Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

"Draft a notice immediately,"

Li Bi said, enunciating each word clearly, "In the name of the Governor-General of Han affairs, issue this order to Chang'an City and all surrounding counties, informing all officials and civilians!"

He took a deep breath and uttered the words that were both tempting and bloody:

"The proclamation should clearly state: From this day forward, anyone, whether an official, gentry, or commoner, who discovers the whereabouts or hiding places of the remnants of the former Han dynasty's puppet imperial family, or who knows of their conspiracy, may secretly report it to the local government!"

"Upon verification, the informant will be rewarded with one hundred taels of silver! If a major traitor is apprehended as a result, the reward will be one thousand taels of silver, and the informant may be granted an official position!"

He paused, his tone growing even colder: "At the same time, the notice must also issue a stern warning! Anyone who knows about such matters but fails to report them, or who harbors or aids traitors, will be treated as an accomplice, executed without mercy, and their property confiscated!"

This is the combination of bounties and collective punishment, aimed at mobilizing the power of the people to weave an omnipresent net, leaving no place for those hidden remnants to hide!

A glint flashed in Zhao Ming's eyes as he immediately understood the ruthlessness and effectiveness of the notice, and promptly replied:

"Your humble servant understands! This plan is brilliant!"

"A generous reward will surely attract brave men, and with the deterrent effect of severe punishments, those remaining traitors will become rats crossing the street, hated by everyone!"

"I will draft the document immediately, and have the notice posted throughout the city today!"

Wang Yu and Zhang Tao both agreed with this strategy.

"That's exactly what we want—to make them like rats crossing the street!"

Li Bi slammed his fist heavily on the table, a fierce glint flashing across his face:

"We must not give these remnants of the Han imperial family any way out! Otherwise, it will be us who die, our entire families!"

These words struck a nerve with the group. They exchanged glances and saw the same determination in each other's eyes.

To survive, you must be more ruthless than your enemy!

"Gentlemen, let's get started!"

Li Bi stood up and gave a final summary: "Maintain order, eliminate the remaining rebels, and implement new policies!"

"These three things are the foundation for our survival and livelihood right now!"

"Only by accomplishing these three things can we truly gain a foothold in this new dynasty, live up to His Majesty's expectations, and secure a future for ourselves!"

"Yes!"

Wang Yu, Zhang Tao, and Zhao Ming agreed in unison, and without further delay, they each hurriedly left to carry out the agreed-upon matters.

A more meticulous and brutal purge targeting the remnants of the previous dynasty is about to unfold across this land that has just been ravaged by blood and fire, with the drafting of this bounty notice.

For their own survival and interests, Li Bi and others have resolved to use the most thorough means to bury all traces of the old era, along with those restless ghosts.

The following morning, a lingering sense of tension and impending doom still permeated Chang'an City, but basic order had been restored to the streets.

Soldiers and yamen runners patrolled the streets, and some bolder shops tentatively removed their doors and began operating.

The new notices posted at major intersections drew large crowds of people whispering among themselves.

The words "a reward of one hundred to one thousand taels of silver" were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring ripples in the hearts of many.

Inside the temporary military camp located in the west of the city, however, was a completely different scene.

Ran Ming's five thousand cavalrymen had already risen and were silently tidying up their gear, checking their horses' saddles and bridles, and wiping their weapons and armor, preparing for the long-distance raid that was about to begin.

The air was thick with a sense of oppression and restlessness before battle.

Inside the central command tent, Ran Ming had just finished his breakfast.

A large bowl of meat soup and several thick flatbreads.

He was wiping the massive, door-like sword with a cloth. The bloodstains from last night had been carefully removed, and the blade gleamed with a cold, eerie light once more.

Just then, a guard outside the tent reported: "General, Shen Baihu, a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, requests an audience."

"Let him in," Ran Ming said without looking up.

The curtain was lifted, and Deng Hao, a commander of the Imperial Guard, dressed in a flying fish robe and with an embroidered spring knife at his waist, strode in.

His face was sharp and capable, his eyes piercing. He clasped his hands in a respectful but not servile gesture towards Ran Ming.

"Your humble servant Deng Hao greets General Ran."

"Hmm, what's up? Speak." Ran Ming continued wiping his beloved knife, his tone casual.

Deng Hao straightened up and reported in a clear and steady voice:

"Reporting to the General, according to my subordinate's investigation, Lord Li Bi urgently summoned officials Wang Yu, Zhang Tao, Zhao Ming, and others for a meeting yesterday afternoon. After the meeting, he quickly took several measures."

He reported in a clear and organized manner: "Firstly, Wang Yu should take charge to do everything possible to appease the people in the city, restore the market, and urge the various government offices to operate smoothly, in an attempt to eliminate the impact of the war as soon as possible."

"Secondly, Zhang Tao strengthened the city's defenses and patrols, and did not slacken the training of the new recruits."

"Thirdly, and most importantly..."

Deng Hao paused, then emphasized, "Drafted by Zhao Ming, and issued in the name of Li Bi, the governor of Han territory, a strongly worded proclamation was sent to Chang'an and the surrounding counties."

"A large reward has been announced to encourage officials and the public to secretly report the whereabouts of the remnants of the previous dynasty. Those who harbor or fail to report such activities will be treated as accomplices and executed without pardon. This notice has been posted throughout the city this morning."

He summarized the actions of Li Bi and others very clearly.

Ran Ming paused slightly as he wiped the blade, then an undisguised look of satisfaction spread across his rugged face, and he suddenly burst into a loud laugh:

"Hahaha! Good! Well done, Li Bi! You're quick and ruthless!"

He slammed his massive sword to the ground with a clang, stood up, and his leopard eyes gleamed with a sharp light.

"They're trying to appease the public, strengthen security, and even come up with this ruthless tactic of offering a bounty for his capture."

"This is going to drive those hiding rats to their deaths, completely eradicating them!"

He stroked his bald head, paced back and forth a couple of times, and spoke with admiration for Chu Ning:

"It seems His Majesty's prediction was indeed correct! This Li Bi is indeed a clever man who knows when to advance and retreat, and who also knows how to show his loyalty!"

"Knowing when to do what, if used properly, he is indeed a swift and effective tool to manage the Han territory for His Majesty!"

Deng Hao stood with his head bowed, awaiting further instructions from Ran Ming.

Ran Ming stopped in his tracks, his gaze hardening, a decision already made in his heart.

He was originally ordered to lie in wait and observe, in order to ensure that Li Bi and others had no ulterior motives and that chaos would not break out in the Han region immediately after he left.

Now, Li Bi not only swiftly quelled the rebellion, but also began to decisively eliminate the remaining rebels and stabilize order.

This series of proactive actions undoubtedly demonstrates his "loyalty" and competence through concrete deeds.

Since that's the case, there's no need for Ran Ming to stay in this relatively safe rear area any longer.

Having achieved his objective, he should now proceed to the next phase of his mission.