Chapter 1827 – Doubts (Part 2)
Cheng Jing sometimes felt completely bewildered, unable to discern what Jiang Pengji was truly thinking.
Xu Ke, at this moment, lacked neither status nor achievements; he only needed a reputation that could intimidate the petty criminals lurking about.
Just like Wei Ci had questioned earlier—
Xu Ke had always been loyal to Jiang Pengji, yet over the years, she hadn’t afforded him the chance to shine on the battlefield. Would he hold a grudge?
If it were Cheng Jing, he definitely would.
However—
“I actually think Xu Ke harbors no resentment toward this.”
So…
The relationship between Jiang Pengji and Xu Ke was puzzling, making it difficult for Cheng Jing, as an outsider, to voice his opinions.
Wei Ci hesitated, unable to keep from whispering, “…but… I believe that with Xu Ke’s temperament, he shouldn’t be content to stay in the rear… Even if it doesn’t reach the level of resentment, he should have some dissatisfaction in his heart; that’s only human nature.”
His past experiences confirmed this point.
Xu Ke was completely devoted to the kindness shown to him by his former master.
Even when the Emperor treated him favorably later, Xu Ke still secretly plotted a rebellion, cornering the Emperor in treacherous mountains and forcing her into dire straits. Even when the other generals realized what was happening and rushed to her aid, they all assumed the Emperor had already perished, because Xu Ke had concealed himself so deeply!
Of course, the outcome was that the Emperor single-handedly eliminated all the ambushed troops, sitting silently atop mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
She personally killed Xu Ke and severed his head.
Why did Xu Ke cling to his old master, even forsaking a bright future?
Wasn’t it because his old master had taken a chance on him when he was at a low point, giving him a weighty responsibility that lifted him from the depths?
Xu Ke placed great importance on reputation.
This trait, unchanged from his past life to the present, remained.
Wei Ci initially had no suspicion toward him; after all, Xu Ke had been managing the rear cautiously all these years, toiling silently for his master. Who would suspect him to be discontent? Until a remark made right before the master’s departure made Wei Ci realize that things might be more serious than he thought.
He couldn’t help but overturn all his previous assumptions and include everyone in the circle of suspicion.
On this basis, he asked himself one question—
If these people were to rebel, who would be most likely to control the situation without causing chaos?
It couldn’t be Qi Guanrang, it couldn’t be Yang Si, it couldn’t be Feng Zhen, it couldn’t be Han Yu, it couldn’t be Fu Wang, it couldn’t be Li Yun, it couldn’t be Nong Qin… All of these were important ministers to the master and excelled in certain aspects, but none could pull off such a feat. Only Xu Ke—only Xu Ke possessed that ability, seemingly inconspicuous, yet controlling all the vital lifelines. Even if the master suddenly passed away, as long as Xu Ke remained intact, the foundation of the entire power structure would not crumble. Whoever he supported could maintain their position.
From this perspective, Xu Ke was the most suspicious.
But—
Wei Ci couldn’t think of any irrefutable evidence to prove Xu Ke was a suspect.
He had no reason to betray!
If it were merely a lack of opportunities for fame and success, couldn’t he just mention it to the master?
Would the master be stingy with that few chances?
Would she disregard her subordinates’ wishes and trap them in one field, leaving them no room for development?
How could that be possible?
Back in the day, Han Yu was the first strategist under Xu Pei, capable of everything from military deployment to legislative drafting.
When the master supported him in pursuing his legislative direction, she carefully solicited Han Yu’s opinion, allowing him to slowly reduce his presence on the battlefield. Yet if he truly wanted to lead troops, the master would never refuse his request. If Han Yu was treated like that, how could Xu Ke be any different?
Wei Ci was torn inside.
At that moment, Jiang Pengji was in great danger; he couldn’t suppress his worry, yet he had to restrain himself from being overly suspicious of anyone.
The more he held back his doubts, the more paranoid and suspicious he became.
Seeing Wei Ci’s face etched with worry, Cheng Jing inquired, “You suddenly bring this up; does Xu Ke have something wrong?”
Wei Ci forced a wry smile, “Perhaps I’m just being overly suspicious.”
There were indeed contradictions in Xu Ke’s behavior, but they didn’t suffice to prove he was betraying them.
Without evidence, reckless speculation could lead to distrust; if Xu Ke found out, their relationship would be utterly destroyed, and they’d never speak again.
Cheng Jing replied, “It might not be simply suspicion.”
Wei Ci: “???”
He insinuated, “Jiang Jun seems to be on guard against Xu Ke.”
Wei Ci’s complexion paled.
Cheng Jing continued, “As mentioned earlier, Jiang Jun is incredibly perceptive. Wouldn’t she have noticed what Xu Ke was lacking? Given her personality, would she tolerate her subordinate suffering such grievances? She has considered everyone carefully; it’s unreasonable to overlook the most crucial Xu Ke.”
Wei Ci’s heart jolted; the hand resting on his knee trembled slightly.
Cheng Jing shook his head, “But just as you said, there’s no evidence for this matter; any speculation would only make us appear overly suspicious.”
To truly resolve this, it likely required the moment the mystery was unveiled.
“Zixiao, hasn’t something major been brewing recently?”
Wei Ci looked up to meet his senior brother’s gaze, feeling momentarily naked, with all his secrets laid bare.
He awkwardly averted his eyes, “No…”
“If it truly were nothing, knowing your temperament, how could you overthink things to the point of suspecting someone as important as Xu Ke?”
Not everyone’s heart is as wide as the sea.
Some lines simply shouldn’t be crossed; once crossed, one would offend others irreparably.
Wei Ci certainly understood this principle.
The only possibility was that he had discovered something, which made him anxious and troubled.
Wei Ci still shook his head, unwilling to utter another word.
He nearly forgot that his senior brother was adept at deciphering others and prying for words; it was a mistake to engage him in conversation today.
Cheng Jing remarked, “If you really suspect, then don’t let your guard down.”
Before leaving, Cheng Jing patted Wei Ci’s shoulder lightly, offering quiet encouragement.
In comparison to Xu Ke, he entrusted his little junior brother even more.
Wei Ci’s doubts about Xu Ke surely stemmed from some unspeakable reason.
“Have the items been sent over?”
Mr. Yuanjing, sitting in the corridor rolling yarn for his wife, looked up and asked upon hearing his eldest disciple’s return.
“Mm, they’ve been sent.”
“Look at your expression; it seems troubled. Has something happened with your junior brother?”
Cheng Jing was unwilling to divulge much of what Wei Ci had said, simply stating, “I’ve been studying celestial phenomena with the teacher recently and somehow gained some insights.”
“Hmm? What insights? Share with me.”
Cheng Jing pondered, “Jiang Jun’s ascension to the throne might not be very smooth.”
Mr. Yuanjing nodded, “Seems like you’ve learned well.”
The teacher’s wife snorted, “What kind of treasonous talk are you two engaging in?”
Mr. Yuanjing sighed, “I’m merely saying it has some minor twists—it’s not like I said she would flounder in the gutter; how can that be deemed ‘treasonous’?”
The teacher’s wife huffed, snatching away the yarn ball he had rolled and rising to check on the meal in the kitchen, leaving the space for them.
“Teacher, what you mean is…”
Mr. Yuanjing remarked, “The imperial star faces an impending crisis, however, one should still have faith in her; she is, after all, the child of destiny.”
Cheng Jing: “If that’s the case, why not warn Jiang Jun and let her prepare in advance?”
Mr. Yuanjing scoffed, “The crisis is also set up by Jiang Jun herself, designed to wait for the wolves and tigers to enter the fray—what’s the point of reminding her?”
Cheng Jing: “…”
“I suddenly regret supporting you two as officials. Encountering such a master, with even the slightest hint of doubt, life becomes unbearable.”
Being too clever isn’t good; who knows when one might get schemed against?
