Standalone Northern and Southern Dynasties

Chapter 536 The final outcome
Su Ze had already learned the details of the unrest in the south through Bian Ji.

Faced with such a result, Su Ze could only sigh and say that the problems of Southern Liang were difficult to reverse. The Hou Jing Rebellion in history was just the product of social contradictions accumulated to a certain extent. Even without Hou Jing, someone else would have come forward. This time, the one who stood up to challenge Xiao Yan's imperial power was Heba Sheng who fled south.

Like Hou Jing in history, Heba Sheng almost instantly gained the full support of the grassroots people of Southern Liang.

Even the common people in a country's capital joined the rebels, which shows to what extent the Southern Liang court had aroused public anger.

Once the emperor's authority is exposed, when everyone finds out that the supreme leader cannot even defeat a mere 800 rebels, all order will collapse in an instant.

Then there was chaos in Southern Liang.

Su Ze ordered a messenger to tell Hou Jing the information through the Xuan Jingsi.

As for whether he can seize this opportunity, it depends on Hou Jing's ability.

Anyway, while Xiao Yi in Jingzhou is busy fighting for the throne, it should be no problem for him to seize Jingzhou from Southern Liang.

However, this was all Su Ze could do to intervene in the civil strife in Southern Liang at this time.

Dealing with Erzhu Rong is his biggest task at present.

In Niangzi Guanzhong, Su Ze was meeting Sima Ziru, the envoy sent by Gao Huan.

Su Ze had met Sima Ziru once when he was in the Six Garrisons, and he had some impression of this most important adviser to Gao Huan.

In the historical timeline before Su Ze traveled through time, Sima Ziru was ranked among the "Four Nobles" during Gao Huan's administration. He was in charge of the political affairs of Yecheng area and was Gao Huan's most important political talent.

Perhaps it was because he had not experienced much experience in this era, or perhaps it was because his own power was too strong, but when facing Su Ze, Sima Ziru was a little timid and could not raise his head.

Sima Ziru certainly didn't know that he had achieved such great success in another time and space.

He only knew that he was facing Su Ze, who was close to unifying the entire north and was about to be conferred the title of king.

Facing this powerful leader who rose from the imperial guards, and since he was here to negotiate surrender on behalf of Gao Huan, Sima Ziru naturally did not dare to be negligent in the slightest.

By now, Su Ze had met too many historical celebrities, so he just glanced at Sima Ziru and then looked away.

Sima Ziru was not a beauty, nor did he have a stamp collecting habit, but he already had enough talented people under him.

Any leader has limited resources.

In every dynasty, there is always a local faction that is suppressed by the court.

This is almost an inevitability of political development.

If you don't invest when the business starts, and then join in later when the fruits of your labor are being divided, don't expect to get any good things.

If you resist stubbornly in the end and stand on the wrong side, you will become the target of oppression by your followers.

For example, the warriors from Guanxi in the Eastern Han Dynasty were the targets of exploitation and exclusion by the gentry from Guandong.

For example, Hebei in the Tang Dynasty was the target of exploitation by the Guanlong Group, which followed the emperor.

The total amount of resources in agricultural society is limited. Some people eat more, while others eat less.

As a monarch, the profits to his subordinates must be distributed according to the first come first served basis. If too much courtesy is given to the newly surrendered talents, it will cause resentment among the meritorious officials.

If new employees are treated better than old ones, who will work hard for you? It will be difficult to lead the team.

Gao Huan's surrender at this time was actually the last chance.

For such a surrender, Su Ze didn't need to offer too good conditions.

The reason why he was willing to meet Sima Ziru was because Gao Huan was his sworn brother when he started his career, so there was still some affection between them.

Sima Ziru finally calmed down and handed a letter written by Gao Huan to Su Ze. As he opened the letter, Su Ze asked casually:

"Has He Liuhun been able to study in these years?"

When Sima Ziru heard Su Ze mention Gao Huan's nickname, his expression finally relaxed a little.

This shows that Su Ze still recognized the old friendship in Luoyang, and at least he was able to surrender safely.

Sima Ziru relaxed and said respectfully:
"General Gao's favorite book in recent years is The Great Learning."

"Why?"

"General Gao said that it was to 'understand the etiquette between the ruler and his subjects, and know the hierarchy between superiors and subordinates.'"

Su Ze glanced at Sima Ziru and found that he was indeed a talented person. With just a casual remark from Su Ze, Sima Ziru explained Gao Huan's attitude.

Gao Huan surrendered and showed his loyalty to him.

Su Ze didn't care. In fact, at this point, it didn't matter whether Gao Huan expressed his loyalty or not.

The so-called heroes in troubled times will become capable ministers in times of peace as long as the troubled times are over.

The system has been determined, and as the losing party, Gao Huan has no hope of turning things around in his lifetime.

If you, Gao Huan, want to turn the tables, first of all, Yuwen Tai, who has been confronting Gao Huan at Shanhaiguan for these days, will not agree.

The letter written by Gao Huan was also very simple. It should have been written by him personally. It basically recalled Su Ze's old days in Luoyang, and then expressed his willingness to surrender.

All Gao Huan wanted was the safety of himself and his people, so that he could retire to the countryside.

In addition, Gao Huan also planned to capture the Khitan king on time and use Liaodong as a bargaining chip.

Su Ze could only say that as a speculation expert, Gao Huan’s timing was very accurate.

Seeing such chips being offered at this time, I am still tempted.

Su Ze said to Sima Ziru: "He Liuhun is willing to return to the right path, so this duke will naturally tolerate him. As for retiring, forget it. Let him come to my side and serve me."

Hearing this, Sima Ziru felt better. Even if he was just a close minister, he could not be without wealth and glory.

It seems that what everyone says about Duke Su being generous is indeed true!

Sima Ziru hurriedly thanked him.

Just as Sima Ziru was leaving the military camp, the envoy from Jizhou reporting victory also arrived.

After Erzhu Rong retreated, Murong Shaozong immediately launched a counterattack.

After Erzhu Rong retreated, he ordered Erzhu Shilon to guard Yecheng.

Although Chen Chong, Peng Le and others could not defeat Erzhu Rong, can't you, a mere Erzhu Shilon, be defeated?

Murong Shaozong led his troops forward and was unstoppable along the way. Erzhu Shilon was unable to organize an effective defense and finally retreated to Yecheng.

Immediately afterwards, Murong Shaozong began to attack Yecheng again. The local powerful military leaders in Jizhou also seized the last opportunity to board the ship, and welcomed the royal army with food and drink. They also provided money, food and manpower to support Murong Shaozong in attacking the city.

There were also constant rebellions inside Yecheng, and finally the city gates were breached by Murong Shaozong in less than five days.

Sima Ziru was terrified. If he had been any later, he would not even be qualified to surrender.

He hurriedly mounted his horse and returned to Liaodong to tell Gao Huan the good news.

(End of this chapter)