Chapter 1526 – Annihilating Nie Liang, Attacking Yang Tao, Sword Aimed at the World (65)
“It’s more chaotic than I imagined.”
Even though killing the Zhao Family would get Yang Tao thrilled, Jiang Pengji still intended to go through with it. She wanted this act to make the gentry of Zhangzhou think twice and make them realize one crucial lesson: the lords contending for the world aren’t some cabbages they can choose at will!
Changing loyalties is fine, but once you do, play it straight! If there are any ulterior motives, then don’t blame the God-Slaying Blade in her hand for being too sharp.
“I detest betrayal the most!”
As long as no one crosses her bottom line, she’s actually quite easy to get along with.
Once that line is crossed? Heh, then there’s nothing to say.
In addition to this affair, there was also the punishment for Feng Zhen’s misjudgment; she planned to settle that after the war ended.
“Yan Lin shouldn’t be underestimated, but Feng Zhen truly let his guard down.”
Qi Guanrang and Wei Ci went outside together, quietly discussing what had just happened. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that Jiang Pengji wanted to let Feng Zhen off lightly and give him a chance; she didn’t plan to punish him severely… Of course, this situation wasn’t entirely Feng Zhen’s fault.
“I agree with the first part, but I can’t agree with the second part,” Wei Ci laughed. “For Yan Lin to support the somewhat reckless Yang Tao to this point, he’s got to have some skills. If you think Zhen underestimated him, that’s also a bit off. If Wen Zheng were Zhen, would you fall for his trap?”
Wei Ci understood Qi Guanrang’s temperament, which was somewhat similar to their lord’s—distrustful of those he doesn’t know, yet trusting of the ones he does.
From any angle, Zhao Family’s defection made sense; it was also hard for others to believe the Zhao Family, who had a significant feud with Yang Tao, would help him set up a trap. Therefore, after accepting the Zhao Family, even if there were doubts about the Kunyu Map, they couldn’t afford not to use it.
Using this Kunyu Map meant Yan Lin’s scheme was already halfway successful; the other half depended on the result of the clash between the two armies.
Based on the pseudo-topography, predicting the enemy’s layout in advance, the three ambushes were all correctly placed, showcasing how tricky Yan Lin could be.
Even with Wei Ci’s past life experience, encountering Yan Lin wouldn’t bode well.
Qi Guanrang furrowed his brow a bit, looking somewhat dark as he said, “It’s hard to say; most likely, we’ll still fall into his trap.”
The situation set by Yan Lin couldn’t simply be avoided with mere suspicion or cautious temperament.
Wei Ci showed no surprise at Qi Guanrang’s response.
Following the trajectory of his past life, it was Qi Guanrang who truly clashed with Yan Lin, not Feng Zhen. He had suffered several minor setbacks under Yan Lin. Although he won later, it wasn’t easy; had Qi Guanrang not lured him in, designed to capture Yan Lin, based on the military strength at that time, Yang Tao—this roach-like character—would still be bouncing around for several more months, causing even greater losses to both armies.
Of course, this wasn’t to say Qi Guanrang was inferior to Yan Lin.
Although Qi Guanrang’s rise on the Golden Scales Pavilion’s civil servant rankings had political factors, it was more about personal prowess.
All scholars have their strengths; truly comparing them head-to-head is quite challenging.
Yan Lin enjoyed the advantage of home turf, so it was expected for both Qi Guanrang and Feng Zhen to suffer losses under him; the difference lay in how great those losses would be. Speaking of which… those were a thousand elite naval troops and a hundred warships; that was quite a loss.
In the previous life, when the emperor waged war against Yang Tao, Wei Ci was still under An Huan’s command, and their relationship had turned from sweet to stiff.
Since he hadn’t personally experienced it, Wei Ci knew little about this battle, only that he was aware of the basic military configurations and casualties of both sides.
This was bound to be a protracted war; a momentary win or loss didn’t signify much.
Wei Ci smiled, “Wen Zheng has a bit of faith in Zhen; don’t let his lackadaisical demeanor fool you. When the time’s crucial, he’s still quite reliable.”
Qi Guanrang snorted coldly, noncommittal.
“Hey, isn’t that Feng’s young master? Why are you standing here dawdling?”
Wei Ci noticed Feng Yi standing outside, waiting for someone, and called out with a smile.
Feng Yi saluted Qi Guanrang and Wei Ci respectfully, “Good day to the two uncles.”
Wei Ci lifted the military tent flap with a smile, “The sun outside is blazing; come in and sit a while.”
Feng Yi nodded.
Qi Guanrang asked him, “Are you here regarding your father’s affairs?”
Feng Yi replied, “Yes, I feel quite uneasy and hesitated for a long time, but I still wanted to come and see what the uncles have to say.”
“You’re quite honest; if it were your father, he’d probably be trying to muddle through this,” Qi Guanrang said, his usually stiff face breaking into an unnatural smile. “There’s no need to worry; our lord has no intention of blaming him. Once your father triumphs, he will be able to atone for his mistakes.”
“With uncle’s words, I feel relieved,” Feng Yi sighed in relief, then his cheeks showed hints of embarrassment as he awkwardly explained, “I just received a family letter from my stepmother, and I was worried that this matter would cause her distress…”
So that’s the reason.
Wei Ci chuckled inwardly; no wonder such a steady Feng Yi came specifically to poke around.
After Feng Yi left, Qi Guanrang remarked, “Though they’re a mother and son from different roads, their relationship is quite good. I truly don’t know how that Feng scion manages it; he himself is unreliable but manages to have a wise and capable wife and a well-bred son—it’s quite enviable.”
Wei Ci said sourly, “Perhaps he’ll have an even better son in the future.”
Feng Yao, heh!
Back when selecting a companion for the crown prince, he should have kicked that kid out.
Why does Feng Zhen’s family only eye other people’s good cabbages?
Qi Guanrang asked leisurely, “Can Feng scion still manage?”
Feng Zhen was both drinking heavily and dabbling in Cold Food Powder. Although he had abstained under the lord’s pressure, how could such a son survive?
Wei Ci revealed a complicated expression.
What good is it to ask if Feng Zhen can manage?
Yet, he did know—and that’s truly a headache.
Wei Ci didn’t dwell on it for long before a runner shouted him away—his lord has summoned him!
After hearing this, Qi Guanrang showed a complex expression, gesturing for Wei Ci to go ahead; he didn’t need to see him off.
The runner continued, “Our lord calls for both military advisers to come over.”
Qi Guanrang acknowledged with an “oh,” his expression still devoid of any embarrassment.
He smoothed the folds of his sleeves, and both of them headed to the command tent together.
“What could this be about now?” Qi Guanrang asked curiously.
Wei Ci didn’t know either, simply responding, “We’ll know once we get there.”
Like everyone else, they returned to their tents and barely got settled before their lord called for them again.
After so many visits in a day, their legs could turn to noodles.
“The Nie army seems to intend to withdraw.”
As soon as everyone gathered, Jiang Pengji casually dropped that bombshell, leaving everyone dazed.
Withdraw?
The Nie army?
Surely not.
Nie Liang wouldn’t budge even if they knelt before him; what’s with the withdrawal now?
Wei Ci frowned, “Could it be that there’s a problem at the rear?”
He had heard some gossip about the Nie Family. When Nie Liang was alive, they still knew to be wary. Now that Nie Liang passed away on the battlefield, and Nie Qing hastily took over, those uncles of Nie Liang wouldn’t want to see a junior relieving himself over their heads, would they?
“Most likely, that’s the case. With their rear unstable, the army staying at the front might lead to a situation where they haven’t won the battle, but their home base gets snatched away,” Jiang Pengji mused, stroking her chin. “However, we can’t rule out the possibility of a diversion… What do you all think?”
