Chapter 1581 – Attacking Nie Liang and Yang Tao, Aiming for the World (Part 119)
Yang Tao tossed and turned, making a difficult decision.
Meanwhile, Yang Si’s life dangled by a thread in Yan Lin’s grasp.
“The old saying goes, leave a line for others, so we can meet again in the future. Does Yan Shaoyang not understand this principle?”
Knowing full well that Yan Lin was tough to deal with, Yang Si still boldly provoked him, ultimately landing himself in a dangerous situation, pinned to the ground in a threatening manner.
Hearing the commotion, the soldiers rushed in, only to find Yan Lin with a shard of glass pressed against Yang Si’s neck, surrounded by a menacing aura. The guards, aware of Yan Lin’s formidable skills, were hesitant to act, leading to a standoff.
At this moment, Yang Si continued to taunt, seemingly unafraid.
“Young Master Shaoyang, you must steady your hand. If that shard accidentally cuts my fragile neck and something goes wrong, it won’t end well for you.” Unlike the guards who were on high alert, Yang Si showed no concern, even waving his hand at them to back off. “Really, do you lack perception? Can’t you see I’m just joking around with Young Master Shaoyang? Why barge in like this?”
Yan Lin’s breath was heavy and rapid, his fingers white from gripping the shard tightly, his thin wrist trembling.
He had never encountered someone as detestable as Yang Si before.
Detestable to the point of disgust!
While Yan Lin had a good temper, he also had his limits: Yang Tao, his wife, and sister.
Today, Yang Si had dared to cross the line, which infuriated Yan Lin.
“Yang Jingrong!”
Yan Lin did not retract the shard, his eyes still filled with killing intent.
“I’m here, not deaf. Lower your voice. If you draw the guards in again, it won’t end well for you,” Yang Si continued to smile as if the one pinned to the table wasn’t him. “I haven’t said anything, so why the rage?”
Yan Lin clenched his fists in frustration, “Are you that certain my lord will yield to Liu Xi?”
Yan Lin understood well that Yang Tao was likely to surrender, but surrender did not equate to submission.
Former allied lords reduced to pawns under a rival; regardless of whether Jiang Pengji was willing to use Yang Tao, it was unlikely Yang Tao would want to serve her. Even if he did, could he withstand the chatter from outsiders? Did he know how terrifying public opinion could be?
Why was Huang Song idling at home?
Primarily political reasons. With Huang Song at home, he lost his former leader, thus reducing the likelihood of dissent. There was an additional aspect of pride; he had once held great power, and now being on equal footing with previous subordinates was a significant blow. Despite Yang Tao’s broad-mindedness, could he remain unaffected by the gossip of others?
Rather than have Yang Tao submit to Jiang Pengji, stuck in a limbo position while constantly facing slander from the outside world, it was better to cut off ties completely. Regardless of Jiang Pengji’s future achievements, in order to appease Yang Tao’s former subordinates, she would have to give him the distinctions and honors due. Why suffer in vain only to end up being suspected and melancholic?
Yang Si grinned, boldly declaring, “Today, besides my lord, no one can guarantee the safety of Yang Tao’s entire family. You’re a smart person, how can you not see through this? If Yang Tao had the guts to risk everything and protect his family, you wouldn’t need to send a letter. Since he lacks the resolve to sever ties, isn’t it natural for Yang Tao to align with my lord?”
Yan Lin replied, “You admit it’s alignment. Submission is submission, allegiance is allegiance; the two are not the same.”
Yan Lin could serve under Jiang Pengji, as could Qian Su, but Yang Tao was a different story!
Yang Si could not help but comment, “You’re getting yourself all worked up over two words?”
His life had nearly been lost.
Yan Lin withdrew the glass shard, his expression still dark.
Seizing the moment, Yang Si scrambled up from the table, hands instinctively feeling his neck to ensure there were no cuts before he felt relieved.
“But really… Yan Shaoyang, let me speak openly with you. Do you genuinely think someone like Huang Song is good?”
Although Yang Si enjoyed playing with fire, his admiration for Yan Lin was genuine. He wasn’t familiar with Yang Tao, but from the information he gathered, the guy was somewhat likable. Their leader had suffered significant losses while resisting the Nie and Yang clans’ pressure; if he could leverage Yang Tao’s acceptance, it might attract more talent and alleviate deficiencies among the military generals, achieving multiple objectives.
Of course, having Yang Tao submit also served Yang Si’s interests, as it would elevate his lord’s reputation to new heights!
Once word spread, the world would know that Jiang Pengji had set aside past grievances to embrace her former adversary and bestow responsibilities—it was a testament to her capacity and courage!
Naturally, this notion did not spring from a whim.
From Yang Si’s observations, Yang Tao and Yan Lin’s ambitions weren’t as grand as imagined, or rather, their weaknesses predetermined that they could not reach higher positions. People willing to sacrifice their careers for family inevitably would not become world-shaking heroes.
Did the lord worry about them stirring up trouble while holding their weaknesses?
Yan Lin precisely saw through Yang Si’s ulterior motives, which triggered his wrath.
“Huang Song may be flawed, but he’s better than being timid, dependent on others, or being pushed around.”
Yang Tao’s personality would make him oblivious to details; if he were suspected of causing trouble, he wouldn’t even know how he met his end.
Yang Si worried about Yan Lin exploding in anger again, so he smoothly changed the topic.
Elsewhere, Yang Tao had reached the end of his rope, with dwindling supplies for the troops and the rebel army showing no signs of retreat.
“I have something to discuss with you,” Yang Tao said seriously to Qian Su. “About the future.”
Seeing Yang Tao grow noticeably thinner and looking troubled over the past few days, Qian Su faintly guessed what was coming.
“Whatever decision the lord makes, I will follow.”
Yang Tao felt immensely burdened.
Everyone had entrusted their lives to him, yet he hadn’t fully lived up to the expectations and loyalty they placed in him.
Understanding and perceptive, Qian Su noticed Yang Tao’s struggle to speak and offered him a way out.
“What does the lord wish to do about the more than twenty thousand remaining soldiers?”
With a sense of despair, Yang Tao said, “I feel deeply ashamed for failing your loyalty.”
Qian Su reassured him, “There’s no need for the lord to blame himself… You’ve done all you can; the fate of heaven is beyond our control.”
Although his words were comforting, Yang Tao still felt uneasy.
Qian Su inquired, “Who has the lord chosen?”
“Liu Xi.”
Yang Tao named the expected choice.
“Liu Xi?” Qian Su remarked, “She’s much better than An Huan. An Huan engaged in tyranny, slaughtering Southerners and backstabbing allies, showing none of the demeanor worthy of a world leader. Liu Xi is powerful, and with the Nie Clan severely weakened, she won’t pose an immediate threat. As for other nations, Dongqing, Zhong Zhao, and Nan Sheng all appear to be moving under her influence.”
