Chapter 338: The Chaos in the Northwest (Part 1)
Do you really think Shiwu is a great victim?
Did they try to scam someone once and then use the same trick to scam them a second time?
Shen Tang was not very optimistic about this.
However, she clearly didn't know enough about Shiwu.
They claimed to be a race descended from ten golden crows, living and multiplying there, with noble golden crow blood flowing through their veins, making them descendants of gods.
Whether outsiders believe this self-aggrandizing rumor or not, they themselves have believed it for two hundred years. No one in the world is more suited to live in the fertile and prosperous Central Plains than they are.
They coveted the fertile lands of the Central Plains.
However, the presence of natural mountain ranges and the border barrier near the Tiger Crouching Mountains made an attack virtually impossible. Therefore, the Ten Crows would not let any opportunity for them to advance south slip by—
Shen Tang was astonished that such a great injustice could exist in the world.
"Is it highly likely that Shiwu will fall for the same trick a second time?"
Qi Shan chuckled: "It's not exactly the second time."
Shen Tang: "???"
Qi Shan said uncertainly, "Using Shi Wu as an assistant, isn't that a tradition in the Northwest?"
Shen Tang: "..."
In a sense, Shiwu is quite "pitiful".
Amidst the ongoing chaos of war among the northwestern states of the mainland, a few cunning individuals secretly collude with the Ten Crows, instructing them to send troops to harass the passes near the mountains, thus diverting enemy forces. For details on their operations, refer to Zheng Qiao's account. Once they've used the Ten Crows, they discard them, using delaying tactics to postpone any promised benefits, eventually reneging on their promises.
Good grief, isn't this just getting something for free?
Getting something for free is one thing.
The key point is that the various countries in the Northwest seem to have made a pact to take turns flattering and promising benefits to Shiwu, and Shiwu falls for it every time, and each time it's the same thing. Based on past patterns, Shiwu will most likely agree, which sounds incredibly naive.
At first glance, Shiwu seems like a naive and honest young man, just like the pitiful Beimo next door who was used as an experience point farm, being tricked and played by these unethical street thugs in the Northwest of the continent. But don't let your guard down because of this, hehe.
They won't even know how they died in the end.
Like Bei Mo, Shi Wu is adept at lying low and enduring. If Bei Mo is prone to provoking neighboring states in the northwest every now and then, and then offering hostages and beauties from his tribe after losing a battle, thus developing through marriage alliances, then Shi Wu is like an honest person who can be easily bullied. He has been fooled by the same tricks for over a hundred years, yet he continues to fall for them, gradually lowering the guard of the outside world, allowing him to develop in secret with remarkable results.
Nowadays, the countries in the northwest don't really take them seriously, nor do they think they can threaten them.
A typical example is Zheng Qiao. After using Shi Wu, he didn't even offer any perfunctory comfort or coaxing. He's a true scumbag.
Shen Tang: "..."
Gu Chi tapped his knee lightly with his fingers, lowered his eyes in deep thought, and after a long while said, "The idea that the King of Zhi wants to borrow troops from Shiwu is mostly just a rumor spread by refugees. It's quite possible that he's forming an alliance with Beimo. However, Shiwu and Beimo have been secretly exchanging glances for many years. The two clans have been lying low for a long time, and their wings have grown strong. With the recent turmoil in the Northwest, they may not be able to hold back..."
Shen Tang couldn't help but complain: "Are these two tribes from Shiwu and Beimo trying to play a game of espionage? Even nesting dolls aren't this complicated."
Everyone was already used to Shen Tang's somewhat incomprehensible dialect and slang, but it didn't affect their understanding of the general meaning.
Kang Shi's brow remained furrowed as he worriedly asked, "Does Wang Chao believe that the Shiwu and Beimo tribes will take advantage of this opportunity to openly help Zheng Qiao and Zhi Wang, while secretly joining forces and waiting for their troops to assemble in the northwest before making their move?"
Gu Chi said, "That's most likely the case."
The Ten Wuyou Mountains and the border barriers provide natural defenses.
Heavy border troops are also keeping watch in the northern desert.
If the two clans cooperate with the Zheng brothers under the pretext of borrowing troops, they can swagger into the northwest territory without regard for these obstacles. If Zheng Qiao and the King of Zhi fight to the death and are weakened, it will be difficult for them to guard against the two clans' betrayal.
Kang Shi then asked, "Is the information reliable?"
Gu Chi smiled and said, "Of course."
His previous boss was Wu Yuan.
Although she was a hostage thrown out by the Northern Desert and was ostensibly a useless pawn, the Wu Yuan maternal clan's power within the Northern Desert was not weak. The intelligence was likely accurate, as the two clans had been secretly colluding for many years.
Gu Chi said, "For Shiwu and Beimo, there probably won't be a better opportunity than now within the next hundred years."
The wars waged by the northwestern states have depleted too much of their vital energy.
In recent years, no relatively stable, unified local regime has emerged, and there has been no opportunity for recuperation. The number of small, fragmented states has increased, meaning the potential threat to the Northern Desert has diminished. Last time, during the Northern Desert raid, if it weren't for Chu Yao's intervention and intervention, and the fact that the Northwest allied forces weren't entirely incompetent, they might have truly been overthrown and defeated by the Northern Desert!
so--
Both clans will do everything in their power to seize this opportunity.
It's highly likely that Shiwu will "set aside past grievances" and continue flirting with Zheng Qiao, while Beimo will seize the opportunity to hitch a ride on Zhiwang's coattails, playing hard to get. As long as their mighty army can set foot on the land within the northwest territory, the two tribes' wishful thinking will be largely successful!
The rest—
That was the start of a full-blown battle!
Gu Chi said, "My lord, we must hurry up and train the troops."
As a minor prefect of Heyin County, Shen Tang could neither stop the Zheng and Qiao brothers from fighting, nor could she prevent the two clans from sending troops into the territory. The current fighting was just a small skirmish; the real war had not yet begun. All she could do was rise to power amidst the chaos of war.
Otherwise, when the two clans' iron cavalry rampaged through the Northwest, she and the common people under her rule would have been trampled into mincemeat.
The veins on Shen Tang's forehead throbbed violently.
At the same time, there was a heavy sense of powerlessness.
Kang Shi then said, "Xingning can't be blind to this. He can't just sit idly by and let Zheng Qiao dig his own grave."
"Yan Xingning? Can he change Zheng Qiao's mind?"
Kang Shi was speechless for a moment.
That's something I really can't guarantee.
Yan An and Zheng Qiao are fellow disciples. Yan An values Zheng Qiao highly and rushed to Zheng Qiao's side as soon as he finished mourning, trying to bring him back on the right track... But whether Zheng Qiao is willing to listen to advice is hard to say.
Two flowers bloom, each representing a different branch.
At this time, at Zheng Qiao's temporary palace.
A burly man dressed in rough, exotic attire bowed deeply to Zheng Qiao with utmost respect and humility. The official remained indifferent, letting the man flatter Zheng Qiao. Even as the man's words flowed eloquently, the official paid him no heed, occasionally glancing at him with disdain.
This burly man was the envoy of the Ten Crows.
It is said that this person holds an extremely prestigious position in Shiwu.
But in order to catch a glimpse of the true dragon, I volunteered to come here.
If it weren't for the vast differences in customs between the two places, the envoy would have even wanted to lightly kiss Zheng Qiao's instep to express his piety and reverence.
Zheng Qiao smiled enigmatically, appreciating the burly man's flattery.
They only occasionally give a response or two.
The entire court session boiled down to two "key points".
Firstly, Shiwu wanted to marry the princess.
Secondly, he was willing to offer a dowry of 100,000 elite soldiers for the sake of the princess.
But everyone knows this is just a fig leaf.
The key is "100,000 elite troops"!
After the court assembly, Zheng Qiao stayed for a banquet.
Yan Xingning is acting strangely today.
They didn't object even once!
This surprised Zheng Qiao and made him wary—Yan Xingning didn't know him well enough, but he knew Yan Xingning well enough. The other party was too easy to understand. He was a kind-hearted gentleman who didn't have the ability to turn the tide!
It's impossible to just watch Zheng Qiao "let the wolf into the house" without stopping her!
Even if they can't stop them, they'll still complain and whine a bit.
Today—
"Is Senior Brother mute?"
Zheng Qiao placed a piece.
As Yan An held the black piece, about to place it, he heard these frivolous and impolite words and asked calmly, "What makes you say that?"
"Regarding the Ten Crows, Senior Brother, don't you have anything to say?"
"If I tell you, will you not do it?"
"cannot."
"Then there's no need to waste words."
Zheng Qiao was surprised to hear this; it was indeed unusual.
He feigned a test: "It's rare for Senior Brother to be so understanding. I'm not afraid of those two idiots, the Pig King, but with 100,000 troops from the Northern Desert, my forces are insufficient. If we encounter them, I'll inevitably suffer losses, letting other villains take advantage..."
That incompetent King Zhi wants to ally with the Northern Desert, also requesting 100,000 elite troops. However, these 100,000 elite troops are not a "dowry" but rather the "dowry" of the princess offered by the Northern Desert. Zheng Qiao's forces are somewhat weak, and they can only rely on external forces to keep up.
He collaborated with Shiwu once.
It's quite convenient to use.
Yan An said, "You are the true ruler."
The implication is that Zheng Qiao can make the decision herself.
There's no need to explain these things to him.
A shadow crossed Zheng Qiao's handsome face, and his tone, seemingly gentle, was actually full of murderous intent: "Senior brother, is it true?"
"yes."
Zheng Qiao slammed down the chess piece and suddenly, as if having a fit of madness, demanded, "You're not Yan Xingning!"
Yan An: "..."
He increasingly felt that this junior brother was difficult to please.
She opposed him, but he insisted on his own way, and no amount of persuasion could change his mind. Now that she no longer opposed him, Zheng Qiao questioned whether he was genuine.
Yan An didn't answer, but simply stared at her indifferently. Zheng Qiao couldn't see any flaws in his expression: "What are you planning?"
"I haven't made any plans."
Zheng Qiao: "..."
It's a lie that he believed Yan An's nonsense.
But Yan An refused to utter a single word, even under torture. Zheng Qiao had no choice but to give up for the time being, but she didn't forget to coldly threaten, "I hope Senior Brother's words and actions match, and that you truly think and act this way, otherwise—"
Seeing the chess piece turn to dust in Zheng Qiao's hand, Yan An felt a slight pang of sadness, but responded fluently.
Midway through the game of chess, Zheng Qiao suddenly said, "Shi Wu is seeking to marry the princess, but my junior brother has no children..."
Yan An said, "You can appoint any palace woman as your consort."
Who is the person he is proposing to?
No, it should be "Princess".
He didn't think Zheng Qiao would worry about such things.
Zheng Qiao said, "Speaking of which, my niece..."
Yan An's eyes suddenly sharpened: "Zheng Qiao!"
They no longer call him by his full name or even "junior brother."
Zheng Qiao smiled and said, "Senior brother, don't panic. My niece is clever and young. According to seniority, she calls me 'Uncle-Master.' How could I possibly let her go for a political marriage? Those barbarians from Shiwu are not worthy of a golden branch and jade leaf like my niece. But I have no children of my own, and I envy those who have both sons and daughters. Why don't you let my niece come to the palace to play for a few days? If you are worried, you can have your sister-in-law accompany her."
Yan An looked at Zheng Qiao, who was all smiles and laughter, in disbelief, as if this was the first time she had ever met him.
"You think I would harm you?"
Zheng Qiao: "Senior brother, you're overthinking it. I didn't mean to take my sister-in-law and the others hostage. It's just that we haven't seen each other for many years..."
Whether what they said was true or false, they both knew perfectly well.
Yan An's silence today aroused Zheng Qiao's suspicion. He used this opportunity to warn Yan An that if he didn't agree, he wouldn't be leaving the palace alive today. Yan An knew that Zheng Qiao was suspicious, but he didn't expect him to be so suspicious to such a pathological degree. He could only suppress his anger.
"We should ask my wife for her opinion on this matter."
Zheng Qiao smiled and said, "Okay."
——————
After a moment's thought, the lady agreed.
"The king is inherently suspicious, with an extreme temperament and impulsive actions. Let's go along with him; if we disobey—the consequences will be unimaginable." Yan An's wife wasn't particularly beautiful, but her gentle and composed demeanor was like a clear mountain spring, bringing peace of mind. "But, has Xingning not yet given up on that idea?"
Yan An remained silent for a long time.
The lady understood his answer, and her smile became tinged with bitterness, but more so with understanding and support.
Yan An felt even more guilty.
The lady said, "Xingning doesn't need to do that."
She and her husband, Yan An, have known each other since they were young.
He was also the person she had chosen since she was young.
She would support whatever Yan An did.
only--
Thinking of her husband's heartfelt words and his meticulously planned scheme, the wife had no choice but to suppress her reluctance.
At the same time, she was also furious with Zheng Qiao for betraying Yan An's good intentions. The situation in the Northwest had deteriorated to this point, and Zheng Qiao was largely to blame. It was clearly his fault, yet her husband was the one cleaning up the mess. What right did he have?
Based on that sense of guilt?
The lady was furious, but when she thought about her husband's scheme and Zheng Qiao's reaction when he learned the truth, she felt a little better.
The next day, he took his young daughter to visit the imperial palace.
Zheng Qiao did not appear.
At sunset, they sent people to escort the mother and daughter out of the palace.
Is there anything unusual?
Zheng Qiao inquired about the palace servants who were attending to him.
The palace maid replied, "No."
Zheng Qiao watched the song and dance performance and said, "That's quite rare."
He thought that, given his sister-in-law's temper, she would have already given him a severe dressing-down in private.
He didn't go over to check, partly because he was afraid of that—speaking of which, this sister-in-law could be considered a senior sister. However, she hadn't had much contact with Zheng Qiao, and the few times they had met, they had even had conflicts.
After the palace servants withdrew, Zheng Qiao watched the song and dance for a while longer before returning to his bedchamber. However, instead of going to sleep, he began reading memorials.
Ha, Yan An would probably mutter something strange if he saw this.
These reports were all sent through secret agents.
This can be considered one of Zheng Qiao's forces operating in secret.
She specifically helped him do things that couldn't be done in the light of day.
Gather intelligence on various forces that harbor rebellious intentions towards Zheng Qiao, or forces that Zheng Qiao believes to harbor such intentions. Some forces are too small and weak to be dealt with directly; the blame is shifted to enemies, instigating internal strife and turning them into dogs fighting each other. For those that are difficult to handle, gather intelligence and let Zheng Qiao make the decision.
And these few memorials—
Zheng Qiao took it as a joke.
Wu Xian of Tianhai disrupted the markets of Shangnan and Yiru, secretly making a fortune; He Yin Shen Tang sold adulterated water behind Wu Xian's back, keeping an eye on ripping off the unsuspecting. The most detailed part of the story is the changes in He Yin in the past few months, and Shen Tang's close relationship with Wu Xian.
Zheng Qiao initially didn't take Shen Tang seriously.
The spies were only keeping an eye on Wu Xian, Gu Ren, and Zhang He, who were the more obvious troublemakers. However, because of the strange drinks, they also noticed Shen Tang and realized that although he was young, he was quite capable. The defenses in other parts of He Yin were lax, but Fu Gu was strictly governed. Several of the spies from the past had inexplicably been killed, and the remaining spies dared not get too close.
()
I'm hesitating whether to speed up the plot and jump to more than a year later.
Regarding Yan An, should he be considered neutral in the chaotic situation?
(End of this chapter)
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