Chapter 59 Northwest Rebellion

Chapter 59: Turmoil in the Northwest

Qin Xiao's words were direct.

Qiu Heng's heart sank. He quickly knelt, saying, "My lord, Your Majesty! Most of the bandits on the canal are impoverished commoners with no other options, all citizens of Great Ning. I dare not simply round them all up."

This implied that the Qiu family was not incompetent but rather sympathetic to these pitiful commoners.

He continued, "However, to protect the interests of merchant ships, the Qiu family has also established security teams to escort them. We have certainly not been inactive!"

Qin Xiao chuckled lightly. "For the benefit of the merchant ships, or for the benefit of your own Qiu family? You understand this better than anyone."

"I absolutely dare not, Your Highness!" Qiu Heng bowed his head, his brow tightly furrowed.

This unpredictable Qin Xiao, accustomed to the subtle maneuvering of the court, occasionally spoke bluntly, leaving others at a loss for how to respond.

Over the years, the Qiu family had amassed enormous wealth through canal transport. Qin Xiao didn’t even need to investigate deeply to find many clues. If he were to directly present that evidence, the Qiu family might have to sacrifice pawns to save the king, and stand to lose numerous officials and a great deal of wealth.

But since Qin Xiao hadn’t directly produced evidence, it showed he wasn't intent on completely breaking with the Qiu family, leaving them some room to maneuver.

Qiu Heng quickly analyzed the pros and cons in his mind and made the most reasonable decision to maximize their gains.

It was already certain that Qin Xiao intended to overhaul canal transport. The Qiu family could no longer control it single-handedly as before.

But he also had to secure some benefits for the Qiu family in the new policy. The profits from canal transport were immense. The Qiu family could only yield some profits to the court; they could never relinquish control entirely!

He just didn’t know what the new policy Qin Xiao intended to enact would be.

Everyone in the court was shrewd. From Qin Xiao’s seemingly blunt but still slightly reserved words, they had all picked up on the hints and waited intently for what Qin Xiao would say next.

Qin Xiao’s gaze swept over the crowd before he said slowly, "The canal extends in all directions. It’s understandable that the Qiu family cannot manage every aspect. Minister, rise."

"Yes." Qiu Heng stood up again.

The others were not surprised by Qin Xiao’s words, assuming he was indeed prepared to overlook the Qiu family’s past actions.

Just like the previous corruption and chaos in the court, Qin Xiao did not pursue matters before Baili Hong came to power. But now that Baili Hong was on the throne, everyone had to stay vigilant.

"The entire canal is too long, and affairs are complex. Why not manage it in segments?" Qin Xiao looked at everyone and said, "What do you think?"

Instantly, everyone began scheming.

Previously, canal transport was managed by the Qiu family, but among the officials actually handling affairs, many were disciples or old subordinates of other factions. They naturally knew how much profit could be gained from canal transport.

But others had never had the chance to get a piece of the action.

Now, with Qin Xiao proposing segmented management of the canal, the Qiu family would no longer have a monopoly. At most, they would manage one segment, leaving the others open for other factions to get involved.

Thinking this, Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi immediately stepped forward and bowed, saying, "I believe this method is excellent."

Then, almost every faction had someone voice agreement.

In such a situation, Qiu Heng could no longer go against the grain.

Segmenting canal transport meant dividing the Qiu family’s previous profits among others. Everyone in the court was eyeing it covetously and would naturally band together against the Qiu family.

Two fists are no match for four hands.

Since that was the case, Qiu Heng would not struggle pointlessly. Instead, he would show some "loyalty" to gain a good reputation.

Moreover, Qin Xiao would certainly not completely take away the Qiu family’s management rights over canal transport. He would surely assign them some segments to appease them. So, Qiu Heng had to secure the most profitable segment to minimize losses.

Thus, Qiu Heng bowed and said, "I also find this method feasible. But I wonder how many segments Prince Ning intends to divide canal transport into?"

Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had already discussed it: dividing it into four segments was the most secure and would maximize benefits.

"Minister, you surely understand canal transport better than anyone here," Qin Xiao said. "If you were to divide it, how would you do it appropriately?"

Qiu Heng understood that Qin Xiao must already have a plan in mind and was now testing which segment he wanted most.

So, he did not pretend and said directly, "I wouldn’t presume to say. However, the section from Yangzhou to Suhang is complex, with detailed and numerous categories for merchant and official ship transport. Fully taking over this section would require at least a year to get up to speed, which might hinder important court operations."

Yangzhou and Suhang were both the richest areas in Jiangnan, with the most ships and goods passing through.

In other words, this section was also the most profitable.

Qiu Heng, without hesitation, directly claimed the part that could earn the most money.

Chu Jiubian lowered his eyes, his expression unchanged, but he silently scoffed.

Just as we thought.

However, they had originally intended to assign this section of canal transport to the Qiu family.

But not to appease them—rather, because the Min-Zhe region was Prince Zuiliang Baili Yan's fiefdom.

Previously, Baili Yan had not overly interfered in canal transport. But once the Qiu family obtained this section and the other sections stabilized, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao could use the court’s name to offer incentives to Baili Yan, having him supervise part of canal transport.

Faced with such enormous profits, even Prince Zuiliang, who already owned Min and Zhe, would be tempted.

Then, the Qiu family and Baili Yan would become rivals. To divide profits, they would keep each other in check, reducing the Qiu family’s management rights over the canal even further.

As for whether Baili Yan would seek wealth and expand his power because of this, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were not overly concerned.

Simply because Baili Yan, possessing Min and Zhe, was already wealthy. If he wanted to expand his power, he would do so regardless of canal transport.

In fact, because of canal transport, he might clash with the Qiu family, stirring up unnecessary trouble.

But as the saying goes, no one turns down extra money. So, no matter how rich Baili Yan was, he would certainly lay claim to canal transport. Then, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao need only sit back and let them fight it out.

The others didn’t know their scheme, but they also understood that the section Qiu Heng mentioned was surely the most profitable.

And since the Qiu family was willing to concede the remaining sections, Qin Xiao would certainly honor their request by leaving the most lucrative part to them.

Sure enough, after Qiu Heng finished speaking, Qin Xiao said, "The Minister makes a fair point."

"I intend to divide canal transport into four sections. The Capital Section, north from Tongzhou in Beizhili to Qingzhou; the Jianghuai Section, north from Qingzhou to Yangzhou in Nanzhili; the Southeast Section—"

Qin Xiao looked at Qiu Heng, saying, "The Southeast Section will run from Yangzhou to Minzhou. Affairs here are complex. Since the Qiu family is familiar with all matters, henceforth, the Qiu family will continue to manage this section of canal transport."

Qiu Heng breathed a sigh of relief inwardly and immediately said, "I will ensure my clansmen fulfill their duties diligently, guarding the river section so that banditry is eradicated!"

Qin Xiao acknowledged and continued, "The final section is the Southwest Section, from Yangzhou to the Southern Frontier."

This meant the canal would split into two parts at Yangzhou: one heading southeast, the other southwest.

Divided this way, not only Qiu Heng, who was extremely familiar with canal transport, but also the other ministers sensed the subtle implications.

The Southwest Section of the canal passed through Huguang, reaching Sichuan and the Southern Frontier, ensuring the transport of goods between remote regions and the central plains.

This section is likely the most "laid-back" and least lucrative among the four river segments.

The southeastern segment encompasses both Fujian and Zhejiang, effectively covering the entire wealth center of Jiangnan. It facilitates the smooth flow of goods such as rice, grain, and silk, making it the most prosperous part.

However, it has already been allocated to the Qiu family, leaving no opportunity for other factions to claim.

The Jianghuai segment can be considered the transfer hub between the north and south, serving as the main artery of the entire Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

This part of the river is also the most geographically complex.

The flood-prone Hexi County lies along this route, where the water level has significant drops. As a key transfer hub, it sees a high density of both official and commercial vessels, requiring stricter oversight.

Everyone believes that at least this segment must be kept firmly in their grip by Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian.

That leaves the final segment: the capital region section.

This segment runs the entire length of the canal and connects to the capital, making it imperative for the court to manage it directly for assurance.

After careful consideration, everyone realized that only the southwestern segment might offer a chance for competition.

Even small gains matter, especially since the southwestern segment includes the relatively prosperous Huguang provinces, suggesting it could be profitable.

Thus, even for this single area, everyone is eager to compete.

However, Chu Jiubian did not give them a chance to speak, stepping forward first to say: "Your Majesty, sir. Although the canal transport is divided into segments for management, I fear that decentralized management may harm the overall process. I propose establishing a Grand Canal Governor to oversee the work of each segment, preventing abuse of power and protecting the interests of the court and the people."

Instantly, dozens of eyes turned to Chu Jiubian, then to Qin Xiao.

The Grand Canal Governor is a supervisory role, similar to the previous Directorate of Ceremonial.

However, the Directorate of Ceremonial is no longer limited to supervising salt transport; they now meddle in the affairs of other ministries and offices under the pretense of supervision.

As Chu Jiubian once said, these eunuchs are no ordinary figures—many are remarkably capable and shrewd.

Being of eunuch origin, they handle matters with more diplomacy than regular officials, unfazed by resistance from various ministries, as long as they achieve their desired outcomes.

Thus, everyone is powerless against them and must act with extreme caution to avoid giving them any lethal leverage.

Is Chu Jiubian now proposing to hand this authority over to the Directorate of Ceremonial?

But can the Directorate of Ceremonial really overreach to that extent?

Some wonder if the Grand Canal Governor position might be intended for military officials under Qin Xiao.

With the border regions unstable, military officials deserve greater influence in court. However, since Grand Marshal Qin fell seriously ill and withdrew from court affairs, and with the Four Great Families controlling the court, a "civil dominance over military" dynamic has emerged.

If Qin Xiao uses this opportunity to provide more positions for military officials, it is not impossible.

Opinions vary.

Deputy Censor-in-chief Qi Zhili stood in the ranks, remaining aloof and indifferent.

He strongly supports the segmentation of canal transport, believing it will help boost the imperial treasury, which is far better than allowing the Qiu family to continuously profit from it.

Whether others have considered it or not, Qi Zhili feels that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, armed with the "imperial authority," will certainly not follow the Qiu family's example by accepting bribes from merchant ships. Instead, they are likely to implement new reforms.

He just doesn’t know what they might be.

Lost in thought, his mind wandered.

Suddenly, he felt a nudge from a colleague beside him, then heard Qin Xiao ask again: "Is Zhongcheng Qi here?"

Qi Zhili: "?"

Confused, he stepped out of the ranks and forward: "Your servant is present."

Qin Xiao said: "The Censorate inherently holds supervisory responsibilities. Grand Tutor Sir has recommended you for the position of Grand Canal Governor. Can you fulfill this duty?"

Qi Zhili snapped his head up, momentarily stunned.

Him, as the Grand Canal Governor?

The governor position is at least second-grade, right?

He is currently only a minor fourth-grade official—how could he be promoted so many grades?

Moreover, he is not part of Qin Xiao’s faction. Although he serves the court, he has no connections to Qin Xiao or Chu Jiubian. How dare they trust him with such an important position?

He found it unbelievable, and others were equally surprised that Chu Jiubian would propose Qi Zhili for governor.

But upon second thought, they understood.

Zhongcheng Qi belongs to no faction and can be considered a loyal minister. He is exceptionally competent, serves as a censor, and seems perfectly suited for the role.

Most importantly, he has the backing of Jiang Shuoye, commander of the Northern Desert Army. With such solid support, he need not curry favor with anyone and can oversee canal transport without regard for others’ interests.

Upon reflection, this choice is masterful—even better than Qin Xiao appointing his own military officials.

Knowing how to deploy talent strategically, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian are truly difficult to counter.

Senior officials naturally pondered this, but those of fifth grade and above in the Censorate were making their own plans.

If Qi Zhili becomes the Grand Canal Governor, will he relinquish his post as Deputy Censor-in-chief?

This would allow junior officials a chance to advance.

The court fell into silence.

Chu Jiubian turned to glance at Qi Zhili standing slightly behind and to the side, clearing his throat softly.

Qi Zhili quickly refocused, straightened his expression, and bowed deeply: "I will serve to Your Majesty’s satisfaction."

Since the words were directed at Baili Hong, Qin Xiao remained silent.

The young emperor had been a silent presence for quite some time. Seeing his uncle quiet, he knew it was his turn to speak.

So he put on an authoritative tone and declared: "Good. I indeed did not misjudge you."

This was something Chu Jiubian had jokingly said to the young emperor earlier, never expecting him to apply it here.

Chu Jiubian instinctively exchanged a glance with Qin Xiao, then quickly looked away, afraid he might laugh.

Qin Xiao, however, continued to watch him, not withholding a smile.

After Qi Zhili expressed gratitude, Qin Xiao composed himself and said: "In that case, please accompany me to the Hall of Mental Cultivation after court, Zhongcheng Qi, to draft a plan for canal transport."

Everyone assumed that once the specific plan is finalized, Qin Xiao would bring it up again in court, so no one rushed to claim river segments now.

They also needed to return and discuss, selecting suitable candidates so that if they indeed secure management of a segment, they can immediately dispatch personnel.

But they never expected that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had no intention of allowing other factions to participate in the canal transport operation.

In the meeting room in the Hall of Mental Cultivation after the court session, three desks were set up below, while the young emperor sat obediently in the main seat, practicing his characters and occasionally glancing through unimportant memorials, circling them.

Through this process, he could also learn which memorials didn’t need close reading, while familiarizing himself with the origins, official positions, and political factions of the officials who submitted them.

Eunuch Hong was usually over at the Directorate of Ceremonial at this time, so another young eunuch named Hong Yu was assisting Baili Hong.

This Xiao Yuzi was a year younger than Xiao Xiangzi, but he was sharp, observant, and good at reading people. With a simple background and having received favors from both Qin Feng and Eunuch Hong, he was being groomed as the second disciple accompanying the young emperor as he grew up.

While Baili Hong was learning to go over memorials, Xiao Yuzi also paid attention to the officials’ positions, regions, and their political connections.

When Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian explained things to Baili Hong, he listened attentively, trying to remember everything so that he could quickly remind the emperor if he ever forgot something.

Chu Jiubian quite liked him—he was a dependable and quick child.

Of course, his trust in this young eunuch wasn’t just because Qin Xiao and Hong Fu had checked him out multiple times; another reason was that he had once seen the eunuch’s information when picking followers from the "Wisdom Cards."

Anyone chosen by the system was guaranteed to have both good character and a clean background.

This was Qi Zhili’s first time working in the discussion hall, and he initially felt a little uncomfortable. But once he got into his work, he quickly forgot his surroundings and gradually drafted a rough plan for the canal transport system.

Once approved by the emperor, he could take it back to his office to flesh out the details.

After finishing the draft, he put down his brush and looked up toward the main seat.

Noticing that the three-year-old child had stayed quiet and kept studying, and was already capable of understanding memorials at such a young age, Qi Zhili’s eyes lit up without him realizing.

He had been in the court since Emperor Yingzong’s time and knew well that the previous emperor wasn't a wise ruler, or very smart either.

He had only managed to hold the throne with the support of the Qin and Xiao families.

Yet later, he turned against the Qin family, who had been loyal for generations—truly ungrateful, lacking both talent and virtue.

After the dynasty changed, Qi Zhili had always been on edge, worried that Qin Xiao might become obsessed with power, grow arrogant, and turn into the biggest problem in the court.

But seeing the young emperor’s demeanor now, Qi Zhili finally could relax.

At such a tender age, the child could sit still for so long, dared to speak in court, possessed a great memory, and had a gentle yet sharp personality—every aspect suggested he had what it took to be a wise ruler!

Supporting such an emperor, Qi Zhili felt that his dreams of a prosperous age could one day be realized.

The people would no longer worry about food or staying warm.

Noticing someone staring at him, Baili Hong looked up, his big round eyes bright.

Seeing it was Qi Zhili, his eyes curved into a smile, revealing a row of small white teeth.

Qi Zhili was surprised, then felt a warmth in his heart, a smile appearing on his usually calm expression.

Chu Jiubian had already observed his reaction out of the corner of his eye and couldn’t help smiling as well.

It was true—no one could resist a well-behaved, sensible, and clever child.

Qi Zhili rose from his seat and walked up to the main seat, bowing to Baili Hong. "Your Majesty, I have drafted the plan. Please review it."

As he spoke, he subtly glanced at Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, who were seated on either side of the aisle.

Since entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the two had been sitting in their respective seats reviewing memorials, without exchanging a word. They only looked up to patiently answer when the young emperor had questions.

Now, by going around them and handing the plan directly to Baili Hong, Qi Zhili wanted to see how they would react.

To his surprise, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian didn't react at all—they didn’t even look up.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuzi, who had been standing by Baili Hong’s side, came forward, took the plan from Qi Zhili, and handed it to Baili Hong.

Baili Hong carefully read through the document.

Seeing that the plan was clear and concise, including everything from the establishment of jurisdictional divisions and staffing to duty allocation, management, and supervision, Baili Hong nodded as he read it and praised straightforwardly, "You did a good job with this, Minister."

Though Qi Zhili felt pleased, he couldn’t help questioning whether the young emperor had truly understood it.

But the next moment, he heard Baili Hong say, "However, Minister, why didn’t you include tax types?"

"What?" Qi Zhili was stunned.

Baili Hong also seemed confused at first before explaining, "The canal is divided into sections. Merchant ships passing through two sections should pay some taxes. Otherwise, what’s the point of dividing the sections?"

His teacher and uncle had explained this to him before. His teacher had even drawn the canal’s route on the ground, showing him where to divide it and why.

The canal was originally built for official ships and cargo transport. Now that merchant ships were benefiting from its convenience, they should also give back to the court.

The court was strapped for cash, while merchant ships were not lacking. Therefore, they needed to pay certain taxes.

It was like someone digging a well—if you keep drawing water from it, you should repay the favor when the well-digger is in need.

Thinking Qi Zhili might not understand this principle, just as he hadn’t before, Baili Hong specifically repeated the "borrowing the well" analogy.

After finishing, he blinked his large eyes and asked, "Do you understand, Minister?"

Qi Zhili hurriedly replied, "I understand, Your Majesty."

He had suspected that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had other new policies in mind but never expected it to be taxation!

Yet upon hearing the word "tax," he felt a thrill.

Indeed, the court had the right to levy taxes, and as the emperor said, merchant ships enjoyed privileges and treatment meant for official ships. They couldn’t just take without giving back.

He glanced at Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian on either side, feeling conflicted.

These two didn’t treat Baili Hong as a child but as a true emperor.

They not only taught him to read memorials and recognize officials but also helped him see through court dynamics, explaining the meaning behind each policy in the simplest terms.

No wonder Baili Hong was growing at such an astonishing rate—it was because he had two such "excellent teachers"!

Yes, and there was also the exceptionally talented Eunuch Hong Fu, who must have passed on all his skills to Baili Hong.

Growing up in such an environment, it would be strange if Baili Hong didn’t become a wise ruler.

Qi Zhili felt a surge of emotion but suppressed it firmly.

He stepped forward to retrieve the plan and said, "Your Majesty, I will revise it."

"Good, take your time, no need to rush." Baili Hong reassured Qi Zhili in the same way Chu Jiubian often comforted him.

Qi Zhili was deeply touched and highly motivated.

Even at lunchtime, he only picked at his food before diving back into work.

By around four o'clock in the afternoon, he had finally drawn up a new version of the regulations, adding tax categories before submitting it to Baili Hong.

Baili Hong hadn't yet learned how to review tax documents, so he only glanced over it briefly and said, "Better to let the Two Lords take a look."

Qi Zhili now regarded Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian with nothing but respect, without his previous worries and wariness, so he eagerly agreed.

Qin Xiao went to sit beside Chu Jiubian, and together they looked it over.

This version, though not perfect, included tax classifications, collection thresholds, procedures for tax collection by different canal transport offices, and the process for sending funds to the court—it had all the essentials.

"Not bad," Chu Jiubian commented.

Qi Zhili eased up a bit and said, "The Qiu family is responsible for the canal transport in the southeastern section, but for the other three sections, I truly don’t know who should handle management responsibilities."

Chu Jiubian looked up at him and said, "Next, Minister Qi will have the challenging task of overseeing the establishment of these divisions locally."

He then handed him a prepared list and added, "The people on this list are scholars we consider promising. They are all commoners with no official rank—how you appoint them is completely your decision."

Qi Zhili was capable, and though the role of Grand Canal Governor was challenging, he would certainly excel at it.

Let him decide the appointments himself?

Qi Zhili was almost too surprised to speak.

The officials in these divisions, even the highest-ranking ones, would hold positions as high as the second-rank or lower. How could such important regional appointments be up to him?

Moreover, everyone on the list was a commoner—directly appointing them to positions ranging from the fifth rank to just below the second rank seemed too risky.

Though he had doubts, when he met Chu Jiubian’s steady gaze, he couldn't voice them.

He didn’t consider himself smarter than these two, so if he could think of these issues, they certainly had as well.

Since they were moving forward like this, there must be other reasons behind it.

With that in mind, he decided not to hesitate and simply accepted the task.

He bowed deeply and said, "This official accepts the order."

Then, he turned to Baili Hong and bowed again. "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your trust."

Baili Hong replied, "There’s no need for such formality, Minister. You’ve worked hard all day—please go home and rest."

The child’s milky voice warmed Qi Zhili’s heart, and he said gently, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your concern."

Qi Zhili worked with exceptional diligence and efficiency. By the evening of the next day, he had already submitted a more detailed version of the regulations.

This time, he had even detailed the number of laborers and guards each division should have.

With such a thorough plan, his work locally would be much easier.

Since the regulations were now finalized, Qi Zhili planned to set out for the regions the next day. Traveling south along the canal from Northern Zhili, he could establish the divisions along the way.

On his return trip, he could do another inspection to fix any oversights and make timely improvements.

Baili Hong appointed Qi Zhili to his official position, gave him an official seal, provided him with three thousand taels of silver, and assigned six hundred elite soldiers for his protection. He was escorted by General Wan Lin, an officer under the Qin Family Army.

Qin Xiao also secretly gave Wan Lin a military token, allowing him to mobilize local City Defense Forces anywhere.

Chu Jiubian used an extra "Wealth Card" he had drawn from the system warehouse, designating Qi Zhili as the recipient—though he did not summon him into the Divine Realm.

Whether to summon him later would be decided another time; for now, it was just an extra layer of protection.

If a follower was in danger, the system would notify Chu Jiubian, who could then assess the situation and save him in time.

This wasn’t an overreaction on their part—Qi Zhili’s mission was genuinely perilous. Other families might not dare confront him openly, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t scheme in secret. It was always wise to err on the side of caution.

Moreover, the Qi family was wealthy, and knowing the national treasury was strained, Qi Zhili discreetly offered to draw funds from the Qi family’s businesses as needed before his departure, assuring Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian not to worry too much.

Since he was so sincere, they felt obliged to respond in kind.

Qi Zhili’s departure could hardly be described as anything less than grand, and various factions finally realized that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had never intended to share the profits from canal transport!

This realization left not only those families excluded from the benefits fuming but even the Qiu family, which had gained some advantages, feeling resentful.

Had they known the regulations would turn out this way, the Qiu family wouldn’t have feared opposition from other families and could have fought for more benefits from the court.

But it was too late for regrets now.

Through this incident, everyone also noticed that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian’s methods were growing increasingly assertive. Initially, whenever court matters arose, the two would employ persuasion and appeasement, distributing benefits to all sides.

But now, they were revealing their sharp edges.

In this climate, it seemed the only way to curb the expanding imperial power was to remove them.

Yet, how easy was that to accomplish?

Chu Jiubian was out of the question—a deity was beyond mortal means to deal with.

As for Qin Xiao, no one could figure out how to eliminate him either.

But little did anyone expect that an opportunity would arise so soon.

On the Double Ninth Festival, the ninth day of the ninth month, news suddenly arrived from the northwest: Western Regions Serbia had invaded without warning and occupied Gansu!

Prince Dingbei had been captured, the people of Gansu were suffering, and Western Regions Serbia demanded that Qin Xiao personally go to Gansu for peace talks—otherwise, they would begin slaughtering the city’s inhabitants!