My lord, spare his life!

Wang Ba raised his hand to cover his eyes.

"Don't laugh like that, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold it in."

Because of his background and conduct, Wang Ba had few capable civil officials to assist him. If he hadn't adopted a humble and courteous attitude, and hadn't spent considerable sums to claim kinship with powerful ancestors and cultivate his reputation, attracting talent would have been incredibly difficult, and the vast Dongxian regime wouldn't have been in its current state. Wang Ba counted his civil officials; they were capable enough to handle daily affairs, but getting them to offer advice and set direction?

That's really going to be tough.

Wang Ba suffered losses several times because of this.

This caused him to feel an itch whenever he saw a scholar smiling like a sly fox, almost to the point of developing a psychological aversion to it. The moment Yuan Xie revealed that smile, Wang Ba knew the other man was plotting something wicked.

The envoy from Dou County was indeed up to no good.

Did Yuan Xie truly care about Wang Ba's sake?

Yuan Xie: "..."

After mentally preparing himself, Wang Ba regained his composure and said, "Tell me the details of your plan. I'll listen before making a decision."

Yuan Xie said calmly, "To be honest, Lord Hongtu, given my lord's strength and resources, I might as well be frank with you—if we agree to all of Lord Hongtu's conditions and ask you to send troops to help us and restrain our side, Dou County will still be unable to be defended. At that time, Lord Hongtu will not only not gain any benefit, but will also needlessly invite trouble upon himself."

He said this calmly.

He neither rushed to persuade Wang Ba nor showed any sign of guilt; he remained calm as if stating a well-known fact.

Wang Ba raised an eyebrow: "If I remember correctly, your lord only controlled Tianyue County before attacking the mountain region?"

Isn't Tianyue County just a rural area restricted by Tianjiang County?

Zhang Yang has only occupied this territory for about six months.

What kind of tricks can be played in the past six months?

Even if we squeeze every last drop of marrow from Tianyue, what difference would it make?

This land couldn't possibly nurture a strong force, let alone one that had to contend with both Wang Ba's army and the other half of the mountain forces. Wasn't that just wishful thinking? Wang Ba became somewhat interested, wanting to hear what kind of nonsense Yuan Xie could come up with.

Yuan Xie said, "My lord comes from the Zhang family of Jiukan."

Of course, this is fake.

But Wang Ba and the others didn't know it was fake.

Wang Ba frowned: "The Zhang family of Jiukan?"

Yuan Xie remained calm and composed: "My lord also has businesses in places like Jiukan. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to take over Tianyue County with just one or two civil officials and three or four military generals, leading such a small group of people, empty-handed, and then help Tianyue County recover from the weakness caused by the seasonal chaos in such a short time. Tianyue County is just a pawn and a springboard for her to plot for another world. The recent capture of half of the mountains is proof that this move was the right one."

Wang Ba: "..."

He hadn't expected that Zhang Yang wasn't a self-made man, but rather a second or even third-generation warlord. Not only was he a warlord, but he also came from a well-known and respected family. You have to understand, without reaching a certain scale and having a certain foundation, you simply can't claim to be from a certain place or family.

The Nine Kan places are far away, and Wang Ba cannot verify them.

These facts cannot be verified, but it is verifiable that Zhang Yang led dozens of men to take control of Tianyue County, intimidated Magistrate Weiyin, carried out a series of elaborate schemes including a Hongmen Banquet (where he killed and confiscated property), and stabilized Weiyin and his surrounding area with his vast wealth and resources. These facts can be investigated. Zhang Yang was indeed rich and had ample supplies.

So here's the question—

Where did this money and this grain come from?

Yuan Xie's words cleared up Wang Ba's doubts.

"Even so, Jiukan is so far away from here. No matter how much your lord has managed things or how much resources he has there, he is probably too far away to influence the outcome of this battle. To say that she can annihilate the Dou County forces while holding off my troops is a bit of an overestimation." Wang Ba was still confident in himself.

"I have my reasons for saying this."

"I would like to hear the details."

Wang Ba also started to compete with Yuan Xie.

Whether it was for his own pride or for other reasons, he had to get to the bottom of it. Losing in a one-on-one fight wasn't shameful, but in a two-on-one situation, with the enemy absolutely certain of a counterattack, didn't he care about his reputation? Wang Ba would never be satisfied until Yuan Xie gave a clear explanation.

Yuan Xie said calmly, "The key lies in Tianjiang County."

Wang Ba: "Tianjiang County?"

"Although Tianjiang is not under the lord's command, he is still an ally."

Wang Ba: "..."

This envoy was telling Wang Ba that if he dared to cooperate with Dou County in sending troops, Tianjiang County, as his ally, would also send troops to raid his home. It's important to understand that after the Xuanwu Decree was issued, every warlord force was preparing for war, either to attack others or to defend against being attacked. Tianjiang County was naturally also making preparations. The moment Wang Ba left, Tianjiang County could gather its troops and surprise him.

No wonder Yuan Xie was so confident and fearless.

"You told me these secrets..."

Yuan Xie laughed and said, "Naturally, it's because Lord Hongtu is a trustworthy hero of our time, unlike others. Otherwise, why would my lord treat your son so well? I imagine your son has been exchanging letters with Lord Hongtu quite a bit these days; he hardly seems like a hostage."

Because Wang Ba is different from other forces, he is pure and unpretentious. The lord admires and appreciates Wang Ba in private, so by extension, he is also extra patient with Wang Ba's son, Wang Qi.

Didn't you see that Wang Qi and Wang Ba exchanged letters without any interference?

A ripple of emotion stirred within Wang Ba's heart.

"Uncle Zhang... Lord Boyuan has always known that my son has been in contact with me?" His expression suddenly changed. He hadn't expected that Zhang Yang knew all this but turned a blind eye. This alone was enough to make Wang Ba feel favorably towards him, not to mention that Wang Qi had indeed become more ambitious.

To what extent did Wang Qi previously dislike studying?

The lecturers Wang Ba found for him were all beaten up, and his books were burned. The man was even proud of being illiterate. Not long after meeting Zhang Yang, this son secretly began to study. He not only read military treatises and strategies, but he could also write some annotations and insights.

When Wang Ba saw the letter Lei Ting had sent back, he was almost moved to tears. His son, who had caused him so much worry, was growing up.

These changes were all because of Zhang Yang.

Wang Ba softened his gaze.

He could almost picture it all—Wang Qi was hot-tempered, while the learned and talented Bo Yuanjun was kind and tolerant towards him, patiently teaching him until he finally saw the error of his ways and became determined to improve himself. Wang Ba, who had raised Wang Qi for so many years, knew best how strange and difficult his son's temper was.

It's not just that he has a bad temper; Wang Qi is also a skilled fighter and killer.

Wang Ba had seen his son dressed as a savage on more than one occasion, with disheveled hair, an animal skin draped diagonally over his upper body, wearing only trousers, an animal skin headband, and an animal tooth necklace, leading his personal guards out hunting. The prey was killed and skinned on the spot, without even cooking or roasting it. He would simply cut off the fattest and most tender parts of the prey with a knife, clean off the remaining blood, and then devour it, followed by a leisurely drink of wine.

Uncivilized barbarians!

Wang Ba might get chopped down by Wang Qi if he says even a few words.

Starting an education is difficult; achieving educational results is even more difficult.

Therefore, it was difficult for Wang Ba to doubt Zhang Yang's sincerity.

Upon hearing Yuan Xie's words, and learning that Zhang Yang had tacitly allowed Wang Qi to contact Wang Ba, Wang Ba felt a mix of emotions, and his attitude softened. However, goodwill aside, Wang Ba, as the leader of a faction, was not a sentimental person; he also had to consider his own interests.

"In that case, I will take over Dou County."

Kings and hegemons advance by retreating.

He guessed what Yuan Xie was up to.

It was nothing more than taking advantage of Dou Jun's ignorance of the private relationship between Dong Xian and Zhang Yang, having Dong Xian feign agreement with Dou Jun, and then devising a plan to encircle and annihilate Dou Jun from within and without. No matter how wary Dou Jun was of Dong Xian, he could never have guessed the cooperation between Dong Xian and Zhang Yang.

Yuan Xie was certainly not satisfied with merely dissuading Wang Ba from his idea.

He was definitely going to make this scheme within a scheme a reality.

as predicted--

Yuan Xie spoke up to stop him: "Lord Hongtu, wait a moment."

Wang Ba asked with a smile, "Not even this will work?"

Two people, aware of each other's intentions, probed each other, setting up a stage for each other to put on a show. Yuan Xie steadily accepted the play offered by Wang Ba: "Although I am confident that my lord will not be defeated, others do not know. This move is probably incomprehensible to the civil and military officials under Lord Hongtu—in their view, the cooperation proposed by Doujun is a sure-fire way to make money. If Lord Hongtu refuses, he is refusing a benefit that is within his grasp. This move will inevitably bring Lord Hongtu unwarranted criticism."

"In that case, what are your plans?"

"Since it's all about cooperation, why not cooperate with my Lord?"

The invitation was finally given.

Wang Ba smiled inwardly, but outwardly his face darkened, radiating an invisible aura of authority: "Dou County might not agree to my harsh conditions, but if the two families truly want to cooperate, they are willing to provide Chesi County and a sum of grain. But what can Lord Boyuan offer me? My brothers and sisters under my command all need to eat, and they risk their lives in battle. Why would I agree to something without some benefit?"

"How can you be so sure that my Lord cannot afford it?"

"To Che Sijun?"

Yuan Xie shook his head: "No, Chesi County is related to the safety of the entire mountain region; it is a vital area and cannot be entrusted to others. Besides, it also has benefits no less than those of Chesi County."

Wang Ba: "Tell me what you think."

"The first thing is trade between the two places."

Wang Ba frowned almost imperceptibly: "Trade?"

To be honest, this "benefit" is a bit stingy.

It's like they're not giving money or food, but rather preferential treatment.

Wang Ba preferred tangible, measurable benefits, such as money, food, territory, and population. A mere promise of trade was far too unappealing.

Yuan Xie seemed not to notice his darkening expression.

"Grain seeds, fertilizer."

"I don't lack these things." In fact, as long as Yuan Xie can manage the flood control this time, Dongxian will have a lot more fertile farmland, saving on irrigation work and eliminating worries about drought and reduced yields.

Yuan Xie shook his head: "No."

"No?"

Yuan Xie said, "The grain seeds are not ordinary grain seeds, and the fertilizer is not ordinary fertilizer either. Their value far exceeds that of an entire prefecture."

Wang Ba's curiosity was piqued.

Even He Ning, who had always been in the background, sat up straight.

Yuan Xie explained to Wang Ba in detail the advantages of the grain varieties that Tianyue was currently promoting. He said that the fertilizers could even change the original nature of the soil, turning even inferior land into superior farmland. There were still many hardened, substandard fields in Dongxian County, with yields per mu less than one-tenth of those of ordinary fertile land.

Wang Ba: "...That's impossible."

Yuan Xie laughed and said, "Indeed, seeing is believing, so it's understandable that Lord Hongtu doesn't believe it. If Lord Hongtu doesn't believe it, he can write to your son now to inquire. It's also a good opportunity to ask if the lord is willing to agree to these conditions."

Wang Ba's mind was a bit of a mess, and he finally came to his senses: "Even if what you said is true, and you didn't consult with Bo Yuanjun, how could you make these decisions for her?"

Yuan Xie's promises don't count.

"Anything that benefits the people's livelihood, my lord will agree to. Even if I were to presume to discuss these matters with Lord Hongtu on your behalf, my lord would still agree." Yuan Xie was calm and composed. Although he was thin and bony, his natural aura gave him an extraordinary and self-admiring air, making people want to slow their breathing, afraid that making a loud noise would disturb or offend him.

Why won't my lord agree?

In the lord's eyes, Dong-Ham was destined to be her territory.

Zhang Yang's decision to have Yuan Xie manage the floods was also partly motivated by a desire to secure future territory; he wouldn't let outsiders benefit from it. As for whether the conditions Yuan Xie had just promised would allow Wang Ba's power to grow and threaten Zhang Yang, quite the opposite was true. Wang Ba focused more on improving people's livelihoods, which left him with little energy for expanding his influence.

If the lord swiftly annexes the territory, by the time Wang Ba realizes what's happening, his neighbor will have transformed from the insignificant Tianjiang County into the opportunistic Zhang Yang. If Wang Ba is even slightly sensible, he might very well willingly submit and surrender. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Take a close look at the benefits Yuan Xie promised. Which one doesn't take time to yield tangible results? They sound appealing, but they're all empty promises. Yuan Xie cleverly shifted the concept, misleading Wang Ba into believing that the bright future was a pie in the sky.

This is a classic example of quenching thirst by looking at plums.

Yuan Xie was absolutely certain. Of course, Wang Ba felt something was amiss and refused to agree, but the wealthy lord could spare a sum of money to smash Wang Ba's eyes until they saw stars (crossed out) to show even more sincerity.

Wang Ba: "Is there anything else?"

Yuan Xie: "Lord Hongtu, why don't you ask my master? If I were to continue to answer any more questions, it would seem somewhat presumptuous of me to do so."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ba stopped making things difficult for Yuan Xie.

He and He Ning got up to say goodbye and leave.

Before leaving, he personally inspected the flood control site.

The more he looked, the more moved he became. He chatted with He Ning, saying, "Floods have always been a major worry for me. When I was young, my biggest fear was sudden downpours, afraid that my whole family would be submerged in water the moment I woke up. Those corrupt officials who hold positions without doing their jobs, which one of them doesn't know the importance of building dikes and dredging waterways? But they value their own pockets more, completely indifferent to the lives of ordinary people, even—"

Wang Ba paused for a moment.

He gritted his teeth and said, "I'd even be happy to see floods."

He Ning asked, puzzled, "How could this be?"

"You're still young and don't understand the ins and outs. When officials go to deal with disasters, they often just follow the methods of their predecessors, putting on a show for everyone, regardless of whether the methods are effective or not, as long as they can keep their positions. If they were all good at dealing with disasters, how could they embezzle and profit from it? How could the common people be driven to desperation, forced to sell the land their entire families depend on for survival? If they didn't sell these lands cheaply, how could those local rich people acquire fertile land at low prices? What is a natural disaster for the common people is a golden opportunity for some to make a fortune..."

He Ning said, "These people deserve to die!"

Wang Ba sneered, "They have long lives ahead of them, and they'll even receive generous tributes. So, seeing someone as dedicated to flood control and disaster relief as Yuan Youzheng... makes me feel even worse. Bo Yuanjun, it's no wonder she's so good at educating people; she can even influence your sworn brother."

? ?|??w?`)

I'm going to apply for the fan title event tomorrow (I wonder how many new readers there are for this book, Lord _(:3」∠?)_).