Chapter 120 – Unexpected Turns (Part 8)
“Get up. It’s my oversight; an ordinary woman really shouldn’t go to such a place to avoid trouble.”
So, if I ever want to sneak off and have some fun, it looks like I’ll have to go alone.
The hot soup at the Liu Residence is kept simmering all night, and as long as Ta Xue and Xun Mei ask, it can be delivered right away.
Jiang Pengji took a good bath, washing away all the lingering scent of perfume from her body.
“The hour is still early; Young Master might as well rest for a while. When it’s time, I’ll call you up,” suggested Xun Mei.
But after changing into her nightclothes, Jiang Pengji shook her head at Xun Mei’s offer.
Someone with a normal sleep schedule would certainly struggle if they suddenly stayed up all night, but Jiang Pengji was different.
As a genetically engineered warrior selected by the Federation, she had undergone extensive training, including how to meet her body’s sleep needs in the shortest time possible. Not only her, even regular Federation soldiers could go days without sleep with no issues.
“I’m not sleepy yet. You two go fetch the books from the study; I want to read a bit more. When dawn breaks, I’ll go pay respects to my mother,” she instructed.
Her mind was still sharp, her body felt great, and she didn’t need sleep at all.
Support ing her chin with one hand, she rhythmically tapped on the table with her fingers, illuminated by the lamp on the desk.
According to the geographical map, Cangzhou is a land of contention, easily defended, challenging to assault; it could rely on its natural defenses while utilizing its terrain and waterways for strategic advantages. Ordinary armies would find it hard to conquer, plus it’s a vital link between Dongqing and the other two nations—an essential gateway to the country.
Cangzhou has three natural defensive points: Han Chang Pass, Zhanjiang Pass, and Yumen Pass.
It’s not just the fortifications that make it critical; the waterway and land routes are incredibly developed here, facilitating the transport of grain and troops more efficiently than anywhere else.
If one could capture the third fortress of Cangzhou—Han Chang Pass, Zhanjiang Pass, Yumen Pass—they would essentially expose the heart of Dongqing to enemy forces, making it a smooth ride for a powerful military to invade. The fall of Dongqing could become inevitable.
Jiang Pengji knitted her brows; she could determine the importance of Cangzhou just from the map. There was no way the Meng Clan, established by the military, was unaware of its significance. Yet, knowing how critical it was, Meng Liang still provoked public outrage. What could she even say about that?
“Then again, isn’t Meng Liang so audacious because of the deep-rooted power of the Meng Clan emboldening him? In smaller terms, he’s just a wayward scion stirring up trouble, but on a larger scale, it’s like he’s digging his own grave…”
In normal circumstances, the Meng Clan would surely find a way to mitigate this and downplay the situation, but now it felt like a small fire—a flicker that could ignite a chain reaction and lead to a massive blaze.
Unfortunately, being in Hejian County, Jiang Pengji wasn’t familiar with the situation in Cangzhou and couldn’t make further judgments.
After pondering over the geographical map of Dongqing for a long while, she finally gathered her things. The outside daybreak had fully brightened, and Ta Xue and Xun Mei led a group of maidservants, timely delivering all the washing supplies. Jiang Pengji used warm water to wash her face, helping her feel even more awake.
“Does Young Master have any plans today?”
“Father probably won’t be up for a while, so have the Steward prepare the carriage. I need to visit the Buddhist temple and expect to return around noon. If Father asks, just tell him I went to see Master Liaochen at the temple; he’ll understand. If anyone from the estate comes to deliver messages, remember to jot them down, and I’ll handle them when I return…” Jiang Pengji rapidly instructed like a machine gun.
The System was still pondering over that golden treasure chest, “Why does the host want to visit that old monk?”
Jiang Pengji smiled mysteriously but didn’t provide a clear answer. However, the System would soon understand her motive.
Climbing the thousand steps to the Buddhist temple, Jiang Pengji wasn’t surprised to find a young monk in robes waiting for her outside.
The old monk might be a bit strange, but he had some unique skills that were not meant for outsiders.
Jiang Pengji figured that by the time she reached the foot of the mountain, the monk probably already knew she was coming.
Hadn’t it been said that her aura of killing intent had caused the temple’s spiritual vibes to fluctuate?
Master Liaochen was still in the same meditation room as before. Jiang Pengji approached without hesitation and sat on the cushion opposite him.
“I wonder, young benefactor, what brings you here today?”
Master Liaochen recited a Buddhist chant and rotated his prayer beads.
“Master, you could see my destiny before based on my features. Today, what else can you see?”
Was she here to provoke him behind Liu’s back?
Master Liaochen scrutinized Jiang Pengji’s appearance, noting that while her aura was denser than before, there didn’t seem to be any other changes.
Seeing he didn’t grasp her intent, she tapped more insistently on the table, needing to be more straightforward.
“What’s my fortune for today?”
Master Liaochen was momentarily speechless…
She climbed the mountain all the way to ask such a trivial question?!
The System was also at a loss…
It seemed to be slightly understanding the host’s intentions.
Master Liaochen cautiously said, “From observing your features, your fortune is undoubtedly excellent; no evil spirits will harm you, and your luck is high and vigorous.”
Even evil spirits would have some sense, right?
In reality, just by virtue of her overwhelming killing aura, any malevolent entity would likely steer clear of her.
Others fear ghosts, but with her around, it’s more like ghosts are afraid of her.
“Oh, thank you for the guidance, Master.”
Jiang Pengji clasped her hands together, performing a not-so-standard gesture of respect, leaving Master Liaochen looking bewildered.
Even as a venerable monk, he couldn’t help but wonder what kind of schemes this young benefactor had in mind.
As the System accurately guessed, Jiang Pengji merely used Master Liaochen as her “personal luck tester.”
If her luck was good today, it would be perfect for opening a golden treasure chest.
The System: “Stupid! So clueless!”
Since she was already there, she figured she might as well ask a few more questions to clear any lingering doubts.
“Master Liaochen, I have one thing I don’t quite understand. Who else, like you, can see the so-called Purple Micro Imperial Aura at a glance?”
Jiang Pengji believed it essential to clarify this question; she didn’t want to be ignorant of when others might attack her.
“This small detail is unnecessary for young benefactor to worry about,” Master Liaochen smiled as he stroked his beard, “I previously mentioned that a single thought can disrupt your chance of reaching the highest position, so this is not absolute. Naturally, others endowed with the Purple Micro Imperial Aura are not limited to you alone.”
Jiang Pengji furrowed her brows and asked, “You mean to say that in the future, contenders for supremacy will all have a version of the Purple Micro Imperial Aura, and that the strength of this aura is not fixed? The more potential one has to reach the top, the more potent their aura remains. If I were to act recklessly, lose the people’s support, and fail to maintain loyalty, wouldn’t all that strong aura eventually become diluted, turning me into a loser?”
