ABBLEIP Chapter85

The strategy formulated by Shen Qingzhuo was not complicated. It was one of the Thirty-Six Strategies, namely, the strategy of luring the tiger away from the mountain.

 

The rebels used Tianmen Mountain as their stronghold, enjoying the natural advantage of being easy to defend and difficult to attack, and they were able to make the garrison and the imperial reinforcements run around in circles. Then they had to find a way to break this advantage.

 

He analyzed in a calm tone: “I have investigated the two leaders of the rebels. The eldest leader is called Wang Shu, who was born a bandit. He can be said to have inherited his father’s business. The second leader is called Guan Xuwen. His father was the county magistrate of Qing County under the jurisdiction of Suzhou in his early years. Because he refused to go along with the corrupt officials in Suzhou, he was persecuted to death. After that, Guan Xuwen wandered around and defected to Wang Shu, the bandit leader of Qinglong Mountain, and became the think tank and military advisor of the rebels.”

 

Li Xinwu continued: “During the battle with the rebels, the lower official clearly felt that the enemy’s tactics were unusual from other bandits, and it was reckless. Could it be that—”

 

“You guessed right. The master behind the rebellion was this military advisor.” Shen Qingzhuo walked to the hanging map. “But this time, we have to provoke Wang Shu and let him chase us without caring about anything. Then we can take the opportunity to raid their lair.”

 

Li Xinwu replied in a deep voice, “Our army also tried to attack by force, but there are many traps on the way up Tianmen Mountain, and there is also the Tianhe River as a natural barrier. Even if we lure the tiger away from the mountain, we may not be able to attack the mountain smoothly.”

 

“There is only one river. We can cross it even if we have to step on the dead bodies of soldiers.” Xiao Shen said coldly, “Find the weakest point in the rebels’ defense, send people who are good at swimming to the other side with thick ropes, and build a bridge across the river overnight.”

 

Xiao Shen was a general who was used to killing people on the battlefield. He kept his word and immediately divided the army into two groups and set up an ambush.

 

Li Xinwu led 20,000 soldiers and horses to sit in front of the battle array and insult Wang Shu’s ancestors for eighteen generations, using words that were unbearable to the ear, and even greeted the three generations of the rebels. Wang Shu was impatient and had been the king of the mountain for a long time, comparing himself to a local emperor. As expected, he was furious and led a large army to fight without listening to advice.

 

General Li pretended to be defeated and retreated southward repeatedly. Wang Shu took advantage of the opportunity to pursue him, but he didn’t know that another group of elite infantry had quietly sneaked up the mountain and headed straight for the rebel’s lair.

 

This was a war without suspense. There were not many rebels left in the Tianmen Mountain stronghold. Facing the elite raiders commanded by Xiao Shen, they were almost killed without any resistance.

 

Since the Battle of Suixi, Xiao Shen had not picked up the sword to kill the enemy for a long time. Just as he was killing indiscriminately, a clear, elegant, and gentle voice suddenly rang in his mind.

 

“The rebels are also made up of civilians. Remember not to kill innocent people. Capture the military commander and let Master negotiate with him.”

 

The blood-stained scarlet in the young emperor’s eyes gradually faded away. He raised the dripping sword and shouted coldly, “Those who lay down their weapons and surrender will be spared from death!”

 

A quarter of an hour later, Shen Qingzhuo sat at the desk and smiled slightly: “General Guan, seeing is believing.”

 

The young man in white had a calm expression. Although he was surrounded by the enemy, he still couldn’t hide his proud character.

 

“Are you their leader?” Guan Xuwen looked at him calmly.

 

Shen Qingzhuo smiled and said, “My words count.”

 

Guan Xuwen slowly said, “Wang Shu took most of the troops away. Even if you raid this place, they still have somewhere else to go.”

 

“I understand. That’s why I came to negotiate with the Military Advisor.” Shen Qingzhuo smiled. “Let alone the old, weak, women and children in this village, most of the people following you are civilians with families and relatives. Don’t you think about them?”

 

Guan Xuwen smiled coldly, “In this world, even if I don’t rebel, I will be starved to death in the end.”

 

“It seems that the news in Tianmen Mountain is a bit blocked.” Shen Qingzhuo replied indifferently, “The Military Advisor can send people down the mountain to inquire at will. The Governor of Suzhou has been executed. The court has sent a large amount of food to open the warehouse to relieve the disaster. The disaster has been gradually brought under control.”

 

Guan Xuwen’s pupils shrank slightly, and his tone was a little surprised: “Has Luo Cheng been brought to justice?”

 

Shen Qingzhuo nodded slightly, “Not only Luo Cheng, but all officials involved in corruption and abuse of power in Suzhou have been arrested.”

 

“All?” Guan Xuwen sneered, “Then the Suzhou government has become an empty shell now, right?”

 

“You are right.” Shen Qingzhuo stood up to show respect. “The corrupt officials in Suzhou colluded with each other, and the honest people were persecuted to death. Although the court came late, but it finally brought the corrupt officials to justice.”

 

Guan Xuwen’s tone became more and more sarcastic: “All crows are black, could it be that the new officials will be honest officials?”

 

Shen Qingzhuo sighed: “Of course there are. There are corrupt officials in this world, but there are also honest officials like your father.”

 

Guan Xuwen’s body swayed slightly, he raised his hand to support the table, and he was speechless for a moment.

 

“The officials forced the people to rebel, and the people had no choice but to rebel.” Shen Qingzhuo continued, “But now the court has thoroughly investigated the corrupt officials, and the disaster victims can also have enough food. If the rebels continue to fight with the officials, the people will still suffer. Military Advisor Guan is not interested in power but just wants the people to live a good life, right?”

 

After a long silence, Guan Xuwen raised his eyes and said, “Empty words are useless.”

 

Shen Qingzhuo knew that he was shaken by it and revealed his identity directly: “I am the current Grand Tutor, and I am here under the order of His Majesty to thoroughly investigate the corruption case in Suzhou. Today, I solemnly promise you that as long as the rebels accept the imperial court’s offer of amnesty, the imperial court will not harm a single soldier of yours and will also arrange the best accommodation for you all.”

 

At this time, Xiao Shen outside the door was extremely impatient. His anxious expression was like a beast whose cubs had been taken away. He tried hard to suppress the urge to break in.

 

With a “creak”, the door opened from the inside, and Shen Qingzhuo stepped out. He felt dizzy for a moment and almost couldn’t stand.

 

“Master!” Xiao Shen rushed forward and caught his master steadily. “Master, what’s wrong with you?”

 

“No problem, just a little tired.” Shen Qingzhuo calmed down and stood up straight. “Follow the plan.”

 

***

 

The development of the situation was under Lord Shen’s control. After he persuaded Guan Xuwen, he immediately led his troops to pursue.

 

General Li also returned to the original route, forming a two-way encirclement, trapping the rebels in the middle. Then he sent out Military Advisor Guan to negotiate with Wang Shu remotely.

 

When the soldiers heard the news that the corrupt officials had been dismissed and the imperial court had released grain, they were immediately excited. The news spread from one person to another, and the entire rebel army knew about this great news.

 

Who would be willing to risk their lives to rebel if they could have enough to eat and survive?

 

Wang Shu saw that the situation was hopeless, and under the persuasion of the military advisor, he accepted the imperial court’s offer of amnesty.

 

At this point, the Suzhou rebellion, which had troubled the imperial court for a long time, was finally settled.

 

“Your Majesty, you can return to the palace now.” Shen Qingzhuo made a ‘please’ gesture, “The rebellion has been quelled, and the new governor will take office soon. There is nothing to worry about in Suzhou anymore.”

 

Xiao Shen held his hand. “Master, come back to the palace with me.”

 

“Master can’t leave yet.” Shen Qingzhuo shook his head. “Ten days at most, Master will return to the palace to report after ten days.”

 

“Then I won’t leave either.” Xiao Shen was very good at playing tricks. “Whatever Master wants to do, I will accompany Master.”

 

Shen Qingzhuo’s eyebrows darkened slightly. “You don’t listen to Master again?”

 

Xiao Shen had no choice but to release his fingers silently, turn his head away, and say nothing.

 

After Shen Qingzhuo finished scolding his little disciple, he felt a little regretful. He stepped forward, hooked his little finger, and whispered to him, “You go back to the palace first. After cleaning up the Qi family, Master will go back.”

 

Xiao Shen still turned his face away and said nothing, but the little finger that was hooked was very honest and took the initiative to entangle his master’s fingers.

 

Shen Qingzhuo’s heart softened, and he continued to coax: “Master will play chess with you tonight, and I will personally send you up the horse tomorrow.”

 

“Just playing chess?” The easy-going little disciple turned back, his eyes burning, “Can’t we do something else?”

 

“What else…” Shen Qingzhuo was startled, then reacted immediately, his jade-white face flushed, and he couldn’t help but scold softly, “You think about improper things all day long.”

 

After saying that, he pulled back his fingers and was about to walk out.

 

“What improper things?” Xiao Shen was getting excited and chased after his master and asked, “How do you know that I’m thinking about improper things? Could it be that Master also—”

 

“Lord Shen, something bad has happened! An epidemic has broken out!” A panicked voice interrupted him.

 

Shen Qingzhuo paused. “What did you say?”

 

In order to prevent the outbreak of the plague, he had already isolated and treated the people infected with the disease and, at the same time, burned plague-preventing pills throughout the city for disinfection in order to minimize the scope of infection after the disaster.

 

Xue Shihang panted and shouted, “Some patients ignored the advice and secretly ran back home from the quarantine area, not only infecting the whole family but also infecting the neighbors!”

 

Shen Qingzhuo’s eyes went dark, but fortunately a pair of strong hands behind him supported him in time.

 

The reason why plague is so terrible is that it is highly contagious, especially when the weather is hot. The temperature is becoming more and more suitable for the growth and spread of the virus. Once a gap is opened in epidemic prevention, the plague will spread at an unstoppable speed.

 

“A bunch of idiots!” Xiao Shen gritted his teeth and said, “Have you caught them?”

 

“They have been caught, they have been caught!” Xue Shihang nodded repeatedly, “My Lord, what should we do now?”

 

Shen Qingzhuo steadied himself and ordered calmly, “Isolate, isolate all the people that person may have come into contact with as quickly as possible. Anyone who disobeys orders will be killed without mercy!”

 

***

 

Hundreds of houses were used to isolate the infected to prevent cross-infection. Physicians sent by the court worked day and night to collect and analyze the source of the disease and try to find the right medicine.

 

Shen Qingzhuo covered his mouth and nose with silk cloth and went to the quarantine area to investigate the epidemic.

 

The physician came out of the house, not daring to get too close to the Grand Tutor, and only replied from a distance, “Lord Shen, this kind of epidemic has been recorded, and the symptoms are very similar to those of red knot plague.”

 

Hearing this, Shen Qingzhuo’s heart sank. “Is there a way to completely cure it?”

 

“Lord Shen acted decisively and isolated them in time. Some of those with mild symptoms in the early stage of infection still have a glimmer of hope.” The physician replied, “For those with moderate to severe infection, we can only…”

 

“I understand.” Shen Qingzhuo exhaled, “There is a shortage of medicines and manpower, I will find a way to make up for it. You guys, do your best.”

 

The physician bowed and said, “Yes, My Lord!”

 

Shen Qingzhuo explained some precautions for epidemic prevention and treatment. Just as he was about to turn around, a middle-aged man suddenly rushed out of the isolation room, staggering and spitting blood, “I don’t want to die… I don’t want to die ah!”

 

The physician was shocked: “Someone, take the patient back!”

 

Shen Qingzhuo stepped back subconsciously.

 

Unexpectedly, the man rushed towards him. “Why did you lock me up? Save me… I want to live!”

 

Shen Qingzhuo ran away but was caught by the madman by the hem of his robe. Fortunately, the soldiers arrived and quickly dragged the infected man back.

 

Shen Qingzhuo did not dare to stay any longer and immediately returned to his official residence.

 

Xiang Chen hurried forward: “Master! Where have you been?”

 

He had been busy running around these days and had not noticed that his master had gone alone.

 

“I’m fine, I went to the isolation area, cough, cough, cough…” Shen Qingzhuo stood outside the door, took off the silk cloth covering his mouth and nose, took off his outer robe and threw it on the ground, ordered the guards to send it to be burned, and then stepped over the threshold.

 

Xiang Chen looked worried. “Master, don’t go to the quarantine area. Let me pass on the message from now on.”

 

“There are still not enough medicines and people. Let Xue Shihang find a way to dispatch another batch of people. Cough, cough…” Shen Qingzhuo frowned. “Also, there were disaster victims who fled to Chenzhou before. It is very likely that they will be infected with the disease. We need to ask Chenzhou to be prepared and not let the disease spread further.”

 

“I understand.” Xiang Chen looked at him. “Master, you need to rest.”

 

“I can take a break when the new governor arrives.” Shen Qingzhuo sat down at the desk tiredly and started writing the documents to be sent to Chenzhou.

 

But during dinner, his coughing worsened, and he even felt dizzy. He raised his hand and touched his forehead and found that his fever was abnormally high.

 

Shen Qingzhuo’s heart skipped a beat, and a bad idea popped up in his mind.

 

This body is in poor condition, and its immunity to diseases is weaker than that of ordinary people. Could it be that in the quarantine area just now…

 

“Uncle, eat!” Baobao stood on the stool, stretched out her arms, and tried to pick up food for Uncle Shen.

 

Shen Qingzhuo forced a smile and put down his chopsticks. “You guys eat first, I’ll go back and rest for a while.”

 

Xue Shihang advised, “My Lord, you haven’t eaten a single bite yet, eat a couple of bites before going to sleep!”

 

“No, wait until I wake up.” Shen Qingzhuo didn’t dare to pick up his chopsticks, but as soon as he stood up, his eyes were spinning, and he fell to the ground.

 

Noisy screams came to his ears, and fortunately after a short coma, Shen Qingzhuo woke up by himself.

 

“Master!” Xiang Chen’s face turned red with anxiety, and he rushed out like a gust of wind, “I’ll go call the physician!”

 

Guan Xuwen was the first to react. He whispered to comfort him, “Maybe you’ve been tired for days and caught a cold. It may not be…”

 

“I cough, cough…” Shen Qingzhuo waved his hands and struggled to lower the curtains on both sides of the bed. “All of you go out. No one is allowed to come in without my order.”

 

Baobao was young and didn’t understand what happened. She only knew that Uncle Shen looked uncomfortable and almost cried. Guan Xuwen quickly picked her up and walked out.

 

Xue Shihang stood in front of the bed, his expression was particularly solemn: “What happened?”

 

“After noon, I went to the isolation area.” Shen Qingzhuo closed his eyes. his breath became more and more chaotic. “A patient… rushed towards me…”

 

Xue Shihang was stunned, and then he was furious and cursed: “This ungrateful bastard! He wants to drag others down with his own death!”

 

“Don’t tell anyone about this to prevent commotion.” Shen Qingzhuo lay on the bed, feeling as if his body was burning with fire. “You should also go out, wait for the physician to come first…”

 

The only thing he was thankful for at the moment was that he had personally sent his little disciple on the horseback to the capital in the morning. At this moment, his little disciple was far away from the disease and also far away from him…

 

After sleeping for an unknown period of time, Shen Qingzhuo seemed to hear a burst of hurried footsteps in a daze, and then the bed curtains were pulled open with a “swish”.

 

“Didn’t I say…” He used all his strength to half-open his eyes. When his scattered eyes touched the person who came, he suddenly came to his senses.

 

“Go…” He didn’t know where he got the strength from, but he forced his paralyzed upper body to stand up and whispered, “Go back to the palace!”

 

“I knew it, I knew it…” Xiao Shen rode back all the way, his clothes were soaked with sweat, and he yelled with red eyes, “Master! Where else do you still want me to go?”

 

“Calm, calm down, Xiao Qi…” Shen Qingzhuo frowned, trying to trick him away, “Master just has a fever… You go out first…”

 

Before he finished speaking, the person standing at the head of the bed suddenly leaned over, holding his waist with one hand and pinching his wet jaw with the other, and kissed him without saying anything.

 

At this moment, it was as if the sky was falling and the earth was collapsing.

 

Shen Qingzhuo struggled hard, but his body was weak and hot, and he was no match for his little disciple.

 

In despair, hot tears rolled down his red eyes and slid all the way to the pillow, and Xiao Shen successfully forced his tongue into his mouth.

 

“In this case, Master doesn’t have to chase me away.” After a while, Xiao Shen withdrew his lips and tongue, smiling wildly and soberly, “We will live in the same place and die in the same grave. If Master is gone, I will never live alone.”

 

Dayong will continue to function even without a monarch, and the sun will rise as usual even without Xiao Shen.

 

But Xiao Shen will not survive without Shen Qingzhuo.

 

The author has something to say:

Wives, calm down! No abuse, no abuse, it will be fine in the next chapter…

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T/N: Using XS’s words, a bunch of idiots indeed :3 just because they don’t want to die, they insist on taking someone else along with their misfortune