CHAPTER 1890: CHAPTER 1241: TEA LEAVES (PART 2)

Wei Zu fell silent.

An enemy’s enemy is a friend.

It is self-evident.

The leader indeed wants to enlist outside aid, increase his chances of winning while minimizing his losses, very intelligently, and cunningly, yet Wei Zu couldn’t directly refuse.

The enmity of a slain son, the enmity of a slain brother, unforgivable.

Others might stand by and watch, but the Wei Family indeed has no way to sit back in peace.

"With your division’s strength, wiping out the rebels and cleaning house should be a piece of cake, right? You still need assistance?"

Qin Zidan’s face showed a slight unease.

Previously, it was easy, but Batulu’s betrayal was like a knife in their chest, even if it didn’t pierce the heart, it caused a grievous wound.

"We indeed can clean house ourselves, but Young Master Wei, once we move, it must be a decisive strike, leaving no room for the enemy to breathe, so we must make comprehensive preparations."

Mu Lun’s response was courteous and appropriate, neither humble nor arrogant, not like pleading, but truly appearing as if negotiating a win-win deal, fitting for someone who once could rival Wei Yi.

Wei Zu watched him, nodded, "General Wei is right, people like Wei Yi must never be given a chance to rise again, otherwise it will cause big trouble."

This is from personal experience.

The Wei Family indeed suffered the most.

Once, they tried to silence someone, but failed, causing great calamity.

"So, Young Master Wei, this time, we must join forces to thoroughly eliminate Wei Yi."

Qin Zidan said through clenched teeth.

"What kind of help does your division want from us?"

Wei Zu asked.

"Leave the main force to us, Young Master Wei only needs to send a brigade to assist in the operation."

Qin Zidan immediately spoke, though it sounded easy, a brigade is no small number, and military expenditure and budgets are considerable too.

"Your division has ample troops, a brigade is dispensable to your forces, right?"

Wei Zu evidently didn’t want to wade into these troubled waters.

Even though he has a deep grudge against Wei Yi, avenging must be calculated for costs.

And there’s a critical point.

The Allied Army is fighting among itself, even if they don’t intervene, the leader certainly won’t let criminals get away easily, eliminating Wei Yi is imperative, so why should they bleed profusely? Why not choose to sit back and reap the benefits?

Qin Zidan of course understood the other’s thoughts, if he were in their position, he would watch from the sidelines too, after all, the dead can’t come back, those alive prioritize interests.

"Young Master Wei, let’s speak frankly."

Mu Lun began.

Wei Zu nodded.

"Since we are here, it indicates the situation is tense, although we hold an advantage, we don’t have absolute certainty. Should any accidents or changes occur, and we fail to win this battle, then no one will be able to suppress Wei Yi. Young Master Wei is generous, can let go of past enmity, but Wei Yi likely doesn’t possess Young Master Wei’s magnanimity. Once he rises, I don’t think he will forgive your household’s previous persecution."

Qin Zidan turned, deeply admiring Mu Lun’s abilities.

This was exactly what he wanted to say but didn’t know how to articulate.

What do they call this?

A dagger hidden in words.

Appearing polite, yet sharply delineating the stakes.

Wei Zu’s eyes indeed flickered, "Even if we deploy troops, can it affect the battle? To my knowledge, Wei Yi is frantically recruiting soldiers, spending heavily to improve soldier treatment, the troops’ morale is high, our bit of manpower might be too little too late."

"Next, we will visit other families willing to cooperate with us and the Allied Army."

Mu Lun remained composed.

Wei Zu drank a sip of tea, candidly stating: "General Mu may be overly optimistic, I don’t believe anyone would want to meddle."

"If Young Master Wei could lead, believe me, my journey ahead will be much smoother."

Wei Zu laughed, "I used to know of Wei Yi in the Allied Army, only now realizing how ignorant I was. No wonder the Allied Army could stand out, so many capable people under the leader."

"If convincing Young Master Wei to accept cooperation, then I might be worthy of Young Master Wei’s praise."

Qin Zidan wisely didn’t speak at this moment.

No choice.

The gap in ability is too large.

Though lacking military talent, Mu Lun’s prowess in other aspects is beyond critique.

...Batulu indeed is a stain.

But the responsibility isn’t his.

He couldn’t go against the leader’s orders, right?

"General Mu, I’m a straightforward person, I’ll say what I mean. Since you’re here, I’ll make things clear, cooperation is possible, but..."

"Young Master Wei, please speak freely."

Mu Lun calmly replied.

"What compensation can your division give us? I hope General Mu understands, I must answer for the entire family, and also provide an account to my father."

This counts as progress.

At least it has moved to the formal bargaining stage.

Avenge his brother.

This motivation is undoubtedly not strong enough, at least not sufficient now.

"As a gesture of gratitude, we are willing to give your household fifty million as a hardship allowance."

Mu Lun seemed prepared.

Wei Zu was just about to speak when he heard the addition: "US Dollars."

Fifty million US Dollars?

Wei Zu hesitated mid-sentence.

This offer is sincere and generous, making him embarrassed to continue negotiating up.

"Your division must be in need of money, is funding that abundant?"

War relies on what?

Money.

And Wei Yi’s side is splurging money, increasing base soldier pay, aiming to stabilize morale, the best strategy can only follow suit and grit teeth.

The Allied Army has a solid foundation, but its money wasn’t blown in by the wind, it’s accumulated bit by bit.

Moreover, major sources are currently cut off, the expenditure far exceeds income, spending dwindles resources, leading to worries of depleting stores.

"Fifty million US Dollars isn’t for now."

"Then when will it be given?"

"After eliminating Wei Yi, once we reconcile with the government. Then, fifty million US Dollars won’t be short."

"General Mu means that multi-billion military budget, right?"

Wei Zu instantly understood the other’s scheme.

The Allied Army’s condition for reconciliation is critically the multi-billion annual military budget.

Yet the situation has changed now.

If the Allied Army can’t defeat Wei Yi, reunite, it’s uncertain whether it’ll get that vast military funding.

In other words.

It’s the classic case of using others’ resources without upfront investment.

"General Wei is offering me a blank check."

Wei Zu was neither pleased nor angry.

"Once victorious, it’s a real check."

Mu Lun was equally forthright, "Young Master Wei, the money is there, depending on whether you wish to take it. And we’re only offering this price to the Wei Family."

Fifty million US Dollars.

Really quite a sum.

Even past cunning schemes required prolonged effort.

The Allied Army surely isn’t doing charity, besides resolving old enmities with the Wei Family, it’s hoping the Wei Family will take lead.

If the Wei Family agrees, it facilitates recruiting other forces.

Now a decision lies before Wei Zu.

Fifty million US Dollars indeed exists, albeit in the safe, but now requires him and the Allied Army to work together to unlock it.

There is certainly risk.

But the temptation is greater.

So it’s time for him to make the decision.

"Young Master Wei, this cooperation is very beneficial for the Wei Family. If you’re concerned, we can sign an agreement with you, black and white, we won’t renege."

Qin Zidan seized the opportunity.

Wei Zu’s eyes revealed contemplation, as if weighing.

Mu Lun didn’t rush him.

Such a major matter indeed requires time to consider, that’s reasonable, if he agreed outright, it would be suspicious.

"You both shouldn’t be leaving for now, right? Give me two days and I’ll respond."

Still needs to consult with Father Wei Bangxiong?

Indeed.

Wei Bangxiong is just aged.

He’s not dead.

"Then we won’t disturb Young Master Wei."

Mu Lun stood up.

Wei Zu also stood up.

Their gazes met.

Wei Zu instructed.

"Bring two containers of tea leaves."