Chapter 802 – Stomping on the Meng Clan’s Face, Making a Name for Oneself
Huang Song’s mind raced through several thoughts as he pondered the last plan, and his heart couldn’t help but tremble at the idea.
Would Jiang Pengji really give up the juicy piece of meat in front of her and push it into his mouth instead?
Thinking of this made Huang Song a touch calmer.
He shook his head, regretfully stating, “Wolong County’s legacy was saved by Lan Ting; it’s only right for the legacy to be inherited by its bloodline…”
The appointment of officials in Dongqing was quite complex. Back when the royal family was strong, most officials needed the emperor’s approval for appointments and dismissals, with only a few wealthy families getting exceptions. However, as the royal family weakened, this shifted gradually from monarch grants to hereditary succession.
After this effort to assist the emperor, such phenomena will become increasingly common.
What does it mean for Jiang Pengji to hold Wolong County’s legacy in her hands?
It indicates that the legacy she holds is the rightful heir to Wolong County, while Huang Song is merely an outsider coveting this power.
If the legacy of Wolong County receives Jiang Pengji’s assistance, they could soon become the rightful governor of Wolong County.
At that point, if Huang Song still desires to meddle with Wolong County, he will inevitably have to confront Jiang Pengji face-to-face. If Huang Song is too timid to face her early on, he’ll simply have to endure and watch as Jiang Pengji encroaches into his territory.
But how can he allow someone to sleep soundly by his side on his precious bed!?
If Jiang Pengji really went ahead with this, both she and Huang Song would have to maintain a facade of harmony, but sooner or later it would inevitably fall apart.
Cheng Jing understood Huang Song’s concerns, but his gaze was focused on the bigger picture and longer-term implications.
“My lord, if you don’t send someone to test the waters, how will you know if Liu Xi has no intention of collaborating?” Cheng Jing steadied himself as he addressed Huang Song. “Liu Xi’s biggest enemy isn’t the Dongqing forces; her threat comes from the three clans of Beijiang. As long as the three clans are not annihilated, she won’t find peace. When a hawk hunts a rabbit, it uses its full strength, let alone against the clans of Beijiang!”
Huang Song understood the implication of Cheng Jing’s analogy and felt a sudden enlightenment.
How could he have been so foolish?
The three clans of Beijiang were not an easy enemy to deal with, and Jiang Pengji would naturally have to give her all to combat this formidable opponent.
At such a critical juncture, how could she possibly have the spare energy to meddle in the affairs of other factions?
As for lending troops to the legacy of Wolong County to help them fight for their heritage, that was sheer nonsense.
Supposing Jiang Pengji has no energy to intervene in Wolong County, then what should be done about it?
With that thought, Huang Song’s heart raced as he hurriedly asked, “Does this mean Lan Ting will abandon Wolong County for the sake of the greater good? If so, we can certainly send someone to negotiate with Lan Ting… I believe she would be willing to collaborate.”
Cheng Jing nodded, saying, “You are absolutely right, my lord. That’s exactly the point.”
Feng Jue echoed, “Given the current situation, even if the lord doesn’t send someone to find Liu Xi, she will likely take the initiative to seek us out after a while. Wolong County has no second candidate besides you, my lord. If we can seize Wolong County, then we are one step closer to unifying Haozhou. However, to prevent regrets later on, the lord must make a decisive choice soon…”
Opportunities come and go; if Huang Song doesn’t cherish them, he will not know who will benefit instead.
After pondering, the other strategists agreed with Cheng Jing and Feng Jue’s decision.
Just as Huang Song was overwhelmed with joy and excitement, a few others were so enraged that they almost fainted on the spot.
These individuals were none other than the newly crowned Changshou Wang and his underling, Meng Zhan.
Upon receiving the news of Fu Wang’s defeat and capture, Changshou Wang exploded with rage, executing several officials and generals in a fit of fury.
Panic spread like wildfire as everyone feared for their safety.
Some even compared Changshou Wang to the previous emperor and concluded that they were just as brutal as each other.
In terms of tyranny, he was practically a second edition of the Dongqing former emperor.
Luckily, these rumors didn’t reach Changshou Wang’s ears; otherwise, he would have been even angrier.
In his rage, he even changed his previously respectful tone with Meng Zhan, now laced with sarcasm.
“Meng Zhan recommended Fu Wang to me, insisting he lead the troops into battle, but what was the outcome? This so-called first military general is just a figurehead… Leading tens of thousands to guard Jia Gate, and yet it fell… losing to a mere girl who hasn’t even come of age, what a disgrace!”
Changshou Wang was criticizing Fu Wang, but the core of his resentment was really aimed at Meng Zhan for leading him astray.
Previously, Meng Zhan had touted Fu Wang excessively, and Changshou Wang had high hopes for him. Who would have thought he would lose so miserably?
Was he not going in to fight against Liu Zhi and his daughter, but rather served them a meal on a platter?
Meng Zhan maintained a stoic demeanor. His mood was already sour, and now Changshou Wang was taking it out on him, making him feel even worse.
Feigning a smirk, he replied, “Your Majesty, why such anger? Fu Wang may have lost, but what loss have you suffered?”
The troops led by Fu Wang were completely from the Meng Clan, having nothing to do with Changshou Wang whatsoever.
Even if there were losses, they would only be a blow to the Meng Clan; why should Changshou Wang be throwing a tantrum?
Could it be that he truly saw the Meng Clan as his dogs to command, with their power belonging to him?
Questioned by Meng Zhan in this manner, Changshou Wang was nearly choked to death with rage.
But he still had enough composure not to fall out with Meng Zhan at such a time, dropping his imperial airs and speaking softly to comfort him.
Though he wore a smile, internally he was harboring unprecedented hatred for Meng Zhan.
These two were outwardly harmonious but secretly plotting against each other.
Meanwhile, the Xu brothers also received the news of Jiang Pengji’s victory, but their reactions were completely different.
Xu Fei had little connection with Jiang Pengji. When he learned of the news, he merely raised an eyebrow and discussed the reasons for her success with his strategists.
As for Xu Pei, he had some friendship with Jiang Pengji after referring to each other as brothers during their alliance meeting.
Since they still held no conflicting interests, Xu Pei was naturally thrilled with her victory.
What’s more important was—
“The Meng Clan is finally getting their comeuppance; what a refreshing sight!”
If not for his upbringing, he could have clapped on the table and laughed maniacally.
The Meng Clan and Xu Clan had been at odds since their ancestors’ time.
With the Meng Clan suffering a significant blow, the Xu Clan was certainly pleased, almost wanting to throw a banquet for the whole world to know about it.
“Bring me a lavish gift, and dispatch someone to Wanzhou, saying it’s a gift from a sworn brother.”
With money to splurge, Xu Pei wanted to show his gratitude to Jiang Pengji for tripping up the Meng Clan.
However, if this news finds its way to the Meng Clan’s ears, who knows how upset they might become?
Aside from these factions, the reactions of others varied widely.
Some secretly mocked Changshou Wang and the Meng Clan, while others looked down on Jiang Pengji.
A woman remained a woman; she lacked weight in her bones! With just a small victory, Liu Xi was over the moon and deemed useless.
Of course, such discordant voices did not stir up much of a storm.
