https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-666-Upgrading-the-Hall-of-Martyrs/13042060/
Chapter 667: The Reincarnator
Chapter 667: The Reincarnator
2017-09-25
Bing Province was causing no end of trouble for Lu HaiKong, especially in Yunzhong, Yanmen, and Dingxiang, where some aristocratic families were stirring up trouble during his absence.
Lu HaiKong had taken almost all his elite troops with him to fight the Yellow Turbans, leaving few soldiers or generals behind to defend the homeland. He had even taken his intelligence network, leaving Wang Jun with minimal control over the rear. As a result, some aristocratic families began to stir.
Even though Lu HaiKong had taken his main force, those left behind were not ordinary people who could be easily provoked. They wouldn't dare attack the Yanhuang Mountain Camp or Beifeng City, as it would be against their interests.
Moreover, Lu HaiKong's formidable presence had deterred anyone from openly defying him.
However, while they couldn't openly rebel against Lu HaiKong, they could secretly benefit from his absence without issue.
With Lu HaiKong's main force withdrawn, Wang Jun was left to manage the construction of Beifeng, maintain the troops Lu HaiKong had left behind, and develop the economy of Beifeng.
Wang Jun, constantly at Lu HaiKong's beck and call, was on the verge of becoming Wang Shouzi.
In this situation, Wang Jun's supervision of the aristocratic families' businesses in the three commanderies was significantly reduced. Additionally, Wang Jun had handed over some businesses in Beifeng to these families, providing them with an excellent opportunity.
Initially, under Lu HaiKong's formidable presence, few aristocratic families dared to cause trouble. But as enormous profits flowed before their eyes, even the most virtuous among them couldn't resist, let alone those without such virtues.
Soon, within a few months, businesses in Beifeng run by these families began to show signs of corruption and embezzlement. As time passed, Wang Jun, alone and unable to be everywhere at once, struggled to supervise these businesses. Several months later, on this very day, the businesses operated by these families in Beifeng were almost universally in a state of loss.
The aristocratic families' attitudes had shifted from initial caution to later boldness.
By the later stages, almost all the families in the three commanderies were involved in these activities, which reassured them.
After all, it wasn't just one or two families doing this. If Lu HaiKong had the skill, he could eliminate all the aristocratic families in the three commanderies. But if he did that, who would manage those places for him?
Everyone could see the gap in Lu HaiKong's management, so they acted without restraint.
At most, Lu HaiKong's return would mean everyone would keep a low profile, no longer blatantly embezzling his assets as before. If Lu HaiKong was truly unhappy, he could sacrifice a few unlucky souls to vent his anger, and the matter would likely pass.
However, despite their thoughts, these families still held some reverence for Lu HaiKong.
So, when Lu HaiKong returned, they waited cautiously for his reaction. Unexpectedly, Lu HaiKong showed no signs of activity in Bing Province for over half a month, causing many aristocratic leaders to feel relieved, believing Lu HaiKong was swallowing his anger for the greater good.
Of course, not everyone was so optimistic.
In the reception hall of the Li family estate, dozens of aristocratic descendants gathered.
Ever since Lu HaiKong's return to Bing Province, this estate had become a frequent gathering place for aristocratic families from Yanmen. Often, groups of aristocratic descendants would hold all-night banquets within its walls.
The expressions of these aristocratic descendants had transformed from tense when Lu HaiKong first returned to relaxed after half a month, marking a significant shift in their mindset.
Almost all the aristocratic families had confirmed that Lu HaiKong would no longer trouble them, and if nothing unexpected happened, today might be their last large-scale gathering at the Li family estate.
"A few days ago, in Dingxiang, several aristocratic families were sought out by Lu HaiKong's men for previous embezzlement, and the evidence was conclusive. Guess how Lu HaiKong handled it?"
In the reception hall, a young man stood up from the main seat, smiling as he asked those below.
Everyone's scalp tingled, and they couldn't help but recall Lu HaiKong's dominant presence. The once-lively hall fell silent, and the sound of someone swallowing could be faintly heard.
"Brother Li, does this mean he's going to deal with us?"
"We're done for! I said it, you can't touch the tiger's buttocks. Lu HaiKong, or rather, Lu Governor, has a temper. Messing with his interests is like asking for death!"
"I said he was busy and had no time for us. Now that he's recovered, he won't let this go."
Lu HaiKong's formidable reputation was well-known. Upon hearing this news, many aristocratic descendants' faces showed despair, each regretting their past actions.
Some directly blamed the young man in the main seat, accusing him of dragging them into this situation.
Amidst the denunciations, the young man with the surname Li gave a cold smile, downing the wine in his cup. He curled his lips in disdain and then, in a fit of anger, smashed the cup on the ground.
"Alright, alright. Look at you all, so timid! It's just Lu HaiKong. What's so scary about him?"
The dull sound of the bronze cup hitting the ground, coupled with the youth's cold and dismissive words, brought another wave of silence to the reception hall.
"Those few guys in Dingxiang, Lu HaiKong didn't do much to them. After locking them up for a couple of days, he just made them vomit the food he fed them. He didn't beat or kill them. What are you all afraid of?" The youth's words calmed the other scions of the aristocratic families in the hall.
"I may have just been reborn, and I've never met Lu HaiKong, but I know that he's made it big now. He's not the bandit he used to be. He's now the General Who Conquers the North and the Governor of Bing Province, a court official of the region. He can't be as domineering and fearless as before."
"There are countless eyes watching him, waiting for him to slip up. At a time like this, Lu HaiKong wouldn't dare do anything to us. I really don't understand what you're all worried about."
As the youth with the surname Li spoke, he returned to his seat, picked up the cup brought by his subordinates, and poured himself another drink, taking a small sip.
"Rest assured, as long as you all behave, Lu HaiKong won't dare do anything to you. That guy still needs your aristocratic families to help him govern the Three Provinces."
"Alright, don't worry. Sit down, everyone. After this drink, I'll go meet Lu HaiKong tomorrow and see what kind of person he is."
(End of Chapter)
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