Chapter 1478 – Attack on Nie Liang, Confront Yang Tao, Sword Pointing at the World (18)
“What’s wrong, lost your tongue?”
Jiang Pengji casually waved her hand in front of Wei Ci, who remained adorably dazed.
Wei Ci was always so composed, like a statue that wouldn’t budge, so it was rare to see him this flustered.
Not in a hurry, Jiang Pengji chuckled and enjoyed the moment as Wei Ci blushed under her burning gaze.
“L-Lord?”
Wei Ci felt his heart racing to his throat, his ears pounding with the sound of his heartbeat so loudly that he wondered if Jiang Pengji could hear it. With this thought, his already flushed face turned crimson, earning a thumbs-up from Jiang Pengji. Unfortunately, they were in the military camp, and while she didn’t mind, she had to be considerate of Wei Ci—after all, a squeezed watermelon isn’t sweet.
“That person, his surname is Wei, given name Ci, courtesy name Zixiao.”
She practically whispered this into his ear, her warm breath fluttering against his sensitive earlobes, igniting a thirst in his mouth.
Jiang Pengji didn’t close the live stream, so their interaction was thoroughly broadcast to the stowaway viewers.
Dazzling Star Master: “Host, are you really out to get us? After holding back for so many years and not moving on Wei Ci, now you’re dropping dog food every few days. We can’t ignore it. We’re stuffed; the dog food is choking us—this live stream is full of dog abuse vibes.”
Charming Shadow: “Waaaah ╥╯╰╥! Host, you’ve changed! You used to flirt with stowaway viewers, but now you’re all about Wei Ci!”
Nie Beiling: “Host, tell us, do we stowaway viewers collectively add up to less appeal than Wei Ci? Is it that we’re not salty enough, or has your taste skyrocketed? Look here! Five million stowaways waiting for your favor!!!”
Stowaway Non-Money: “Deep down, you know it—it’s true, stowaways aren’t as important as Wei Ci.”
The stowaways silently watched the two feed each other dog food, feeling heartbroken; this live stream was far too unfriendly to single stowaways.
They had thought the host would keep them company in their singlehood forever, but instead, she had secretly betrayed the organization.
Jiang Pengji maintained some decency, not doing anything too embarrassing in front of five million stowaways, teasing for a bit before drawing back.
Wei Ci used considerable effort to suppress his excitement and regain his composure.
“L-Lord… ahem, why are you suddenly saying this?”
Wei Ci was naturally reserved, and even after encountering emperors in his past life, facing Jiang Pengji’s directness and boldness made him feel utterly shy.
Jiang Pengji said, “One stowaway told me that even if a relationship is established, without a promise, the other party will also feel uneasy.”
Wei Ci looked perplexed. “Stowaway?”
Jiang Pengji explained, “A stowaway is cured and dried fish; the saltier it is, the better it pairs with rice.”
She chanced upon that line while bored, skimming through the barrage. Initially, she thought it was unnecessary, but the earlier scenario reminded her that even the wisest can feel lost and uncertain when it comes to feelings.
She could afford a promise.
Wei Ci didn’t probe further into why dried fish would talk because sometimes, he truly didn’t understand what his lord meant.
Jiang Pengji glanced at the bullet screen and spotted a comment.
Cafeteria Aunt: “The host means Zixiao is the saltiest of stowaways, so you chose him to pair with?”
Wraith of the Moon: “Impressive, my lord! Your reading comprehension must be top-notch.”
Point Zero Dream: “Mystery solved! We can’t compete with Wei Ci because we’re just not salty enough—awkwardly polite smiles all around.”
The stowaways continued to joke around; meanwhile, Jiang Pengji secretly rolled her eyes.
“This move might make Nie Liang a bit stubborn,” she said.
Once Wei Ci calmed down a little, he shifted into work mode, the flirtatious atmosphere vanishing cleanly, prompting reluctant admiration for his skills. What a waste it would be not to spice things up after sharing feelings—the culmination of the mood!
But they were good at switching between love and work modes.
Jiang Pengji continued, “He definitely won’t let it slide, but this actually works in my favor. If Nie Liang is eager to strike, it saves me from risking an open confrontation. If he attacks, it will likely be a feint; he won’t give it his all from the start.”
Nie Liang had an army of over two hundred thousand, and that wasn’t just exaggeration; it was solid numbers!
This illustrated just how much pressure Jiang Pengji was under in this standoff.
However, she was confident that the outcome would be clear in no more than half a year—after all, Nie Liang was notoriously short-lived.
When a lord of a faction falls ill on the battlefield, even with an heir to stabilize things, the morale and combat strength would sharply decline.
On top of that, Nie’s camp had a piece of the system and Nie Yang who had ulterior motives toward Nie Liang and Nie Qing.
In Jiang Pengji’s view, the scales of victory were already tipping in her favor.
Wei Ci reminded her, “Our supplies still have a few batches that haven’t arrived.”
Jiang Pengji replied, “I know; we can’t show any signs of weakness.”
Nie Liang was cunning; if Jiang Pengji showed even a hint of weakness, he might unleash his full force.
After pondering, Jiang Pengji called for Qi Guanrang to discuss plans.
When Qi Guanrang arrived, he discreetly scanned the faces, lips, and necks of both before confirming there were no suspicious signs. Only then did he bow to Jiang Pengji and nod at Wei Ci, calmly taking a seat at the head of the tent.
Jiang Pengji said, “I’m worried Nie Liang may soon lead his troops to attack Zhanjiang Pass.”
Qi Guanrang secretly chuckled at his lord’s attempts to be coy; even the most composed individuals could erupt after facing multiple provocations, let alone a local lord. It was perfectly normal for Nie Liang to seek revenge. However, Nie Liang’s temperament indicated he wouldn’t gamble recklessly without assurance.
“It’s mostly a probing attack, a feint; don’t worry, my lord.”
Jiang Pengji said, “That may be, but we can’t let them uncover our depths.”
Qi Guanrang asked, “What does the lord intend to do?”
Jiang Pengji replied, “We need to discuss the defense plans—all about troop and supply arrangements.”
Compared to defense, Jiang Pengji was more adept at offense; she hadn’t deeply studied ancient defensive tactics.
For things she didn’t know, it was safer to consult professionals, and Qi Guanrang was undoubtedly among the best.
Everyone knew Nie Liang would seek revenge, but they hadn’t anticipated his move would come so quickly and impatiently.
Wei Ci sighed internally, marveling at how adept his lord had become in getting on people’s nerves.
He had little contact with Nie Liang but knew enough through his elder brother’s accounts from his past life.
The fact that his lord could make Nie Liang falter was something to take pride in.
The next day, Nie Liang mustered seventy thousand troops, gearing up for an expedition. Before departing, there was a flag-raising ceremony, with an unusual offering—not livestock or enemy heads but a brocade box adorned with various treasures, and within the box was something belonging to a woman.
