Chapter 1136 – Defeating Xu Pei, First Kill of the Lords (6)
Regardless of whether it’s an era of prosperity or chaos, talent remains the backbone of any force’s development.
Jiang Pengji’s strategists and military generals rely on cunning tricks, while Huang Song depends on the connections from his maternal family and Feng Jue’s network. Naturally, Xu Pei is no exception. Compared to the uneven talent structures of the former two, the latter’s talent pool is relatively singular.
Among the officials under him, aside from a few vassals of the Xu Clan, the rest are distinguished figures from various regions, with very few coming from humble backgrounds.
Even if there were any, most would end up in a dead-end position.
Whether civil or military officials, to be favored by Xu Pei, talent alone isn’t enough; one also needs a prominent family background.
For this, apart from a few individuals, most—including Xu Pei himself—see no issue.
Despite Xu Pei favoring noble families and disparaging the common folks, his reputation is significantly better than Jiang Pengji’s.
To manage his reputation, he often visits notable figures across the lands, perfectly portraying himself as humble and eager for talent.
Once his reputation is established, and everyone praises him, the rest naturally falls into place.
Like a blooming flower, the fragrance wafts out, attracting countless bees seeking nectar.
As esteemed figures flock to him, talents come knocking at his door.
After some selection, Xu Pei’s civil official team is essentially formed.
Xu Pei is a picky person with a hint of OCD.
Most civil officials come from high-born families, but there’s no way he could have only brutish military generals, right?
Hence, his military team boasts an all-star lineup, luxurious and unrivaled.
Take Xie Ze, who hails from the ambitious Xie family, his background overshadowing many other military generals and strategists, nearly rivaling that of Lord Xu Pei himself.
If this were twenty years ago, during the Xie family’s prime, Xu Pei would probably have felt overshadowed.
From any perspective, Xu Pei is a person who knows how to manage affairs.
Of course, being able to manage does not guarantee success.
Holding a stellar hand could still lead to the worst outcome; such a scenario isn’t impossible.
“Is the military adviser not eating? Is it the camp food that’s too coarse?”
Xie Ze chews on the dried veggies with his rice, swiftly finishing two large bowls, his movements neat and clean—his plate cleaner than his face.
After filling up to eighty percent, he finally puts down his chopsticks.
Noticing Han Yu deep in thought, lacking appetite, he couldn’t help but inquire.
Han Yu came back to himself, looking a bit awkward.
“No, it’s just that Yu is worried about other matters and got lost in thought for a moment.”
He picked up his chopsticks, taking a couple of bites; the rough rice was still slightly undercooked, and the tough dried veggies made him uncomfortable.
His peripheral vision caught Xie Ze’s empty food tray, with only a bowl of clear soup floating with egg drops remaining.
Both of them had the same food.
Han Yu found little taste in his meal, while Xie Ze seemed to enjoy it greatly.
“Xie Colonel is so unrestrained, it makes Yu feel ashamed.”
Han Yu forced himself to finish his meal; the more he watched, the more he admired Xie Ze.
Xie Ze wasn’t dull; he caught on instantly.
He laughed, “I’m just used to it; the food in the military is already considered decent.”
Though Xie Ze comes from nobility, the Xie family prides itself on martial traditions, unlike other noble families.
In an environment that promotes Confucianism, most of the Xie family disciples are military scholars, studying mainly military strategies.
Now that the world is in chaos, Xie Ze entered Xu Pei’s camp through a friend’s recommendation, becoming the top military general at a young age.
“Why were you worried just now, Military Adviser?” Xie Ze inquired. “If you don’t mind, you could share, and we can discuss it together.”
“This matter concerns you, Xie Colonel,” Han Yu replied. “Liu Xi is leading troops south, directly targeting Zhejun and Hujun. A major battle is about to break out, almost unavoidable. From Yu’s perspective, merely relying on Lord Xu’s forces might not be enough to withstand Liu Xi’s sharpness. The people under Lord are also underestimating Liu Xi; this mindset could lead to a significant loss. I’m thinking… perhaps we could seek alliances to restrain Liu Xi.”
Jiang Pengji uses the strategy of combining forces to break the deadlock, and Han Yu naturally can employ the same method to make her suffer.
Two against one is definitely better than one against one, right?
Xie Ze pondered for a moment before asking, “Military Adviser wishes to form an alliance with Huang Song?”
The lords around Xu Pei either lack influence or hold grudges against him. The weaker ones have mostly been swallowed up by Xu Pei, while those harboring grievances—like Yang Tao, who lost half of Zhangzhou—aren’t exactly eager for an alliance to take on Jiang Pengji.
Among more distant forces, only Huang Song and the neighboring Nie Clan from Zhong Zhao are available.
The Nie Clan is temporarily out of the game, clearing their internal politics; for now, they’re unavailable, leaving only Huang Song.
Speaking of which, Huang Song has wanted to deal with Jiang Pengji for quite a while now.
Han Yu nodded, saying, “Liu Xi and Huang Song have a grudge over the events in Cangzhou and Chenzhou; although it’s been smoothly resolved, the conflict lingers. If it weren’t for the overall situation, they would certainly clash. If something happens to our Lord, the next lord to be dealt with will definitely be Huang Song. Most of the strategists under him are clear-headed; they know the stakes involved. Huang Song and Lord have already reached a point of mutual dependence.”
If Jiang Pengji were to eliminate Xu Pei, the next target would surely be Huang Song.
If Huang Song aids Xu Pei against Jiang Pengji now, it’s a two-on-one scenario, increasing their chances of winning.
But if they wait until she deals with Xu Pei, Huang Song would be left all alone.
Considering these interests, an alliance between Xu Pei and Huang Song seems quite possible.
Xie Ze said, “In theory, it’s feasible, but—Huang Song is treacherous and may not agree. For him, it would be better to play the fisherman, waiting for our Lord and Liu Xi to tussle to a standstill, and then strike when the time is right—”
In that case, he could injure both opponents in one go, which is way more profitable.
Han Yu frowned, feeling heavy in his heart.
Xie Ze smiled, “Military Adviser seems quite wary of Liu Xi.”
The civil and military officials under Xu Pei look down on Jiang Pengji’s ragtag group, but Han Yu’s perspective differs from the rest.
“Yu has had interactions with Liu Xi since my youth; that person cannot be judged by normal standards—”
At this point, Han Yu paused, not continuing further.
No matter how far Jiang Pengji might go, the thought of that person brings forth memories akin to the dirty water left behind from upstream—
Damn!
One day, he’ll serve it back!
Xie Ze echoed, “Ah, underestimating the enemy before battle is a grave taboo; the Military Adviser’s concern is not unfounded.”
At this, Jiang Pengji was entirely unaware; even if she knew, she wouldn’t be afraid.
Waging war is not like a turn-based game of familial heritage; the one with the higher family score won’t automatically win, right?
If that were the case, would there ever be a chance for the impoverished to rise?
Jiang Pengji was currently in a meeting.
Knowing oneself and one’s enemy is imperative for victory in a hundred battles; doing one’s homework before going to war is quite necessary.
To uplift morale, everyone enjoys analyzing the enemy while simultaneously dragging them down.
Strategically belittling the enemy, but tactically valuing them.
Starting with Xu Pei, they began analyzing and then picking out the more renowned civil and military officials.
Han Yu goes without saying, an old acquaintance.
Wei Ci is practically his classmate; he even knows how old his rival is, not to mention the rest.
The recently active Cheng Xun is Cheng Yuan’s elder brother, which poses no great challenge either.
As for the other esteemed figures, their achievements before serving Xu Pei were also investigated.
For those not traceable, Wei Ci, the “encyclopedia,” will fill in the blanks.
