Chapter 834: Cleansing and Pacification

“I am purging the parasites of the aristocracy. Only by doing so can we ensure the purity of the noble families!” said Yuan Shu, standing before the altar soaked in blood. As Zhuge Jin gazed at the bloodstains in the cracks of the stone altar, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

Yuan Shu's eyes showed no anger, no regret—only calmness. Yet, in stark contrast to the blood covering the ground, this calmness evoked an overwhelming sense of awe and fear.

Zhuge Jin finally understood why Yuan Shu insisted on executing these people at the altar of the heavens. It wasn’t because he was reckless or disrespectful toward the gods—quite the opposite. Yuan Shu held great reverence for the gods, and by shedding blood on the heavenly altar, he was making the heavens witness and judge these acts.

Yuan Shu gestured to Ji Ling, and another group of aristocratic parasites was brought forward. Ignoring their cries and pleas, Yuan Shu ordered their execution without hesitation. When this day’s executions were finished, more would be rounded up tomorrow. Yuan Shu didn’t care about retaliation; after all, he had no heirs left to worry about.

“I, Yuan Shu, do things not for others, but for my own peace of mind. Even if my actions are wrong, as long as I can carry them out with a clear conscience, I will not concern myself with anyone else! And if my actions are just, then no one can stop me!” Yuan Shu spoke with a rare burst of lordly authority as he descended the altar, his robe swirling in the wind.

As Yuan Shu departed, Zhuge Jin finally noticed that his back was drenched in sweat. It was the first time he truly felt the imposing aura of a ruler, even if he had only glimpsed a fraction of it. The experience left him both shaken and awed.

“He may have been looked down upon in the past, but after witnessing this, it’s clear that even someone like Yuan Gonglu possesses the dignity of a true lord. No wonder many loyal ministers are drawn to him. Unfortunately, such moments are fleeting, like a blossom that blooms briefly before disappearing,” Zhuge Jin thought silently as he watched Yuan Shu leave.

“Li Jian, clean up the bodies and bury them outside the city. Spread quicklime over the bloodstains to prevent attracting flies,” Zhuge Jin instructed one of the guards nearby.

“Sir Zhuge, Lord Yuan had previously ordered that the bodies remain exposed for ten days. If we bury them now, it will be difficult to explain to Lord Yuan,” Li Jian, who had been Yuan Shu’s personal guard until recently, responded with a respectful bow.

“It’s almost summer now. If the bodies are left out in this heat and humidity, they’ll attract disease-carrying insects. Do you want to be the one to explain to the great physician Hua Tuo when an epidemic breaks out?” Zhuge Jin rolled his eyes in exasperation. Hua Tuo had already disseminated methods to prevent the spread of epidemics, and leaving corpses out in the summer heat was a surefire way to invite disaster.

“I’ll bury them immediately!” Li Jian, realizing the danger of a potential outbreak, hurried off. The thought of an epidemic breaking out, which could turn an entire city into a death zone, spurred him into action.

“Once the bodies are buried, make sure to scatter quicklime over all the bloodstains,” Zhuge Jin added, signaling for the guards to expedite the cleanup.

In Yu Province, medical efforts were already in full swing. Since Hua Tuo had publicized treatments for epidemics and cold-related illnesses, the status of physicians had risen significantly. Fear of death was a common human trait, but unfortunately, many of the skilled doctors had gone to Mount Tai, leaving few behind in Yu Province.

After overseeing the cleanup, Zhuge Jin turned his attention to pacifying the aristocratic families of Yu Province, who were currently paralyzed by fear of Yuan Shu’s wrath. Even though they harbored thoughts of rebellion, they had no strength left to act. The ten thousand soldiers Yuan Shu had mobilized were not without the support of these families’ private forces, and Zhuge Jin had made sure of that.

With Yuan Shu wielding his executioner’s blade in the forefront, Zhuge Jin quietly worked in the background, soothing one family after another. These families, terrified of Yuan Shu’s relentless purges, were quick to offer cooperation, even going so far as to claim that future negotiations would be easier. They were, in essence, boarding the pirate ship that was Yuan Shu’s regime.

Seizing the moment of Yuan Shu’s bloodbath, Zhuge Jin quickly strengthened Sun Ce’s foundation in Yu Province. Not only did he solidify Sun Ce’s position, but he also took the opportunity to reform the aristocratic families of the province.

Zhuge Jin’s expectations weren’t high. In his view, the aristocracy should at least refrain from openly oppressing commoners or engaging in large-scale exploitation. While he couldn’t fully agree with Yuan Shu’s extreme methods, even Zhuge Jin had to admit that the aristocratic families had indeed become riddled with parasites.

“Sir Zhuge, my family’s head has invited you to the estate for a meeting,” a young man suddenly appeared in front of Zhuge Jin as he walked through the main street. Though his clothing was ordinary, his demeanor was refined.

“The Deng family of Nanyang?” Zhuge Jin scrutinized the young man and became more serious. “So, it seems the top-ranking families couldn’t hold back any longer. Is this because Yuan Gong executed half the members of the Xu family of Pingyu not long ago? Yuan Gong certainly doesn’t hold back when he decides to act.”

“Yes,” the young man nodded proudly.

“When would this meeting take place? I’ve been busy all day dealing with the aftermath of Xu family’s executions, and I still need to find Yuan Gong. Have you seen him recently?” Zhuge Jin asked seriously.

The young man, who had initially been somewhat arrogant, immediately grew more cautious. Yuan Shu’s name had become synonymous with death for the aristocratic families of Yu Province. Merely standing near one of their estates for too long could make them feel like the executioner’s blade was about to fall.

“Oh, I just saw Yuan Gong. I can go stop him for a moment to prevent any further bloodshed. Would you like to come along?” Zhuge Jin said casually, motioning in a random direction before glancing at the young man.

Instantly, the young man’s hair stood on end, and he forced a nervous laugh. “Sir Zhuge, I leave the task of advising Lord Yuan to you. I wouldn’t dare disturb you any further. However, please visit the Deng estate when you have the time. My family’s head eagerly awaits your arrival.”

“Very well, I’ll come after I’ve calmed Lord Yuan down. Please convey my apologies to your family head,” Zhuge Jin responded courteously. He knew that while he needed to assert his authority over the powerful families, it couldn’t be too blatant. Leaving some room for negotiation was essential for maintaining relationships.

“No need to apologize, Sir Zhuge. Just don’t leave us waiting too long. With Lord Yuan’s relentless actions lately, we aristocrats live in constant fear. We hope you can understand our concerns,” the young man replied, clearly taking advantage of the opportunity to smooth things over.

“I understand,” Zhuge Jin replied with a slight bow. “I’ll go stop Lord Yuan first, and we can discuss the matter at the Deng estate another day.” With that, Zhuge Jin turned and headed in the direction he had indicated earlier, though inwardly he made a mental note to investigate the Deng family’s background. After all, when it came to aristocratic families, sometimes drastic measures were necessary to set an example.

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