sovbooks Chapter 1487 The Promise of Scorched Earth
Chapter 1487 The Promise of Scorched Earth
Chapter 1487 The Promise of Scorched Earth
The fourteenth, fifteenth, and first half of the sixteenth year of the Yanxi reign were, excluding natural disasters, the most peaceful time in the land.
The absence of armed conflict between the Han, Wei, and Wu kingdoms provided a rare respite.
In June of the sixteenth year of the Yanxi era, Pengcheng, sweltering like a furnace, welcomed an uninvited guest.
The Han envoy Pang Hong (son of Pang Tong) wore a scholar's cap, a dark red silk robe, and carried a nine-section gilded bamboo staff. He strode into the General's mansion with his head held high.
The armored soldiers on both sides stood with their hands on their swords, their eyes fixed on Pang Hong.
Sima Zhao sat upright in the main seat, with a Boshan incense burner on the lacquered table in front of him. The smoke curled up, but it could not hide the bloodshot in his eyes.
The Grand Secretary Jia Chong stood on the left, gently swaying a whisk in his hand.
Zhong Hui, the Grand Secretary, stood to the right, his eyes lowered as he fiddled with the jade pendant at his waist.
"Lord Pang, you've had a long and arduous journey," Sima Zhao said, his voice slightly hoarse.
"The wisdom and strategy of the young master were unparalleled in his time, but alas, he did not live long. Now, seeing the demeanor of the magistrate, one can see the resemblance to him."
Pang Hong, holding his imperial staff, bowed slightly and said, "General, you flatter me. If my late father were alive today, seeing the restoration of the Han Dynasty and the decline of the Wei forces, he would surely clap his hands and laugh."
Upon hearing this, both Sima Zhao and Jia Chong's expressions changed drastically.
After exchanging pleasantries, Pang Hong unfolded the official letter and read it aloud: —
In the past, the Grand General sent an envoy to Chang'an, pointing to the heavens and swearing: "If the Han army ceases hostilities for two years, Wei shall offer up Qing and Xu as compensation."
The time has come. The people of Qing and Xu provinces await the royal army like parched seedlings await rain. We hope that the General will keep his promise and enable the officials and people of the two provinces to return to Han assimilation, thus avoiding war.
If they remain obstinate, the heavenly army will march south, and Pengcheng will likely be unable to defend against it.
The appointed time has come; why hesitate? Could it be that the General intends to follow the example of Gongsun Yuan, relying on the distance of Liaodong to betray the Central Plains?
The air in the hall froze.
Sima Zhao smiled bitterly, a smile tinged with helplessness:
"Your Excellency's words are weighty, how could I possibly forget my promise? However, the transfer of granaries and treasuries, and the sorting out of people's registers and land deeds, cannot be accomplished overnight."
"Please grant me an extension of six months, until the end of the year and before the cold winter, so that the officials and people can return north and the city can be completely intact."
"June?" Pang Hong raised an eyebrow, tapping his staff lightly on the ground. "The two-year period has already passed, and the General still speaks of 'June'?"
“My lord has said: ‘The people long for the king’s army as an infant longs for milk; if it is delayed for even one day, they will go hungry for even one day.’ I fear that the time in June will chill the hearts of the people to the tune of the kingdom.”
Jia Chong interjected at the opportune moment:
"Your Excellency is wise. When Emperor Guangwu pacified Hebei, he also prioritized the well-being of the people before consolidating the territory."
"If we rush into the transaction now, it may cause unrest among displaced people, which would harm Han De. The date in June is the safest option."
Zhong Hui suddenly raised his head: "Lord Pang, I have something to say."
"Qing and Xu prefectures comprise twelve counties and nearly a hundred towns, with tens of thousands of household registers, dozens of official granaries, and more than ten armories."
"Even working day and night, it would take three months to inventory and register, let alone relocation and resettlement. A six-month deadline is already asking too much."
Pang Hong turned to look at the two men, his gaze sharp as a sword: "I cannot agree with what you two have said."
"If Wei is truly willing to hand over the goods, why not make preparations earlier? The two-year agreement is not something we only learned about today."
He paused, his tone turning cold:
“When my late father assisted Emperor Zhaolie in taking Yizhou, he said: ‘Now, because of this opportunity, we can seize it, and then you can secure the province without having to fight.’”
"However, the hesitation at that time led to three years of fierce fighting and the loss of many soldiers."
"Now that the General has already promised two years, why is he proposing a 'June' timeframe? Does he intend to repeat Liu Zhang's mistakes, fearing that delay will lead to unforeseen changes?"
Zhong Hui chuckled: "Your Excellency's analogy of military affairs to political matters is rather inappropriate."
"The key to seizing a prefecture or county lies in speed; the key to transferring civil administration lies in stability. If we seek speed and cause chaos, wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?"
Sima Zhao then adopted a sincere expression:
"My lord, if Zhao has any disloyal intentions, Heaven will punish him! In truth, the affairs of Qing and Xu are complicated, and June is already the fastest time."
"If we force the handover to take place in one or two months, I fear the counties will collapse and the roads will be blocked by displaced people. This is not what the Han state wants to see, is it?"
Pang Hong remained silent, his fingers gently stroking the bamboo joints of the staff.
After a long silence, he slowly said, "June is too long. Chang'an can't wait. I'll give you three months at most."
"The delivery must be completed by the end of the autumn harvest in September; this is the bottom line."
Sima Zhao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but his face showed difficulty:
"March... Enough! Since I am forced by the magistrate, I will do my utmost and it will be accomplished within three months!"
Sima Zhao breathed a sigh of relief, but a troubled look appeared on his face. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly straightened his clothes, stood up, and solemnly bowed towards Chang'an in the north.
When he turned to face Pang Hong, his face had changed to one of compassion and empathy:
"Since Prefect Pang insisted on the three-month deadline, Zhao... dared not refuse again."
He paused, then continued, "However, Zhao still has something to say, which I hope Your Excellency will convey to the Han Emperor."
"The people of Qing and Xu prefectures have been influenced by the Wei dynasty for many years. Although they have heard of the benevolence of the royal army, they are inevitably bewildered by the sudden change in laws and regulations."
"Although Zhao was dull-witted, he knew the principle that 'the people are the foundation of the state, and when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace.'"
Pang Hong slowly asked, "What do you mean by that, General?"
Sima Zhao sighed deeply: "In my opinion, the 'will of the people' should be the priority in matters of handover."
"Since the Han dynasty was founded on benevolence and righteousness, it would not be willing to use weapons to force the people to flee."
He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said loudly:
"Therefore, Zhao hereby swears: During the handover period, all people of Qing and Xu who wish to return to the Han territory in the north shall be escorted out of the country by Zhao with troops, and given three months' worth of rations, so that they may safely submit to the rule of the king."
"Those who wish to migrate south to the Wu territory will not be stopped by Zhao, and will be allowed to take their family property with them to cross the border, so as to show the benevolence of the Han dynasty in 'not hindering the people's choice'."
He looked up and stared directly at Pang Hong: "In this way, the people will each find their place, the Han state will gain land without losing the hearts of the people, and the Wu state will gain the people and be grateful for the virtue of the Han."
"This is a perfect solution that achieves all three objectives, and it also demonstrates... the benevolence and righteousness of the Han Dynasty extends throughout the world. What do you think, my lord?"
"As for the money and grain in the treasury..." he paused, "...it is all the hard-earned money of the people, and should be returned to the people in its entirety to demonstrate the virtue of the Han Dynasty. Would that satisfy you, my lord?"
These words sounded grand and righteous, but the Han dynasty was known throughout the world for its benevolence and righteousness, forcing Pang Hong to accept them.
Pang Hong stared at Sima Zhao for a moment, then suddenly smiled:
"General...you've really gone to great lengths. Could it be that you intend to use 'benevolence and righteousness' as a pretext to carry out 'migranting'?"
Sima Zhao looked aggrieved: "Why do you say such things, my lord? It is precisely because I am concerned about the reputation of 'benevolence and righteousness' of the Han state that I have made this suggestion."
"If the Han state does not wish to demonstrate benevolence and insists on forcibly relocating and seizing... then Zhao will have nothing to say and can only obey orders."
Pang Hong remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Since the General is so 'wise and righteous,' I will report back truthfully."
"We only hope that when the time comes in September, the land of Qing and Xu will be 'returned to Han intact, and the people's hearts will be with them'."
He emphasized the phrase "the people's hearts have turned to him," bowed with his staff, and turned to leave.
-
Just as Pang Hong's carriage left the mansion gate, a captain rushed inside to report:
"General! Rumors have suddenly spread in Pengcheng that two years ago there was a secret agreement that 'after the Han army has ceased fighting for two years, Wei will surrender Qing and Xu.'"
"Now the news is known to every woman and child! Some even say that the general was not sincere and was just delaying the inevitable in order to prepare for war against the Han!"
These words struck Sima Zhao like a thunderbolt, leaving his head buzzing.
Jia Chong's face turned deathly pale.
Zhong Hui narrowed his eyes.
"I knew it, I knew it..."
Sima Zhao slumped down, muttering, "That Feng Yong would never have sent just one person..."
“What a clever move to use the common people as a weapon…” Zhong Hui said slowly. “Pang Hong has only been in the city for half a day, and rumors have already spread throughout the streets and alleys.”
"This is no temporary arrangement; it must be the work of Han spies who have been lying in wait for this day to launch their attack."
Sima Zhao suddenly stood up, intending to kick over the lacquered table, but then stopped himself.
He wanted to curse, but only dared to lower his voice and grit his teeth as he said:
"Feng Yong... if you want my land, I'll give it to you. But are you trying to ruin my reputation by doing this?!"
Jia Chong said urgently, "General, we must investigate now..."
“Too late!” Zhong Hui interrupted, speaking calmly. “Once rumors are spread, they can’t be taken back like spilled water.”
"The most urgent task is to counter it. The Han state wants the name of 'trustworthiness and righteousness,' so the general will give them the substance of 'trustworthiness and righteousness.'"
Sima Zhao turned his head: "What do you mean, Shi Ji?"
Zhong Hui bowed and said, "The General has already agreed to a three-month period. This agreement is in the public eye and cannot be changed."
However, there is much to discuss regarding 'how to settle the transaction'.
He walked to the map and traced his finger across the various prefectures of Qing and Xu:
"What the Han state wants is to 'return the jade intact to Han,' including the city, granaries, and households—nothing should be missing."
“Then we will proceed as agreed, but this ‘jade’… an empty jade is also a perfect jade.”
A fierce glint flashed in Sima Zhao's eyes: "Go on."
"On the surface, each prefecture and county continued to compile and count the records as usual, and sent officials to report the progress to the Han envoys daily to show their sincerity."
"Secretly, they implemented a 'scorched earth policy': burning granaries and relocating large families."
Zhong Hui paused for a moment, then said, “However, this matter requires a special person to take charge. This person must be familiar with the people of Qing and Xu, be firm, and hold a high enough official position to keep the governors of each prefecture in check.”
Sima Zhao looked at Jia Chong.
Jia Chong quickly lowered his head: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty is willing to serve, but the affairs of the Secretariat are complicated..."
“Gonglu should not leave Pengcheng.”
Sima Zhao sneered, his gaze falling on Zhong Hui:
"Shiji, as the Grand Secretary, you are entrusted with overseeing the handover of Qing and Xu provinces."
"I grant you the authority to make arbitrary decisions on the spot—anyone who obstructs the relocation shall be killed; anyone who hoards grain shall be executed; anyone who colludes with the Han shall have their entire clan exterminated!"
Excitement flashed in Zhong Hui's eyes, and he prostrated himself, saying, "Your subject obeys!"
-
Ten days later, in the main hall of the General's Mansion.
The patriarchs and eldest sons of more than forty prominent families in Qingxu knelt on both sides, their faces pale.
Armored soldiers stood guard outside the hall, their spears and halberds forming a forest.
Sima Zhao was not wearing court attire, but only a dark robe with a jade-hilted sword at his waist, and sat in the main seat.
On the lacquered table in front of him were a scroll of bamboo slips, a short knife, and a bowl of wine.
"Gentlemen, you are all pillars of Qing and Xu provinces." Sima Zhao began, his voice calm. "I have invited you all here today for one reason: to relocate with me to Liaodong."
The hall was deathly silent.
The old patriarch of the Wang clan of Donghai rose shakily:
“General… Qingxu is where our ancestral graves are located, and our fields, houses, and estates are all here. Moving to Liaodong, a cold and harsh land, I fear… I fear we will not be able to survive…”
"Difficult to survive?" Sima Zhao laughed. "If you stay in Qingxu, once the Han army arrives, you will be considered 'remnants of the rebellion.' At best, your property will be confiscated; at worst, your entire clan will be exterminated."
"Have you all forgotten the tragedy in Hedong, the exile of clans in Shangdang, and the lamentations of the gentry in Hebei that still echo today!"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of most people present changed.
Going to Liaodong with them would be difficult.
Staying in Qingxu... might not be any better...
The new policies of the Han state are a good thing for the common people, but for the powerful families, they are going to be skinned alive!
Sima Zhao, observing the expressions on everyone's faces, softened his tone:
"Follow me, and though Liaodong is cold, I will allow you to enclose land, build fortresses, and govern your people. Whether you live or die is your choice."
The eldest son of the Chen family of Xiapi, young and impetuous, couldn't help but shout:
"General! The secret agreement made two years ago has spread throughout the streets! Since you have already promised land to the Han, why are you forcibly relocating us? Isn't this... isn't this a breach of faith with the world!"
For powerful and influential families, relocating to Liaodong was not out of the question.
But judging from the general's words, everyone must leave, leaving no one behind.
That's asking too much.
"Snapped!"
Sima Zhao threw the wine bowl in his hand to the ground, shards flying everywhere.
He slowly rose, placed his hand on his sword, and walked down the main steps to stand before Chen.
The eldest son of the Chen family turned pale, but held his head high and refused to back down.
"Breach of trust? Young Master Chen, let me ask you: If you were out of food and a thief with a knife demanded food at your door, would you give him all the food and wait to starve to death?"
"Should we keep enough food for ourselves, and throw away the rest to save our lives first?"
Chen was speechless.
"The Han state is that knife-wielding thief!" Sima Zhao looked around at everyone, his voice suddenly rising, "My granting of Qing and Xu is like throwing out my 'surplus grain'!"
“But you, the people, wealth, and talent of Qing and Xu are my ‘food’! How can I hand over the very foundation of my life to others?!”
He suddenly drew his sword, a flash of cold light, and slashed off the corner of the table.
Amidst the flying sawdust, he shouted sharply:
"Today I will make it clear: those who wish to move with me shall, within three days, organize their clan property and bring food, valuables, books, and artisans."
"Escorted by the army, we will board the ship and travel by sea to Liaodong. Paul and his companions will not lose their wealth and honor!"
“Those who are unwilling—” he pointed his sword towards the outside of the hall, “the soldiers of the Great Wei army, I grant them permission to ‘eat for ten days.’”
“Your clan’s fields, granaries, and livestock are all listed on his ‘food list’.”
"If anyone still hasn't left in ten days... then they shall stay in Qingxu and keep company with the scorched earth!"
"General!" The elder of the Wang clan, tears streaming down his face, prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed. "Isn't this... isn't this the story of Dong Zhuo moving the capital?"
"In the past, Dong Zhuo burned Luoyang and relocated the people, ultimately leading to the united condemnation of the world, his own death, and the extermination of his clan! General, please reconsider!"
"Dong Zhuo?" Sima Zhao laughed loudly, his laughter filled with manic mockery:
"Dong Zhuo's defeat was not due to the relocation of the capital, but rather that it was not moved far enough! If he had moved directly to Liangzhou and defended it from a strategic location, how could he have met his end?"
"Now I possess Liaodong, which is allied with the Xianbei and the Three Hans, and I have the advantage of a navy."
"If the Han state wishes to come, it must cross a thousand miles of vast sea; if the Wu state wishes to attack, it must break through numerous passes and fortresses. This is a divinely ordained foundation!"
He sheathed his sword, his tone suddenly softening:
"Gentlemen, I know this is a cruel act. However, in chaotic times, benevolence and righteousness are merely superficial; ruthlessness is the key to survival."
“I am playing the ‘villain’ today so that one day your descendants can continue the lineage in Liaodong and not have to be ‘second-class citizens’ under the rule of the Han state.”
"Given Feng Yong's ruthlessness, even if you wanted to be second-class citizens, you probably wouldn't be able to achieve your goal!"
He returned to the main seat, picked up the scroll of bamboo slips, and unfolded it:
"Those who wish to follow me, please sign and affix your seals on this joint pledge."
"I swear in the name of all the ancestors of the Sima clan: whoever signs this oath shall, upon arriving in Liaodong, receive land equal to several times the number of clan members, be permitted to privately keep troops, and be exempt from taxes for three generations!"
Coercion, bribery, intimidation, reasoning... layer upon layer of methods were used to suppress the crowd in the hall, who struggled like fish in a boiling cauldron, their efforts gradually weakening.
Chen was the first to yield, touching her forehead to the ground: "Chen...is willing to follow the Great General."
The Wang clan patriarch sighed deeply, tears falling onto the blue bricks: "The Wang clan... is willing to relocate."
One family, two families, ten families... The bamboo slips gradually became covered with fingerprints and personal seals.
Only one person remained unmoved: Liu Shi of the Langya Liu clan, renowned for his filial piety and integrity, sitting upright like a pine tree.
When Cao Shuang seized power, the prefectures recommended candidates for filial piety and integrity, and the state recommended outstanding scholars. All of them had summoned Liu Shi, but none of them were accepted.
After the coup in Qiao County, Sima Yi vigorously promoted prominent figures from Qing and Xu in order to win over the hearts of the officials and gentry in Qing and Xu.
Liu Shi was among them, but still did not go.
He even whispered to others in private, "The fate of Wei is sealed; how can we serve a dying nation?"
Sima Zhao looked at him: "What does Liu Jun mean?"
Liu Shi calmly replied, "My ancestral tomb is in Langya. My parents are old and cannot bear the hardships of travel. I wish to remain in my homeland and leave my fate to destiny."
"Very well." Sima Zhao nodded. "I admire Lord Liu's integrity. Someone—"
Two armored soldiers stepped forward.
"Send Liu Jun and his family out of the city and back to Langya," Sima Zhao said calmly. "Since they wish to stay, then they should take a good look at what 'scorched earth' truly means."
Liu Shi was pale as he was carried out by armored soldiers.
No one in the hall dared to object.
That night, a huge fire broke out in the Pengcheng granary, with flames shooting into the sky and turning half of the night sky orange-red.
Cries, hoofbeats, and shouts mingled together.
Then, more soldiers rode into the villages on the outskirts of the city, looting grain and livestock, and setting fires everywhere.
Standing atop the Grand General's Mansion, Sima Zhao gazed into the distance, his expression devoid of sorrow or joy.
Jia Chong stood behind him and whispered:
"Reports from various prefectures: The major families of Langya and Donghai have begun packing their belongings, but many are hiding money and grain and privately sending their sons to flee south."
"Kill." Sima Zhao didn't turn his head, his tone completely unwavering. "Anyone who hides more than 30% of the property shall have their eldest son beheaded and their head displayed to the public."
"Those who fled south should have all their property distributed among the people who moved with them, as a warning to others."
"Yes." Jia Chong hesitated for a moment, "General... such cruelty may destroy the century-old vitality of Qing and Xu."
Sima Zhao stood there motionless and asked, "Gonglu, do you know what I admire most about Feng Yong?"
"I know nothing about it."
"He's ruthless enough." Sima Zhao looked northwest, as if he could see the city walls of Chang'an:
"When he spread the secret agreement and forced someone to slap themselves in front of the world, did he ever think about 'benevolence and righteousness'?"
"In chaotic times of vying for power, it's all about skinning and exploiting. Since he wants the 'skin' of Qing and Xu, then I'll give it to him!"
"But I will take all of this blood and flesh with me. If I can't take it with me, I will burn it!"
He turned, firelight flickering in his eyes:
"Three months later, what the Han Kingdom will gain are more than twenty empty cities, burned granaries, and a million displaced and starving people."
"What I took away was the money and grain of Qing and Xu, the powerful families and skilled craftsmen. With this, Liaodong will have no worries about cold and hardship."
Jia Chong bowed: "The General is a man of profound wisdom and foresight."
"A far-sighted plan?" Sima Zhao scoffed. "That refers to Feng Yong..."
"If I truly possessed his cunning, how could I have ended up in this predicament?"
"Right now, I'm just running madly down a dead end."
"But Feng Yong, don't forget—a mad dog bites the bone most viciously."
Another grain warehouse caught fire in the distance, and the flames illuminated half of his face.
The promise of scorched earth began from this moment.