Chapter 657 – Unifying Wanzhou (Part 10)
The strategist is inherently ruthless; they’re harsh not just on enemies but even more so on their own and themselves.
The Second-in-command couldn’t find the words to describe the feeling, but as he finished listening to Wei Ci’s explanation, one thought filled his mind—trembling in fear.
To willingly “seek death” to trap the enemy, how cruel must one be?
Wei Ci elaborately laid out his plan and only after a while did he “seek” the Second-in-command’s opinion.
“What does the General think of this plan?”
Snapped back to reality, the Second-in-command stuttered, “Very, very good… whatever Sir says goes.”
“In that case, let’s enjoy our collaboration.”
Wei Ci’s smile was as radiant as the clear sky, making one ponder how this man stood tall and distinguished, truly a refined gentleman.
Yet, the Second-in-command, whom he focused on, couldn’t feel any joy. Instead, an urge to shiver crept over him, his hair standing on end.
Scholars are terrifying; first, there was An Huan, toying with everyone, and now Wei Ci, even in enemy territory, could reverse the situation.
If possible, the Second-in-command wanted to avoid ever dealing with such cold-hearted scholars again.
Not long after the Second-in-command entered the main hall, a racket of sounds erupted, followed by clashing swords and a sharp, sudden scream cut short. The guards outside, thinking someone had attacked the Second-in-command, rushed in, only to be stunned by the scene before them.
There lay a young man in a dark green scholar’s robe, curled up on the ground, face obscured, a pool of dark crimson blood spreading beneath him. The guards instantly realized who had been killed, turning pale; one does not kill an envoy in wartime!
Now, with Liu Xi’s envoy brutally slain by the furious Second-in-command, it meant that it was a life-or-death standoff.
If they faltered in battle, Liu Xi might retaliate cruelly, slaughtering the city and executing all captives to vent his fury.
“Who cares about that Liu Thief?” the Second-in-command snorted, his voice gruff, “Not just the envoy he sent, even if he came himself, I would chop him down. Drag this body out and chop it up to feed the dogs, and remember to clean up the bones to send back to Liu Thief. Talks of peace? Screw that! If one comes, I’ll kill him; if two come, I’ll double that. Does he think he can bully me, the Red Lotus Sect?”
The Second-in-command’s fury erupted, and everyone dared not dissuade him, only obeying his orders to haul away the body of the dark green-robed young man.
The room was thick with the stench of blood, and the flickering candlelight cast ominous shadows, inducing an unsettling air of fear.
The Second-in-command paced back and forth anxiously, his expression dark, clearly, he wasn’t as firm and bold as he appeared regarding the slaying of Wei Ci.
“Second-in-command… Having killed the envoy of Liu Thief, he’s sure to know by nightfall. If he raises an army tomorrow…”
“Let him come! Who’s afraid of a little brat who hasn’t even hit puberty?”
The Second-in-command erupted with fury, but after a while, he paced gloomily again, as if he could stomp through the wooden floor.
After a long silence, he took a deep breath and instructed his men to invite the envoy sent by the Red Lotus Sect.
Once everyone had withdrawn, the Second-in-command hurried to the rear hall. Wei Ci had already changed into a new outfit, dressed in coarse cloth and wearing a cloth headscarf instead of a jade crown. Aside from a strikingly handsome face and extraordinary demeanor, he looked like an ordinary scholar.
“Sir… I’ve already acted on your instructions. Will they take the bait?”
Wei Ci held a teacup, sipping the tea that didn’t taste great, but he wasn’t picky.
“Quick battle, quick resolution,” Wei Ci replied, “It’s best to lure their elite into the city by tomorrow; the longer it takes, the more they’ll doubt.”
The Second-in-command nodded obediently, then asked, “Should I send someone to escort you out of the city?”
Wei Ci waved a hand dismissively, “Ci is a ‘dead man’ and shouldn’t be exposed to anyone. Even the General’s confidant isn’t reliable. The best way to safeguard a secret is to ensure the fewer people who know it, the better. I’ll stay hidden here for a day or two.”
The Second-in-command didn’t refuse; having Wei Ci on his side made him happy, at least it provided some assurance.
If Liu Xi were to betray his word, having Wei Ci in his grasp would give him some confidence.
However…
The Second-in-command suddenly thought of another risky issue.
“…Sir, I’ve returned your ‘bones’ to Liu County Magistrate as you instructed. He won’t hold a grudge, will he?”
If the resentment was there, Liu Xi could very well chop him down without a second thought, and he would die unjustly.
Wei Ci smiled, “Naturally not. The General need not worry at all.”
In truth, Wei Ci’s plan had been cobbled together at the last minute. Before meeting the Second-in-command, he had envisioned several scenarios, but upon seeing him, he scrapped the previous ideas and devised a plan that was all gain and no harm. Of course, it was the most ruthless one.
The Second-in-command left brimming with confidence, while Wei Ci slowly lowered his gaze.
He set down the teacup, revealing a cold glint in his eyes.
Wei Ci originally intended to eradicate the Red Lotus Sect; how could he recruit its members into his own forces?
This last-minute plan had not been communicated to Jiang Pengji, meaning in the eyes of others, “Wei Ci’s death” was something the Lord was “unaware” of. In this situation, if the Second-in-command died, no one could criticize her; at most, they would remark how ruthless and crafty Wei Ci was.
Yet, reputation was something he had long ceased to care about, or rather, he had developed a thick skin.
People could comment as they liked; as long as it didn’t involve the Lord, he was fine.
Indeed, Wei Ci never intended for the Red Lotus Sect’s Second-in-command to live.
Not long after the news of “Wei Ci” being brutally slain by the Second-in-command circulated, the envoy from the Red Lotus Sect received the information.
Upon hearing that “Wei Ci” had been killed and butchered into chunks for the dogs, and the incomplete bones were hurriedly sent to Liu Xi, they were over the moon, all teeth and no eyes. The Second-in-command took the chance to express his worries; having killed Liu Xi’s chief strategist, wouldn’t he explode with rage?
The envoy from the Red Lotus Sect eagerly climbed the ladder, hoping both sides could shake hands and utilize the city walls to fend off the sneaky Liu Thief.
The Second-in-command listened, eagerly agreeing.
To be honest, if talent were to be judged, this Second-in-command was quite clumsy at acting, but his full beard made it hard to read his expressions. Moreover, the news trickling in about “Wei Ci” being stabbed to death with blood and gore splattered left no room for doubt. The Second-in-command had killed “Wei Ci,” which meant he would never be accepted back by Liu Xi!
In the dead of night, Jiang Pengji’s tent was brightly lit, her brow slightly furrowed, as if sensing an ominous premonition.
Just as she was leaning her chin on her hand, ready to take a brief rest, the sound of hasty footsteps came from outside.
“What’s happening out there?”
Entering through the flaps was Yang Si, wrapped in white linen, his bloodshot eyes betraying his fatigue, followed by two attendants.
Jiang Pengji keenly sensed the smell of blood, her heart leaping. “What’s wrong?”
“Zixiao, Zixiao has… been killed…”
Jiang Pengji: “……”
