Iron Dynasty Chapter 1097

“Extra! Extra! Hear ye, hear ye! Today, the remnants of the parliament are causing chaos throughout the Empire, and individuals like Ge Yiren are attempting treason! In this renewed time of crisis for the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor has summoned all loyal subjects to unite with the court, eliminate these traitors, and safeguard our great Empire!”

As the eastern sky began to lighten, the crisp voice of a newspaper boy echoed through the streets and alleys.

The shouts of the newspaper boy drew the attention of passersby, many of whom paused to purchase a paper.

The significant upheaval in Qingzhou City yesterday had unsettled many, sparking widespread speculation. Now, with the Emperor's personal decree revealed, an eagerness to understand the full story gripped the populace.

“I never imagined that even after so many years since the Merchant Parliament's downfall, their evil influence still lingers,” remarked a laborer, pausing his breakfast at a stall before heading to the factory.

Numerous other workers, also employed in the industrial zone, sat nearby, their morning routine including the simple fare of tofu pudding and fried dough sticks.

“In my view, the Merchant Parliament is no longer the primary threat. They are like a plant without roots now, incapable of causing any real trouble. The true danger lies with this former cabinet minister, Ge Yiren, and his faction. Their ambition to usurp power poses a far greater threat than the Merchant Parliament ever could,” another worker opined.

“Precisely. It’s why the Emperor has called upon the entire Empire to stand against these traitors,” a third voice added.

“This situation feels rather familiar. Ten years ago, His Majesty the Emperor similarly purged the powerful families of the six prefectures. More than a decade has passed, and now a comparable crisis has resurfaced. It appears this matter cannot be resolved without a significant struggle,” mused a worker in his forties.

“Brother Zhang, you’re a local of Qingzhou, aren’t you? Was the incident from ten years ago truly that dire?” inquired a younger worker.

The middle-aged man, addressed as Brother Zhang, displayed a flicker of recollection. “Dire doesn’t begin to cover it. Back then, it was a river of blood. They say the lotus pond outside Qingzhou City ran crimson.”

A wave of apprehension washed over the others upon hearing his words. Most had relocated to Qingzhou from other cities and had only heard secondhand accounts of the purge of the six prefectures' powerful families, never experiencing it themselves.

Yet, the vivid description transported them into the past, sending a shiver down their spines.

Noticing their unease, the middle-aged man, Brother Zhang, chuckled. “Why fret over what doesn’t concern you? It’s only the traitors who face misfortune. Look here,” he said, pointing to the final paragraph of the imperial decree. “His Majesty has commanded the militia to lead the common folk in apprehending these traitors. I suspect the Empire will act much like they did in the six prefectures back then. Checkpoints will be everywhere, and every citizen will be scrutinizing strangers. Not a single fly will escape the Emperor’s sharp gaze.”

A collective sigh rippled through the group. “Since His Majesty has issued the order, we must comply. If not for the Emperor’s resolve against opposition, and the benefits he’s bestowed upon us commoners, our lives wouldn’t be this comfortable. Now, if someone attempts to drag the Empire back to the ways of the former Great Yu Empire, I’ll be the first to protest,” declared one man.

“Me too. We’ve lived in peace for so long. I can’t bear the thought of those scholar-gentry lords riding roughshod over us any longer,” another chimed in agreement.

“In that case, let us assist His Majesty in rooting out these traitors and giving the Empire a fresh start! Let’s head to the factory and gather everyone. We’ll conduct a thorough search, house by house!”

“Agreed! Let’s go, let’s go together!” the others enthusiastically responded.

Meanwhile, at Qingzhou University.

The students, upon reading the newspaper, were filled with righteous indignation. Since the Empire’s reforms, they had embraced their role as vanguards of innovation.

Confronted by figures like Ge Yiren, who sought to plunge them back into a dark age, they were naturally unwilling to stand idly by.

Consequently, as the news spread through the university, the students swiftly organized themselves. They departed the academy to disseminate information about the Merchant Parliament's schemes and to publicly condemn the brazen actions of individuals like Ge Yiren within Qingzhou.

As time progressed, this fervor resonated in neighboring cities such as Dengzhou, Jinling, and Suzhou. The entire Empire became galvanized, launching a concerted effort to capture the traitors on the Empire's wanted list.

Many of the treacherous fugitives, finding themselves with nowhere to flee, were swiftly apprehended and brought to face justice.

However, during the arrests, opportunities were seized for personal retribution. Many longstanding nobles, uninvolved with Ge Yiren, met misfortune, subjected to curses and beatings.

This turn of events swiftly instilled fear in the old nobility, who frequently harbored grievances against Xiao Ming. Recalling his actions from over a decade prior, they consequently submitted memorials affirming their allegiance to the royal family and endorsing the governmental decree issued by Xiao Ming.

Yet, while the old nobles were terrified, Pang Yukun experienced a similar dread. His initial intention was to observe the downfall of Chang'an's old guard, led by Ge Yiren and Luo Hong, with detached indifference. Now, however, the escalating situation threatened to spiral out of his control.

Consequently, he urgently sought an audience with Xiao Ming.

“Your Majesty, with nationwide support, the majority of the Merchant Parliament's remnants have been apprehended. Some have escaped to the sea; even if they survive the voyage, their survival and return to Europe are doubtful. As for Chang'an's old nobles, all collaborators with Ge Yiren are in custody, and those who wavered have also faced consequences. In my humble estimation, this affair should conclude now to prevent potential backlash,” Pang Yukun stated, his expression fraught with anxiety.

Xiao Ming, engrossed in intelligence reports from the secret guards across various regions, remained unperturbed. Pang Yukun's apprehension was unnecessary, as Xiao Ming had meticulously orchestrated the unfolding events from the shadows.

The secret guards served as his invisible instruments, guiding the operation. He essentially dictated the precise points of intervention.

For matters beyond the secret guards' purview, he promptly deployed the imperial guards to assert control.

This method ensured the situation, on the whole, did not devolve into chaos while simultaneously achieving his desired outcome.

The submitted memorials from Chang'an's nobles served as testament. Following this ordeal, they grasped that their era of unchecked influence had definitively ended.

From this point forward, a comfortable existence was permissible, but any intention to stir up trouble would necessitate careful deliberation.

“You are too late. The manuscript has already been dispatched to the newspaper agency. Tomorrow, the announcement will be made confirming the arrest of all culprits and the successful conclusion of this matter,” Xiao Ming declared with calm composure.

Pang Yukun exhaled in relief. “So, Your Majesty intended to conclude matters here. I am now reassured.”

After a brief pause, he continued, “Your Majesty, Niu Ben and Luo Quan arrived in Qingzhou some days ago via the train. Within a few more days, the commanders from the other major military regions are anticipated to arrive as scheduled. Regarding Luo Hong…”

Xiao Ming interjected, “The Luo family has demonstrated their loyalty. However, Luo Hong has committed a severe transgression, and I shall show no leniency; otherwise, how can a proper example be set? This time, I can only bring sorrow to old General Luo.”