Chapter 599: Dragon Boating Within The Emperors Stomach (II)

Lets look at Jiang Pengjis subordinates and their standing in society.

Feng Jin ranked the highest as the second son of Dongqings Feng family. He hailed from a reputable family.

Wei Ci was the descendant of scholars that had regressed. Langyes Wei family was spread across Zhongzhaos Bianzhou. He was the only one left.

Feng Zhen was had suffered a reversal of fortune. His parents had passed away early and his relatives werent dependable. Yet he still lived a wastrel life and squandered his familys inheritance.

Other than these three men, the others had a lower standing in society.

Based on this group of people, Jiang Pengji did not yet possess the capital to attract more talented people to herself.

However, if the Feng family made known their stance and were willing to support her, the situation would be completely different.

In fact, Wei Cis efforts to swindle and cheat were not necessary. There would be men with aspirations and abilities who would queue up to pledge their allegiance to her.

The Feng familys commanding power was their reputation among the virtuous and upright.

Xu Ke understood the underlying challenges. He hoped Jiang Pengji would carefully balance the pros and cons.

They were a family who could switch their allegiance at any time, yet Jiang Pengji deemed their requirement to be inconsequential? If they agreed easily, would they be putting themselves in danger?

My Lord, this is unlike you

Xu Ke shook his head and looked lost.

This was unlike his lords usual style. Letting the Feng family go would be equivalent to presenting her potential competition with talented men and resources.

Jiang Pengji kept the livestream on. Among the viewers were people knowledgeable in ancient scripts. They translated the contents of the letters and analyzed the findings.

Although the viewers were kept in the dark, theyd read many stories about power struggles and dark schemes.

Jintian Sangeng: Streamer, is it disadvantageous for you to agree to this condition? Based on handsome brother Feng Zhens explanation, the military strength at Shangyang county cannot hold on till next years summer. Itd be effortless for you to conquer it directly. You should hold the Feng family hostage. If they are allowed to devise an alternative path, they may turn around to backstab you, which will leave you in a sorry state. Instead, why not be ruthless now? Prevention for the future is better.

Mingtian Sigeng: Dont be anxious, the streamer must have her considerations. Well await the analysis of a knowledgeable person. Watching this livestream often makes me feel like our intelligence is lacking. This cannot be. I must go to Taobao to buy 100 dollars worth of intelligence to enhance my mind.

Guicai Guofengxiao: I believe the streamer did the right thing.

Yin Yuejia Zhuge Qinmo: By using the ID of a genius, you seriously think that youre Guo Jia. How shameless.

Guicai Guofengxiao: @ the fellow above. If not for Jia who passed on early, how would the world have been split into three?

The live streaming room wasnt a peaceful place because quarrels over identity happened daily.

Laosiji Lianmeng: Young people nowadays arent reliable. Let me evaluate this. Please critique my humble opinion. Firstly, do you all remember the strategy the streamer implemented? She intended to weaken the powers the aristocratic families wielded. In the beginning, surely these families should not be allowed too much autonomy. If the Feng family decides to join this association, she will probably be more passive. Secondly, if the Fengs participate early on, itll arouse hatred. Nonconformity will be punished. If the Emperor and Prince Changshou choose to join forces to eliminate her before fighting amongst themselves, what should she do? Thirdly, Feng Jin is still working under the streamer and theyre friends. From a third persons point of view, she must respect the Feng family Although, I feel the third reason is rather inconsequential. The streamer isnt a merciful and lenient person. But to add on, it appears that she is compassionate.

Guicai Guofengxiao: Of course, most importantly, the Feng family looks down on the streamer.

When this comment was posted on the bullet screen, a string of 666 appeared. It hurts so badly, Lao Tie.What great truths are you speaking?

Jiang Pengji discreetly took a deep breath. She resisted the urge to capture these ignorant viewers and smack them.

Didnt they know that honest men dont live long lives?

A melon forcefully twisted isnt sweet. Instead, it leaves a bitter taste in ones mouth and causes one to feel thirsty. She mockingly implied and she wasnt ignorant about the importance of the Feng family, and that she knew that it was impossible to force them to be on her side. Rather than breed enmity, why not take advantage of the situation and foster a good relationship? The Lord has a benevolent and magnanimous heart. I can hold the fort. Additionally, I am motivated to achieve my goals. I agree to this condition and will make a personal trip to Shangyang to express my sincerity.

This must never be, how can the lord leave at whim?

Xu Ke was unsettled as the head servant. What kind of boss would leave her territory to run to other places?

Isnt she afraid that shell be captured and killed once she is alone?

Jiang Pengji tried to explain herself and replied, Ke, if I do not head to Shangyang county, Huaiyu will only return the year after.

Xu Ke was stumped, why is his lord still adamant about this incident?

Feng Zhen concentrated his energy and burst out laughing, then remarked, This is worrying, if the lord goes to Shangyang, Im afraid you might not want to return the year after.

This must never be, how can the lord leave at whim?

As the head overseer, Xu Ke was unsettled, which big boss would rather not stay at her territory but instead run about to other places?

Isnt she afraid that shell be captured and killed once she leaves her territory?

Jiang Pengji made a Tsk sound then replied, Ke, if I do not head to Shangyang county, Huaiyu will only return the year after.

Xu Ke was dumbfounded, why is his lord still adamant about this incident?

Feng Zhen burst out laughing abruptly, then remarked, This is worrying, if the lord goes to Shangyang, Im afraid you might not want to return the year after.

Using the excuse of catching her subordinate who is absent from work, their lord was also elated at escaping from her responsibilities.

Jiang Pengji discreetly stared at Feng Zhen, can this fellow show some tacit understanding?

Xu Ke attempted to continue to advise her against going, but Wei Ci interrupted, If the lord wishes to go to Shangyang county, who will you bring along?

The situation was a goner, Xu Ke was mentally and emotionally tired.

She pondered over it then said, Initially I thought that since Wenzheng is mature and composed, to have him present to stabilize the situation will be ideal. However, since he has been separated from his wife for about a year and they have only reunited after much difficulties, I will not be a wet-blanket. The remaining ones have their responsibilities and they cannot leave so easily Why not Zixiao follow me except I dont know if your health can withstand the tumultuous journey?

Wei Cis facial expression changed, he replied, Cis health is fine, except I am busy with official matters and Im afraid I cannot leave, why not let Zi Shi

Jiang Pengji interrupted his speech saying, You are still in the recovery process and innately, you cannot be heavily burdened. Lets just delegate this to Jingrong since he can carry the workload of two men, itd be a waste not to use him You are very meticulous in your undertakings and I have high expectations of you.

Wei Ci:

Being termed as a waste if not made used of, Yang Si only laughed it off.

He was still in the government office; did they think hes transparent?

How can you say its a waste if not made used of, doesnt your conscience hurt?

Till now, Yang Si hasnt agreed to join the group, but he was tempted by the delicacies and he cant bear to leave presently.

Being fully confident in the presence of food, how can Liu Xi be so shameless as to use it to haphazardly weigh him down with work?

Dont you know how shameless is being written?

Xu Ke had high hopes for Wei Ci, he was entrusted with the task to control their lord and keep her from harm.

Being away from ones territory leaves one feeling that danger is always lurking.

When the ruler is absent, troubled times will descend on the sixteen countries. How did the power of the feudal lords collapse when they were in the best position to compete with the great Xia dynasty?

Its because the feudal lords have the hobby of hunting, they are proud of their mighty, martial arts and they roam around taking their safety for granted thus affording their enemies a chance to pierce their hearts with an arrow.

Without the lord as their mainstay, there will be infighting, the officials will rebel, and a mighty city will be split up.

He was afraid Jiang Pengji will meet with such accidents.

There are dangers lurking everywhere, although the Red Lotus group and Tsing Yi army are the minority but there are numerous violent mobs around.

Without considering these, Jiang Pengji travelled light and only brought 40 to 50 guards.

In order to safeguard her territories, she only brought along Dian Yan, Feng Zhen and Wei Ci while the middle person shamelessly tagged along.

Initially, she wanted to bring Jiang Nongqin along, but she was needed to head the winter lessons in the womens camp. Recently, shes busy till shes nowhere in sight, thus this idea had to be given up.