Chapter 381: Meeting Xi Zhicai
Chapter 381: Meeting Xi Zhicai
September 25, 2017
Lu HaiKong was seething with anger and frustration. He had to forcefully restrain himself from twisting Zhang He's head off.
Despite their long acquaintance, this was the first time Lu HaiKong had found Zhang He so detestable.
Zhang He came well-prepared and immediately stunned Lu HaiKong with his initial move. As Lu HaiKong realized that someone was trying to replicate his significant advantage in establishing himself, he became flustered, and Zhang He seized the opportunity to relentlessly push him, ultimately disrupting Lu HaiKong's rhythm and forcing him to follow Zhang He's lead.
However, the rhythm itself wasn't the most crucial aspect. What truly mattered were the revelations Zhang He brought to light, which were the most troublesome for Lu HaiKong.
Lu HaiKong had assumed that after clearing his name, his situation would improve significantly compared to before. Yet, in the end, he found himself in an even more challenging position.
Lu HaiKong's current predicament was extremely difficult, especially after the blockade on trade routes. He faced immense economic pressure, as he had over ten thousand troops to support in his mountain stronghold, and Zhang Ran expected him to deliver ten million gold within six months. With his business not yet established, his financial income primarily relied on the gold mine excavation led by the Tomb Raider.
Although the gold mine was likely to yield a substantial amount, ensuring a steady inflow of money in the short term, this was only a temporary solution. If this situation persisted, Lu HaiKong's economy would inevitably collapse, so he had to resolve these issues promptly.
Lu HaiKong had always believed that he could establish his market and revive his business, but now he faced an economic blockade, and Ding Yuan was directly attempting to seize his business.
Lu HaiKong couldn't do anything about Ding Yuan for the time being, but regardless, he had to find a way to break the economic blockade. Ideally, he wanted to establish his market before Ding Yuan's, so even with a competitor, he would still have some advantages.
Zhang He had witnessed Lu HaiKong's predicament, which was why he made such an exorbitant demand. This demand hit Lu HaiKong where it hurt the most, and although it pained him, he had no choice but to compromise with the Zhang Clan.
However, Lu HaiKong was truly unwilling to compromise. He couldn't accept this outcome!
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As Lu HaiKong struggled with his dilemma, Zhang He was resting in a tavern in Strong Yin.
"I never imagined that I had underestimated him. His strength has definitely surpassed 80 in such a short time. With such rapid growth, his talent must be among the most exceptional of all Outsiders."
Zhang He spoke as he took out a broken jade pendant from his chest. If it weren't for this pendant, he wouldn't have been able to handle Lu HaiKong's overwhelming aura so calmly.
"But in this situation, even his strength is useless. Strength alone cannot solve everything." Zhang He casually tossed the broken pendant aside, a confident smile appearing on his face.
He had done everything he could for now, and all that was left was to wait for Lu HaiKong's compromise.
Proposing such harsh demands wasn't Zhang He's initial intention. He didn't want to pressure Lu HaiKong excessively, but he had no choice. He wasn't the decision-maker; he could only follow the conditions set by Zhang Yi.
However, Zhang He had thoroughly studied Lu HaiKong's situation and was well aware of his current circumstances. Under financial strain, Zhang He was certain that Lu HaiKong would eventually compromise.
After Zhang He's departure, Lu HaiKong immediately had him monitored and returned to the mountain stronghold.
With Xi Zhicai, a true expert, at his disposal, Lu HaiKong had no reason to not seek his counsel, especially given the current situation. It would be quite inexcusable not to consult Xi Zhicai.
What Lu HaiKong didn't expect was that when he returned to the stronghold and explained the situation to Xi Zhicai, seeking a solution, Xi Zhicai looked at him in utter bewilderment.
Lu HaiKong had never seen any expression on Xi Zhicai's face other than a calm and gentle one. Seeing his astonishment, Lu HaiKong's heart skipped a beat.
"What's wrong? Is this matter very complicated?" Lu HaiKong asked.
"No, no. I was just thinking, for such a simple matter, why did you come to me?" Xi Zhicai replied, his face breaking into a rare, mocking smile.
Lu HaiKong froze, remembering his previous childish actions, and his face flushed with embarrassment.
"If I had a solution, why would I come to you? I've been relying on you for so long. This time, if you don't give me some advice, I won't leave!" Despite his embarrassment, seeing Xi Zhicai's rare mocking smile, Lu HaiKong's mood instantly lightened.
After a brief silence, both of them burst into laughter, and the subtle tension between them dissipated.
After a while, when their laughter subsided, Lu HaiKong fell silent for a moment before looking up at Xi Zhicai with utmost seriousness.
Lu HaiKong wasn't a fool, and even if he were, spending time with someone would gradually allow him to understand their feelings.
In a quiet moment, as they sat together, Lu HaiKong noticed that despite Xi Zhicai's gentle and indifferent smile, there was a hint of melancholy and resignation in his eyes, as if he had accepted his fate.
Strangely, this feeling grew stronger, giving Lu HaiKong the impression that Xi Zhicai was preparing for his own demise.
It was under these circumstances that a slight tension arose between them, leading to Lu HaiKong's previous immature actions.
Sitting across from Xi Zhicai, Lu HaiKong made a solemn promise, "You won't die! Trust me, I'll find a cure for your illness!"
Xi Zhicai trembled, and his slightly pale face struggled to maintain a smile, "Then I'll leave it to you."
His tone was dismissive, as if he didn't believe Lu HaiKong could accomplish such a task. Xi Zhicai didn't give Lu HaiKong a chance to continue the conversation on this topic.
"You asked me what to do, right? Well, I don't have a good solution either, but I think you should have one. I recall you have an ally in Youzhou, so why focus on Bingzhou? The Strong Yin realm isn't far from Youzhou. You can easily expand your influence there." Xi Zhicai continued.
"Moreover, you can provide what the Zhang Clan wants. Once the situation improves, you can always take back what you've given. And surely you don't believe those aristocratic families are truly united, do you?"
...
(End of Chapter)
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