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Chapter 303: A Win-Win Situation
Chapter 303: A Win-Win Situation
September 25, 2017
Zhang He and Lu HaiKong discussed a significant topic, focusing on the survival of the Outsider forces in this world.
Lu HaiKong had engaged in such conversations before, as Ye Junru often brought up this subject when she was at the Mountain Camp.
However, Ye Junru's scope was narrower, as she discussed the living conditions of the Mountain Bandits, Water Bandits, Outsiders, and Yellow Turban forces.
Despite the difference in scale, both Zhang He and Lu HaiKong reached the same conclusion, indicating Zhang He's intention to form an alliance with Lu HaiKong.
Zhang He believed that in this world, the relationship between Outsiders, especially neighboring Outsider Lords, should not be one of mutual exclusivity. Instead, they could collaborate and achieve mutual development.
Lu HaiKong had not anticipated Zhang He's perspective before meeting him, but he understood Zhang He's proposal.
However, Lu HaiKong did not provide an immediate response to Zhang He, as it was their first meeting, and alliances were not formed solely on promises.
Moreover, although Zhang He's attitude was positive, Li Ke's behavior earlier was completely different.
It was evident that Li Ke had no intention of forming an alliance with Lu HaiKong and seemed to lack respect for Zhang He, even subtly implying superiority.
Zhang He was also exasperated with Li Ke, as his brother's talents were limited to martial arts, and he generally fell into the category of incompetents. Li Ke lacked self-awareness and believed himself to be capable.
As an older brother, Li Ke wanted to interfere in various aspects of Zhang He's life, and Zhang He could not suppress him. When Zhang He tried to assert himself, Li Ke would throw a tantrum and refuse to cooperate.
Lu HaiKong was unaware of Zhang He's predicament, but he had faith in Zhang He's ability to handle Li Ke's issues.
After warming up the conversation with the broader topic, Zhang He shifted the discussion to Lu HaiKong's trade matters. He sought to gain control over the distribution rights of Dingxiang County's trade channels from Lu HaiKong.
This topic was the crux of their meeting, and as they delved into it, the initially relaxed atmosphere became more serious.
After all, if this negotiation failed, the current situation could easily fall apart.
For Zhang He, the trading profits of Lu HaiKong's Mountain Camp were impressive, but the real value to him was not the profits themselves. Instead, it was the opportunity to control the trading channels in Dingxiang County and divide the local aristocracy.
As a governor parachuted into the region and a native of Bingzhou's aristocratic family, Zhang He aimed to establish himself in Dingxiang County. His situation was even more challenging than that of a typical governor.
While his aristocratic background prevented the local aristocracy from openly disrespecting him, they subtly resisted him. In a sense, his authority as a governor was limited compared to that of a governor from a non-aristocratic background.
Nevertheless, as a member of a prominent Bingzhou aristocratic family, Zhang He held advantages that far surpassed those of an ordinary governor.
Leveraging his aristocratic status, Zhang He could easily secure the position of governor. However, expanding his influence and establishing his power base would be a formidable challenge.
The power of the Dingxiang aristocracy has nearly reached saturation, and with the arrival of Zhang He, their influence will inevitably wane. As such, no one would be willing to allow Zhang He to establish roots in Dingxiang.
He needs a breakthrough, and currently, the best opportunity for him is to control Lu HaiKong's trading channels.
Zhang He openly shared this intention with Lu HaiKong, but Lu HaiKong was perplexed. Zhang He already possessed the means to make the Dingxiang aristocracy give up trading with the mountain bandits, so why would he now need to leverage the mountain bandits' trading channels to control the aristocracy?
Zhang He did not provide an answer to Lu HaiKong's question, and Lu HaiKong did not press further, as it was not a matter of great importance to him.
The crucial question was, what benefits or losses would Lu HaiKong face if Zhang He took over the trading channels?
Zhang He was very honest with Lu HaiKong, assuring him that there would be some degree of price fluctuation, but he could promise that the fluctuation would not be significant. Moreover, if the mountain bandits purchased grain from Dingxiang, the price would be much cheaper than before.
Initially, when Lu HaiKong traded with the Strong Yin Clan through the Black Wind Mountain Camp, they adhered to the prices set by the camp. As the mountain bandits' influence grew, the aristocracy began to make concessions, but the current prices were still at least three levels higher than the market rate.
At this point, Zhang He promised Lu HaiKong that they could trade grain, iron ore, and even coal at market prices, with conditions far more favorable than Lu HaiKong had anticipated.
These were just the issues related to pricing, and there was another significant advantage for Lu HaiKong. By entrusting Zhang He with the business in Dingxiang, Lu HaiKong would no longer need to waste manpower and energy on developing channels with the aristocracy. Instead, he could focus solely on expanding channels with the outsiders.
This was a win-win situation!
At least, based on the current circumstances, it was undoubtedly a favorable outcome.
The current situation was far better than what Lu HaiKong had anticipated in the Assembly Hall, and as a result, he was successfully convinced by Zhang He.
For the mountain bandits, the closure of trade was also an unavoidable circumstance. The suspension of trade was not beneficial for either Lu HaiKong or Zhang He, so the current resolution was already quite satisfactory.
Lu HaiKong was convinced, but he did not immediately agree. Instead, he made a request for ten Elite-level bows.
It was clear that Lu HaiKong had taken a liking to the Elite-level bows, having witnessed their power through the arrows embedded in Pan Feng.
Since Elder Gong could replicate Elite-level equipment, Lu HaiKong had no reason to pass up this opportunity.
The Light Cloud Crossbow was also due for replacement, and once Lu HaiKong acquired the Elite-level bows, the overall strength of his mountain camp would undoubtedly receive a significant boost.
Regarding Lu HaiKong's request for the Elite-level bows, Zhang He agreed without hesitation...
He was well aware that Lu HaiKong's sudden request for ten Elite-level bows likely had some strategic purpose, and it might even enhance Lu HaiKong's mountain camp's military strength. Nonetheless, Zhang He agreed without a second thought.
(End of Chapter)
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