Chapter 157 – So You’re Looking for Trouble, Huh? (1)
Qi Guanrang left with Wei Yuan, who was eagerly questioning him.
“What does Wen Zheng think… of that kid, Lan Ting?”
Qi Guanrang tilted his head, pondering what Liu Zhi had said to Wei Yuan to prompt such an unexpected question.
“Well… from my perspective, this kid is extraordinary.” As Qi Guanrang spoke, he observed Wei Yuan’s thoughtful expression. “In a time of peace, he could be an important minister or national treasure; in chaos, he might even rise to become a formidable lord.”
Wei Yuan’s expression stiffened, as if he was entangled in some dilemma. After a long sigh, he said, “I just tested Liu Zhongqing… The situation is likely…”
Wei Yuan wasn’t like Jiang Pengji; he couldn’t directly say that the country was doomed. “Each influential family has its own agenda, manipulating court powers, and the princes aren’t taking any action… The battles between Southern Sheng and the four tribes of Nanman are grim, already showing signs of defeat… sigh…”
Although his surname was Wei, Wei Yuan didn’t come from an influential family; he could only be considered well-off among the commoners.
Seeing the deteriorating situation made his heart ache, yet he felt utterly powerless.
In the current five kingdoms of Central Plains, who doesn’t think they’re the rightful heir?
Ever since the Great Xia split, everyone knew there would be a battle among the five nations.
Who isn’t eyeing the other four nations with covetous eyes?
Yet since Dongqing was founded, it has always valued literature over military might. With the northern clans constantly harassing the borders, the lives of the people are desolate, and soldiers lack time to recuperate, akin to an old horse crossing a long path while starving, now utterly exhausted.
Not to mention, aristocratic families dominate the court, and many parasites of the state exploit the common people endlessly, provoking public outrage.
Even Liu Zhi could only barely protect himself in Hujun. Other families haven’t attacked Hujun yet, mainly because Liu Zhi’s governing methods are too ruthless and his attitude is exceedingly strong, exuding an air of “I’d rather shatter than bend!”
Wei Yuan understood Liu Zhi. Although the man had a shady side, at heart, he favored peace and was most intolerant of such overt clashes for power.
Being forced into such a position was entirely a matter of circumstance.
Wei Yuan sighed, “If Southern Sheng could win against the four tribes of Nanman, there would at least be a chance to breathe, but… alas…”
Better to be a dog in a prosperous era than a man in a chaotic one.
If life could be lived safely and comfortably, who would want to spend each day amidst blades and swords, fearing for their lives at any moment?
Qi Guanrang, however, wasn’t as sentimental as Wei Yuan. He calmly stated, “Lord Gongcao, you must know that in this world, what has been united will surely divide, and what has been divided will eventually unite. Currently, the five kingdoms are stubbornly refusing to yield; chaos is only a matter of time. Whether earlier or later, it amounts to the same.”
Wei Yuan’s expression showed helplessness. While he understood the logic, his personal feelings made it difficult to accept.
After all, the current situation was not just a matter of inevitability, greed and selfishness also played their vile roles.
The noble houses didn’t care; whether in times of chaos or prosperity, their wealth remained unaffected.
It was merely the common people who suffered, unable to leave their homeland, and if war spread, they’d be left homeless.
He, Wei Yuan, was just a tutor, an ordinary man. No matter how anxious he felt, he could only watch helplessly and do nothing.
Qi Guanrang continued, “Lord Gongcao was just asking how Lan Ting is… does Liu Zhi harbor any intentions?”
Wei Yuan frowned and said, “Speak cautiously! How can such words be carelessly uttered… Let’s observe for now…”
Regardless of his thoughts, being on good terms with Liu Zhi would only benefit them and pose no harm.
Qi Guanrang fell silent. Although Wei Yuan didn’t provide a specific answer, he clearly understood that whether Liu Zhi had any intentions or not, his good son was one to stir up trouble.
He wasn’t someone willing to bend beneath others.
The carriage grew silent as Wei Yuan and Qi Guanrang retreated to their respective thoughts on the way back home.
Meanwhile, Jiang Pengji’s patience had reached its limit as she coldly stared at the oblivious Meng Liang.
She had seen people looking for death before, but never someone doing it so conspicuously!
Meng Liang remained in women’s attire, appearing shy on the surface, but his eyes betrayed a condescending attitude.
Seeing this, Jiang Pengji’s irritation skyrocketed, and it was entirely possible she would slap him in the next moment.
One system was already a headache enough; she hadn’t expected more annoying trouble to come her way.
“What do you want from me? We are different genders; even though I am still young, being in the same room will inevitably raise eyebrows.”
Jiang Pengji’s tone was rigid, carrying an underlying impatience.
However, Meng Liang had been spoiled since childhood, always waiting for others to read his expressions. When had it ever been his turn to gauge another’s mood?
He was completely oblivious to how terrible Jiang Pengji’s current feelings were.
Even if Meng Liang had come to build connections, he believed Jiang Pengji should be the one flattering him.
“Does my cousin Lan Ting not like me? I’ve come to the Liu Residence, and aside from the first time, I haven’t seen you around since.”
Jiang Pengji took a deep breath. “My cousin is nearing marriageable age, and with our gender differences, why would I seek you out for no reason?”
Boring blockhead!
Meng Liang secretly spat in contempt and said, “While that may be true, it’s not a bad thing for cousins to be a little closer. Moreover, I came here alone with a few servants to visit Aunt, and being in an unfamiliar place is terribly dull.”
“Since that’s the case, what does my cousin wish to do with Lan Ting?”
Jiang Pengji, no longer interested in pretense, directly got to the point.
Her mood was poor, and since someone had come to provoke her, if she didn’t vent her frustration, wouldn’t that just make it worse?
With reddened cheeks, Meng Liang softly asked, “Does Lan Ting know if there are any fun places here?”
Jiang Pengji thought, in this backward era, what fun places could there possibly be?
But she still nonchalantly said, “There are indeed fun places, but as a girl, it wouldn’t be proper for you to go.”
Clearly stating it, yet Meng Liang, seasoned in the art of seduction, understood exactly what she was hinting at.
Normally, he’d nudge her to join him for some fun.
However, given her current female identity, he had to refrain from being overly eager and also avoid such places.
So he feigned a pout. “Does my cousin dislike me so much? How could you speak such indecent words…”
Such a hypocrite!
Jiang Pengji sneered inwardly, suppressing the churn of disgust.
Seeing Jiang Pengji not respond, Meng Liang’s heart sank slightly, feeling distressed that someone so stunning as him had not captured her attention.
Is this Liu Xi even a man?!
