Chapter 101: Plundering the Household, Cutting Off the Grass
l Fine! A thousand wen!”He didn't believe anyone in the village could easily come up with a thousand coins.Yang Lin shook his head. "Not yet.""Dare you! You talk big without a penny to your name"Yang...Then, some bold ones came forward and collected the silver.
"From now on, I pledge my undying loyalty to my lord!"
The clerk, having received his payment, bowed with cupped fists.
When one person started, the others followed suit and lined up to receive their silver coins, then said a few words of loyalty.
Even why should one be loyal It seems to be just because the people in front said so, and if one doesn't say it, it wouldn't be appropriate.
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, let bygones be bygones! If anyone doesn't want to just erase past grievances, then I, Yang Lin, will stand my ground!"
Once these words were spoken, those who had been hesitant just moments before immediately stepped forward to collect 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 silver, it would be a clear declaration of war!
A nobleman who had private soldiers, crossbows, a title, great wealth, and was very popular with the people, addressed Gan
They aren't that brave yet.
Soon, one hundred thirty-four officers present all received silver. Whether sincerely or not, 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 in here. Should we clean them up"
A flash of ruthlessness appeared in Song Qian's eyes.
Yang Lin simply waved his hand, feigning ignorance of Song Qian's words: "Well, now we're all our own people, brothers. There's no need to cut off ties."
But...
Song Qian was still about to speak, but Yang Lin interrupted her.
"I value loyalty above all else. Once we call each other brothers, we're brothers for life! Mr. Song, my mind is made up, please don't try to persuade me any further!"
Yang Lin naturally knows that there are confidants of the Zhou and Zhao families among the government officers.
There are too many things to do now, it's impossible to completely control them in one night.
Even if you give silver, it is only a temporary way to appease.
Compared to getting rid of the opposition, what Yang Lin needs to do is tie all these people to his own ship!
As for the rat droppings, we can still make use of them. We can wait until we have truly taken 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 fist held out.
"Reporting to my lord, I am Zhang Ping, a clerk of the valiant ranks."
Yang Lin turned his head and looked back 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 take over the post of chief executioner. I will inform Lord Wu, the magistrate, formally when the official documents are ready."
Zhang Ping was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.
"Thank you, Sir! I will surely do my best to repay your kindness!"
Zhang Ping's heart was pounding with excitement.
He has always been smooth in his dealings, never flattering the wealthy nor falling out with them. He himself believes that his non-aligned approach is without ambition and that he will only remain a minor official for his entire life.
Originally summoned by Zhao Deyi, Zhang Ping was somewhat reluctant. During the standoff in Laoshanshan Village, he was even scared to the point of wetting himself.
Result unexpectedly, today he was the biggest winner!
Except for the County Magistrate and the Deputy Magistrate, the county magistrate can freely appoint and remove all other officials in the county.
As for what Yang Lin said, the magistrate would definitely listen. He wasn't worried at all.
Although others might not know, Zhang Ping, as a clerk in the yamen, knew that last time Zhao Deyi brought people to trouble Yang Lin, Wu Zhixian had hurriedly sent his assistant Zheng Dongqiao to go to Kaoshan Village. Zhao Deyi could only return empty-handed. It seems that the county magistrate probably knew long ago that Yang Lin was a noble!
Zhang Ping couldn't help but think too much.
Having temporarily appeased the clerk, what's next is to board my own warship.
"Into 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 around 10 pm. Nowadays people don't have any entertainment at night so they go to bed very early.
The vast county town was pitch black and eerily silent.
The town of Jianghe County had no city walls. There were once some patrolling guards, but even they had been moved by Zhao Deyi. As a result, Yang Lin led his men into the town as if it were deserted.
More than 200 people, without making a sound, rushed straight towards the Zhou family's house!
Only when they arrived at Zhou's house did the constables finally understand what Yang Lin was trying to do!
While many fear, the situation has progressed to a point where they cannot back out.
"Third Uncle, you lead people to guard the front and back gates, as well as all around the courtyard walls. Not even a fly should be allowed to escape!" Yang Lin instructed.
Don't worry.
Zhao Fuguai was already all in, knowing full well what was going on, yet he wasn't afraid at all, there was even a hint of excitement in his eyes.
"Brother Tao, leave the tasks of dealing with these people to the yamen officials. Your job is to keep an eye on them and make sure no troublemakers spoil things! If anyone tries to cause chaos, don't ask me for permission, just shoot them!"
"Yes!"
Zhong Tao hurriedly nodded.
Zhou Li, brother! Today I can finally get revenge on you!
Remembering Zhou Li, who had died tragically at the hands of bandits back then, Zhong Tao clenched his fists so tightly that they creaked.
After giving instructions to his men, Yang Lin didn't hesitate for a moment and didn't give those government officials any time to think. He shouted directly: "Everyone with me, charge in and ransack the house!"
As soon as Yang Lin finished speaking, Zhao Fugui directed a dozen strong villagers to charge at the Zhou family's gate.
Zhang Ping, who had just been "promoted" by Yang Lin, now gritted his teeth and shouted, "You guys from the Sturdy Battalion, follow me!"
Although the gate was sturdy, it wasn't a city gate after all. With over ten people pushing together, they toppled both doors in an instant.
Zhang Ping, leading a squad of strong officers, stormed in first.
Although the following clerks were not enthusiastic, with Zhong Tao's bodyguard squad keeping a watchful eye from behind, they didn't dare to fall behind. They had no choice but to charge in after him.
They were very clear that entering the Zhou family meant severing ties with the old aristocratic families, completely standing on the opposite side of them. If they didn't join Yang Lin afterwards, these old aristocratic families would never let them go!
Once they cross this threshold, they 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, to take advantage of the situation to eliminate dissidents and establish his own faction, consolidating his power.
But I didn't expect Yang Lin to be so decisive, bringing the person directly to the Zhou family and raiding their home!
This is a complete eradication!
Ruthless, decisive!
Furthermore, it would be more effective to screen the confidants of both the Zhou and Zhao families.
This was a gamble, though.
Won it all.
If we lose... the consequences will be terrible!
At this moment, in the Zhou family's grand estate, Zhou Zhengyang, who was sleeping soundly, vaguely heard the old servant shouting, which made him feel irritable. Aunt Lin to the county town.Jiangxia County belongs to Pingyuan County. Although it is only more than thirty miles away from Koushan Village, the road is not easy to walk. The wooden wheels creak and...