Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Feng Zhen wore an expression of having lost all desire to live.
“If I ever believe your words, you cruel person, it will be because I left my mind at home.”
Faced with Feng Zhen’s outburst of disgust, Wei Ci laughed silently.
Due to the power shift in Shangyang County, all the scholarly families within the county besides the Feng family were slowly making plans.
Why was this?
Those with keen eyes had observed that Jiang Pengji lacked manpower, especially men with abilities.
Because it was difficult to be educated, many of those literates were from already scholarly families. In other words, if Jiang Pengji wanted to recruit capable men with talents, she would certainly have to choose from within the scholarly families. This was an opportunity for them to openly get involved with Shangyang County’s governing power.
If they wielded most of the power, Shangyang County would still belong to them, not to Jiang Pengji, a foreigner.
Many of the families held the same sentiments. The central topic of their conversations revolved around Jiang Pengji.
“Liu Xi is only a young brat, why should we submit to him? Dream on! If Liu She was at the helm, I would be willing to give it some thought, but his son? Hmph, he is but a childish, young punk. Does he really think he can do as he wishes because he commands an army?”
This group of aristocrats failed to understand what exactly had influenced the Feng family that they had been willing to surrender such a large piece of territory like Shangyang County. It was as if they had been possessed or were hoodwinked by someone… Regardless of the reason, this was their chance to stand out, and who doesn’t wish to improve their lives?
The Feng family was foolish, but they refused to be deceived.
Someone chimed in, “Master said it well. At present, Liu Xi is powerless and immature. His ways are childish and his thoughts are naive. By handing Shangyang County over to such a person, the Feng family has made a terrible move. Considering the manpower Liu Xi has, how is he going to govern two counties well?”
When they inevitably became overwhelmed with frustration, wouldn’t they have to resort to recruiting talents to expand their human resources?
With this opportunity before them, they may have the chance to overpower Liu Xi and leave her with nothing.
Let alone Shangyang County, perhaps even Fengyi County would also come into their possession.
Many of the aristocratic families held onto such thoughts. Previously, they had been controlled by the Feng family and had no means to overpower them. But now, a youthful and immature young punk governed their land. Wouldn’t they have a chance now? Moreover, Liu She was nowhere in sight. They were confident they can control this kid.
One by one, they waited anxiously in secret for Jiang Pengji to lack manpower. When her team could not sustain itself any longer, she would have to get their help.
When that time came, it would be the perfect opportunity for the aristocratic families to show off their talents.
Feng Gui was born into one of these great families. He was well-versed with their schemes and antics. He was afraid that Jiang Pengji was ignorant about the situation in Shangyang County and he kindly reminded her.
Although he couldn’t pledge loyalty to Jiang Pengji, it was not a big deal for him to remind her of dangers out of goodwill.
Feng Gui didn’t make it sound too direct, he just reminded her casually.
“After some time, there will be many scholars who will send invitations to Lanting…”
She said, “I am so busy that I don’t have time to sleep, who will be so inconsiderate as to send me invitations?”
Even if they sent invitations, she would have to decline since she did not have any free time.
He laughed as he said, “Lanting is ultimately someone from Hejian and you aren’t a local aristocratic family of Shangyang County. Now that you govern this place, albeit, without the title of County Chief, you still have the authority of one. To successfully govern this county, you must plant some of your trusted men there… It is inevitable that, in the process, their benefits will be compromised. It is normal for them to desire an opportunity to discreetly seek out insider information.”
If she was absent all the time, the peoples’ hearts would be unsettled. Obstacles would abound.
Feng Gui explained, “Gui is saying this as a forewarning to prevent any conflicts in the future.”
The Feng family might have transferred over ownership of Shangyang County, but that didn’t mean that Jiang Pengji had complete control over the place. She still had to manage the myriad benefits those complicated and difficult aristocratic families were involved in. If she mishandled it and provoked them, they might turn violent and refuse to corporate. Many official matters in the Shangyang district would be affected by no one to handle these important departments. Let alone a few days, even if they slacked for half a day, they would incur many disruptions. Thus, she needed to be mentally prepared.
Those clueless viewers didn’t understand. Feng Gui spoke discreetly and they couldn’t make out what he said. What riddle did he speak of?
Let’s Watch A Movie Tonight: “Are there any experts in the live-streaming room who can explain what Feng Gui said. Why don’t I seem to understand? Is there something wrong with my intelligence? Although I didn’t understand their conversation, I sense that trouble lies ahead…”
Amazing Female Warrior: “Why do I feel that Feng Gui’s words are insightful? To put it plainly, the streamer is a foreign and formidable being. Other than the influential Feng family, there exist many interconnected relationships between the local aristocratic bullies. If these people are not well managed and rebel, the streamer will suffer losses… Eh, I believe Feng Gui wanted to remind the streamer of this.”
If this had occurred in their era, Shangyang County would have been considered one of the first real cities in the world.
In such a place, even an insignificant and lowly official would be well off.
Zhanhao Chongfeng: “Indeed, the aristocratic families here are very demanding. They’ve lived in Shangyang County for years and the streamer has no connections there. Still, if she wants to gain complete control of Shangyang County then she must place her men in important positions. This will also convey to those local great families that they must surrender the power and benefits they hold. It’s equivalent to robbing one of their wealth by murdering their parents, let alone depriving them of the power they possess from their connections with other great families.”
Wan Ruo: “This cannot be, is it so complicated? Then why didn’t the streamer have such frustrations after she invaded and took possession of Fengyi County?”
Kangri Shousi Guizi: “Have you all forgotten? The four districts in Fengyi County are Maolin, Xiangyang, Jiaoping, and Chengan. Which of these districts has been spared from the plundering and killings? The richest people were the squires and merchants. Who would those bandits from Tsing Yi army rob if not them?”
Precisely because the Tsing Yi army had already killed off these people, Jiang Pengji had not faced any hurdles when she rebuilt Fengyi County.
Shangyang County was different. The powers wielded by the aristocrats were unparalleled.
If she sabotaged their benefits, both parties would surely be in an awkward situation.
Except… she was willing to stand on the same side as them in this battle.
Nuzhu Hao Shuaiqi: “Based on my interpretation of what was said, the Tsing Yi army is not completely useless since they can at least help the streamer solve her problems with regards to those who wield power in this land. What should she do now? Perhaps the streamer can test their limits and determine if she could accept combining forces with them. If so, she can temporarily ally with them.”
If Jiang Pengji wasn’t someone who insisted on exerting her own will, the suggestion from the viewers in the live stream would perhaps be her best choice.
By revealing all this to her, it was a form of discreetly telling her how difficult the aristocratic families in Shangyang County were and warning her not to take them lightly.
Unfortunately, she was someone who would give in to neither stern nor soft tactics, let alone threats.
If these aristocratic families stayed in their place, she would not touch them. If they rebelled…watch out!
She sighed deeply then said, “Thank you, Huaizhang, for informing me of this matter… I have some plans in my heart and I will return to discuss them with my strategists.”
Feng Gui nodded his head. Both had a tacit understanding to cover up this matter as if it had never been discussed.
Afterward, Jiang Pengji gathered Feng Jin and the rest together for a short meeting.
