North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 190 I'm here to poach your talent!
"We'll face this day sooner or later. Rather than sitting and waiting to die, we should prepare now!"

Faced with this young governor's confident assertions, even Robert E. Lee, though somewhat skeptical, had to consider the possibility of a future division or even civil war in the United States.

Robert E. Lee pondered for a moment and said, “Mr. Governor, I come from a family of slave owners in Virginia and am also an officer in the United States Army.”

"I tend to support slavery, but I am also loyal to America!"

"In any case, I do not want to see that day you have described come to pass!"

Ah Zu said, "None of us want to see that day come!"

"But if that day ever comes, Lieutenant Colonel, what will you choose? Will you join the North or the South?"

“This…!” Robert E. Lee was caught in a dilemma: “I’m sorry, Governor, this choice is too difficult for me, and I cannot answer your question.”

Ah Zu laughed and said, "Lieutenant Colonel, actually, I understand you very well! And I also understand the Southern Slave-owning States very well...!"

“Ah…?” Robert E. Lee said with considerable surprise, “But, Governor, as far as I know, you and President Lincoln had a very close relationship, and you were one of his staunch supporters…!”

Azu nodded and said, "You're right! I do have a close personal relationship with Lincoln and am a staunch supporter of his."

"However, this does not mean that I do not understand the position of the Southern slave states."

"For the people of the Southern states, slavery was not just an economic policy, but a way of life and a historical tradition."

"While I do not support slavery, I understand the Southern people who do!"

Ah Zu smiled and said, "Lieutenant Colonel, can you understand my way of expressing it?"

Robert Lee nodded: "Governor, thank you very much for understanding the people of the South!"

"As you said, slavery represents not only cotton, not only the economy, but also a way of life and a historical tradition!"

"Even the United States federal government cannot simply ask the people of the South to give up their way of life and historical traditions."

Robert E. Lee said in a deep voice: "In my opinion, as history continues to develop, slavery should be gradually phased out and slaves should be gradually given freedom."

"Natural selection is the wise choice, rather than forcibly pushing for the immediate abolition of slavery through government decrees."

"This is unfair, unwise, and completely contrary to the will of the people of the South!"

"Hehe!" Azu laughed, "What if President Lincoln really did forcefully push forward the abolitionist movement through legislation?"

After a moment of contemplation, Robert E. Lee replied, "If the President were to do that, perhaps, as you have said, America would indeed descend into division, or even civil war!"

“Mr. Governor, I need to clarify that I personally oppose the division of America, or even a civil war.”

"But I am just a soldier; I cannot control the political situation in America!"

As he spoke, Robert E. Lee cast a hopeful glance at Azu: "Governor, you are a close friend and staunch supporter of President Lincoln. If you could personally persuade the President…!"

Azu shook his head slightly: "I've said it before, I know President Lincoln too well! His will is unbreakable, and his spirit is indomitable. Although I am his friend and supporter, I simply cannot persuade the president to change or even abandon his political ideals."

Ah Zu said firmly, "Believe me, that's absolutely impossible!"

Robert Lee was genuinely a little depressed. He picked up his after-dinner drink and took a big gulp.

Ah Zu added, "Lieutenant Colonel, compared to discussing the future situation, I'm actually more interested in your choice."

"Of course I know that it is indeed extremely difficult for an outstanding soldier like you to make such a difficult choice."

"However, the purpose of my visit this time is actually to give you a third possibility."

“A third possibility? Mr. Governor, you mean…?” Robert Reich asked.

Azu smiled and said, "Our California National Guard has just established a military academy, and now we are still lacking an excellent military academy principal!"

"Although I am the honorary principal, I really know nothing about military education."

"Lieutenant Colonel, if you are interested, I hope you will be the principal of this military academy!"

"What......?"

Robert Lee was genuinely surprised!
After talking for so long about national affairs and the political situation, going around in circles, it turns out you're here to steal someone's job?

Azu laughed and said, "Of course, if you, Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee, are willing, that would be even better."

"If you're unwilling, then I'll have to lobby the president... Given my relationship with him, although I can't influence his political views, it's still quite easy to borrow a lieutenant colonel from him!"

"Lieutenant Colonel, please rest assured! California's reputation for generosity is already well-known."

"If you become the principal, I'll at least give you the rank of colonel. And an extremely generous salary...!"

"Ahem...!" Robert E. Lee couldn't help but cough. "Excuse me, Governor, my family and I are having a very pleasant time in Baltimore. I'm also doing quite well in the U.S. Army...!"

"Don't rush to reject me, first listen to the salary I'm offering you...!"

Ah Zu smiled and said, "Lieutenant Colonel, I would never mistreat someone as talented as you!"

"Hmm... I think a salary of $20,000 a year is commensurate with your talent and status as a lieutenant colonel. What do you think?"

"What...? Twenty thousand dollars...?"

"Oh my God...!"

"Governor, are you serious?"

When Robert E. Lee heard the number, his eyes widened, and he exclaimed in disbelief.

Azu nodded with a smile: "Of course I'm serious! It's only $20,000 a year. If you, Lieutenant Colonel, are not satisfied with the salary, I can add a little more!"

"No...it's not a matter of whether I'm satisfied with the salary or not!"

Robert E. Lee felt his mouth go dry: "But... Your proposal, Governor, is so sudden, let me think about it...!"

"certainly……!"

Azu downed his drink in one gulp, then stood up with a smile: "Lieutenant Colonel, I need to head to Washington tomorrow."

"I hope to hear your answer when I return to Baltimore in a few days...!"

"Of course, Mr. Governor, I'll see you off...!"

When Azu and Robert Lee came out of the study, Vivian and Victoria were already having a very pleasant conversation with Robert Lee's wife, Mary Lee.

This Ms. Mary Lee is no ordinary woman; she is the great-granddaughter of George Washington, the founding father of the United States!

Faced with such a distinguished lady of great importance, Vivian and Victoria did everything in their power to make Mary Lee very happy.

They not only gave Mary Lee a whole bunch of California "local specialties," but also gave each of the many young men and women in the house a valuable gift.

After Azu left with Vivian and Victoria, Mary Lee personally began unpacking the huge pile of "local specialties".

As each gift box was opened, a dazzling array of exquisite items came into view, including extremely valuable diamond necklaces, bracelets, and various gold ornaments…!
"This...this governor is far too generous!"

As the great-granddaughter of the Founding Father and herself from a family of large slave owners, Mary Lee was definitely worldly-wise.

Even so, she had never seen so many precious gifts sent at once before.

"Hehe...!" Mary played with the precious ornaments, admiring them, and said, "This governor, and these two girls, are really nice people!"

"Although they are so young, chatting with them is a very pleasant experience...!"

The lady was delighted, but Robert E. Lee, looking at the room full of precious gifts, couldn't help but frown.

“Mary, they sent so much precious jewelry; there's a reason for it!”

"What's their purpose?" Mary was putting the diamond necklace around her neck. "I'm not stupid, of course I know they have a purpose."

"But he is the governor of a state, while you are just a mere lieutenant colonel in the army."

"It's already very commendable that they were willing to humble themselves and befriend me! Regardless of their motives, I think they are all good people!"

Robert E. Lee valued family, loved his wife very much, and respected her greatly.

While serving in Texas, Robert E. Lee was very dissatisfied with his position.

Because I am too far away from my family and my wife!

During that period, Robert E. Lee often had to travel by boat from distant Texas back to Washington, just to spend as much time as possible with his wife.

"Heh heh...!" Faced with the delighted Mary, Robert E. Lee could only manage a wry smile. "That governor wants me to be the superintendent of his newly established military academy...!"

“What…?” Mary Lee was also slightly surprised. “You’re being sent to be the superintendent of a military academy? In California?”

“Yes!” Robert E. Lee said with a wry smile, “He offered me the position of principal of the California National Guard School, and he offered me a salary of $20,000 a year…!”

"How many……?"

A surprised Mary Lee pressed, "How much salary did you say?"

"Twenty thousand dollars...!"

"Oh my God...!"

Mary exclaimed, "Twenty thousand dollars? You mean it?"

She wasn't from a prominent family like Mary Lee, a lady from a wealthy family who had never seen money before.

Rather, what Ah Zu gave was far too much!
Even a lieutenant colonel like Robert E. Lee would never earn more than two thousand dollars a year.

Although Mary Lee and Robert Lee both came from very wealthy families, they never had to worry about money.

But she was taken aback when she first heard about such a high salary.

“Yes, twenty thousand dollars…you can add more if you’re not satisfied!” Robert Lee replied with a wry smile.

"Hehe!" Mary said with a beaming smile, "Robert, it seems that the young governor really values ​​you a lot!"

"Otherwise, he wouldn't have offered you such an amazing salary!"

Mary continued, “If it weren’t for the far west, Robert, I think you should really consider it.”

Robert E. Lee nodded: "Indeed, my current position as fortress commander is actually a sinecure, and I can't really achieve much."

"If California weren't so far away, perhaps...!"

At this point, Robert E. Lee recalled the young governor's prediction and frowned, saying, "That governor predicted that America would split and fall into civil war because of the issue of slavery."

"At that time, we will inevitably face extremely difficult decisions."

"Perhaps going to California is a third option, who knows...!"

"Furthermore, that governor is a close friend of President Lincoln. If he can really persuade the president to transfer me to California, then even if we don't want to, we will have to obey the order...!"

……

On the carriage after leaving Robert E. Lee's house.

Vivian and Victoria each linked arms with one of Azu's arms.

Vivian couldn't help but ask curiously, "Grandpa, why do you value that lieutenant colonel so much? Why go to such lengths to recruit him as the principal of our military academy?"

Azu smiled and said, "Of course, it's because he is an outstanding soldier and will also be an excellent military educator!"

Victoria asked curiously, "Why are you so sure? According to our intelligence, this lieutenant colonel is excellent, but surely we don't need to go to such lengths?"

"Hehe!" Ah Zu laughed, "Trust me, I've never been wrong about people!"

"If he is willing to serve as the superintendent of our military academy, it won't take long. In three to five years, he will be able to raise the level of our California's military capabilities in all aspects by at least one major step."

Hearing Ah Zu's certain tone, the two women stopped worrying.

Victoria continued, "If he really is a remarkable talent, then let President Lincoln issue an order to transfer this lieutenant colonel to California!"

“Given our relationship with President Lincoln, he would certainly do us this favor.”

Azu replied, "Unless absolutely necessary, it's best not to resort to such coercive measures."

"Forced relationships are never sweet, and besides, I don't want to owe Lincoln this favor."
-
Back at the hotel, Ah Zu deliberately stayed alone in the luxury suite, waiting for someone until late at night!

It wasn't until past midnight that a beautiful figure silently pushed open Ah Zu's door.

Azu, who was engrossed in writing, looked up from his desk.

"Miss Hongzhong, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you for so long...!"

"My dear master, I am so happy to see you again!"

The person who appeared in Azu's room was none other than Lilith Campbell, whom we hadn't seen in a long time!

Lilith, who had traveled all the way from Philadelphia overnight, was dressed exceptionally conservatively tonight.

A black trench coat covered her from head to toe, almost completely.

Azu looked Lilith up and down, her outfit oddly chosen, and couldn't help but chuckle, "My dear Miss Lilith, it's summer now, isn't your outfit... a bit too much?"

"Hehe...!" Lilith chuckled softly, "My dear master, do you also think I'm wearing too much?"

"Of course! Who would wear a big trench coat in this sweltering summer heat?"

"Then I'll take it off...?"

"You should take it off! Look at you, your face is all red!"

"Hehe!" Lilith's eyes were alluring: "My face is red, but not because of the heat...!"

As she spoke, Lilith unbuckled the belt of her trench coat and slowly took off the heavy black coat!
But beneath the trench coat, Ah Zu was shocked to discover that this woman was completely naked...!
"Gulp...!" Instantly, Azu couldn't look away, his mouth and tongue went dry, his blood rushed to his head, and he had an involuntary, strong reaction.

Lilith's figure is absolutely perfect!

Her skin was so fair and delicate, it was smooth and tender!

She has an incredibly exaggerated S-shaped figure with perfect curves.

The big parts are full and perky, and the small parts have no excess fat at all!
"My dearest master, I miss you so much... *sobs*"

Before she could finish speaking, Lilith tackled Azu to the ground on the thick cashmere carpet...!
……

That night, Ah Zu finally learned what true intangible cultural heritage was! What ultimate male pleasure was!

……

Several hours later, the two, having released all their passion and exhausted, finally lay down face to face, embracing each other.

"Lilith, from today onwards, you are truly one of us...!"

"Hehe! My dear master, compared to that, I would much rather be your woman...!"

"Hmm! We'll talk about it another time...!"

"Lilith, you've done a great job these past few days!"

"You completed the two tasks I assigned you cleanly and efficiently."

"Hehe, it's all thanks to your plan, Master. It's been arranged so perfectly. All I need to do is follow it step by step."

"No! You deserve immense credit for taking down the Freemasons' top brass in one fell swoop. I never mistreat any meritorious contributor; I will reward you handsomely...!"

"Hehe!" Lilith chuckled softly, "Didn't you already reward me just now?"

"Smack...!" Azu slapped Lilith's firm, bouncy buttocks hard: "That's not the kind of reward I was talking about!"

"But I'm already very content...!"

Lilith wrapped her arms around Azu's waist and buried her head deeply in Azu's chest.

Azu said softly, "There's one last task. Once you complete it, you'll be completely free!"

"Only after completing the last task will you understand what true satisfaction is!"

"The last mission?" Lilith looked up at the man so close to her. "My master, what is the last mission?"

"Well, the last task I'm giving you is...!"

……

As dawn broke, Lilith Campbell silently left Azu's room.

Just like when she came!
Ah Zu was left alone on the big bed, brooding: "Well, another one!"

"What should we do with these women in the future...?"

(End of this chapter)