Chapter 690 – An Old Friend Arrives (Part 2)
Huang Song nodded while listening, clearly convinced by Jiang Pengji’s words.
Regardless of his inner doubts, he at least appeared to believe it.
However, Cheng Jing next to him was not so easily swayed. In his eyes, even if Jiang Pengji wasn’t lying, her story was diluted.
Taking down Chengde County in just half a month, such swift action was enough for Cheng Jing to see her as a formidable opponent.
After finishing a string of words, Jiang Pengji countered with a question.
“Is Brother Huang asking about this matter with the intention of claiming the position of leader?”
“Liu kid, don’t tease your elder brother! Where do I have the qualifications for such a position?”
Huang Song chuckled bitterly, his tone tinged with self-deprecation.
Jiang Pengji frowned, “Why must Brother Huang belittle himself? You are the governor of a county, commanding tens of thousands of troops. How could it be impossible?”
How could it be impossible?
Of course, it was impossible!
If such minimal criteria were enough to become an alliance leader, there would be countless people clamoring for it outside!
Even though Huang Song had ambitions, he saw reality clearly and was aware of his own capabilities. He didn’t carry the arrogant mindset of someone whose aspirations soared higher than the heavens.
He knew there was no chance for him to become the leader, but he could find ways to maximize his benefits.
“Feeling ashamed, feeling ashamed! Liu kid thinks highly of me, but the little weight I have would only invite ridicule from the heroes.”
The two shared drinks, and thanks to Huang Song’s conversational flair, the atmosphere remained lively.
As the topic deepened, they began discussing the various factions within the alliance.
Jiang Pengji perked up her ears, eager to listen closely. She had heard quite a bit from Liu Zhi and hoped to extract some intel from Huang Song too.
Huang Song said, “Apart from the Xu brothers, I think there are two other families worthy of attention.”
“Which two?” Jiang Pengji inquired.
Huang Song responded, “One is Wu Ma Shang, the governor of Hu County. The other is Yang Jian, the commander of Dongmen County in Zhangzhou. In my view, these two might be among the few genuine loyalists in the alliance. The troop strength commanded by Wu Ma Shang is only second to the Xu brothers. Yang Jian has about fifteen thousand men, but as far as I know, that’s his entire fortune, which shows his sincerity.”
Upon hearing the names of these two, Jiang Pengji displayed a thoughtful expression.
“Wu Ma Shang—just from the name, one can tell he has ties to the royal family. Let’s skip over that… But who is this Yang Jian?”
More importantly, Yang Jian hailed from Dongmen County in Zhangzhou…
Zhangzhou was the fiefdom of Changshou Wang.
Huang Song smiled and explained, “Wu Ma Shang indeed comes from a royal collateral branch, making him a relative, as he is an uncle to both the Emperor and Changshou Wang. As for Yang Jian, he doesn’t have any special background, but I like his character. He is generous and chivalrous, appearing rough around the edges but actually very observant. Zhangzhou seems wealthy at first glance, but in reality, it’s rife with chaos. The water bandits rob and kill the common people, but Changshou Wang covers it up with other reasons, painting a facade of peace. Only this Yang Jian possesses a fiery temperament, unwilling to bear the injustice. It’s said that at just seventeen years old, he dared to wield a blade, leading a highly skilled watery brigade against the water bandits, showcasing incomparable bravery often disregarding life and death. He has now made quite a name for himself, deserving of the title hero.”
Jiang Pengji rested her chin on her hand, “From what you say, Brother Huang seems quite fond of Yang Jian.”
Huang Song admitted straightforwardly, “For such a heroic figure, of course, I would want to befriend him. But…”
At this point, Huang Song’s expression darkened slightly, hinting at a bit of embarrassment, and he fell silent.
He didn’t say it, but between the two of them, the meaning was clear: there was no point in discussing further.
However, he was oblivious that there were another hundred and fifty thousand spectators, who were entirely in the dark.
【Blackberry Canned】: Totally confused, what happens next?
【Peach Canned】: Same question, what’s next?
【Grapefruit Canned】: Nothing happens next! This useless eunuch! Halfway through a story, pretending to be mysterious—annoying!
Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but stifle her laughter at the torrent of “eunuch” and “no more” comments flooding the screen.
【Host V】: The alliance gathers here to combat Changshou Wang, but with Yang Jian hailing from Zhangzhou, which is Changshou Wang’s fief, the situation is quite delicate. If I’m not mistaken, Yang Jian must have been isolated by the alliance. Huang Song wishes to befriend him, but the circumstances don’t allow it. If he becomes associates with Yang Jian, he would essentially be making an enemy of himself—something Huang Song wouldn’t do.
After her explanation, the comments on the screen began to shift.
【Vivian】: Yikes, Huang Song is too timid! Why the extra worries? Just make friends without worrying about it!
【Suhui Liunian】: I think Huang Song is correct. Yang Jian is like a transparent figure isolated by the group. If he boldly befriends him, he would definitely face ostracism from the collective and risk dragging Yang Jian down with him. Clearly, this doesn’t align with Huang Song’s character. There are many ways to express goodwill. Huang Song is smart; helping when in need is far better than simply gaining favors.
【Hacker Mosquito Repellent】: Major props to the wise one above!
【Hacker Electric Mosquito Repellent】: The kind of host attracts the kind of audience—feeling like the average IQ in the livestream is climbing!
Jiang Pengji maintained her composure.
Over the years, she had developed the habit of ignoring the comments, unaffected by them.
She comforted Huang Song, “Brother Huang needn’t feel disheartened; you can discreetly cultivate a relationship with Yang Jian. There’s no need to announce it to the world.”
There’s a saying that goes—or was it a curse?—showing affection only leads to downfall.
Huang Song found it comical, “How can one comfort someone like this?”
His choice of words remained amusing, bringing laughter to the scene.
The originally serious phrases, when articulated by him, always carried an odd charm.
Huang Song declared he wouldn’t leave until he was drunk and poured himself another, while Jiang Pengji didn’t mind.
After all, it wasn’t her alcohol; might as well drink it up!
As the drinking continued, the tent filled with a heavy scent of alcohol. Huang Song was already sprawled out on the ground like a puddle, his face flushed, his mind clouded.
In contrast, Jiang Pengji, with just as much liquor by her side, remained clear-headed, though her eyes shimmered with a hint of allure.
Huang Song, in his inebriation, clutched a wine jar, slurring, “I… I… still… can… drink…”
“Brother Huang’s alcohol tolerance is lacking; he should stay away from the drink in the future. While war hasn’t started, this is a military camp, and he needs to stay alert, not overindulge, lest it affects his judgment.” Jiang Pengji glanced at Cheng Jing, who remained composed, and lazily added, “Look at him, utterly drunk. I’ll have someone escort him back; what do you think, sir?”
Looking at Cheng Jing’s build, Jiang Pengji genuinely doubted whether he could manage to drag Huang Song back successfully.
Cheng Jing bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Liu County Cheng. I’ll first express my gratitude on behalf of our lord.”
“We are friends, so no need for such formality.”
After saying this, she called out for soldiers to support Huang Song and escort him back to his own tent.
As she stood up to send Huang Song off, she gazed at the couple of figures drifting away, a deep frown marred her brow.
Just as she turned to head back, Feng Zhen rushed in from afar.
