Chapter 1622 – Suppressing Nansheng, Killing An Huan (Thirty-four)
Just as Jiang Pengji had guessed, that jerk An Huan intentionally recruited away all the able-bodied young men, leaving behind only the old, weak, sick, and insufficient food to survive the winter. Even though there had been many refugees starving and freezing to death in previous years, Jiang Pengji was now in charge.
As a warlord with a stellar reputation among the people, if there were massive casualties among her subjects, her reputation would take a bad hit.
If An Huan were to incite those struggling refugees to blame her, she would face a serious crisis.
Jiang Pengji had two choices: either abandon her reputation among the people and let tens of thousands starve and freeze to death, or cut back on the supplies meant for the war, which would undoubtedly cause morale to plummet when spring arrived due to a lack of resources.
No matter which route she took, Jiang Pengji was in a disadvantageous position.
Otherwise, why would An Huan so generously half-give up nearly two states?
To the outside world, Jiang Pengji capturing nearly two states seemed like she was on a roll, and had it not been for the weather changes, she might have marched south to dismantle An Huan’s stronghold. In reality, the profits to be plundered from these two states were too meager; if she hadn’t sent people to dig graves for some quick cash, she’d likely have to empty her coffers to cover these financial deficits.
Both An Huan and his followers thought Jiang Pengji would be overwhelmed by the starving refugees, sparking immense public outrage… but instead, Jiang Pengji slapped their faces with reality.
“What did you say?”
An Huan slammed down the wine jar, startling the Xichang Princess nestled in his arms so much that she bowed and knelt to apologize.
He showed no pity, staring at the messenger with a serious expression.
“Are you sure?”
The messenger replied, “I’m certain. The information coming in from all sides is consistent. After Liu Xi took control of the two states, the people…”
An Huan abruptly raised his hand to interrupt, furrowing his brows into deep furrows.
“No need to say more. Send someone to summon the military advisor for a discussion.”
An Huan had expected to enjoy the spectacle, but the reports coming back were not what he had envisioned.
After Jiang Pengji took over two states that were practically irrelevant, instead of mass deaths among the populace, it turned out they had a relatively stable winter. Wei Ci even seized the opportunity to dispatch the navy, publishing countless flattering reports about Jiang Pengji daily.
Wei Ci’s capability to command the navy far surpassed the standards of this era, often leaving the lords who had opposed Jiang Pengji at a loss.
Even though the noble families of Nansheng cursed her for digging up graves, her reputation among the common people unexpectedly soared.
“Win the hearts of the people, win the world.”
This saying applied not only to those in power but also to warlords striving for power.
Sure, Jiang Pengji had made enemies with the noble classes of two states, but she had also won the loyalty of nearly a million commoners.
In contrast, offending a mere few thousand toothless nobles wasn’t a big deal.
How long had it been since the people of Nansheng had a winter without war? Ever since the Nanzhong disaster began, they lived in constant fear, lying awake at night worried about bandits breaking in to kill and loot. It was evident how heavy their burdens were.
What the Nansheng nobles had failed to achieve, she, an outsider, managed to pull off.
The people longed for peace and stability, and Jiang Pengji gave them hope.
To further accentuate Jiang Pengji’s grandeur and selflessness, Wei Ci publicly shared some truths, such as how rare the warm clothing she had distributed was and how nearly emptied her coffers had become to ensure the people of the two states had a safe winter…
Though she didn’t provide the best life for the people, she had done her utmost, and they should know to be satisfied.
With Wei Ci’s efforts, the commoners of the two states practically worshipped Jiang Pengji as their savior!
“Insane! Completely insane! What kind of potion did Liu Xi give those people?”
When the nobles discovered grave pits appearing near their family cemeteries, they were furious. Meanwhile, hearing the commoners praise Jiang Pengji sent them (and An Huan’s group) into a tailspin.
An Huan sent people to spread rumors against Jiang Pengji, only for the rumor-mongers to get half killed by the commoners.
What ridiculous nonsense!
Was it false that Jiang Pengji dug up graves?
Was it untrue that she had slaughtered countless innocents over the years?
She was clearly a tyrant but had somehow been washed clean like a white lotus. Were people’s eyes truly blind?
An Huan devised another plan after his first failed, but unfortunately, it was blocked by Hua Yuan.
“The most important thing now is to prepare for next spring’s battle. The soldiers under Liu Xi are well-equipped for the cold; a surprise attack would yield minimal results.”
An Huan sighed, “I see, I was too eager.”
Facing off against Jiang Pengji, he was lying when he claimed not to feel pressure.
He felt immense pressure, like a mountain on his shoulders.
He just couldn’t share these feelings with others.
He was the Lord; if he felt intimidated, how could his subordinates maintain their resolve to win?
Hua Yuan was An Huan’s most trusted confidant at the moment, and with just a few words, he calmed An Huan’s anxiety.
After Hua Yuan’s reassurance, An Huan’s fretful emotions were significantly improved.
He asked Hua Yuan, “It’s been some time since you visited, do you have time to check up on him these days?”
Hua Yuan smiled apologetically, “I neglected the Young Master; that’s my oversight.”
An Huan wasn’t fond of that adopted heir, but due to some personal issues, he had no choice but to treat his adopted son as his successor. It helped stabilize public sentiment. However… at that moment, Hua Yuan quietly mentioned something that sent a shiver down An Huan’s spine.
He introduced An Huan to a renowned physician with extensive experience in treating male private issues.
An Huan’s heart raced, and he secretly met with the physician.
When an expert makes a move, you can immediately tell the result.
The physician accurately diagnosed An Huan’s ailment, unlike those who claimed to be helpless. This physician had a method for curing him!
An Huan naturally hoped for his own bloodline, and he could hardly contain his excitement, his expression momentarily twisting.
“Is… is it true?”
An Huan struggled to suppress his joy, cautiously asking the physician.
The white-haired physician replied, “If Duo Xi Gong carefully nurtures himself for a month, there will be results. Three months of treatment, and the hidden ailment can be cured.”
An Huan said, “Then I’ll trouble you to prepare the medicine.”
The physician replied, “A physician’s duty is to heal; you flatter me, Duo Xi Gong.”
Hua Yuan added, “Congratulations, my Lord. May you soon regain your son.”
An Huan nodded repeatedly, and after a moment, said, “Please take extra care of him. I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable.”
Having raised that adopted son as the Young Master for several years, there was a bit of father-son affection; this matter had to be kept from him for now.
Hua Yuan said, “I understand. You can rest easy, my Lord.”
He took the physician to secretly prepare the medicine.
When no one else was around, the physician, who had initially appeared calm, showed a hint of pallor.
Hua Yuan sneered, “Do what you’re supposed to do. Keep your mouth shut; anyone who talks too much doesn’t just lose their tongue, but their entire family will meet the same fate.”
The physician broke into a cold sweat, “Understood.”
