Chapter 843 – So What If I Kill You? (Part 10)
Jiang Pengji felt a wave of shame as she spoke, “Taking in Cai Xiang was meant to be a good deed, but I never expected it to backfire and bring such disaster to Wolong County.”
She pretended to self-reproach a little.
Of course, everyone present was too sharp to take her words at face value.
The power of Governor Cai had nearly been wiped out, with only a handful of confidants and an eleven-year-old boy left. What could they possibly do?
If Jiang Pengji hadn’t taken him in, even if Cai Xiang and his companions managed to return to Wolong County, they would ultimately become mere cannon fodder.
Staying within Jiang Pengji’s sphere of influence was at least a means to preserve a small life.
Cheng Jing remarked, “The Governor is kind and benevolent, preserving the last bloodline of Governor Cai. I’ve heard that Young Master Cai Xiang is the only child obtained by Governor Cai in his middle age. If he were to see this from the heavens, he would likely be immensely grateful to the Governor. However, the situation in Wolong County is growing increasingly dire, and it’s the common people who are suffering. If Young Master Cai Xiang could return now to take charge, perhaps it would be of some help…”
Cheng Jing’s words hit the nail right on the head for Jiang Pengji.
She furrowed her brow, appearing deep in thought, as if weighing Cheng Jing’s suggestion.
After a moment, she replied, “You know, I had considered this matter. A few days ago, Young Master Cai Xiang sent someone to me, lamenting how he dreams day and night of his deceased father and hometown. That child is only eleven years old and has faced such misfortune—it’s indeed pitiful. However, he is surrounded by only a handful of confidants. With so few people, if they went back to Wolong County, wouldn’t that play right into the hands of treacherous villains?”
At the mention of her last sentence, Cheng Jing’s eyelids twitched slightly.
Jiang Pengji’s words hinted at something deeper.
He pretended not to understand, maintaining his expression as if nothing was amiss.
Cheng Jing took the initiative and said, “May I offer a suggestion? I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to say.”
“Speak freely, my friend. We’ve known each other for a long time; what shouldn’t be said?”
Jiang Pengji didn’t put on airs of authority but rather adopted a casual demeanor, treating him like an old friend, perfectly polite yet easygoing.
Cheng Jing closed his eyelids and nodded slightly, saying, “Why doesn’t the Governor lend troops to Young Master Cai Xiang to assist him in quelling the rebellion?”
This suggestion sounded like it was made for Jiang Pengji’s consideration, but in reality, it was a test, conveniently blocking her path.
Jiang Pengji saved the orphan of Governor Cai, earning a reputation for her benevolence.
If at this moment she then used the excuse of lending troops to seize control of Wolong County, wouldn’t that be bullying a helpless orphan?
If she swallowed her pride, helped Young Master Cai Xiang stabilize Wolong County, and then pulled back her troops, acting like a heroic benefactor, the outside world would praise her endlessly, calling her a paragon of virtue and loyalty, and they’d be sending her banners of commendation.
Investing her resources only to gain a hollow reputation? Only a fool would do that.
Internally laughing, Jiang Pengji thought, “Lending troops isn’t a problem, but I fear the rumors that I intend to take over Wolong County and bully the orphan. It’s genuinely hard to explain. If I ignore the situation, however, the common people in Wolong County will continue to suffer, and I can’t bear that.”
Cheng Jing understood Jiang Pengji’s subtle hint, feeling a surge of joy inside.
As long as she had no interest in Wolong County, then the most suitable person to take over would be Huang Song—both in a personal and logical sense.
What Cheng Jing had to do now was recommend Huang Song to Jiang Pengji.
Of course, both parties were well aware—Wolong County would not be handed over for free!
If they wanted Jiang Pengji to relent and give up this interest, they’d need to exchange something else in return.
Next came the back-and-forth negotiation. Jiang Pengji slowly pushed Cheng Jing’s limits while he desperately fought to secure benefits for Huang Song.
To put it simply, Cai Xiang was a commodity in Jiang Pengji’s hands; she wanted to sell him at a high price, while Cheng Jing, representing the buyer Huang Song, naturally had to drive the price down. As for Cai Xiang’s own thoughts on the matter, they were hardly a consideration for either side.
Jiang Pengji opened a live stream, and the audience watched the two of them haggle back and forth…
Though their words were rather coy, the intentions were crystal clear.
The viewers couldn’t help but feel their worldviews shatter further.
【Baby’s Heart Aches】: I have a question—does the host and Cheng Jing’s transaction over Cai Xiang involve his father knowing?
【OCD Sufferer】: Cai Xiang’s father was already killed by Fu Wang; how would he know about this?
【Rippled Waters in the Wind】: I feel some sympathy for Cai Xiang. He’s only eleven years old—practically a sixth grader in our world—but considering the backdrop of the host’s world, he’s already at an age where he should be sensible. If there’s blame, it can only be that Cai Xiang was born in the wrong era, made the wrong choices, born in turmoil, lacks abilities, and has no backing, leaving him at the mercy of others, unable to resist.
【Obsessed with Dark Arts】: The previous comment is too emotional; it’s not that dire. Huang Song just wants to use Cai Xiang as a puppet to once legitimately claim Wolong County. Once the deed is done, he likely won’t make things difficult for Cai Xiang. After all, Huang Song is someone who values his reputation; to silence the voices, he wouldn’t kill Cai Xiang. Feeding him is no hard task. Worst case, his living standards won’t be what they used to be…
【Wrong Pairing】: Sending a thumbs up to the previous comment—I feel you there. Cai Xiang lost his father and his protection; having Wolong County in his hands, he would be robbed by Huang Song or someone else… Although this line of thinking isn’t very honorable, who says the chaotic world has a sense of fairness? Wolong County is a hot potato for Cai Xiang; if he doesn’t budge, he’ll eventually invite disaster.
【Hug for Baby】: Alas—Cai Xiang, the little cutie, has been sold off by the cold-hearted host by the pound!
Though both sides were in the know, some things couldn’t be said too explicitly; they needed at least a layer of embarrassment covering the truth.
For instance, in this transaction involving “Cai Xiang,” Jiang Pengji and Cheng Jing positioned themselves on a moral high ground, suggesting that to stabilize the situation for the common people of Wolong County, letting Cai Xiang return to take charge was purely for their benefit and had nothing to do with any shady dealings between Wanzhou and Huang Song.
After some probing, Jiang Pengji had roughly grasped the situation on Huang Song’s side, while Cheng Jing figured out Jiang Pengji’s boundaries.
Huang Song was aware of Jiang Pengji’s temperament and was prepared to make significant concessions, offering quite generous conditions.
It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, making the negotiations quite pleasant, with both sides enjoying themselves.
With a big deal settled, Jiang Pengji was in a great mood, setting up a feast to welcome Cheng Jing.
“Oh right, my friend… have you encountered any unusual people lately?”
Jiang Pengji asked abruptly, causing Cheng Jing to jump slightly, though he kept his expression unchanged.
“What brings this on, Governor?”
Jiang Pengji casually replied, “Zixiao is proficient in astrology and divination. Recently he wrote to me, warning me of ominous purple clouds drifting from the south towards Wanzhou, growing stronger by the day; it must be demonic for sure. In times of chaos, there are always monsters; while I don’t necessarily trust supernatural claims, Zixiao is someone I trust deeply. His words, better to believe in than doubt…”
Cheng Jing chuckled and asked, “Is the Governor suspecting that I might be one of those monsters?”
