Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 80 You Dare to Reach Out? (Please Read 4k Words)

The Li family did not keep Zhang Xian waiting for long.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the small door next to the main gate of the fortress was opened, and a man with a cold expression walked out.

Behind Zhang Xian, Han Ji's brows furrowed slightly.

By opening the small door instead of the main door, Li Shi is showing disrespect to her lord!
Zhang Xian didn't care much. He just came over to say hello and talk about the embankment. Whether Li Shi looked down on him or not didn't affect his ability to make money and develop Taoyuan.

"please!"

The cold-faced man extended his hand in a casual salute.

Zhang Xian nodded slightly and coughed lightly.

The two villagers behind him then handed the gifts they had brought to the man.

Afterwards, Han Ji gave a few instructions to the two farmers and then sent them back to Taoyuan.

As they entered, they found that the Li family's fortified village was not very large; it only enclosed the main residence and covered an area of ​​no more than a hundred acres.

After entering the fort and walking another hundred steps or so, you will reach the main hall.

At this moment, the main hall doors were wide open, and four or five servants and maids went in and out, serving pastries and drinks.

The main hall of the Li family home was spacious and bright, with several landscape paintings hanging on the four walls and several exquisite pottery pieces on the table, all of which were clearly made by the Li family themselves.

Seated in the main seat was an elderly man of about fifty years old, with gray hair and beard, and a kind face. He was none other than Li Yong, the head of the Li family.

Upon seeing Zhang Xian and his companion enter, Li Yong rose to greet them: "I have long heard of Mr. Zixu's remarkable talent at such a young age, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved!"

Zhang Xian returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "You flatter me, Master Li. How can a junior like me be addressed as 'Master' by an elder? You may simply call me Zixu."

"Hahaha." Li Yong stroked his beard and laughed: "Then I will call you Zixu. Come, Zixu, take a seat."

"It's disrespectful."

Zhang Xian knelt on the soft couch, and Han Ji also found a place to sit down.

At the head of the table, Li Yong waved his hand lightly, and the servants and maids in the main hall withdrew.

"Zixu, is this your first time visiting my place? Our two families have frequent business dealings, and your estate is a major client of the Li family. I should be the one paying a visit, not you. I didn't know you were here."

Han Ji frowned slightly again. What did the Li family mean by this? It was one thing to open the small door, but now they were being so blunt, showing no courtesy whatsoever to their guests.

He coughed lightly, stood up, and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Lord Li, you are very kind. My master has come to inform you that the Li and Zhang families share a water source, and the water may run dry for a few days. I hope you will not be offended. Of course, the water will return to normal after a few days."

"And who are you?" Li Yong stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes, his face showing a warm expression.

"Han Ji, the son of the Han family of Nanyang, arrived."

Zhang Xian fiddled with the cup, letting Han Ji do as he pleased.

"Oh, so you're the son of the Han family from Nanyang." Li Yong glanced at Han Ji meaningfully, then casually remarked as if chatting about family matters, "Nanyang and Changshan are a thousand miles apart. How did you end up here, son of the Han family? Has something happened in your family?"

He then turned to Zhang Xian and advised him with the expectation of an elder: "Zixu is young, so you must be careful when judging people. Don't believe someone just because they say something. There are countless swindlers in this world."

Han Ji's expression remained unchanged, and his manners were still impeccable: "Lord Li need not worry about my lord. My lord is young and handsome, and his eyes are sharp and intelligent, unlike anyone else."

The main hall was relatively quiet. Zhang Xian turned the cup around, feeling a surge of amusement.

Who is this mocking for being old and blind? It can't be myself, can it?

"He's quite the smooth talker." Li Yong showed no displeasure, but instead gestured for him to sit down: "I understand what you're saying. You mean Zixu wants to store water so that the stream will dry up?"

Han Ji sat down, nodded, and said, "That is the matter."

"absurd!"

Suddenly, before Li Yong could say anything, the man who had just led Zhang Xian and the other man in slammed his hand on the table: "You know perfectly well that the Li family makes a living from pottery. If the stream is cut off, how can the Li family make pottery!"

"Even if you, Zhang Xian, are renowned in Changshan, you cannot bully my Li family like this. Do you think the Li family has no one to rely on?"

"Who is this?"

Zhang Xianyan squinted slightly, put down the cup he was playing with, and the bottom of the cup lightly tapped against the table, making a crisp sound.

"A few days of water shortage shouldn't affect your village's pottery making, right? Could you do me a favor?"

"Hmph, if you cut off the flow today, and he cuts it off tomorrow, how will the Li family continue doing business?!"

The man snorted coldly, cupped his hands to Zhang Xian, but turned his face to the other side with an arrogant expression: "Li Sheng, Li Hengyuan!"

"Hengyuan, you mustn't be rude." Li Yong, sitting at the head of the table, pretended to reprimand him, then smiled at Zhang Xian: "Zixu, don't be offended. My eldest grandson has been spoiled since he was a child, but he has a point. If you cut off the water for a few days, and he cuts it off for a few days, what will become of the Li family?"

"How about we compensate you for the money that caused your estate to stop work? Would that be acceptable?" Zhang Xian said with a smile.

"Haha, Zixu is thoughtful, but this concerns the face of the Li family, which cannot be compared to money. Zixu, please leave. I cannot agree to this matter. If you forcibly stop the flow of water, don't blame us for taking each other to court."

Li Yong stroked his beard and sighed, as if he too was in a difficult position.

"Alas." Zhang Xian also sighed, stood up and bowed, "Then I will not disturb Lord Li any longer. This junior will take his leave."

He turned to leave, but then saw Li Sheng, who was sitting next to Li Yong at the head of the table, looking anxious.

"Zhang Xian, wait a minute! If you are willing to hand over the winemaking method to the Li family, the Li family guarantees that everything will go smoothly for you in Changshan. Moreover, the Li family's pottery-making method can also be given to you, so that you will not lose your livelihood!"

Beside Li Sheng, Li Yong shook his head slightly and sighed inwardly. His grandson was still too impatient and needed to be taught for a few more years.

Just as he turned around, Zhang Xian, who was facing away from Li Yong and the other man, moved his upper body slightly, but turned his head to look at Li Yong. His eyes were sharp and focused, which made Li Yong's old eyes throb slightly.

"So this is what Master Li wanted?"

He slowly turned around and faced the two of them again.

"This is it! Zhang Xian, don't blame me for not reminding you, you came from a humble background, and now you've made enough money. Everyone in Changshan is giving you face out of respect for the Guo family, so you'd better know what's good for you!"

"Otherwise, based solely on the crimes you've committed, the Li family has a thousand ways to kill you!"

Li Sheng continued to chatter on and on, his excitement growing stronger with each word.

"Crimes? What crimes? Hengyuan, you might as well explain it more clearly so that Zhang can think it over carefully."

"Alright, Hengyuan." Li Yong put his arm around Hengyuan's shoulder, his warm expression gone, replaced by a coldness.

But Li Sheng, clearly enraged, ignored his grandfather's advice and continued, "If you're going to treat illnesses, then treat illnesses; if you're going to treat epidemics, then treat epidemics. But the worst thing you could do is treat those lowly people!"

"The new decree of the Great Han Dynasty stipulates that those who treat the plague must pay a 'debt of twenty coins' for each person they treat. Hahaha, Zhang Xian, do you know how many people you have saved? You couldn't afford to pay this amount even if you emptied several of your estates!"

"Besides, who told you to save them! Do you know how many people you've ruined their livelihoods with this! If it weren't for the Guo family, countless people would have wanted to kill you long ago!"

"And your shabby estate, Peach Blossom Spring, sounds so vulgar. It's not even that big, yet you dare to keep soldiers there! You have some nerve!"

Li Sheng slammed his fist on the table and stood up, his expression even more excited: "So, hand over your winemaking method, and with the protection of the Guo and Li families in Changshan, you can be guaranteed a lifetime of wealth and honor!"

"Hengyuan!"

Li Yong slammed his fist on the table, and the main hall fell silent.

"Heh, an exorcism tax? That's novel; it's the first time I've ever heard of it."

Zhang Xian chuckled softly, breaking the silence in the hall.

It seems that Li Sheng has been blinded by the profits of Taoyuan Wine. The Li family probably doesn't know how much Taoyuan Wine is actually worth; they were only tempted by the price offered by outsiders.

If they knew the true benefits involved, even Li Yong, who was at the top, probably wouldn't be much better than his grandson.

“Lord Li.” Zhang Xian bowed to Li Yong and asked, “Is what Hengyuan said true? If I hand over the winemaking method, the Li family will guarantee me a lifetime of wealth and honor.”

Li Yong stroked his beard: "Zixu, rest assured, although my Li family is not as powerful as the Guo family, it is not far behind. If you hand over that method, my Li family will definitely make you rich and honored for life."

"Yes, I understand. I will go back and prepare the wine recipe, and I will definitely deliver it to Master Li in three days."

"Haha, very well, Zixu is indeed a wise man. Then I will await good news."

He waved his hand, and Zhang Xian led Han Ji out of the fortified village. In the main hall, Li Sheng said arrogantly, "Father, do you see what your grandson said is right? This peasant needs to be frightened. If you scare him, he'll confess everything."

"A lowly commoner trying to enter a prestigious institution is making a fool of himself."

"Alright, Hengyuan, tell the head of the manor to be on his best these next few days. I don't think Zhang Xian is a good person either."

“My father thinks too highly of him. His few hundred tenants, chosen from among the refugees, are nothing compared to the tenants that our Li family has supported for generations.”

Besides, I think Zhang Xian is terrified. As long as the Guo family doesn't intervene, our Li family will have another way to make connections in the future!

"I hope so. I'm tired. Go and read your book. Don't act like you used to."

"Don't worry, Father, your grandson will definitely help the Li family advance even further!"

After saying this, Li Sheng took his leave from Li Yong and returned to his study. He hadn't even read a few bamboo slips when his heart began to stir with restlessness.

"Young master, would you like some tea?"

A soft voice rang out outside the study. Li Sheng got up, walked to the door, opened it, and pulled the maid who had asked the question inside.

Before long, a sobbing sound came from the study.
-
After leaving the fortified village, Zhang Xianhan and the other two rode side by side.

"An exorcism tax? Is there really such a thing?"

Zhang Xian turned his head in a question.

Han Ji frowned in thought, then shook his head slightly: "Perhaps it's a new policy. I haven't paid much attention to it in recent years, but it has caused my lord to be humiliated. I deserve to die."

"Don't mention death or anything like that. I can't stand hearing that lately. As soon as I hear it," he turned to look at Li Family Village and smiled coldly, "I just want them all to be wiped out."

"What are your plans, my lord? Will you truly hand over the wine recipe?"

"The wine-giving method?" Zhang Xian looked at Han Ji in surprise, but saw that there was not much sincerity on his face, but rather a slight smile, and immediately understood.

"They might have the life to take it, but not the life to enjoy it."

"Go to Zhengding and tell them that bandits have been discovered near Taoyuan. We hope that the county troops can protect the people and ensure their safety."

"It seems that my lord has already made up his mind. Then I shall make a trip."

Zhang Xian nodded and parted ways with Han Ji at the fork in the road.

"The Li Family Village has already found its way to destruction!"

If he could travel a thousand miles to kill a prefect, he wouldn't care about killing another family. Of course, he still had to give a plausible explanation to the outside world. This was the way of the powerful clans that Han Ji taught him!

Since you're being offered face, don't take it.

Then give me a knife!

"drive!"

Zhang Xian galloped back to Peach Blossom Spring, his horse moving incredibly fast at full speed.

Without lingering, the warhorse galloped straight towards the training ground.

The horse stops sideways, its hooves pausing slightly to the left and right to cushion the impact.

"Huang Zhong! Zhao Yun! Xiahou Lan!"

"exist!"

Although they didn't know what had happened, it was the first time that their brother Xian and their lord had done something like this. The three of them reacted quickly, cupped their hands, and stepped forward!

"Come to the main hall immediately!"

"promise!"

"Zhao Shi, Zhao Niu, Zhao Hu!"

"exist!"

"Supervise the entire team!"

"promise!"

"drive!"

After giving the order, Zhang Xian mounted his horse again and headed straight for the main hall of Taoyuan. Before the horse had come to a complete stop, Zhang Xian dismounted, took two quick steps to regain his balance, and went straight to the main seat in the main hall.

He sat down, closed his eyes slightly, and opened them when he heard footsteps outside the door.

"Lord!"

The three filed in and lined up in a row.

"The three of you will each lead a team out of Peach Blossom Spring. Along the way, set up farmhouses in sparsely populated areas, then burn them down. Also, take blood-stained clothes and scatter them around. Do this quietly, so that no outsiders will see!"

"Go quickly and return quickly!"

The three were puzzled, but they all bowed and said in unison, "Yes!"

He left a message and then closed his eyes to concentrate again.

dusk.

Han Ji rode back and, after inquiring of the people in the village, went straight into the main hall.

"Lord."

As soon as he entered, he saw Zhang Xian, who was sitting calmly in the main seat with his eyes closed.

His eyes opened, as deep and unfathomable as the sea.

"In accordance with the lord's orders, inform the government office that there are thieves around Taoyuan, and on the way back, make arrangements at all the roads, pavilions, and villages."

"it is good."

Zhang Xian nodded slightly and spoke softly.

Before long, the three leaders who had gone out also returned. Huang Zhong had roughly figured out something during this time, so he reported it directly upon his return.

"In accordance with the lord's orders, we burned down farmhouses along the road, in pavilions, and in sparsely populated areas, leaving blood-stained clothes scattered everywhere, and headed towards the well entrance."

"This humble general took it upon himself to create several signs of a struggle."

"good!"

Zhang Xian was pleased, as Huang Zhong had thought of a step he hadn't considered.

He rose from his seat, stepped forward to the window, and stood with his hands behind his back.

"In Taoyuan, we live a life of kindness, rescuing refugees, curing epidemics, and spreading our good reputation far and wide, forging many good relationships."

"If others try to bully us, then let them see what we're capable of, and let those covetous eyes in Changshan see whether our Peach Blossom Spring can be bullied!"

"Zhang Xian, can you fool me?!"

"Let's rest for now, conserve our energy, and tomorrow night, we'll raid their home and wipe them out!"

The three exchanged glances, their expressions unchanged, and bowed their heads, saying, "Yes, sir!"

Although it's said that grudges shouldn't be left unresolved overnight, this night still has to pass. The official explanation has been given, regardless of its sincerity or not, but the question is whether you believe it or not!
Do not believe?

Let's wait until the Li family's downfall is over before saying this!

Our original intention is to develop peacefully, but if you want to interfere or covet our business, then we'll show you another side of the great philanthropist of Changshan!
As for whether the fact that Han Ji reported the thieves' whereabouts on the same day, and the thieves made a big move the next day, would make people suspect that it was Tao Yuan who did it?
Ah, isn't this the obvious answer?
Wealthy but powerless noble families are nothing but lambs to the slaughter.

If you have money and power, then whatever you say goes!
Strength is the only way to earn respect!

Judging from the Li family's words, there are quite a few wolves eyeing Taoyuan in Changshan now. Let's see who the wolf is and who the lamb is!

(End of this chapter)