Chapter 624 – Let Go of That Commander, Let Me Take Over (Part 1)
“Internal support?”
Everyone knew about this matter, but the battle plan relied too much on the performance of that ‘internal support.’ You could say the success depended entirely on how good this ‘internal support’ was at acting. If they performed seamlessly and managed to fool the Red Lotus Sect, success was guaranteed.
But what if the ‘internal support’ had awkward acting skills and got exposed, or simply underperformed?
They staged a feint at Fenghu County, launching a main attack on Jinmen County. If the Red Lotus Sect didn’t withdraw their forces from Jinmen County, it would be awkward.
Putting all their hopes on an unknown ‘internal support’ without a solid backup plan made Xu Ke and the others a bit worried.
Among them, only Wei Ci was full of confidence. He not only understood Jiang Pengji, but he also knew An Huan quite well.
As for Jiang Pengji, Wei Ci could only guess her feelings and plans through her words and actions, but she had a knack for being unpredictable. If he managed to guess right once out of ten, he’d consider it a success. An Huan, however… After many years of being his minister, Wei Ci had him completely figured out.
If there were a ranking for the acting skills of various warlords, An Huan would definitely be in the top three.
The conditions Jiang Pengji offered were just too tempting; An Huan, knowing it was a trap, would still bite down hard on the bait, especially since he was yet to realize it. If he helped Jiang Pengji capture Chengde County and secure the people and riches, he would get to take half. The Dongqing royal family had also issued a decree to support the king, and An Huan wanted to use this as a stepping stone for his development. The promise of one-tenth of the people and treasures from Jiang Pengji became incredibly important to him.
Jiang Pengji intended to expand her military strength and territory through Chengde County to suppress the aristocracy of Shangyang County and stabilize her foundation.
An Huan also needed one-tenth of the people as capital to join the “Support the King” forces and develop through that opportunity.
Their interests aligned perfectly, and An Huan was even more eager for victory than Jiang Pengji.
Under such temptation, he would exert himself to the fullest without needing anyone to urge him along.
As Wei Ci pondered how to quell everyone’s worries and give them a sense of reassurance, Jiang Pengji spoke up.
“Your concerns are not without reason. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to tell you something.”
Wei Ci’s heart skipped a beat, just about to speak, but it was too late.
Jiang Pengji declared, “For this siege, I plan to lead the vanguard!”
With just a few words, it was like firecrackers exploding in boiling water, causing a ruckus.
Needless to say, both the strategists led by Xu Ke and the generals led by Meng Hunyun firmly opposed it.
They knew Jiang Pengji was brave in battle, but the Lord must stay in the rear to stabilize the situation.
If she went to the frontlines to fight and exposed her identity, what would happen if the enemy focused their fire on her?
No matter how valiant a person was, facing a thousand blades would only leave them as meat paste.
Yang Si was astonished, seemingly not expecting Jiang Pengji’s solution to be this.
Having never witnessed Jiang Pengji’s fierce combat style, he thought she was just boastful and seeking to show off, which made his head throb.
“County Magistrate Liu, you should consider the bigger picture. As the lord, how can you disregard danger and lead the charge yourself?”
Leading the charge was one thing, but she also wanted to lead the vanguard.
What did the vanguard do?
The vanguard took on the entire army’s scouting mission, gathering enemy intel, checking terrain, and either probing or launching test attacks to disrupt enemy formations and boost morale. This heavy-duty task was generally carried out by the most elite soldiers.
In other words, the vanguard was the first to engage with the enemy.
Under normal circumstances, casualties also started from the vanguard.
Being in the vanguard implied a visit to the King of Hell was certain.
The obstructions and dissenting opinions flowed into her left ear and out of her right; no matter how persuasive they were, she remained unmoved.
Seeing this familiar scene, the audience in the live stream expressed their amusement.
【Tomorrow is the college entrance examination!】: Hahaha—Don’t you guys think this scene feels strangely familiar? Last time when attacking Cheng’an County, the streamer wanted to go to the frontlines too, but was stopped by her little princess. Now, with the princess’s team growing, there are even more people trying to stop the streamer. Should we place bets on whether the streamer will succeed or the little princess’s team will win?
【Keep it up, little angels!】: #Disdain, you all called it a little princess’s team, and based on the streamer’s usual pampering, of course, she’ll eventually be convinced. Putting that aside, on the battlefield, swords show no mercy. The streamer being the backbone, indeed shouldn’t take risks.
【Ten additions】: You all laugh, but am I the only one feeling for the streamer? She’s actually more suited to be a general, not a lord. As a general, she can wage wars, unleash her wild side, and strike fear into enemies by taking their heads among thousands of troops…
But Jiang Pengji is the pillar everyone relies on, and thus, she became the big panda to be protected.
【Perfectly Flawless】: Not just one, but every time I see the little princess’s team stopping the streamer, I feel uncomfortable. If this continues, I might turn from a fan to a hater. The streamer is a tiger, a lion, not a panda kept in a zoo under careful supervision!
The live stream commentary buzzed with discussion, and Jiang Pengji naturally didn’t miss it.
The idle audience comparing her to a protected panda while praising the strategists and generals as little princesses found it quite fitting.
So—
“I don’t need you to advise me anymore; my mind is made up,” Jiang Pengji’s pupils hardened as she continued to be stuck here, drowning in a pile of affairs. She was almost forgetting the thrill of charging into battle. “I will lead the vanguard. This siege must capture Jinmen County with the fastest speed and the smallest casualties. Who among the generals can achieve this besides me? That’s settled.”
Meng Hunyun and the others had battled with Jiang Pengji before, and whether in one-on-one combat or commanding troops, they clearly felt the vast gap between them and her.
Yang Si was dumbfounded and unavoidably turned his gaze toward Jiang Pengji.
After the meeting, Wei Ci was pulled aside by Yang Si for a quiet chat.
“This lord of yours… such a small frame can still go to battle?”
Wei Ci was still immersed in his own thoughts when Yang Si’s interruption made him look up, his tone teasing, “Our lord’s combat skills are extraordinary and invincible. How could she not fight in wars? Let’s put it this way, if you were her opponent, she’d leave you with two legs and one arm plus four fingers—you still wouldn’t win against her…”
Yang Si nearly choked on his indignation from Wei Ci’s words.
What’s wrong with Wei Ci? Why start a conversation that kills the mood?
“Is she really as amazing as you say?” Yang Si displayed a doubting expression.
Jiang Pengji wasn’t short, but she wasn’t imposing either; she looked somewhat slender, not the type you’d expect to be able to fight.
Wei Ci urged, “If you don’t believe it, why not give it a try? But then again, why suddenly suggest such a thing?”
Yang Si was merely a short-term worker, staying for the food, yet he now took the initiative to suggest something.
Yang Si averted his gaze, annoyed, “Do you think I want to? And you should consider the temperament of your lord; having boarded this pirate ship, am I supposed to jump off? If Liu Xi were just a mere county magistrate, I might not be worried, but now that he’s almost become a governor, how can I escape?”
Simply put, Yang Si was just a tad bit chickenshit.
