Guo Cai's heart lurched. Before he could speak, two account books were tossed in front of him.
"These were found in your study, along with a Yellow Turban Strongman conjured from a Yellow Turban sorcery talisman. The evidence of your collusion with the Yellow Turbans is irrefutable. Don't bother denying it. Confess!" Bai Xiaowen demanded.
Bai Xiaowen had chosen a direct approach, hoping to break through Guo Cai's defenses quickly.
As Romance of the Three Kingdoms described it, the Yellow Turban Army's internal organization was hardly tight-knit. It was downright loose. Even before the uprising began, a follower had informed the authorities, forcing the army to rise prematurely.
Later, when various warlords attacked the Yellow Turban Army, they often won despite being outnumbered, capturing thousands or even tens of thousands at a time. Most of those prisoners, soldiers and officers alike, willingly submitted and accepted reassignment.
But Guo Cai proved unexpectedly stubborn.
He glanced at the account books. His expression changed drastically, then quickly settled. "I don't know what Your Excellency is talking about."
"You insolent wretch!" Wang Lie rebuked him, then turned to Bai Xiaowen. "This criminal is obstinate. I'm afraid he won't confess without torture."
Bai Xiaowen gave a slight nod. Wang Lie immediately ordered the soldiers to wield their clubs. After dozens of blows, blood streamed from Guo Cai's buttocks.
Wang Lie said, "Guo Cai, do you confess?"
Guo Cai took several ragged breaths, then said calmly, "I don't know what Your Excellency is talking about."
Wang Lie grew angrier, but he was at a loss.
Bai Xiaowen nodded faintly. "He refuses to see reason. The Yellow Turban rebels must have poisoned his mind deeply. No more questioning. Throw him in prison. Once we've defeated the Yellow Turbans, send him to Jizhou with their leaders to await