Chapter 2,175 Unexpected Gains!

After a round of interrogation, Zhao Deyan naturally confessed everything.
It turned out that since the opening of Qiqu Pavilion last year and the launch of lucrative products such as the Divine Mirror and Glass Lamp, Zhao Deyan had already started paying attention to the owner of Qiqu Pavilion, Li Zexuan. At that time, when the Wolf Guards were initially established, Zhao Deyan, in order to gain Jielis trust, urgently wanted to establish an intelligence network in the grassland and Datang. However, intelligence work was a costly affair. After all, if you wanted to bribe someone, you had to give them something in return.
Benefits that others cannot refuse?
As for the Türks, being a nomadic people, their primary livelihood is herding. However, herding is not their main source of wealth; they mainly rely on "robbery" or raiding to become prosperous. Whenever they have free time, they head south to plunder and pillage.
This non-productive economic model determines that Jielin cannot provide too much funding for the development of the Wolf Guards for Zhao Deyan, so Zhao Deyan can only find a way to make money on his own.
Through intelligence from spies in Chang'an, Zhao Deyan learned about the lucrative Qiqu Ge, as well as the man behind its success, Li Zexuan. Initially, he wanted to send someone to kidnap Li Zexuan and make him a tool to make money for him. However, further investigation revealed that Li Zexuan is highly skilled in martial arts and even defeated the Seven Martial Sects, which included masters. He
Then suddenly I extinguished the idea of kidnapping Li Zexuan.
After all, that's the heavily guarded city of Chang'an!
It would be extremely difficult to kidnap a martial arts expert discreetly within Chang'an city, as once exposed, the imperial guards would likely eliminate all informants within the city!
Helpless, Zhao Deyan had to try another approach.
He sent out undercover agents to contact the craftsmen at the Qiqu Pavilion's new workshop, hoping to obtain the methods of making the Divine Mirror and Glass Lantern from them.
But he underestimated the loyalty of the craftsmen to Qiqu Building and to Li Zexuan!
Before this, the craftsmen were just the lowest class of people in the Tang Dynasty, not respected by others, relying on their skills to barely make a living. However, in the new workshop of Qiqu Building, their craftsmanship is respected. Even Houye Li Zexuan sometimes comes to the workshop without putting on airs. He often discusses technical issues with them in a friendly manner. He...
We can feel that kind of heartfelt respect.
In addition, working in the workshop, they receive much higher wages than before!
In this situation, how could craftsmen betray the secrets of the workshop?
Even if there are truly people who make a temporary mistake and cannot resist temptations, Zhao Deyan cannot obtain the manufacturing methods of the Divine Mirror and the Lulizhan from their mouths. Because the workshop adopts an assembly line operation, each person is only responsible for a small part of a specific process. The ones who truly know the entire production process are the upper management of the Qiqu Workshop. These individuals have close knowledge of Li Zhe's techniques.
Xuan's loyalty is unquestionable!
Plus, they aren't short of money, so there's no way they would be bought by Zhao Deyan!
"So where did you get the money from in the end?"
Looking at Zhao Deyan lying on the ground, Li Zexuan asked expressionlessly.
As for the craftsmen at the Curiosity Workshop, Zhao Deyan did not succeed in bribing them, which brings some comfort to him. It is worth it for him to provide such good benefits to the craftsmen.
"This... this..."
Zhao Deyan hesitated immediately after hearing the words, stammering for a while without speaking.
Li Zexuan narrowed his eyes and coldly said, "Even if you don't say it, I can guess! The money used to form the Wolf Guard is probably from the Zhao Military Nine Clans, right? I didn't expect that Jielin would collude with the Zhao Military Nine Clans!"
"How...How do you know?"
Startled, Zhao Deyan was horrified. Very few people knew about this matter, and the number of people on the entire grassland who were aware of it could be counted on one hand. It was also his biggest secret deep in his heart.
Li Junxian's face also changed. When interrogating Zhao Deyan yesterday, the latter didn't mention any of these things to him. Speaking of which, he didn't even think about where the huge amount of money spent on the intelligence network of the Wolf Guards came from. Translation:
Originally, Li Zexuan had only speculated about this, but seeing Zhao Deyan's reaction, he understood that the situation was almost exactly as he had guessed. In a cold voice, he said, "It seems that you still haven't given up on Jielin, and dare to conceal something! I'll tell you the truth, the grasslands are already in chaos. Tens of thousands of Iron Lel and other tribes have united in rebellion against Jielin. Jielin is currently..." Translated content:
I'm too busy to take care of you. It's impossible for me to come and rescue you! If you are smart, you will confess everything you know in detail. Perhaps His Majesty will show mercy and spare your worthless life. If you are not smart, I believe there are ten thousand ways to make you beg for mercy within these prison walls, where a hundred riders are watching.
I cannot live, I beg for death!
"Lord Hou, have mercy! I will talk! I will tell everything!"
Zhao Deyan's face turned pale, and he quickly knelt down to beg for mercy. He knew deep down that he was now trapped and most likely would not be able to turn the situation around. However, he still clung to a glimmer of hope in his heart. What if Tang Dynasty was defeated by the Turks in the future and annihilated by them? Wouldn't he have a chance to make a comeback again?
？
Li Zexuan's words completely extinguished his fantasy. Not to mention whether Datang will be defeated by the Turks in the future, if he doesn't come clean now, he may not survive to see that day!
The money to establish the Wolf Guards does indeed come from the nine surnames of Zhaowu!"
"The nine surnames of Zhaowu have always been involved in business, so why are they getting involved in military affairs?"
Li Zexuan asked with a frown.
Zhao Deyan honestly replied: "In fact, not all of the nine surnames are related to Jielis. Currently, only Anguo, Caoguo, and Miguo, three countries, maintain private friendly relations with Jielis. Initially, Jielis only exchanged the looted treasures from the Central Plains for money and food with the merchants of these three countries. Later, the monarchs of these three countries admired Jielis' strong power and developed ambitions. They wanted to rely on Jielis' Wolf Cavalry to annex the Kang Country."
This Shangwu Nine Surnames Master Country was annihilated, and they planned to divide Kong Country.
Anshun Mountain, who appeared in Taiyuan before, is the father-in-law of the Prince of An. He has been the biggest supporter of the Wolf Guards in recent years.
Because of the strength of the nine countries, apart from Kang country, An country is undoubtedly the most powerful. If Xie Li helps them annihilate Kang country, An country will undoubtedly become the new suzerain country and enjoy the offerings of the other several countries!
Moreover, the nine surnames of the Hu merchants have always been envious of the goods sold by your Hou Lord's Qiqu Pavilion. The rapid development of the Yanhuang Chamber of Commerce has also affected their business in the Tang Dynasty.
This is also another reason why they are willing to help Jielin. They hope that after the Turks destroy the Tang Dynasty, they can take over the business of your Qiqu Pavilion!"
Li Zexuan's mouth twitched slightly. He didn't expect such intense scheming and rivalry between these small countries. It's really complicated!
However, with this, many things can be explained! "No wonder the Wolf Guard was able to establish such a extensive intelligence network in just a few years, infiltrating the Northern Great Tang like a sieve! No wonder in Taiyuan, An Shunshan secretly assisted the Wolf Guard! No wonder in the face of the rebellion of the Ten Iron Tribes, (Note: The translated content has been provided. Please let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.)
Jielin is confident and fearless, yet dares to take the initiative in surprise attacks. I must assume that there are Wolf Guards planted within various tribes on the grassland.
Li Zexuan murmured to himself, unexpectedly discovering this unexpected gain during his impulsive interrogation - Jielin actually has connections with the Nine Clans of Zhaowu!
It seems like we need to be more cautious in the future!
“In addition to the Kingdom of Anguo, Cao Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Mi, who else is Aligning with Jie Li?"
Li Zexuan glanced at Zhao Deyan and asked calmly.
Zhao Deyan thought for a moment, uncertainly saying, "Gone... It should be gone!"
Li Zexuan frowned, but instead of getting angry, he continued to ask, "Then let this marquis ask you, how many troops does Xie Li command? How many Wolf Cavalry are there? How many tribes have surrendered? If Great Tang were to go to war with the Turks, how many troops would An Guo, Cao Guo, and Mi...
Will the parliament dispatch troops to support Jielin? How many total troops do these three countries have? What is their strength?
Zhao Deyan looked confused, shaking his head and saying, "I don't know about these! The Wolf Guard is only responsible for external intelligence, I can't get involved in internal military affairs!"
Peh! It's nothing! Li Zexuan secretly rolled his eyes and turned to Li Junxian, saying, "General Li, this guy is naturally annoying. Without some torture, he probably won't remember much! I'll leave it to you from here. I believe there are plenty of capable riders among the hundred cavalry."
"Means to make him suffer like death!" Although Zhao Deyan may really not know, but Li Zexuan just finds this guy annoying and insists on asking one question after another, like squeezing toothpaste. And this guy looks dishonest from the first glance, during the previous interrogation by Li Junxian, he didn't even...
By colluding with the nine surnames of the Zhao family on such crucial intelligence, Zhao Deyan has not voluntarily revealed it. He is truly a despicable person who shows no remorse until he is caught.
If we don't give him a good beating, this guy probably won't truly be honest! If we manage to extract any important information from him through the beating, it would be a huge profit, considering his high position in the Turkic realm, he surely knows a lot. And if we can't extract anything, it won't be a loss either. After all, it's Zhao Deyan who will bear the beating, not us.
What is the relationship between him and Li Zexuan?
"Rest assured, Marquis, this guy is handed over to this general!"
Li Junxian clasped his fist and stared fiercely at Zhao Deyan.
In his heart, he blamed this guy for not being honest. If it weren't for Li Zexuan coming over to interrogate again tonight, wouldn't they have missed such an important piece of information? Translated: "
"Lord Hou, spare my life! I have already revealed everything I know! Lord Hou, have mercy!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Deyan was terrified, knowing full well that people involved in intelligence work were aware of the cruel punishments that can torture someone to the brink of death!
It is precisely because he knows that he is afraid! Ignoring Zhao Deyan's miserable wailing, Li Zexuan, accompanied by Li Junxian, walked towards the outside of the prison cell and said as they walked, "General Li, please have someone bring Xuan Ye, Tian Ying, Mu Jiao, and Tian Xie to the back hall, I have something to say to them!"
”
"...Yes!"
李君羡不明所以，但还是吩咐手下去带人，而他则是陪同李泽轩一起出了大牢，来到后堂。
没过一会儿，一身锁链的玄夜等人被带了过来。
Upon seeing Li Zexuan sitting on the high seat, Xuan Ye's eyes flickered slightly, just as Zhao Deyan had said. There is a portrait of Li Zexuan among the Wolf Guards, and he recognized him at first glance. However, he remained silent.
Failed in their plan and now captured by the imperial court, Xuan Ye has completely given up hope and is now solely focused on seeking death, although he still feels a bit unwilling...
The reactions of Tian Ying, Mu Jiao, and Tian Xie are basically the same as Xuan Ye's. Because they all know that as members of the Tujue Wolf Guards, they are now in the hands of the Tang Dynasty and it is difficult to escape death in the near future!
If a person is not even afraid of death, then what else is there to care about? At this moment, Li Zexuan stood up and walked towards the group. Li Junxian beside him looked nervous, his body on high alert, guarding against the possibility of Xuan Ye and others launching a sudden attack. After all, the martial arts cultivation of these few individuals in front of them was not weak. If it weren't for...
Du'e will help, but it will probably take a lot of effort to capture Xuan Ye and the others!
However, Li Zexuan is not too worried. Not to mention that these individuals in front of him are already bound by chains, even if they weren't, it would be difficult for them to harm him given their strength!
After all, Li Zexuan is now in the late stage of the Grandmaster realm!
"As a Central Plains person, to willingly sell yourself to the Turks, I wonder if any of you will have the face to meet your ancestors after death!" Please note that the translation may not accurately capture the tone and nuances of the original text.
Looking at the few people in front of him, Li Zexuan said calmly.
Xuanye and Tianying's eyes were about to burst into flames, all looking fiercely at Li Zexuan.
If gazes could kill, Li Zexuan would probably have been full of holes by now!
"If given the choice, who would be willing to be a dog instead of a human?"
Li Zexuan sighed with these words, leaving Xuan Ye stunned. The same phrase was once said by Li Tai, and hearing it again from Li Zexuan almost broke his guard.
"Before you reach Chang'an, there was someone who pleaded with His Majesty on your behalf, hoping that you could be spared. Can you guess who this person is?"
Li Zexuan looked at Xuan Ye and the others, asking.
In the eyes of Xuan Ye and others, there was finally a slight ripple. Although they still didn't speak, their gazes were filled with curiosity. It was clear that at this critical moment, they wanted to know who still had the ability and willingness to intercede for them.
"He is the current King of Wei, the hostage you have kidnapped in Taiyuan!"
Li Zexuan spoke slowly, giving an unexpected answer that they never anticipated.
“……！！！”
Xuan Ye opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but his expression darkened, and in the end, he didn't say anything.
"How is that possible?"
Tianying's face was full of surprise, thinking to himself that the chubby guy must hate us to the core. It would be good enough if he didn't urge the emperor to have us dismembered. How could he possibly help us plead for mercy?
"In the incident at Taiyuan, although you all kidnapped Qingque, Qingque does not hold grudges against you because you did not actually harm Qingque. Therefore, Qingque does not resent you!" Li Zexuan paced slowly and said, "You few have acquired your martial arts skills through hard work. Perhaps you were heroes and brave men in the past, but in the end, you sold yourselves to the Turks. There must be something compromising you and the Turks." Translation:
In their hands, they are coerced and forced to sell their lives for them!"
Xuanye and his group frowned, showing a look of pain. Li Zexuan changed the topic and said, "But have you ever thought that the Wolf Guards' actions in Taiyuan have failed? The Wolf Guards' leader has been captured, their entire army has been annihilated, and you all have failed to complete Jielit's plan. The Turks are using it to coerce you.
"What will happen to
's handle?"
Xuan Ye and the others were furious, their eyes shooting fire, the veins on their foreheads bulging.
No! They are not dead! They won't die! Shut up!
Xuanye screamed frantically, shouting loudly.
"Shut up! Shut up!"
Tianying, Mujiao, and Tianxie were also extremely excited, shouting loudly.
Li Ze Xuan thought to himself, I'm just afraid that you all will remain silent like a closed lotus. As long as you're willing to speak, the rest of the matters will be easily resolved!