Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 816 Decisive Killing

Before midnight, news of victory was already arriving from outside the city, reaching Zhang Yanling... Several ships of the bandits were trying to escape, but they were intercepted by the cannons brought by his men. One ship was sunk on the river, and a large number of people were salvaging the lost valuables.

When Qin Yun returned, it was nearly four in the morning.

At this moment, Qin Yun was very excited, as if he had not yet recovered from the previous battle. His face was flushed and he said with great enthusiasm, "This time we caught the bandits off guard... After all, we did not mobilize local people to attack, which caused them to be caught off guard and we captured several passes in a row."

"Then the bandits retreated into the heavily guarded manor and refused to come out. Our army used explosives to break through several high walls of the manor in succession. In their panic, the bandits could only flee up the river."

Zhang Yanling asked, "How many were killed or injured?"

"Only two of our brothers were wounded, and neither of them were seriously injured."

Qin Yun said excitedly, "More than a dozen bandits have died, sixty or seventy have been captured alive, and countless others have sunk into the river. As of now, apart from the dead and those captured, we haven't seen any escapees."

Zhang Yanling nodded and said, "With such a large area, it's inevitable that a few will escape. Right now, we need to control the situation and not disrupt local peace."

Qin Yun said, "It is said that there are several such dens of thieves along the river all the way to Nantong. Should we send boats down the river to wipe them out as well?"

"This matter will be handled by the Duke of Cheng."

Zhang Yanling said, "We are just setting an example for him, letting him understand our determination. If he still wants to continue serving in Nanjing, he must obey the court's arrangements."

"Yes."

Qin Yun nodded.

He knew that Zhang Yanling's next plan was to lead his men to Ningbo, Zhejiang, and that there was no time to waste on suppressing the bandits along the river.

Qin Yun added, "We have seized all the bandits' valuables. This time we have made quite a haul, worth about 300,000 to 400,000 taels of silver. We also found hundreds of civilians in the dungeon. It is said that they were drugged and locked up like pigs in the inn where they were staying, and were to be sold elsewhere as slaves."

"Is there such a thing?"

Zhang Yanling frowned and said, "I thought they were still somewhat honorable thieves, but now it seems that once they have evil intentions, it is difficult for them to stay true to themselves."

"Human trafficking is an unforgivable crime... So, tomorrow, bring the ringleaders to a public place, announce their crimes on the spot, and execute them on the spot, so that the people of Yingtian Prefecture can feel the Emperor's boundless grace."

Qin Yun asked cautiously, "Won't this tempt their remaining followers hiding in the shadows to take desperate measures?"

Zhang Yanling said, "We are in the open, and they are in the dark, making it difficult to strike further. If we can get them to take risks, it will be a good opportunity to force them into the light... Hmph, let's see if they have the determination and courage!"
"I'm afraid they're just a bunch of cowards. When they learn that their accomplices have been captured, they not only don't want to retaliate, but instead flee in panic to other places to become outlaws and continue to disrupt the peace of the region."

"Eradicate all evil!"

Qin Yun nodded and said, "This subordinate understands. I will arrange for men to identify those bandits and then take them away to behead them!"

……

……

While making arrangements, Qin Yun also dispatched his subordinates to escort Qian Neng back over.

Qian Neng, on the other hand, is still unaware of what has happened inside and outside the city these past two days...

After Zhang Yanling entered the city, regardless of whether he was severely punished, at least his informants were temporarily cut off... Under the close watch of the Imperial Guards from the capital, he was temporarily unable to learn about the situation outside.

Therefore, he also felt that Zhang Yanling's side had given in and wanted to negotiate further with him.

After returning home, he couldn't sleep at night, pondering what conditions he could offer Zhang Yanling in exchange for his personal freedom and future power.

He even planned how to present his memorial to the emperor, recounting his past hardships and difficulties, hoping that the emperor would understand that he was a veteran minister of the late emperor and grant him his freedom, allowing him to stay in Nanjing to enjoy his retirement, and even have the opportunity to be transferred to another place to continue serving.

But when he arrived at the courtyard where Zhang Yanling was, he found that something was wrong.

The grim atmosphere emanating from the soldiers alone gave him a sense of impending doom and terror.

"Eunuch Qian, please."

Qin Yun urged.

Qian Neng glanced at Qin Yun's face.

Because it was late at night, the lanterns were not bright enough, only faintly illuminating a line of light on Qin Yun's face, forming a shadow that flickered between light and shadow, making Qin Yun look like a demon god, which was quite frightening.

Qian asked, "Why did you bring my family here so late at night?"

Qin Yun offered no explanation, but simply waved to the people behind him.

Having just survived a bloody battle, the soldiers didn't care what important person the money was; they carried it up as if it were a chicken.

Qian hurriedly followed, saying, "No, no, no, don't strain yourself, I can walk by myself."

He then stopped struggling and obediently followed Qin Yun to see Zhang Yanling.

……

……

inside the room.

Zhang Yanling's eyes were bloodshot, and he yawned frequently, looking very tired. It seemed he was about to fall asleep, or perhaps he had just woken up from a nap.

Qian Neng said, "Second Young Master, what are you doing? Do you have to make me come so late at night? You could have chosen another time."

"Let me show you a few people."

Zhang Yanling took out several portraits and had Qin Yun show them to Qian Neng.

Qian was surprised to see the drawings of these people: "Who are they? I don't recognize any of them."

Though he said that, he felt somewhat at ease inside.

This could at most be attributed to the strength of Zhang Yanling's intelligence network, or perhaps someone within the organization betrayed him by showing him portraits of several bandit leaders closely connected to him, much like a wanted poster.

He was thinking, "It would be better if you didn't bring this up. If you make it public, won't the people of Yingtian Prefecture all know that you are incompetent and think that the court is incompetent?"

Since you know these people have committed numerous evils, why don't you arrest them and bring them to justice? Is this the kind of skill you, Imperial Envoy, have in allowing them to wreak havoc in Southern Zhili?

At that time, you will cause the people to distrust the court and become disaffected, which will also be a heavy blow to the morale of the Jiangnan army.

Neither your brother-in-law nor anyone in the imperial court will tolerate your recklessness!

"what?"

Zhang Yanling was somewhat surprised, then shook his head and mocked, "Eunuch Qian, you really don't know these people? I originally thought that if Eunuch Qian had close ties with them and was willing to plead for them, it meant that they weren't as heinous as the legends suggested, and perhaps I would show leniency."

"Oh, there's no need for that." Qian Neng maintained his uncooperative tone, saying dismissively, "It should be done the way it should be. We can't tolerate evil!"

"Alright, since Eunuch Qian says so, let's carry out the execution tomorrow to deter all the villains in the world."

Zhang Yanling gave instructions to Qin Yun, who was standing to the side.

Qin Yun immediately bowed and said, "Yes!"

Qian Neng was completely dumbfounded when he heard this.

What are you two talking about?

Is he putting on an act in front of me?

What? Execution tomorrow?
Stop laughing!

Qin Yun said, "The initial decision is to execute nineteen people. In addition, several people who were sentenced to death with reprieve will also be severely punished, making a total of twenty-five people. They will all be beheaded and their heads displayed to the public at noon tomorrow."

"Ah."

Zhang Yanling nodded.

Qian asked, puzzled, "What exactly are these people doing? Where are they?"

"Oh, that's it..."

Zhang Yanling remained calm. "In the past two days, I dispatched men to seal up some warehouses and inns in the city, and at the same time, I raided the bandit dens outside the city that had been entrenched for many years, capturing over a thousand bandits. Currently, we have only beheaded some of the ringleaders and displayed their heads to the public. The rest will need further investigation before their fate can be decided."

Qian Neng stared in disbelief and said, "No...no way? The area around Nanjing has always been peaceful and stable. Could you...have you arrested the wrong person?"

Qin Yun sternly questioned, "This group of people are armed and self-important. They even took out firearms to resist the government troops when they came to search and confiscate their property. Do you think any private merchants have such ability to openly oppose the imperial army?"

"This this……"

Qian Neng didn't know how to respond. He still didn't believe that Zhang Yanling had made any progress, so he didn't want to talk or beg for mercy.

Furthermore, he understood that if it were true, it would be too late to plead for him at this point. If his men had already been arrested by Zhang Yanling, they would certainly not be able to escape the punishment of the law.

Zhang Yanling said, "Killing so many people at once is quite a big commotion... However, in order to reassure the local officials and people, and to give the world an explanation, it is necessary to behead the bandits and display their heads to the public."

Qian stammered, "Second...Second Young Master, you...you're not...testing our family, are you?"

Qin Yun pointed outside the courtyard: "The thieves have all been escorted into the city... Would Eunuch Qian like to go and see for himself?"

"This...how is this possible?"

Qian Neng was filled with doubt and suspicion, but still tried to remain calm, saying, "There must be... some misunderstanding... in there!"

Zhang Yanling said, "Whether there's a misunderstanding or not, I can't be bothered with it. Let them go and explain to the King of Hell."

He then picked up his teacup.

Seeing Zhang Yanling seeing the guests off, Qin Yun immediately took Qian Neng to see the high-ranking criminals who had been brought back.

When money can be seen as a reliable ally, those who can exert tremendous pressure on all officials and generals in Yingtian Prefecture and pose a serious threat to the court's rule, and who can become one's trump card at any time, are now like grasshoppers strung together with ropes, each one dejected, their faces ashen, waiting to die, finally feeling what deep despair means.

"Commander Qin, may I go see the Second Young Master again?" Qian Neng hurriedly asked. "I have some things here that I would like to offer to the Second Young Master."

Qin Yun shook his head and said, "There's no need for Eunuch Qian to worry. The Second Young Master has already sent people to search various places. I believe that even if we can't recover all the stolen goods, we won't miss much."

Qian hurriedly said, "I wish to atone for my crime by performing meritorious service!"

Qin Yun looked at Qian Neng with disdain, as if to say, "Why didn't you do this sooner?"

I gave you a chance before, but you didn't seize it. Now that you feel you're about to reach the end of your road, you're thinking of making amends.
"I have some things I'd like to give to Commander Qin."

Qian forced a smile and said, "Chief Qin is a young talent. I wonder if he lacks close friends? One always needs a confidante, right?"
"Furthermore, there are several villas in Nanjing... I know that Commander Qin doesn't usually come here, but it would be excellent to have a residence in the scenic Jiangnan region to keep beautiful women and store some... gold and silver jewelry..."

Qin Yun frowned and asked, "Eunuch Qian, do you know what you're saying and doing?"

Qin Yun seemed completely bewildered.

Everyone has their own desires!

What I seek is to shed the bad reputation of the eunuch faction, use my abilities to serve the court, strive to gain the approval of the emperor and the emperor's brother-in-law, and thereby be promoted and ennobled.

But here you are desperately trying to corrupt me in every way possible, to make me a corrupt official.
Isn’t this harming people?

Besides, I'm so young, I have a beautiful wife that other people could only dream of, and we're about to have a child. Are you trying to insult me ​​by telling me this?
Qian Neng, on the other hand, was thinking, "As a eunuch, I don't have a man's thing, so I have no need for women."

If I had one, I would definitely have three wives and four concubines, and keep dozens of mistresses. Surrounded by singers and dancers, that would probably be my greatest pursuit in life.
You're a former eunuch, so you probably don't have much political ambition. I'm giving you a chance, and you don't know how to seize it?
As a result, the two of them were completely incompatible, like chickens and ducks talking at the same time.

Qian Neng said, "Tell me what you need, and I will do my best to fulfill it."

Qin Yun said solemnly, "I have come by imperial decree to maintain peace in this region and to ensure that the foundation of the Ming Dynasty's rule is not corrupted or destroyed by corrupt officials."

"If Eunuch Qian has not committed any crimes, or if his crimes are not very serious, there is no need to worry. The Second Young Master will investigate the situation and give you justice."

"what?"

Qian Neng was shocked and asked, "Shouldn't this matter be transferred to the Ministry of Justice in Nanjing? If it involves military secrets, it could be handed over to the Governor's Office!"

Qin Yun didn't want to talk to him.

Who doesn't know that the Nanjing officialdom is corrupt and in cahoots?
If they really intended to punish you severely, they wouldn't have let you live comfortably until now. They would have either arrested you and put you in the Imperial Guard, then killed you and submitted a memorial saying you committed suicide out of fear of punishment, to avoid trouble.

Now that the Emperor's brother-in-law has completely eliminated your influence, you say you want to hand over your case to the Nanjing Ministry of Justice for trial? To put it bluntly, your biggest asset right now is your access to dirt on those generals and officials in Nanjing. If you use that information, it might actually allow you to turn the tide!

Having followed the Second Young Master for two years, I've long since learned this trick. Do you think I'd fall for your scheme now?
Qin Yun waved his hand: "Take them away and await their fate!"

"Commander Qin, we can talk things over."

Qian Neng shouted loudly, knowing that after this parting, he might never see Zhang Yanling again, let alone Qin Yun.

If someone wants to redeem their life through certain means, they need a channel to do so. Subordinates wouldn't dare to openly disobey their superiors' orders; only officials of Qin Yun's rank would be qualified to speak on their behalf.

Qin Yun, however, turned his face away like an incorruptible judge, and shouted, "Take him away!"

……

……

Early morning, the Duke of Cheng's residence.

Zhu Fu returned early in the morning, waiting for his elderly father to wake up.

It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that Zhu Yi emerged from the inner courtyard, looking somewhat weary. He seemed disturbed from his sweet dreams and a little unhappy, because in the past two days, people had come to give him gifts, quite a lot of sensual and extravagant items.

Although Qian Neng couldn't pass on the news, because his forces were being wiped out one after another, the merchants and gentry who had close ties with him were sending him gifts in order to protect themselves.

Or rather, this group of people were testing the waters.

If you, Zhu Yi, accept our gifts, it means we will be fine.

We can also continue our monopoly on all industries in Nanjing by currying favor, ensuring our family's long-term prosperity.

"Why are you back?"

Zhu Yi, seeing her son, was somewhat curious. She casually wiped her face with a damp cloth, tossed it aside, and asked, "Didn't you go out of the city? Did you come back halfway because you didn't find anything?"

Zhu Fu said, "The matter has been completed... This is truly something I have never heard of or seen before!"

"what?"

Zhu Yi frowned and said, "What nonsense are you talking about so early in the morning?"

Zhu Fu sighed, "Father, are you still able to sleep? Do you know that last night, the young imperial uncle's troops, numbering only a few hundred, utterly routed several waves of bandits outside the city? After the battle, our side didn't even lose a single man?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yi waved his hand and said, "I don't want to hear the details. In other words, the young man from the Zhang family really did act bravely and wiped out those river bandits who were causing trouble in the area outside the city?"

Zhu Fu said, "It's not just annihilation, it's utterly devastating..."

"Go to audiobooks less often in the future."

Zhu Yi said, "Speak your mind, don't make a fuss."

Zhu Fu looked aggrieved: "Father, you simply can't understand. The cannons they brought look small and lightweight, but they are extremely powerful. One shot can blow up an entire earthen village on the other side..."

"Go away, go away, what nonsense are you talking about?"

Zhu Yi sneered and rebuked, "Can you see clearly from a distance? Don't spout such unrealistic nonsense."

“But Father, I saw it with my own eyes, and the soldiers below also saw it. Not one of them failed to marvel at it,” Zhu Fu explained. “It truly felt like the earth was collapsing and splitting open after just one cannon shot!”

"Some say that unless gunpowder was planted in the village beforehand, the combined effect of the two wouldn't have been that powerful. But even so, a single shot couldn't have caused such destructive force!"

Zhu Yi shook his head and said, "Cannons are powerful, but limited by gunpowder, they can't achieve the devastating effect you described."

Zhu Fu tentatively asked, "Could it be caused by newly developed gunpowder?"

"Hmph, what nonsense are you spouting now?"

Zhu Yi said, "You're making it sound so eloquent, but let me ask you this: have he completely destroyed all the earthen fortresses outside the city? Surely things haven't gone smoothly?"

"You know what, there aren't a single one left."

Zhu Fu shook his head and said, "Not only that, but even the pirates' ships were either seized on the spot or sunk directly. Not a single one escaped!"

"From beginning to end, the bandits didn't even have a chance to fight back! The vast majority of them surrendered without resistance, and the valuables seized from them alone are estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of taels of silver!"

"What……"

Zhu Yi was momentarily confused.

I got up early this morning to listen to some esoteric nonsense here?
Zhu Fu continued, "I heard that Young Master Zhang is about to leave Yingtian Prefecture for Ningbo Port. Father, would you like to see him? If we are too late, I'm afraid..."

"What are you waiting for?"

Zhu Yi said, "Such a big thing happened, why didn't you tell your father sooner? What are you still standing here for? Come on! Let's talk as we walk!"

(End of this chapter)