https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-378-The-Failed-Elixir-of-Immortality/13031287/
Chapter 379: Blockade
Chapter 379: Blockade
After the return of the Black Wind Legion, Wang Jun soon completed the handover and headed to Qiangyin.
The successor to Wang Jun's position was Zhang Wen, whose appointment was largely due to his steady and reliable character, which aligned with Wang Jun's expectations. With a lack of suitable candidates, Wang Jun ultimately chose to groom Zhang Wen as his successor.
With the framework already established in the mountain stronghold and Zhang Wen's experience working alongside Wang Jun, the transition of leadership went smoothly.
After holding the fort for a few days, Lu Haikong found that Zhang Wen was capable of maintaining stability. He then set off for Qiangyin.
The basic framework in Qiangyin had been set up, although preparations might have been slightly lacking. However, it didn't need to be perfect, as long as it was functional.
Since Lu Haikong's takeover of Qiangyin and the subsequent establishment of a market, along with the continuous supply of horses and livestock from the mountain stronghold, the captured clan members had a good idea of Lu Haikong's intentions.
Lu Haikong then spread the news of the market among the captured clan members, who, in turn, disseminated the information to the clans in the three neighboring counties of Men, Dingxiang, and Yunzhong.
With the market set up and the news spreading, Lu Haikong expected the clans to swoop in like vultures.
However, none of the clans made a move, and the situation became awkward.
Initially, Lu Haikong thought the clans were holding back, waiting for someone to make the first move. He waited for three more days, but still, no one came.
Strangely, even the usual merchant caravans that passed through Qiangyin were nowhere to be seen, which was highly unusual.
Someone was definitely up to no good!
Lu Haikong realized this, and almost simultaneously, he received a message from Zhang Li. Ding Yuan and the Zhang Clan had joined forces to block access to Qiangyin, with the support of the Bingzhou clans.
Upon hearing this, Lu Haikong's eyes flashed with a chilling light.
In the current situation in Bingzhou, there were three major powers: Ding Yuan's faction, supported by the imperial clans; the Zhang Clan, a local powerhouse with numerous subordinate clans; and Lu Haikong and Zhang Li, the eunuch duo. Among these, Lu Haikong's faction was the weakest, with only Lu Haikong and Zhang Li's forces.
Ding Yuan, backed by the imperial clans, had previously weakened the Zhang Clan, causing many clans to shift their allegiance. The Zhang Clan, a long-standing local power, had numerous subordinate clans. If they decided to block Lu Haikong's trade route, it would be a formidable challenge.
Lu Haikong's rise was recent, and his foundation was shallow. Despite controlling the Golden Stream and possessing formidable strength, if his opponents chose to target his weaknesses, he would be in a difficult position.
"I didn't expect those guys to pull this move. Well played, very impressive!" Lu Haikong's expression turned as cold as ice.
His well-laid plans for development had been easily blocked, and he felt an intense urge to send his forces to crush his opponents.
But he knew that such thoughts were more satisfying to contemplate than to act upon.
"My Lord, what should we do next? After the previous battle's expenses, and with the money we gave to Zhang Ran, plus the costs of consolidating Qiangyin's trade routes, if the market doesn't start soon, our funds will soon become an issue."
Wang Jun frowned and continued, "Moreover, they've blocked our trade routes in Qiangyin. Some supplies can't get through at all. If this continues, not only will business suffer, but even maintaining the status quo will become challenging."
Lu HaiKong furrowed his brows and fell silent for a moment. Then, looking at Li Xiong beside him, he asked, "In Bingzhou, aside from those aristocratic families, are there no other buyers?"
"There are some wealthy merchants, but it's useless," Li Xiong replied. "Since the clans have blockaded the trade routes, those people won't dare to take the risk of coming here."
"What about Zhang Li? How about his side?" Lu HaiKong pressed. "I remember the Zhang Clan seems to have many trade channels."
"My Lord, in Bingzhou, the only ones openly siding with Zhang Ran are you and Zhang Li. Their situation isn't much better than ours. As far as I know, he's even struggling to hold onto his position as the Governor of Yanmen, let alone help us."
Although he had anticipated this, when he heard these words, Lu HaiKong couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. "I really want to chop him to pieces!" he roared.
After venting his frustration, Lu HaiKong forced himself to suppress the rage in his heart. He was well aware that anger wouldn't solve the current situation; the most important thing was to thoroughly resolve the issue at hand.
With great effort, Lu HaiKong managed to calm himself down.
He helplessly realized that whenever he encountered a problem, he wanted to use force to solve it. For matters that couldn't be resolved through strength, he felt at a loss.
This was a bad sign, and Lu HaiKong was well aware that while force could solve most problems, it couldn't solve everything. So, he needed to use his brain.
At this moment, Wang Jun, sitting beside him, noticed Lu HaiKong's deep contemplation. After some hesitation, he finally suggested, "My Lord, why don't you seek advice from Mr. Xi?"
"No! I can handle such a minor matter myself!" Lu HaiKong almost instinctively rejected the idea.
However, as soon as he spoke, Lu HaiKong paused, wondering if his reaction was a bit too extreme.
It was then that Lu HaiKong realized he was acting like a child arguing with a parent. Despite having someone who could support him, he insisted on handling it himself.
Was this approach a bit unreasonable?
Lu HaiKong fell silent for a while, then muttered, "I'm getting stuck on a horned dilemma. Am I trying to prove something to that guy?"
"If I act stubborn now, it will only disappoint him more."
Lu HaiKong stood up, his face revealing a relaxed smile. It seemed like he had figured something out in an instant.
"I'll prepare and go find that guy."
But just as Lu HaiKong finished speaking, a knock on the door was followed by Chen Ping's voice, "My Lord, there's a man outside who claims to be Zhang He, and he wants to see you."
Upon hearing the name Zhang He, Lu HaiKong's eyes narrowed...
(End of Chapter)
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