Chapter 69
Chapter 69
Chapter 69 – Purging the Crooks
January 8th, 182 A. D. Late Afternoon.
Tong ordered Zhou Cang to form checkpointห at all gates around the city because he had a hunch that the crook officials should make a move tonight.
Zhou Cang immediately complied with the order. Within two hours, all gates were locked down and an announcement were made.
"Order from the governor Zhang Jiao! Today and tomorrow, all gates will be closed until the purge is completed! All those who wish to get into the city should enter within today. But those that wish to exit will have to wait!"
This announcement caused an uproar among the merchants and the peasants. Though they were used to the sudden announcement for shutting down the gate, they were attracted to the keyword "The purge".
Rumors about the new governor started to spread. Within an hour, a gossip bomb was dropped by an eavesdropping palace guard that had heard Tong's order from the council meeting.
"Zhang Jiao wants to get rid of the crook officials! One of them was already got their houses ransacked and arrested!"
Light appeared in the eyes of peasants and merchants. As commoners, they loved gossiping about the nobles and the politics as there were no other entertainment in this era. Therefore, any information about the government movement, even if it was a trivial one, was always welcome.
News was spread like wide fire throughout the city within a day, which caused several taverns to boom in business as many peasants came in to chat and drink.
"Zhang Jiao is an honest official?"
"He's also a physician?"
"His son is the undying immortal?"
"Zhang Tong killed Guo Dian, and his father took over the city?"
"Goddess of Death is here, too?"
"Will they kill all the officials?"
Several backgrounds of Zhang family members were dug up and spread among the citizens. Majority of them were positive feedback from the good achievements and reputation, which Tong and his family members had piled up all these years.
Because of many good rumors about Zhang Jiao and Tong, the peasants in the city were delighted. Their eyes were filled with hope, and lively cheering resounded throughout the city. As a result, all businesses and sales were increased in every industries as everyone celebrated for the good governor.
Although the civilians were easy to be manipulated by the officials, but they still could compare Guo Dian and Zhang Jiao in terms of reputation.
When Guo Dian had held the power, the peasants were abused by the noble families and the soldiers. Yet after Zhang Jiao arrived here for half a day, one of the crook official got arrested and had his properties confiscated. All soldiers that used to abuse the honest citizens were replaced with the disciplined stern soldiers. Then the news about the purge appeared. Even a child could tell that a good change had come into this city, and everything might get even better.
That night, every taverns buzzed with celebrations and cheers. Morals of the citizens were at its peak.
…
…
January 9th. Morning.
Zhang Jiao held a council meeting again in the government main hall today. However, only 70% of the officials attended the meeting because the remaining 30% of them were either hid themselves with in their resident behind their private soldiers, or tried to escape from the Julu City.