Chapter 1258: The Cult Leader is Actually Myself (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
【no! 】
These two words almost came out of my mouth.
Two pairs of eyes simultaneously fell on the Holy Son.
Aside from Cui Xiao, whose presence was barely noticeable and whose expression was ominous, another scholar frowned slightly, seemingly wondering what kind of trouble the Holy Son was causing at this crucial moment. He also voiced Cui Xiao's doubts: "May I ask why 'evacuation' is not feasible?"
When the Holy Son realized what he had said, he broke out in a cold sweat and regretted that his mouth had moved faster than his thoughts.
Facing the seemingly calm yet sharp, probing gaze of the middle-aged scholar, the Holy Son felt uneasy, averting her eyes. Her voice lowered, and her fingers, hidden in her sleeve, almost clenched into a knot. She bit her lower lip: "What I mean is..."
Middle-aged scholar: [I hope the Lady will treat me with sincerity.]
He changed the way he addressed the Holy Son.
It's also a subtle reminder to the other party to remember their true identity and the purpose of their mission, and not to let their minds wander!
The courage that the Holy Son had managed to muster had mostly dissipated.
Seeing that she still refused to speak frankly, the middle-aged scholar lost patience and prepared to take his leave. But just as he moved, the Holy Son lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve tightly, panting heavily and gritting his teeth, saying, "No, we can't leave!"
Cui Xiao asked: "Why? What's the reason?"
The Holy Son finished speaking in one breath, afraid that if he hesitated any longer, he would no longer dare to tell the truth: "Aren't we harming them? They are just ordinary commoners, each one incited to rebel. Even a rebellion needs a leader, and we are their backbone. Once that backbone is gone, they will either continue to be deceived and used, or die under heavy military suppression!"
She knew she had felt compassion that she shouldn't have.
These believers were not citizens of Kangguo. Cui Xiao and his group felt no guilt whatsoever in using these commoners to rebel and create chaos. Whether the commoners starved to death or were suppressed and killed was none of their concern. The larger the scale and the more chaotic the situation, the more advantageous it would be for the situation on the Kangguo front! She understood all of this.
but--
[As Imperial Censor Cui also said—]
The Lord is God!
Are these foolish believers merely pawns used and discarded by God?
The Holy Son's question caused the middle-aged scholar's expression to change. Although he couldn't see Cui Xiao's face, he guessed the other's expression was also unpleasant: "Does Your Majesty know what nonsense you're spouting?"
The other party has completely blurred the lines.
[Having a kind heart is good, but one should not be generous with other people's money.] The lives and deaths of commoners not incorporated into the Kang Kingdom are naturally irrelevant to Kang Kingdom; it wouldn't be wrong to call them pawns to be used and discarded. [If this hadn't happened, they might all have gone to the battlefield and become enemies of Kang Kingdom. Does the Queen truly believe they are all one of her own just because they call her 'Your Highness the Holy Son'?]
It is foolish to show mercy to potential enemies who have not been completely subdued.
How could she be so certain that their withdrawal at a crucial moment would lead to greater casualties among ordinary believers, rather than reducing them?
The Holy Son opened his mouth, his white pupils seeming to show helplessness.
She was about to sigh and apologize for her slip of the tongue.
Unexpectedly, things took an unexpected turn.
Choi Hyo-do: [Your Majesty's concerns are not without merit. It's not that we can't stay, but Your Majesty should think it over carefully.]
The Holy Son hurriedly asked, "What have you decided?"
Cui Xiao told her: "I'm willing to risk my life."
The true leader, outwardly, is not the middle-aged scholar or him, but rather the woman who holds the "Divinely Bestowed Imperial Seal" and the title of "Her Highness the Holy Son." With her present, believers will flock to her in droves, making it even more difficult for the southwestern kingdoms to suppress her in the short term.
When she wasn't there, the believers wandered around aimlessly like headless flies for a while before stopping.
In fact, Shen Tang never intended for the Eternal Life Cult rebellion to last too long; he merely intended to incite it in the short term, causing headaches for the southwestern kingdoms. Without a stable supply of food and provisions, and without a stable and powerful force to conquer cities and seize territory, the rebellion lacked the momentum to continue.
Cui Xiao had some reservations about her soft heart.
All this effort was for a mere month or two of rebellion. If they could conquer the southwestern kingdoms within the time limit, all would be well; but what if they couldn't? If they couldn't, the meticulously planned rebellion would be useless. Cui Xiao didn't like this kind of gamble.
He prefers a more conservative approach.
For example, let the rebellion continue for a while longer.
But these were all his personal thoughts, and it was impossible for his lord to adopt them if he put them forward. Now that a fool with a heart full of kindness had deliberately come forward as an excuse, Cui Xiao didn't mind taking advantage of it.
The Holy Son hesitated for only two breaths before nodding firmly into the air.
I'm not afraid to die!
Standing to her side, Cui Xiao chuckled: "That's excellent."
Middle-aged scholar: [...]
Knowing Cui Xiao's ruthless nature, the middle-aged scholar knew that Cui Shanxiao wouldn't easily get involved in trouble unless there was something to gain. Having calmed the Holy Son, the middle-aged scholar stepped out of the simple tent, his heart heavy with worry: "Cui Shanxiao, I know you're here. Now, give me a report."
The wind blew by, but no one answered.
The middle-aged scholar wanted to spit out: "Stop playing dead!"
Cui Xiao said, "I didn't mean to harm her."
He still has some principles.
Middle-aged scholar: [The lord hasn't instructed us to do anything else. If there's any accountability later, won't you push her to take the blame?]
Cui Xiao chuckled: "Isn't that what she wanted?"
Excessive kindness can lead to more sins; isn't that the price we pay?
Middle-aged scholar: [...]
All parties are closely watching the outcome of this battle.
Among them, Su Shiyilu, who was content to lie low and collect military merits, was the most enthusiastic. Every few days, he would lead his team out to inquire about the situation, and every day he would stand on the city wall, tiptoeing outwards to look around. He waited anxiously, wondering, "Jiang Xiandeng, is this battle really going to end like this?"
Jiang Sheng was sitting on the rooftop, gazing at the moon and stars.
He asked, "What does the general mean?"
Su Shiyilu also sat down, slapping his thigh.
"I still prefer military achievements earned with my own hands."
The main force of the Southwest Allied Army was heading towards him, but after a feint, Shen Tang lured them back halfway. The battles in various regions had been raging for ages, and he hadn't even seen what the enemy looked like. This kind of life of lying around accumulating military merits was incredibly boring.
"Freebies aren't as appealing."
He kept complaining.
"The military generals of Wuzhou should not be underestimated."
Wuzhou only has one capable general, whose military achievements are all due to luck. How can Su Shiyilu stand out among military generals?
Jiang Sheng was almost speechless.
"...General, others also want your good fortune."
Earning military merits for free is a privilege reserved for those with extraordinary luck.
That old codger Su Shiyilu is something else, actually showing disdain. If he were given a formidable enemy, would he fight to the last man for Kangguo? The moment the tide turns, he'll surrender faster than anyone else. You wouldn't believe how many people envy and resent him; he's getting the benefits and then acting all innocent—that old face of his is just asking for a beating.
Jiang Sheng ignored him, so Su Shiyilu could only try to find a topic to talk about.
He also looked up like Jiang Sheng, trying to figure something out and learn a trick or two: "Jiang Xiandeng, I see you looking at the stars and the moon every day, rain or shine, what secrets can you possibly gain from that?"
Jiang Sheng replied, "Analyze everyone's fortunes."
His mastery of the scholar's way was perfected; he could deduce the opponent's fortune without even seeing them face-to-face. Fortune is a powerful tool on the battlefield, and Jiang Sheng could judge victory or defeat by observing both civil and military fortune. For example, with Su Shiyilu, the opponent's fortune was overwhelming, even the main force of the Southwest Allied Army couldn't overcome it when they pressed in. This meant that the battle would be safe, and he could confidently transfer his troops to other locations for support.
Su Shiyilu alone could hold the entire city!
Of course, human will can overcome fate, and fortune is not fixed.
There's an element of gambling involved.
Jiang Sheng felt no burden whatsoever in betting Su Shiyilu's life.
"What about everyone's fortune? Let me see who it is."
Su Shiyilu was now a colleague of Jiang Sheng, on the same side, so he didn't need to hide anything of this level of secrecy. He immediately craned his neck to peek and saw that Jiang Sheng had a scroll open on his knees. His own name was prominently displayed at the front, followed by other names.
Is there a reason for this order?
It doesn't seem to be arranged according to the degree of closeness or distance.
Jiang Sheng said, "It depends on the fortune."
Su Shiyi Lu is currently ranked first.
"Lin Lingde is so far back in the queue?" Su Shiyilu noticed Lin Feng first, gloating. "Is the battle going badly?"
Lin Feng's excellence is something even his enemy has to acknowledge.
The more outstanding and brilliant she was, the more uneasy Su Shiyilu felt.
They always hope the other person will fall into a quagmire.
Jiang Sheng said, "Siblings fighting each other will bring bloodshed."
Su Shiyilu became interested upon hearing this, and couldn't help but clap her hands in delight: "Good, good, good, what a sibling rivalry! Wait, she's not the head of the Lin family, she's all alone, where would she get any siblings?"
Jiang Sheng didn't say much.
Su Shiyilu then noticed two more stains next to Lin Feng.
The other names were neatly arranged, but these two smudges were blurred and appeared to be misspellings: "Who is this person?"
Jiang Sheng glanced down and said, "Cui Xiao."
Su Shiyilu ran the name through his mind and vaguely recognized it: "He's dead? You crossed out his name?"
Jiang Sheng: "...No."
It's because the other party's scholarly way of life influences their writing.
Su Shiyilu: "How come he's ranked after Lin Lingde?"
"A single wrong thought can lead to the loss of a spouse and the death of one's beloved."
Su Shiyilu lost interest as soon as he heard that.
“What kind of misfortune is this?” In his view, any punishment that doesn’t hurt him is insignificant. “There are plenty of men in Kang who don’t have wives, so one more won’t make a difference.”
Jiang Sheng closed the letter: "What do you know?"
Su Shiyilu scoffed: "I know it all too well."
Jiang Sheng said thoughtfully, "That's right. Being widowed or losing a wife is not a big deal for you, as long as there is no sibling rivalry."
Su Shiyilu felt like he was being sarcastic.
Little did he know, at that moment, there was another person who shared his thoughts.
To facilitate training and team cohesion, Lin Feng hasn't been living in the military camp lately, but instead has been staying in a nearby abandoned villa. The previous owner of this villa was a man of refined taste, and even those unfamiliar with such matters could recognize the value of its furnishings. When the Kang Kingdom's army invaded, the villa's owner fled elsewhere, and the villa fell into disrepair.
This will serve as a temporary residence for Lin Feng.
When she returned, the lights were on in the courtyard.
The light cast a tall, slender shadow onto the paper window.
Lin Feng quickened his pace: "Brother!"
The young scholar turned around, his delicate features coming to life the moment he saw Lin Feng. Judging from their appearances, the young man bore a striking resemblance to Lin Feng, clearly indicating a blood relation. The young man greeted her with a lantern; warm food had already been laid out inside.
The food was simple, but it tasted like childhood memories that I hadn't had in a long time.
The young scholar sat back down and peeled lotus pods: "You've been coming home late lately, looking worried. Have you run into some trouble?"
Lin Feng said, "The training hasn't been going very smoothly."
The young scholar was not surprised by this and casually remarked, "Most of the soldiers in Kang State come from the Northwest, where water is scarce. Under such circumstances, few of them are good swimmers. Fighting this group from the Southwest in a naval battle is like using one's weakness against the enemy's strength; how can one not suffer a loss?"
Lin Feng held the bowl and ate the soup.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it."
At this point, the young scholar did not pursue the matter further.
After peeling the lotus pods, he picked up the embroidery board and skillfully threaded the needle. Lin Feng, meanwhile, read military texts by candlelight. The two were in a harmonious atmosphere, with only the crackling sound of the candle burning in the air.
After a long while, a purse was placed in Lin Feng's hand.
The young scholar added oil to the candlesticks and noticed that Lin Feng had placed the military book aside. He then took out the dress he had made during the day and asked Lin Feng to go back to his room to try it on to see if it fit. If it didn't, he would make some alterations.
"My second brother is equally adept in the living room and the kitchen; if he were in China, I wonder how many young women would be attracted to him." With someone to manage the household affairs and take care of the mundane tasks, the head of the family can focus on building his career outside with peace of mind. It's just a pity that there aren't many men who appreciate such support.
A female ruler with this ambition often has no choice but to take a husband as her son-in-law.
The average quality of men willing to marry into a family is not very high.
The young man was clearly familiar with the customs of Kangguo and understood the meaning behind Lin Feng's words, so he raised his hand and tapped her forehead: "Shut up."
Lin Feng tried on the size and it fit perfectly, just like the one she liked when she was young: "Little sister is not joking. Brother's needlework is much better than mine. Only the master teacher doesn't mind my stitches. Apart from them, even my senior brother has to say a few words about my stitches."
"Needlework is not good, but Jiaojiao is talented and can do it."
The young scholar beckoned her over.
Lin Feng extended his hand, inviting the other person to come closer and adjust his sleeve.
Looking at the young man's gentle features in the candlelight, Lin Feng softened his tone, his thoughts drifting back to more than a decade ago: "I remember when I was six years old, I was playing around with my older brother and tore my skirt, the sleeve ripped, and my mother took a needle and thread and sewed it back up for me stitch by stitch..."
That was her favorite dress.
She only accepted this one condition, and her mother promised to make an exact replica to replace it: 【Jiaojiao doesn't want it! Jiaojiao wants it!】
Children who grow up being pampered have the privilege of being spoiled.
His mother had no choice but to mend the wound herself, and Lin Feng finally stopped crying and smiled. The older brother in front of him looked very much like his mother.
Young scholar: "I don't quite remember."
Looking at the sleeve, now completely undetectable after the alterations, Lin Feng felt sorry for him: "Brother, you've suffered so much these past years..."
You can judge something from the details without even asking.
Her brother's attire was rather plain, lacking any of the flamboyant and festive style she remembered. The fabric wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best either. She recalled that when she lived in the inner quarters of the house, she had learned household management from her mother, and she clearly remembered that her brother had twenty or thirty new outfits made every season, but each outfit was only worn two or three times at most, and when they were disposed of as old clothes, they looked brand new.
Each set comes with corresponding accessories.
He can't even thread a needle, let alone sew.
Now he is skilled in needlework, which suggests that he must have been forced to learn these skills due to his living conditions in the past.
(￣▽￣)／
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
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