Chapter 655 – Unifying Wanzhou (Part 8)
Jiang Pengji had assumed Wei Ci would back down, but it seemed she underestimated him; he was as stubborn as they come.
“You know what kind of people the Red Lotus Sect are. In times like this, you want to go and persuade them? Wei Zixiao, do you think your life is too long? The Red Lotus Sect doesn’t care about that ‘we don’t harm envoys when armies clash’ nonsense. If I were in your position, anyone sent to negotiate would be the first to lose their head,” Jiang Pengji’s tone rose with agitation as she asked, “Are you really not afraid of dying?”
Wei Ci, instead of being angry, smiled, his expression softened as if he had a soft-focus filter applied.
“Of course I’m afraid.”
Fear of death is a common human emotion.
Even though Wei Ci had lived again, the memory of drawing his sword and ending his life still sent chills down his spine.
But if time could turn back, he would still make the same choice.
Life is certainly precious, but for Wei Ci, some things eclipse its value.
“Good, just make sure to protect your little life well.”
Without even lifting her eyelids, Jiang Pengji prepared to rise, signaling that Wei Ci could leave.
Wei Ci said, “It’s precisely because I fear that both my life and the lives of the common people deserve reverence. I’m confident I can persuade the enemy’s leader, and if successful, our soldiers’ casualties will be greatly reduced. Indeed, my lord is brave and skilled in battle, but he faces a multitude of enemies with walls as protection. Attack to advance, defend to retreat. If we remain holed up in the city and deliberately delay, even my lord will have a tough time. While the enemy is still divided, I believe sowing discord is the best strategy.”
Currently, the Red Lotus Sect was still in a state of division and hostility; they still had a chance.
If the Red Lotus Sect put aside their grievances and teamed up against them, Jiang Pengji wouldn’t be able to hold out.
War requires seizing the moment, and strategies are no different.
If they waited any longer, and the Red Lotus Sect became cohesive, it would be too late.
Feeling slightly anxious, Jiang Pengji pondered for a while before finally making her decision.
“If you can guarantee your return alive, I’ll allow you to give it a try.”
A smile of delight appeared on Wei Ci’s face, his eyes sparkled even more, prompting the audience in the live stream to go wild.
“Celestial Beauty Wei is going to ‘seek death’, how can the streamer not stop him?”
【Eddie Not Enough】: The Red Lotus Sect is full of bandits; they don’t have the habit of sparing envoys in battle! What if they see Beautiful Wei’s good looks and weak martial arts and get any funny ideas? Streamer, why aren’t you stopping this completely?
【Who Wants to Add Drama】: The streamer has taken the Red Lotus Sect’s three territories; they absolutely hate the streamer now. If Beautiful Wei goes over there, won’t he be a punching bag? Other forces I’m not too worried about, but with the Red Lotus Sect, I’m really anxious.
【Comments on This Chapter】: The key is that it’s Wei Ci going! The streamer has tried to stop him; the guy is determined, what can the streamer do?
The audience’s worries were not unlike Jiang Pengji’s own concerns.
But she wouldn’t substitute her worries for him and take charge entirely.
Perhaps her concern might be seen by Wei Ci as a lack of faith in his abilities, and so when Wei Ci insisted, she chose to respect that.
With permission granted, Wei Ci changed into a simple and modest scholar’s robe, taking only a few guards with him as he left the military camp.
That night, the second-in-command was feeling restless, rising from his concubine, ready to call for hot water for a bath when he heard the footsteps of a messenger outside.
“Second-in-command, there’s a group claiming to be envoys from the Liu Thief who wish to discuss major matters with you.”
The second-in-command, half-dressed, stood there dazed for a moment before a malicious grin spread across his face.
“The Liu Thief actually sent someone over… Interesting, interesting… I’ll meet this person who’s not afraid of dying! Let them in, I’m going right over.” He bathed and donned a new outfit, making himself presentable before heading to meet the envoy sent by Liu Xi.
Entering the main hall, he saw a young man dressed in a dark green scholar’s robe, sitting upright with perfect posture, back straight.
The hall was brightly lit, with flickering candlelight, adding an almost theatrical ambiance.
The young man’s raven hair was neatly tied within a jade crown, meticulously arranged, and the dark hue enhanced his porcelain-like skin, making him look even paler than jade. His dark brows were perfectly arched, eyes gleaming like polished lacquer, with a high nose and perfect features that would make anyone exclaim — what a handsome young master with red lips and white teeth.
As if sensing movement outside, the young man turned to look.
Seeing the fierce-looking second-in-command, his expression remained calm, as if he were at home in a little courtyard, drinking alone at a table.
The second-in-command collected his thoughts, strode up to sit at the head with a thunderous voice.
“You’re here to negotiate on behalf of Liu… that Liu Xi brat?”
Initially intending to call Jiang Pengji the “Liu Thief,” the second-in-command refrained since he didn’t yet know the young man’s true intentions.
Wei Ci performed a small bow, unflustered, and said, “No, my lord sent me to guide the general towards a way out.”
Upon hearing this, the second-in-command’s killing intent surged, a sneer forming, “Lead me to a way out?”
“Indeed.” Wei Ci remained unafraid, adding, “General, you’re holed up with 30,000 troops in Qiuyu County, seemingly at your peak, but don’t forget, there are two strong enemies outside the city. If both surround the city, how long do you think you could withstand them based on your reserves?”
If Wei Ci spoke earnestly from a lower position, the second-in-command would only become more arrogant, treating him like nothing.
He was here to persuade the second-in-command, and they should be on equal ground in this discussion.
Thus, even in enemy territory, Wei Ci showed no signs of lowering his stature.
The second-in-command scoffed, his gaze wolf-like and fierce, fixated on Wei Ci’s neck as if contemplating how to snap it.
The second-in-command dismissed him with a rough voice, “Though I’ve had my issues with the Holy Sect, when it comes to closing the doors, we’re all on the same side. Liu Xi may be a brat, but he’s still an outsider. In this world, who would help an outsider over their own?”
Wei Ci’s voice turned icy, “Your own? Are you saying his own will turn on him once he’s no longer useful?”
The second-in-command’s expression turned dark, but Wei Ci continued, “You should actually thank my lord. If it weren’t for him, given your rebellious actions, how could the Red Lotus Sect allow you to survive? What you just said is true: breaking a bone still connects to the muscle. Aren’t we all family?
To say it’s black and white, Jiang Pengji’s strategists are truly experts at twisting concepts and narratives.
Clearly, Jiang Pengji forced the Red Lotus Sect into chaos, yet in Wei Ci’s words, Jiang Pengji became the “benefactor.”
He smiled and continued, “If I estimate correctly, it seems the Red Lotus Sect has also sent envoys to mention what I just said. That is correct, I completely agree. However, general, have you considered that the Red Lotus Sect is the Red Lotus Sect? No matter how nicely they say that the people inside are like siblings, it’s just sweet talk; in the end, they aren’t bound by blood.
You have kidnapped the sect leader, betrayed the followers, occupied Honglian County, and tricked the guards of Qiuyu County into opening the gates… all of these are indisputable facts! Do you really believe my lord would retreat and allow everything to settle down peacefully, with the sect leader not taking revenge on you, this traitor?”
