Chapter 609 – Everything’s Black Inside
The two clearly had intentions to collaborate but still tried to outsmart each other.
The Audience was utterly confused, thinking that An Huan would become Jiang Pengji‘s Strategist. They were all ready to laugh out loud.
Some even brought stools and sunflower seeds to watch how the Streamer would trick someone into taking heavy responsibilities from An Huan.
[Clay Pot Lamb Ribs with Wide Noodles]: Haha, I love watching the Streamer trick people. Remember that poor guy Feng Zhen? The Streamer practically forced him to give up the Cold Food Powder! I looked up what withdrawal symptoms were, and I felt so bad for him.
[Charcoal-Grilled Enoki Mushrooms]: Tsk tsk, hasn’t the Streamer tricked enough workers? Just look at Feng Zhen—he was so wild back then, but that’s a thing of the past. Now he drinks trembling with fear, worried about unseen eyes lurking in a corner. So pitiful.
[Sprite with Cola]: I bet a cucumber, how many rounds do you think the Streamer will take to win over An Huan?
[A Plate of Grilled Dried Tofu]: No bets, I’m supporting the Streamer.
[Tonight’s Dinner]: Same here, I’m with the Streamer. They will definitely win him over in thirty rounds!
A bunch of idle folks lounging around, shouting “666” for the Streamer, started to discuss excitedly.
However, as the conversation unfolded, the onlookers sensed something was off.
Why… did it not feel like they were recruiting a little brother?
Was it just their imagination?
Jiang Pengji sighed, “My little brother only has twenty thousand troops; although the Red Lotus Sect is a disorganized mob, they claim to have a hundred thousand followers, making them tough to deal with. I want to rid us of this malignant tumor, but with my limited forces, it seems impossible.”
An Huan climbed the ladder, volunteering himself.
“If you don’t mind, why not have me be the vanguard to pave the way for you?”
They barely knew each other, yet it felt like they were already calling each other “brother,” as if their bond was unbreakable.
Jiang Pengji looked intrigued but also puzzled.
“What do you mean, Brother An?”
An Huan replied, “Working together—although I’m not very capable, I have gathered a few confidants among the Red Lotus Sect useful for our purpose. You may have only twenty thousand troops, but they can all fight ten to one. With some inside help, we won’t fear the Red Lotus Sect!”
Jiang Pengji showed a glimmer of interest but hesitated, purposely toying with An Huan‘s heart.
After some moments of contemplation, she finally said, “If it’s like this, I feel terrible to impose. Working as an insider would be extremely dangerous, and if Brother An were discovered by the Red Lotus Sect, it could lead to your demise. No, no, we can’t take that risk.”
An Huan nearly choked on his breath; this wasn’t how the script was meant to go.
He said, “Every endeavor comes with risk; you can’t let fear stop you from moving forward!”
Jiang Pengji remained indecisive, her gaze wandering to Wei Ci and Feng Zhen, as if looking for guidance.
Feng Zhen raised an eyebrow, intentionally ignoring the conversation, but Wei Ci had to step in.
“Lord, I believe this plan is feasible,” Wei Ci said, putting on a confident demeanor that was slightly overstepping, “Although the Red Lotus Sect claims to have a hundred thousand followers, they are nothing but a rabble. Besides, the Red Lotus Sect exploits the Common People, deceiving them with their doctrines, causing countless victims and complaints. If we team up with Mr. An, with you leading the offensive outside and Brother An rallying the discontented Common People inside, how could we not take down the measly Chengde County?”
The Red Lotus Sect was centered in Chengde County, expanding outwards, tricking countless Common People along the way.
If they captured Chengde County, it would cut the roots of the Red Lotus Sect; the other scattered strongholds could be dealt with slowly.
Jiang Pengji agreed while nodding, “Zixiao has a point, but we initially planned to march in the spring; it’s still mid-winter now…”
With that assurance, An Huan sensed his opportunity.
He cupped his hands respectfully, “Little brother, don’t rush. Given the gravity of the situation, we should plan carefully. You’ve long had a desire to eradicate the evil cult for the Common People, which is indeed a great good. With a few months left until spring, I can use this time to prepare thoroughly, ensuring no mistakes.”
Jiang Pengji continued her act, portraying a “naive yet warm-hearted lord” who wouldn’t take advantage of what was offered for free.
“Since that’s the case, Lan Ting wishes to thank Brother An on behalf of the Common People. Your great righteousness, should you completely uproot the Red Lotus Sect and save the suffering Common People of the north, you would be celebrated for eternity.” Jiang Pengji looked quite excited, practically itching to embark on a grand venture, “If you succeed, you certainly have sacrificed quite a bit too; how could Lan Ting take all the credit?”
An Huan had been waiting for this line from Jiang Pengji.
He joked, “I’m just a stray dog; if I can contribute a little strength to help the Common People, that alone is enough for me. I don’t ask for anything more.”
Jiang Pengji enthusiastically said, “Why belittle yourself? What if you don’t have troops? With Brother An’s abilities, that will change in the future. How about this: if we capture Fengyi County, how about you take ten percent of the spoils of wealth and people?”
An Huan‘s heart raced unexpectedly.
Ten percent?
He had thought about gaining some benefits, but never imagined this bold fool would be so generous, straightaway offering ten percent!
The Red Lotus Sect’s ill-gotten gains should amount to tens of millions. Even a mere ten percent would be a staggering figure.
With money and a piece of ten percent of people, An Huan could gradually build his own power, perhaps advancing even further!
Having embedded himself within the Red Lotus Sect for months, he had cautiously gathered a few followers—just over a hundred.
If he could help Jiang Pengji seize Chengde County, his forces and wealth would multiply by dozens!
He was already tempted but still played humble, “I’m just providing support; it’s not a great contribution at all. How could I compare with you leading troops to eradicate the evil cult? No, no, this gift is too heavy; I feel unworthy.”
Given Jiang Pengji‘s “warmth,” she, the “naive son of the landlord,” wouldn’t take back what she had promised!
The two went back and forth a few rounds, with An Huan finally being “forced” by Jiang Pengji to accept this heavy “gratitude.”
With a shared collaboration, the atmosphere naturally became harmonious, with “Brother An” and “Little Brother” echoing like they were sworn brothers.
Feng Zhen couldn’t take it anymore, feeling the goosebumps, and found an excuse to slip away.
He also dragged Wei Ci with him.
The two whispered.
“The lord is too generous; ten percent of the spoils, totally resembles a naive son of a landlord.”
Feng Zhen’s mouth remained as sharp as ever.
Wei Ci chuckled, “The lord’s focus now is on the northern area of Dongqing, unable to tend to other factions. If we can establish An Huan as a target, it wouldn’t be bad. Moreover, An Huan’s enemies are the four Southern Barbarians, who have even destroyed the Nansheng Nation, why fear just An Huan?”
Even in a previous life, An Huan squandered several years’ worth of Wei Ci’s effort; given the locust disaster in the Nansheng Tribe, he had fortuitously triumphed.
Now, the four Southern Barbarians were at their peak, and seeking revenge would be akin to hitting a stone with an egg.
Wei Ci continued, “You may not know, but those hardliners in the Red Lotus Sect pose a huge threat; leaving even one is unacceptable.”
Even without An Huan, Wei Ci wanted to privately suggest to Jiang Pengji to wipe out the higher-ups of the Red Lotus Sect entirely.
Weeding out the roots meant eliminating future troubles.
