Chapter 122: Lu HaiKong's Approach to Problem-Solving
Chapter 122: Lu HaiKong's Approach to Problem-Solving
September 25, 2017
...
Hu YinWen was an intelligent man, and many intelligent people share a common trait: they instinctively seek the most suitable methods to handle matters, and unless absolutely necessary, they would never let events deviate from their expected course.
For him, Lu HaiKong was a pawn to be utilized, perhaps even a critical piece that could decide victory or defeat. But he preferred to control how this piece was played and had been overshadowed by Lu HaiKong's dominant presence since his arrival. He disliked this feeling.
Despite Lu HaiKong's shocking revelations, Hu YinWen still didn't promise anything. He was eager to verify the information Lu HaiKong brought, but his attitude remained consistently enthusiastic, even with a hint of respect.
As soon as Hu YinWen left, Li Xiong immediately knelt on one knee before Lu HaiKong, but Lu HaiKong was quick to support him.
"That's enough. You know who I am, and now that I'm here, would I blame you for such a minor issue? First, tell me what's going on with the Hu Yin Tribe."
In reality, Li Xiong might not know Lu HaiKong's personality well, as they hadn't spent much time together. However, in this rare moment of 'harmonious ruler and minister,' anyone with a bit of emotional intelligence wouldn't say anything to spoil the atmosphere.
Li Xiong collected his thoughts and explained everything he knew to Lu HaiKong.
In truth, Li Xiong had been trading with the Hu Yin Tribe for several years, and even when the former leader was severely injured, he still had many connections and resources. Theoretically, he should have had a detailed understanding of the tribe's situation.
However, this time, Li Xiong didn't know much. The entire situation was strange from the start, from the former leader's sudden severe injury to the current state of affairs. It began with a horse-riding accident and evolved into a suspected conspiracy, with everyone believing a malicious hand was at play.
Amidst the chaos and complexities, it seemed that only finding the person who injured the former leader could reveal the truth.
Lu HaiKong's eyebrows furrowed as he listened to Li Xiong's description. He disliked complexity and hated waiting even more. "So, you're saying the former leader of the Hu Yin Tribe was intentionally left alive by someone?"
"Yes," Li Xiong replied, his heart skipping a beat when he heard Lu HaiKong's words.
Although their acquaintance was brief, Li Xiong could tell that Lu HaiKong wasn't one to embrace trouble. Yet, there was a faster way to accelerate the situation, and he wondered what Lu HaiKong intended.
Li Xiong's expression changed, and he couldn't help but smile bitterly. His lord was even more lawless than he had anticipated, and perhaps a bit too daring.
Noticing Li Xiong's reaction, Lu HaiKong understood that he had guessed his thoughts. With a light sigh, he spoke solemnly, "My time is limited. I came this time because you are my right-hand man, and I don't want you to be held up here easily. For me, the most important thing is to bring you back safely. As for whether this tribe's trade can continue, we'll set it aside for now. But since I'm here, I want to handle it my way."
This sudden heart-to-heart talk caught Li Xiong off guard, and he couldn't help but lower his head when he saw Lu HaiKong's determined gaze.
Li Xiong knew that all the commotion within the tribe was centered around the position of the tribal chief. The only reason it hadn't escalated yet was due to the presence of the old chief.
Everyone eligible and prepared to succeed him wanted to use this time to deal with other competitors within the tribe and ensure a smooth transition to the chieftain position.
However, if the old chief were to meet an untimely death, all the suppressed conflicts would instantly intensify, turning into a fight to the death. Only when there was one left standing or a new chief was crowned would the struggle possibly cease.
This was the most savage method, a bloody affair that some didn't want to employ. But for Lu Haikong, this was the best way to handle the situation.
After all, it wasn't his territory, and these were just a bunch of Xianbei tribespeople. Lu Haikong had more important matters to attend to than deal with their chaos. What's the big deal about choosing a new chief? Simple, just go in and get it done. Why bother with conspiracies and tricks? He didn't have time for such games.
After a moment of hesitation, Lu Haikong shared what he wanted to know: "The old chief's tent is the large one in the center of the tribe. There's a team of Xianbei guards outside, and reportedly, two quasi-warlord-level guards are stationed within. After nightfall, no one is allowed to approach."
"Alright, I understand. Dian Wei, let's go!"
Lu Haikong and Dian Wei left the tent once more and immediately disappeared into the night.
"Such decisiveness in killing and fighting," Li Xiong shook his head as he watched Lu Haikong's departing figure. "Following this lord will either bring great fortune or great disaster!" However, there wasn't much regret on his face. In this world, who among the bandits could easily find a peaceful end?
The old chief's security was tight. There were no other tents within several meters of his tent. A team of about fifty guards stood watch, and according to Lu Haikong's reconnaissance skills, these guards had a strength of around 20, making them quite elite.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
