."
"Thank you, little sister."
Zhang Xin smiled, then said, "Oh, by the way, later, you can take some money from the family's treasury and send it to Old Dian's family."
"Okay."
...
Hua Xin was busy until late at nite, arranging all the food and fodder for the more than two hundred thousand common people outside the city, before dragging his exhausted body back to the official residence.
Inside the official residence, Guo Yuan was sitting on the bed, holding a quilt, constantly sighing.
"It's so late, Zi Ni, aren't you asleep yet? "
Hua Xin brought in a basinor also brought back a group of scholars from Huayin. Those Huayin people are eyeing our positions! "