Chapter 71: Execution
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Cangzhou.
The ravages of the barbarian invasion three years ago had left this city scarred and struggling to recover. The once-thriving Cangzhou now had a population of only thirty thousand.
The city was a shadow of its former self, with a dwindling population and abandoned industries. However, since the government issued the farmland reclamation order during the winter, some residents had gradually returned to cultivate the land.
Despite the sparse population, the city was bustling with merchants. Some carried official permits, but many more were smugglers without proper documentation.
The Great Yu Empire had always strictly controlled trade with the barbarians. However, under pressure from the barbarians, the empire had no choice but to open its borders to trade. Yet, certain types of trade were strictly prohibited.
The first was coal and iron, and the second was horses. Generally, any trade involving war materials was banned unless accompanied by official documentation.
When the Wang family had previously discussed trade with the barbarians with Xiao Ming, they had been terrified because they were secretly involved in the coal and iron trade.
Unlike usual, at noon that day, a group of heavily armed cavalry entered Cangzhou. The sight of their armor nearly frightened the city’s residents to death.
The cavalry wore barbarian-style armor, and their horses were as robust as those of the barbarians. At first glance, it seemed as if barbarian cavalry had entered the city. It wasn’t until they saw the Qingzhou military flag that the residents felt somewhat reassured.
Acting on Xiao Ming’s orders, Lu Fei had led the elite cavalry of Qingzhou, traveling day and night to reach Cangzhou in just two days and one night.