When Wang Yan raised his butcher's blade, the great clans and wealthy households of Bing Province truly faced disaster.
Yang Liang's rebellion was an excellent opportunity. Rebellion was already a capital crime, which made it easy to broaden the scope. Anyone even remotely connected could be dealt with if they wanted.
The great clans and wealthy households had always been deeply entrenched. Pulling up one radish brought out a whole clump of dirt—one arrest swept up a whole crowd.
With an army in hand, Wang Yan feared nothing. No matter how powerful the family, even the Gaoping Li Family was brought down.
This Li Family descended from Li Ling of the Han Dynasty. After Li Ling rebelled against the Han Dynasty, his descendants migrated inland with Wei. Over several centuries, they had accumulated immense influence and were truly a Big Brother-level family in Bing Province.
When Yang Guang had previously been here, he had dealings with the Li Family. This time, when Yang Liang rebelled, the Li Family itself had naturally not participated. However, one of its collateral branches had gotten involved. Thus, in keeping with the principle of expanding the scope, and in firmly carrying out Yang Guang's directive to strike at Bing Province's powerful clans, the investigation naturally extended to the Li Family's main line.
Even the Li Family could not escape, let alone the others. Every day, people were imprisoned. Every day, people were beheaded. Every day, grand clan estates were confiscated. Every day, commoners received portions of land. The seized estates, treasures, and supplies were likewise vast beyond measure.
As the temporary highest-ranking official, Wang Yan had the authority to dispose of land and all manner of other property.
Since Yang Guang took the throne, Wang Yan's post had not been adjusted. He remained Minister of