Chapter 895 – Northern Overlord (Thirty-Two)
“Make sure to keep a close watch on all of them until further investigation by our manor,” Jiang Pengji instructed Fu Wang. “In the meantime, no one is allowed to enter or leave the residence, and no servants are permitted to exit the city gates. If anyone is found violating these orders, they shall be dealt with mercilessly.”
Fu Wang replied, “This subordinate will obey your command.”
Jiang Pengji had dozens of boxes secured, watching them night and day to ensure nothing went awry.
Liu Zhi said, “Lan Ting, your approach is too extreme. I worry that the noble families of Chongzhou might rebel out of desperation.”
The nobles previously executed were only a few prominent ones among the larger clan; other smaller clans had not been implicated yet.
If Jiang Pengji made too large a move, those smaller clans might react instinctively, feeling threatened and potentially taking drastic measures.
Jiang Pengji pondered for a moment, then said, “Father’s concerns are not without reason, which is why I haven’t eradicated them all. For now, they are merely detained. Once they come to their senses and relinquish what does not belong to them, only then will I grant them their freedom. As for the Chongzhou nobles… hehe, there will be plenty of time to settle scores later. They may escape once, but they cannot evade the inevitable forever…”
Liu Zhi nodded and said, “It’s best you think this way; a gentleman’s revenge is not too late even after ten years. By assessing the situation, one can endure in the long run.”
If Jiang Pengji’s style was akin to a swift gale, Liu Zhi’s approach was more subtle, like the quiet drip of water nurturing the earth.
It’s hard to say which method is better; the former yields quicker results but comes with many risks, while the latter is slower yet minimizes troubles.
Jiang Pengji seemed to remember something and reminded Liu Zhi, “Father, third brother seems to have a particular fondness for luxurious items?”
Liu Zhi’s face darkened, feeling quite embarrassed as he replied, “Perhaps he was not properly raised as a child, resulting in his current manner.”
He acted like someone who had never encountered grandeur, astonished at everything, nearly wanting to wear all the fine things he saw.
Needless to say, just look at Liu Zhao’s sword, encrusted with gold and silver, adorned with gemstones—a glaring display of newfound wealth.
Liu Zhi had tried correcting this multiple times, but Liu Zhao remained obstinate.
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “Third brother is still young; there’s plenty of time for proper guidance. I mentioned him only to tell you to keep him at home for the time being, so he doesn’t wander about aimlessly and attract the attention of unscrupulous scoundrels…”
This act had offended the entire noble class of Chongzhou.
While they couldn’t retaliate against her or harm Liu Zhi, one could never guarantee they wouldn’t target Liu Zhao instead.
“I will keep an eye on him,” Liu Zhi nodded in response, adding, “And you should be cautious as well.”
After leaving the main hall, Jiang Pengji sighed in relief.
She was about to seek out Feng Zhen and others to discuss future plans when she caught a glimpse of a head peeking around the corner.
“Zhao’er,” she called out.
Liu Zhao had changed into an equally lavish outfit, looking just like a wealthy youth stepping out of a painting.
“Eldest Sister!”
Caught by Jiang Pengji, Liu Zhao felt a bit guilty, but hearing her call made his eyes shine again.
“What were you hiding for?”
“Naturally, I was waiting for Eldest Sister. I was unclear about some matters.”
Jiang Pengji inquired, “What matters?”
Liu Zhao hesitated for a long time, nearly turning red in the face.
“They… truly committed such egregious acts?”
His eyes darted nervously as he asked in a whisper.
Though he was a bastard son, he hailed from the Liu clan and bore the imprints of the nobility.
Proud of his lineage, Liu Zhao had never realized how the noble facade hid unsavory deeds.
“Of course it’s true. Zhao’er, you’re not small anymore; you should often consult Father and let him introduce you to the outside world. If that’s difficult, talk to the steward and let him tell you how things really are. Staying in the back courtyard will not broaden your horizons.”
Liu Zhao felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment.
Jiang Pengji continued, “The disgraceful acts committed by the Chongzhou nobles are far worse than what I have revealed. Each instance deserves its own explanation.”
Colluding with enemies and selling out the country were phrases Jiang Pengji added herself, yet what they did was essentially no different in nature.
What Jiang Pengji said couldn’t truly be considered false accusations.
Liu Zhao sighed bitterly, stammering, “Eldest Sister… is our family… the same way?”
If that were the case, he couldn’t enjoy everything with a clear conscience.
Jiang Pengji replied, “Our manor is grand and prosperous; it’s not in need of such shameful deeds. Only greedy and shortsighted individuals would exhaust themselves to exploit and hoard wealth. The common people are like water; they can bear a boat, or capsize it—such an obvious truth, yet no one seems to understand.”
Liu Zhao exhaled, reflecting on what he had just witnessed, stirring within him both indignation and anger.
“Eldest Sister has only confined them; is there any follow-up action? I think their crimes warrant extermination of their clan.”
Despite Liu Zhao’s shy demeanor, he had a resilient backbone, almost harboring a vendetta against evil.
Jiang Pengji said, “No need to rush; it’s vital to distinguish between priorities. If we want to hold them accountable, there will always be time.”
Liu Zhao picked up on another meaning—Eldest Sister intended to take a lenient approach?
She smiled, “Right now, the most important thing is to reclaim the lands and properties in their hands, and to ensure the common people of Chongzhou can lead peaceful lives. A person’s energy is limited; I can only focus on the populace first. Once the situation is stable, I can then deal with these pests. If I’m preoccupied with them, each day they drag on is an extra day of suffering for the common folk…”
For Jiang Pengji, it could happen anytime to punish the families of Chongzhou; what mattered most was to relieve the suffering of the common people.
Liu Zhao was silent for a moment, seemingly taken aback by Jiang Pengji’s reasoning.
Two flowers bloom, each displaying their own beauty.
News of the state affairs quickly spread throughout Chongzhou, just as Liu Zhi had anticipated; the smaller noble clans were trembling and anxious.
However, as Jiang Pengji made such a big fuss, the outcome was merely detention without any further action.
This left many puzzled.
At this tense moment, the Cui Family welcomed a special guest.
“I am a servant under Liu Xi, here to return the Young Master to the clan and recognize his ancestry.”
Feng Zhen, dressed in a neat scholar’s robe and wearing a hairpin, had put away his playful demeanor, making him appear quite dignified.
Upon hearing that Feng Zhen had brought an invitation, the head of the Cui Family hurried out to greet him.
Jiang Pengji had informed him earlier that his legal wife had given birth to a son during the earthquake. That son miraculously survived and had been raised in Wanzhou for two years by two loyal servants. Since receiving the news, he had been eagerly awaiting this moment.
They exchanged greetings, and the elder’s eyes anxiously scanned the carriage behind Feng Zhen.
As the curtain was lifted, a small head appeared.
“Feng Zhen… is this really my son?”
