Lord in the Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 49: One Step At a Time

"At this moment, it was high noon, scorching sun, seeming to cast flames in the air, making it hard to breathe.

In the Liu Mansion of Yinling, Jiujang.

In the vast open space, thousands of black-armored soldiers spread out densely, exuding intense killing intent, piercing like sharp knives wherever they went!

Under their watch, about a thousand red-armored soldiers were forced to kneel, their weapons confiscated.

At this moment, a burly man over eight feet tall, clad in sturdy armor, clanked his way into the building.

This building seemed to be the only sanctuary, where two young men were seated.

One in a deep blue scholar’s robe, slender in figure; the other in silver armor, well-built and symmetrical. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

They were none other than Xishi and Long Chen.

The two were discussing the next plan, how to gain complete control over the other counties of Jiujang, having only taken control of the Yinling County in Jiujang so far.

Currently, they only controlled Yinling County out of the total 14 counties in Jiujang.

They were Yinling, Shouchun, Junqiu, Chengde, West Quyang, Marquis of Hefei, Marquis of Liyang, Dangtu, Jinjiao, Marquis of Zhongli, Fuling, Xiachai, Ping’a, and Yicheng.

This meant that there were still 13 counties that did not yet belong to Long Chen’s rule.

"Zhi Cai, analyze the current situation for me," Long Chen asked.

"Master, it’s not convenient to act in three of those thirteen counties, the rest are relatively straightforward," Xishi said, fanning himself with a feathered fan.

Long Chen silently mocked where this guy got his feathered fan; it sure gave him the air of a strategist.

"What are those three counties?"

Although Long Chen knew the history of the Three Kingdoms, he was unfamiliar with these specific details as he was neither a local nor as knowledgeable as Xishi.

"They are the Marquis of Hefei, the Marquis of Liyang, and the Marquis of Zhongli! These three Marquises were personally granted their titles by the previous emperors, governing their fiefdoms."

"I see..."

"However, Master, please rest assured. It’s just that it’s not convenient to act now; after all, the Han Dynasty still exists. But who knows about the future!"

Both men shared a knowing smile.

They were both smart individuals, understanding each other without explicitly stating their intentions.

When the chaos in the world resurfaces, these so-called marquises won’t be invulnerable lambs for the warlords holding powerful armies.

"Report!"

Just then, Zhou Tai outside the building reported, clasping his fists: "Master, Liu Mai and his party have all been detained in the Yinling Dungeon!"

"Very well!"

"Have our men replaced the jailers in the dungeon?" Long Chen inquired.

"Rest assured, Master, as per your instructions, they have been replaced. Now there’s no need to worry about Liu Mai and the others colluding with jailers to escape!"

"That’s good..."

"By the way, Master, there is one more thing..."

Seeing Zhou Tai hesitating to speak, Long Chen curiously asked, "What’s wrong? Even Yopian is acting like this; that’s unlike you."

After a moment of hesitation, Zhou Tai gritted his teeth and clasped his fists: "Master, there’s something I must reluctantly request."

"I’ve set my eyes on Liu Mai’s concubine..."

After saying this, Zhou Tai, this large and robust man, unexpectedly blushed, showing a shy side previously unseen.

Long Chen was held by those words for a few seconds, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahaha, Yopian, I was wondering what it was! So, it’s your budding spring feelings!"

Xishi was amused by Zhou Tai’s demeanor and shook his head, swinging his feathered fan.

"Alright, alright! Then I’ll give that woman to you!"

Currently, Liu Mai was detained by Long Chen on charges of being a "traitor," and his family, including his wives and concubines, were affected.

So, Zhou Tai was fortunate to have set his eyes on that woman. It meant she’d be spared the misfortune of imprisonment, so he didn’t hesitate to agree.

This was something the other women couldn’t get...

Hearing this, Zhou Tai was even more delighted and hurriedly knelt, repeatedly expressing his gratitude.

"Ding! General Zhou Tai’s favorability towards you has risen to 94."

Huh?!

So, bestowing beautiful women upon subordinates could increase favorability?

Long Chen’s starry eyes turned, and he then instructed, "Yopian, take the strategist to have a look. If you both like her, let the strategist take her. Also, Jiang Qin and Xu Chu!"

"I remember, you guys still haven’t married yet! For a man in this world, getting married and having children is a big deal; you can’t delay it! Do you hear me?"

After hearing this, Zhou Tai felt warmed and clasped his fists, "Thank you for your concern, Master!"

Xishi looked confused and replied, "Hey! Just let them choose, why drag me into this? I’m a decent person!"

Long Chen nudged him and laughed, "Come on, I know you’re a decent person, but this is my kind offer as the lord; you can’t refuse!"

Xishi: "Well..."

"Strategist, let’s go quickly! If we don’t hurry, Zhong Kang and Gong Yi will choose them all!" Zhou Tai urged.

"What else to say, let’s hurry!" Xishi hurriedly left.

Zhou Tai: "..."

Leaving Long Chen alone, disheveled in the wind...

Actually, such reactions were quite normal; after all, they were young hot-blooded lads.

Their needs in this regard had indeed increased a bit.

Moreover, since Liu Mai was a member of the Han Dynasty, his wives and concubines must be charming.

But even if they were charming, what difference does it make! Their charm value might be at most 70. Can they be more attractive than my Diao Chan!

Long Chen thought proudly.

...

Over the next few months, Long Chen dispatched spies to spread rumors in the remaining counties of Jiujang, releasing the momentum and military might of the 6,000 Dragon Army, terrifying the locals.

Simultaneously, he spread the news within Jiujang that he was officially appointed as the governor. Liu Mai, the former governor, tried to obstruct him and plotted rebellion, so Long Chen, in his righteous manner, imprisoned him.

This made the county officials aware that the situation in Jiujang had changed drastically, leaving them trembling in fear, not daring to resist.

Meanwhile, he rearranged his forces, capturing or eliminating all of Liu Mai’s supporters wandering in the other counties of Jiujang.

Cutting the grass to remove the roots! Long Chen didn’t want to leave any hidden dangers.

Apart from this, towards the gentry in Jiujang, Long Chen adopted a mix of rewarding and suppressing strategies.

He actively supported those who were willing to cooperate and oppressed those stubbornly against him.

With this approach, the gentry who originally refused to obey Long Chen had no choice but to join his ranks under the prevailing circumstances.

They were required to submit a certain amount of resources every year, essentially buying peace from him.

After all, what Long Chen did to the Liu family in Yinling served as a deterrent to them, keeping them in check.

They were afraid that Long Chen, the demon, might use the same tactics on them. At that time, it would be a true disaster!

The Han Dynasty’s royal family member was still suffering in prison! His wives and concubines had all been bestowed upon Long Chen’s subordinates...