Zhang Tao was overjoyed. He dismounted and came forward happily, chatting enthusiastically with Zhang Wenxiu, as if they were old friends for many years.
Later, Zhang Tao, accompanied by Zhang Wenxiu, led the rebels into the city with great momentum and majesty.
However, when they entered the city, they only saw some government officials and city guards. Apart from them, there was no one else, not even a single citizen.
Zhang Tao looked around again and saw that every door was closed and all the businesses along the street were closed.
Zhang Tao felt uneasy and said to Zhang Wenxiu: "We raised the army to punish the court's injustice and to help the world. Why are the people so indifferent?"
Zhang Wenxiu's heart tightened, and then she quickly said with a charming smile: "The common people are all blind followers and ignorant people. Your Majesty, you don't need to pay attention to us. As long as we become powerful, they will support us sooner or later."
Only then did Zhang Tao feel better.
Zhang Tao's rebels took over the county seat, and Zhang Tao also moved into the county government office, and generously rewarded Zhang Wenxiu, Ding Xing, Zhou Sheng and others to win over people's hearts.
Zhang Wenxiu was overjoyed, but also worried about Zhang Tao's dissatisfaction with the people's attitude. In order to please Zhang Tao, Zhang Wenxiu ordered that merchants must open their doors tomorrow and people must go out of their homes. Violators will be punished.
The common people and merchants all dared to be angry but did not dare to speak out, but there were also those who did not comply and still stayed behind closed doors.
In order to scare the monkeys, Zhang Wenxiu led people to a house and smashed it, forcing the people to leave the house and even arresting the people and imprisoning them.
An old neighbor couldn't stand it anymore, so he stepped forward to break up the fight and said to Zhang Wenxiu: "Master Zhang, the rebels have entered the city and the people don't understand the rebels. This is human nature, and the people stay in their own homes. How can this become a crime? Why?
I beg you, the high official, to be a master and spare him for once."
Zhang Wenxiu glared at the old man and said angrily: "How can I let you, an old man, arrange my actions? If you dare to make any noise, I will arrest you too."
The old man said no more, quietly retreated, and finally left quietly.
However, the matter was over. The old man came to the county government office and asked to see Zhang Tao, saying that he had some advice to give.
Zhang Tao came from a wealthy and powerful family and was well-read in history books. He knew very well that words can win people's hearts. Moreover, since Zhang Tao raised his army, the old man was the first person to take the initiative to speak out, which is of great significance.
Zhang Tao paid great attention to him and went out to the county government office to greet him. He politely replied to the old man: "I am Zhang Tao. May I ask what my father-in-law calls me?"
When the old man saw Zhang Tao's polite attitude, he felt more confident and replied: "My name is Huang Chun. Your Majesty can just call me Huang Chun."
"How dare you, please ask Mr. Huang."
Zhang Tao invited Old Man Huang into the county government office and immediately asked Old Man Huang if he had any advice.
Old Man Huang said: "The young man suggested that the king kill Zhang Wenxiu to appease the people."
Zhang Tao was surprised, "Oh, why did Mr. Huang say this? But what crime did Zhang Wenxiu have that he had to kill?"
Old Man Huang made a serious look, giving people the impression that there was something in his heart. Old Man Huang said: "This Wenxiu issued an order to force all the shops in the city to open for business, and also forced all the people to go out of their homes. What is the reason for this?
I know, naturally I blame Zhang Wenxiu, but I don’t know, I thought it was your tyrannical order, doesn’t this mean someone is poking the king’s spine from behind?”
Zhang Tao was aware of Zhang Wenxiu's order, but he didn't think deeply about it at the time. Now that Old Man Huang reminded him, he felt that it was detrimental to his reputation.
Zhang Tao said angrily: "Is this happening? This Wenxiu is really bold."
Old Man Huang said again: "Zhang Wenxiu is a wolf-hearted person. He is all about profit and has no loyalty. The former magistrate worked with him for many years and still had a sense of collegiality, but he died inexplicably at his hands. Your Majesty, such a person is here to stay."
Can you rest assured around me?
Why not take this opportunity to kill Zhang Wenxiu, which can eliminate future troubles and win over people's hearts, wouldn't it be beautiful?"
After Zhang Tao heard this, it made sense. Zhang Wenxiu could kill Wang Shiliang, and he could kill himself tomorrow. Isn't such a person a hidden danger if he is around him?
Zhang Tao immediately became furious and said: "Come here, arrest Zhang Wenxiu on the street, punish him for disturbing the people, and immediately behead him in public display."
"yes."
His confidant Zhang Zhong accepted the order with clasped fists, and immediately led a team of people to capture Zhang Wenxiu.
At this time, Zhang Wenxiu was arrogant in the city, but Zhang Zhong suddenly arrived with his men and detained him on the spot.
Zhang Wenxiu was shocked and said: "General Zhang, why are you doing this? What crime did I commit?"
Zhang Zhongdao: "Zhang Wenxiu, under the banner of the king, you are bullying good people outside and ruining the reputation of the king. I will behead you in the street on the order of the king as a warning to others."
After saying this, Zhang Zhong did not waste any time and immediately ordered someone to take action. He pinned Zhang Wenxiu to the ground and planned to kill him.
Zhang Wenxiu was shocked, scared out of his wits, and shouted: "I'm wronged, I'm wronged, I'm wronged, I want to see the king, I want to see the king."
Whoever listened to him at this time, the soldier on one side directly raised his sword and cut off his head with one strike.
"Good kill."
The people who were watching were all excited, clapped their hands and cheered loudly.
Talking about the county government, Zhang Tao chatted with Old Man Huang for a while, and felt that Old Man Huang was a bit talented, so he said to Old Man Huang: "Old Huang, I think you have a great plan. Now that I am starting a business, I would like to ask Old Man Huang to help me."
As a staff member, I use the guidance of everyone, but I don’t know what Huang Lao wants to do?"
Old Man Huang smiled politely and said: "Your Majesty, the little old man is old and has only a few years to live. If he stays with the King, he might leave one day. This is unlucky for the King's career. Please bear with me."
.”
Zhang Tao nodded and did not force anything.
After a moment of silence, Zhang Tao glanced at Old Man Huang and asked, "May I ask Mr. Huang, what do you think of the prospects of our rebel army?"
Old Man Huang thought for a while, and seeing Zhang Tao's sincere face, he said: "The king accepted the advice of the little old man today and killed Zhang Wenxiu, which calmed the people's anger. The little old man was very pleased. So, the little old man said to the king
A few words about the great road of heaven and earth."
When Zhang Tao heard this, he immediately became extremely serious. He raised his hand sincerely and said, "Junior, I am all ears, and I would like to ask Mr. Huang to speak carefully."
Old Man Huang looked serious and said: "Your Majesty's career is destined to fail in the end."
"Why is this?" Zhang Tao's face tightened and he asked hurriedly.
Old Man Huang said unhurriedly: "If your Majesty, if you study the Book of Changes and understand the truth, you will understand that everything in the world has laws to follow.
It is said that in this rebellion, throughout the dynasties, no one in the first wave of rebellion succeeded, no matter how powerful they were. The ones who succeeded were often those in the second wave or even the third wave.
Chen Sheng at the end of the Qin Dynasty, Zhang Jiao at the end of the Han Dynasty, Yang Xuangan at the end of the Sui Dynasty, and Huang Chao at the end of the Tang Dynasty. No matter what their abilities were or how loud they made a fuss, they all perished without exception."