Chapter 741
Merchants rebel, take control of Fangcheng, and submit to the Han Dynasty!
These words precisely addressed everyone's concerns and awakened those who were hesitant.
Many merchants immediately nodded, their hesitation gradually fading, clearly indicating their inclination to surrender.
Yes, once they lose their private army, how could the Liao Kingdom, which has been eyeing them covetously, easily let them go?
At that time, they will only suffer more than those who surrendered to the Han army.
As more and more people agreed to surrender, Chen Li's gaze slowly swept over the merchants who remained silent and had not yet expressed their opinions:
"Gentlemen, now that things have come to this, have you still not made up your mind?"
In the crowd, an elderly merchant with white hair and beard hesitated before standing up and asking:
"Manager Chen, that may be true, but how can you guarantee that our lives will be better after we surrender to the Han army? And how can you guarantee that the Han army will not break their promise?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Li suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter tinged with sorrow and resentment.
After laughing, he composed himself, his gaze sweeping across the room, and asked in a deep voice:
"Has the Liao Kingdom really treated us well?"
Before anyone could answer, he gritted his teeth and spoke again:
"Don't forget, everyone, this city was built by generations of us, through wind and rain, shop by shop, sword by sword!"
"We've put so much effort into establishing ourselves and building our businesses here. And the Liao Kingdom, aside from occasionally sending people to demand money and issue orders, has done anything for Fangcheng?"
Upon hearing this, many of the more experienced merchants' expressions changed slightly. The hardships they had endured in the past and the grievances they had suffered at the hands of the Liao Kingdom welled up in their hearts, and their expressions became agitated.
Seeing this, Chen Li pressed his advantage:
"You might as well calm down and think about it. If we are truly firmly controlled by the Liao Kingdom and lose our autonomy, will our lives be any better? We will only be endlessly exploited and oppressed by them, and in the end, we will have nothing."
"If we surrender to the Han army, we can at least preserve our own foundation, control our own destiny, and still have a glimmer of hope."
"As for whether the Han army will break their promise and start a massacre, at this point we have no choice but to gamble on this sliver of hope and pray for the best!"
As Chen Li's voice fell, these heartfelt words shattered the last vestiges of hope in the room, plunging it into deathly silence once more.
As soon as Chen Li finished speaking, the confusion on everyone's faces in the hall vanished instantly, and they all understood the deeper meaning behind his words.
Those present were all prominent merchants in Fangcheng, each with their own private army for protection. Although they usually only cared about running their businesses, in this chaotic world, their private armies were their most solid support and their only source of confidence to protect themselves and seek a glimmer of hope in the face of chaos.
Those who had previously hesitated and were unwilling to surrender to the Han army now put aside their doubts and slowly nodded in agreement after listening to Chen Li's analysis.
In chaotic times, those who know when to yield are the heroes. Rather than being trapped in a lonely city and ultimately ending up with the destruction of their family and home, it is better to surrender and rely on a private army to preserve themselves, thus having a glimmer of hope.
Within moments, everyone in the hall reached a consensus and agreed to surrender to the Han army.
Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Chen Li's expression turned serious, and he immediately raised the most crucial and troublesome issue at hand:
"Since you all agree to surrender, there is one question to ask: who is willing to go to the Han camp and negotiate the surrender with the Han army?"
The atmosphere suddenly became heavy.
Everyone knew that this was by no means an easy job; on the contrary, it was a fatal choice.
If the Han army gladly accepts the surrender of the merchants of Fangcheng, then the person who went to negotiate will have done a great service and will surely be given an important position in the future.
However, if the Han army refuses to accept the surrender, or even regards the surrender as a provocation, then those who go to negotiate will surely not return and will undoubtedly die.
Now, the true strength and weakness of the Han army are unclear, and its troop deployment and attitude are completely unknown. In such an unpredictable situation, no one is willing to easily gamble their life and risk annihilation.
The once lively hall fell into a deathly silence once again.
Everyone lowered their heads in unison, their eyes darting away. No one dared to look Chen Li in the eye, and no one was willing to step forward and take on this deadly task.
Fei Yi stood on one side of the crowd, his mind racing with various calculations. He had not yet received clear instructions from Xiao He and dared not step forward rashly, so he could only wait and see.
Time ticked by, but there was still no progress in finding a suitable person to negotiate with, and the matter came to a standstill.
Chen Li sighed softly as he looked at the hesitant expressions on everyone's faces.
"The selection of personnel need not be rushed. We can discuss it further later. Right now, the most important thing is to send people to control the garrison in the city and the Liaofang ward."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd:
"Only by holding the two major bargaining chips of the garrison and the Liaofang can we have the confidence to negotiate with the Han army and truly fight for our own survival, so as not to be slaughtered by others."
These words were all reasonable, and everyone nodded in agreement.
Without delay, everyone gathered together to quickly discuss and divide the work. Each person took on a corresponding task in order to control the situation as soon as possible and gain leverage in the negotiations.
With the division of labor settled, Chen Li stood up, looked firmly at everyone, and said in a resounding voice:
"Gentlemen, there's no time to lose, let's set off immediately!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone perked up, unable to hide their excitement.
They knew that this step was for their own protection, but even more so for the future of Fangcheng, and they could not afford to make any mistakes.
The crowd dispersed and rushed back to their own residences, quickly gathering their private armies. They were ready to act at the appointed time to seize control of the garrison and the Da Liao Ward.
On the other side, Fei Yi bid farewell to everyone and followed Lin Biao to the Lin residence. Along the way, he frowned slightly, constantly thinking about the follow-up strategy.
Fei Yi had his own plans. If the merchants of Fangcheng were genuinely surrendering to the Han army and not just pretending, then he was willing to step forward and act as an intermediary to facilitate their surrender.
This was originally his core purpose in hiding in Fangcheng.
However, he still had doubts and couldn't figure out whether these merchants' agreement to surrender was genuine or just a temporary compromise forced by the situation, with ulterior motives.
For this reason, Fei Yi did not rush to reveal his thoughts, nor did he offer to act as an intermediary.
He secretly decided to hold back for the time being, observe the situation tonight regarding the control of the garrison and Da Liao Fang, and assess the true attitude of these merchants before deciding on his next move.
To avoid exposing oneself due to momentary recklessness and thus jeopardizing important matters.
Before long, the two arrived at the Lin residence.
Knowing the urgency of the matter, Lin Biao didn't have time for pleasantries with Fei Yi. He arranged for Fei Yi to rest in his study while he summoned the private army in his mansion to plan the capture of Da Liao Ward.
Just as the hour of Wei (1-3 PM) arrived, quiet activity began to stir within the city walls.
As per the previous division of labor, the private armies of each merchant family were mobilized.
Thanks to the meticulous prior planning and the fact that the garrison was completely unprepared, the garrison and the Liaofang ward in the city were brought under complete control in less than half an hour. Everyone was subdued and there were no major setbacks.
This incident, like a thunderclap, caused a huge uproar among the people of Fangcheng.
Normally, the merchants and the guards had no close relationship, but they lived in peace and even had occasional exchanges. Why did they suddenly turn against each other today, and why did the merchants mobilize their private army to control the guards and the Da Liao Warehouse?
The people were completely baffled and could only speculate in their hearts.
Amidst the bewildered gazes of the common people, the merchants' private armies imprisoned and strictly guarded the Da Liao Ward and the subdued garrison soldiers. Once all matters were arranged and the control mission was completely accomplished, the merchants rushed to the main tent to gather again and discuss the subsequent negotiations for surrender.
Upon entering the main tent, someone spoke first:
"Gentlemen, the great undertaking is accomplished. Now, within Fangcheng, the two major forces entangled with the Liao Kingdom—the garrison and the Da Liao Ward—have been completely suppressed and controlled by us. There are no more worries about the future!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the tent showed joy on their faces, and their expressions relaxed. Most of their worries from the past few days dissipated at this moment.
But this ease didn't last long before Chen Li spoke again:
"Now that we have leverage, we should start negotiating with the Han army. However, the problem remains: who is willing to go to the Han camp to negotiate on our behalf?"
The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere inside the main tent instantly became heavy again.
The time it takes to drink a cup of tea slowly passed, and the tent remained completely silent. No one took the initiative to respond, and no one was willing to take on this unpredictable task.
Chen Li, Zheng Ji, and Feng Qian stood side by side, their brows furrowed as they looked at the people inside the tent who were still hesitant and timid.
They knew in their hearts that this matter could not be delayed. If no one went to the Han camp to negotiate, and the Han army launched an attack, Fangcheng would be doomed, and all their efforts would be in vain.
Just as the stalemate was at its peak, a steady voice suddenly rang out from under the tent:
"I am willing to go to the Han camp to negotiate with the Han army regarding my surrender."
Everyone turned their heads, their eyes all focusing on the person who had spoken.
It was Fei Yi, who had remained silent all along.
Everyone's faces were filled with surprise and doubt. They clearly did not expect that this unknown outsider who had only arrived in Fangcheng a few days ago would take the initiative to step forward and accept this deadly task.
Chen Li's doubts deepened. He looked Fei Yi up and down and asked:
Who are you? Why are you here?
Seeing Chen Li ask the question, Lin Biao quickly stepped forward and explained:
"Brother Chen, this is Manager Fei, who just arrived in Fangcheng a few days ago and has been staying at my residence for the time being."
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Li's doubts did not dissipate; instead, he became more cautious, his gaze remaining fixed on Fei Yi. Clearly, he was wary of this outsider who had suddenly appeared and volunteered for the task.
Seeing this, Lin Biao hurriedly said:
"Brother Chen, rest assured, Manager Fei is also in the fabric business. He came to Fangcheng this time to expand his business, and he is not an outsider."
Upon hearing the words "fabric business," Chen Li's guardedness eased slightly, and his brows relaxed a bit.
As fellow merchants, both in the fabric business, they shared a certain degree of camaraderie, which led him to place more trust in Fei Yi.
He looked at Fei Yi again and asked in a solemn tone:
"Manager Fei, are you really willing to go to the Han camp and negotiate with the Han army? This matter is extremely dangerous, you should think it through carefully."
Fei Yi bowed slightly and responded solemnly:
“My mind is made up. I am willing to go to the Han camp to facilitate this surrender for the sake of you all and the people of Fangcheng.”
Looking at Fei Yi's resolute expression, Chen Li still felt somewhat puzzled and asked again:
"Manager Fei, you are not a local of Fangcheng. The rise and fall of Fangcheng has little to do with you. Why are you willing to take such a risk and accept this job?"
Fei Yi raised his head, a look of sorrow on his face:
“Brother Chen, you are mistaken. Although I am not from Fangcheng, I am now a part of Fangcheng.”
“We are all businessmen, and we know that in chaotic times, no one is safe when the nest is overturned. If Fangcheng is really in trouble and affected by the war, even if I want to leave, I may not be able to. In the end, I will not be able to escape the calamity.”
"It would be better to take the initiative and try. If we can persuade them to surrender, we can save you all, save myself, and save the people of Fangcheng from the suffering of war."
Fei Yi's tearful words, sincere and heartfelt, instantly stirred the emotions of everyone in the tent.
Looking at this out-of-town merchant who was willing to risk his life, everyone felt both admiration and a touch of emotion. Their previous doubts and wariness towards him vanished without a trace.
Looking at Fei Yi's resolute yet sorrowful expression, and hearing the logic in every word he said, Chen Li's last shred of concern was completely dispelled.
He stepped forward, bowed, and said:
"Since Manager Fei is willing to step forward and take such a dangerous risk for us and the people of Fangcheng, then we will have to trouble Manager Fei."
"Thank you for your trouble, Manager Fei!"
The other merchants in the tent also realized what was happening and quickly echoed in unison.
The most pressing problem weighing on everyone's minds has finally been resolved, and they no longer need to worry about no one daring to negotiate with the Han camp.
The long stalemate was finally broken, and smiles gradually appeared on everyone's faces as their tense nerves completely relaxed.
Chen Li looked at Fei Yi and asked:
"Manager Fei is going to the Han camp this time. The responsibility is heavy and the danger is unpredictable. I wonder what your needs are? As long as we can do it, we will do our best to help you and will not shirk our responsibilities."
Upon hearing this, Fei Yi adopted the demeanor of a profit-driven businessman:
"In the end, Fei's actions were also for the sake of his own business. He only hopes that this matter will be resolved so that he can do business in Fangcheng and the surrounding areas with less trouble in the future. That is Fei's greatest wish."
These straightforward and honest words instantly amused everyone in the tent.
Everyone smiled and nodded, assuming he was genuinely greedy, which actually made them feel a little more at ease.
Such outspoken and profit-driven businessmen are far more trustworthy than those who are secretive and harbor ulterior motives.
Chen Li also laughed loudly: "Don't worry, Manager Fei. As long as we can overcome this difficulty and facilitate the surrender, ensuring the safety of Fangcheng, we will definitely do our best to help you with your business in Fangcheng in the future. We will never let you suffer any grievances, nor will we let you take this risk for nothing."
Having said that, he turned to the crowd around him and asked loudly:
"Gentlemen, do you agree with this?"
"That's right! Brother Chen is absolutely right!"
Everyone echoed loudly in agreement.
They all had their own agendas. As long as Fei Yi's future business didn't infringe on their own interests or affect their industries, they wouldn't mind giving him a hand.
Moreover, Fei Yi risked his life for everyone's safety, and they should remember this favor.
Fei Yi bowed slightly, a look of gratitude on his face:
"Then I, Fei, will thank you all in advance. Without further ado, I will return to the inn to pack up and make some preparations before heading to the Han camp to negotiate."
Although he was already confident that the trip would go smoothly and that this was just one part of his plan, he still pretended to be solemn and solemn, as if he was about to give his last instructions.
Seeing this, Chen Li's admiration grew even stronger, and he quickly gave the order in a loud voice:
"Where are the guards? Escort Manager Fei back to the inn immediately! Ensure his safety at all times; there must be no mishap!" (End of Chapter)