Chapter 383: A Promise
Chapter 383: A Promise
September 25, 2017
Lu HaiKong and Ye Junru arrived at the Lord's Manor from the city gates, engaging in lively conversation along the way, as if the previous tensions between them had completely dissipated.
If Lu HaiKong were acting solely as an individual, he would never be this easy to talk to. However, neither Lu HaiKong nor Ye Junru were ordinary individuals; they represented two powerful factions. In this context, personal differences held little significance.
As high-ranking members of their respective factions, their actions were driven by the interests of their organizations. When interests aligned, some people could set aside even the deepest grudges with a smile.
For Ye Junru, Lu HaiKong's strength, capable of defeating even the formidable combination of Ding Yuan and the Zhang clan, made him a more desirable ally than an enemy.
Initially, they were already heading towards an alliance, but Lu HaiKong's sudden recruitment into the court had complicated matters. His recent rise to prominence, akin to being under the spotlight on the stage of the aristocratic families, had made Ye Junru cautious about approaching him.
However, Lu HaiKong's willingness to come in person demonstrated his sincerity, and Ye Junru would not turn him away.
Lu HaiKong, in need of assistance, could hardly refuse such an offer.
In the Lord's Hall, after both parties had taken their seats, Lu HaiKong got straight to the point, "To be honest, after two consecutive intense battles, my finances have taken a hit. On top of that, Zhang Rang, that old eunuch, has been demanding more and more. Life hasn't been easy for me lately. I've come here seeking your help!"
"Feel free to speak your mind, Lu Zhai-zhu. If there's anything I can do to help, I won't hesitate," Ye Junru replied with a gentle smile.
Lu HaiKong paused for a moment, then proceeded to explain his current situation.
He had no intention of hiding anything, as it was futile. The grand actions of Ding Yuan and the Zhang clan were sure to have caught Ye Junru's attention, so Lu HaiKong decided to be straightforward.
Ye Junru listened intently, a hint of realization flashing in her eyes. She understood that Lu HaiKong's visit was likely prompted by his current predicament.
"The situation is more or less as I've described. Although I've been recruited into the court, my circumstances aren't much better, perhaps even worse, than before. After careful consideration, I've realized that you are the only ally I can truly trust."
Lu HaiKong's words were uncharacteristic of him, but he had no choice. To dispel Ye Junru's suspicions, he had to earn her trust, and at the moment, she was indeed his only ally.
"We've always been trustworthy allies. But in your current situation, what can I do to help? Whether it's financial or manpower, just ask, and we'll do our best without delay."
"I'd like to request your assistance in opening up trade channels in Youzhou. Rest assured, we won't let your efforts go unrewarded. Within three-day period, the items listed on this gift list will be delivered here."
As Lu HaiKong spoke, he presented a gift list to Ye Junru. Upon seeing its contents, she couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
Lu HaiKong had never expected anyone to help him without compensation. While they were allies, their relationship wasn't so close that they would offer unconditional assistance. Therefore, he was exceptionally generous.
"Ten thousand warhorses, fifty thousand cattle and sheep, five hundred sets of elite-grade armor, and a thousand elite-grade composite bows."
Initially, Ye Junru had intended to politely decline, but Lu HaiKong's generous gift list left her momentarily speechless.
She studied the list in silence for a moment, then looked up at Lu HaiKong.
"As allies, you really shouldn't have gone to such lengths. I'll gladly assist in any way I can, but this..."
Before Ye Junru could finish her sentence, Lu HaiKong interrupted, "We're old friends, and you know my personality. I'd rather consider this a fair exchange of favors rather than a mere obligation. I need to break through this situation, and I'm willing to pay any price within my means to open up the Youzhou channels."
"Although this approach may not be entirely appropriate, isn't it fairer this way?"
Ye Junru fell silent for a moment, contemplating Lu HaiKong's offer. She couldn't refuse such a generous gesture, but this matter seemed to exceed her authority. After much hesitation, she replied with a troubled expression, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't make this decision on my own. Our faction's development strategy has always been to lie low and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. We rarely mobilize our full strength."
"To fulfill this request without feeling uneasy, the resources required are beyond my authority to mobilize."
Ye Junru didn't elaborate, but it was clear that Lu HaiKong's high-profile status in Bingzhou had drawn the attention of the aristocratic families. Engaging with him openly and extensively might expose her faction.
Providing assistance discreetly was one thing, but doing so openly and on a large scale was out of the question.
Chapter end
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