Chapter 689 – The Old Friend Arrives (Part One)
“Pfft! Being a leader is practically impossible, almost zero chance! Who knew the streamer and his dad would have such a great connection? Both of ’em brought along a measly troop! With only thirty thousand soldiers, they can barely squeak by in the alliance without becoming mere background decorations. Controlling the big picture? Good luck with that! And those Xu brothers—Xu Pei and Xu Fei—they’re like the Yuan brothers from the Three Kingdoms era, the real leaders of the alliance. If they truly have talent, rather than being the arrogant fools who can’t see beyond their noses, the chance for the streamer duo to rise is slim. Becoming a leader? More like daydreaming!”
“After all, this is a place where you settle things with your fists. The Xu brothers are young and inexperienced, but their weight in the alliance is heavy.”
“As part of the streamer’s faction, many viewers feel a psychological gap, but reality is reality—streamers can’t just rage against the heavens.”
“#SillyLeaf: What? Anyone can become a leader? You’ve forgotten how small the Dongqing territory is! The streamer duo combined already controls two provinces and one Hujun, like a direct-controlled city! They’re in the spotlight, making others wary. Fighting for a worthless title like ‘leader’ is more trouble than it’s worth—it could land them in serious danger! What if the alliance members secretly form their little alliances and sneak attack the streamer duo? They only have thirty thousand soldiers now, and that’s pretty flimsy.”
“#SpeedyMan: The streamer’s target isn’t the leadership! She’s here to recruit talent and peddle her business! So what if it’s a ‘leader’? Just a meaningless title. If it were the ‘Emperor’, now that’s worth fighting for! There’s give and take—dominating the scene isn’t always the best strategy; the real path to success lies in quietly accumulating wealth. I prefer watching the naïve wolf disguise itself as a sheep!”
Liu Zhi was initially worried that his daughter might feel upset, but after talking, he realized she genuinely didn’t care about the title.
“The one who laughs last is the real winner,” Jiang Pengji scoffed, staying calm. “The process is important, but it ultimately can’t compare to the outcome.”
Liu Zhi felt immensely relieved. “As long as you think this way, I can rest easy.”
Feng Zhen and Yang Si’s working abilities were commendable; under their command, the camp quickly took shape.
The first thing completed was the main tent.
No sooner had she stepped into her new ‘home’ than an old acquaintance showed up for a visit.
Jiang Pengji looked at Huang Song and asked him casually, “Is Ber Gao’s camp close by?”
The young man in front of her had grown taller than she remembered, looking sturdier and more refined now, the youthful sharpness polished away by time.
The visitor was indeed Huang Song, a drinking buddy of Jiang Pengji from their days in the capital.
“Yeah, I heard you were here, so I hurried to have some cooked meat and clear wine prepared. Tonight, we’re not leaving until we’re drunk!”
Jiang Pengji cast a glance at the Young Scholar behind Huang Song, who was subtly furrowing his brows and looked rather displeased.
You can’t blame him; dealing with a leader who would rather party than hold back on the drinking can be quite a headache.
Jiang Pengji didn’t hesitate to call out Huang Song’s poor excuse, “Come on, I know your little schemes! You knew I was coming all along but dragged your feet. Now you’re just here because you can’t afford to delay any longer… Am I right?”
Huang Song made a pitiful face, managing not to reveal his embarrassment.
“Liu Lanting, your tongue is still as sharp as ever. You speak with daggers.”
Jiang Pengji crossed her arms. “If you don’t want me to be sharp, then don’t play the formalities in front of me—just be honest.”
“Fine, frankly speaking… I think your main tent isn’t set up yet, and I didn’t want to sit on the ground with you, so I delayed coming over a bit.” Huang Song’s answer made Cheng Jing furrow his brows even deeper, deep grooves forming on his forehead.
“I’ve spilled my guts; you must let me into your main tent now, right?”
“You’re quite the chatterbox; come on in.”
Jiang Pengji took a glance at Cheng Jing to gauge his reaction before welcoming the two inside the main tent.
The inside was rather shabby, with only mats for sitting and no other decorations.
The three took their places, and Huang Song instructed his accompanying guards to set the food table and bring out the food from the boxes.
The meat on the plates was already sliced neatly, steaming as it wafted a pleasant aroma with no unpleasant scent.
Jiang Pengji maintained her usual mockery. “With the alliance stationed with over four hundred thousand troops, they can still manage to eat meat?”
Huang Song looked confused. He thought Jiang Pengji was complaining, which made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
“I should really extend my hospitality properly to you, Liu old bro. Unfortunately, winter hasn’t fully gone; the livestock are all hiding indoors, so I really have nothing else to offer. Once spring comes, when the game is plentiful, I’ll let you taste the best hunts…”
Cheng Jing felt a strong urge to facepalm.
Such a dopey leader? This can’t be real!
Jiang Pengji laughed, knowing his attempt at flattery. “That’s not what I meant, Ber Gao—don’t misunderstand. With four hundred thousand mouths to feed in the alliance, how much food do you think they consume daily? I figured that with the army stationed here, at the least, the ground would be picked clean. Thanks to you, I can still have meat!”
Huang Song fell silent.
“Liu old bro, you’re right. But you’re eating that meat because I secretly raised it, planning to treat myself someday. If not for you, I wouldn’t have thought of eating it so soon. Look how generous I am to you; even my stash is on the table.”
Jiang Pengji and Huang Song were indeed drinking buddies—not quite best friends, but definitely not strangers.
Conversations at the table were unreserved.
As for Cheng Jing?
He quietly ate, quietly drank, and silently watched the two experienced pros drift and drift.
It felt like he’d opened a door to a new world.
After they’ve eaten and drank their fill, Huang Song casually picked at his teeth and asked Jiang Pengji, “Liu old bro, I heard you brought only ten thousand troops? Won’t that be a bit short?”
Jiang Pengji shrugged. “What’s short about ten thousand troops? If that’s not enough, my dad’s got two thousand more waiting!”
Huang Song quickly waved his hands, his words laced with hints of probing, “Old bro didn’t mean that; I was just thinking of your personality, always loving the spotlight. Now, with so many heroes gathering in Dongqing, preparing to protect the realm and defeat the rebels… This is a golden opportunity to make a name for yourself. Don’t you want to seize the moment and stand out?”
The two were drinking buddies, but they clicked well, familiar with each other.
Huang Song’s question was half probing, half concern.
Jiang Pengji didn’t hide anything and frankly said, “Let’s cut to the chase—since I’ve eaten your food, I can’t lie to you. You know, to save the common people, I took action against the Red Lotus Sect holding Chengde County. I had to move quickly, and while we succeeded in taking Chengde County, we took heavy losses. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have only ten thousand troops. If you want to be the alliance leader, you need a person with virtue, talent, and soldiers to stand firm. I’m not modest about the virtue and talent I possess, but soldiers… well, my heart is willing, but the strength is lacking.”
