Chapter 1600 – Subduing Nan Sheng, Killing An Huan (Part 14)
“Shaoyang, why do you think Liu Xi suddenly made such a request?”
As Jiang Pengji’s sincerity was evident and there were no schemes from Yang Tao, the content of the alliance was quickly established, leaving both parties quite satisfied.
Yang Tao’s former subordinates, initially apprehensive about their futures, felt a significant weight lifted off their shoulders. However, Yang Tao himself couldn’t shake off his unease—was this a sign of trust or merely an opportunity for Jiang Pengji to plot his downfall?
“Lord… Zheng Ze doesn’t need to worry…”
Qian Su had to refrain from calling Yang Tao “Lord” for now; even though he hadn’t changed his boss title, it needed to be avoided. This was Jiang Pengji’s territory after all. This choice was also for Yang Tao’s benefit, reducing the chances of Jiang Pengji perceiving him as a threat and suppressing him. One mountain can’t hold two tigers; Jiang Pengji had to be the “Lord”. Qian Su was not Yang Tao’s vassal, and after some deliberation, he chose a respectful yet not overly familiar title.
Yang Tao crossed his arms and didn’t notice any issue with Qian Su’s change in address.
He sighed, “When my father was still around, he mentioned that Liu Xi is not someone you can gauge with common sense. Looking at her actions now, my father’s words turned out to be true. I really can’t figure her out. Shaoyang, have you gleaned anything?”
Yang Tao was somewhat smarter than average, but he still lacked the acumen that a strategist would possess.
After all, he had access to an external brain and had the option to seek help, so Yang Tao didn’t force himself into a corner.
Qian Su said, “Now that the alliance has been established, if Liu Xi truly had malicious intent, she wouldn’t reveal it at this time. Treating Lord Zheng Ze well brings multiple benefits, not only smoothing the way for recruiting Lord Zheng’s former subordinates and easing their suspicions, but also winning public favor among the people.”
Yang Tao replied, “I know this, but I just don’t understand what she intends to do.”
Having been a lord for many years, Yang Tao had absorbed quite a bit of strategy and scheming knowledge, unlike when he was younger and clueless, but he still couldn’t see what Jiang Pengji was playing at by letting him hold military power after his surrender. Was she really that relaxed about the idea of him using his charm to garner troops and possibly usurp power when Jiang Pengji let her guard down one day?
Qian Su had a guess but hesitated to voice it in front of Yang Tao.
Yang Tao urged, “If you have a guess, just say it. Do I seem like someone who can’t take it?”
Perhaps shedding the identity of “Lord” made Yang Tao more casual; he had now become a figure of nominal status without real authority. He didn’t have to maintain the same facade he once did, and he even draped an arm over Qian Su’s shoulder. While Qian Su stood tall and straight, gazing ahead with focused eyes, Yang Tao leaned awkwardly, looking as if someone had pulled his spine out.
Qian Su still hesitated, but Yan Lin stepped in to say it for him.
“Liu Xi… she probably wants to recruit you…”
Qian Su breathed a sigh of relief; this thought had nearly suffocated him.
Yang Tao blinked in confusion and pointed at himself, “Haven’t I already sworn allegiance to her and have a heart filled with submission?”
“The alliance you mentioned is about being raised by Liu Xi like Huang Song, becoming a leisurely rich man who doesn’t have to worry about anything. Later on, when Liu Xi ascends to the throne, you might be awarded a title of nominal worth while your descendants will just drift through life.” Yan Lin scoffed, “Liu Xi’s recruitment probably means she wants you to serve under her completely, solidifying your servitude, and after that, who knows what your days will look like.”
The former path involves wasting time but comes with security; to put it bluntly, it’s a cushy job with free food until death.
The latter path has potential for advancement but requires subservience to former rivals, and if one rises, they will be doubly cautious of them.
Historically, being a powerful figure who overshadows the lord has never ended well.
If someone who wields military power is also a former rival… well, their entire clan would be thrown into chaos.
Yang Tao finally grasped the thought pattern of the two and stroked his chin, “Has Liu Xi really not lost her mind in recent days?”
Yan Lin replied, “Liu Xi likely understands that Shaoyang won’t agree immediately, so she uses your familiarity with Nan Sheng as an excuse, letting you both fight in battles while exposing her own shortcomings, indicating that competent generals are few, and she wants you to help in overseeing military training… rather than empowering you to connect with military power, it’s more of a test to see if you have any objection to this matter so she can take countermeasures…”
Yang Tao was stunned, seemingly not expecting Jiang Pengji to put so much thought into the situation for him.
He suddenly felt indecisive.
“So, what should I choose?”
Qian Su sighed, “This matter has both pros and cons. The advantage is that if Lord Zheng accepts, he won’t end up like Huang Song, squandering his life away, and his descendants won’t be constrained. However, the downside is… if Liu Xi grows suspicious, both Lord Zheng and his kin find themselves in peril.”
Jiang Pengji appeared broad-minded at this moment, but who knew what future would unfold?
People can change; otherwise, how could so many betrayals and backstab opportunities arise?
Didn’t countless lords and their retainers all share a sweet honeymoon phase, only for it to result in betrayal later?
“Come on!” Yang Tao showed hesitance, “Liu Xi and Huang Song, what was their relationship? They drank together and went to the brothel. While I’ve had interactions with Liu Xi, it wasn’t any youthful romance. Why doesn’t she give Huang Song a chance but… this sounds unreliable.”
Yan Lin sneered, “Huang Song and Zheng Ze are different; Liu Xi isn’t someone who shows favoritism. She’s cold and clear-headed.”
Put nicely, it’s being “clear-headed and rational”; put bluntly, it’s “profit first.”
Huang Song couldn’t bring her any advantages, so why would she let that hidden danger hold power?
On the contrary, many of Yang Tao’s old subordinates were left by Yang Jian, with rich battle experience and profound military knowledge—obviously coming from a prestigious military lineage. If she brought Yang Tao on board, those old subordinates would be even more loyal to Jiang Pengji, considering their previous lords.
“While there are not many military generals under Liu Xi, those from reputable military families are scarce. In earlier minor confrontations, this flaw was not apparent, but having taken control of all of Dongqing, Nan Sheng only has An Huan left, bound to sink; Zhong Zhao has also been greatly weakened, hardly able to stop her ambition. With her ambitions growing, she will naturally seek alternatives to address her shortcomings.”
Yan Lin saw through Jiang Pengji’s intentions in recruiting Yang Tao clearly.
Yang Tao understood everything clearly and said, “This matter… might require some serious contemplation…”
For other lords, being defeated by enemies and surrendering was already humiliating enough; to further bow their heads in submission would surely make them choke on their own wrath.
