After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 964 - 949: Divergent Interests

Zhao Hanzhang galloped swiftly to Shanggu County, unaware that at the border between Shanggu County and Beiping County, four armies were facing each other, and the atmosphere wasn’t good, yet no one had made a move.

Among the four armies, Zu Ti was the most relaxed, with the best complexion. He still had the strength to dispatch troops to eradicate nearby bandits.

Shi Le was enraged when he saw Zu Ti meddling in Youzhou affairs.

Zhang Bin consoled him, "Zu Ti is a man of integrity, and he doesn’t like you, my lord, so he doesn’t show respect to you. However, it is less concerning that he shows his dislike so openly; what you should fear are those who appear friendly but stab you in the back."

He said, "Though the appointment hasn’t been made official, everyone knows you are the Youzhou Governor. By eliminating bandits for Youzhou, he’s actually assisting you. As the master, you should thank him. In the future, he will be the Qingzhou Governor, and you the Youzhou Governor; the two regions have a border and should coexist harmoniously."

With Zhang Bin’s persuasion, Shi Le’s anger subsided a bit, and he was urged to prepare some gifts to thank Zu Ti.

Zu Ti received the grain and gold and silver jewels from Shi Le but didn’t speak for a long time.

His right-hand man, Zuo Min, felt smug, "General, Shi Le has admitted defeat and yielded."

Zu Ti glanced lightly at him and then looked to his left, "Zhao Shi, what do you think?"

Zhao Shi had changed greatly from before. The continuous battles over the year had erased the baby fat on his face, leaving only determination in his eyes, which were clear and bright. He smiled and said, "General, Shi Le has shown magnanimity, so we cannot fall behind."

Zu Ti snorted lightly at these words, but the dissatisfaction in his heart dissipated substantially. He said, "I know the lord seeks to recruit Shi Le for the greater good, but he has killed many of our Han people, and I can’t get over this obstacle in my heart."

After a pause, Zu Ti continued, "But you are right, he has shown magnanimity, and I am not a narrow-minded person. Find something to send back to him."

Zhao Shi agreed, then ran to the kitchen and fetched a jar of wine, ignoring the cook chasing after him, and sprinted away.

He personally carried the wine to Shi Le, indicating that this was a gift from their General.

A cart of grain and several boxes of gold and silver jewels returned for a jar of wine, yet Shi Le was not angry; instead, he laughed heartily and accepted it gladly.

Looking at the bewildered Zuo Min, Zu Ti sighed and said, "You should read more books when you’re free. Isn’t Zhao Shi teaching reading in the army? You should go learn."

Zuo Min was displeased, "Is the General suggesting I’m not smart enough?"

Zu Ti responded with a "Hmm," saying, "Not being smart isn’t your fault, it’s innate. But knowing you’re not smart and not making an effort to study, that’s your fault."

Zuo Min: ... He was deeply wounded both physically and mentally.

Ignoring the furious Zuo Min, Zu Ti lowered his eyes in thought. Shi Le had a good strategist; hopefully, he would remain loyal to Zhao Hanzhang, otherwise, he could easily declare autonomy over Youzhou.

Nonetheless...

Zu Ti never placed hope in others, especially not in a barbarian. Once he goes to Qingzhou, he must train the troops well and be constantly vigilant.

It’s just a pity that Qingzhou is impoverished and small, far less resourceful than Youzhou.

While Zu Ti was pondering Shi Le, Shi Le was also following Zhang Bin’s advice and dispatched troops to eliminate bandits.

Though they said it was to eradicate bandits, in truth, it was to prevent them from rallying to rob passersby and villages, instead reporting to the county government to register as itinerants and allocate land.

After all, most of the bandits on the mountains were distressed civilians. If all bandits were killed, Youzhou would have few people left alive.

When Zu Ti eradicated bandits, he no longer took advantage of Shi Le. He conscripted the captured bandits into auxiliary troops by force. Now, after receiving Shi Le’s gifts and eradicating bandits again, he no longer conscripted them, but instead handed over the captured bandits to Shi Le.

The interactions between Zu Ti and Shi Le grew increasingly harmonious, at least on the surface. Meanwhile, Tuoba Yilu was feeling a bit anxious.

Imagining Shi Le as the future Youzhou Governor, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy, his face remained gloomy for days.

While he was secretly agitated, a quick rider delivered a message, and his nephew Tuoba Yulu rushed in to report, "Khan, there’s big news from Jinyang!"

Tuoba Yilu spoke exasperatedly, "Jinyang is not ours; what business do we have with trouble there?"

Tuoba Yulu hesitated but still reported, "Uncle will no longer be the Bingzhou Governor. He is headed to Xuzhou, and the new Bingzhou Governor is Beigong Chun, who has already arrived in Jinyang to reorganize border defenses."

At these words, Tuoba Yilu stood up suddenly, breathing rapidly, "What did you say? The new Bingzhou Governor is Beigong Chun?"

"Yes."

Tuoba Yilu gnashed his teeth, fists clenched tightly, "Good for you, Zhao Hanzhang, waiting for me here."

In a fit of rage, he turned to take the sword from the wall and strode outside, "Let’s go, we’ll meet Duan Wumuchen."

Nearby, Tuoba Liuxiu, after a bit of hesitation, stepped forward to block his path, "Father, Aunt only promised to convert Dai County into Dai Country and bestow the Princely Heir; regarding Bingzhou, it’s internal affairs of Jin, which we shouldn’t interfere with."

Tuoba Yilu turned abruptly and kicked him to the ground, cursing angrily, "Ungrateful traitor, she’s just your aunt, but I am your father; her arrangements are meant to guard against me, and yet you still speak for her?"

Tuoba Yulu looked sympathetically yet disapprovingly at Tuoba Liuxiu, blocking Tuoba Yilu from further actions, persuaded, "Liuxiu, our tribe has grown large, and a single Dai County cannot accommodate everyone. If uncle controls Bingzhou in the future, we can still seek a livelihood there, but Beigong Chun..."

He shook his head, saying, "He is skilled in warfare, with combat strength no less than our Tuoba tribe’s; how could he employ our people? When the time comes, the tribe members will starve."

Tuoba Liuxiu said, "If these are the concerns, we can always speak with aunt; she is kind and just. If we are honest, she will certainly assist us. We can mutually support each other."

Tuoba Yilu furrowed his brows, coldly rebuking, "Get out of my sight; this matter is none of your concern."

Tuoba Liuxiu lowered his gaze to conceal the anger in his eyes, bowing his head as he withdrew.

Tuoba Yilu was about to head out with Tuoba Yulu when a soldier came to report, "Khan, Zhao Changshi has arrived. He is now waiting outside the camp, saying that General Zhao has reached Shanggu County, currently in Zu Ti’s camp, and she wishes to see you and Zhao Changshi."

Tuoba Yilu: "... When did she arrive?"

Wasn’t this too fast?

The soldier replied, "Just arrived. She summoned immediately."

Tuoba Yilu’s emotions fluctuated, finally suppressing his discontent after a long while, pulling a grim smile, "I understand, you may withdraw."

Tuoba Yulu whispered with some concern, "Khan, does she know we intend to form an alliance with the Duan Family?"

Tuoba Yilu remained silent, saying nothing.