At noon, Lu Ming, accompanied by his personal guards, arrived at the Yang family's fortified village. Bloodstains still clung to the walls, and the marks of swords and spears, along with the soot-covered surfaces, told tales of a fierce battle that had taken place there.
Yang Ke personally greeted Lu Ming at the gate. "Lord Lu's arrival is truly an honor to my humble abode! Please come in!"
This was far better treatment than anything he had received before. Whether it was genuine or not, the outward appearance made Lu Ming feel comfortable.
Sufficient outward appearances were necessary to demonstrate true sincerity.
The fortified village was not shabby at all; on the contrary, it featured a beautifully manicured garden with artificial hills.
It rivaled the residences in Luoyang. Perhaps due to the turbulent situation, the outer perimeter was fortified, providing a strong defense should any eventuality occur.
Lu Ming sat down at the table, and maids immediately served him wine and meat.
Yang Ke clapped his hands, and naturally, brightly dressed maids and dancers stepped forward to perform, their bare feet draped in light gauze and silk, carrying a fragrant breeze.
Smiling radiantly, they displayed their figures with utmost deference and flattery.
"I feel an instant connection with you, sir. How about we address each other by our courtesy names?" Yang Ke began by offering a toast, only starting to build rapport after a few rounds of drinks.
"That would be excellent, Brother Jieting. Let's be frank. I have some connection with your Yang family, and Elder Yang Ci relies on my medical care to survive. An elder in the family is a treasure. Therefore, please speak frankly. As long as it is a matter of loyalty to the emperor, for the country and the people, I will not be distracted." Lu Ming smiled, subtly reminding him that he could speak with the main Yang clan, while he, a mere branch of the Hedong branch, didn't need to be coy. The branches of powerful clans extended to various regions, not necessarily dominating, but rather forming a balance of power with local magnates; a single dominant family was rare.
However, in the current situation, it was clearly a battle between two tigers, and now the Jin family was finished.
Therefore, if the Yang family didn't seize this opportunity to annex the Jin family and properly make up for their losses, it would be an unwise and immature move.
"Brother Anmin's concern for the country and its people is truly admirable. Since Brother Anmin enjoys the trust of my cousin, I naturally have unwavering faith in him." Yang Ke finished speaking, clapped his hands, and waved the dancers away.
Clearing his throat, Yang Ke said, "Anyi City is now in ruins, and Magistrate Jin Kui has died in the chaos. Brother Anmin, you achieved a victory with fewer troops. I intend to petition the court to commend you. The White Wave and Yellow Turban rebels have caused immense suffering to the people. On behalf of the people of Anyi City, I thank you for your assistance."
"I don't concern myself with matters in the city. Do as you please. Let me stay at the Jin family's fortified village for a while. You can take it after my army has recovered." Lu Ming was indifferent; he didn't intend to stay long, nor did he plan to develop his career here.
The land here was useless to him; he'd rather exchange it for something more useful.
"Brother Anmin, stay as long as you like. Come to my residence as you please, feel free to come and go as you please." Yang Ke beamed. This meant the Jin family's land and property were all his.
The Jin family, all twenty-odd members, were wiped out. There was no one to contest with him; he could safely annex it.
As for whether there are any survivors...
He swore he wouldn't let any of his old rivals survive!
Often, powerful clans were more terrifying than the Yellow Turban bandits. They truly wiped out their lineage, leaving no chance for the enemy.
"I have a group of dancers here. Perhaps we could send them to Brother Anmin's place? They could provide some entertainment while drinking," Yang Ke began offering gifts; dancers were meant to be given as gifts.
Wealthy families all cultivated these dancers, precisely for gifting and to win people over.
As for being stingy?
A woman doesn't cost much, and no one can resist beauty.
"Dancers aren't necessary. Brother Jieting, just prepare these things for me. General Huangfu is still fighting bandits in the west; it's not appropriate for me to stay here too long." Lu Ming had absolutely no interest in those dancers; who knew if they'd been used?
He recently acquired Gan Mei and Madam Zou, and his lust was at its peak; he couldn't wait to ride on their bellies every day.
Gan Mei was Liu Bei's concubine and the birth mother of A Dou. She was beautiful, with skin as white as jade, almost like a jade beauty. It was incredibly alluring, far surpassing the beauty of these common women.
"As long as there's demand, that's fine," Yang Ke said, taking the list. He frowned slightly; the items were common and easy to obtain, only the quantity was excessive.
However, he didn't ask what they were for, simply nodding and saying, "The supplies will be gathered within three days, please rest assured."
"In that case, I'll toast Brother Jieting. It's a pleasure cooperating," Lu Ming grinned maliciously. Both sides got what they wanted.
He wanted a commendation letter; he would write a report of his military achievements to return home, and Yang Ke would write a factual report to return to Luoyang, forming a counter-evidence.
In return, the land here would be given to Yang Ke, who would use his connections to speak favorably of him. That was cooperation.
But to get promoted, money was needed—bribes to the Ten Attendants, and the money required for promotion.
Lu Ming's relationship with Emperor Ling and the Ten Attendants was extraordinary, so he only needed to pay a very small amount.
A token gesture was always necessary, just not a huge sum.
Even military officers who achieved merit rarely received promotions.
Take Liu Bei as a prime example. During Emperor Ling's reign, he only managed to become a county commandant. A county commandant's power was neither great nor small, and was usually held by local powerful families.
Serving in a different region, Liu Bei was considered quite capable if he could even make a ripple.
Lu Ming was a county commandant when he was still in Tao County, having risen through the ranks by virtue of the Dong family's local connections.
Even then, he was far better off than Liu Bei. Now, he was a Colonel of the Lower Army; one more promotion and he would be a General of the Central Army.
His ambition was to return to be a prefect, and eventually a governor. Once Emperor Ling died, he would be a local tyrant!
For now, he needed to find opportunities to continue building his power base. While Emperor Ling is still alive, let's make a fortune!
And we'll make a killing! Taking advantage of the era before the warlord era, we'll collect all the beauties of the Three Kingdoms!
To satisfy my sexual desires, then indulge in debauchery and have my babies with them!
To father ten or eight children, to thoroughly satisfy my sexual cravings!
Everyone has their own pursuits, and Yang Ke never considered using underhanded tactics when dealing with such a popular figure. Looking down on those from humble backgrounds is one thing, but when the profit is right, those backgrounds are nothing but empty words.