Chapter 34

This night, Zhang Hao's estate was in turmoil. The battle continued until two o'clock in the morning before it finally ended. The thieves in the industrial area were also defeated, and a large number of captives were gathered and guarded. Estimating the losses and treating the wounded would keep many people busy for a long time.

At this moment, in the main hall of the estate, the civil and military officials within Zhang Hao's system gathered one after another. Today's events needed to be concluded and a response plan formulated.

Apart from Taishi Ci and Zang Ba, who were currently in Liaodong, everyone else was present.

Huang Zhong was the first to apologize, as the leader of the military system. The negligence of the outer sentries was due to his inadequate supervision.

Luo An, responsible for the intelligence system, also apologized. He had not received any information before the incident, which was also a dereliction of duty.

"Brother Huang and Luo An, to be honest, I also overlooked this aspect. It has been too peaceful for too long, completely ignoring the internal dangers in Wu County. However, military regulations have long stipulated measures for such situations. Since I entrusted this matter to you, and problems have arisen, punishment cannot be avoided.

However, this is a time when we need everyone. You will temporarily bear this responsibility. After this matter is resolved, each of you will receive ten lashes in front of the officers. You cannot offset your faults with your merits; merits are merits, and faults are faults, and they cannot be canceled out."

Zhang Hao said solemnly. Huang Zhong and Luo An bowed in acknowledgment.

"Alright, everyone understands the beginning and end of this matter. Now, let's discuss how to handle it."

Everyone spoke up, and although there were some objections, they ultimately reached a consensus. That was to directly start a rebellion.

Since the other side had already shown their true colors, if they did not resist, more problems would arise. With the government already swayed, Zhang Hao's side would face joint harassment from both the authorities and the people. In such a situation, taking the initiative would give them an advantage.

More importantly, everyone had confidence in their own strength.

Seeing everyone's determination, Zhang Hao felt much more at ease. He first inquired about Zhang Fan, confirming that the supplies of grain, fodder, and military equipment were sufficient.

"Very well, Luo An, send people to Baishi Island to inform Cheng Yuan that the Jinghai Navy can be recalled. After the uprising, we need the Jinghai Navy to block the Yangtze River," Zhang Hao ordered.

The Jinghai Navy was naturally Zhang Hao's naval force. He had chosen this grand name.

It had never been revealed to the public, and even the main warships had not participated in escorting merchant ships.

Because the Jinghai Navy was Zhang Hao's trump card. The main warships were based on mature designs from the Ming Dynasty and were equipped with cannons. Compared to the current naval forces, they had a crushing advantage.

"Liaodong, have General Taishi Ci dispatch ten thousand Shenwei Army troops back," Zhang Hao instructed again.

The origin of the Shenwei Army was simple and interesting. The army sent to the Youzhou border for practical training had gained a reputation for bravery and morale when facing Goguryeo and the Three Han. Goguryeo and the Three Han respectfully called them the Shenwei Army. When Zhang Hao heard this, he thought the name was good, so it became the name of this part of his land forces.

Due to the large contributions of grain and horses from Goguryeo and the Three Han, the expansion of the Shenwei Army on the Youzhou border was rapid. Even many civilians who had been harassed by the Wuhuan, Goguryeo, and the Three Han joined the Shenwei Army voluntarily.

Now, the Shenwei Army in Youzhou was a formidable presence. However, the officials in Liaodong and Lelang counties chose to ignore it.

Not only was the Shenwei Army extremely powerful and not causing trouble within the county, but even if they wanted to cause trouble, they lacked the ability.

Liu Yu, the governor of Youzhou, was known for his benevolent governance and emphasis on the people's livelihood and peace. After Youzhou had been ravaged by Zhang Chun, Zhang Ju, and the Wuhuan, it was a time for rest and recuperation, and it could not afford another major war.

Now, the Shenwei Army numbered over thirty thousand, most of whom had ample combat experience. Mobilizing ten thousand back was not a big deal. If needed, more could be mobilized. However, to avoid issues with Goguryeo and the Wuhuan, sufficient forces needed to be retained.

"Troops from Baishi Island, Qingfeng Island, and other places should also be recalled."

To avoid drawing too much attention, Zhang Hao was quite adept at hiding his forces. Some coastal islands had salt fields and training grounds he had set up.

Since he had been preparing for a rebellion since he arrived in Wu County, although things were somewhat rushed now, there were no issues with the various tasks. After discussing the matters, everyone left to prepare.

Luo An was called back by Zhang Hao.

Zhang Hao was very satisfied with Luo An, the leader of the Sui Feng intelligence organization. He was diligent, loyal, and capable. Even occasional oversights were due to a lack of experience.

Speaking of which, Luo An's background was somewhat special. His ancestors seemed to have been assassins, passing down a unique set of techniques. They were extremely secretive and powerful. While they might be lacking on the battlefield, their assassination and explosive power were unparalleled.

Even with exceptional skills, Luo An still felt powerless in this chaotic era.

His family background was quite ordinary. His father, who did not want to continue the life of an assassin, chose to live incognito. Although he had accumulated some wealth, due to his early death and Luo An's young age, much of the wealth was taken, leading to the family's decline.

When the Yellow Turbans rose again in his hometown, Luo An knew he could not ensure his family's safety in the chaos, so he brought his family to the relatively peaceful Jiangnan. Not long after Zhang Hao arrived in Wu County, Luo An came to Zhang Hao's estate with his seriously ill mother, having heard that Zhang Hao had some supernatural abilities. He asked Zhang Hao to treat his mother.

Zhang Hao used modern medicine to cure his mother, and Luo An began to follow him from then on. Because of his quick thinking, he could understand the various modern espionage situations Zhang Hao described. Gradually, he became the leader of Sui Feng.

After giving Luo An some instructions, he also left.

What Luo An was to do was naturally something that could not be known by others. For example, creating auspicious omens or spreading folk songs, all to build momentum.

Additionally, Zhang Hao instructed Luo An to immediately send people to bring the families of Cai Yong, Man Chong, Gu Yong, and Kan Ze to the estate.

This was both a gesture of goodwill and a way to involve them. In any case, he wanted to pull these talents directly onto his own war wagon.

Now, the people Zhang Hao had cultivated were sufficient, but after the uprising, as his territory expanded, he would need more talents.

After everyone left, Zhang Hao thought about whether there was anything he had overlooked.

Thinking about the upcoming rebellion, his mood was not entirely calm. This was an unprecedented endeavor. Even with a fallback plan, he could not be at ease because he wanted to succeed.

Later, Zhang Hao specifically went to the side courtyard to greet Cai Yong and others. He briefly explained the situation, and Cai Yong and others naturally joined in the condemnation of the aristocratic families. As he left, Zhang Hao noticed a delicate figure behind the door and those calm yet sharp eyes, which calmed his mood.

Back in his room, he pulled Xi Zhicai and Tian Feng, the two strategists he had already involved, to plan the subsequent development.

The next day, to everyone's surprise, everything was calm, with no incidents.

Not only did the instigators feel strange, but many nearby residents also had similar feelings.

A large army passing through and the subsequent escape of the thieves could not have failed to alarm the surrounding residents.

Strangely, there was no sign of Zhang Hao's estate taking the captives to the county office for rewards. They were only repairing the damaged areas from the previous night's battle.

Many perceptive residents felt a sense of oppression, becoming increasingly cautious, even though it was the eve of the New Year. This was the tragedy of the common people in a chaotic era.

In the afternoon, the instigators could no longer bear it. A large number of family guards were captured, more were injured or killed, and these were all family-raised guards, with heavy compensation. The captives also needed to be dealt with, as these families had mobilized most of their guards.

Whether to confirm Zhang Hao's reaction or to test if the captives could be ransomed, action had to be taken.

Tomorrow was the eve of the New Year, and if the families of the guards caused a commotion, it would be embarrassing for everyone.

Thus, guests came to Zhang Hao's estate.

The county lieutenant of Linshui County came over with a concerned look.

He first criticized himself for failing to control the thieves in his jurisdiction, speaking with genuine emotion. However, Zhang Hao only smiled and did not respond, leaving the county lieutenant at a loss. After a while, he praised Zhang Hao's achievements in protecting the people and then asked if the captives could be handed over to the county office.

In his words, the families had already shown a willingness to submit, whether through compensation or other means, but they hoped the captives could be released.

Zhang Hao, as if he had not understood the county lieutenant's hints, only said that the captives would be kept to repair the estate. As for other matters, they would be discussed after the New Year.

The county lieutenant met a soft refusal but had no way to deal with Zhang Hao.

From both a moral and legal standpoint, it was reasonable for Zhang Hao to handle the captives himself. After the previous night's battle, the county lieutenant, with only a few old, weak, and injured officers, lacked the confidence to challenge Zhang Hao. He left the estate in a huff.

Due to Zhang Hao's attitude, or perhaps because they did not know what to do next, or had already taken action but needed time to see results, the situation strangely calmed down.

---

Page Break

---

Page Break