Chapter 1727 – Deploying Troops to Zhong Zhao?
Qi Guanrang indeed faced some upheaval, but this upheaval was good news for Jiang Pengji.
She assigned the military affairs of Zhanjiang Pass and Zhong Zhao to Qi Guanrang and Sun Wen, receiving regular battle reports from Zhanjiang Pass every so often. The contents of those reports were usually mundane, mere formal greetings and brief updates—documents you could take or leave. However, this time, it was an urgent report. Knowing Qi Guanrang’s temperament, it had to be something significant; otherwise, Wen Zheng would have handled it himself instead of bothering her.
“Are there issues at the front lines?”
The messenger replied, “Lord, don’t worry; it’s not bad news.”
Jiang Pengji, feeling somewhat impatient, detested delays. Rather than wait for the messenger’s slow recitation, she’d prefer to see the confidential letter herself. Snatching the letter from the messenger, she quickly unfolded it and began reading. The frown that had etched her brow gradually relaxed.
“Wen Zheng and Zai Dao indeed haven’t let me down.”
A subtle smile graced Jiang Pengji’s lips, her eyes glimmering with delight.
The messenger said, “The two military advisors ordered me to deliver this letter to you personally, waiting for your decision.”
Jiang Pengji pondered for a moment before sending someone to gather everyone nearby for a meeting.
“This matter is of great importance; we need to discuss it with others before making a decision. You can go now and wait; an answer will come in half a day.”
The messenger respectfully bowed, retreating a few steps before turning to leave the tent.
While waiting, Jiang Pengji happened to see several stowaway viewers complaining about her dragging her feet.
【Explosive Stir-Fry Plagiarist】: I don’t know what’s going on, but based on my years of experience, the streamer certainly has a plan. If you’ve already made a decision, why call everyone for a meeting? After following this livestream for years, I’ve never seen the streamer change her mind; it’s usually others who follow her lead… What’s the meeting for if it’s just a formality? Once or twice, fine, but this time? I seriously suspect the streamer is just filling time here!!!
【Iron Plate Grilling Plagiarist】: You make a good point; if the meeting outcomes are preordained, what’s the point? Reminds me of that design competition I entered—spent half a month preparing, and the winner was some relative of the host. Their design was nothing special—winning title didn’t match the substance. Aren’t we taking it for a joke?
From this angle, the streamer’s actually a bit of a jerk.
The earnest little angels, Wei Ci and the others, truly were quite pitiful.
A number of opinion-less stowaway viewers were led astray by these comments, actually thinking what they said carried weight.
Jiang Pengji glanced over and casually explained.
Although she did indeed have a decision in mind, she wasn’t one to blindly cling to it; if others raised good points, she’d be open to change.
The reality was, she and Wei Ci were often in sync, their decisions were usually unanimous.
What did this signify?
It confirmed her brilliance and wisdom! Of course, the astute Jiang Pengji believed that even if her decisions were correct, it was essential to inform and involve others, out of basic respect for her subordinates. She didn’t want to come off as overbearing.
In the short term, it might not seem like anything, but in the long run, it would definitely cause issues.
“There aren’t many in this world as clever as I,” Jiang Pengji stated sincerely, “Most clever people are reincarnated as my descendants, and that’s a slim hope. Future generations may not inherit my brilliance but may learn my ‘autocratic tendencies’—good luck with that.”
“Power and checks and balances are directly proportional.”
“The stronger the power, the more it needs external checks. Right now, no one can match me, so I have to restrain myself.”
In Jiang Pengji’s view, not just ordinary lords, but even tyrannical emperors needed some constraints. Unfettered power would inevitably lead to downfall.
Power breeds desire; even the wisest can succumb to such corruption.
She fancied herself resilient against the allure of power, but who’s to say about the next in line?
If ministers become accustomed to the idea that “the monarch can act with impunity,” what courage would they have to rise against wrongdoings later? Considering these issues, Jiang Pengji engaged in discussions with her ministers, striving to find common ground.
The stowaways were left in a sea of ellipses after her lecture.
Finally, an ancient legend broke the silence.
【Genius Guo Fengxiao】: I get the logic, but is this your narcissistic and shameless reasoning?
I’ve seen shamelessness before, but nothing like this streamer—not even a corner of the Great Wall could compare, and not even missiles could penetrate.
Jiang Pengji countered, “This is called self-awareness; everyone should reflect deeply and confront themselves.”
“After deep reflection, I must admit I’m just too damn amazing!”
The stowaways: “…”
【Stowaway Non-Money】: Streamer, take some meds! Brain pills aren’t too pricey, don’t give up on treatment!
In no time, this line was copied by countless stowaways, eager to wake Jiang Pengji up to reality.
Fortunately, Jiang Pengji wasn’t “invincible”; there were still those who could keep her in check.
As Wei Ci and the others hurried in after receiving the message, the playful Jiang Pengji immediately collected herself, becoming composed and dignified.
“I’ve received an urgent call—has something significant happened outside?”
Yang Si arrived, breathless and barely managing a coherent sentence.
“Since everyone has gathered, I’ll speak.” Jiang Pengji surveyed the room, retrieving the confidential letter from Qi Guanrang. “I just received an urgent message from Wen Zheng at Zhanjiang Pass. I cannot decide on my own, so I’ve called you all here to discuss together.”
She passed the urgent report around for everyone to read.
Wei Ci and the others maintained a calm demeanor, though their eyes widened, while several others seemed flustered, breathing irregularly.
After a while—
An old general stepped forward, clasping his fists. “My lord, I believe the internal chaos in Zhong Zhao has reached its end. Now is the perfect time for us to deploy troops against Zhong Zhao. Our elite forces number in the millions, secured in Dongqing, pushing south to Sheng. If we can seize Zhong Zhao as well, the world could be ours—”
Qi Guanrang’s battle report was straightforward, essentially stating Zhong Zhao had completely collapsed. He analyzed the general situation within Zhong Zhao and concluded—attacking now may not guarantee total victory, but capturing a third of it was certainly feasible.
Zhong Zhao, located in the heartland, boasted a temperate climate and countless fertile fields—definitely the choicest of morsels.
Everyone was eager to strike.
Having already secured Sheng, it felt frustrating to watch the lords of Zhong Zhao fight amongst themselves while stationed at Zhanjiang Pass.
The cries for war grew louder, with Qi Guanrang and Sun Wen pressed by many to deploy troops. Left with no choice, they sent an urgent report for Jiang Pengji’s command.
“What do you think—we should attack now?”
