Chapter 1823 – Feng Zhen’s Messenger Rap (Part 1)
When the ministers departed, everyone returned to their own tasks.
Qi Guanrang waved his feather fan and complained to Jiang Pengji.
“Lord, you shouldn’t speak like that in front of them; it makes you seem suspicious and untrusting, and history will definitely record this.”
For ministers, when a ruler fails to offer genuine trust, can there be any sense of security?
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “Do you think I spoke incorrectly, Wen Zheng?”
Qi Guanrang replied seriously, “What the Lord said is supported by reason, but too many people in the world love to deceive themselves and refuse to face reality.”
Until the critical moment arrives, everyone believes they are the most loyal and deserving of rewards based on loyalty.
In his earlier years, Qi Guanrang discovered that many so-called famous ministers had little capability—like the previous court of Dongqing—but they secured positions mismatched with their abilities through their so-called loyalty to the ruler, brainwashing themselves into confidently declaring their unwavering loyalty. Yet, when Dongqing’s dynasty fell, these people were the quickest to shift blame.
The flags they erected back then only serve to slap their faces now, but these folks don’t even feel the sting.
It’s quite fascinating, even more so that their own Lord scoffs at the actions and words of these people, almost pointing at their noses saying not to play this ridiculous game; one’s capabilities should match their position, and swearing loyalty to her won’t earn even a grain of rice in preferential treatment—
“Let them write, it won’t cost me a piece of meat!” Regardless of being cold-hearted or hypocritical and suspicious, as if their chatter could resonate with her, “People who possess such ridiculous thoughts—be they those from the future or even contemporary ones—aren’t worthy to stand before me and say those words. So why should I care about how they yap?”
After hearing this, Qi Guanrang fell silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, waving his fan more joyfully.
What attracts Qi Guanrang most to Jiang Pengji?
It’s not just their mutual understanding; it’s that unyielding confidence and pride that hasn’t changed since her youth!
For Qi Guanrang, this allure far surpassed the appeal of a drug for an addict.
“Wen Zheng, let’s discuss something.”
Jiang Pengji gazed at the fan in his hand, extending four fingers, signaling him to recognize that he was a man in his forties, his body not what it used to be, especially during heavy snow—could he refrain from brandishing his precious fan? It’s fine to hold the fan, but could he not wave it around? After so many years, hadn’t Qi Guanrang noticed that no one liked to hang out with him during winter?
Qi Guanrang’s smile gradually faded.
The idle folks in the livestream had kindly given him a heartfelt post.
Heads can roll, blood can flow, but never lose that fan!
As someone who takes action, when Jiang Pengji says she will deal with Beiyuan, she means it, so she promptly sent someone to negotiate with Beiyuan’s guard commander.
The guard commander wasn’t a foolish simpleton; he hosted a banquet for the envoy, sipping wine while prying for information.
Questions like, why was your Lord amassing troops in Xue City, is there going to be a war?
Although this truth was evident to even a fool, before the actual onset of battle, everyone still had to pretend to be deaf and mute.
Upon hearing the question, the messenger Jiang Pengji sent quickly explained that it was because the Beiyuan refugees were causing immense suffering for the common folks at Dongqing’s borders, and thus the current situation arose. There was zero intention of undermining the friendship between the two nations; it was merely a request for justice for the suffering populace.
→_→
This level of lying was roughly equivalent to claiming detergent as a chemical weapon—a total absurdity.
If they truly wanted justice, why on earth would they need to station 250,000 troops right at someone’s doorstep?
Of course, the guard commander didn’t dare respond directly to the messenger’s questions, not even admitting that those refugees were Beiyuan citizens.
Our Beiyuan people are generous and just; how could we possibly commit acts of arson, plunder, or assault against the citizens of a neighboring country?
If there were indeed illegal smuggling, it would be nothing but decent folk trying their best.
The messenger took this as an opening to chat further about—hey, isn’t Beiyuan’s taxation quite heavy? How much tax do the citizens pay each year? With that many taxes, are their lives good? Do they have enough to eat, enough warmth in their clothes, is their house drafty? Listening to those refugees, it seems the situation within Beiyuan isn’t so good, wouldn’t you want some help from the big brother next door? After all, it’s all about the well-being of the common people, right? Don’t be shy—
The guard commander was sweating profusely; he could manage at first but soon felt that this messenger knew far too much!
Yet, the messenger was sent by Jiang Pengji; no matter how joking he got, he couldn’t just be killed off.
After discussing these matters, the messenger turned his attention to the guard commander’s family situation.
Questions like—
Where does the old iron come from? Aha, he’s actually from a commoner’s background; wow, this dude is something else, starting from scratch in this day and age, not easy at all. How many family members does he have? Where are his uncle, aunt, sister-in-law, nephew, and niece now? This old iron is out here fighting but must be missing them, huh? How’s the salary? Is it enough for the family to manage? If not, have you considered switching jobs or seeking a better position?
The guard commander turned pale, and just as the messenger was probing and stepping on his boundaries, he couldn’t explode in anger.
Most importantly, while putting up a front, the guard commander revealed plenty of personal information.
The messenger obviously came well-prepared, knowing how he faced difficulties from those of noble birth above him, was aware of how much credit was misappropriated from him, and even knew that his wife had been mocked by other ladies in public gatherings. He was aware of all his grievances over the years!
How does one quickly bond with another?
Of course, by commiserating together over the gossip they disdain about each other, becoming someone’s listening garbage can.
Even though the guard commander didn’t vent to the messenger, he was still swayed.
At that moment, the messenger didn’t propose a backdoor deal; instead, he brought up successful examples that mirrored the guard commander’s background. Look at those generals under Jiang’s command, many hail from martial families, but plenty are also commoners not stifled from achievement.
Seeing that the guard commander wasn’t convinced, the messenger feigned surprise at mentioning some “rumors” he’d heard.
“I’ve heard that my Lord’s reputation in Beiyuan has many inaccuracies and falsehoods, has the general heard about this?”
The guard commander was taken aback, cold sweat forming as he laughed, “How could this be? From where did the envoy hear such things?”
If the reality that Beiyuan was maligning Jiang Pengji were confirmed, admitting to that chaotic smear campaign would have Jiang Pengji storming in under the banner of “unsanctioned military action,” fighting to defend her honor with a solid rationale.
Throughout history, there have been plenty of rulers humiliated who brought doom upon their states.
Even if war was inevitable, the guard commander couldn’t let them hand him a pretext.
The guard commander resolutely denied it, prompting a continuous smirk from the messenger.
After several rounds of drinks, the messenger expressed a desire to speak privately with the guard commander and hoped he would dismiss others.
The guard commander, already on edge, hesitated for a moment but agreed.
Seizing this opportunity, the messenger extended an olive branch, promising many generous conditions.
The guard commander flatly refused.
His loyalty to Beiyuan ran deep; he was willing to sacrifice his life and blood for Beiyuan, giving everything he had!
