Chapter 1256 – The Onset of War (Seventeen)
News arrived that Wei Ci was sent to express condolences in place of Jiang Pengji, and the Liu Clan members felt a swirl of emotions.
They were aware that Jiang Pengji’s branch had become independent, not only slapping the Liu family in the face but also turning them into a laughingstock for everyone. They wished they could stand tall and shout for her envoy to leave, yet they secretly relished that she hadn’t forgotten her clan—she still sent someone to mourn for her grandmother.
Just as Liu Ji had said before, “Humans are the knife, while I am the fish.”
The law of survival in chaotic times is that only those with strong fists can speak boldly.
Without a powerful backing, be it the gentry or feudal lords, sooner or later, they would all end up as plump fish on someone’s chopping board.
In recent days, the Liu Clan had witnessed far too many incidents contrasting red with white. What had once been a lively household had turned desolate, and this stark difference left many feeling genuinely uneasy. This made them acutely aware of the importance of power and strength.
Though they detested Wei Ci in their hearts, they still had to force out smiles, terrified of provoking him.
Wei Ci, however, paid no mind to the conflicting sentiments around him. After meeting Liu Heng, he solemnly offered incense to the Old Matriarch.
Liu Heng didn’t know Wei Ci and was unsure of his temperament, so he tread carefully around topics, probing for Jiang Pengji’s stance.
Wei Ci furrowed his brow, concern etched on his face as he reported, “My Lord heard about the Old Matriarch’s passing and is utterly heartbroken. It has significantly affected her health, triggering old ailments, and she’s currently bedridden. It’s not that she’s unwilling to mourn in person; it’s simply that she is too weak.”
What?
My cousin is ill?
Liu Heng instinctively questioned. But realizing his emotions might provoke Wei Ci’s displeasure, he quickly attempted to remedy his outburst.
“The health of Lord Lan Ting has always been robust. How could old ailments cause her to be bedridden?”
Wei Ci seemed to overlook Liu Heng’s thinly veiled skepticism and sighed with worry, “My Lord is quite obstinate and prefers to handle everything herself. In the previous battles, she always led by example; although her life wasn’t at risk, minor injuries were inevitable. She refused to rest, and over time, that built up potential dangers. Before setting off, my Lord was still unconscious, and the Young Doctor said she would need at least three days of deep sleep to wake up.”
Jiang Pengji was an actress, but Wei Ci was no less of one.
As he spoke, memories of the emperor’s severe illness in his past life cast a heavy shadow over his expression.
Liu Heng’s heart dropped, and he found himself believing most of it.
He asked, “Is Lord Lan Ting in serious danger?”
I hope it’s nothing too severe.
Wei Ci sighed, “The Young Doctor advised against any strenuous activity or worry. She’ll need to focus on resting for three to five months.”
Three to five months?
Liu Heng felt a chill creep through him.
Three to five months of recovery? That’s a serious illness!
The two stood by, speaking in hushed tones. The mourning hall was quiet, though there were mourning children and grandchildren grieving aloud; their cries were not continuous and usually had breaks, allowing their conversation to be overheard by those with keen ears. Liu Clan members kneeling on mats whispered prayers while trying to catch more information.
Upon hearing this, everyone was alarmed.
Liu Xi is actually sick?
It sounds pretty serious?
What a joke!
Then again, she must have lost her mind to fake illness to avoid mourning. Is she afraid of having her back stabbed by the world?
Wei Ci asked, “Why have I not seen Lord Liu?”
The Liu Clan is still under Liu Ji’s stewardship, which is why Wei Ci referred to him as “Lord Liu.” If it were Liu Heng in charge, the title would differ.
Mentioning his father made Liu Ji’s expression turn solemn.
He replied, “My father has been busy with grandmother’s funeral arrangements and fell ill a few days ago. He can only rely on medicine to get by now.”
Wei Ci lamented, “…In these troubled times, once we get through this phase, things will surely turn around…”
Liu Heng nodded, hoping Wei Ci’s words would become reality.
Wei Ci’s mission from Jiang Pengji was not merely to light incense; he had tasks to fulfill as well.
Liu Heng felt grateful toward him.
Despite Wei Ci’s too-exuberant appearance that made him seem unreliable, his capabilities were excellent.
With his assistance, Liu Heng felt the burden on his shoulders lighten considerably, finally able to take a breath.
Meanwhile, the word spread to Huang Song, who, like Liu Heng, was skeptical.
Jiang Pengji left a lasting impression on him; she was stronger and more vibrant than a wild bear. How could she fall ill so easily?
It felt as if a mountain that had stood for eons suddenly crumbled—others simply couldn’t accept it.
Not long after, a confidential letter reached his hands.
The messenger who delivered the letter arrived at Hejian County around the same time as Wei Ci, and its contents were reports from spies embedded in Jiang Pengji’s army.
Opening the letter, Huang Song’s expression quickly turned complicated.
“Lan Ting… is really unwell? Is it this serious?”
According to the information from the spies, following Jiang Pengji’s severe illness, the military camp indeed became chaotic. The stoves for boiling medicine never cooled down, as numerous renowned physicians were frequently summoned to treat Jiang Pengji. The spy was meticulous and suspicious; though he couldn’t approach Jiang Pengji, he somehow managed to take some medicinal residue and discreetly contacted the Young Doctors who had treated her.
Not every Young Doctor would keep a tight lip about their patients’ conditions, especially concerning the grand schemes of warlords.
From the gathered information, it was clear that these doctors faced significant challenges, often appearing worried and frowning deeply.
Of course—
It wasn’t that these Young Doctors were particularly good actors but merely due to the fact that they were indeed treating a woman on the brink of death.
Jiang Pengji was inherently cautious; if she were to perform, she would go all out, refusing to overlook any detail.
Huang Song’s spies were highly competent, but when faced with her, who could remain unscathed?
“Come, check what these medicinal residues were used for—”
Huang Song felt a flicker of uncertainty in his heart, but his suspicious nature kept him from fully believing it.
He divided the medicinal residues into several small samples and discreetly had different Young Doctors examine them, each delivering similar diagnoses.
Upon receiving this information, Huang Song sat dazed for a long time, from afternoon until evening.
To say the least, he would react like anyone else in his situation.
The pressure Jiang Pengji had placed on Huang Song over the years had made him perpetually feel a sense of urgency, forcing him to strive and stay cautious.
As it seemed they were about to clash swords and battle for survival, the very mountain that had been weighing him down was now about to topple?
Is this some kind of joke?
Qiqi, witnessing his expression, couldn’t help but ask with concern, “Young Master, what has happened?”
Huang Song took a deep breath, revealing an expression that was hard to describe.
“Lady, it seems Lan Ting… is gravely ill…”
Qiqi rolled her eyes internally. “You believe this?”
Huang Song nodded, “I do!”
Qiqi knew just how suspicious her husband was; if he believed it, it was likely to be true.
“What… what happened?” she asked, astonished. “Young Master, why don’t you invite a few physicians over to discuss?”
Huang Song slapped his forehead.
“Thank you for the reminder, Lady. I was so startled I forgot all about them—”
