Chapter 380: Reunion with Zhang He
Chapter 380: Reunion with Zhang He
September 25, 2017
Qiangyin County Government Office.
After their previous encounter in Dingxiang, Lu Haikong and Zhang He finally reunited two months later.
However, the atmosphere between them was not as harmonious as before.
After all, a lot had happened during these two months, and the tacit understanding and cooperative friendship they once shared had mostly dissipated.
Fortunately, it was Zhang He who arrived, allowing him and Lu Haikong to sit in the hall, sipping tea. If it had been any other aristocratic offspring, they might not have even had a seat at this moment.
"I haven't congratulated you yet. Not only did you successfully withstand the encirclement and suppression, but you also managed to clear your name," Zhang He said after taking a sip of tea.
"I don't even know in what capacity you've come here. Are you here as Zhang He of the Zhang Clan or as Zhang He the Outsider? If it's the latter, then I accept your congratulations. But if it's the former..."
Lu Haikong paused, his eyes fixed on Zhang He, as if sensing that this visit from Zhang He was not a pleasant one.
Indeed, Zhang He wore his trademark gentle smile, "Unfortunately, I'm here today as Zhang He of the Zhang Clan."
"In that case, let's get straight to the point. Considering our past cooperation, I won't make things difficult for you. Tell me, what brings you here this time? Or rather, what does the Zhang Clan intend to do?"
When Zhang He mentioned the Zhang Clan, the last remnants of their previous friendship vanished, and the two officially became negotiation representatives for their respective factions.
"First, I have some news that might not be too pleasant for you. You've successfully inspired Ding Yuan, and reliable sources indicate that he has begun preparations to develop Jiuyuan County. His plan is almost identical to your development of Qiangyin County, except for the exclusion of the clans."
"What did you say?" Lu Haikong exclaimed in surprise.
"You didn't think your success was unrepeatable, did you? You managed to obtain a large number of warhorses and livestock for trade, and Ding Yuan can do the same. In fact, he has made similar moves in Wuyuan Prefecture over the past few months. After all, he has dealt significant blows to the Xianbei Tribe, wiping out more than one or two of their tribes. He just hadn't established himself in Bingzhou, so he couldn't turn it into a thriving industry."
"But the situation is different now. Ding Yuan, taking advantage of the previous incident, has successfully undermined the prestige of my Zhang Clan. Many clans have already pledged allegiance to him, and he now has the ability and qualifications to develop this industry. I believe you can understand that once his market in Jiuyuan County takes off, it will have significant implications for you."
Zhang He fully immersed himself in his role, becoming an expert negotiator. His words immediately seized control of the situation.
After dropping this bombshell, Zhang He continued before Lu Haikong could react: "Bingzhou is not that big. The livestock and warhorse trade isn't as extensive as you might think. Once Ding Yuan's market in Jiuyuan County is established, your business will undoubtedly suffer."
"Oh, and by the way, even before their market is fully operational, your business will already be non-existent. You can imagine the situation you'll face when their market matures."
"No business also means no money coming in. As far as I know, Zhang Ran has quite the appetite. If you don't have enough funds to satisfy him, he can help you clear your name, but he can also..."
Zhang He trailed off, his eyes fixed on Lu Haikong.
There was truth in his words, but some details could be overlooked. After all, they were in a semi-antagonistic relationship, and Zhang He wanted to extract information from Lu Haikong, so he had to exaggerate the latter's predicament.
Lu Haikong was almost led astray by Zhang He's words, but fortunately, he had made significant progress recently. He quickly regained his composure, saying, "Ding Yuan's rise isn't good news for your Zhang Clan either. And do you really think your Zhang Clan can get a share of his business? You came here for my business, didn't you?"
"Be honest. What concessions do you want? Let's talk."
"We want five layers of shops in the seven-layer Qiangyin County and a share of the livestock trade profits. There's no room for negotiation!"
As Zhang He spoke, a domineering and resilient aura surged from him. Lu Haikong's jet-black hair stood on end without a gust of wind, and he resembled an enraged god of slaughter, his terrifying aura pressing down on Zhang He.
With Lu Haikong's current strength, when his aura erupted, even a scholarly and weak individual like Zhang He, let alone someone with a strength value of 70, might not withstand it.
However, under Lu Haikong's oppressive aura, Zhang He remained calm and composed, finishing his sentence and casually sitting down to sip his tea, unbothered by the other's aura.
Lu Haikong glared at Zhang He for a long time before finally suppressing his aura and speaking in a cold voice, "Your Zhang Clan sure has a big appetite!"
"It's not just the Zhang Clan, but the entire aristocratic group led by them. As an Outsider myself, let me remind you that the clans in Bingzhou have already split into two groups. Only the clans have the power to sell your livestock and warhorses."
"Are you saying that if I don't align myself with your Zhang Clan's aristocratic group, I'll starve to death?" Lu Haikong asked coldly.
Zhang He's teacup slightly trembled in his hand as he looked at Lu Haikong with a calm expression. At this moment, Zhang He seemed to have the upper hand.
"It's not that absolute, but it's probably not far from the truth. You should understand that you don't have many choices left at this point."
"I know the Yellow Turban Rebellion is imminent, but it won't directly affect Bingzhou. Through the Zhang Clan's influence, I'm well aware that Bingzhou won't be significantly impacted by the rebellion. Bingzhou will remain as it is."
"Therefore, let me give you some advice. For this current dilemma, you can only grit your teeth and get through it. Otherwise, the advantages you've accumulated will gradually be caught up to, or even surpassed by others."
"Sometimes, compromise allows you to move forward. Without compromise, you'll be stuck in place, or even lose your footing entirely!"
"That's all I have to say. Think it over carefully. I'll take my leave now!"
After speaking, Zhang He put down his teacup and left without another word...
Chapter end
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