The common people did not have much confidence in the government. They knew that they would starve to death or even be killed if they entered the city, so they simply chose to become bandits, although they would inevitably die in a battle with the government army or between bandits.
The fire is gone, but at least I can live for a while longer and won't look at myself so hungry that I want to eat human flesh.
After the horse thieves and mountain bandit leaders absorbed a large number of common people and made them their minions, they found that there was nothing left to plunder in the surrounding area. When their own food supplies became less and less, the horse thieves leaders with some foresight would also look for them.
Plant several plots of land.
But those lands were all near the village, and the fertile land was often closer to the city, which was the territory of the government.
Therefore, the thieves could not produce much food. As a result, the people who became horse thieves and mountain bandits were almost the same as entering the city. They continued to starve to death, and were even directly eaten by other horse thieves and bandits.
Wang Junlin came here. Although he used 20,000 horses and 1,000 special forces from the Whirlwind Battalion, he also used 50,000 logistical supplies and supplies. The food and grass were all transported from Fanyang County.
Of course, along the way, the spies from the Military Intelligence Bureau also discovered many mountain bandits and horse thieves peeping secretly. However, as soon as these bandits saw King Qin An's banner, they were so frightened that they could run as far as they could without daring to get close.
Occasionally, Wang Junlin and his entourage would pass by some forts inhabited by villages and towns organized by powerful leaders. The walls were higher than the Great Wall, and the watchtowers were filled with various defensive weapons. When other officers and soldiers arrived, they would definitely guard against bandits.
However, after Wang Junlin led the Far Eastern Army, it was just the opposite.
While giving a warm welcome, they will also give some food and grass and let the army rest.
This is naturally related to the fact that the army led by Wang Junlin has never violated the people, but more importantly, since last year, Wang Junlin has ordered Xiaoyu Theater led by Jingtian and Yang Kongchan's Chamber of Commerce to secretly support and help these companies who can form a stronghold.
People who protect themselves.
Over the past year or so, a lot of weapons, equipment, grain, grass and salt have been sent to them at low prices. Many forts would have been unable to survive without the relief from Xiaoyu Theater and Fanyang Chamber of Commerce.
"The people in this fort are very hostile to other officers and soldiers.
I hate it so much!" Luo Shixin, who had just rested for the night in a fort and left the fort the next day, still smelled of alcohol early in the morning, was lamenting next to Wang Junlin.
"You can't blame them, there are many officers and soldiers who like to kill good people and take credit!" Wang Junlin sighed and said lightly.
Luo Shixin gritted his teeth and said: "No wonder people are on strict guard against other officers and soldiers. Officers and soldiers are not in a good position to fight thieves. Taking the heads of the people to avoid punishment by their superiors is indeed nothing new in the Sui Dynasty."
"Actually, some forts were originally thieves, or they originally wore the same pants as the bandits!" Shen Guoer glanced at Luo Shixin and said calmly.
Wang Junlin sneered and said: "Guo'er is right, and he has not wronged them. Those big families who formed strongholds to protect themselves are indeed involved with the local bandits. Some of them are relatives to each other. It's just that they formed strongholds to protect themselves.
No matter whether you go up the mountain to become a bandit, it's all to survive in troubled times. Some forts are protected by nearby bandits. The government pays a share of the tax and the bandits pay a share, so neither party is offended."
"Yes! We have to let them live!" Luo Shixin's words contained sighs and helplessness. He was only seventeen years old, but he seemed to have experienced too many vicissitudes and had a better understanding of the world.
"Surviving is the only choice in troubled times. Therefore, no one can blame them for the methods they use. If you want to blame, you can only blame those who contributed to the troubled times. It is they who turned the peaceful world into a gangster nest and hell.
Although they can find all kinds of excuses for themselves." When Wang Junlin said this, he thought of Yang Guang, the various wealthy families and the selfish officials in the court, and he couldn't help but have murderous intentions. He found that
There are too many people to kill.
However, after entering the territory of Taiyuan County, Wang Junlin found that there were gradually more people on both sides of the official road. He thought that Li Yuan and his son were indeed extraordinary, whether they were really caring for the people or accumulating strength and fame for the next competition in the world, at least for now.
He is a good official who is liked by the people. He is obviously not as harsh as other places in exploiting the people under his rule.
In addition, when Luo Yi led the army in Bingzhou, thieves from all walks of life were captured.
He killed almost everyone, and there were relatively few thieves.
Apparently Li Yuan had received the news in advance. Wang Junlin saw the county magistrate leading a group of officials to greet them near a county in Taiyuan County, and also provided them with some food and grass.
"I humble myself to pay homage to the prince." The group of people led by the county magistrate seemed very frightened when facing the prince. They even knelt on the ground and paid homage.
"Everyone, get up! It was Tang Guogong who asked you to welcome me here. He also prepared some food and grass, right?" Wang Junlin asked calmly.
"Your Majesty is wise. It was Tang Gong who asked the humble ministers and others to welcome your Majesty and provide him with food and grass." After the county magistrate got up with the people, he replied respectfully.
Of course Wang Junlin understood Li Yuan's purpose. The two families had secretly established an offensive and defensive alliance before, and with Li Xuanba's presence, in the eyes of Li Yuan and his son, Wang Junlin must have regarded them as very close companions, and they also liked or
I hope Wang Junlin thinks this way, at least before Li Xuanba leads the 20,000 elite cavalry to join them in Taiyuan County. Otherwise, in the eyes of Li Yuan and his son, if Wang Junlin is aware of their hostility in advance, he will definitely take measures to prevent Li Yuan.
The 20,000 violent bear camp cavalry led by Xuan Ba ran to Taiyuan County.
However, Li Yuan and his son will never understand that Wang Junlin is a cheater who knows the future. In fact, they have always been the people Wang Junlin is most guarded and vigilant about.
"Who has arrived in King Qin's army?" Wang Junlin didn't bother to say anything to these people and directly asked the ones who were useful.
"Reporting to your lord, General Wang Rengong has led an army of 70,000 to Yanmen County. The Second Young Master of Tang Gong has also led 30,000 army soldiers to Yanmen County. There is also Eagle Striker General Yao Junsu who has led 5,000 cavalry.
I just passed Taiyuan County yesterday. The soldiers led by General Zuo Yiwei's Yinshishi and the prefect of Pingliang County arrived today, each with 20,000 horses under their command." At this point, the county magistrate shook his head with an expression on his face.
With a bit of disdain, he said, "The 20,000 soldiers led by General Yin are undisciplined. They have disturbed the people all the way. They are humble enough to slow down the pace." The county magistrate answered respectfully. I don't know if the following words were casual.
Once he said it, he followed Li Yuan's order and told Wang Junlin specifically.