The air within the Huang family's grand mansion was thick with tension,a palpable sense of unease settling over the gathered gentry members.Their laughter had turned to hushed whispers,the joy of their earlier schemes now overshadowed by the realization that Cao Cao's response had been more decisive than they had anticipated.

"This presents no great difficulty,"Lin Yu mused,his voice cutting through the anxious murmurs.He stood before Cao Cao,a smile playing on his lips."Hasn't the prefect recently recruited a number of talented individuals from humble backgrounds?They can fill these vacant positions."

"Right!How could I have overlooked this!"Cao Cao slapped his forehead,his eyes immediately sparkling with newfound realization.Although these young people from humble origins might lack experience and might make a few errors at the start,as time passed,they would surely be able to supplant those from the gentry families step by step.

"As for the matter of the gentry obstructing the common people's reclamation of wasteland,that too has a simple solution.The prefect can adopt a strategy of making an example of one to warn a hundred,"Lin Yu said with a chilling smile.

"I've already ascertained that among the gentry families in Dongjun,the Huang family holds the most sway.The prefect can commence with them."

"This...won't it be rather extreme?"Cao Cao wavered.

"If this were when we first arrived in Dongjun,it would indeed seem so,"Lin Yu explained deliberately."But now the prefect has already implemented a series of policies that have won the hearts of the people.Under the current tide of having the support of the people's will,taking action against the gentry is not excessive."

After careful consideration,Cao Cao conceded that Lin Yu had a valid point.Now that he had the people's support,why should he cower before these gentry families?Whether it was the gentry descendants resigning from their official posts or their attempts to impede the common people's reclamation efforts,it was all the machinations of the gentry in the shadows.They truly deserved a lesson.

With this in mind,Cao Cao nodded and said,"Let's proceed as you suggest,sir.But...what pretext should we use to act against the Huang family?"

"It's not arduous.Don't the Black Mountain Bandits frequently haunt Dongjun?We'll claim that the Huang family is in cahoots with them and eliminate the entire family,"Lin Yu stated calmly.

"But we lack evidence,"Dian Wei couldn't help but interject.

Lin Yu cast a glance at him and smiled."When one wishes to condemn another,a pretext can always be found!Once we decide to act against the Huang family,I can produce whatever evidence is required."

"Quite right,sir!"A glint of cold resolve flashed in Cao Cao's eyes,and he sneered."Do as he says!Mancheng,Wenqian!"(The courtesy names of Li Dian and Yue Jin)

"Your subordinates are here!"Li Dian and Yue Jin replied in unison.

"You two shall immediately lead a thousand elite troops to the Huang family's mansion and annihilate the entire Huang family.Let none escape!"Cao Cao issued the cold-blooded command.

"Your subordinates will comply!"Having received the order,the two swiftly left the courtyard.

Lin Yu noticed a hint of reluctance on Zhao Yun's face and inquired in a hushed tone,"Zilong,do you think this is too harsh?"

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Zhao Yun paused for a moment before nodding."Yes,big brother.Although the Huang family's actions were egregious,do they truly deserve to be completely wiped out?"

"That's because you're rather naive,"Lin Yu said,shaking his head slowly."During our information-gathering in the city,you should be aware that the Huang family has reached its current position through oppressing countless common folk!In this chaotic world,where the common people endure great hardships,these powerful gentry families like the Huang family are largely to blame!Acting against the Huang family today is to suppress the gentry and enable the common people to lead better lives.You must remember that those with great aspirations cannot afford to be overly sentimental."

Zhao Yun's body trembled,and his eyes gradually hardened."Big brother is right.I understand now."

Lin Yu nodded with satisfaction,having been truly concerned that Zhao Yun might be obstinate.

Inside the Huang Family's Mansion

In the Huang family's grand mansion,the gentry members remained assembled.

"Haha,Master Huang's plan has truly been a success.I've heard that the county yamen has been in turmoil these past two days!"

"That Cao Cao is so foolhardy.To dare oppose us,the gentry,this is his just deserts!"The men laughed boisterously.

Even Huang Silang wore a smug expression as he said with a smile,"Everyone,be at ease.If this persists,in a few days,Cao Cao will be forced to bow to us!"

However,just as his words faded,the door was suddenly flung open.

A servant rushed in,panic-stricken,shouting,"Master,disaster!Our Huang family's mansion is surrounded by the army!"

"What?!"Huang Silang sprang to his feet instantly,his face draining of color."Where are these troops from?"

"Master,I heard they are the prefect's troops!They claim that our Huang family is collaborating with the Black Mountain Bandits and that they're going to annihilate our entire family!"The servant wailed,tears streaming down his face.

"That audacious Cao Cao!"Huang Silang immediately felt a shiver run down his spine.

He had never anticipated that Cao Cao would act so recklessly and directly attempt to wipe out his entire Huang family.

At this moment,the blood-curdling shouts of battle could already be heard from the front yard.

The previously smug gentry members were now ashen-faced with terror.

"Master Huang,quickly think of a solution!"

"Yes,or it will be too late!"They seemed to be grasping at their last hope and looked at Huang Silang with desperate,pleading eyes.

Huang Silang pondered for a moment,then forced himself to regain composure."Everyone,remain calm.We are all distinguished gentry families in Dongjun.Cao Cao wouldn't dare to harm us!Wait here for a while.I'll go out and negotiate with them."

Hearing this,the men felt a glimmer of relief."Thank you,Master Huang!"

"With Master Huang handling this,there surely won't be a problem!"

Without another word,Huang Silang rose and made his way out of the main hall.

To everyone's astonishment,instead of heading towards the front yard,he hastened towards the backyard.

The servant trailing behind couldn't help but ask,"Master,aren't you going to negotiate with the prefect's troops?"

"Negotiate?Bah!At this critical moment,escape is of utmost importance!"Huang Silang cursed vehemently.

He had only said that to placate these gentry members.

After all,when Cao Cao was the Northern Captain in Luoyang City,he had the audacity to beat to death the uncle of the powerful eunuch Jian Shuo with the five-colored club.Now,as prefect,he held the power of life and death over the entire prefecture.Wiping out an entire family was well within his capabilities.Huang Silang knew full well that his face alone wouldn't persuade Cao Cao to spare them.

The most urgent matter now was to make a hasty escape.

Fortunately,Huang Silang had a sense of foreboding and had long ago constructed a secret passage within the mansion for just such an emergency.

But the other gentry members were not as fortunate.

It was only when Cao Cao's soldiers burst in and bound them that they realized Huang Silang had already fled.

"Prefect,we are innocent!"

"Please show mercy!"

"We are gentry.You can't treat us like this!"

Outside the Huang Family's Mansion

Cao Cao's face was somber as he watched the gentry members being bound and led out one by one.

He appeared to be deaf to their cries and pleas for leniency.

Before long,Li Dian,clad in his military attire and emanating a murderous aura,emerged and shook his head slightly at Cao Cao."Reporting to the prefect,the entire Huang family has been captured,but Huang Silang,the head of the family,escaped through a secret passage."

Cao Cao's brows furrowed briefly,then relaxed again as he said coldly,"No matter.A single Huang Silang is of little consequence.Let him flee if he must."