Chapter 23: The Ruthless Prime Minister

For three days the great army marched, the central forces reaching Bian Prefecture and settling in Junyi County. Prime Minister Zhang Guangfu and Minister of Civil Affairs Cen Changqian arrived in succession, driving the armies of Henan and Hedong onto the roads—over one hundred thousand men converging to encircle Cai Prefecture. The granaries and treasuries of every region were thrown open, supply carts and horses moved ceaselessly along the highways. Li Zhen's troops numbered barely ten thousand; their initial assault had been fierce, seizing Shangcai and other territories, but as the provincial forces advanced, they soon found themselves forced onto the defensive. Li Zhen divided his troops to guard strategic passes, fortified city walls, issued proclamations to inspire local heroes to join the cause, and called upon the princes of the Li clan to rise in rebellion.

Upon arriving, Zhang Guangfu conveyed the Empress Wu’s decree: Li Zhen was stripped of title and rank, deprived of his royal surname, now to be known as Hui, and those who sided with the traitors would be severely punished.

“Gentlemen, the rebels are now beasts cornered, and will surely stop at nothing. To swiftly exterminate them, we must not be constrained by trifles,” Zhang Guangfu declared, his broad frame and round face exuding murderous intent. “Whether by water or fire, any method that brings victory is a good plan. If a city is taken, slaughtering the masses is a small price.”

The Prefect of Bian, Di Renjie, ro