Count Beiyuan had told Feng Jun every detail of what had happened.
He did not intend to wipe out the Zhao Family. In truth, he could not wipe them all out either. There were always Zhao Family members away from the village. To those unaware of the situation, that might seem normal, but anyone perceptive knew it was the Zhao Family's means of self-preservation.
In that case, unless Count Beiyuan sealed off the village with utter ruthlessness, allowing entry but forbidding exit, it would be impossible to catch them all in one sweep.
Could Count Beiyuan possibly do that? Don't joke around. These were peaceful times, and this was not his territory—actually, he would need to distance himself from the matter even more carefully on his own turf.
With the matter having grown this large, and local officials as well as the Heir of Duke Yongyi watching the area, he had to avoid suspicion.
Killing the Zhao Family's core members was understandable. As for taking away the direct-line descendants and the two old ladies, that was to make the Zhao Family keep their mouths shut and not tell outsiders anything about the Black Iron Ore mine.
What Count Beiyuan needed to do next was have the Zhao Family voluntarily apply to relocate their village near the county seat. Then the land would become his. Once everything was on track, he would release the hostages.
By then, the die would be cast. Even if the Heir of Duke Yongyi wanted a share of the Black Iron Ore mine's profits, he would need to find a justification first—after all, everyone had to mind their manners a little.
Once the people of Zhao Family Fort had new farmland and houses and their lives settled down, even the deepest hatred would have to be