The Sacrifice is Secured!

Jiang Che was certainly familiar with the name Kou Yuansheng, the leader of the Cao Gang. After discovering that the Cao Gang had been the one secretly targeting him, he had been having Xu San'er investigate them.

However, at this moment, they were still strangers, and he couldn't show any unusual behavior.

"So it's Leader Kou. Jiang has heard much about you," Jiang Che said with a faint smile.

"Ah, my humble reputation is nothing. Commander Jiang is truly a talented young man," Kou Yuansheng replied, also appearing hearty. He picked up a wine bowl, ready to drink with Jiang Che.

"Commander Jiang is not only a favorite of Captain Zhu but also the Deputy Commander of the West City. Leader Kou's Cao Gang businesses are mostly located in the West City, so it's indeed fitting to have a drink with Commander Jiang," Captain Chen chimed in at the opportune moment.

"Is that so? Then I will have to rely on Commander Jiang for much care in the future," Kou Yuansheng chuckled.

Jiang Che shook his head.

"Jiang is merely a deputy commander. If you need care, Leader Kou should seek out Commander Liu."

Liu Zhi did indeed value him, but he couldn't get carried away and truly place himself above Liu Zhi.

"Hahaha, absolutely, absolutely."

The people entering the room were either leaders of influential forces like Kou Yuansheng or patriarchs of prominent families in Yanggu County. While their primary targets were county officials like Zhu Sheng and Zhao Mingcheng, they didn't show any contempt when facing a room full of commanders, registrars, and other mid-level officials. Both sides were conversing with great pleasure.

After three rounds of drinks and a variety of dishes, Kou Yuansheng, after chatting with most of the attendees, found an opportunity to approach Jiang Che again. He smiled and said, "I didn't expect Commander Jiang to be from Yanggu County as well. It's a real shame we only meet now."

"Jiang was just an unknown nobody before. It's normal that Leader Kou didn't recognize me," Jiang Che replied. He wasn't surprised that Kou Yuansheng had managed to find out about his background.

What truly made him suspicious was that the other man seemed genuinely unfamiliar with him. But on second thought, it made sense. If Kou Yuansheng had been targeting Jiang Che, he wouldn't have lived long enough to reach the Auxiliary Barracks. It was likely someone under his command who held a grudge against his family.

"Commander Jiang, Kou has a favor to ask. I wonder if you could help?" After a few pleasantries, Kou Yuansheng finally stated his purpose.

"Please, Leader Kou, speak freely. If it's something Jiang can do, I won't hesitate," Jiang Che promised, patting his chest.

"I wish to request an audience with Captain Zhu. I wonder if Commander Jiang could help bridge that gap?" Jiang Che had potential, but he was only a deputy commander, and when he would be promoted was still uncertain. Zhu Sheng, however, was different. As the County Lieutenant, his authority was immense, especially for influential forces like the Cao Gang. Even though he had just arrived, as long as he could establish himself, he would undoubtedly be a top figure in Yanggu County. He needed to pay his respects and offer some silver beforehand. And based on his inquiries, Jiang Che was clearly the most suitable person.

Jiang Che appeared hesitant, his brow furrowed slightly. "Leader Kou, as you know, Captain Zhu has just taken office and is extremely busy with affairs. This favor... might not be easy to grant."

Not easy to grant didn't mean impossible to grant. Kou Yuansheng naturally understood the implication. He held up a finger. "How about a hundred taels?"

"A hundred taels?" Jiang Che calculated the value of a hundred catties of beef, ox blood, and ox bones. A hundred taels definitely wouldn't cover it. He immediately shook his head.

"This kid's appetite is too big," Kou Yuansheng frowned. According to market prices, a hundred taels of silver for an introduction fee was certainly not low, and he didn't expect the other party to still be unsatisfied.

"Then what price does Commander Jiang have in mind?" Kou Yuansheng's tone cooled slightly. Meeting with Zhu Sheng wasn't something that absolutely required his introduction; Liu Zhi or Gou Buren could also facilitate it. If the other party was truly going to demand an exorbitant price, he wouldn't blame himself for leaving.

Jiang Che knew that Kou Yuansheng would be displeased, but he didn't care. It was a one-time deal anyway, and it was better to ask than not to.

"Leader Kou, you're putting me in a difficult position. I'm currently staying at the Zhu Manor these past few days, so meeting isn't difficult, but making an introduction would involve putting my reputation on the line."

"Hehehe." Kou Yuansheng chuckled without speaking. Jiang Che's meaning was clear. If they wanted to meet Zhu Sheng, they had to pay more! Otherwise, he would find a way to make sure they 'couldn't meet or wouldn't meet well.'

"My parents passed away, and I am their only son. I've neglected my ancestors over the years. When I returned this time, I was planning to properly perform a ceremony, but I'm still short on the sacrificial offerings."

"How much are you short?"

"Not much. It's a small matter for Leader Kou. I just need a hundred catties each of beef, ox blood, and ox bones," Jiang Che said with a smile, stating his request.

"Beef..." Kou Yuansheng narrowed his eyes. The value of these items far exceeded a hundred taels, especially since cattle were forbidden to be slaughtered for ordinary people, making them very difficult to obtain. However, for him, it was manageable.

"Alright. As long as I can have a proper meeting with Captain Zhu, Kou will cover the difference."

"Tomorrow, I, Jiang, will prepare the sacrifice. This…"

"Good, tomorrow morning, send everything to Commander Jiang. We can be friends."

"Hahaha, good. Those who know me know that I, Jiang, love making friends the most." Jiang Che was very happy. In just one day, all the sacrificial offerings were gathered, and without any cost.

Indeed, to better utilize the sacrificial Heavenly Stele, he had to leave the military camp.

"That Kou Yuansheng and Zhao Mingcheng are quite close in private. You should be careful when interacting with him." On the way back, Jiang Che happened to be traveling with Liu Zhi, who also mentioned Kou Yuansheng.

"I understand what you mean, Commander. I won't displease the County Lieutenant." Jiang Che nodded.

"It's good that you can handle the nuances. Don't lose sight of the bigger picture over small matters."

"Your subordinate has learned his lesson."

Liu Zhi gazed ahead and continued:

"Be careful on the training grounds tomorrow as well. There are quite a few troublemakers in the West City. You've taken some people's positions, so there might be some unpleasantness, but you must suppress them.

I'm giving you enough authority, don't disappoint me."

"Your subordinate will surely satisfy you, sir."

Jiang Che smiled at this.

The next morning, Jiang Che, carrying Zhu Sheng's token, went to the backyard storeroom to collect the Deer Blood Grass and Bone Strengthening Flower. The token was given by Zhu Sheng earlier, but he hadn't taken it back.

With this as proof, it saved him a lot of trouble.

He obtained ten stalks of Deer Blood Grass and one Bone Strengthening Flower. Jiang Che didn't ask for anything more. Zhu Sheng was able to bestow these items upon him because he escorted them and 'desperately' saved Zhu Qingqing.

If he had made an outrageous request, Zhu Sheng might not have said anything outwardly, but inwardly, he wouldn't have valued him as much.

And what he lacked the most right now was a powerful backer like Zhu Sheng.

Only then could he act with impunity in Yanggu County!

"Commander, someone is asking to see you outside. They're pulling a cart and say they're from the Cao Gang," Geng Dabiao rushed to report the matter to Jiang Che.