Chapter 689: An Old Friend Visits (I)

Sincere and Kindhearted Zhang Xinjie: “It is impossible to rise to power as alliance chief. The probability of that happening is extremely low, close to zero. Who knew the streamer and her father had such similar minds that they both brought so few soldiers with them? With 30,000 men, it will barely guarantee they have a right to speak at the alliance army meeting. It’s wishful thinking that they could control the situation! Moreover, the Xu family brothers, Xu Bei and Xu Fei, who resemble the Yuan family brothers from the period of the Three Kingdoms, are rightfully the ones to command the alliance army. If they truly have talents and differ from those who were first supercilious and then deferential, those useless fools who have eyes but are blind, the likelihood of the streamer and her father rising to power is almost impossible. To become the alliance chief or whatever is just a day-dream.”

Since they were in a time when brute force was revered, although the brothers from the Xu family were young and inexperienced, they had a high standing in the alliance army.

As a group that supported the streamer, many of the audience members were demoralized in their hearts.

Honest and Loyal Ye Buxiu: “#smokes, who has the right qualities to be the alliance chief? Have you all forgotten how big the entirety of Dongqing is on the map? The streamer and her father combined own two prefectures and Hu county. It is like xxx in our present era. They are at their heights of power and they instill fear in others. If they contended for the rubbish alliance chief position, it will put them at more of a disadvantage than an advantage. Perhaps they would even bring a calamity upon themselves. If there were a change of loyalty within the alliance army, someone could launch a surprise attack on the streamer and her father. They have only 30,000 troops on hand which is weak beyond measure.”

Rapid Hand Movement Expert Yu Wenzhou: “The streamer’s eventual goal isn’t to be the alliance chief. She came here to harness talents and conveniently promote her business. So what about the title of alliance chief? It is but an empty title. If the title of the emperor were up for grabs, it’d be worth fighting for. No pain, no gain. It doesn’t mean that having the upper hand and rising in prominence makes you are the best. Many are unaware that the way of the victor is to quietly amass a fortune. I prefer to watch the seemingly weak deal death blows.”

At first, Liu She was worried that his daughter would be displeased. However, after their conversation, he realized that she didn’t care about empty titles.

“The one who has the last laugh is the winner.” Jiang Pengji sneered as she coldly added, “The process is important, but ultimately, it cannot beat the outcome.”

Liu She was immensely comforted. “It is wonderful that your thoughts are as such. Your father is relieved.”

Feng Zhen and Yang Si’s working capabilities were deserving of affirmation. Under their leadership, the campsite quickly took form.

The first area to be set up was the commander-in-chief’s tent.

Just as she stepped into her new “abode,” someone familiar came to visit her.

She directed her sight at Huang Song. In a familiar tone, she asked him, “Is Bogao’s campsite also nearby?”

The stature of the youth in front of her seemed taller than what she recalled. He looked stronger and full of vitality. His youthfulness and sharp wits had seemingly faded with time.

The visitor was Huang Song, Jiang Pengji’s acquaintance. They’d shared a rather close relationship back in Shangjing.

“Indeed, when I heard that you arrived, I hastily got men to prepare cooked meat and wine. Let’s not return until we have drunk and eaten our fill.”

Jiang Pengji glanced at the young scholar behind Huang Song. She observed the other party frowning secretly. He appeared to be in low-spirits.

Faced with a lord who constantly drank until drunk yet couldn’t hold his alcohol, he immediately felt the start of a headache.

Without any form of courtesy, Jiang Pengji tore down Huang Song’s lies. “Enough, do you think I am ignorant of your hidden motives? You already knew I had arrived, but you hesitated to come to see me. Now that you’re here, it must be because you cannot delay anymore… Am I right?”

Although Huang Song wore a bitter expression, no one exposed his embarrassment.

“Liu Lanting, your words are still so harsh that they could pierce one’s heart.”

Jiang Pengji crossed her arms over her chest. “If you don’t wish to bear the brunt of my words, then don’t use official jargon with me. Speak honestly now.”

“Alright, the truth is… I thought your commander’s tent hadn’t been set up and I didn’t want to share a meal and drink with you on the floor. That’s why I procrastinated in visiting you until now.” Huang Song’s reply caused Cheng Jing to frown even more deeply. It forced a deep frown line and other wrinkles to appear on his forehead.

“I have confessed the truth. Now, shouldn’t you at least allow me inside your commander’s tent?”

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“You and your loquacious words… Please, enter.”

Jiang Pengji shot a glance at Cheng Jing to observe his reaction. Thereafter, she invited both into her commander’s tent.

The commander’s tent was humble and simple. There was only a mat for visitors to sit on. No other ornaments were seen beside that.

The three men sat accordingly as host and guests. Huang Song ordered the guards with him to set up the table and present the dishes from the food box.

The cooked meat on the plate was cut into slices. Each piece was steaming and smelled like nothing.

Jiang Pengji continued with her snide remarks. “The alliance army currently occupies over 40,000 square miles. I’m surprised we still get to eat meat.”

Huang Song didn’t understand. He thought Jiang Pengji despised it and felt ashamed.

“Song should take responsibility as the host to entertain Brother Liu. Unfortunately, the snow and ice have yet to melt, and the livestock have hidden in their hideouts. There isn’t any livestock available to serve as a sumptuous feast. When early spring arrives, the prey will be fat and primed for food. I will hunt some for Brother Liu then…”

Cheng Jing was standing by. He suddenly felt distressed.

With such a foolish lord, it must have been his lapse in judgment.

She laughed involuntarily. Obviously, she knew that Huang Song was acting smart on purpose, but she didn’t expose him. “I didn’t mean that, please don’t misunderstand, Bogao. The alliance army has a military strength of 400,000 men that demand an equivalent number of mouths to feed. The magnitude is unthinkable. I thought that since the alliance army has set up camp here, perhaps it’s not to the extent that the land and roots have been completely eaten. At least it’s the level where the fowl are extinct amid the mountains. Thanks to you, I am blessed with the opportunity to consume meat.”

Huang Song had no response to this.

“Young Brother Liu’s words are reasonable. The meat you are eating now is actually from an animal your elder brother took captive secretly. I intended to serve it a sumptuous meal when the craving arose. If not for Young Brother Liu, elder brother wouldn’t have consumed it so early. See how well your elder brother treats you. I have given you my possessions.”

Jiang Pengji and Huang Song were acquaintances who sometimes ate and drank together. However, they were not close buddies. Likewise, they were not strangers.

There was no need for prohibition with conversations around the table coupled with wine.

As for Cheng Jing?

He ate and drank silently. Then, he quietly observed those two cunning men outwit each other.

It felt like he’d unlocked a door to a new world.

When they were full and filled with wine and food, Huang Song cleaned his teeth as if no one was around. He followed this by asking her a question.

“Brother Liu, I’ve heard you only brought 10,000 troops. Isn’t that too few?”

Jiang Pengji didn’t seem to be bothered. “Is 10,000 troops considered inadequate? If it isn’t enough, doesn’t my father have another 20,000 troops?”

Immediately, Huang Song gestured with his hands. His words were laden with intentions to test her. “Elder brother does not mean it that way. I just linked it to Brother Liu’s temperament. After all, you enjoy participating in bustling events, and it is in your nature to stand in the limelight. Now, Dongqing’s young and heroic men have coalesced in this alliance and are prepared to defend the emperor and exterminate the rebellious thieves to defend the country… This is an opportunity to gain a reputation. Doesn’t Brother Liu want to make a big gamble and rise to prominence?”

Although they were merely acquaintances, their temperaments complemented each other. They were familiar enough with one another.

This question was asked primarily to sound her out and partially out of concern.

Jiang Pengji had no intention to hide. She answered directly, “An upright person does not speak ambiguously. Since your younger brother ate what elder brother offered, surely I cannot deceive you. You are aware that, to save the people, your younger brother launched an attack on Chengde County. I have commanded troops throughout the journey. Even though I successfully took possession of Chengde County, I lost soldiers and generals. It was a big blow to my morale. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have only taken 10,000 men with me. The alliance chief of the army must be virtuous, talented, and possess troops to sit comfortably in this position. With regard to virtue and talents, your younger brother isn’t lacking in any of those except military strength… The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”