In the past, if there was anything, these people would be very arrogant and would have to make the people from the mountain go to the official camp. Moreover, they would have to pass by many of their military camps along the way, so that the people from the mountain could clearly see their military strength. According to Zhang Jiuli's idea, he would have recorded it well this time, but he didn't expect that he would not have this opportunity.
But there is nothing to worry about. The situation on the mountain has basically been determined. If there are no major changes in recent years, such as the descent of heavenly soldiers and generals, then their armed forces will not be able to expand too quickly. The means of production are so limited. If the population increases significantly, it will not be a good thing for the mountain. It is very likely to turn into a disaster.
The meeting between the two sides was not that complicated. The door was filled with the chieftain's personal soldiers. These people were different from other armies. They all had their arms exposed and looked very strong. Moreover, their weapons were all made of the best iron at the foot of the mountain. Ordinary armies could only use some iron mixed with impurities, and the sharpness was no match at all.
As for armor and the like, there are very few of them on the mountain. After all, there is no iron produced on the mountain. If you want to make armor, it will cost a lot. However, most people on the mountain use rattan armor, which is also very powerful.
"Master Zhang, you have worked hard. Please take a seat."
Although the chieftains looked down on Zhang Jiuli in their hearts, Zhang Jiuli had been like their local rich man over the years, often sending them money from the foot of the mountain, and the transactions between the two sides were quite good, so these people regarded Zhang Jiuli as their equal.
"Don't be so polite, my dear chieftains. After all, we are all family. I can't stay here any longer. I have to go back after we have discussed some things. The situation down the mountain is different now. I came up here to tell you about the situation down there and to tell you not to act rashly, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous."
Zhang Jiuli came up and told them the situation at the foot of the mountain, which was roughly the same as what they had inferred. However, after Zhang Jiuli said this, some people still didn't take it seriously, thinking that Zhang Jiuli had exaggerated Li Xiang's ability. In such a place, even if Li Xiang wanted to attack, he would not be able to return.
"Master Zhang, you're only encouraging others and destroying our own prestige. No matter how powerful your Crown Prince is, he's useless in a place like this. If he dares to come up with his troops, even if he has 200,000 men, I can make sure he doesn't return."
The person who spoke was naturally the most arrogant Longchuan Tusi. This guy was the strongest in the mountain and also the toughest one in doing things. However, when he said this today, no one around him agreed.
In the past, no matter what remarks this guy made, at least two of the other three chieftains would agree with him. The remaining one might have said something because its own interests were involved. But today, the other three chieftains remained silent. We are not fools.
A person's reputation is like a tree's shadow. How capable and good at fighting Li Xiang is in the outside world? Haven't we heard enough about it?
If someone else came, it wouldn't matter. After all, although they are famous, they haven't won so many battles. But Li Xiang is different. This guy has never failed. If you really want to fight him, you have to first see how capable you are.
"Your Excellency is right. We dare not say much about other matters, but you have the final say on this small piece of land. However, sometimes we have to be more moderate. There is no need to cause so many casualties. Besides, weren't we living a good life before? Why should we fall out with the court? If we really fall out, it will be a loss for both sides."
Seeing that no one came out to agree, Zhang Jiuli stood up. Of course, he knew what his relative was thinking. If someone agreed with him, the matter would be over. Shouldn't he be allowed to say something crazy?
"You're right, my dear. That's why I took this into consideration. Your whole family is in Chengdu. We're not afraid of fighting. If we really fight him, it'll just be a few more scars on our bodies. But your whole family won't be able to survive. These are all our family members. No matter what happens, we won't be able to bear it."
The chieftain of Longchuan knew when to stop, and when he saw Zhang Jiuli coming out to smooth things over for him, he immediately turned the conversation to Zhang Jiuli's family. His meaning was very clear: you have to contribute to this matter. If you don't, your family will be the ones who suffer the most. We are indeed the targets, but we all live in the mountains, and your family lives in Chengdu city.
"Your Excellency is right. This is the main reason I went up the mountain this time. We worked well together before, and I won't say how much credit I have contributed. Even for the sake of my family, I hope that you, the Chieftains, can be patient and listen to me. I will definitely help you overcome this crisis and restore our good days."
Zhang Jiuli kept a low profile. His purpose was to go up the mountain to stabilize these people. As long as these people did not act recklessly, or at least did not resort to force, then his first step would be considered a success. If the major chieftains gathered their troops to prepare for war, then some things would be difficult to say.
"That's natural. Lord Zhang has been our brother for a long time. Your family is our family."
"We can't do things according to our own will. Even if we can defeat the Tang army here, we must consider the life and death of Master Zhang and his family. We used to be true brothers."
The people present began to perform in turns. In fact, they were also feeling uneasy. If it really came to the final step, they would definitely fight, but war would result in deaths.
If they could just put on a show and get away with it, just like before, why would they go down the path of war? Did they have so many people under their command that they couldn't even count them?
Seeing the expressions of these people, Zhang Jiuli didn't say anything. He estimated that only half of his ten words were true, which was already quite a difficult thing. If it was not Li Xiang who came from the court, could you listen to me?
