Leave None Alive, Kill

Yan Liusheng, Boss Yan, really did have a head for business. With a single bout of hunger marketing, he sold nearly all those copies of Dream of the Red Chamber, around 5,000 of them today alone.

Seeing that 9,000 copies of Dream of the Red Chamber had sold in the past two or three days, Boss Yan Liusheng was so happy he felt more than ten years younger, and walked as if he were floating on air.

As word spreads, more and more people will come to buy Dream of the Red Chamber. Good thing I had the foresight to print and stockpile lots of copies.

Young Master Zhou Yao is truly incredible, a man of great talent!

Over the next few days, more and more people will come to buy Dream of the Red Chamber.

In the blink of an eye, seven days passed. Dream of the Red Chamber had taken all of Stone County and the province it belonged to by storm, and was slowly spreading throughout the Great Zhou State.

Many young girls and women pining in their secluded chambers were utterly entranced by Dream of the Red Chamber, and longed for its author, Young Master Zhou Yao.

Of course, the scholars also held Zhou Yao, the author of Dream of the Red Chamber, in great esteem. Anyone who could write Dream of the Red Chamber was no ordinary person! They all wanted to meet and befriend this Young Master Zhou Yao.

As for Zhou Yao himself, during the past few days, he and his wives Yang Aijin and Yang Ailian had spent their days with one recounting Dream of the Red Chamber and the other two writing it down.

At night, the three were as harmonious as zithers playing together, with flutes and songs every night. Every day was full of joy.

During that time, Wuying came by and reported to Young Master Zhou Yao on the Brocade Guard and the Imperial Guard.

Wuying said the Brocade Guard was expanding and recruiting very quickly, entirely in accordance with the young master's instructions. The chief officers in the provinces bordering other countries had also sent their elites into those countries to gather all kinds of information.

Wuying added that the Imperial Guard's heavy cavalry and heavy infantry were also training rigorously every day, in strict accordance with the young master's instructions.

"Also, all the soldiers of the Imperial Guard are deeply grateful to you, young master. Now they have steamed buns made from fine white flour and white rice at every meal, as well as meat and vegetables.

"Although many of them have never met you, young master, your place in their hearts has already surpassed that of the old prince, Zhou Shun. They are all willing to die in your service, steadfast and loyal to the end."

Hearing Wuying's report, Zhou Yao nodded in satisfaction, then asked, "How are the guards and bodyguards I told you to put together?"

Wuying replied, "I've recruited some women, and together with the original guards and bodyguards, they're still undergoing intensive, rigorous training. Once they've all passed the rigorous training, they can come protect the young mistresses."

Zhou Yao then asked about conditions in various parts of the Great Zhou State, as well as in the Central Capital.

Wuying gave Young Master Zhou Yao a thorough and careful report on each matter.

Zhou Yao then asked about the countries surrounding the Great Zhou State.

At this, Wuying answered gravely, "The situation on our Great Zhou State's borders is tense. Two countries are eyeing our Great Zhou State like tigers stalking prey. There are constant clashes along the borders, and it looks very much as though a single disagreement could send them attacking our Great Zhou State."

"Which two borders in particular?" Zhou Yao asked.

"Young master, mainly the northern border and the central grassland border. According to word from our people, the two countries are brewing some major conspiracy. In any case, it's mainly aimed at our Great Zhou State."

"What is the Central Capital's stance on these two borders?"

"The emperor has sent reinforcements to both the northern and central borders, but the logistical supplies and provisions haven't kept pace."

"Is someone at court interfering?"

"Yes, young master."

"Is it that chancellor, Pei Yuanli?"

"Yes, young master. It's that chancellor, Pei Yuanli, behind it. The second prince, Zhou Xian, secretly wants to replace the commanding generals on the northern and central borders with his own men, but the emperor didn't agree to Chancellor Pei Yuanli's request."

"So Chancellor Pei Yuanli secretly tampered with the provisions being sent to support the border troops, leaving them short of supplies."

"If war breaks out on the northern and central borders at a time like this, the border troops' provisions won't last long. The consequences would be unthinkable."

Hearing what Wuying said, Zhou Yao nodded. After a moment's thought, he said, "Wuying..."

"I'm here, young master."

"Go tell your assassination squads to kill every official who outwardly obeyed but secretly defied orders concerning the border troops' provisions this time. Kill all the officials in charge of transporting the provisions in particular. Leave none alive. Kill."