Chapter 388: Zhang Yi's Arrival
Chapter 388: Zhang Yi's Arrival
September 25th, 2017
Was it really that difficult for Lu HaiKong to make a move against the Zhang Clan?
A month ago, it would have likely been a challenging task, but now, it's hard to say.
Lu HaiKong, known for his efficiency, decided to take action the very next day after announcing his intentions.
Zhang Ke, still groggy from just waking up, was escorted by Lu HaiKong's Savage Wolf Guard in a dazed state. Meanwhile, Lu HaiKong directly sealed off the Spring Breeze Pavilion.
The charge was 'Forced into Prostitution, Luxurious and Decadent,' and when this reason was sent to the Zhang Clan, Zhang Yi nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood.
What kind of charge was this? Everyone knew that the songstresses of the Spring Breeze Pavilion only sold their art and not their bodies. It was obvious that Lu HaiKong was deliberately framing them, and he even made sure everyone knew about it.
"Well, I knew that guy wouldn't stay well-behaved for long, but I didn't expect him to start causing trouble so soon."
A cold glint flashed in Zhang Yi's eyes. "However, I've been well aware of his small moves this past month. Does he really think that with just these minor actions, he can divide the Aristocratic Families? It seems it's time to show him the true might of the Zhang Clan."
"You there, prepare everything for me immediately. Three days from now, I will personally go and meet that arrogant mountain bandit!"
Zhang Yi was an old fox himself, and he had been closely observing Lu HaiKong's actions over the past month. He chose to remain silent and wait for Lu HaiKong to make his move.
Lu HaiKong was biding his time, and so was Zhang Yi.
When Lu HaiKong finally made his move, Zhang Yi was ready to step in.
As the Governor of Bingzhou and the head of the Zhang Clan, Zhang Yi's personal appearance was bound to be an intimidating spectacle.
A day before Zhang Yi's arrival, all the Aristocratic Family heads from Bingzhou who were related to Zhang Yi had already gathered in Qiangyin County.
Without any orders from Lu HaiKong, the Aristocratic Families began taking action in Qiangyin County. They cleaned up the streets, decorated the roads, and even made preparations to block off the streets in advance.
Lu HaiKong watched as the Aristocratic Families made their preparations, but he did nothing, allowing them to continue.
Lu HaiKong had expected that at most, a high-ranking member of the Zhang Clan, perhaps even Zhang He, would come. He never imagined that Zhang Yi himself would arrive, which surprised Lu HaiKong to some extent.
However, Lu HaiKong didn't mind this unexpected turn of events.
Time passed quickly, and the third day arrived. Early in the morning, the Aristocratic Families began their preparations, and their private soldiers lined up on the streets in formation.
These Aristocratic Families also knew that it was practically impossible to expect Lu HaiKong to come out and welcome Zhang Yi.
No one was a fool; it was clear to see that Lu HaiKong was prepared to confront Zhang Yi. In such a situation, no one would dare to provoke Lu HaiKong and ask him to personally receive Zhang Yi. They had no choice but to come themselves.
Soon, Zhang Yi's entourage arrived—a formidable force of five hundred men marching towards Qiangyin.
As soon as this force appeared, all the Aristocratic Families immediately greeted them. The scene was awe-inspiring, and at that moment, Zhang Yi became the center of attention in Qiangyin.
Amidst the Aristocratic Family heads, Zhang Yi entered Qiangyin like the moon surrounded by stars. His entourage, in full view of Lu HaiKong's soldiers, marched into the county with an air of superiority.
This force headed straight towards Lu HaiKong's County Government Office.
When Zhang Yi's entourage reached the office, the five hundred cavalrymen he brought with him directly opened the main gates, and they all entered.
Upon Zhang Yi's arrival, another group quickly sprang into action. In an empty courtyard within the County Government Office, they swiftly set up a temporary reception area. Before long, the courtyard was ready, and Zhang Yi's group proceeded to take their seats there.
With an air of superiority, Zhang Yi, an experienced strategist, made his appearance. He was well-informed about Lu Haikong's situation and had been paying increasing attention to him lately. The more he observed, the less he thought of Lu Haikong, who, from any perspective, was just a lowly commoner who had risen through luck, carrying a bloody aura.
Zhang Yi struggled to find any favor for such a person. However, with Lu Haikong's newfound position and the current state of cooperation between the Zhang Clan and Lu Haikong, Zhang Yi had to give him the necessary attention.
As part of this attention, Zhang Yi, though not present in Qiangyin, had people keeping a close eye on Qiangyin's every move, even noting the minor actions of Xin Ping.
Zhang Yi held little regard for Xin Ping's actions, as he saw all his divisive actions as centered on personal interests. In his view, such tactics might work against merchants, but using them against aristocratic families was laughable.
Today, he was here to tell Lu Haikong that all his efforts were in vain, and from the current situation, it seemed Lu Haikong had indeed backed down, not offering any resistance.
"Where is the Qiangyin County Magistrate? I've heard that the Qiangyin County Magistrate has done a great job in suppressing bandits and is a heroic young man. Why haven't we seen him?"
As soon as Zhang Yi spoke, many of the aristocratic family heads in attendance chimed in.
"This Qiangyin County Magistrate doesn't follow the rules. How can he not come out to greet the Governor?"
"A mere petty official dares to put on airs."
...............
Among these voices, some aristocratic family heads, upon hearing Lu Haikong's name, remained silent, their eyes darting between their noses and hearts. They even glanced sideways at those who spoke ill of Lu Haikong, their eyebrows carrying a subtle hint of schadenfreude.
Zhang Yi, with his experience, immediately noticed the peculiar behavior of these family heads.
Could it be that someone had been influenced by Lu Haikong's divisiveness? Zhang Yi, unprepared for this situation, felt a sudden surge of concern. As a seasoned strategist, he immediately sensed an unusual atmosphere.
Just then, a middle-aged scholar emerged from the courtyard: "Forgive us for not greeting you properly, esteemed guests. My lord is currently occupied with official duties and couldn't come out to welcome you in time. Please accept our apologies."
As Xin Ping spoke, a cold light flashed in Zhang Yi's eyes, just as he was about to assert his authority. But before he could do so, Xin Ping's words landed, and several previously silent aristocratic family heads stood up.
"No, no, it's us who have intruded and disturbed your lord. We understand that County Magistrate Lu is busy with official duties!"
Zhang Yi's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot, indicating that a portion of the aristocratic families had firmly sided with Lu Haikong.
Xin Ping, seeing Zhang Yi's darkening expression, couldn't help but smile.
Is he already upset? Will he be infuriated to death later?
"Someone, go and check if the lord has woken up from his afternoon nap. The Governor is still waiting."
As Xin Ping spoke, Zhang Yi's face turned green...
(End of Chapter)
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