Chapter 1215 – The Death of Zhao Shao (Part 11)
“One can be killed, but never humiliated!”
Zhao Shao slowly regained his composure, and in his dazed state saw Yang Si still present, inciting another surge of blood that nearly made him faint again.
“I have no intention to kill you, and certainly haven’t insulted you,” Yang Si sneered, mockery dancing in his eyes. “Your life is quite valuable; it can’t end just yet. If you had died from anger a moment ago, that would have been one thing. But since you’ve recovered, it’s a sign from the heavens that this punishment isn’t enough. You must continue living in torment to reflect on your past mistakes—Zhao Shao, this is fate.”
Fury boiled within Zhao Shao, and after straining himself, he felt a searing pain from his rear that was better left unsaid.
Flushed with shame and anger as his enemy taunted him, his face turned a deep shade of purple.
Seeing this, Yang Si’s grin grew wider, making Zhao Shao wish he could pounce over and tear that smug mouth apart.
“Hmph—are you satisfied now?”
Yang Si stepped out, looking as if he’d just won the lottery, his demeanor buoyant and triumphant.
If it weren’t for Jiang Nongqin knowing the animosity between him and Zhao Shao, she might have suspected that he had engaged in something unspeakably depraved.
Yang Si feigned ignorance, cheerfully asking, “Jiang Colonel, what is being naughty?”
Jiang Nongqin chuckled, “Mischievous.”
Upon hearing “mischievous” from Jiang Nongqin, the usually shameless Yang Si suddenly felt bashful. Here he was, a man of thirty, being scolded like a child by a girl, and even someone with his thick skin couldn’t help but feel a bit shy.
“If no one offends me, I shan’t offend others!” Yang Si retorted, forcing a laugh. “I’ve learned my lesson after this beating; it won’t happen again.”
Jiang Nongqin pursed her lips, biting back laughter.
“The Lord has summoned you; don’t delay.”
She merely came with a message, keeping a watchful eye on Yang Si.
If this guy went too far and caused Zhao Shao to die from anger, who would they have to explain it to Yang Tao?
Yang Si dusted off his clothes with a serious face, declaring, “The Lord’s call must bear urgency; I shall go immediately.”
Jiang Pengji’s purpose in summoning Yang Si wasn’t dire; she just wanted him to deliver Zhao Shao to Yang Tao and discreetly gauge Yang Tao’s thoughts.
“Xu Pei has been wiped out, and aside from Haoshan, Chenzhou, and Zhangzhou, we’ve captured all the territory within Dongqing. Our choices are limited.”
Jiang Pengji pointed at the Kunyu map, her intention crystal clear.
After a brief rest, it was time for Yang Tao and Huang Song to be dealt with.
Yang Si was clever enough to grasp Jiang Pengji’s meaning without further explanation.
He squinted, pondering slowly, “If we liken Dongqing’s territory to a person, then Haoshan and Chenzhou are its organs, and Zhangzhou is its feet. Though one can live without feet, the organs are crucial—if they are removed, even if one possessed three heads and six arms, their time would be short. Even a little disturbance can cause severe abdominal pain—though not deadly, it’s quite annoying. What does the Lord think?”
From Yang Si’s perspective, he leaned toward taking action against Huang Song.
Firstly, Yang Tao had just formed an alliance with them, helping to hold back Huang Song and Xu Pei’s coalition.
While this alliance was mutually beneficial, stabbing them in the back right after using them would invite criticism.
Secondly, Huang Song’s territory sat awkwardly, flanked by Chenzhou and Haoshan to the south of Wanzhou, and Zhejun and Hujun to the north, directly targeting Jiang Pengji’s vital points. It was like a big circle enveloping a small one—Huang Song feared Jiang Pengji might seize the opportunity to devour him, and Jiang Pengji feared Huang Song would stir trouble.
If they neglected Huang Song, it would be foolish to attack Yang Tao instead, unless they were completely daft.
Thus, having Yang Si escort Zhao Shao was also a gesture of goodwill.
Analyzing from another angle, it fit the scheme of “distant alliances, close attacks.”
Yang Si’s words resonated with Jiang Pengji’s own thoughts.
Jiang Pengji smiled, “Exactly, does Jingrong have confidence in carrying out this task?”
Yang Si rose to accept the order, bowing, “I shall not disappoint the Lord’s expectations!”
Poor Zhao Shao, unaware that after exhausting himself, he was about to face the son of the old enemy.
During this alliance, Yan Lin did not agree with Yang Tao personally commanding from the center, but since their lord was stubborn, Yan Lin had to begrudgingly relent.
However, this was the most he could concede.
Jiang Pengji, as the lord, could still charge into battle, while Yang Tao was left rusting in the back, doing nothing.
Though the marching time was dull, the thought of his father’s nemesis being so close revived Yang Tao, making him feel like he could leap back to life.
He waited, and waited, longing for Xu Pei’s demise, but Zhao Shao still didn’t arrive.
“Lord—glorious news—”
Yang Tao was half-asleep, yawning while trying to read documents.
He wasn’t skilled with paperwork and usually sought Yan Lin to help him, but now that he was leading troops, Yan Lin was already burdened heavily; Yang Tao felt awkward adding more to his load. Shaoyang was such a good kid; he couldn’t wear him out—
He was just groggy when Yan Lin rushed into the tent like the wind.
Though he was in a hurry, Yan Lin didn’t lose his grace, still exuding charm.
“A—big, glorious news?”
Yang Tao jolted awake, his pen froze, a dark ink splotch contaminating the bamboo scroll.
Yan Lin wore a genuine smile, the kind that radiated joy from within, even his untainted eyes sparkled with happiness.
“Shaoyang, what joy has come?”
Yan Lin said, “Zhao Shao has been captured.”
“Zhao Shao? Where is that scoundrel now?”
Yang Tao’s eyes grew wide with fury, anger dispelling his previous docile demeanor, giving him the fierce air of a warrior.
Yan Lin replied, “The military adviser Lan Ting is personally escorting Zhao Shao; he’s currently waiting outside the tent.”
Yang Tao hastily commanded, “Quickly, bring him in!”
Saying this, he went to retrieve a large dagger from beside the tent, the very weapon his father Yang Jian favored most, a rare memento that reminded him of his father. He always carried it, hoping one day to use it to sever Zhao Shao’s vile head!
Years ago, a bowl of poisoned wine had killed his father, causing him to bleed from all seven orifices, convulsing in agony for an entire day and night before dying in unbearable pain.
Yang Tao still vividly remembered just how hopeless that day was, watching his father suffer and losing his vitality!
For all these years, he had constantly imagined what he would do if Zhao Shao appeared before him to seek vengeance.
All those long-held dreams were about to come true, making Yang Tao feel like he was living in a dream.
Stretching his neck, he unexpectedly found that only Yang Si had entered the tent.
“Where’s Zhao Shao?”
Yang Tao restrained his urge to look around, especially with Yan Lin still watching. He didn’t dare to.
Yang Si bore a slight smile, speaking modestly, “This man is disheveled and unfit to see others, lest he offend Lord Zheng Ze’s esteemed eyes and nose.”
Yang Tao let out an “ah,” his surging anger cooling down as he processed Yang Si’s respectful address.
He had never been treated like this before.
“What happened to Zhao Shao?”
Yan Lin furrowed his brows, keenly catching the oddity in Yang Si’s mention of “eyes and nose.”
Normally, it would be “lest he offend Lord Zheng Ze’s eyes.” By adding “nose,” it made Yan Lin suspicious.
Yang Si hesitated, then awkwardly explained, “Zhao Shao has an unfortunate condition of… you know, just realized he was to see Lord Zheng Ze; he panicked and…”
Yang Tao and Yan Lin: “……”
