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Chapter 411: Taking Control of Zhang Li
Chapter 411: Taking Control of Zhang Li
September 25, 2017
In the Prefect's Mansion of Yanmen Prefecture.
Zhang Li paced anxiously in his study, ever since Lu Haikong asked him to replace the middle and high-ranking officers of all county troops in Yanmen with his own people, Zhang Li hadn't had a peaceful night's sleep.
If it weren't for Lu Haikong's visit, he would have almost forgotten about him. After all, their relationship had cooled down, and Lu Haikong's market hadn't developed as expected. Zhang Rang had practically given up on Lu Haikong, leaving him with no room for advancement.
Moreover, during this time, Ding Yuan had been busy with business in Jiuyuan County. Once Ding Yuan's situation improved, he would undoubtedly take action to eliminate Lu Haikong.
But now, Lu Haikong had suddenly appeared and asked him to help control the military power in Yanmen. Zhang Li couldn't help but think the worst.
What did Lu Haikong want? Was he planning a rebellion?
Lu Haikong's unusual actions, coupled with his background, made this thought linger in Zhang Li's mind.
He was terrified and uneasy, so he didn't follow Lu Haikong's request and allowed his subordinates to reject the members of the Flame Battalion sent by Lu Haikong.
On one hand, Zhang Li obstructed Lu Haikong's control over Yanmen's military, and on the other, he began investigating Lu Haikong.
After some investigation, Zhang Li was shocked by what he discovered.
It was true that Lu Haikong hadn't done much recently, and even the construction in Qiangyin had stalled. However, the changes in Dingxiang and Yunzhong over the past half a year were significant.
Zhang Li had only blocked Lu Haikong's control over Yanmen's military because Lu Haikong had asked him for help. When he looked into it, he found that Lu Haikong had already taken control of most of the troops in Dingxiang and Yunzhong Prefectures. Upon realizing this, Zhang Li's scalp went numb.
He realized he had made a mistake by not investigating and blocking Lu Haikong's control over Yanmen's military. His actions were practically suicidal.
But now that he had started, he couldn't turn back. He pretended not to know and allowed his subordinates to continue rejecting the members of Lu Haikong's Flame Battalion. Unfortunately, an incident occurred.
One of Zhang Li's subordinates unintentionally spoke ill of Lu Haikong during an argument with one of Lu Haikong's men. The usually mild-mannered Flame Battalion member suddenly lost control and killed Zhang Li's subordinate. Upon learning of this, Zhang Li was furious and immediately ordered the arrest of all of Lu Haikong's subordinates.
Although they had been arrested, Zhang Li was now faced with the dilemma of how to deal with them.
Just as Zhang Li was pondering this, Lu Haikong arrived.
Lu Haikong didn't bring a large entourage; he only had an escort of eighty guards and himself.
Hearing this news, Zhang Li couldn't believe his ears. He quickly made some preparations and led his men to greet Lu Haikong.
Zhang Li didn't meet Lu Haikong at the gate of Yanmen Prefecture; by the time he arrived, Lu Haikong was already at a tavern in Yanmen.
"Eunuch Lu, it's been a long time!" Lu Haikong greeted Zhang Li with a slight lift of his wine cup.
"Eunuch Lu, you should have informed me. I'm sorry for not being prepared," Zhang Li apologized.
Lu Haikong swirled the wine in his cup and sniffed it a few times before setting it down, his eyes cold and piercing. "I couldn't afford to give you time, Zhang Li. You didn't prepare, yet you've already gathered the troops of Yanmen Prefecture. If I had given you time, would you have concentrated the entire military power of Yanmen Prefecture?"
As soon as Lu Haikong spoke, Zhang Li's expression changed.
Zhang Li was a heavy gambler. Previously, for the sake of his future, he had resolutely given up half a year's worth of profits from his dealings with Lu Haikong and handed them over to Zhang Rang.
It was during that fateful gambling session that Zhang Li acquired his current status, a privilege he had gambled and won. However, beyond the benefits, that successful gamble only intensified Zhang Li's gambling addiction.
So, when he heard that Lu HaiKong had arrived with less than a hundred guards, he immediately mobilized the county troops, determined to capture Lu HaiKong.
With Zhang Li's intelligence, he couldn't overlook the risks, but he decided to take a gamble anyway. He knew that if he won this bet, his future would be limitless, but what if he lost? No gambler ever considered that question before losing.
"It seems that your infiltration into Yanmen is deeper than I imagined." Since Lu HaiKong had discovered him, Zhang Li decided to confront him directly: "But today, I will keep you here no matter what!"
"On what grounds? Just because you mentioned the county troops? Don't forget, you're still here in front of me. It will take some time for those troops to arrive, but capturing you is just a matter of a simple move for me."
Zhang Li had come alone, hoping to confuse Lu HaiKong. He didn't bring any guards, which was a typical move of a gambler.
"Zhang Li has already put life and death aside. As long as I can capture you, Zhang Li will die if he must!"
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"Oh, I didn't expect you to be such a loyal subject," Lu HaiKong couldn't help but smile.
"Zhang Li is not a loyal subject. I'm only doing this to protect the Zhang family. I've been watching your every move. The other day, Governor Ding led his troops to attack your Strong Yin Wall, and why? Just because all the Yellow Turbans in the three provinces are your people, and don't tell me the rebellion of the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes in Wuyuan has nothing to do with you? Also, you took all the troops from Dingxiang and Yunchong, and what do you intend to do?"
"With so many consecutive actions, you should tell me what you're up to. You're clearly planning to rebel, a grave act of treason. I, Zhang Li, must distance myself from you. Following you will only lead the Zhang family to ruin. So, I can only do this. I may die, but if I capture you, the Zhang family can find a way to survive."
Zhang Li stared at Lu HaiKong, speaking each word with rising intensity, and a hint of self-sacrifice in his tone.
But Lu HaiKong, upon hearing Zhang Li's words, smiled with a hint of ridicule: "Aren't you a heavy gambler? Why don't you take a gamble on me?"
"I don't see any future in you. Don't think that you can rise amidst the chaos of the current turmoil in the Han Empire. The empire's foundation is much deeper than you imagine. Those Yellow Turbans may be causing a ruckus, but they will eventually be eliminated. Following their rebellion will only lead to your demise. So, why would I bet on you?"
"Well said, quite interesting. But there are some points in your words that I must correct. First, the Wuhuan and Xianbei rebellion has nothing to do with me. Governor Ding brought this upon himself. As for the Yellow Turbans, yes, they are my people. And regarding Dingxiang and Yunchong, I'm merely taking what's rightfully mine a bit earlier. After all, Zhang Ran has already promised me the governorship of Bingzhou."
"What did you say?" Zhang Li's eyes widened in shock.
"I'm saying you're a bit too foolish. In my current situation, do I need to rebel? Whatever I'm entitled to, I can get through Zhang Ran or by my own means. What's the point of rebelling for me?"
"By the way, I came here to give you a chance. After all, we had a pleasant cooperation before. But your foolishness has wasted this opportunity and led the Zhang family to its downfall. Don't assume that the military power of Yanmen is truly in your hands."
After Lu HaiKong finished speaking, Zhang Li slumped in defeat...
(End of Chapter)
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