Chapter 416 – Taking Control of Xiangyang (Part Four)
“Is it done?”
At this moment, the two words popped up in the minds of all three, their hearts tumultuous with emotions.
Feng Jin and Qi Guanrang maintained their composure, showing no obvious expressions, while Xu Ke was so excited he sprang to his feet.
His voice trembled with eagerness.
“Are we sure the head on the city gate belongs to the Green Garment Army’s bandit leader?”
The Imperial Guard who delivered the news cupped his fists and reported, “I disguised myself as a common person to gather information at the western city gate of Xiangyang. I discovered that the gate is open, and the guards are not from the Green Garment Army but rather the personal guards of Liu County’s magistrate. Fearing a trick, I lingered and asked the common people entering and exiting the city. That head is undoubtedly the bandit leader.”
Hearing this news, Xu Ke breathed a long sigh of relief, the fatigue from a night of worry washing over him.
Suddenly, his vision darkened, and he stumbled back, nearly losing his balance.
Fortunately, Qi Guanrang was right beside him, reaching out to steady him and preventing an unfortunate reunion with the ground.
Feng Jin turned to the arriving Luo Yue and said, “Please instruct your men to pack up and mobilize, Instructor Luo. Young Master has just captured Xiangyang County, and with the limited number of hands we have, it may not hold the fort. To avoid any remnants of the Green Garment Army escaping and calling for reinforcements, please hasten to assist.”
Luo Yue replied, “This is what I should do, no need for such formality, Mr. Huaiyu.”
Once it was known that Jiang Pengji had successfully taken down Xiangyang County, the emotions of the accompanying common people surged. Many clasped their hands in gratitude, sincerely thanking the heavens. Capturing Xiangyang County meant they would finally have a place to settle, possibly even put down roots. The journey had been less harsh under Jiang Pengji’s leadership, but they yearned for a stable and comfortable environment compared to their previous troubled lives.
Packing their bags, the common people slowly approached Xiangyang County, following the Imperial Guards.
Feng Jin took a moment to tidy himself up, ensuring he looked clean and fresh, before climbing into the carriage where Wei Jingxian was resting after childbirth.
If anyone among them was living the best life, it would surely be Wei Jingxian and her daughter.
“For my husband, a quick nap—”
Inside the carriage, with only his wife and daughter, Feng Jin felt utterly exhausted and leaned back lazily.
He bent one leg to prop himself up while curling his other leg, minimizing the space he occupied. His eyelids felt heavy, as if weighted down with lead.
He was lucky enough to sneak in a bit of rest with his wife nearby, unlike Xu Ke and Qi Guanrang, who had to soldier on at the saddle.
No comparison meant no harm.
With the maidservant attentively caring for her, Wei Jingxian had a decent recovery during her confinement.
Today, she appeared in good spirits, leaning against the window and half-sitting up, “Are we entering the city now?”
Before drifting off to sleep last night, she vaguely heard that Jiang Pengji was leading a night raid on Xiangyang County.
If Jiang Pengji had failed, her husband would not display such a relaxed expression.
Now that they were preparing to mobilize, the only possibility was that Jiang Pengji had succeeded—she captured Xiangyang County!
Wei Jingxian, being bright and astute, didn’t pry for details but inferred what she wanted to know from subtle cues.
“Uh-huh.” Feng Jin forced his eyes open, nodding slightly as his breathing gradually became steadier.
Noticing him bouncing with the jostle of the carriage and unable to rest well, Wei Jingxian’s heart softened. She quietly placed the sleeping Changsheng on the bed, then extended her hand to let Feng Jin rest his head on her lap. Feng Jin felt the movement and opened his eyes briefly, seeing it was his wife, he closed them again, nuzzling closer to find a comfortable position, and soon sank back into a deep sleep.
This carriage was specially made for the Liu Residence, equipped with an excellent shock absorption system, so he hardly felt any bumps while resting.
Qi Guanrang, riding his horse, looked around for Feng Jin but couldn’t spot him. Feeling gloomy, he fanned himself with his feather fan.
“Sigh—everyone has a loving wife and daughter, while I do too, yet the treatment is so unequal.”
Feng Jin had sneaked off to sleep, and he had to force his heavy eyelids open, resisting the urge to doze off, feeling completely miserable.
Xu Ke turned his head to glance at the steadily rolling carriage behind him and sighed, “I have a loving wife at home too.”
However, he was just like Qi Guanrang—not exactly a single dog, yet not too far from it either!
The two men exchanged glances and sighed, then tacitly looked away.
At a time like this, they were being subjected to the lovey-dovey display of a couple, feeling a pitiful weight of emotional damage.
With nearly twenty thousand common people from the capital trailing behind, the entire group was moving at a naturally slow pace.
By the time the sun was high, they finally caught sight of Xiangyang County lying on the horizon.
Looking at this city, both men felt a mixed sense of anticipation and reflection—
The winds of fate will rise from here!
“Go—”
Elsewhere, Jiang Pengji checked the position of the sun and estimated that the time was nearly up.
Thus, she ordered a bucket of clean water to wash away the blood and grime from her body and changed into a clean outfit.
If it weren’t for the faint smell of blood lingering around her, anyone who saw her would surely remark, “What a handsome young man!”
“Let’s go welcome Xiaoyu and the others; I’ve figured it’s about time they arrive.” Jiang Pengji cheerfully told Meng Hunyun, who had worked tirelessly throughout the night and was sporting dark circles under his eyes, “Once they arrive, we’ll have help to share the workload.”
Hearing the latter half of her words, Meng Hunyun instantly perked up, sitting up straighter.
She waited outside the western city for about a quarter of an hour with around twenty subordinates until she spotted Qi Guanrang and Xu Ke on the horizon.
Both looked weary, likely having not slept all night.
Seeing this, a faint smile broke on her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she urged her horse forward.
“You’ve finally arrived!”
Qi Guanrang and Xu Ke reined in their horses and dismounted, bowing deeply to her.
“Lord/Leader!”
Jiang Pengji helped them up and smiled, “No need for such formalities, you’ve worked hard. After all your efforts, you should first rest up a bit after entering the city.”
Qi Guanrang replied earnestly, “No trouble at all, it’s just a small effort, nothing to mention. Considering that the Lord/Leader has just taken Xiangyang County, with people’s hearts still unsettled and many matters unresolved, it’s vital we stabilize the situation and arrange for the common people following you.”
Xu Ke shared the same sentiment; though he was indeed tired, the priority was still the business at hand.
The audience watching the live stream was thoroughly entertained—
The two strategists had walked the longest road, which was undoubtedly their leader’s method!
Some viewers even boldly condemned.
【Qu’er】: #Laughing and Crying, Host, don’t you feel guilty for squeezing your trembling subordinates like this?
【Feather Party’s Upper Hand】: The host replies with a cold face, of course not feeling guilty. Squeezing employees is an essential skill for every boss.
【Using Fingers in the Restroom】: Tsk tsk, I’ve been following this stream for three or four years and never discovered she had such a thing.
Jiang Pengji ignored the comments. Of course, she didn’t feel guilty.
“Hey, where’s Huaiyu?”
Noticing Wind Jin was missing, she scanned the area.
Qi Guanrang pointed at the carriage behind them with his fan.
Jiang Pengji glanced at the carriage and sighed, “Having a wife who cares is truly great.”
The two already married men felt a sharp pang in their hearts.
Leader, that comment hit too deep!
This was a case of having a wife but no love—truly a voice of married men who were lonely.
