Chapter 1211 – Zhao Shao’s Death (Nine)
Though not explicitly stated, Xie Ze’s intention was quite clear, and Li Yun naturally welcomed it with open arms.
Recruiting Xie Ze wasn’t difficult; this kid had far fewer schemes than Han Yu, and there was no need for Jiang Pengji to step in.
Since Xie Ze expressed his willingness to pledge allegiance, his medics were more cautious and attentive than before.
Taking down both Han Yu and Xie Ze didn’t mean Jiang Pengji could kick back and relax.
She had the skills to defeat Xu Pei and fend off Huang Song, thanks in no small part to her ally Yang Tao.
Yang Tao was willing to send troops to help her fight, but it wasn’t because he wanted to be a do-gooder—he wanted back the half of Zhangzhou that had been taken by Xu Pei and, of course, revenge on his father’s enemy, Zhao Shao. As Jiang Pengji captured Shanweng City, she naturally had to send Zhao Shao to Yang Tao without a scratch.
But—
“Where’s Zhao Shao? Still not found?”
“There’s been no news yet.”
It had already been three days since Jiang Pengji conquered Shanweng City.
While she meticulously cleared the battlefield, treated the wounded, and counted losses and supplies, she also dispatched people to take over Xu Pei’s faction.
Xu Pei’s faction was quite luxurious; many well-known figures could be found within.
In the myriad of people, some would rather die than submit, disdainfully looking down upon Jiang Pengji, while others were leaning towards allegiance.
However, Jiang Pengji’s place wasn’t a recycling center; not just anyone could join her ranks.
Xu Pei’s faction was vast, intertwined with influential families. Jiang Pengji wasn’t totally against these families; she just didn’t want them taking charge. If someone was smart, she wouldn’t mind reusing them, but there were too few clear-headed individuals like Feng Jin, most were political schemers keen to further their families’ interests, and recruiting them would spell trouble.
There were, however, a few who had often sat on the sidelines that could still be useful.
Han Yu was most familiar with these people, so Jiang Pengji specifically consulted his opinions.
In addition, there was a small handful of folks in Xu Pei’s camp who were just loafing around.
“Xie Zhaozhen is really rich, raising a few useless leeches without a care—”
Jiang Pengji didn’t hesitate to voice her critique, leaving Han Yu speechless.
“These individuals have a good reputation—”
To put it bluntly, recruiting them as retainers was just for maintaining a favorable public image, akin to ornamental plants—nice to look at.
Jiang Pengji clicked her tongue, stating bluntly, “No matter how good their name, it won’t fill my stomach! Instead, they’re eating my food and taking my salary, living far better than me! With this spare money, I could train another elite regiment!”
As a pragmatist, Jiang Pengji despised such empty pursuits.
As a newly surrendered strategist, Han Yu couldn’t argue much; he silently adapted to this unpredictable leader.
“Just send all of them back to their original homes, I won’t be taking their lives either—”
Han Yu: “…”
Could it be that Xu Pei’s surrender was partly due to this person in front of him?
Before Han Yu could let his thoughts wander, the sound of a messenger cut through.
Jiang Pengji looked up and welcomed him in, the messenger reported, “Reporting to the lord, Zhao Shao has been found!”
“Found him?”
After three days of tearing apart captives, Jiang Pengji hadn’t gotten a glimpse of Zhao Shao. Where on earth had he hidden?
“Where was he found?”
The messenger bowed his head to comply, and after hearing, Jiang Pengji was left speechless.
“No wonder we couldn’t find him all this time; turns out he was playing turtle—”
Zhao Shao knew that once Shanweng City was breached, his time would be up since Yang Tao wouldn’t let him off the hook.
Fearing for his life, he switched identities with a servant and disguised himself as a common refugee trying to slip away amidst the chaos.
However, after living in luxury, he had delicate skin and didn’t resemble a refugee at all!
As mentioned before, the men of this era liked to use cosmetics, some of the scholars even dressed more tidily than women.
Zhao Shao, being a scholar, couldn’t escape this trend. To maintain a fair complexion, he often consumed Cold Food Powder, making his skin so pristine that it could leave 99% of women feeling embarrassed. His face was smooth, poreless, and perfectly groomed.
At middle age, he still chased after trends, unlike other men who grew beards.
At a glance, his features were even more delicate than a woman’s.
Due to his poor disguise skills, Zhao Shao entered the refugee crowd and ended up attracting the attention of some thugs instead of being “protected.”
His belongings were snatched by the thugs, and with their prize in hand, weren’t they also entitled to some “fun”?
A group of thugs, starved for too long, were keenly interested in Zhao Shao.
Poor Zhao Shao, catching such a misfortune at middle age.
Even though Zhao Shao was a man of certain tastes, typically casual about gender, his noble standing meant he was used to being in control—when had he ever been pinned down like this? The thugs thought themselves unlucky, believing he was a beautiful lady, only to discover their mistake when they stripped him down, finding he had the same anatomy as them. If he had it, then what he pulled out was even bigger—they just couldn’t take it!
With that fire ignited, making it go out was tougher than you’d think!
Men are men after all; they had to make do.
The thugs spat and pinned him down while one readied a knife to mount a horse.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Shao’s delicate skin and figure were far more enticing than the average woman.
These thugs hadn’t had a good time in ages and indulged themselves for quite a while.
The messenger was oblivious to those details but vaguely recounted Zhao Shao’s recent experiences.
By the time Zhao Shao was found, he was nearly unrecognizable, his delicate skin bruised black and blue, nearly every inch marred.
Jiang Pengji lowered her gaze and asked one question.
“Who found Zhao Shao?”
The messenger answered honestly, and after hearing this, Jiang Pengji fell silent for a moment, while Han Yu frowned slightly beside her.
According to the messenger, Zhao Shao’s discovery was rather coincidental.
When the scout was on patrol, they spotted several disheveled and suspicious-looking thugs, clearly terrified.
Jiang Pengji had strictly ordered her troops not to disturb the common people, let alone bully innocent civilians—punishment for disobedience was death!
If the common people were in trouble, they could even seek help from her soldiers.
The scout felt suspicious and promptly captured the sneaky thugs, leading them to Zhao Shao.
That wasn’t the main issue; what concerned Jiang Pengji was that Zhao Shao’s hiding place was a bit off.
Zhao Shao had never left Shanweng City, yet no one could locate him.
If thugs were hiding and abusing him, wouldn’t they panic at such a thorough search?
Jiang Pengji furrowed her brow in thought and found an excuse to send Han Yu away.
“Someone go and—no, I’ll go myself.”
Taking advantage of the night, Jiang Pengji sought out Yang Si.
Zhao Shao had been “hiding” for three days; she didn’t believe there wasn’t something fishy going on.
After some speculation, she pinpointed her suspicions on Yang Si.
When Jiang Pengji arrived outside Yang Si’s tent, she could hear this guy chuckling heartily at something.
“…Colonel Jiang, you wouldn’t believe it, that scene… I laughed until the tears streamed down—”
Jiang Pengji: “…”
I have a MMP to say to you; for the next three months, roll off and eat cold buns!
