Chapter 1599 – South Sheng Seized, An Huan Killed (Part 13)
Lü Zheng was a bit too hasty in agreeing to An Huan’s request.
He initially wanted to wear down An Huan’s pride as a noble and his bad habits before formally accepting the position.
A compliant leader who values his subordinates is far better than a clever fool riddled with flaws.
But of course, plans can’t keep up with changes.
The situation demanded immediate action, and An Huan’s acting skills were now maxed out.
Now, Lü Zheng is tasting the bitter fruits of his decisions.
Ever since the four southern tribes were defeated, An Huan, under Lü Zheng’s advice, ambushed various allied forces, absorbing their military strength and territory, expanding his influence severalfold. With this rapid expansion, An Huan began to feel untouchable, and his noble lineage started to surface.
Since Hua Yuan was mostly busy strategizing, Lü Zheng had fewer opportunities to shine in matters of statecraft. Over time, An Huan began to undervalue Lü Zheng, even finding him somewhat of an eyesore—expendable.
Lü Zheng hailed from Dongqing, and it was only after An Huan urged him repeatedly that he agreed to serve. His family was once composed of hunters, and he was born into poverty.
Hua Yuan, on the other hand, came from a prestigious background in Nan Sheng’s Ningzhou. Even after experiencing setbacks and having his family estate seized by uncles and aunts, he was still a member of the nobility. Hua Yuan actively aligned himself with An Huan, sharing similar ideologies, interests, and stances—such as the slaughter of innocent members of the southern tribes and eliminating any remnants of southern lineage… they had common enemies that made it easy to resonate.
In contrast, Lü Zheng repeatedly opposed An Huan’s atrocities against the southern captives.
Given their past companionship during hardships, it was acceptable once or twice; but the more Lü Zheng became an eyesore to An Huan, did he expect there wouldn’t be any tension?
Lü Zheng knew these truths well, but some things must be done even if they shouldn’t.
If everyone simply fawned over others for self-preservation and lacked the courage to speak the truth, what would be left in this world?
The Book Boy was aligned with Lü Zheng’s sentiments and felt quite concerned about his master’s situation.
Seeing this, Lü Zheng chuckled, “Why worry so much?”
The Book Boy replied, “I’m just worried master will suffer losses.”
Lü Zheng remarked, “What have you been reading that I’ve taught you? Don’t you know the saying, ‘A scholar serves those who appreciate him, while a woman adorns herself for the one she loves’? If An Huan finds joy in treating me like a great man, I will certainly repay him like one. But if he treats me like grass… Humph!”
That’s just Lü Zheng’s nature.
In a past life, he defended the city for his former lord, fighting to the bitter end, ultimately jumping off the city wall with curses for Jiang Pengji, as that former lord was worth his sacrifice. But An Huan today is not in alignment with Lü Zheng, and An Huan cannot make Lü Zheng fight desperately for him.
Lü Zheng only needed to fulfill his responsibilities. If An Huan is willing to listen, great; if not, then so be it.
The Book Boy was left speechless. Lü Zheng added grumpily, “Your master’s neck is quite precious, you know.”
“Oh, oh, oh! I understand now!”
As the Book Boy went about his chores, Lü Zheng felt a tinge of helplessness and heaviness in his heart, his brow furrowed tight.
Lü Zheng’s mood was rather complicated at this moment; to put it in terms the audience might understand, An Huan was like the character he painstakingly leveled up to max—he bought gear, farmed battle rank reputation, and dressed that character up in flashy appearances, only to have the account snatched by someone else.
Lü Zheng was frustrated, but his bond with that account wasn’t that deep, so it didn’t quite reach a “must-have” situation.
At worst, he could just level another character or grab a fully-leveled account!
Meanwhile, despite the chaos on An Huan’s side, Jiang Pengji was enjoying a tranquil time.
To present a serious face, Jiang Pengji had gone through considerable effort in her attire, having been dragged out of a warm bed by Wei Ci early on.
“If you are tired, my Lord, you could close your eyes and rest a little more.”
Wei Ci whispered softly in her ear, and Jiang Pengji half-closed her eyes, mumbling in response.
“Say… if I were to ascend the throne in the future, I’d have to wake up this early every day? How exhausting!”
Wei Ci replied, “There are major and regular court sessions. Major ones are held on New Year, Winter Solstice, and the Emperor’s birthday, with formal attendance in the main hall. Regular sessions are more relaxed and flexible; if you find it tiring, we can set later times.”
Of course, major sessions would require full regalia, showcasing imperial authority.
Regular sessions were more casual, leaning toward everyday attire; there was no need to waste half an hour daily on grooming.
Who has that much time to spare?
Jiang Pengji said, “Hearing you say that puts me at ease.”
Wei Ci laughed, “Are you already starting to worry about life after you ascend the throne?”
Jiang Pengji smiled, “It’s not that I’m afraid of waking up so early; I’m just worried you won’t have enough time with me!”
Wei Ci held back for a long time before managing four words, “Speak cautiously and act carefully!”
The day started off well with teasing Zixiao.
Jiang Pengji had a wonderful sleep the previous night, while Yang Tao and the others were tossing and turning, barely making it to dawn.
When the two parties met, Jiang Pengji sized up Yang Tao once more, confirming a fact—this truly is a world that judges by appearance.
Among the various lords, there was hardly a single ugly one, and all were above average in looks, with Yang Tao exceeding the 90-point mark.
Didn’t the audience of Dried Fish start going wild just by seeing him?
Their eyes had seen countless beauties, but for those they truly felt passionate about, they had to be authentic beauties. Yang Tao’s looks could stand up to their magnifying glass scrutiny; he was definitely a pure natural handsome!
Yang Tao was good-looking, and those following him each had their own charm.
【Stowaway Non-Money】: Tsk, this doesn’t seem like an official occasion to accept Yang Tao’s surrender; it feels more like a talent show!
【Qingfeng Wangyue】: Hahaha, now that you mention it, doesn’t that beauty just fit the role of the Empress?
The idle audience laughed, but Jiang Pengji couldn’t be so carefree.
When she had gathered Huang Song through an oath, it reassured him and his subordinates completely; now, recruiting Yang Tao, she certainly couldn’t afford to be reckless.
No amount of flowery rhetoric could rival a single line on paper.
Today’s mission was to accept Yang Tao’s surrender, but the main theme was still to negotiate the oath’s terms.
Although Yang Tao was on the defeated side, Jiang Pengji didn’t humiliate him; instead, she showed full sincerity, even thanking Yang Tao for leading his men to repel the invading Southern forces and protect the city, omitting any mention of what Yan Lin and others had done behind the scenes.
Sitting at the lower end, Yang Si felt a bit discontented.
But remembering his Lord’s favoritism toward him, he refrained from clashing with Yan Lin and the others.
With Jiang Pengji showing sincerity, Yang Tao was not foolish enough to bite the hand that fed him, leading to a very harmonious overall atmosphere.
After discussing for a while, Jiang Pengji suddenly brought up a request that took everyone by surprise but was already anticipated by Wei Ci.
