https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-390-Confrontation-Thanks-to-Bihao-for-the-generous-support-/13031316/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-392-The-Conclusion-of-the-Incident/13031318/
Chapter 391: The Zhang Clan's Downfall
Chapter 391: The Zhang Clan's Downfall
September 25, 2017
Everyone's gaze fell upon Lu HaiKong, expecting to see a hint of embarrassment on his face, but to their surprise, not a trace of it could be found.
Lu HaiKong's expression was devoid of anger, resentment, or discomfort; it was remarkably calm.
This sudden change in demeanor startled the clan leaders, and to be honest, for them, the conflict between Lu HaiKong and Zhang Yi was not a matter of great concern, except for those who had already firmly chosen sides. For the rest, the outcome of their rivalry held little weight.
In truth, they would rather Lu HaiKong and Zhang Yi avoid confrontation altogether. Despite Lu HaiKong's current disadvantage, the clan leaders maintained a restrained silence.
Even Zhang Yi didn't want to push Lu HaiKong too far. If Lu HaiKong didn't find a way to back down and instead chose to confront him directly, it wouldn't bode well for the Zhang Clan or the other clans.
So, when Zhang Yi saw his advantageous position, he decided to offer Lu HaiKong a way out after a subtle display of dominance.
Zhang Yi's gesture, however, was one of supreme arrogance.
"Young man, don't be too impulsive. Look at the situation you've created. It's not good. How about this: considering we've had a pleasant month of cooperation, I'll give you another chance. Apologize, compensate the soldiers you just killed, and give up two layers of market profits to the clan heads present. I'll pretend this incident never happened. What do you say?"
As Zhang Yi spoke, the clan heads' eyes lit up.
This old fox was playing a clever game. Lu HaiKong, you tried to divide us with benefits, but now Zhang Yi is using Lu HaiKong's money to win us over.
The clan heads, who had initially distanced themselves from the matter, suddenly felt tempted after calculating the potential gains from two layers of profits.
Just as Zhang Yi finished speaking, Lu HaiKong let out a disdainful laugh: "Oh? Are you that hard to deal with? I guess I underestimated you before."
Lu HaiKong's eyes turned cold, and his voice carried a chilling edge: "But do you really think you have me cornered? Do you truly believe you can block the trade routes of Youzhou? I might not be able to monitor dozens of routes, but with just one, do you think I can't manage? Who dares to close the doors I want to open? Do you think my sword is just for show?"
Lu HaiKong's words, filled with killing intent, sent shivers down the spines of the clans standing between Qiangyin and Youzhou. They dared not meet his gaze, knowing that if such a situation arose, none of them would dare to confront Lu HaiKong directly.
"And do you really think your influence is that great? If you truly know my transactions inside out, you should be aware that one of my deals was with the Governor of Youzhou, from which he profited over a million gold. Do you think a mere letter can erase such a profit? You must be joking!"
Zhang Yi dismissed Lu HaiKong's rebuttal, but just as he was about to argue, Lu HaiKong spoke again.
"And most importantly..."
Lu HaiKong approached Zhang Yi, a cruel smile playing on his lips: "You haven't forgotten who's backing me, have you? Over ten million gold—whose money do you think you're taking? Mine? No, no, no. It's Zhang Changshi's money. As far as I know, Zhang Changshi intended to use this money to build a courtyard for the Emperor. Do you think it's appropriate to just take it like that?"
Lu HaiKong's words struck like a thunderbolt, shocking everyone present, including Zhang Yi, whose face paled.
Everyone knew Lu HaiKong had Zhang Ran's support, but they had forgotten this crucial detail. They were aware that Lu HaiKong had aligned himself with Zhang Ran primarily to counter He Jin, making Lu HaiKong a mere pawn in Zhang Ran's struggle against He Jin.
Moreover, when Lu HaiKong faced the blockade of trade routes, he didn't seek Zhang Ran's assistance. Zhang Ran seemed to have let him fend for himself, causing everyone to subconsciously forget about Zhang Ran's existence.
Most importantly, although Zhang Ran had a notorious reputation, he was, after all, an eunuch. His influence in Luoyang was significant, but it didn't necessarily extend to the regions. At least in Bingzhou, Zhang Ran's power wasn't as dominant. Neither Zhang Li, who relied on Zhang Ran, nor Lu HaiKong, who suffered at the hands of Ding Yuan and Zhang Yi, had shown exceptional strength. Zhang Li was bullied, and Lu HaiKong couldn't even secure the position of Governor of Yanmen.
Given these circumstances, coupled with the staggering five layers of profits, Zhang Yi completely forgot about Zhang Ran's existence.
Just as Lu HaiKong's words fell, Chen Ping strode in, holding a piece of paper: "Your Excellency, a letter from Governor Zhang Li of Yanmen has arrived."
A hint of a smile appeared on Lu HaiKong's lips: "Finally, it's here. Please read it to everyone!"
Chen Ping read aloud: "A few days ago, someone reported that the Governor of Bingzhou, Zhang Yi, colluded with the Xiongnu to attack Jiuyuan County. The evidence is irrefutable. The Emperor has issued an edict, stripping Zhang Yi of his official position, demoting him to a commoner, and confiscating his property to replenish the Imperial Treasury!"
Upon hearing this news, Zhang Yi, the person involved, exclaimed in disbelief: "This is impossible! Absolutely impossible! My Zhang Clan has always been loyal. How could this be true? This is a false accusation! No, wait, this is your trickery! This news is fake, it must be!"
All eyes turned to Zhang Yi, whose face had aged and taken on a crazed expression. Everyone knew the Zhang Clan was finished.
"Take this traitor who colluded with the enemy and sold out the country!" Zhang Yi ordered. "I will personally interrogate him."
In the year 191, a letter revealed the truth.
Lu HaiKong paid no heed to Zhang Yi's sudden outburst and madness. At his command, Cheng Yi and his men rushed forward, taking down the once-lofty Governor of Bingzhou.
The clan heads witnessed the entire scene, but not a word was spoken.
As they watched Zhang Yi being led away, their hearts couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for him, and their understanding of Lu HaiKong deepened.
This young man, though he carried a heavy aura of banditry and killing intent, also operated with discipline and order. It was clear that Lu HaiKong had the means to take down Zhang Yi from the very beginning but had held back for over a month until this very day.
Although some didn't grasp the significance of Lu HaiKong's actions, the shrewder ones among them had already figured it out.
Lu HaiKong's motive was singular: the clans gathered in this courtyard.
"It seems this mountain bandit is truly rising to power," many of the clans thought to themselves.
Chapter end
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