Jiang Pengji thought Wei Ci would shrink back, but it seemed that she had underestimated the guy. He really was something when he got pig-headed.
“You should be very clear about the nature of the Red Lotus Group. To go and promote our political ideas in their territory at this time… Wei Zixiao, do you think that your lifespan is too long for you? The Red Lotus Group doesn’t care about anything like never killing the messenger when crossing swords or putting themselves in another man’s shoes. They will be the first to kill anyone who is sent to proselytize other ideas during this critical juncture.” Jiang Pengji’s voice became a little unstable. She asked, “Are you unafraid of death?”
Wei Ci was not angry. On the contrary, he smiled and his expression softened as if seen through the lens of a soft light filter.
He said, “Naturally, I am afraid.”
It was part of human nature to be afraid of death.
If Wei Ci was allowed to relive his life, he would still feel a kind of fear that made him shudder whenever he thought about the time he had drawn his sword and committed suicide by cutting his throat.
However, even if history could be reversed, he would still make the same choice.
It was true that life was precious, but to Wei Ci, certain things could be placed above it.
“It’s good that you are afraid. Protect your life properly.”
Jiang Pengji did not even bat an eye. She made a motion as if she was about to stand up, indicating that Wei Ci could leave.
Wei Ci said, “It is because I am afraid that I believe, whether it is my life or the lives of the commoners, all lives are worthy of reverence. I am confident in my ability to persuade the enemy leader. If I’m successful, the casualties of our generals and soldiers will be greatly reduced. My lord is indeed heroic and good at war, with few enemies who are your match in the world. But the enemy has huge military forces and the city wall which serves as barriers. They can advance to attack or retreat to defend. If they adopt a defensive position and do not come out of the city, deliberately delaying the battle, even my lord will have a headache over it. I think we should seize the opportunity while the enemy is still in a divided state. Inciting defection and driving a wedge within the Group would be the best method.”
At present, the Red Lotus Group remained in a divided and hostile state, hence, they still had a chance.
If the two sides of the Red Lotus Group abandoned their enmity and joined forces to fight against the enemy… Jiang Pengji’s could not afford any delay.
One had to make the most of an opportunity during a war. It was the same when it came to strategies.
If they took action a little later and the Red Lotus Group had enough time to settle their internal differences, it would be too late.
Jiang Pengji felt a little fretful. She thought for a long time before finally making a decision.
“If you can guarantee that you’ll come back alive, I will allow you to try this.”
Wei Ci was so pleased that even his eyes seemed to be a little more brilliant. The viewers of the livestreaming room were going crazy.
Cimeiren must have been confused. He wanted to “seek death.” Host, why don’t you stop him?
Eddie is not enough: The Red Lotus Group are bandits. They don’t have the habit of “not killing the messenger when crossing swords.” If they see that Cimeiren is good-looking and has poor fighting skills, what’s he going to do when they start having devious thoughts? Host, why didn’t you stop him?
Who wants to add drama: The host has taken three territories from the Red Lotus Group and now they hate her guts. If Cimeiren goes to them now, won’t he become their ready-made punching bag? I wouldn’t be very worried if we were talking about other forces here, but I’m nervous about the Red Lotus Group.
Leave a comment on this chapter: The crux is that Wei Ci wants to go. The host tried to stop him but he’s too determined. What else do you think the host can do?
Were the worries of the livestream viewers not the same as Jiang Pengji’s?
She would use her full authority to make his decisions for him because she was worried.
From Wei Ci’s perspective, perhaps her concern stemmed from distrust of his abilities. That’s why when Wei Ci insisted, she chose to respect him.
After getting permission, Wei Ci changed into a simple and plain scholar’s costume and left the camp with only a few guards.
That same night, the Deputy Chief raised himself from his concubine’s body in annoyance. Just as he was about to shout for hot water to be brought for his bath, he heard the footsteps of a messenger outside.
“Leader Two, there is a group of people outside claiming to be messengers sent by the thief, Liu Xi. They want to discuss matters of vital importance with you.”
The Deputy Chief was halfway dressed when a stupid and blank expression passed over his face. He only reacted after a long time had passed, revealing a malicious smile.
“Liu Xi, that thief, actually sent someone over… Interesting, interesting… I want to meet this person who is so unafraid of death! Let them in, I’ll go over right now.” The Deputy Chief took a quick pre-battle shower and changed into new clothes. He tidied himself up and went to see the messenger sent by Liu Xi.
When he entered the main hall, he saw a young man in a dark green scholar’s costume sitting upright at the table. His seated posture was standard and his back was very straight.
The hall was brightly lit with flickering candlelight.
The youth’s long hair that was blue-black like a crow’s feathers, bundled in a jade coronet. Not a hair was out of place. The color of his hair was such a contrast to his delicate skin, making him look even fairer. His ink-black eyebrows laid fittingly on his face and his pitch-black gaze was bright and expressive. His nose bridge was straight and tall. Anyone who saw his face had to praise it… What an attractive and intelligent man!
It seemed that the youth had become aware of movement outside the hall and cast a searching gaze.
His expression remained unperturbed when he saw the ferocious-looking Deputy Chief. It was as if he was not in the enemy’s camp but a small courtyard at home, sitting by himself at the table and enjoying wine.
The Deputy Chief collected himself and strode to the seat of honor. He sat down unceremoniously and spoke with a loud voice.
“You are sent by the child, Liu… Liu Xi, to persuade me?”
He wanted to call Jiang Pengji “that thief,” but the Deputy Chief did not know the specific intentions of the youth just yet, so he showed some mercy in his speech.
Wei Ci bowed with both hands held in front of him and calmly said, “No, my lord sent me here to explain how you can survive.”
As soon as he opened his mouth, the Deputy Chief felt a murderous intention bubbling forth in his heart. He sneered, “Explain how I can survive?”
“Exactly.” Wei Ci was not afraid at all. He said, “You occupy Qiuyu County and have control of 30,000 powerful soldiers. It looks like you’re at the peak of your power. However, you must not forget that there are two powerful enemies outside the city. Once the two besiege the city, how long do you think you can resist them based on the reserves in the city?”
If Wei Ci earnestly implored him for help and put himself in a lower position, the Deputy Chief would only become more arrogant, and the more he would see him as someone of no importance.
Instead, he’d come here to instigate the Deputy Chief. Hence, the two of them could talk as equals.
So, even though he was in the enemy camp, Wei Ci did not drop his forceful demeanor at all.
The Deputy Chief scoffed. His eyes were as fierce as a wolf as he stared at Wei Ci’s neck, seemingly thinking about tearing it open.
The Deputy Chief was scornful. He said in a rough voice, “Although I have some friction with this sacred sect, we are one family behind closed doors. No matter what, Liu Xi is still an outsider. Is there any logic in this world that could make sense of someone who chooses to help an outsider instead of their own family? ”
Wei Ci’s said in an ice-cold tone, “Family? You mean the family who will ‘kill the donkey when its work is done?’”
A vein throbbed on the Deputy Chief’s face. Wei Ci continued, “You should thank my lord. If it weren’t for him, why would the Red Lotus Group have allowed you to survive despite your rebellious manner? What you said was correct. No matter what disagreements you have, you’re still one family, and there are no long-lasting feuds in a family.”
Jiang Pengji’s strategists were all exceptionally talented in the art of misrepresenting facts. They were very good at sneakily changing or switching the content of a concept.
Jiang Pengji was the one who had tightened the screws on the Red Lotus Group until they’d split apart. But coming from Wei Ci’s lips, Jiang Pengji had turned into a “benefactor.”
He smiled and said, “If my estimation is accurate, the Red Lotus Group would have already sent messengers to say the same thing to you by now. It’s is true, and I strongly with it. Have you thought about that? The Red Lotus Group is still the Red Lotus Group! They say that all men and women in the Group are like brothers and sisters. However, no matter how nicely they spin it, the members are not blood-related. You have indeed kidnapped the Chief, killed the members who have attacked you, occupied Red Lotus County, and deceived the guards of Qiuyu County into opening the gates for you… All of these actions are debts that have been written against you. Do you think that after my lord retreats and everything becomes calm again, your Chief will not exact punishment from you, who has rebelled?”
