https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-392-The-Conclusion-of-the-Incident/13031318/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-394-The-Role-of-the-Tomb-Raiders/13031320/
Chapter 393: Six Months
Chapter 393: Six Months
September 25, 2017
Zhang Yi's exit marked the true rise of Lu HaiKong and also signaled the beginning of a dual power struggle in Bingzhou.
Of course, describing it as a "dual power struggle" might be an exaggeration, but the situation was quite similar.
During this period, the stage in Bingzhou was dominated by two main protagonists: Lu HaiKong and Ding Yuan.
One of them, from a humble background, represented the consort family faction led by He Jin, while the other, a former mountain bandit, represented the eunuch faction headed by Zhang Ran.
In reality, these two individuals would never have been welcomed by the aristocratic families in Bingzhou. However, after the local aristocratic families' leader was defeated, their attention and actions involuntarily followed the footsteps of these two men.
The primary conflict between Lu HaiKong and Ding Yuan was over business competition in the livestock industry and channel competition among the aristocratic families.
The rivalry between the two began with Zhang Yi's downfall, and it continued for half a year. Even when winter snow blocked the roads and business entered a cold season, they didn't forget to vie for the support of the aristocratic families.
Initially, there was a stalemate between the two, and neither could gain the upper hand.
However, as time went on, especially after February 183, Lu HaiKong began to give off a sense of being unable to sustain his position. The aristocratic families' support started to tilt significantly towards Ding Yuan.
This old fox Ding Yuan was far more cunning and ruthless than Lu HaiKong had anticipated, especially in winning over the aristocratic families. He had a much stronger advantage in this regard.
More importantly, although Ding Yuan represented the consort faction, his relationship with He Jin was more like that of partners. Therefore, in terms of development and financial resources, Ding Yuan, who didn't have Zhang Ran backing him, had a much easier time than Lu HaiKong.
In this naked competition, Ding Yuan, understanding Lu HaiKong's strengths and weaknesses, was not stingy in his efforts to win over the aristocratic families. If Lu HaiKong gave up three layers of benefits, Ding Yuan would give up five, or even more.
With this direct competition, Lu HaiKong, who had Zhang Ran backing him, quickly succumbed to defeat.
March 183, Qiangyin, Spring Breeze Pavilion.
Lu HaiKong looked down at the streets below, which were becoming quieter day by day, and felt as if he were in a dream.
When Zhang Yi was first captured by Lu HaiKong, business in Qiangyin was thriving. Yet, in less than half a year, Qiangyin had turned into what it was now.
"Read out the data, let me see how the market here has withered."
On the Spring Breeze Pavilion, three of Lu HaiKong's closest associates were present, and Wang Jun held a set of data. After Lu HaiKong spoke, Wang Jun began to recite the information.
"In February this year, the total sales in the livestock market were ten million gold, and after deducting various expenses, the net profit was only five million gold. After further deducting Zhang Ran's share, we are left with less than two million gold.
In one month, the total sales in the livestock market were only five million gold, and after all deductions, we are left with only one million gold. Yet, the funds required to maintain our operations far exceed one million gold. In other words, if we don't reduce our expenses, our finances will completely collapse within a few months!"
"Oh dear, such grim data. Did that old eunuch show any reaction after seeing this?"
Lu HaiKong's eyes flashed with a cold glint. In a sense, if it weren't for that old man, Lu HaiKong, or rather, Qiangyin, wouldn't have ended up in such a dire situation.
"He asked us to quickly send over the profits for February and March. He said he understands that business in Qiangyin is tough, and only asked for ten million from us," Wang Jun explained.
"Ten million... That old man is quite considerate. Knowing that Qiangyin is on the brink, he doesn't want to see us prolong our suffering. He's basically sending us off," Lu HaiKong added.
Lu HaiKong was well aware that, to Zhang Ran, he was merely a golden egg-laying chicken and a pawn to contain Dingyuan.
Now that the golden egg had stopped laying, and from Lu HaiKong's current situation, he had been completely suppressed by Dingyuan. In such a scenario, Lu HaiKong had essentially lost his value, so Zhang Ran was ready to extract Lu HaiKong's resources and then discard him without hesitation.
"What about Dingyuan? How's business on his side?" Lu HaiKong asked, turning to Wang Jun.
Li Xiong stepped forward, as he was more familiar with this aspect of the business than Wang Jun.
"Initially, we estimate that Dingyuan's sales for the last month were at least twenty to thirty million, maybe even more," Li Xiong replied.
"As expected, after our decline, Dingyuan's business has flourished, taking over our channels. His business is booming!" Lu HaiKong said, gazing at the sparse crowd on the street.
"If this situation continues, it won't be long before Dingyuan starts to suppress us on all fronts. The days of being unable to move an inch are not far away," Lu HaiKong added, shaking his head.
(End of Chapter)
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