Chapter 382: Meeting Ye Junru
Chapter 382: Meeting Ye Junru
September 25, 2017
Lu Haikong didn't stay long at Xi Zhicai's place, as affairs in Qiangyin were pressing, and he couldn't afford to stay for long. Moreover, Xi Zhicai's state of mind had become somewhat chaotic in the latter half of their conversation, and after giving Lu Haikong advice, he practically ushered him out the door.
After Lu Haikong left, Xi Zhicai picked up the teacup and brought it to his lips, only to realize it had gone cold.
It was clear that he was somewhat disoriented at this moment.
"Are you going to let me die? I may have spoken too boldly."
Xi Zhicai muttered, "Moreover, I've come to terms with life and death long ago. It's just that I'm suddenly feeling more and more reluctant to die like this way."
Although he said this, when Xi Zhicai heard Lu Haikong assure him that he wouldn't let him die, his heart couldn't help but beat faster. His words were already in disarray.
The current Xi Zhicai was in a completely different state compared to before his journey north. Before, he had indeed become somewhat indifferent to life and death, but now, his once calm and serene mindset seemed to have been shattered. He gradually realized that he might not have been as detached from life and death as he had thought.
...
Lu Haikong, after leaving the mountain stronghold, returned directly to Qiangyin.
What Lu Haikong needed at the moment was time. Although Xi Zhicai had pointed out a path for him, putting it into action also required time. Lu Haikong wasn't confident that he could just go to Youzhou and have the local clans and merchants immediately kneel before him, seeking his favor. Without sufficient time to maneuver, it would be impossible to change the situation.
To gain the time he needed, Lu Haikong could only agree to Zhang He's demands for now, setting up the framework for the market and starting the business first. As for whether to give in to the Zhang Clan's demands, it was still negotiable.
However, Lu Haikong didn't personally seek out Zhang He, partly because compromising at this point would be too humiliating, and he couldn't bear it.
More importantly, Lu Haikong knew Zhang He very well and was aware of his capabilities. With Lu Haikong's significant change in attitude, he didn't want Zhang He to see through his intentions.
Upon returning to Qiangyin, Lu Haikong immediately summoned Li Xiong and briefed him on the cooperation with the Zhang Clan, asking him to wait a few days before contacting Zhang He to discuss the collaboration.
Lu Haikong then gave simple instructions to Wang Jun and set off for Ye Junru's territory in Youzhou with a team of mountain bandit elite guards, accompanied by Chen Ping and Shi Yun.
To quickly change the situation in Youzhou, Lu Haikong needed the support of Ye Junru and her forces. Only by relying on their strength could he swiftly alter the dynamics in Youzhou. Therefore, he had to pay them a visit.
Ever since Lu Haikong's mountain stronghold came under attack, Ye Junru and her group had been in contact with him.
On the one hand, they were cautious about getting involved, fearing the repercussions. On the other hand, Lu Haikong's acceptance of the government's amnesty had significantly changed his identity; he was no longer just a mountain bandit. In this situation, Ye Junru and her group had not contacted Lu Haikong for a month or two, which wasn't a good sign.
A crack had already formed in the trust between the two sides. In Lu Haikong's view, Ye Junru's group seemed too pragmatic, retreating at the first sign of danger. At this moment, if it weren't for Lu Haikong's need for their help, he wouldn't have made this trip.
Despite the fact that Lu Haikong was seeking a favor, he naturally wouldn't show up looking like a scorned lover, whining about being abandoned.
Lu Haikong arrived with ample gifts, assuming the posture of an ally, as if nothing had happened. In less than a day, he reached the territory of Ye Junru and her companions.
Ye Junru's group controlled many territories, and this time, Lu Haikong had come to the massive mountain stronghold that he had previously helped them conquer.
The reason for choosing this location was not only its proximity to Qiangyin but also, more importantly, the fact that Lu Haikong and his group had secured this place. Despite the current rift between them, the bond of gratitude remained, making it relatively easier for Lu Haikong to seek assistance.
Another factor was the excellent terrain, which Lu Haikong guessed they were developing as their headquarters.
Indeed, when Lu Haikong returned, the valley had been transformed into a small city, with a population of at least 100,000 to 200,000.
Lu Haikong's arrival was unconcealed, and they were spotted even before they got within ten li of the city.
However, as Lu Haikong's group came openly, the Yellow Turbans didn't react excessively. It wasn't until they reached the city gate that the soldiers stopped them.
After understanding Lu Haikong's intentions, the soldiers quickly went to report.
Lu Haikong's guess was correct; this place was now considered Ye Junru's headquarters, so the news of his arrival was directly conveyed to her.
In a 1619 book, one version of the story goes...
Ye Junru was surprised by Lu Haikong's arrival, as she had expected him to be busy with Qiangyin's affairs. Given her understanding of Lu Haikong, she knew he would harbor some resentment after the encirclement and suppression campaign, where they had done little to help him.
However, with Lu Haikong already there, Ye Junru had no time for further thought and hurried to welcome him.
"I didn't expect it to be you. You really are something. You should have informed me in advance if you were coming. I'm not prepared at all, and I'm afraid I haven't received you properly." Even after two months, Ye Junru's charm remained, and her face lit up with a dazzling smile upon seeing Lu Haikong.
"It's fine, I shouldn't have come unannounced," Lu Haikong replied.
"Hey, it's only been a short while since we last met, but you've become so cultured. You're not like yourself at all. Are you trying to court my sister?" Ye Mei, the young lady beside Ye Junru, popped up, eyeing Lu Haikong with caution.
Lu Haikong glanced at the young lady but didn't respond. As the representative of a powerful force, he naturally couldn't behave like a playboy and flirt with the young lady at this moment. Ye Junru, blushing, quickly gave Ye Mei a rap on the head and then, with a graceful smile, led Lu Haikong into their city.
Ye Junru was a shrewd person. As they walked and chatted, she took the opportunity to explain the previous encirclement campaign, trying to ease the tension between them.
It was clear that she valued Lu Haikong highly, as she wouldn't have explained herself so readily and lowered her stance if she didn't. And Lu Haikong, being in need of a favor, naturally went along with her...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
