Chapter 617 – Urgent News from Chenzhou, The World Calls for the King
The news of the transfer of power in Shangyang County spread rapidly. Even before the winter was over, Huang Song, who was far away in the Meode County of Haozhou, had already learned of it.
As soon as Huang Song received the news, he hurriedly sought out several confidants to discuss matters.
Under the management of Feng Jue, Cheng Jing, and several newly recruited strategists, Huang Song still maintained his position as the county magistrate of Zhai County on the surface. In reality, however, he had gradually infiltrated the entire Meode County. With the persuasive skills of his strategists, even the local gentry, known for their difficulty, were handled one by one.
Steadily and surely, the seemingly unimposing Huang Song had now gained some capital.
Probably due to their similar ages and having played together in the past, Huang Song was particularly concerned about the situation on Jiang Pengji’s side.
Now that he had just received word, he couldn’t wait to consult with his strategists.
Feng Jue was not surprised by the news of the transfer of Shangyang County.
After all, her second brother was in Jiang Pengji’s camp, which was an undeniable advantage.
Moreover, she had a natural geographical advantage, as Fengcheng County and Shangyang County were both located within Wanzhou. That was a matter of “geographical benefits.”
Additionally, for the Feng family, who were short on troops, Shangyang County was more of a burden than an asset. This was a matter of “timing.”
Adding it all up, Jiang Pengji had secured “timing,” “geographical benefits,” and “support from the people,” so it was only a matter of time before Shangyang County fell into her hands.
If Huang Song’s territory could also be situated in the north, closer to Shangyang County, Feng Jue would be confident in persuading the Feng family.
But now—the matter was already settled.
His furrowed brows relaxed; now, Feng Jue had taken on the crown and appeared steadier and calmer than before.
He calmly reassured, “Lord, do not worry. I know well the circumstances of Shangyang County. With Liu Xi taking over at this time, if she mishandles things, it is certain she will lose everything. With the Feng family withdrawing, and no other gentries to suppress them, Liu Xi will likely find herself in a chaotic mess.”
Even a small Zhai County had its intricate power struggles, let alone the aristocratic circles of Shangyang County.
Don’t be fooled by their small scales; many had been managing their hold in Shangyang County for generations, with deep-rooted foundations.
In comparison to Zhai County, the challenge of conquering Shangyang County was dozens of times greater.
Cheng Jing frowned, slightly disagreeing, “As for Liu Xi, I don’t know much, but her strategists Wei Ci, Yang Si, Feng Zhen, and Feng Jin… they are all not easy opponents. Liu Xi’s foundation has already gradually stabilized, so Shangyang County may not be able to trip her up.”
When Jiang Pengji was studying at Langya Academy, Cheng Jing was already out serving in public office.
In the three years, he had spent only a handful of days at the academy, primarily to celebrate Mr. Yuanjing’s birthday.
Thus, Cheng Jing’s relationship with Jiang Pengji was limited to a nodding acquaintance—knowing of each other but not deeply.
While Cheng Jing didn’t understand Jiang Pengji, he did know the classmates and disciples of Wei Ci, and he was aware of the few friends Wei Ci had made. Though their fame was not prominent, each was exceptional in their own right. Even gaining just one of them would bring great joy to any lord, not to mention having several clustered together.
Shangyang County might seem like a tough nut to crack for others, but for the fortified Liu Xi, it was merely a stumbling block along the way—small enough to just step over… The idea of Shangyang County hindering Liu Xi was rather unrealistic.
Feng Jue sighed inwardly; he and Cheng Jing still did not have any tacit understanding.
His comments were vague, meant to downplay critical points and soothe Huang Song’s inner anxiety, encouraging him.
But Cheng Jing, being the honest man he was, simply said whatever came to mind.
Wasn’t this just boosting someone else’s confidence while diminishing his own?
As Feng Jue’s mind was turning, a sudden thought struck him. He interrupted Huang Song’s worry.
He addressed Cheng Jing, “Jue recalls that you seem to have a big nephew working in Haozhou?”
Cheng Jing’s nephew, Cheng Cheng, whose courtesy name was Wenfu.
Upon hearing this, Huang Song turned his gaze toward Cheng Jing, surprised, “Your nephew, you say?”
Why hadn’t he heard of this?
Cheng Jing answered calmly, “Reporting to the lord, indeed I have a nephew working in Haozhou.”
Cheng Cheng was the magistrate of Sui’an County in Fufeng County, Haozhou. He didn’t care for the intrigues of politics, nor did he have ambitions for advancement, so he had secured the position of Sui’an County magistrate through family connections, remaining stationary in this role for over a decade without any intention of moving.
Cheng Jing was momentarily taken aback, not knowing why Feng Jue had suddenly mentioned Cheng Cheng.
It took him a moment to think and quickly understood Feng Jue’s intent, feeling a bit displeased.
Before Feng Jue could speak, Cheng Jing stated, “If Huaiyuan wants Wenfu to join the lord, it might be difficult. I wrote a letter to Wenfu before, but his resolve is steadfast and not easily swayed. What’s more, his ambitions do not lie here, so persuading him is meaningless.”
Don’t be fooled by the fact that Cheng Cheng was nearly a generation older than Cheng Jing; he was still his nephew, and as an uncle, he had to have an attitude of protecting his junior.
If Cheng Cheng was unwilling to support Huang Song, how could Cheng Jing force him?
Indeed, if Cheng Cheng were willing to assist Huang Song, his position as the magistrate of Sui’an County could provide significant advantages to Huang Song, even serving as a springboard for Huang Song to reach toward Fufeng County. But since Cheng Cheng didn’t want to, Cheng Jing certainly wouldn’t press the issue.
Feng Jue’s expression was awkward; he hadn’t anticipated Cheng Jing would be so blunt, which made the atmosphere in the hall a bit stagnant.
After the meeting, Feng Jue sought out Cheng Jing privately.
“Huaiyuan, there’s no need to be coy. If there’s something, just say it plainly.”
Cheng Jing’s character was too straightforward; while he had a clever mind, he tended to operate rigidly.
Feng Jue got straight to the point, “Jue wants to help the lord map out the entirety of Haozhou.”
Within Haozhou’s territory, this naturally included Sui’an County under Cheng Cheng’s governance.
Cheng Jing replied, “This is only natural. If the lord wants to advance further, Haozhou must be taken.”
“But you said Cheng Cheng is unwilling to assist the lord.”
Cheng Jing furrowed his brows; wasn’t there a conflict between Cheng Cheng’s reluctance to assist Huang Song and Huang Song’s plans for Haozhou?
If Huang Song had the ability to seize Haozhou, Cheng Cheng could resign and retreat afterward—he wouldn’t necessarily have to work under Huang Song.
Feng Jue felt a hint of a headache; Cheng Jing still didn’t grasp his implied meaning.
“What I mean is… if your big nephew has no intention, before the lord takes over Haozhou, it’s better for him to resign and leave early.”
If they waited until Huang Song’s power grew and he gradually took control of Haozhou, Cheng Cheng would find it hard to leave, even if he wanted to.
With Yang Si slipping away under Huang Song’s very nose, that had already become a psychological shadow for the latter.
According to Huang Song’s temperament, anyone who couldn’t be used by him wouldn’t be allowed to serve anyone else either.
Having one example like Yang Si was enough.
Better to get it out in the open while it was still early.
In the future, Feng Jue didn’t want to see Cheng Jing drifting apart from Lord Huang Song over matters concerning Cheng Cheng.
Cheng Jing paused for a moment, cupped his hands, and said, “Thank you for the reminder.”
He silently calculated in his mind, planning to write another letter to his nephew Cheng Cheng, urging him to make an early decision.
