Chapter 278 – Envoy from the Northern Frontier (Part Four)
Jiang Pengji had predicted the disastrous outcome of Nan Sheng’s defeat early in the morning. However, she didn’t expect that the news of their plea for military aid would only just reach Dongqing and coincidentally collide with the wedding envoy from the three clans of the Northern Frontier. Now Dongqing was in deep trouble!
Although Dongqing and Nan Sheng had their skirmishes, they were still considered two sons of the same father, even if they had parted ways; whereas the three clans of the Northern Frontier and the Southern Barbarians were outsiders eyeing their inheritance.
To put it plainly, Dongqing and Nan Sheng were like two siblings who shared the same blood, but the Northern Frontier clans and the Southern Barbarians were greedy enemies looking to snatch their family fortune. To protect their ancestral wealth, the two nations would have to temporarily set aside their grudges and join forces.
If Nan Sheng were truly crushed by the iron cavalry of the Southern Barbarians, Dongqing would face the dual threat of being attacked from both the Northern Frontier and the Southern Barbarians, with national annihilation looming large. That’s why Nan Sheng sought military aid from Dongqing, and Dongqing had no choice but to lend it; they were in a symbiotic relationship!
However, lending troops would inevitably affect Dongqing’s border defenses, putting their own fighting forces against the Northern Frontier in jeopardy.
For years, the three clans of the Northern Frontier had been battling Dongqing, with Dongqing losing more times than winning, and yet Dongqing dared to heroically advocate for “valuing civil over military affairs.” One could foresee that after Nan Sheng came to borrow troops, Dongqing’s military strength against the Northern Frontier would be diluted. It was no wonder the Northern Frontier envoy had such an arrogant air!
Liu Zhi sighed and said, “The Northern Frontier clans have been eyeing Dongqing for quite some time. I only hope the Official Master stays clear-headed and doesn’t invite a wolf into the house. Marriage alliances are not a permanent solution… but from the looks of it now, it seems like it’s too late…”
Feng Ren looked at his son with pity, his son’s pale face drained of blood was painful to see.
Upon hearing Liu Zhi’s sigh, he sneered coldly, holding a scorn for the man seated on the Dragon Throne.
Although he knew he wouldn’t get any justice from the palace today, Feng Ren wanted to let that Emperor know that the Feng family was not to be trifled with!
After offering an apologetic salute to Liu Zhi, Feng Ren left with his son, who had just tended to his wounds, his expression still frosty.
After such an ordeal, many people lost interest in soaking in hot springs.
Suddenly, Jiang Pengji felt a pat on her shoulder.
“I never expected you would have such handsome martial skills! It’s so impressive that it makes people want to cheer! I can’t stand those bastards either, but I just can’t beat them like you can. They say Northern Frontier warriors fear nothing, but looking at them now, it seems they aren’t as fierce as you.”
Suppressing the urge to twist the person’s arm behind their back, she turned her head calmly, only to find it was the young man who had been trying to get close to her earlier.
For the sake of that “bastard” comment, Jiang Pengji warned with an expressionless face, “I don’t like people touching me from behind. If you were a stranger, that arm of yours might not be safe.”
The young man was stunned and pulled back his hand as if shocked. “You look so young, but who knew your temper would be so fierce?”
As they continued chatting, the group returned to Rose Courtyard Room No. 1.
From across a corridor, Jiang Pengji spotted a tall, slender figure dressed in white.
The person had long black hair draping over their shoulders, their pale lips pressed tightly with a hint of chin showing.
Perhaps hearing the footsteps, they turned slightly, their indifferent gaze sweeping over before landing on Jiang Pengji.
Having just come from a scuffle, Jiang Pengji’s clothes were inevitably stained with blood. If not for her relaxed demeanor, outsiders would assume the blood belonged to her. However, Wei Ci knew well that it wouldn’t be her in a losing position; the blood was likely from someone else.
Thinking this, Wei Ci discreetly averted his gaze and asked the young man familiar with Jiang Pengji, “Lü Zheng, what happened?”
“A group of ruffians claiming to be envoys from the Northern Frontier is causing a scene up ahead. A servant from the Feng family came to ask Lan Ting for help, and out of curiosity, I followed along to check it out. I didn’t expect those Northern Frontier folks to be so arrogant, thinking Dongqing has no one to stand up to them; it’s simply infuriating.” The young man’s voice carried indignation but quickly shifted back to a playful tone, “Zixiao, let me tell you, your master really picked a good student—she’s quite the fighter.”
“A servant from the Feng family?” Wei Ci frowned, glancing at the normally composed Jiang Pengji.
He always knew she could fight. It wouldn’t be an issue for her to charge into enemy lines and take down several foes with ease, snatching enemy generals’ heads like plucking fruit, causing them to tremble in fear.
But… he sighed inwardly, something was different. He rarely saw her with any expression but coldness.
If it were usual, she…
Thinking this, Wei Ci firmly suppressed his thoughts, focusing instead. He needed to be on a razor’s edge around this woman; otherwise, he might find himself exposed in front of her… he had learned this lesson long ago.
Jiang Pengji clarified, “Feng Jin is my friend, and when he was bullied, I naturally had to step in and support him. Besides, these Northern Frontier ruffians are indeed infuriating; a little punishment is necessary, or else all the anger has nowhere to go!”
Of course! They messed with her friend, so it was like messing with her—naturally, she had to reclaim her honor.
“What you just did was more than a little punishment; you practically scared the guts out of them! Dealing with these ambitious outsiders from the Northern Frontier requires such strong measures. If you speak to them about righteousness and ethics, they’ll just take it as a sign of fear from you…” Lü Zheng, leaning against Jiang Pengji’s shoulder, wore a knowing expression as he added, “Once we arrive at Langya Academy, I’ll look after you.”
Wei Ci silently cast a glance at Lü Zheng’s hands, his expression darkening.
“I said, don’t pat me on the shoulder from behind…” Jiang Pengji reiterated.
“I’m Lü Zheng, with the courtesy name Shaoyin given by my master. Look, we’re already acquainted, so I’m not a stranger anymore, right?”
Jiang Pengji rolled her eyes, “Suit yourself. Just don’t come to me for responsibility if I break your arm next time.”
With that, Jiang Pengji’s shoulder shook with a deft motion, and she slipped out like an eel.
Lü Zheng noticed that his palm felt smooth where her shoulder had been, and before he could instinctively reach out, she had already slipped away from his grasp.
He could only stare at his hands blankly, then at Jiang Pengji’s retreating figure, and sighed.
“Truly impressive skill.”
Wei Ci observed coldly, his eyelids slightly lowering as he said, “Martial artists reach a certain level where they become highly vigilant of their surroundings; if a stranger’s aura approaches them, they can easily subdue them unconsciously… Lü Zheng, be more aware.”
Lü Zheng was taken aback, suddenly realizing that Wei Ci was implying he lacked awareness.
“Why is Zixiao reading those silly street novels?”
That phrasing indeed sounded like something out of a street rogue tale.
“If you don’t believe me, try to sneak up on her while she’s resting. Just know, if your arm ends up disabled, I won’t take any responsibility.”
Wei Ci knew that what he said wasn’t just some urban legend—it was based on fact.
“Hah! Wei Zixiao, you’ve always had a cold-hearted side; I won’t be fooled by you.”
Just as Lü Zheng was about to burst with anger, Wei Ci had already turned to leave, leaving him with nowhere to vent his frustration.
