Chapter 1605 – Conquering Nan Sheng, Eliminating An Huan (Nineteen)
Jiang Pengji casually brought this matter up to everyone, eager to share the amusing tidbit.
Feng Zhen shot a glance at the expressionless Wei Ci, then mischievously started stirring the pot among the Xichang group.
He said, “Perhaps that’s exactly what the People are thinking. Xichang is not like Dongqing; their understanding of our Lord is limited to just a few words, lacking any deeper insight. That Xichang Prince is of legitimate birth; how could he not have some ambition or strategies? Instead of enduring humiliation to gain military power and restore his nation, wouldn’t it be much easier to win over our Lord’s affections and gradually render him powerless?”
Wei Ci sneered, “Shameless.”
“Isn’t Zixiao skeptical?” Feng Zhen retorted, “Zixiao is well-read and knowledgeable. Hasn’t he read about historical figures who flattered the Yue family to accumulate power, only to kick their former wives to the curb once they soared to success? People only praise their luck, endurance, and courage, never mentioning that they climbed atop others to get where they are. Isn’t that shameless?”
Feng Zhen saw things clearly, or perhaps, as a man, he understood male ambition and thought processes well.
“Everyone says that right and wrong will be judged by future generations, but the historians writing this history are contemporary. The basis of future judgments relies on what these historians record. The artistry of historical writing often alters truths—give a historian a pen, and black can become white, and vice versa.” Noticing Wei Ci’s dark expression, Feng Zhen added with a grin, “What if that Xichang Prince harbors great ambition, first flattering our Lord to lower his guard, then using affection to worm his way in, only to ensure his lineage inherits our Lord’s vast estate? Who would that leave it to?”
Wei Ci declared, “A lack of self-awareness.”
Feng Zhen chuckled, “No matter how self-aware they are, before hitting a wall, thoughts tend to be optimistic.”
Jiang Pengji was munching on some seeds, watching Feng Zhen jab at Wei Ci, and couldn’t help but chime in.
“Enough, you’re making me sound like a lovesick fool. Am I that kind of person? In terms of schemes, a young scamp isn’t about to outsmart me. That Xichang Prince—whether he has ambition or not is clear upon viewing. If he has no ambition, that’s for the best; if he does, then he’s overdue for a lesson.” Jiang Pengji huffed coldly, munching on a few more seeds.
Feng Zhen shot an exasperated glance at his own Lord.
Defending someone like that was too much—he’d only said a few things and hadn’t bullied Wei Ci much, yet she was already eager to jump in.
Feng Zhen grumbled inwardly but respectfully bowed, “My Lord is indeed wise and mighty, surely not to be blinded by mere beauty.”
Jiang Pengji retorted, “Then what are you worried about?”
“That Xichang Prince may appear youthful, yet bears talents of the divine. This isn’t about fearing our Lord’s gaze upon him, which could lead to…” Feng Zhen, often the playful one, rarely ventured into dangerous waters around Jiang Pengji. Even when he did, his survival instincts would pivot the situation back, like how he abruptly changed his tone here, bowing deeply while solemnly saying, “I acted on my own accord; please punish me, my Lord.”
Jiang Pengji smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes.
Feng Zhen had laid all his cards on the table; his intentions were good. If Jiang Pengji were to pursue this, it would just be her being unreasonable.
“Come on, what can a sixteen or seventeen-year-old water lily youth possess in terms of divine talent? Everyone claims Zishi has seen the world; he still seems inexperienced. What can a child do to stir great waves? There’s an old saying, ‘Beauty varies, talent is rare.’ Having a pretty face is useless if it’s merely a decorative vase taking up space in my home.”
Of course, Jiang Pengji had seen that Xichang Prince. The losing faction criticized the boy endlessly, pointing out his short and chubby nose and saying he was incompetent… Jiang Pengji just watched them bicker and was surprised to see Feng Zhen jump in.
Feng Zhen carefully mulled over Jiang Pengji’s words, feeling deeply how sharp her tongue was.
Across from them, Wei Ci slightly lowered his head, though the corners of his mouth were lifting.
Feng Zhen: “…”
Best not provoke, best not provoke; the man of the great sorceress truly has backing.
Unable to help himself, Feng Zhen quipped, “My skills are shallow; I poorly showcase them before my Lord. How embarrassing.”
Jiang Pengji choked on his words, her daily urge being to smack Feng Zhen.
His remark seemed to mock Jiang Pengji’s extensive experience and superior skills.
“The world has endless beauties; there’s no need to examine them all. One need only witness the finest colors. Zishi doesn’t know; this is ‘quality over quantity’.”
Feng Zhen: “…”
As a strategist, he was outclassed by his own Lord in banter—seemed his skills were still lacking.
Jiang Pengji announced to everyone, “You all stay and see what sort of heavenly beauty captures Zishi’s eye.”
Feng Zhen: “…”
My Lord, will you ever stop?
It was just a jab at your darling heart, why hold a grudge?
Yang Si was enjoying the show from the sidelines, and don’t think Feng Zhen didn’t catch his soft snicker.
After a while, with Jiang Pengji’s tea getting cold, the two delicate royal offspring finally arrived in a hurry.
Not gonna lie, Feng Zhen’s taste wasn’t off; both the Xichang Prince and Princess were striking.
Despite their recent downfalls, the royal upbringing from childhood remained ingrained in them.
After cleaning up and changing into finely tailored outfits, their previously modest appearances were now in full bloom.
Indeed, people shine in good attire.
Jiang Pengji’s looks were beyond reproach; her unique aura, lacking the typical womanly gentleness but possessing another kind of charm. With outstanding looks and an authoritative presence, she immediately captured the Xichang Prince’s attention.
He had thought Jiang Pengji to be a rough-tongued and unattractive woman, always mingling with military folk and scarred by years of warfare, surely lacking care for her appearance—possibly a rugged, ugly old maid.
Yet upon seeing her, aside from her slightly heroic demeanor, he couldn’t pick out any flaws.
The slight feeling of shame from being gifted by the Emperor to other lords as a concubine was eased a bit in his heart.
The siblings bowed to Jiang Pengji, looking splendid.
As a beauty enthusiast, Jiang Pengji felt slightly displeased.
Though her reputation may be lacking, that didn’t mean she was lustful or indiscriminate!
“The distance between Dongqing and Xichang is vast—what brings you both here?”
With Qi Guanrang, Feng Zhen, and Yang Si in tow, Jiang Pengji wasn’t the type to be broad-minded. Given their ambitions, Feng Zhen’s interruptions, and Wei Ci’s reactions, she held no favor for these siblings.
She’d seen the letter from the Xichang Emperor but pretended to be unaware, letting them articulate their purpose in public.
For a man of noble birth to be sent as a concubine? What proud man could accept that?
As expected, the Xichang Prince’s expression changed instantly. He swallowed his rising emotions, carefully deliberated on how to respond, trying to cite historical examples to weave together the friendship between Nan Sheng and Dongqing, subtly hinting at his purpose while preserving some dignity.
He blurred the main point, emphasizing the friendship between the two nations, playing the victim, while skirting around the topic of marriage.
