Northern Prefecture Rivers and Mountains

Chapter 200 Hua Ming
Taking a step back on the battlefield may not be fatal, but in internal strife, taking a step back will almost certainly lead to death.

Liu Daogui had no intention of backing down; he had plenty of leverage at his disposal.

Back at the military headquarters, Meng Ganzhi waited for a long time. "Last night at midnight, Liu Yi and Huan Hong secretly met."

Huan Hong and Liu Yi's every move was under surveillance. They even knew exactly how many Wushi Powder Huan Hong took at night and how many women he slept with.

The entire military headquarters was Liu Daogui's eyes and ears. Liu Yi secretly met with Huan Hong, and of course he wouldn't miss such a big event.

"I see. Is the information reliable?" Liu Daogui chuckled.

In this way, everything became clear.

Meng Gan said, "Zhao Liangzhi and Lin Zhouzi both saw it, and Du Shunu also came to deliver a message, telling the military advisor to be careful!"

Liu Huaizhen asked in surprise, "These two should be irreconcilable enemies, so why are they meeting in private?"

Liu Daogui said, "The two of them are definitely targeting us. Otherwise, why would Huan Hong suddenly send you to Xiangyang to die? It's most likely Liu Yi's idea."

Liu Yi was known for his fickle nature and would never be loyal to anyone. Only by bringing him down could they seize military power in the Conquering Army.

The Huan clan is now rising again, and Liu Yi might be hedging his bets on both sides.

In the current situation, whoever holds military power has the advantage.

It's only natural that the two of them would team up.

"How about I lead some men to kill Huan's retainers on the way and bring them back? In these chaotic times, Huan Hong will know who did it," Liu Zun said, his eyes darting around.

"You can think of this, but do you think they can't? As soon as my brother leaves Guangling, his life or death will be uncertain. There might be an ambush along the way, waiting for us to jump in."

Liu Yi had subordinates such as Zhuge Changmin and Lu Zongzhi, all of whom were brave and valiant.

They were local bullies in Guangling. Once they left Guangling City, Liu Daogui would lose control of the situation.

If we start fighting and make a big fuss, it will attract the attention of those above.

Thinking of this, Liu Daogui had an idea. "It is impolite not to reciprocate. Originally, I hoped to watch them fight like dogs from the sidelines, but now it seems I should add fuel to the fire."

Since we can't take action in Guangling City, let's try a different location, like besieging Wei to rescue Zhao, and make a scene.

And incidentally, draw attention from above.

"Add fuel to the fire?" Liu Huaizhen asked, puzzled.

Liu Zun said impatiently, "Hey, stop being so mysterious now, just say what you want to say."

Liu Daogui laughed and said, "You don't need to go to Xiangyang. Just stay in my office and write a memorial to Huan Hong, saying that he has caught a cold and is not feeling well. Tell him to choose another wise man. Help me arrange a meeting with Kuai En as soon as possible. We'll coordinate with them from the inside out!"

"Agui wants to make a move against Yandu?" Liu Huaizhen followed Liu Daogui's lead.

"That's right, if we're going to make a move, it should be in Yandu. Let's alert Sima Yuanxian, destroy his salt fields, and then we can make a fortune while we're at it. Let's see how Liu Yi explains himself to Sima Yuanxian!"

If Yandu is looted, Liu Yi will lose his protective shield.

He could also become the prime suspect.

Because Kuai En is nominally his person!

"Haha, we're going to make a fortune again!" Liu Zunxi grinned.

Liu Huaizhen asked, "Then, Kuai En... would you be willing to lend us a hand?"

Meng Ganzhi cupped his hands and said, "This person is not Liu Yi's confidant, but merely a business partner. I have had private contact with him for a long time, and he is a straightforward and trustworthy person."

"That's enough. If he can rob Yandu once, he can rob it a second time!" Liu Daogui had always had a good impression of this man; he was a hero.

Since he was a hero, he was not lacking in courage. Liu Yi could not control such a person; he preferred to associate with aristocratic scholars and literati.

Guangling remains brightly lit at night. This city is not only a vital transportation hub between the north and south, but also a shining pearl on the Grand Canal.

As more and more refugees were absorbed, Guangling City experienced a distorted kind of prosperity.

At night, Guangling became the domain of slave traders. The canal was filled with large and small boats, with both beautifully dressed women and strong slaves waiting for customers.

Among these large and small ships, two small fishing boats were linked together.

Several burly men stood on the opposite fishing boat, with unsheathed long knives at their waists, heavily guarded. The two boats approached, but neither dared to come aboard.

Liu Daogui took a step forward and jumped onto the other party's boat, mimicking Kuai En's tone, and said, "Fellow Daoist, how have you been?"

"It's you!" Kuai En was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "I should have known it was you. Only you two brothers have the guts!"

The Three Wu Wars have temporarily subsided, but Liu Yu's reputation is growing, especially his legendary feat of single-handedly chasing and killing thousands of men.

The story spread by word of mouth among the soldiers and civilians.

Liu Daogui also benefited from the situation.

"I wonder if Brother Kuai has the courage?" Liu Daogui asked without further ado.

Judging from the clothes worn by Kuai En and the people around him, it's clear that he hasn't had a good time these past two years. Cooperating with Liu Yi comes at a price.

However, Kuai En did not answer, saying, "When I was in danger, if it weren't for Liu Yi's protection, I would have been arrested by the government long ago. If I were to betray him now, I would be unfaithful and not the kind of person a hero would do."

But the person next to him immediately complained, "Liu Yi took us in for personal gain. He's practically ripped us off. If he can't pay us next month, I'm afraid..."

"That's right, brother! Liu Yi has already joined forces with the Prince of Langya and his son. He'll betray us sooner or later. We'll exchange our heads for his wealth and glory!"

Before Liu Daogui could offer any advice, the people around him couldn't help but start complaining.

No wonder these people looked so poor; it turns out Liu Yi had taken all their money.

Money can attract people, and with more people comes more power. Liu Yi's rapid rise in strength over the past two years is undoubtedly related to this money.

Even a hero can be brought down by a single penny; everyone's first sum of money is of utmost importance.

Now that the money is almost gone, his relationship with Liu Yi is over.

"I thought you were a man of strong emotions, but I didn't expect you to be so indecisive and incapable of achieving anything. Liu Yi is not your master, and you are not his subject. So how can you talk about loyalty and righteousness? If you are unwilling, I will not force you. I will take my leave now."

Liu Daogui couldn't stand people who were indecisive and turned to leave.

Kuai En had not yet made up his mind. This was a negotiation strategy. Liu Daogui had been selling straw sandals and mats in the market since he was twelve or thirteen years old and was most skilled at bargaining.

Friendships based on mutual benefit will dissolve when the benefit is gone; friendships based on power will crumble when the power is lost.

Liu Yi was merely using him and didn't consider him one of his own. After all, Kuai En's crimes were too serious, and it was impossible for the two sides to establish mutual trust. Once the truth came out, he would also be implicated. Therefore, Liu Yi would definitely keep a backup plan and maintain his distance from him.

His current situation also seems rather precarious.

Its value is decreasing, and holding onto it has become a hot potato.

"Brother!"

The others all looked at Kuai En.

"Why should a man hesitate? Success or failure, it's all decided in one word!" Liu Daogui shouted, as if struck by a thunderbolt.

(End of this chapter)