Chapter 716 – Debating the Alliance (Part Three)
His tone was refined, known as the gentry’s style—elegant and flowing, with a hint of sophistication that many adopted just to seem cultured. Despite its pleasant sound, in different contexts, it could come off as aloof and contemptuous.
Wu Ma Shang’s words clearly fell into the latter category.
Huang Song shot Wu Ma Shang a furious glare; how dare he publicly insult Cheng Jing in front of him?! Did he really think being of royal blood made him untouchable?
Just as he was about to speak up, the familiar voice of Jiang Pengji echoed, laced with a mock smile.
That tone! It sent shivers down my spine.
Turns out, while Wu Ma Shang was throwing shade at Cheng Jing, Jiang Pengji had turned to her father with the same gentry tone.
“Father, I’ve often heard that Mr. Yuanjing’s disciples are talents sought after by lords, quite in demand. But now, seeing it for myself, I can’t help but doubt this rumor. If it were true, how could Brother Cheng Jing be treated with such disdain? After all, he’s the foremost disciple of Mr. Yuanjing; he couldn’t possibly be in such dire straits, or has Mr. Yuanjing’s reputation faded?”
Wu Ma Shang: “…”
Huh?
Whose foremost disciple?
Cheng Jing glanced at Jiang Pengji, maintaining his calm demeanor.
“Jing just said that Governor Wu Ma is far from the best candidate, and there’s a reason for it. May I ask everyone, which thief is currently shaking the national foundation? That individual, presuming on his royal identity, seeks to grasp the throne, causing chaos. Governor Wu Ma as the leader of the 400,000 allied troops? Something seems off there. If that thief bites back, accusing us of rebellion instead of defending the kingdom, what shall we do then?”
With that offhand remark, Wu Ma Shang’s face turned darker than a burnt pot.
He could no longer maintain his previous noble composure, glaring at Cheng Jing as if trying to burn holes into him with his stare.
Jiang Pengji quietly gave Cheng Jing a thumbs up; this guy’s words were lethal!
Cheng Jing and Wei Ci were indeed the fruits of Mr. Yuanjing’s teachings.
The brotherhood carried on, usually silent, but when they did strike, it was deadly.
A family legacy of darkness.
【Kneeling for Monthly Votes】: Cheng Jing VS Wu Ma Shang, Cheng Jing wins!
【Green Mountain, Turbid Wine】: That victory was swift and neat, a complete knock-out!
【Seeking Recommendation Votes】: When An Huan spoke, I also thought Wu Ma Shang was the aptest choice for leader, given his status and experience. But when Cheng Jing took the floor, I was left speechless. Cheng Jing’s battle prowess is through the roof, easily grinding Wu Ma Shang into the ground, thoroughly stripping him of any qualification to be a leader. Am I wrong in sensing that Cheng Jing seems to hold a grudge? Do you guys feel it too? After today, “Cheng Jing” is bound to surge in popularity among the legal disciples.
Earlier, Wu Ma Shang had insulted Cheng Jing with scornful words and attitudes, and Cheng Jing returned the favor on the spot.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
You embarrass me, I’ll crush your soft spot.
The face-smacking came quicker than a hurricane.
Before anyone could process it, Wu Ma Shang was already knocked out of the competition.
Cheng Jing had sealed the deal; no one dared to stand against him again, let alone recommend Wu Ma Shang.
An Huan, the first to endorse Wu Ma Shang, didn’t seem upset at all, as if his previous words had never escaped his lips.
Xu Pei, the host, threw Cheng Jing an appreciative glance, his mind swirling with surprise.
Had it not been for Liu Xi’s mention, he wouldn’t have known Mr. Yuanjing’s disciples had already entered the political arena, encountering two in quick succession.
One assisting Liu Xi, the other aiding Huang Song.
Wei Ci’s artistic talents wowed him, while Cheng Jing was sharp-tongued and direct.
Xu Pei felt both delighted and regretful—such talents weren’t his after all.
An Huan had solid reasons to support Wu Ma Shang. Xu Pei genuinely worried for a moment.
After all, Wu Ma Shang was of royal blood; if he was dead set on competing, his competitiveness was still strong.
But then Cheng Jing burst onto the scene, effectively strangling Wu Ma Shang’s chances of entering the race, and Xu Pei couldn’t help but feel favorable toward him.
“Mr. Cheng, your considerations are thorough; might you have a suitable candidate in mind?”
Cheng Jing looked down, his gaze drifting toward Jiang Pengji.
“I believe, in terms of ability, prestige, and experience, Liu Xi would be an excellent candidate.”
Cheng Jing didn’t make it absolute; he didn’t say Liu Zhi was the best. If Liu Zhi wasn’t willing to become the leader, there were alternatives.
Jiang Pengji raised an eyebrow, was Cheng Jing trying to stir the pot?
She threw a furtive glance at Cheng Jing, who happened to catch her eye.
Cheng Jing subtly nodded at her, his expression friendly.
Naturally, Liu Zhi wouldn’t accept the burden.
He politely declined, asserting he wasn’t fit for the leader role, while subtly praising Xu Pei and Xu Fei.
Neither here nor there, making it hard for anyone to guess his position.
Xu Pei quietly sweated; he feared complications—if Liu Zhi suddenly changed his tune, all his careful planning would go to waste.
When he looked at Jiang Pengji, she shot him a reassuring glance, urging him to calm down.
Only then did Xu Pei ease his mind.
Liu Zhi had steered the ball away, but also circled back potential candidates—Xu Pei and Xu Fei.
Everyone present was astute; they knew that with the frequent movements of the Xu brothers before the alliance began, the battle for leader would undoubtedly be decided between the two of them.
A headless snake won’t go, after all, no matter how much they argue, they must bring forth a leader.
Xu Pei had a loyal following, while Xu Fei had his own supporters.
Jiang Pengji and Liu Zhi were like spectators enjoying popcorn, quickly cleaning the plates of dried fruits.
With only one plate at the table, they not only polished off their share, but also snatched up the portions meant for Li Yun and Dian Yin.
“I’m parched… after discussing for over an hour, fussing over such trivial matters…”
Liu Zhi chuckled softly, keeping his voice low, “When it comes to conflicts of interest, it’s always a drawn-out process.”
That’s why he wasn’t too fussed about the leadership role; it was a hollow title with no real power, why bother fighting for it?
Excluding Liu Zhi and Liu Xi, Xu Fei had slightly more support than Xu Pei. Too bad Xu Pei had gained Jiang Pengji’s “friendship” the day prior, and with the Liu father-son duo joining him, Xu Pei ultimately emerged with a clear advantage in securing the position of leader for this alliance.
Even though he had braced himself, when all was said and done, Xu Pei couldn’t hide his excitement.
Xu Fei’s complexion darkened several shades—
If it weren’t for Xu Pei’s deceit, traps, and pulling away support from the Liu father-son duo, the leader’s title should have been his.
With the leader successfully chosen, everyone gathered merrily, eating, drinking, and enjoying the dancers, exuding joy.
On the surface, everything seemed to be falling into place.
Everyone was brimming with confidence about dealing with Changshou Wang and reorganizing the court, with clear pathways ahead and bright prospects.
Inside the tent, music filled the air, and graceful beauties swayed their enchanting figures, captivating everyone to the point of drooling and becoming stiff.
The atmosphere was so lively that whether drinkers or non-drinkers, everyone had downed a bit.
Those who overindulged saw their inebriation blossom from neck to cheeks.
