Chapter 1293: Deceiving the Heavens (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
A group of highly skilled and courageous martial artists joined the Kang Kingdom's central mainland branch in this miraculous way, perfectly balancing the current imbalance between civil and military affairs. This also allowed Shen Zixu Tang's power to expand rapidly, quickly becoming a sharp blade capable of threatening the heart.
This force, working in concert with Qu Guo from within and without, achieved remarkable results.
It was precisely because it was so obvious that it aroused Zhai Lesheng's suspicion.
What are you doubting?
Naturally, they suspected that Shen Tang had been lying.
Suspecting that Kangguo had the resources to deploy troops here while dealing with the Southwest Allied Forces, which fundamentally contradicted Shen Tang's previous promises, Zhai Le remained calm and secretly ordered an investigation. How could someone who had only been operating in the Central Continent for a short time, posing as Zixu, have amassed such a large fighting force in such a short period? It was normal for her to deceive Quguo, given Quguo's limited external influence, but to deceive the Central Continent was absurd. The Central Continent was a complex web of power dynamics, unlike the Northwest, which she had managed for years and where her word was law!
When investigating matters within the borders of other countries, the intelligence network of the Pantheon would be more accurate. Yu Hai's deputy delivered detailed inside information to Zhai Le within two days: "My lord, it would be best to put down your teacup before reading this."
Well, it's best not to have anything in your mouth either.
Zhai Le smiled and put down his teacup: "You've seen it?"
The minister's expression was indescribable: "I glanced at it."
Zhai Le, recalling Shen Tang's numerous outrageous antics during his youth, had a better understanding of the situation and asked with a smile, "What are your thoughts?"
It took the young and composed minister a long time to finally reveal his true thoughts.
"Hmm... Absolutely stunning!"
“That’s natural, she always has so many unexpected skills.” Zhai Le said, feeling refreshed and happy, her eyes and brows relaxed. “...like...the most stunning stroke in a chaotic world.”
The minister's expression became even stranger as he considered the details.
Stunning, truly stunning!
Zhai Le opened the booklet.
Zhai Le closed the booklet.
Zhai Le sat cross-legged on the throne, his puffed-up face resembling that of a pufferfish, showing traces of his youth.
It took him a while to stammer, "This works?"
Because most rulers abused and overdrawn the nation's fortune for personal gain, coupled with poor governance, almost no country was without a deficit in its national fortune. Furthermore, the national fortune allocated to military generals was not always timely or accurate. This led some brave warriors to refuse recruitment, choosing instead to become mountain kings and local tyrants. This group was a mixed bag, but even among the most cunning, some exceptional individuals could be found.
Qu State promoted many military generals who came from the ranks of wandering knights.
They each have their own specialties, and their strength levels vary.
As a result, the friend easily recruited so many powerful generals to his side using only two boxes of trousers and a bit of force. Wait, no, this makes other countries, including Qu Kingdom, seem incredibly foolish!
Other countries recruit talent by racking their brains to recruit them or by spending fortunes to acquire them. But when it comes to Shen Tang, she doesn't need to go through formalities or spend money. She simply goes to people's homes with nothing but her trousers and asks them to fight for her.
Zhai Le can summarize this perfectly in one sentence.
If you heroes are being coerced, please blink!
The minister said, "These brutes are truly unpredictable."
Countless people have come knocking on my door, offering high-ranking positions and generous salaries, only to be met with haughty attitudes, difficulties, and utter disdain. They scoff at the promise of high office and wealth, yet their eyes are glued to two simple underpants…
How can this not be considered amazing?
Zhai Le held his head in his hands: "I can't figure it out either."
Little did he know, not only was he, an outsider, baffled, but even the victims involved were confused. With so many willing victims joining in, conquering territory was naturally not difficult. Taking advantage of the royal court's attention being drawn to the Kingdom of Qu, Shen Tang accelerated his expansion.
Some of these locations were, in fact, the strongholds of the victims.
A typical example is that neighboring county magistrate.
In light of this special circumstance, Shen Tang accepted it all with a smile.
Having won a minor victory, she generously arranged a celebration banquet—even though the victims felt there was no need to celebrate such a small victory. But since Shen Tang was hosting, they naturally didn't care about the cost.
"What kind of victory celebration is it if there's no singing or dancing?"
The only redeeming quality is the variety of dishes.
Many of the dishes were unfamiliar to them, and they had no idea where they originated. They took a small bite, and the taste was surprisingly good, somewhat easing their resentment. They couldn't help but inwardly grumble, "I've lived this long and never seen such a shabby banquet."
The vast majority of victims did not accept Shen Tang's judgment.
Even though Shen Tang displayed overwhelming strength and even recruited a few eccentric heroes like Qiu, individual strength is one thing, and power is another. Which power's development relies entirely on the martial prowess of one person? As opponents, they might be convinced; but as officials, winning their genuine respect is a long way off. This isn't something that can be achieved with a few simple dishes or empty platitudes.
Because of the fact that they lost to Gong Xichou and his group back then, and because Shen Tang was also quite strong, they only reluctantly gave him some face.
Conversely, who would want to talk to her?
The atmosphere at the banquet was somber.
The civil and military officials were clearly separated, and they did not communicate with each other.
Among the victims were acquaintances, standing close yet avoiding eye contact, afraid to see pity or mockery in each other's eyes. Such a shameful experience was something they wanted to keep hidden forever; who would want to spread it around? Disgraceful, utterly disgraceful!
They tacitly agreed to pretend not to see or know each other.
"Hey, there's not even a drink."
Just as he started complaining, dozens of soldiers carrying black wine jars entered.
The wine jar was tightly bound with red cloth, but a rich aroma of wine could still be smelled upon closer inspection. The victims, all of considerable strength, could naturally sense the energy of heaven and earth becoming more active amidst the aroma. Needless to say, it was definitely fine wine, and there was no need to investigate its origin.
As long as I can drink it, that's fine.
"Um?"
"Good wine!"
Spirit Wine has been around for many years, and the Central Continent is the place with the best resources and information. How could Shen Tang let go of such a big cake? He has been expanding sales channels both openly and secretly. On the surface, he operates legitimately, but behind the scenes, he also smuggles it under different names. The victims here are among the best of the martial arts masters, so they naturally have the opportunity to come into contact with such a good thing as Spirit Wine. But good things are not genuine.
After trying it today, my complexion changed.
Shen Tang sat at the head of the table, observing the expressions on the faces of the victims.
She smiled and poured herself a full cup: "In the early stages of our business, we are short of money and have nothing of value to offer you. I will punish myself with a cup first."
"N-no way..."
Victims who resist communicating with the outside world exchange glances.
For a moment, I was unsure whether Shen Tang's words were true or false.
Serving spirit wine to guests at a banquet is something not everyone can afford. Some of them were invited, and while the wine at the banquet was effective, it was bland, only slightly better than their usual rice wine. After only two bowls, their faces were burning, and they were already feeling slightly tipsy. They worried that the wine might have been spiked, so they secretly circulated their qi through their meridians but found nothing amiss, only noticing that their martial energy was more active and turbulent than usual…
They all used drinking to conceal the thoughts in their eyes.
Putting aside the humiliation of wearing a calf-nose trouser, this wine is quite good!
Few martial arts masters are bad drinkers. They drank heavily according to their usual capacity, but they underestimated the aftereffects of the alcohol.
As the alcohol took effect, reason was numbed.
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of toasts, the atmosphere finally eased, and the suffocating awkwardness of before dissipated. A white-haired military officer, taking advantage of his age and emboldened by his drunkenness, asked what had been on his mind: "I wonder what the Lady's plans are in raising this rebellion?"
Or rather, how ambitious is she?
What goal do you intend to achieve before stopping?
These people are only helping out temporarily, and their presence here is out of necessity. Once their debts are repaid, they will all return to their respective places without mercy. However, considering the value of the wine, they can be lenient if the target is not too far off.
For example, when it's time to leave, she has achieved 99% of her goal, and the remaining little bit won't take much time. If the relationship is good during this period, he is willing to stay and make up for the last bit, without accepting any benefits from the other party, considering it as doing a good deed.
Shen Tang said, "I'm afraid it will scare you if I tell you."
"Hmph, I'm seventy years old, why would I be scared?"
Shen Tang swirled his wine cup: "I want the Central Plains."
"What a boastful tone."
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Only those who can't finish their work are boastful.
Seeing her serious expression and exchanging glances with the others, the white-haired general couldn't help but pour cold water on Shen Tang's ambition: "It is admirable that Your Majesty has such aspirations, but you must also consider reality. With Your Majesty's current resources, it is not difficult to gain a foothold, but if you want more, that will be difficult. If you really want more, I can point out a way for Your Majesty, and perhaps there will be an opportunity."
To make a living in this central region, you have to be a sycophant.
A country that wants to establish itself in the long term also needs to win over powerful clans.
Without the support of powerful clans, it might not work.
Everyone present, especially the victims' alliance, were of ordinary backgrounds and held little affection for the powerful clans of the central region, but they had to acknowledge these rules of survival. For the young queen to establish herself, the easiest way was to recruit the sons of these powerful clans for assistance.
Otherwise—
They are easily targeted.
"When autumn comes on the ninth day of the ninth month, my flowers bloom and all others wither. The fragrance fills Chang'an, and the whole city is adorned in golden armor." Shen Tang, her eyes glazed with drunkenness, lazily rested her chin on her hand and tilted her head, asking the crowd meaningfully, "Gentlemen, have you ever heard of Huang Chao?"
For a moment, the entire room fell silent; you could hear a pin drop.
Shen Tang seemed not to notice and chuckled, "Why are you so serious? I didn't say I wanted to emulate Huang Chao. I just remembered that guy from Kangguo. He wasn't that far off from Huang Chao."
What she couldn't accomplish in the Northwest Continent, she wouldn't mind doing thoroughly in the Central Continent. At worst, she could frame Zhai Le; Zhai Le's upright posture was perfect for taking the blame.
The victims secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Among them were many astute individuals who keenly noticed that the scholars remained unfazed, as if they hadn't heard Shen Tang's shocking statement. It was well known that prominent families were more likely to produce scholars, and the more outstanding the scholar, the higher their social standing. These people present all possessed extraordinary bearing, unlike those raised in ordinary families…
That's interesting.
After the celebration banquet ended, He Shu escorted Shen Tang back home.
With no one around, Shen Tang, who had been drunk just moments before, regained her senses. He Shu said, "Your Majesty's actions are too rash."
The central continent is, after all, dominated by powerful clans.
There is no guarantee that none of these people come from powerful families.
The Lord's recitation of Huang Chao's words of wisdom is clearly malicious.
Shen Tang said, "Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. Rather than breaking up later when our feelings deepen, it's better to clarify things now."
As for bringing trouble upon ourselves?
That's not the case.
Firstly, the news travels too slowly; by the time someone steps in to deal with her, she'll probably have already joined up with the Qu Kingdom. Secondly, her influence in the central continent is still too small; it's like a slightly stronger ant jumping around saying it can kill an elephant...
The elephant wouldn't care.
Shen Tang laughed again, "Don't think I recruited them indiscriminately, right? Before challenging these people, Ji Moqiu did some research on their backgrounds. Based on the information they provided and Ji Moqiu's divination, these people were included in my plan. Today's celebration banquet is purely to let everyone get acquainted, and to see how they pretend not to know others just to save face..."
It's simply a great way to lift your spirits!
He Shu: "..."
To put it bluntly, they just want to see these people make a fool of themselves?
This mischievous and cunning hobby is truly a match for Qi Shan's; no wonder these two could be ruler and subject. He Shu inwardly grumbled for a while before He Xin took control of his body. He heard He Xin ask, "Your Majesty seems displeased; is it due to a setback at the front?"
Shen Tang said, "It can't be considered a defeat."
My good mood from the previous night vanished without a trace.
She squinted slightly as she recalled, "I've used all thirty-six stratagems for so many years, but I never expected to be outmaneuvered and let someone escape right under my nose. That was truly a... cunning opponent..."
Her tone revealed little displeasure, more like the calm of a hunter watching its prey flee, finding amusement in the resistance of the weak. He Xin had never gone to the southwestern front, always kept in the capital by Qi Yuanliang to work. If it weren't for the central region matching his elder brother's attributes, he wouldn't have had the chance to escape and get some fresh air. But he knew who the adversary his lord was referring to was.
"So troublesome?"
"Just a last-ditch effort." This statement sounded a bit like a villain's, the kind of villain who pops champagne halfway through only to be humiliated. "She wrote a heartfelt letter to Shousheng, who then gave it to me. All of this was part of her plan, to create a false impression—the impression that her army was trapped and desperate, making a blunder out of desperation. In reality—"
In reality, they had already run away.
As Shen Tang spoke, her teeth ached.
She considered many possibilities, guessing that the deserters might be a trick by Mei Meng to deceive everyone. They appeared to be deserters, but in reality, they were all elite troops secretly advancing to launch a surprise attack on the Kang Kingdom's army from within and without. She also guessed that Mei Meng used Lü Jue to pass on false information to her and take the opportunity to counterattack... She even guessed that there were spies from the Southwest Allied Army mixed among the deserters, who took advantage of the chaos to send out battle reports and bring reinforcements.
Mei Meng didn't do any of those fancy things.
The deserters are real.
It's true that they're prepared for a do-or-die battle.
However, it is also true that a deserter became the ruler of the State of Qi.
Shen Tang commented, "That's really not dignified."
She gave the other party a way out.
With the enemy surrounded on all sides, why didn't the King of Qi emulate Xiang Yu and make a dignified exit? Instead, he abandoned Mei Meng and fled with the other high-ranking officers of the Southwest Allied Forces and their elite troops. Having missed this opportunity, a dignified exit next time would be much more difficult.
"Isn't this like letting a tiger return to the mountains?"
“There’s a condition to releasing a tiger back into the mountains: you have to let go of a tiger.” Shen Tang sneered. “Now it seems it’s just a sick cat with no guts. It’s a pity for Mei Meng; she really fought with the spirit of a do-or-die battle, but her lord choked her at the most crucial moment. Now, she’s trapped like a turtle in a jar!”
|ω`)
It feels like the Mercury retrograde at the beginning of the month is over, and good luck is about to begin?
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
