Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1102 The Kold's Little Tricks
"what news?"

Song Heping was somewhat surprised.

Samir was well aware of the importance of his conversation with Afanti, and would never interrupt unless it was of great significance.

Do you remember... Abuyu?

Samir cautiously uttered a name, his eyes gleaming with barely suppressed excitement.

He wants to see you.

“Abuyu…”

Song Heping quickly searched his memory for the name.

The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place who it is.

Afanti gently put down his teacup and reminded him in his ever-unhurried tone, "Kold's 'Freedom Fighter,' one of Peshmeg's senior commanders, in charge of the Abuyu in the western defense zone of Kirkuk. I've heard he's a tough character, and also a representative of the relatively pragmatic and radical faction within Kold."

"It's him!"

Song Heping suddenly remembered.

When he was operating in northern Iligor, he clashed with armed groups supported by the Kolds, so they secretly investigated his background.

This is a typical Kold's tough guy, tactically strong and politically ambitious.

"He contacted us first?"

Song Heping looked at Samir, raising his eyebrows slightly.

"Yes! He sent the message through an unconventional emergency channel, requesting that a top-level secret meeting be arranged as soon as possible."

Samir spoke faster, sounding very excited. "His tone was extremely urgent. I judge that it is very likely related to the current severe fighting in the north of my homeland, and he probably wants to seek cooperation with us!"

Samir's news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating invisible ripples in the room.

Afanti maintained his nonchalant demeanor, leisurely sipping the remaining tea in his cup, as if listening to an insignificant story. However, a fleeting glint of understanding and amusement flashed in his unfathomable eyes.

Song Heping fell into a brief silence, with only the unconscious tapping of his fingers on his knees indicating that his brain was working at high speed, weighing every possible variable.

This was actually within my calculations.

But I didn’t expect it to come so soon!
Abuyu...

The powerful generals in the Kold's army were known for their tough style, daring to take risks, and pragmatism.

His urgent request for a meeting through Samir, a relatively secretive connection, rather than all conventional channels of communication, sent a clear message.

It seems...

The Kolds...

At least the faction represented by Abuyu has indeed been cornered by the frenzied attacks of the 1515 militants in the north and is facing enormous trouble.

This trouble may have become so urgent that they feel they are willing to seek help from forces other than their biggest ally, the United States, even forces that might displease Washington.

"What time did he request for the meeting?"

Song Heping looked up at Samir.

"The sooner the better! Ideally... he said it would be best tonight at midnight."

Samir's answer confirmed the urgency of the matter: "The location they proposed is a long-abandoned village southeast of Erbil, near our border. The terrain there is complex and uninhabited, currently on the edge of various spheres of influence, making it relatively easy to control and maintain security."

Erbil is the capital of the Kordistan Autonomous Region. Its proximity to the Persian border means it is not far from the camp, but it is still deep in the northern region of Iligo, and any action is accompanied by unpredictable risks.

Especially since the Collards themselves were loyal dogs of the Americans...

We must be wary...

"tonight……"

Song Heping hesitated for less than two seconds.

The time was extremely short, but this in itself demonstrated the extent of the other party's despair.

He glanced quickly at Afanti, who made no comment, only nodding very slightly, leaving the decision entirely to him.

"Reply to them, 'Agreed.' Tonight at midnight, in the abandoned village they designated."

Song Heping decisively issued the order, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "Samir, you personally select a team of your most capable men, equipped with long-range reconnaissance and counter-sniper gear, and have them depart five hours in advance to secretly infiltrate the area surrounding the meeting location. I want you to thoroughly reconnoiter all terrain, high points, and possible passages within a five-kilometer radius of that area, and set up concealed observation posts and emergency evacuation points. If any suspicious signs are discovered, even the slightest disturbance, without requesting permission, immediately cancel the meeting, and have everyone silently evacuate according to the pre-arranged plan."

"Understood! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

Samir immediately turned around and rushed out like a gust of wind to make arrangements.

Once again, only Song Heping and Afanti remained in the room, and a tense atmosphere filled the air, as if a storm was brewing.

"What do you think of this leader of the Kolds' urgent summons in the middle of the night?" Afanti asked casually, but the question went straight to the point.

"The pressure on 1515 in the Kirkuk direction is probably greater than we imagined."

Song Heping calmly analyzed the situation, walked to the large military map on the wall, and pointed to the area surrounding Kirkuk.

"The government forces' crushing defeat in Samarra has relieved 1515 of its worries about its rear, allowing them to confidently commit more resources and elite troops to the offensive against the Kold. Oil is the lifeblood of 1515 and the economic foundation of Kold's autonomy; neither side has a way out. Abuyu and his men must have felt an unprecedented threat to their survival, otherwise they would never have risked coming to me—they know perfectly well that I am labeled a 'terrorist' by the Americans."

A meaningful smile appeared on Afanti's face: "The Americans provided a large amount of weapons, money, and air support, arming the Koldeans to the teeth, but the blood on the ground will ultimately be shed by the Koldeans themselves. There are some battles that the Americans cannot directly intervene in; there are some costs that Washington politicians are unwilling to bear. At this time, they need some 'gray area' forces to do those tasks that are inconvenient to appear in Pentagon briefings. However, Abuyu approaching you is a rather risky move. Is it a desperate attempt to find a solution, or are certain factions within the Koldeans trying to start anew with the help of external forces, or even... playing a dangerous balancing act?"

"Go see them, and everything will become clear."

Song Heping's eyes were sharp: "In any case, this is a valuable opportunity to observe the true situation of the Kolds up close, assess the combat effectiveness of the 1515th Northern Army, and even glean the true intentions of the Americans. There are certainly risks, but the benefits may be beyond imagination."

His fingers tapped lightly on the map a few times.

"I definitely must go see him."

It was 11 p.m. that night, and the night was dark and windy.

In the desolate hills of the southeastern border region of Erbil, the night wind howled, rustling the dry bushes.

The abandoned village was like a ghost town, with crumbling walls casting distorted shadows in the pale moonlight.

Song Heping arrived at the meeting place on time—a relatively well-preserved abandoned mud house.

Samir, along with several elite team members, spread out like ghosts along the surrounding high ground and key passages, vigilantly scanning their surroundings with night vision goggles and sniper scopes, and reporting the situation in real time through encrypted channels.

A few minutes later, two unmarked SUVs silently drove into the village and stopped in front of the mud houses.

Five or six people got out of the car, all dressed in the typical combat uniform of the Kold's "Freedom Fighters," carrying American-made equipment. They moved efficiently and were highly vigilant.

The leader was not tall, but exceptionally sturdy, with the marks of hardship and war etched on his face, and eyes as sharp as an eagle's—it was Abuyu.

The two sides met at the door of the earthen house, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

The Abuyu men instinctively placed their hands near the trigger guard. Although Song Heping only brought two people into the house, the invisible pressure from Samir's squad outside made the Kolds dare not make any rash moves.

“Mr. Song, I’ve long admired your name.” Abuyu spoke first, his voice hoarse and deep, with a heavy Kolde accent.

He was speaking Chinese, albeit haltingly, but it was enough to convey his meaning.

Clearly, he had done his homework before coming.

"Commander Abyu, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Song Heping responded in Arabic, his tone flat, and made a gesture of invitation.

The two men entered the earthen house, while their men remained outside, standing guard against each other warily.

There was only a dim emergency light in the room, illuminating a dilapidated table in the middle and two old chairs that looked like they were about to fall apart.

Without much small talk, Abuyu got straight to the point.

"Mr. Song, I won't beat around the bush."

Abuyu rested his hands on the table, leaned forward, and stared intently.

"Those mad dogs of 1515 couldn't gain any advantage in the Baghdad direction, so now they're unleashing all their fury on us! In the past week, they've launched at least three regimental-level offensives around Kirkuk! We've suffered heavy losses, and our lines are constantly retreating!"

He described the brutality of the battlefield with great emotion: "They have a large number of suicide truck bombs, heavy artillery, and even night vision equipment and anti-tank missiles of unknown origin! Our soldiers are brave, but they are outnumbered and outequipped! The Americans can't provide us with enough ground support except for bombing! If this continues, we may not be able to hold the oil fields!"

In fact, Song Heping understood what he meant.

The loss of the oil fields would be devastating for the Kolds – financial collapse, morale collapse, and could even trigger internal turmoil.

“So…” Abuyu stared at Song Heping, “We need help! Strong, effective, and immediately combat-ready help! I’ve heard about you, Mr. Song. I also know that the ‘Liberation Forces’ militia you’re currently supporting has tied down a significant portion of the 1515 forces in the east. Your last battle in the Dry Valley, where three hundred men fought against three thousand, has already made your name known throughout Ilig…”

He paused, rubbing his hands together awkwardly.

Perhaps recalling the past when the armed forces he had supported had opposed Song Heping and were eventually wiped out by Song Heping, his expression became somewhat awkward.

But he quickly calmed down.

"We need cooperation! We can provide you with funding, information sharing on some American-made equipment, and even some form of international support. As long as you can send troops to attack 1515's supply lines or flanks from the east or south, relieving the pressure on our north!"

Samir, who was standing to the side, became breathless and his eyes lit up.

funds!

Information on US-made equipment!

Even international support!

This sounds like a windfall!
If they can form an alliance with the powerful Kold's forces, the strength and prestige of the "Liberation Forces" will be greatly enhanced!
However, Song Heping's reaction was like a bucket of cold water.

He listened quietly to Abuyu's impassioned speech, his face expressionless.

Only after the other party finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth and ask a seemingly unrelated question: "Commander Abyu, you came to me this time to discuss cooperation. Do you know about your friends in Langley, America?"

A single sentence, like an icicle, instantly pierced the slightly frenzied atmosphere in the room.

The eagerness and anticipation on Abuyu's face froze instantly, and his pupils contracted slightly.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately failed to utter a sound immediately.

The two deputies behind him exchanged a glance, a hint of unease flashing across their faces.

The room fell into a deathly silence, with only the howling wind outside the window becoming clearer.

Song Heping's gaze was calm yet penetrating, firmly locking onto Abuyu: "Or rather, did you come here on your own behalf, on behalf of certain factions within your Koldeid autonomous government, or... with the tacit approval or even authorization of your American allies?"

Abuyu's expression changed several times, and his previous momentum vanished instantly.

He was a smart man, and an experienced political and military figure, and he instantly understood the meaning behind Song Heping's words.

Who is Song Heping?

He is a "terrorist" and "warmonger" wanted by Americans worldwide, and is on the CIA and Homeland Security's priority lists.

Who are the Kold'd forces?
It is one of the most important ground proxies and allies of the United States in Iligo and even the Middle East, and is almost entirely dependent on U.S. military and economic aid.

A senior commander of the Kold's forces secretly met with a wanted criminal by the United States and attempted to reach a military cooperation agreement.
If this were to be exposed and the Americans found out, what a terrible political earthquake it would trigger?

What will Americans think?
Will they continue to trust and support the Kolds as always?
Can Abuyu's political life and even personal safety still be guaranteed?

This is not a simple military cooperation issue at all; it is an extremely sensitive powder keg that could ignite the regional political landscape!

Abuyu's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. He had been hoping that he could walk a tightrope between the two factions and thus gain the greatest benefit. Even his words just now were not something he was sure of, let alone believed.

But when Song Heping pointed it out without any mercy, he realized how foolish his attempt to cover up his mistake and his opportunistic behavior had been.

If he can't even see through this little trick, is he still the legendary "ghost" Song Heping?
"...This is a tactical consideration based on the current military pressure."

Abuyu's voice was noticeably lower, losing its previous confidence, and even sounding somewhat dry.

"We believe that all forces that are conducive to defeating our common enemy 1515 should be considered... As for our American partners... we believe that there is room for communication and explanation when the ultimate goal is the same..."

His words became somewhat incoherent as he tried to explain himself, but was unable to give a definite answer.

Song Heping sneered inwardly, but looked at Abuyu with a calm expression.

This was entirely a private act by Abuyu or a part of the Kold's inner circle, and the Americans were absolutely unaware of it, and might even be extremely disgusted by it.

"Commander Abuyu."

Song Heping no longer wanted to waste any more time with Abuyu.

He stood up, his tone still calm, yet carrying an undeniable resolve.

"I appreciate your and your colleagues' high regard for us. Targeting 1515 is also our objective. However, cooperation is based on mutual trust and clear boundaries. Without a clear stance from your key allies, any form of military cooperation is unrealistic and could even pose enormous and unacceptable risks to both of us."

He glanced at the resentful Samir and continued, "I'll pretend today's meeting never happened. I understand the difficulties you're facing. But I suggest you go back and think things through carefully, and discuss it with the person who can really make the decisions. If... if you can really solve that crucial problem and ensure that the cooperation won't bring unforeseen consequences, then it won't be too late for us to talk again."

After saying that, Song Heping said no more, nodded to Abuyu, and turned to lead Samir, who looked astonished and regretful, out of the earthen house.

Outside the door, the night wind grew even colder.

Abuyu stood there, his face shifting in the dim light, finally settling into a long, helpless, and frustrated sigh.

He knew that Song Heping was right.

This matter was far more complex and dangerous than he had imagined.

He wanted to play some tricks on himself.

But then it was suddenly discovered that both Song Heping and the Americans were incredibly cunning.

There was absolutely no room for him to have his cake and eat it too...

　Asking for a monthly ticket! Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)