Chapter 385: The Counterattack Begins
Chapter 385: The Counterattack Begins
September 25, 2017
Over a month passed in the blink of an eye, and time swiftly brought them to the middle of October 182.
Qiangyin's development had been proceeding at a feverish pace for over a month now, and the county had undergone significant changes during this time.
Lu HaiKong's livestock market finally came to fruition after compromising with the Zhang Clan. The Zhang Clan officially lifted the blockade on Qiangyin's trade routes, and with the addition of dozens of aristocratic families joining in, not only did Lu HaiKong's business restart, but it also reached an astonishing level.
In just one month, Qiangyin sold over 20,000 horses and nearly 100,000 heads of cattle and sheep, generating an incredibly large profit.
The buyers of these horses and livestock were not limited to the aristocratic families; there were also numerous caravans and even some Outsider merchants. Almost all of the 20,000 horses were purchased by the Outsiders.
Over the past month, Qiangyin County had become bustling with people, especially after October, as caravans arrived daily.
Apart from the thriving livestock market, Qiangyin County itself began to flourish. The shops allocated to the aristocratic families featured various architectures and industries that Lu HaiKong had never imagined.
Gambling dens, wine pavilions, and even brothels emerged; these were not only storefronts but also system buildings. Although Qiangyin was occupied by Lu HaiKong, it was not officially his territory, so he couldn't access the data on how these establishments affected the territory. Still, overall, it seemed positive.
Following this trend, Qiangyin was estimated to become the most prosperous city in Bingzhou within a year or two.
Qiangyin's development was indeed impressive, but Lu HaiKong's mood hadn't been consistently good, especially lately, as he grew increasingly annoyed.
"My lord, the Zhang Clan is here again."
In the county government office, Chen Ping's voice echoed outside Lu HaiKong's study.
Upon hearing this, Lu HaiKong's eyebrows furrowed, not because he disliked Chen Ping's voice but due to his aversion to the mention of the Zhang Clan.
Since October, the Zhang Clan had been visiting Lu HaiKong more and more frequently. Their purpose was simple: they wanted the profits from the fifth floor of the livestock market, which they had oversight over.
For the past month, the Zhang Clan had been closely monitoring the market, counting the money they believed they were owed daily. As the amount grew, they became increasingly impatient and repeatedly came to demand their share.
"They're almost ready over there. We've kept them waiting for so long; it's time to meet with them. Let's go!"
Lu HaiKong pushed open the study door and headed for the reception hall with Chen Ping.
When Lu HaiKong received the imperial edict, he had pushed Wang Jun forward. However, over the past month, Lu HaiKong had been increasingly taking charge.
He only did this to avoid any impact on his current profession due to the change in identity. As for his true identity, Lu HaiKong wasn't worried about being discovered.
As Lu HaiKong approached the reception hall, he heard a domineering voice from a distance.
"Where's your leader? Why hasn't he come out after all this time?"
"I, the young master, have come several times, and he's still hiding from me. What's his intention?"
"Do you believe that if the Zhang Clan says a word, we can immediately block you again?"
In the reception hall, the man causing a ruckus was named Zhang Ke, a favored son of Zhang Yi. While he possessed some abilities, his personality was loud and domineering.
Initially, he dared not show any disrespect towards Lu HaiKong, knowing the latter's reputation as a ruthless killer. However, after repeatedly failing to meet Lu HaiKong on several occasions, Zhang Ke's frustration boiled over.
As he ranted uncontrollably, realizing no one was paying him any mind, his insults escalated. Eventually, he foolishly blurted, "So what if he's just a bandit who cozied up to the Eunuch Party? What's he so proud of? Can't he see his own status?"
Up until then, no one had paid attention to Zhang Ke's words. But as soon as he uttered that sentence, the entire reception hall fell into an eerie silence.
It was common knowledge that the county government office, Lu HaiKong's temporary residence, was guarded inside and out by either Wolf Fang Guards or Mountain Bandit Elite Guards, the most elite and loyal soldiers under Lu HaiKong's command. Especially the Wolf Fang Guards from the Second Camp, who revered Lu HaiKong as a god; they wouldn't tolerate such an insult.
The Wolf Fang Guards instantly surrounded Zhang Ke, their blades drawn and pointed directly at him.
Witnessing this scene and sensing the murderous intent emanating from the guards, Zhang Ke, unaccustomed to such a situation, turned pale with fear.
Just then, Lu HaiKong strolled in, glanced casually at Zhang Ke, and proceeded to the main seat. He took a cup of tea offered by an attendant and began drinking nonchalantly.
This act of indifference infuriated and terrified Zhang Ke, who now recalled that Lu HaiKong was a ruthless mountain bandit with countless kills to his name. Zhang Ke broke into a cold sweat.
Lu HaiKong, after a brief glance at the trembling Zhang Ke, waved his hand, and the guards immediately sheathed their blades and returned to their posts.
"Think before you speak. Some words you utter lightly may have consequences you can't bear. Understand?"
Zhang Ke nodded meekly, too intimidated by the earlier scene to respond.
Sometimes, being cowardly at critical moments can be more advantageous than being bold. Zhang Ke was a prime example, and Lu HaiKong didn't bother saying more upon seeing his timidity.
"I have some matters to attend to, so I won't keep you. You may leave."
Lu HaiKong's tone was no different than how he'd address his own subordinates.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Ke's cowardice was absolute; he obediently prepared to leave, feeling somewhat dejected that his trip had been in vain.
But just as he was about to exit the reception hall, Lu HaiKong spoke again.
"Prepare over there. This afternoon, I'll send someone to settle accounts with you and give you your share."
Zhang Ke was stunned by Lu HaiKong's sudden statement, thinking he might have misheard.
He hadn't expected Lu HaiKong to take the initiative, and this rollercoaster of emotions left him bewildered.
Quickly recovering, he thanked Lu HaiKong and hurriedly left, a smile finally breaking on his face.
"Take it, take it. How can we not take it? How can we continue our act without it?"
Lu HaiKong watched Zhang Ke leave, a smile creeping onto his face as well, but it was a smile that sent chills down one's spine...
(End of Chapter)
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