Chapter 51: Zhang Li
Chapter 51: Zhang Li
September 25, 2017
Ma Han's attributes were almost identical to Dynasty's, and upon seeing their stats, Lu Hai Kong instantly understood why his own advancement was completed in the blink of an eye, while Dynasty and Ma Han required a full two days.
Compared to Lu Hai Kong, the improvements of these two were truly remarkable. Their primary foundation skills had reached level ten, and their Basic Inner Strength and Thunderbolt Gunsmanship had directly reached level five. Even their attribute columns had been completely revamped, and now, Dynasty and Ma Han were almost on par with the bandit chief named Zhang San, whom Yue'er had rejected.
At this moment, Lu Hai Kong truly understood the immense power of wealth.
Lu Hai Kong and his two subordinates had successfully advanced, and their joy knew no bounds. However, what he didn't know was that during the two to three days he spent overseeing Dynasty and Ma Han's advancement, something had happened between the Zhang family and Dark Wind Fort.
It wasn't that the two forces had clashed; Dark Wind Fort had no such intentions. In this world, the influence of aristocratic families among the common people and bandits was even more intimidating than that of the court. More importantly, going against an aristocratic family was not in the interest of Dark Wind Fort.
So, Dark Wind Fort had no choice but to admit their fault and compensate the Zhang family. However, they couldn't possibly pay the enormous sum of ten thousand gold coins; this was made clear from the start. Upon hearing this, the Zhang family's attitude immediately changed.
Oh, so you're willing to compensate now, are you? That's good, that's good. Come, let's talk.
Their attitude was as if an adult was dealing with a naughty child, never considering Dark Wind Fort as an equal. They looked down on them with such arrogance.
But there was nothing they could do; after all, they were dealing with an aristocratic family. Dark Wind Fort had no choice but to send a delegation to the Zhang family in Shanwu to discuss the compensation. They dispatched their second-in-command with over a dozen men to the Zhang family.
The Zhang family's estate was not within Shanwu County but outside of it, occupying several square kilometers.
Over the decades, the Zhang family had transformed the estate into an impenetrable fortress, complete with extensive defense facilities and over a thousand private soldiers. Even during harsh winters when barbarian invaders threatened, the estate was a tough nut to crack, bristling with defenses.
Upon arriving at the Zhang family estate, the delegation was immediately stopped by the private soldiers, who demanded that only one person could enter, and they must all surrender their weapons.
This was unacceptable to the men of Dark Wind Fort, who lived by the sword. They refused to disarm, especially in a foreign place. One of the bandits, more hot-headed than the rest, drew his weapon in defiance, only to be shot dead instantly.
"Everyone, put down your weapons!" The second-in-command ordered, his face darkening.
With no other choice, they surrendered their weapons and allowed the second-in-command to enter the Zhang family estate for negotiations.
The second-in-command entered the Zhang family estate, but the Zhang family didn't stop there. They continued with a series of petty actions, such as refusing to let the second-in-command enter through the main gate, forcing him to take a different route. They seemed intent on making things difficult, and if it were any other place, the second-in-command would have drawn his sword in anger.
After a great deal of effort, the second-in-command finally met a middle-aged man in a secluded courtyard of the Zhang family. The man, dressed in a white long robe, appeared gentle and refined.
"Li Xiong, the second-in-command of Dark Wind Fort, pays his respects to the esteemed gentleman," said the second-in-command politely, performing a fist-to-palm salute. Despite the difficulties he faced along the way, Li Xiong remained calm and composed, without a hint of anger.
A hint of disdain flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it, indicating that he had a certain level of skill in controlling his emotions.
"I am Zhang Li, the County Magistrate of Shanwu County," he introduced himself.
Upon hearing this, Li Xiong's expression changed. The position of County Magistrate of Shanwu County was not one that just anyone could hold. It had always been occupied by members of the Zhang family, and those who held this position were typically strong contenders for the role of the family's patriarch. Clearly, Zhang Li was no ordinary man.
However, Li Xiong's mood upon hearing this news was not one of being valued. Instead, he felt a deep sense of trouble. The more importance the Zhang family attached to this matter, the higher the status of the person they sent, and the more they expected to gain from Dark Wind Fort. This was not a good sign.
"My respects, County Magistrate Zhang," Li Xiong said, performing another salute. "This incident was not caused by us at Dark Wind Fort, but it is true that it was triggered by our actions. Therefore, we have decided to offer 50,000 gold in compensation to the Zhang family."
After speaking, Li Xiong anxiously stared at Zhang Li, ready for a lengthy negotiation. But to his surprise, Zhang Li merely glanced at him indifferently and, after a moment, casually uttered a single word: "Agreed."
Li Xiong was stunned, and his alertness heightened. It was unusual for the Zhang family to settle for such a small portion of the spoils.
"Rest assured, Second-in-Command Li. My Zhang family is also an aristocratic clan, and we know our limits," Zhang Li said with a light laugh, trying to reassure him.
Li Xiong's heart rolled his eyes at this statement. Everyone knew that during the Eastern Han period, the aristocratic families were the greediest. They would never let go of an opportunity for gain without taking a substantial bite. Of course, in front of Zhang Li, Li Xiong could only smile and agree.
[This is the correct version, with no errors!]
Zhang Li then discussed the details of the payment with Li Xiong, and after about ten minutes, the matter was settled.
As Li Xiong prepared to take his leave, Zhang Li suddenly spoke up, "I recall that a few days ago, your Dark Wind Fort had a group coming to Shanwu County, but they were stopped, right? It was those county soldiers who were ignorant. I have already reprimanded them severely. If you wish to come soon, you are welcome to do so."
Li Xiong was taken aback by these words. Zhang Li's statement clearly had a hidden meaning. It was the Zhang family who had initially blocked their entry, but what did this new statement imply? Was it a simple gesture of goodwill?
However, this was not necessarily a bad thing for Dark Wind Fort. After inexplicably paying such a large sum, the brothers in the fort were discontent. A slaughter to vent their frustration would not be unwelcome.
Li Xiong saluted Zhang Li once more and departed from the Zhang family.
(End of Chapter)
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