Chapter 218: Chapter 212: Overshadowing the Monarch with Great Merit
Xiao Yuansui, unperturbed, withdrew from the crowd, effectively leaving the "battle circle." Suddenly, those remaining in the circle seemed at a loss. He slowly walked to the seat and said, "What do you want me to promise you?"
Lu Yong took a big step forward, pointing at Shang Ruyi beside him, and said, "This woman, I can spare her life according to the village rules, but according to what you just said, Brother Xiao, everything you conquered belongs to Wanggang Village. Shouldn’t the grain from Xingluo Granary be transported back to Wanggang Village?"
The hall immediately fell silent.
Shang Ruyi stood silently aside, listening to these words, her heart slightly stirred.
Unexpectedly, she had guessed correctly.
Just now, when Lu Yong returned with the others, listening to their words, Shang Ruyi had vaguely felt that although these people conquered Xingluo Granary and occupied the Warehouse City, they did not seem united.
The reason lay with Xiao Yuansui.
Thinking back, after he parted ways with them, he joined Wanggang Village. Although he was alone, he quickly made achievements in what was merely a gathering of bandits and thieves. Wang Quyi placed him second in rank and formulated the village’s regulations based on his advice. It was also due to his abilities that Wanggang Village rapidly expanded in a short time.
However, the phrase "outshining the master" does not apply only to the court.
His great achievements made those around him discontent, as was evident from Lu Yong’s words.
Moreover, Xiao Yuansui came from nobility, differing in beliefs and style from people in Wanggang Village, inevitably taking different paths. This time, he led a force to attack Xingluo Granary, and from beginning to end, Wang Quyi never appeared, which spoke volumes.
However, although Wang Quyi did not appear, his eyes did. Thus, within Xingluo Granary, there was Lu Yong and his group. These men were evidently Wang Quyi’s confidants or longtime members of Wanggang Village. Following Xiao Yuansui out of the village, they might not be in the forefront of battle; their main role was likely to keep an eye on him. More importantly, Xiao Yuansui used Wanggang Village’s soldiers to conquer lands, so the fruits of victory must be shared, which is why Lu Yong continually urged him to send grain back to Wanggang Village.
So, they were not united.
At this moment, hearing Lu Yong bringing up old matters again, Xiao Yuansui sitting in the hall sighed deeply and then looked up, smiling as he said, "Brother Lu, if I remember correctly, three shipments have already been sent back, totaling fifty-four carts of grain."
"So what?"
"With so much grain, I’m afraid the village’s warehouse wouldn’t be able to accommodate it."
"Humph, in these times, who would complain about having too much grain? If there’s really no space, just clear out a few of the villages below Wanggang to make room for it."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuansui frowned once more.
Though Shang Ruyi was pleased to see their quarrel, she couldn’t help but glare at Lu Yong upon hearing this.
However, Xiao Yuansui contained his anger and reluctantly said, "But the people from the previous three shipments haven’t returned yet. In the city, we’re already short on manpower."
Lu Yong spread his arms, saying, "With so many people here, how can there be a shortage of manpower? It’s just a matter of whether you’re willing, Brother Xiao."
Xiao Yuansui shook his head and said, "You’ve seen how big Xingluo Warehouse City is. We captured it with only three thousand men because of the court’s ineptitude. Now, the court has dispatched troops; so many passes need guarding. If we draw more manpower, our defenses will truly be insufficient."
"So what?"
Lu Yong sneered, "After all, Yu Wenye has already fled; having so many guards is useless."
"..."
"Besides, even if he were here, what good would it do? He’d still lose three times in a row. Humph, earlier, when we asked you to send grain back, you made all sorts of excuses. If he hadn’t suffered repeated defeats, you wouldn’t have agreed. What is it about him that makes you so wary? Or, is he just an excuse for you to stay put?"
Hearing this, Shang Ruyi’s heart couldn’t help but move—
So, it was only after Yu Wenye was defeated thrice that they started transporting grain to Wanggang Village?
With just this thought, she immediately felt a sharp gaze fall upon her. Looking up, she met Xiao Yuansui’s deep eyes.
His gaze was not only sharp but also had a powerful penetrative force, as if to see through her mind and dig something out of her.
Shang Ruyi quickly lowered her head.
Xiao Yuansui’s eyes flickered, but he said nothing and just turned back to Lu Yong. After a moment of contemplation, he smiled and said, "Brother Lu, you misunderstood me. I’ve always said that everything I conquer belongs to Wanggang Village. How could I be selfish?"
"Then you—"
"Transporting grain isn’t impossible, but last night everyone was exhausted and needs a good rest."
"Humph."
"How about this, we’ll transport the grain in a couple of days, alright?"
Seeing him finally relent, Lu Yong no longer pressed aggressively, merely sneered, "That’s more like it. We’re all brothers from Wanggang Village, naturally, we must think of everyone in the village. Brother Xiao, don’t hold a grudge against me."
"Not at all, not at all."
Xiao Yuansui peacefully smiled, "You’ve all been busy all night and must be tired. Go and rest quickly."
Lu Yong cast a glance at Shang Ruyi again, the eyes, reddened by debauchery, still harbored some wicked intent, but he said nothing more, just waved his hand and left with his men.
The hall still had a few others who were evidently closer to Xiao Yuansui. They stepped forward one after another, saying, "Master, do we really still have to send the grain back?"
"Though you came from Wanggang Village, those who followed you to conquer these lands joined you midway. The original batch from Wanggang Village, where did they lift a finger? They’ve just been reaping the rewards!"
"We can’t keep sending; they are insatiable."
"We’ve sent three batches to transport grain, and they haven’t returned yet. Who knows what’s happened on that side? They always distrust you, Master. I’m afraid they’ll—"
Xiao Yuansui waved his hand, "No more of this talk. You’re all tired; go and rest."
The group had no choice but to leave with sighs.
Once they had all left, the hall returned to its earlier quiet. A cold wind blew in, calming the heated minds and hearts, and soon, the two regained their composure.
Xiao Yuansui sat in the hall, slowly lifting his head.
His sharp eyes once again fixed on Shang Ruyi, as if to pierce through her.
Then, he slowly stood up, walked in front of Shang Ruyi, and looked down at her, half-smiling, half-serious. "Young Madam, you are much more clever than I imagined."