I was living in the Five Dynasties period, just after crossing the Zhongdu Bridge.

Entering through the gate, Shen Lie gradually learned most of the intricacies of this fortified village.

This Zhangjiawu truly lives up to its reputation as a century-old fortress of a prominent family. The houses inside are well-arranged, and there are even a few rather grand brick and tile houses that have been renovated.

Now that the house has a new owner, the furnishings inside have taken on a strange and outlandish feel.

The central hall, which used to be adorned with calligraphy and paintings, now has two rows of weapon racks filled with all sorts of knives and spears.

Several large chests were piled up in the corner, their lids half-open, revealing the brocade inside. It was unclear which wealthy family they had robbed them from.

"Lord Shen, please!"

Zhang Heng led Shen Lie to the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, where they sat down as host and guest.

Shen Lie didn't stand on ceremony and sat down in the guest seat to the left of the main seat with an air of nonchalance.

Yang Ting stood behind him with his hand on his sword, scanning the surrounding entourage.

Clearly, these few attendants were defeated soldiers who came out with Zhang Heng. Their positions were quite deliberate, seemingly loose, but actually forming a subtle encirclement.

Tea was served by henchmen. Although the teaware was crude, the tea itself was of exceptional quality, and it was unknown which unfortunate merchant it had been robbed of.

"Chief Zhang is living a very comfortable life."

Shen Lie picked up the teacup, but only took a sip before putting it down.

It tastes absolutely awful!

"I just wonder how long these comfortable days can last?"

The atmosphere in the hall froze upon hearing this.

Zhang Heng's smile froze for a moment, then he regained his江湖气气 (jianghu qi, a kind of chivalrous and unconventional demeanor).

"What do you mean by this, my lord?" Zhang Heng chuckled. "My fortified village is well-fortified and has plenty of food. Even in three to five years, we won't have to worry about food and drink."

"Three to five years?"

Shen Lie chuckled softly.

"Chief Zhang is a sensible man, why deceive himself? Although the Khitans claim they want to return north, they haven't actually set off yet. Besides, even if Yelü Deguang is gone, the watchdogs he left in the Central Plains are still there. Gao Tangying of Xiangzhou, Cui Tingxun of Mengzhou, aren't they all ruthless? Once they're free, will they let these fat sheep in the Lüliang Mountains go?"

Zhang Heng fell silent.

He knew, of course, that Shen Lie was telling the truth; although the fortified village was sturdy, it was ultimately a tree without roots.

Regardless of which government army it is, if they really want to capture him, they only need to cut off his water supply and besiege him for a month or two and he will fall on his own.

"Then what is your opinion, Your Excellency?" Zhang Heng asked tentatively.

"Return to Han." Shen Lie uttered two words.

"Now that the Emperor has declared himself Emperor in Taiyuan, he is eager to recruit talented people. Shi Du has just won the battle of Daizhou and killed Wang Hui. His military strength is at its peak. If Chief Zhang surrenders now, not only will his past crimes be wiped clean, but he can also gain a proper official position."

At this point, Shen Lie stopped talking and simply brought the teacup to his lips to moisten them.

"What does Your Excellency mean...?" Zhang Heng chuckled twice before voicing his true thoughts, "If I surrender, what official position will I be given?"

"On my way to Yaozhou, I am short of a deputy commander of the local militia. If Chief Zhang is interested, this position is yours."

Deputy Commander of the Militia.

Upon hearing those four words, Zhang Heng's last bit of defense vanished.

He was originally a defeated soldier, so he knew all too well the weight of this official position.

In this chaotic world, those with soldiers but no officials are thieves, and those with officials but no soldiers are sheep.

Only those who have both soldiers and officers are truly powerful.

Although Zhang Heng called himself king in the mountains, he was ultimately someone who couldn't be brought into the light.

If one can clean up their act and get out of trouble, even if it's just as a deputy, it would be a glorious thing for their ancestors.

Moreover, although this Prefect Shen looks young, his actions are quite extravagant.

Zhang Heng was tempted, but he was still hesitant.

What made him hesitate was not anything else, but the fact that going to Yaozhou would mean living under someone else's roof.

Here, he's the local tyrant, his word is law; but in Yaozhou, he'll be Shen Lie's subordinate, forced to be subservient to him.

Shen Lie naturally understood the pros and cons involved.

But he has no choice now, and Zhang Heng really has no choice either.

"Is Chief Zhang worried that he'll be at the mercy of others if he goes to Yaozhou?"

Shen Lie seemed to see through Zhang Heng's thoughts and chuckled softly.

"I won't hide it from you. Yaozhou is a battleground on all sides. To the north lies Yanzhou, to the south Chang'an, and to the west Fengxiang. Although I have some reputation, I'm short of men. If you go there, you'll be my right-hand man."

"My lord, is the deputy commander of the militia truly serious?" Zhang Heng swallowed hard.

"I am the Defense Commissioner of Yaozhou, and I certainly do not have the authority to appoint you as a Military Governor, but I can certainly appoint you as a Deputy Commander of the Militia."

Shen Lie smiled and said again.

"Furthermore, I am considered one of Commander Shi's close associates. If Chief Zhang follows me, he will be one of Commander Shi's men. You don't need me to teach you the principle of 'it's good to take shelter under a big tree,' do you?"

Shen Lie knew that if Zhang Heng and his group were incorporated into the Yaozhou Army, the subordinates would definitely still only recognize Zhang Heng's name.

But this is not important.

The important thing is that as long as Zhang Heng agrees, Shen Lie can legitimately mobilize the grain in this fortified village.

As for how to completely assimilate these people after arriving in Yaozhou, that's another story.

Zhang Heng had almost finished calculating the score in his mind.

Because no matter how you calculate it, it seems like you're making a profit.

Yaozhou may be dangerous, but it also means opportunity.

In chaotic times, if you want to gain wealth and status, why wouldn't you risk your life?

As for who to listen to when we get to Yaozhou...

Hey, these soldiers are his, the knife is in his hand. If things don't go well, he can just find another fortified village to occupy!

"I am deeply honored by your high regard, Your Excellency!"

Zhang Heng slapped his thigh, stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Shen Lie, and bowed very low.

"Though I am a rough man, I know the meaning of loyalty and righteousness. Since the magistrate has given me this clear path, I will sell these several hundred catties of meat to him!"

"good!"

Shen Lie also stood up and took Zhang Heng's arm.

"With Vice Envoy Zhang's assistance, my trip to Yaozhou will be much easier."

This is a gentleman's agreement in times of chaos.

There were no written agreements, no blood oaths; they were bound together solely by mutual benefit.

Shen Lie needs Zhang Heng's men and provisions, while Zhang Heng needs Shen Lie's official position and powerful backer.

Each got what they needed, and the deal was struck immediately.

Shen Lie stood up and laughed, "Since we're all family, let's not stand on ceremony. Chief Zhang... no, Deputy Envoy Zhang, from now on we're all in the same boat."

"Absolutely! Absolutely!"

Zhang Heng also stood up and personally helped Shen Lie to the head seat. "Your Excellency must be tired from your journey. I'll have a feast prepared immediately. Tonight, let's drink until we drop!"

"No need for alcohol."

Shen Lie waved his hand dismissively, "I'm busy with military affairs and can't drink. My men are still waiting outside; we need to settle them in first."

"Oh, what kind of talk is that, my lord!"

Zhang Heng grabbed Shen Lie's sleeve.

"Brothers outside, I'll have someone send over some wine and meat later. Tonight's feast is to welcome the magistrate and also to celebrate my victory! If the magistrate refuses, then he's disrespecting me!"

"Since Vice Envoy Zhang is so kind as to refuse..."

Shen Lie smiled, his eyes clear, "Then I shall accept your offer without hesitation."

"Your Excellency is indeed decisive!"

Zhang Heng laughed loudly.

"Guards! Prepare a feast!"