Everything that happened in Kaifeng City naturally could not be hidden from the people of the Jianghu. In truth, even an attempt to conceal it would have failed.
Zhao Yuankan's actions shook them. After all, in the seven years since he ascended the throne, he had never made such sweeping moves.
Of course, the people of the Jianghu in Kaifeng City also received warnings one after another. At least for the time being, they had to restrain themselves. Otherwise, constables from the Six Gates might come knocking and invite them over for tea and a talk about life. Probably none of them would be willing to go.
But this was only the beginning. Within a few days, Zhao Yuankan decreed the execution of a large number of people. Some had indeed committed heinous crimes, but there were also many whose offenses, in everyone's eyes, did not warrant death. Yet now, all of them had been beheaded.
Troubled times called for harsh laws. Especially at such a sensitive time, Zhao Yuankan did not hesitate in the slightest.
Only after a round of slaughter did the turmoil gradually subside. Many ministers in the Imperial Court trembled with fear, terrified that they might be arrested at any moment. Still, things finally settled down, and everything returned to normal.
The change after the slaughter was obvious. Zhao Yuankan's decrees were now carried out almost without obstruction. No one dared play tricks, so matters were handled who knew how many times faster than before.
Before an army moved, provisions had to go ahead. This time, no one dared tamper with the provisions again.
Huang Xiao settled down in Kaifeng City, naturally staying at Willow Shade Villa. The villa had been Zhao Yunhui's residence outside the Imperial Palace, and now it had more or less become