Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 325 Divide the King Equally

Jinan County, Licheng.

West Street is where the city's market is located.

There is a high platform at the entrance of the city, called the Thief Catching Platform. On weekdays, it is used by minor officials to monitor the situation in the city to check whether there are fires, thieves, bullying and so on.

But now, the platform is surrounded by armored soldiers.

Outside the platform, many people gathered there. They looked at the platform blankly, feeling uneasy.

They were forced to come here. The soldiers under the command of the mandrill general who came from Hebei were particularly ferocious. They had been running around the city since yesterday to announce the execution, requiring all male members of each household to come to the high platform on West Street to watch the execution. Others could come if they wanted.

The people of Licheng have been tortured so badly that they dare not do anything to disobey the government.

They all thought that this was an attempt to capture all the men as laborers or soldiers.

Before the appointed time came, the men in every household bid farewell to their families, wiping their tears and coming to West Street amid the wailing.

These people don’t know what is waiting for them next.

Thinking of their young children or elderly parents at home, they just shed tears silently.

People from further away were coming one after another.

There are more and more people.

But the strange thing is that although so many people came here, there was not the slightest noise and no one talked to each other. These so-called men were either half-grown children or white-haired old men.

They stood there silently, with obvious traces of tears on their faces, and huddled inward, looking highly defensive against everything.

In the distance, an army was marching quickly, led by a man who looked like a general.

The crowd was suddenly in panic. Some knelt down, some lay down, and some bumped into the people around them.
Liu Taozi walked up to the platform and looked at the men in front of her.

"I am General Liu Taozi!"

Liu Taozi's voice was exceptionally loud and could be heard from far away, but those who were further behind might not be able to hear it.

Liu Taozi looked at the people around him who were all terrified, "Don't be afraid, elders of Licheng!"

"I heard that the King of Nanyang in the temple was killing people here, so I led my troops here and subdued him and his minions."

"Today, we will sentence them to death in front of all the elders!!"

"Someone, bring it up!"

Liu Taozi gave the order, and immediately soldiers escorted more than 20 people onto the platform. Some of these people were still wearing official uniforms, while others were dressed as military officers.

These are officials from the prefectures and counties. Unlike the prefect who at least rebelled, these are beasts who sold out their humanity for profit.

Liu Taozhi asked several soldiers to read out their crimes together.

"Zheng Sidang, the Chief Clerk of Qi! He colluded with the King of Nanyang and flattered his master for glory. In order to please his master, he slaughtered five innocent people. He also participated in attacking government offices, plotted rebellion, murdered his colleagues, and betrayed loyal officials. His crimes are extremely serious. There is no need for a trial. He should be executed!!!"

Zheng Sidang's hair was disheveled and he looked miserable. He raised his head and stared at Liu Taozi in the distance, "Qihu!! You can't kill me! You can't kill me! You can't control me! You can't control me!"

"Pfft~~"

The soldier chopped off with his sword, the head rolled off, and blood spurted out.

This sudden change really scared the people. When they saw the headless body falling to the ground, there was silence under the platform.

I don't know who started it, but suddenly someone clapped and cheered.

"Qizhou Beijia, please don't be shy!"

"Colluded with the King of Nanyang, plotted rebellion, acted as an accomplice to the tiger, participated in attacking government offices, proposed policies that would make the people suffer, and used wild beasts to harm innocent people. No need for a trial, execute him!!"

"Jinan County Magistrate. Execute!!"

"Licheng County Magistrate. Execute!!!"

The charges were read out one by one, and heads fell to the ground one after another. The soldiers dragged away the headless bodies and began to replace them with the next batch of criminals.

Below the platform, the expressions of the people were becoming more and more excited. Every time someone was killed, some people would start clapping and cheering, and shouting. When they shouted, they were almost hysterical, as if they wanted to vent all the humiliation and injustice they had endured in these days.

The performance of these officials was also extremely poor. Some were frightened to the point of fainting, some cried for mercy, and some shouted insults.

But no matter what, it can't change their final outcome.

After dealing with the officials, they began to deal with the clerks and soldiers.

Although these people were acting on Gao Chuo's orders, they were the executors of many tragedies.

Sure enough, when these little people were pushed up, the people began to become more agitated. They had only heard about the evil deeds of the officials who had been dealt with before, but these "little people" in front of them were the ones who had actually made them experience evil deeds.

Someone tried to rush up and beat them up, but was stopped by the soldiers.

Some people pointed at the official and cursed him, while others broke down and cried.

Liu Taozi once again had his crimes read out.

The people looked at these evil ghosts who had killed their families being pressed to the ground and having their heads chopped off with a knife, but they did not feel any excitement of revenge, but only endless sorrow.

Not only the criminals, but also the soldiers were replaced batch after batch.

The last one to come up was Gao Chuo.

The demon who was once high and mighty is now kneeling on a high platform, facing the people of Licheng with a face full of fear.

When he was brought up, there seemed to be a pause below the platform.

Obviously everyone still knows each other's identity.

Gao Chuo looked at Liu Taozi in horror, tears and snot running down his face, and said, "I am the emperor's brother! I am your majesty's biological brother! I am the eldest son of the retired emperor! You can't kill me. You can't kill me."

"Read the crimes!!"

The sergeant stood aside and began to read out Gao Chuo's crimes.

In front of Gao Chuo, the crimes of the others instantly became insignificant.

Gao Chuo's evil deeds are too numerous to list. Countless people died at his hands, many of whom were brutally killed or tortured to death by various inhumane methods. In officialdom, during the busy farming season, he summoned the people to fetch water to build ponds for him, attacked government offices, and killed officials. These were all serious crimes.

After the soldiers read out Gao Chuo's crimes one by one, Liu Taozi finally gave the order.

"Crucifixion!"

The execution of this punishment requires the cooperation of a doctor and special soldiers to separate Gao Chuo and take him apart bit by bit.

Gao Chuo kept screaming. The soldiers were quite skilled, swinging their knives as if they were dismantling a pig or a dog. Gao Chuo fainted in pain. A doctor hurriedly revived him and then continued the execution. After an unknown amount of time, the incomplete Gao Chuo was finally cut in half on the platform.

However, the people did not vomit due to nausea.

Gao Chuo riding on a big horse was the nightmare of the whole city. As they watched him being torn apart bit by bit in excruciating pain, cheers rang out again.

Liu Taozi stood solemnly on the platform and looked at everyone.

"From now on, no matter where the officials are, if they dare to bully the people and run rampant in the local area, they will be treated like today!!"

"Long live the General!!!"

"Long live the general!!"

Under the platform, the people shouted loudly. Liu Taozi asked people to clean up the scene and turned to leave.

Soon, there were no residues left here, only the indelible bloodstains still revealing everything that happened here. Many heads were hung on the city wall, and even a few dog heads could be seen among them. The heads of big dogs were also chopped off and hung up like this. The original man-eating viciousness was finally gone from the eyes of the big dogs, leaving only fear, just like the innocent people they ate.

A cold wind blew, and the heads collided again, making a series of noises.

The people of Licheng rushed to tell each other, and the city was instantly in an uproar. Some people came to the city wall on crutches, just to curse those people so that they would not have peace even after death.

After a few days, a group of people finally arrived in Licheng in a hurry.

There were more than a hundred riders in this group, and the leader was Zu Ting.

Zu Ting quickly entered the city and ran all the way to the government office.

Finally I met Liu Taozi.

As soon as he saw Liu Taozi, Zu Ting showed a helpless look, "My Lord, you... this..."

Liu Taozi sat in the upper seat with a calm expression, "I let Yan Heita lead a group of people to continue towards Qingguang, which will not delay the war." After Wang Lin surrendered, Zu Ting proposed to take Guangzhou.

After nearly a year of accumulation, although it is still unrealistic to take over the entire south, if only Qing and Guang states are taken, it is more than enough. After all, the six border states in the mainland have been developed under Liu Taozi's rule for many years. Not to mention the military strength, the reserve of officials is still sufficient. What's more, this is a populous state, and trustworthy people can be recruited from the local area for appointment in the future.

The group then formulated a strategy.

Liu Taozi led the Mandrill Camp to attack Qingguang.

Zu Ting guessed that the governors of these two states were all timid people. As long as Liu Taozi could give them huge defensive pressure, they would certainly send a large number of troops to the front line to garrison. Qingguang and other states had built many fortresses, which were all relics of the previous dynasty, but they were quite useful.

When the troops of these two states are blocking the way in front, Wang Lin can land from the coast of Gwangju and directly attack the rear to capture the king.

Zu Ting believed that there was no time to hesitate and that troops must be dispatched as soon as possible.

Liu Taozi led the cavalry from Pingcheng all the way to Qingzhou under his jurisdiction, while Wang Lin rushed to Youzhou.

After resting, Zu Ting stayed in Taozi Qingzhou to be responsible for logistics and transportation, while Liu Taozi led his troops to attack Qi Qingzhou.

Liu Taozi had just headed towards Qingzhou when he suddenly divided his troops, changed direction, and led his men to Qizhou.

This really confused his subordinates.

When the people sent by Liu Taozi arrived at Zu Ting's place, Zu Ting finally understood the situation and chased after them in a hurry.

Liu Taozi looked at the helpless Zu Ting and explained, "All along the way, I saw the dead from Qizhou, big and small, thousands of people. I stopped them and asked about their situation."

“I just couldn’t stand what they said.”

"I understand what you said, my lord, but we can take action after we capture Gwangju."

"Every day this beast lives, thousands of people will suffer."

"I can not wait."

Zu Ting shook his head. "Well, my lord, you have used such a cruel punishment to punish the emperor's brother. From now on, we will no longer be able to use the identity of Qi Chen."

"Why, Grandpa is reluctant to let go?"

"No, it's just that many things will no longer be so convenient. This royal brother was executed by the lord in this way. The royal family of Great Qi has lost face. From now on, the south of the river will probably enter a state of complete separatism and will no longer pay attention to the court."

Zu Ting frowned and thought about many things.

He still felt that his master was being a little too hasty.

It's not that the King of Nanyang cannot be killed. If my lord hands this man over to me, I have a hundred ways to make him die even more miserably than he is now.

But he really shouldn't be executed in public.

This will certainly completely destroy the imperial power of Da Qi.

The officials south of the river were already watching. The emperor's own brother had been skinned alive in public, so who would care about the Great Qi in the future?

After this incident spreads, many areas south of the river will probably gradually break away from the Great Qi regime and become small princes, no longer obeying any orders. Once they are dispersed, the enemies on both sides will have the opportunity to attack.

The more Zu Ting thought about it, the more he sighed.

"My lord, if there are such things in the future, you can let me handle it. Even if you want to do it personally, you can also ask for the advice of the ministers first."

Liu Taozi replied: "I know what you are worried about. I have never thought of retaking these insects in the name of Da Qi. What we have done in Hebei has destined them not to surrender easily. In this case, there is no need to worry anymore."

"This guy is extremely evil. Making him an example may serve as a warning."

Zu Ting smiled bitterly, "My Lord, do you think those people can think of this? They will only think that you are killing the royal family to intimidate everyone and are preparing to officially ascend the throne and become emperor. Apart from that, they will not consider anything else."

Liu Taozi did not continue to dwell on this topic. He asked, "Did the Yan Heita send you any scouts?"

"Yes."

"General Yan attacked several cities in Qingzhou and read out the order from the governors of Qingzhou and Guangzhou."

"At present, these two states are preparing troops to stop General Yan's offensive."

Liu Taozi slowly stood up and looked at Zu Ting, "Since you are here, I should go over too."

"Qizhou is left to you."

Zu Ting stood up in a hurry and said, "My Lord, we have only prepared officials from two states. As for Qizhou, I will find a way."

Liu Taozi nodded and said, "Thank you for your help, Grandfather."

Zu Ting's expression gradually eased, and he smiled again, "My lord, just go ahead and fight. As long as you don't take over the whole world tomorrow, I can handle it!"

"Okay, I'll try my best."

"Hahaha~~~"

Liu Taozi left Zu Ting there and led his troops away.

When the general riding on the black horse led the knights through the street, many people quickly appeared on both sides of the road. They did not dare to get too close, but just stood where they were and saluted to the mandrill general who had eliminated the evil spirits.

On both sides of the road, there were people coming to see him off.

Liu Taozi did not dismount, but with a stern face, he still led his troops out of Licheng and headed for the front line with that cruel and cold look.

Outside the tall city walls, there are three garrisons standing to guard the city.

Yan Heita led the cavalry and galloped past these garrisons. For a moment, random arrows were shot out from the city. They were not a volley, and the arrows were not powerful enough to pose any threat at all.

The Yan Heitai made a full circle, and several Wu Lei did the same thing, shooting arrows continuously, regardless of whether the arrows could cause any damage to the enemy. It was as if they were using this method to intimidate the enemy.

Tell the enemy, don't come near me, I have a crossbow!!
The Yan Heitai formed their battle formation again and stared at the several Wu Lei in the distance with disdain in their eyes.

Their actions not only failed to intimidate the enemy, but instead exposed their true colors. Yan Heita could see at a glance that several of Wu Lei's defenders had no knowledge of warfare and their soldiers lacked training.

Yan Heita frowned, and an officer beside him stepped forward slowly, "General Yan, these people have no fighting power, why not capture them before the general arrives and present them to him."

"No need."

Yan Heita said calmly: "The general's order was for us to harass the garrisons, cities, and posthouses on the front line, and he did not order us to attack the city."

"There is no need to attach so much importance to this military achievement. Let's stay here and wait for the general to arrive."

"Also, have the military craftsman build a few more catapults."

"only!!"

The Yan Heitai camped outside the city and began to have their craftsmen build siege weapons. They did not rush to attack the city, which was a huge pain and torment for the people in the city.

They dared not leave the city, nor fight back, and watched helplessly as preparations were made to claim their lives.

Although Yan Heita had no intention of taking the city in advance and presenting it to the general, he had no choice but to agree as the morale in the city was low.

On the third day of the camp, Liu Taozi had not yet arrived, but the defenders of the city surrendered the city.

The commander tied himself up and came to the camp crying, begging for forgiveness.

Yan Heita was quite helpless about this and had to take over the city and continue waiting for Liu Taozi.

It was not until the fifth day that Liu Taozi arrived here.

The two men sat in the government office, and Yan Heita told them intelligence from various places.

"My lord, the garrisons in various places have no desire to fight and have no intention of fighting. We don't even need the princes to take them down."

"After I led my troops to their territory, many cities in Qingzhou saw people fleeing. People from Qingzhou were all running to Guangzhou, but I did not take the initiative to intercept them."

"The governor of Qingzhou seems to have also fled. He has not organized any army at all. The garrisons in various places are still the same. There is no change at all."

Yan Heita felt that Zu Ting's strategy was still too conservative. These idiots were even more stupid than Zu Ting had expected. They didn't even have the ability to organize a real line of defense. Everywhere was in chaos. Yan Heita even felt that if the general gave all the cavalry to him, he could break into Guangzhou within six days and capture the Guangzhou governor. This would not be difficult at all.

Liu Taozi glanced at Yan Heita and said seriously, "Don't underestimate him."

"Those two governors are stupid, but Qing and Guang states have always been home to many powerful people. They will soon find a way to fight back."

"There have been many internal conflicts between these two states in the past. Now that they see us coming, I'm afraid they will join forces to deal with us."

"If we can take the two states at the lowest cost, there is no need to force an attack."

"only!!"

(End of this chapter)