Chapter 221 – When Did Meng Liang Die?
“System: ‘What kind of serious system would engage in such frivolous matters!'”
Honestly, this troublesome host was driving it mad.
In response to this, Jiang Pengji merely gave a high-cold snort.
System… is this truly considered serious?
Attracting men’s interest in one’s body with XX tools?
Consolidating men’s affection with fertility pills?
Ha, how absolutely serious.
Typical of someone who acts shamelessly yet wants to maintain a facade!
Jiang Pengji glanced at the two cards in her backpack, looking deep in thought for a long while before saying, “Speaking of which, it seems you haven’t assigned me any instant-trigger tasks for more than half a month… What, have you secretly removed that module?”
The system clicked its tongue, “How could that be possible? Once a module is loaded, it can only be unloaded after the second system upgrade. As for why there haven’t been any trigger tasks… let’s be honest, host, tell me how many times have you even left the house in this past half month?”
Aside from going to the farm, she just sat at home reading—such monotony, it was a wonder that the live-stream audience could still be entertained.
Jiang Pengji rested her chin on her hand, “So you mean if I went out more often, there might be a chance to trigger one?”
The system responded bureaucratically, “Theoretically, yes. The so-called instant-trigger tasks are issued when the system analyzes the people and events you experience and determines a need to assign a task. The more people you know and the more events you encounter, the higher the possibility of triggering a task… However, host, I suggest you take it easy.”
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “Take it easy?”
“Yes, the system just analyzed that you have the intention to deliberately oppose it, which isn’t good for you.”
The first instant-trigger task issued, and this host not only decisively refused to execute it but also accepted the punishment with composure, still appearing somewhat unsatisfied afterward… Considering all that, the system was 99% sure that the host was planning to stir up trouble again.
“Don’t be so paranoid; after all, we’re just in a temporary cooperative relationship, two grasshoppers on a rope. If I deliberately oppose you, what good would come of it for me?” Jiang Pengji spread her hands to convey her lack of malice, leaving the system to respond in silence.
Though their time together was short, the system had quickly come to understand that half of what Jiang Pengji said could be trusted.
After a long pause, the system finally spoke up.
“I’m glad that you can finally understand the system’s difficult position; I won’t harm you and hope we can get along pleasantly in the future.”
It seemed that the system and Jiang Pengji had reached an apparent alliance, restoring a harmonious state, yet they were like two merchants shaking hands, each hiding a sharp dagger behind their backs, ready to plot against each other and waiting for an opportunity to stab hard.
Jiang Pengji returned to the Liu Residence just before dinner and was met by the doorkeeper, who informed her that Liu Zhi was waiting for her in the study.
Furrowing her brow slightly, she replied indifferently, “I understand, I’ll go see Father.”
What could Liu Zhi possibly want with her?
Jiang Pengji had a vague suspicion that it was either related to last night’s bandit-crushing or something new from Meng Jun in Cangzhou.
Regarding the bandit eradication, she hadn’t actively told Liu Zhi, but she also hadn’t been hiding it from him.
The farmhouse situation was quite discreet, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Liu Zhi found out.
Upon entering the study, the first thing she noticed was Liu Zhi sitting upright with a furrowed brow, his fingers flipping through the documents on the desk, absorbed in thought.
After greeting him, Jiang Pengji asked, “Father, what did you summon me for?”
Only then did Liu Zhi look up and motion for Jiang Pengji to sit beside him.
“You…” Liu Zhi started to say something but abruptly stopped, looking somewhat conflicted, “…Are you injured?”
Jiang Pengji could guarantee that Liu Zhi had not intended to say that initially.
She shook her head, “I’m not injured.”
“Though a gentleman should not stand under a dangerous wall… I know your temperament, so advice will be of little use.” Liu Zhi sighed lightly, then showed a proud smile, “Most of those bandits are lowly rascals; they can’t be depended on. I don’t oppose your decision, but be cautious to avoid being secretly plotted against.”
Jiang Pengji replied, “Of course, the manpower is lacking; integrating more bandits than the former troops is bound to create risks. However, I’ve already fabricated a reason to eliminate those who are troublemakers. The remaining ones, while slippery and unsavory, are easily intimidated and controlled, so despite gathering together, they can’t cause any major issues…”
Liu Zhi tightened his grip on his left knee ever so slightly before relaxing it again.
He had expected his daughter to be reckless, leaving potential threats nearby only to later face backlash, so he rushed to see her to discreetly issue a warning, yet it turned out this child was even more ruthless than he anticipated.
“However, there are always exceptions; human nature is complex and changeable—perhaps I misjudged.” Jiang Pengji smiled lightly, saying, “Xiaoyu has done well; he’s managed to scatter the bandits he recruited. If that’s the case, no bandit will dare to cause trouble—”
At this point, a bloodthirsty smile suddenly appeared on Jiang Pengji’s lips.
“Just kill them.”
Those who can’t create value or contribute labor, yet drag her down—why not dispose of them promptly?
“I’m glad to hear you think that way.”
Liu Zhi sighed softly, his previously anxious heart slowly settling. He feared nothing but that this child would be too soft-hearted or perhaps too proud, leading her to sail smoothly in big matters but stumble over small ones.
“Father, rest assured, I’ll handle these matters appropriately.”
Liu Zhi nodded but then hesitated, looking at her.
“Since that’s the case, do you plan to go out again these days?”
Liu Zhi was hinting whether she aimed to confront the bandit stronghold again, to which Jiang Pengji instantly understood.
“No, I need to absorb and digest the previously collected ones first. Quality over quantity; too bloated a troop diminishes overall strength, which is counterproductive.” She planned to enforce training on those bandits for three to five days, evaluate results, and select them one by one.
The usable ones would be kept; the less capable ones would either be sold to the Tooth Shop or sent to work the fields.
After all, she wouldn’t keep idle people.
Seeing Liu Zhi still hadn’t left, she asked, “Father, do you have any other instructions?”
He lowered his eyes and quietly inquired, “When… did you kill Meng Liang?”
Liu Zhi knew his daughter would accomplish whatever she set her mind to but hadn’t expected her to just casually mention the act of killing Meng Liang.
Had he not whimsically recalled this unfortunate kid, he might have thought he was still alive.
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “Meng Xiaojiao has been here for how long? That kid Meng Liang has been buried for a few days now.”
Liu Zhi: “……”
