Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 632 - 581: The Deep Bond of Brothers

Chapter 632: Chapter 581: The Deep Bond of Brothers

"Xing Luohou!"

"Zhang San!"

Zhang San, leading his people, arrived at the final destination of this journey, the flourishing tribe of Xing Luohou, which lay to the north of Great Sui’s Longwang Road.

Originally, Zhang San thought that there were already many different tribes to the north of Longwang Road, and with Xing Luohou’s arrival, there would inevitably be chaos.

Yet, upon arrival, he discovered that the chaos of minds and the mental disarray were of no concern at all.

It didn’t seem at all like a powerful tribe had suddenly migrated here.

It seemed more like Xing Luohou’s tribe had always been here, and even their relationship with everyone was quite harmonious.

"It’s been a long time, I’ve missed you! Xing Luohou, you seem to have lost some weight recently. You need to eat more!"

"Brother Zhang San, I see you’ve lost weight too. You must take care of yourself!"

"It’s because I’ve been missing you!"

"Hahaha! What a coincidence, me too! Come on, let’s go inside for a drink!"

At this moment, Zhang San and Xing Luohou appeared just like old friends who hadn’t seen each other for many years.

Baili Niezhen, trailing behind, was utterly astonished and couldn’t help but whisper to Li Jing beside him, "Is our master really on such good terms with the Tujue people?"

Li Jing shook his head slightly and said, "The master is only on good terms with Dashi Bian, the rest are just so-so."

"Ah!?"

At this moment, Baili Niezhen’s eyes were wide open as he looked at Zhang San, arm in arm with Xing Luohou, unable to deduce any sense of their relationship being just so-so.

This felt as if Xing Luohou had a concubine whom Zhang San took a fancy to, Xing Luohou would send her to Zhang San overnight.

And even wash her first before sending her over.

After the two men entered the tent, Baili Niezhen and Li Jing also followed them inside.

Inside the big tent were Xing Luohou’s most loyal followers.

Some recognized Zhang San and thus did not look at him favorably.

But some thought well of Zhang San for his kindness to their Khan, having heard that it was his proposal in public that helped their Khan rise to power when the Eight Great Khans system was established.

"Zhang San, please take the seat of honor. Have you come all this long way to thank me for informing you about Tujue’s impending war on Great Sui?"

Startled by these words, Zhang San glanced over at everyone present.

After all, there were over thirty people sitting here, and since Xing Luohou could speak such words openly, it proved that this matter was known to all.

To divulge one’s own country’s plans of invasion to the enemy nation, and to have his subordinates remain so indifferent, it was evident of Xing Luohou’s leadership ability.

"Of course, so this time I’ve come to offer you an excuse that eliminates the need to invade Great Sui, to help you through this difficult situation."

Just as Zhang San had spoken, a middle-aged man with a beard at the bottom sneered, "Invading Great Sui could allow us to plunder a great deal of gold, silver, and jewels, and even capture lots of people as slaves. Why wouldn’t we want to do such a good thing?"

Hearing this, Zhang San laughed.

He didn’t need to say it; it was certainly a test from Xing Luohou.

"That makes sense, then you should fight. Shahlobi has ordered Tujue to engage in full-scale war with Great Sui, attacking from five different routes at once. Out of these five forces, I’ve already persuaded three to retreat. If you’re inclined to proceed, then the army at Longwang Road will not encircle or suppress Shahlobi’s Central Army, but instead stay behind to take care of you properly."

"Of course, this matter is trivial to me, whether I persuade four armies to retreat or just three. Although there might be a slight difference in merit and rewards, it won’t be too significant."

"But it’s different for you. The armies of Longwang Road and the local Town Martial Office could have participated in the siege against Sharlobi. If you had managed to capture Sharlobi, that would have been an earth-shattering achievement. Now, they have to stay and deal with you. What do you think the posture of Longwang Road’s troops will be towards you when the time comes?"

The bearded brute who had just spoken instantly fell silent.

Xing Luohou could tell that although Zhang San’s words were not a threat, they were actually more effective than a threat.

A threat simply stops you from doing something.

But there was another meaning in Zhang San’s words: if they didn’t take action, then the great army of Longwang Road would surely deal Sharlobi a crushing blow from behind.

If Sharlobi were truly captured alive by the Great Sui, or even killed in battle, then who would be the real Great Khan on the grasslands would inevitably come down to a choice between Dashi Bian and Xing Luohou.

At this moment, everyone’s gaze towards Xing Luohou became fiery.

Xing Luohou also realized that Zhang San’s arrival would surely bring peace to his tribe and the Great Sui.

"Hahaha... Brother Zhang San, my people are ignorant, it’s my fault for not disciplining them properly. Don’t be angry. It’s only thanks to the Great Sui’s special care of its neighbors that my tribe has managed to stay here. How could I possibly invade the Great Sui?"

Zhang San said with a smile, "Of course I know this. But you can’t just tell Sharlobi directly that you don’t want to participate, can you? Therefore, I have thought of an excuse for you. When the time comes, you can dispatch some troops to join some of Longwang Road’s soldiers in a mock battle. Just rehearse formations and spar with each other. You don’t need to send too many, ten thousand will suffice. Also, there must be quite a few other tribal groups nearby, right?"

Xing Luohou nodded.

"So you just write to Sharlobi, telling him you are caught in a pincer attack by the native tribes and the Great Sui, on the verge of danger, and ask for his help. If he doesn’t come, nobody will know how you’re actually getting on here. If he does, however many come, aren’t they all yours?"

Xing Luohou originally intended to say that his tribe had just arrived here and had conflicts with the surrounding tribes, unable to divert troops to fight against the Great Sui.

But he never expected that the excuse Zhang San came up with was much more ingenious than his own.

"Brother Zhang San, your idea is truly excellent!"

Zhang San said with a laugh, "Oh, it’s nothing. And don’t worry, after I go back to Longwang Road, I will definitely find a way to open up trade with you and then sell you some of the things you need. How about that?"

North of Longwang Road, the land is frozen, covered in snow.

If they could get enough food and other supplies, it would be nothing short of wonderful for Xing Luohou.

So, the two quickly reached an agreement.

For a time, they drank and exchanged cups as if they were brothers.

It was well into the night before Xing Luohou escorted Zhang San back to his resting tent.

Then he returned to his own sleeping quarters.

But as soon as Xing Luohou got back to his tent, he found his son, Ming Chasha, gathered there with a close group of his own subordinates.

Ming Chasha spoke up right away, "No matter how nice Zhang San’s words sound, he’s actually just trying to alleviate the pressure on the Great Sui. If we don’t participate in this battle, we’ll miss out on all the benefits!"

Xing Luohou nodded, "I am aware of what you are saying, but I know more clearly what we need most now is development. And development requires time and, more importantly, resources. We’re indeed lacking far too many resources. If we can open up trade with Longwang Road, it will only allow us to develop rapidly! Besides, do you really think I regard Zhang San as my brother?"

Meanwhile, back in his own tent, as Baili Niezhen brought warm water for Zhang San to wash his face, he asked, "Master, how come you get on so well with Khan Xing Luohou?"

Zhang San let out a wry smile.

"Get on well? You don’t think I actually consider him my brother, do you?"

"Ah!?"

For the first time, Baili Niezhen realized how complex the human race was.