Chapter 1527 – Attack on Nie Liang and Yang Tao, Aiming for the World (Sixty Six)
Everyone exchanged glances, falling into deep thought.
Qi Guanrang asked, “Aside from that, has there been any other movement from the Nie Camp?”
Jiang Pengji replied, “I just received intel from the scouts at the front. The Nie Army indeed shows signs of a slow retreat, but their defenses are extremely tight. If it weren’t for the scouts’ skills and their swift war horses, I fear they wouldn’t have made it back at all. Of the five scouting teams we dispatched today, only four returned…”
Scouts, as the mobile units responsible for reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance, were undeniably crucial. Under Jiang Pengji, the scouts had undergone specialized training and several reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance techniques were directly taught from the manuals she prepared. They could navigate terrains, find water sources, and even draw detailed maps. Their combat prowess also ranked among the best in the military camp.
To facilitate their work, Jiang Pengji equipped them with fine war horses from the northern frontier, specially crafted harnesses included. These mounts were not only fast and enduring but also had a powerful burst of speed, offering a significant mobility advantage that allowed them to escape swiftly even when facing large enemy forces.
Such high casualty rates among the scouting units could only mean one thing—they were facing some secretive major actions from the enemy.
Qi Guanrang inquired again, “Is there any news from Zhong Zhao?”
Jiang Pengji rested her chin on her hand and mused, “The two locations are far apart; by the time news arrives, the Nie Army may have retreated long ago.”
She couldn’t help but criticize the backward communication methods of this world while reminiscing about the advanced technology of her past life that allowed smooth communication across star domains. Indeed, technology changes lives and the nature of warfare. If only she had a mech right now, she could easily ascend to the throne.
Lacking sufficient information, they could only assess the enemy’s actual situation based on limited clues.
Sun Wen furrowed his brows, “Nie Liang was quite capable and managed to control several uncles from the Nie clan while alive. However, his sudden death left him with no time for last words, and a bunch of old ministers hurriedly elevated his son, Nie Qing, to power. Nie Qing is gentle and kind-hearted, which makes him unlikely to suppress the nefarious elements within the Nie clan. As he returns with nothing but about ten thousand troops, if a coup occurs within the Nie clan…”
What Sun Wen said resonated with Wei Ci and Qi Guanrang.
Nie Liang’s unexpected death left no chance to pave the way for his son, and the internal risks within the Nie clan were now apparent, far beyond what Nie Qing could manage.
If a coup were to erupt within the Nie clan, Nie Qing would be in grave danger, making Wei Ying’s anxiety and secretive withdrawal logical.
But—
Is it really that simple?
Jiang Pengji furrowed her brows, as if faced with a tough choice.
The slackers, too, tried to ponder, ultimately choosing to cheer for Wei Ci and the others.
【Star Abyss Meow Meow】: The slackers watching the stream really don’t need to think hard; just learn to cheer crazily for the military strategist.
【Blood Moon Soaring】: Judging by the current clues, it seems something went wrong within the Nie clan. The host can’t just stand by and let the tiger return to the mountain, allowing Wei Ying and the others to retreat, right? If they manage to escape and then return to stabilize the domestic situation, the host’s efforts would have been in vain. Following the principle of “kill when sick,” the host should dispatch troops to chase the Nie army, not letting them take care of both ends simultaneously.
With over two hundred thousand troops under Jiang Pengji’s command, if Nie Qing doesn’t receive reinforcements and dies in the internal chaos of the Nie clan, what a delightful script!
【I’m Not a Contrarian】: Wait, I feel like it’s not that simple. What if this is a scheme to lure the enemy into a trap and divert them away? If the host sends troops to chase the enemy, the enemy could then sneak around and ambush the Zhanjiang Pass, putting the host in a passive position!
【I’m Just a Contrarian】: But based on the current clues, the possibility of internal strife within the Nie clan and Nie Qing’s dangerous situation seems greater, right? Is the host really going to miss this opportunity and watch as the enemy leaves, allowing the tiger to return home and causing endless future troubles?
Nie Liang led over two hundred thousand troops here to fight, and Jiang Pengji garrisoned her troops at the pass, exhausting countless human resources, materials, and finances.
If the enemy just slipped away, would they come back occasionally to mock her? Wouldn’t that ruin her finances?
Jiang Pengji closed her eyes, not wanting to look at the barrage of comments, deep in thought.
After a while, she heard hurried footsteps approaching the tent.
“Report—The enemy is delivering a challenge, calling for our army to engage in battle three days hence.”
The messenger handed over the battle letter personally written by Wei Ying to Wei Ci, who passed it to Jiang Pengji.
She opened it and raised her right eyebrow as a glint of intent flashed in her gaze.
Whether as the emperor of her previous life or as the leader now, this expression meant one thing—she was angry.
“Truly petty and spiteful, even in a battle letter, they can’t help but insult. Do they think it’s fun to bully an illiterate like me?” Jiang Pengji muttered, suppressing the urge to crumple the battle letter into a ball. “What did I do to deserve such malice? Did I kill his wife or dig up their ancestral grave?”
It was just that she made the Lord Wei Ying’s emperor angry, and then took his brother away; it wasn’t such a deep grudge, was it?
Wei Ci immediately understood the tone of the letter.
His elder brother may usually seem genteel and polite, but his insults were quite sharp.
He remembered in the previous life, at Nie Liang’s funeral, Wei Ying penned a eulogy that sang praises for Nie Liang at first, then viciously ridiculed the poisoners, cursing them from top to bottom, and even dragging their parents and ancestors into it. The two poisoners almost fainted from rage in front of the memorial.
Qi Guanrang took a look at the battle letter; the words challenging them were few, most were sarcastic remarks.
Of course, a cultured man’s insults wouldn’t be crude, especially in a battle letter, but they were still infuriating.
Qi Guanrang spoke in a calm tone, “It’s just a petty tongue, no need for the leader to take it to heart.”
Jiang Pengji replied, “I’m not that petty!”
No matter how unpleasant the insults could get, when she first started her streaming career, the barrage of comments was a true spectacle of vulgar insults.
She managed to ignore those lowly insults that involved family ancestors; how could she be bothered by Wei Ying’s level?
In comparison, she was more concerned about Wei Ying’s intentions behind this battle invitation.
The scouts had just returned with news, and Wei Ying immediately sent out a challenge—who would believe there wasn’t a motive behind that?
Everyone clearly shared Jiang Pengji’s thoughts.
Was Wei Ying’s letter truly a challenge, or was it a ruse to cover up his true intentions?
Jiang Pengji’s fingers tapped on the brand new bronze table, her brow slightly furrowed—her previous table was ruthless turned into scrap and re-forged.
Qin Gong said, “This subordinate wishes to lead the charge into battle.”
The Zhanjiang Pass is not a garden for the Nie clan; they cannot come and go as they please. They must be chased down and given a beating!
Jiang Pengji waved her hand, “Not yet; let the three armies prepare for battle first and wait for news tomorrow.”
