Chapter 1636 – Taking Nan Sheng, Killing An Huan (Part 47)
“Does Jing Rong have the guts to bring this matter up to the Lord?”
Considering the Lord’s hard work, does that imply she has been possessed by some wild creature? Isn’t that indirectly saying the Lord was too indulgent before?
Even if Yang Si was speaking the honest truth, the Lord wouldn’t like to hear it.
If she finds out, Wei Ci fears that by next year, the weeds on Yang Si’s grave could grow three feet high.
“I don’t have the guts, I wouldn’t dare! I was wrong!”
Yang Si quickly waved his hands; his survival instinct saved him once again.
Wei Ci stated, “The Lord has matured, a fortunate thing for us.”
In the previous life, the Emperor only began to work hard after assuming the throne, resembling a student who slacked off all summer only to frantically catch up on assignments in the final days.
This time around, things have changed early, and I suspect the future situation will be much better than in the previous life, at least avoiding the alienation between ruler and subjects to the greatest extent.
Wei Ci’s reflection was heartfelt, but Yang Si couldn’t help but unleash his inner sarcasm.
Matured?
That’s the age when peers are already arranging marriages for their children?
Yang Si glanced at Wei Ci with a strange look, chuckling awkwardly, “Matured? At this age, the Lord is practically old…”
Wei Ci: “…”
No need for the Lord to lift a finger; he now just wants to send Yang Si off to eternal bliss.
Although Jiang Ji always claims she is academically challenged, with the lowest scores in cultural subjects among the past commanders, that doesn’t equate to her being the ‘academic failure’ people imagine. Isn’t it like when someone says “Peking University is alright,” and it really just means “alright”?
For ordinary people, it remains an institution to look up to.
By the same token, Jiang Ji referring to herself as academically weak is only in relation to her counterparts.
Once she starts focusing and improving, everyone will experience their Lord’s overwhelming strength.
Yang Si and the others complained just two days later.
Normal affairs that would take three days to handle would usually take Jiang Ji about one day, so what does she do with the extra time? Obviously, she pulls tasks from the future into the present, and as her subordinates, Yang Si and the others have to keep up with the pace.
With the speed increased, it unwittingly added to their overwhelming pressure.
At this time, Yang Si and Feng Zhen began to reminisce about the days when their Lord was a hands-off shopkeeper.
When their Lord was a hands-off manager, she didn’t neglect important matters; now kicking into workaholic mode, she’s pushing them to their limits.
“In the past, I indulged in leisure and neglected duties; thankfully, you all have not given up on me and have been so tolerant. From now on, I will not let you down.”
What Jiang Ji said was a sincere promise. Not only did she admit to previously being “lost in pleasures,” but she also guaranteed that she would change.
As a Lord, openly acknowledging faults to her subordinates—this caliber of character was commendable.
Formerly prejudiced towards her, Yang Tao’s old ministers began to see her in a new light.
Of course, while some felt relief, others expressed skepticism, suspecting Jiang Ji was just experiencing a fleeting moment of passion. After all, her previous image was deeply ingrained. Even some idle folks thought the same; they never expected Jiang Ji to be serious, to actually follow through.
[Cleansing Breeze Tissue]: The once composed, somewhat sassy caster suddenly exudes leadership; it’s quite an adjustment.
[Arrogant and Cool Ming]: Really? I still feel like the caster loves to laugh just as much. What kind of leader would be like her?
[Boss, I Want Carrots]: Who says not being stoic means lacking leadership?
[Stowaway Non-Money]: I actually feel like the caster now fits her role more. Being playful and mischievous can be relatable, but being relatable isn’t always a good thing. Some people think getting close to those in power means obtaining power themselves; not everyone possesses self-awareness. When the caster is friendly, they assume she’s easy to push around, losing the authority a ruler should have. Once subjects perceive their ruler as lacking in dignity, rebellion and overstepping follow. Right now, such phenomena don’t exist since the caster is still a chaotic warlord, exuding a heavy air of danger; no matter how playful her façade, it can’t hide the countless lives she’s taken. But once peace ensues and the populace becomes settled, some shortsighted people will only remember her affability, forgetting her ruthlessness, and then act boldly.
Ease can corrode one’s alertness, making them forget their past caution.
[Fifth Luo]: What the big shot said is right. Misplacing reliance on proximity to the powerful, leading to misguided assumptions of having power, is a fundamental flaw. This reminds me of the notorious nanny case from a few years ago. The employer pampered the nanny with high pay, inviting her to join meals, giving red envelopes during holidays, and helping her son find work. The employer treated the nanny so well that she began to feel superior, leading her to theft and child abuse, ultimately culminating in violence due to conflict, where she committed robbery and murder.
There are countless similar cases.
Overall, the idle folks largely supported the changes.
Jiang Ji, having focused herself, also chose to keep her returns obscure. For several days she didn’t appear in public view, claiming illness, with only a few confidants allowed to see her. Yang Si and the others’ loyalty was unquestionable, and the spies from the Nan Family naturally couldn’t uncover anything.
Not receiving any messages from the assassins, the Nan Family initially felt a wavering tension. No matter how cautious the assassins were, once successful, they would shake off pursuers and quickly report back, yet not a trace of news was forthcoming. Unusual occurrences signal hidden agendas.
Hearing that Jiang Ji had fallen ill since that day of winter swimming, they dared not be certain.
Oh, the heart—much like weeds teetering atop a wall, swaying left and right.
Rumors of Jiang Ji meeting her end had begun to run rampant among the common folk. Wei Ci, the total commander of the water army, not only didn’t intervene, but rather stoked the flames, convincing even the populace to believe it, and even swaying some ministers who seldom saw Jiang Ji.
Especially Yang Tao’s old subordinates; a few privately sought to gauge Yang Tao’s intentions.
What intentions were they sensing?
Naturally, they were trying to figure out if Yang Tao had any thoughts about rising again during this opportunity!
How could a former lord willingly bow down to another?
Of course, since the rumors of Jiang Ji’s demise were unsubstantiated, those inquiring were quite vague, and such rumors couldn’t be presented as evidence. Yang Tao, recalling their past connections, sternly rebuked them to extinguish their thoughts.
Whether Jiang Ji was dead or alive, he was well aware.
With over a hundred assassins ambushing her without causing a scratch, if disloyalty existed right under her nose, she wouldn’t know how she’d died. Yan Lin, being sharp, specifically reminded Yang Tao to never reveal any solid evidence of Jiang Ji being alive, but also to avoid affirming her death—always remain ambiguous!
Yang Tao instantly understood, his expression troubled.
“Is Shaoyang worried about an insider among us?”
Yan Lin sighed, “Whether or not the insider is from us, we must clear our names at the earliest.”
Jiang Ji was caught squarely by the assassins; someone must have acted as an insider for the Nan Family, relaying information.
On the day of the incident, only Jiang Ji, Yang Tao, and their guards and confidants were present.
If it wasn’t one of Jiang Ji’s, then Yang Tao had a problem.
The former situation could be resolved once Jiang Ji investigated and clarified; however, if it was Yang Tao… it would surely drag him down with her.
