GBP Chapter 1902 Rules? I am the rules!
Chapter 1902 Rules? I am the rules!
"enough!"
Dugu Jia interrupted him impatiently, a stern look flashing in his eyes: "Shen Congwen, I know your loyalty."
"But you're being too cautious! Now that we're facing a formidable enemy, the most important thing is to stabilize the morale of the troops and consolidate our strength!"
"If we arbitrarily arrest ministers based on a few suspicions, wouldn't that make other officials feel insecure? This would play into Chu Ning's hands and undermine the foundation of our defense of the city."
She waved her hand, her tone unquestionable: "I know everything about Li Bi's affairs! If he knows what's best for him, he should just heal his wounds honestly!"
"If he dares to do anything illegal... Humph, I can give him thirty lashes of the cane or even chop off his head!"
"You don't need to say anything more. Just do your job well, closely monitor the city defenses, and ensure the palace is safe and sound! Leave!"
"Sir, obey the order."
Seeing the Empress Dowager's firm attitude, Shen Congwen knew that it was useless to persuade her any further. He could only sigh in his heart, clasp his fists in salute, and quietly leave the Weiyang Palace.
Watching Shen Congwen disappear outside the hall, the disdain on Dugu Jia's face subsided slightly, but he still didn't care too much.
She really didn't think that Li Bi and others could pose a substantial threat.
In her view, absolute military control and high-pressure rule are enough to crush any signs of internal resistance.
However, she underestimated the madness that people could be driven to when in desperate situations.
He also underestimated the destructive power of the thirty lashes, which not only caused physical trauma but also completely destroyed loyalty and trust.
What she didn't know was that just when she was confident that everything was under control.
A deadly web targeting her and this imperial capital is being quietly woven under the cover of night and is about to tighten.
Three days passed in a flash, as if quickly moved by an invisible hand, with the two sides inside and outside Chang'an in completely different mental states.
For the Chu army outside the city, these three days were the final preparations and oppressive waiting before the war.
The military camp was filled with a tense atmosphere as if a storm was about to break out. The soldiers repeatedly checked their weapons and armor, while the officers repeatedly rehearsed the battle plan for after entering the city.
Ran Ming was like a tiger about to be released from the cage, restless and looking towards the east gate of Chang'an City from time to time, waiting for the agreed signal to rise.
For the vast majority of people in the city, whether they were the common people who were in constant fear, or the officials and defenders who were suffocating under the high-pressure policies, these three days were spent in growing despair and fear.
The pressure of the Chu army besieging the city grew day by day. Food and grass in the city began to be strictly rationed, and rumors grew in the dark like weeds.
The Queen Mother's ten iron rules are like the sword of Damocles, hanging over everyone's head.
The third day, early morning.
The sky was gray, just like the atmosphere in Chang'an City at the moment.
As per convention, a grain transport team consisting of fifty Han soldiers, led by a captain named Chen, arrived on time outside the Taicang Office, ready to collect the grain and fodder that needed to be transported to several military camps near the east gate today.
Captain Chen was a middle-aged officer of about forty years old, with a dark face and the ruggedness of a soldier.
He ordered his soldiers to line up outside the Taicang Office in an orderly manner, while he himself prepared to enter the office to handle the handover documents.
However, the atmosphere in Taicang Office today is somewhat unusual.
The guards were obviously much stricter than before, and they were all unfamiliar faces with sharp eyes and a murderous aura.
Captain Chen was a little surprised, but he didn't think much about it. He just thought that the situation was tense and they had increased their vigilance.
He had just reached the gate of the government office, and before he could announce anything, he saw Taicang Magistrate Zhao Ming, surrounded by a group of officials and several unfamiliar guards, walking out quickly.
"Your humble servant greets Lord Zhao!" Captain Chen bowed hurriedly.
Zhao Ming was wearing a dark official robe today. His face showed no expression. He just nodded slightly.
His eyes swept over Captain Chen and the grain transport team behind him, and he asked in a calm tone:
"Captain Chen, are you here to collect the food and fodder for the East Camp today?"
"Sir, that's right."
Captain Chen replied respectfully, "According to the schedule, 300 dan of grain and fodder must be delivered to the three garrisons in Dongying today. Here is the approval document."
As he spoke, he handed over the document in his hand.
Zhao Ming took the document, glanced at it casually without looking at it carefully, and handed it to the clerk behind him.
He cleared his throat and said to Captain Chen, "Captain Chen, I have other plans for today's grain and fodder, so I won't bother you with transporting it."
Captain Chen was stunned when he heard this, and subconsciously asked, "Master Zhao, why is this happening? The soldiers in the East Camp are still waiting for this batch of food to be cooked. If we delay, I'm afraid..."
According to military regulations, the transportation of food and fodder has strict time and route regulations, and unauthorized changes or delays are serious crimes.
Captain Chen naturally had to ask clearly about his duties.
Zhao Ming's face darkened slightly, and his tone became more authoritative: "I have my reasons!"
"Now that the number of refugees in the city has increased and the situation is complicated, to ensure the safety of the food and fodder, I have recruited a group of reliable civilians to be responsible for delivering this batch of food directly to the military camp."
"You, the grain transport team, will temporarily obey my orders today!"
His words sounded very reasonable, but Captain Chen frowned when he heard them.
Recruiting civilians to transport military rations?
This is simply unheard of!
How can civilian laborers compare with regular grain transport teams?
Not to mention that safety cannot be guaranteed, the efficiency and compliance with military regulations are simply incomparable.
"Master Zhao, this... this is probably against the rules, right?"
Captain Chen couldn't help but raise his voice, arguing, "The transportation of military rations has always been the responsibility of us. The routes and schedules are set. How can we just leave it to civilians?"
"If something goes wrong along the way, or if we're delayed and affect the soldiers' meals, I can't bear the responsibility. I'm afraid that you, Lord Zhao..."
He wanted to say, "You can't afford it either," but when the words came to his lips, he still left some room for maneuver.
However, Zhao Ming seemed to have anticipated his objection and did not give him the chance to continue.
His face suddenly turned cold, and he scolded sternly, "Captain Chen! Are you questioning my decision?"
He took a step forward, staring at Captain Chen, his voice icy cold:
"Rules? I'm in charge of the Taicang granary, and I'm in charge of allocating food and fodder, so that's the rule!"
"These are extraordinary times, and extraordinary measures must be taken! Safety is paramount! How can a mere lieutenant like you understand the bigger picture? Are you planning to disobey orders?!"
Several unfamiliar guards behind him also stepped forward at the same time, put their hands on the hilts of the swords at their waists, staring at Captain Chen with unfriendly eyes, and an invisible pressure instantly enveloped him.
Captain Chen was shocked by Zhao Ming's sudden tough attitude and the murderous aura of the guards.