The alliance was formed during peacetime, but now Lu Ming has swept in with his massive army.
They didn't blindly head for Didao; instead, they rested and regrouped in Tao County before arriving.
Bearing unparalleled achievements, they had even subdued the Qiang tribes, and warlords like Ma Teng and Han Sui had surrendered. Essentially, Xiliang was now without rivals.
To resist at this point would inevitably lead to death—a simple and straightforward outcome.
Tong Kuang chose to surrender because he was the most astute of the three families, and Jia Xu's visit and persuasive tactics further solidified his resolve.
Unable to resist Lu Ming, he would learn to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Neither the Yu nor Chu families sent anyone; in fact, they began controlling the flow of grain, driving up prices.
The arrival of an army required expenditures, and food was essential. They controlled vast tracts of farmland, so even with Lu Ming's arrival, they had to submit.
As Lu Ming drew closer, neither the Yu nor the Chu families sent anyone to express their respect.
Jia Xu knew that these two families were finished.
Although he hadn't had much contact with Lu Ming, Jia Xu, with his keen understanding of human nature, could tell at a glance that this lord was not someone to be trifled with. If a decisive blow was possible, there would be no lingering entanglement.
It seemed that after today or tomorrow, the Yu and Chu families would cease to exist in Didao. Before absolute power, all schemes and tricks were nothing but a joke, a colossal joke.
Lu Ming rode his steed to the Orange Gate and dismounted. Jia Xu and the others clasped their hands and bowed, "Greetings, Governor."
"No need for formalities. You've all been waiting long. Wenhe, Youping, thank you for your hard work." Lu Ming patted their shoulders, acknowledging their steadfastness.
"Now that the Emperor has granted me the authority to oversee the military and political affairs of Liangzhou, I hope you two will lend me your assistance. I will share wealth and honor with you all."
"Your subordinate is willing to die for your lord." Zhou Tai knelt on one knee; if it weren't for his armor, he probably would have knelt on both knees.
Judging from Xu Shu's letter, their families had already been brought to Liangzhou, serving as both protection and hostages to prevent betrayal.
Jia Xu didn't seize the opportunity to pledge his loyalty, as there was no need.
"My lord, this is Tong Kuang, the head of one of the three great families of Didao, and also the registrar of Didao City. Registrar Tong admires you and is taking this opportunity to report to you."
Lu Ming nodded. He already knew what was going on. A group of five thousand soldiers had already quietly entered the city, passing through the gates controlled by Zhou Tai, donned armor, and were ready to depart at any time.
"Please come this way, let's talk as we walk."
"Yes, sir, this way please. I'll lead the way. Would you like to go to the government office first, or to the mansion to rest?" Tong Kuang had gritted his teeth and given up a large mansion for Lu Ming to use as his residence; this mansion alone was worth more than half a year's income for the Tong family.
"Let's go to the government office first." Lu Ming's expression was calm; even though he was young, it was impossible to discern his thoughts.
Tong Kuang didn't know Lu Ming's intentions, nor did he dare to underestimate him.
Compared to his two older brothers, he clearly understood and was more aware of Lu Ming's terrifying power.
Such an ordinary person from the county magistrate's office had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, like a prodigy, leading troops in battle with almost unparalleled success—it was truly astonishing.
Plus, he had been favored by the emperor and become the emperor's son-in-law; such a person, as long as he didn't die, was destined to become a dragon among men!
"My lord, the government office is still being renovated. I don't think today is a good day to go," Tong Kuang said through gritted teeth, deciding it was better to speak up now.
"Oh? There's another place you shouldn't go? Tell me why," Lu Ming said with a bright smile, revealing nothing of his thoughts.
Smiling people always exude a dangerous aura.
"No one in the county office is working today; it's a day off. Also, the Yuezhi chieftain Tulan demands 10,000 catties of grain and 2,000 pigs, or he'll massacre everyone in Didao," Tong Kuang said through gritted teeth. This was a trap set by the Yu and Chu families, deliberately luring the Yuezhi here.
The Yuezhi territory lies next to Longxi County. Like the Qiang people, the Yuezhi are divided into many tribes. Beyond that lies the Western Regions, known for their fierce and difficult-to-manage people.
"Oh? Very well, this governor is waiting. Since that's the case, let's go, let's go to the mansion, maybe there's a surprise." Lu Ming sneered, gesturing for Lin Rong behind him to take the token to Zhou Tai, signaling him to begin.
In the mansions of the Yu and Chu families, the heads of the two families were sitting in the living room, drinking and chatting merrily.
"Haha, what invincible, valiant general! Whether dragon or tiger, once you come to Didao, we'll take you all!" Chu Kuang laughed loudly, his face covered in stubble, looking like an unkempt man.
The Chu family controlled the fertile fields, grain, and raw meat around Didao, so he had the right to say that.
If he stopped selling grain, the meager grain reserves in the households alone would be far from enough.
"What's that kid Tong Kuang up to? Does he think we're afraid of some Lu Ming? Even Jia Xu had to behave himself. What is he? Just a mere warrior! Hmph, you control the grain, I control the weaving materials. Even if he has incredible abilities, he can't turn the world upside down!" Yu Ren's expression grew even more arrogant. The Yu family controlled the workshops and surrounding resources. If he stopped production, many more vagrants would emerge from the streets. More vagrants would naturally cause trouble. People starving—wouldn't they cause trouble?
As for the lives of ordinary people, they didn't care at all! As long as they could maintain their power, those peasants, if they died, they died—it was no big deal!
This shows that powerful clans don't care about the lives of ordinary people. As long as their interests aren't harmed, they don't care about the changing of the guard. Such powerful clans are a cancer!
Just as they were talking happily, a loud crash suddenly broke out.
It sounded like something had been smashed open, and everyone was terrified.
Then came the wailing and howling of the servants, as if someone had come in to kill them.
Several armored soldiers burst in, their blades stained with blood—they were clearly up to no good!
"Insolence! Do you know who I am? Kneel!" Chu Kuang was truly arrogant, ordering his soldiers to kneel?