Chapter 800: A Malicious Scheme Takes to the Sea? [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Zhao Wei: "..."
She looked at her lord with a blank expression.
Shen Tang looked at her as well: "When did this happen?"
Zhao Wei then realized that her lord had been unaware of this matter all along, but it wasn't too late to tell him now. She would make a report before arriving at Wu Zhaode's camp! She tried to explain the whole story in a neutral tone, but when she mentioned the tragic death of her uncle who had watched her grow up and taught her martial arts, she couldn't hold back anymore. When she spoke of Zhao Feng taking revenge in the same way, her words were full of satisfaction!
After saying that, Zhao Wei calmed down a bit.
Realizing he had said the wrong thing, he immediately clasped his hands in apology.
Shen Tang did not blame him. She also remembered Zhao Feng's deputy. When she learned that he had died indirectly at the hands of his own people, she couldn't help but sigh and felt that his death was not worthwhile: "Dawei, you don't need to be so careful. You did nothing wrong."
Zhao Wei's loss of composure was a minor matter to her.
She lost a kind elder who had been there for her as she grew up. It is cruel to expect someone grieving the loss of a loved one to remain rational.
"If we hadn't known beforehand, it would have been fine, but now that we do, we should at least go and see Dayi. I wonder how his injuries are healing these days," Shen Tang said, a hint of regret creeping in.
She should have brought Choi Hyo-ye along.
Cui Xiao himself came from Qin Li's group and had a good personal relationship with Zhao Feng. His arrival could help him poach Zhao Feng's men.
Zhao Wei, unaware that her master was plotting against her own father, said, "With Father's strength, these injuries should have healed long ago. But I'll only feel at ease if I see them with my own eyes."
Shen Tang sighed: "Martial arts practitioners are physically strong and resilient, so recovery is not difficult. However—once the physical injuries heal, will the wounds etched in the heart heal?"
A competent leader should always pay attention to the physical and mental health of their subordinates; Wu Xian is truly inadequate in this regard.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wei's face, which had just brightened, darkened again.
How easily does a broken heart heal? That uncle is from my father's hometown. The two old buddies have been through so many years of trials and tribulations together. They're not blood brothers, but they're closer than blood relatives! I'm afraid my father will never get over this in his lifetime!
Before long, they arrived at Wu Xian's camp.
"By order of my lord, I await Lord Shen here."
Wu Xian had received the news early and sent men to wait for Shen Tang outside the camp for some time. The man was a stranger, dressed in impeccable taste, and one could even smell expensive perfume as he got closer. Shen Tang was slightly surprised: "Why isn't it Gong Su?"
To show respect, Wu Xian either personally greets the scholar or has Qin Gongsu do it on his behalf. Why is someone else doing it today? Shen Tang’s “unintentional remark” paired with a perfectly timed “doubt” successfully made the scholar’s facial muscles stiffen slightly, then disappear in the blink of an eye.
He smiled and said, "This is the lord's order."
Shen Tang, spoiling the mood, asked, "Is Gong Su busy?"
The scholar's expression was impeccable this time, his smile refreshing and gentle: "The registrar has been busy with mundane affairs lately and has been unable to spare the time."
Shen Tang sighed, "That's a real pity."
Her eyes sparkled: "A while ago, Shanxiao got his hands on a kind of grain that tastes pretty good. Whether you use it to make soup or just boil it in water, it tastes great, sweet and soft. He also said he wanted Gongsu to try it, but he was too busy to do so."
The scholar muttered a few words to himself.
How could he not know that Cui Shanxiao was knowledgeable about farming?
Shen Tang continued with a smile, "Shan Xiao is busy, but I, his lord, am free. I happen to have some things to discuss with Brother Zhao De, so I brought some over for him. Oh, Brother Zhao De, would you invite me to stay for a meal? If you provide food, he can benefit from it. The taste of the corn is really good; I guarantee he's never tasted it before."
From the moment Shen Tang stepped into Wu Xian's camp, she talked about food and drink all the time, which made the scholar wonder—was that thing called Yu Mai really that soft, sweet and fragrant?
The scholar personally led Shen Tang to Wu Xian's main tent.
Wu Xian had been waiting inside the tent for quite some time.
"Sister Chen!"
After so many days of reflection, Wu Xian could now call her "Sister Shen" without any hesitation. Shen Tang, for the first time ever, wore a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and had her hair simply styled in a girlish updo. Although female scholars and martial artists generally don't have the physique of men who are over eight feet tall, Shen Tang was still seven feet six inches tall, and about 1.79 meters tall barefoot.
Of course, Shen Tang refused to admit that he was the ninth in line.
With a bit of extra height on the top of the head, you'll easily be 1.8 meters tall!
Her height was far from petite, but her well-proportioned figure, coupled with her stunningly beautiful face that could dazzle anyone who saw her, made her an absolute beauty. Wu Xian was used to seeing Shen Tang in dashing men's clothing, but this was the first time he had seen her in women's clothing.
Shen Tang said, "Brother Zhaode."
Faced with the cross-dressing Shen Tang, Wu Xian was confused, but he wasn't someone who hadn't seen good looks before. He quickly regained his composure—there weren't many ugly scholars in Wenxin, and their appearances were all unique. He had long since developed a resistance to the "face-value fanatics' frenzy."
Most importantly—
Compared to Shen Tang's strength and the troops she commands, her physical appearance is merely the most insignificant embellishment. The light of the bright moon is nothing compared to the luster of a grain of rice; the latter is not even worthy of being called icing on the cake.
"Sister Shen's attire today is truly stunning. Your presence here is an honor to our humble abode." Wu Xian chuckled, then moved on to the next topic, inviting Shen Tang to sit with him in a high seat. "Sister Shen sent a message to your foolish brother this morning. Has something changed at the front?"
When it came to serious matters, Wu Xian looked extremely serious.
"To be honest, Brother Zhaode, last night my subordinates unexpectedly intercepted Zhang Yongqing's supplies and provisions. The amount is quite substantial—"
Shen Tang made a gesture.
Wu Xian was dumbfounded. Could such a thing really be possible?
"This batch of grain supplies—"
Shen Tang teased, "Take it from the text, and use it in the text."
How wonderful it is to eat Zhang He's grain and fight against Zhang He's people!
Wu Xian was touched by her humor and clapped his hands, laughing loudly, "What a wonderful 'take from the text and use it in the text'! Excellent!"
Shen Tang continued, "If I do the math, Zhang Yongqing and Huang Xiguang's supplies are almost gone. They've gained nothing in Ganzhou, so naturally they'll set their sights on us. In my opinion, the opportunity we've been waiting for is about to ripen!"
Wu Xian readily agreed, "Sister Chen, our two families are of the same blood and depend on each other! Although I am not very wise, I know the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.' Tell me your plans, and I will cooperate and definitely won't hold you back!"
Shen Tang readily agreed.
But inwardly, she frowned slightly.
She knew Wu Xian well; he was easily influenced, had many concerns, and faced differing opinions from various factions within his ranks. Even when the two companies collaborated before, Wu Xian had to hesitate for a while. Why had he changed his mind this time and agreed so readily?
Although she had doubts in her heart, Shen Tang did not show them.
Wu Xian was very hospitable and even offered to stay for dinner. Shen Tang then used corn as an excuse to have the cook prepare it, enthusiastically becoming a corn promoter: "This is a new crop that Shanxiao and the others discovered. Brother Zhaode is in for a treat today..."
Every move Shen Tang made after entering the camp was reported to Wu Xian by a designated person, so he naturally knew that the other party had been boasting about the jade wheat all the way. Hearing Shen Tang mention it again, he also became interested. Using the jade wheat as an excuse, Shen Tang steered the conversation toward Zhao Feng.
"Brother Zhaode, where is the greater good?"
Shen Tang casually mentioned it, and the atmosphere in the camp became quieter.
She seemed oblivious to this unusual detail.
"Gong Su is nowhere to be seen either."
Wu Xian's enthusiasm seemed to have faded a little: "They have other important matters to attend to, why did you suddenly bring them up, Sister Chen?"
Shen Tang spoke frankly: "Isn't Dayi working under me? I noticed she's been absent-minded lately, so I asked her a few more questions. That's how I found out Dayi is recovering from an injury. I've just been so busy lately that I forgot about it. If Shanxiao hadn't told Dayi and the others to try some corn, I wouldn't have remembered at all."
"So, it turns out that I, your foolish brother, only had the opportunity to taste Yumai because of the great cause?" Seeing that Shen Tang's expression was sincere and not feigned, Wu Xian smiled warmly again and even made a teasing remark.
Shen Tang quickly apologized and tried to make amends: "Oh, this? This is my fault. I actually forgot about Brother Zhaode. I should be punished!"
The atmosphere in the main tent was harmonious and relaxed, but Shen Tang didn't have a chance to see Zhao Feng or Qin Li until he left Wu Xian's camp.
Her heart pounded.
Could it be that something happened to Zhao Feng and the others?
"Dawei, have you seen your father and the others?"
Zhao Wei shook her head dejectedly: "I didn't see Father and the others, but I did see two uncles. However, there were many people around, so it wasn't convenient to ask for information. They only said that Father went out of the camp to inspect..."
Shen Tang frowned: "Don't worry, your father is still a fierce general under Wu Zhaode. Even if he is not highly regarded, his life is not in danger. Wu Zhaode has no reason to cut off his own arm at this time. I will send someone to inquire again when I get back."
Zhao Wei hurriedly said, "Thank you, my lord."
Shen Tang waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities.
Meanwhile, he was plotting how to seduce the righteous cause.
Wu Zhaode didn't know how to cherish things, so it's not unreasonable for her to cherish them on his behalf, is it? He broke her heart, so don't blame her for taking advantage of her vulnerability!
When it comes to gathering information, Gu Chi is the most useful.
Gu Chi: "..."
Shen Tang looked at him expectantly: "Tell me quickly, is there any news! It's extremely urgent! Whether I can pry open the wall of the lonely old man's house depends entirely on you, my darling!"
"Where did you learn all this glib talk?" He couldn't take it anymore. He could read minds, but he wasn't responsible for intelligence!
Shen Tang: "That's how all playboys are!"
Men don't love women who aren't a little bad!
She's so naughty, but he loves her so much!
Gu Chi took a deep breath: "...The news has indeed been found out. In short, Wu Zhaode's backyard is on fire!"
Shen Tang said, "...The backyard is on fire?"
"...Xu Wenzhu has somehow completely broken ties with Wu Zhaode. Rumor has it that someone in the Xu family has died." However, this news is unreliable, as Xu Quan hasn't received any information; this is just a rumor Gu Chi overheard. "Xu Wenzhu has stopped supplying provisions, putting Wu Zhaode in a difficult position. But someone has to take on the responsibility of procuring provisions, so..."
Shen Tang guessed: "The Tianhai Family?"
Gu Chi nodded: "Mm!"
Shen Tang sorted out her thoughts: "...Well, that explains it. The Tianhai families are at odds with Qin Li's faction. Zhao Feng killed some of their people recently to avenge his brother, so the grudges have only grown bigger. They won't be forgiven with a beating. Wu Xian also needs supplies, so he'll definitely have to go along with the Tianhai families' wishes and distance himself from Qin Li and his group..."
Gu Chi said, "It's like a pillow coming to someone who's been dozing off!"
Shen Tang nodded: "Yes, yes."
If the rumors are true, Xu's death was very timely.
Unfortunately, this is just a rumor, not concrete evidence.
"Is there anything else, Wangchao?"
Shen Tang noticed that Gu Chi seemed to want to say something but hesitated.
Gu Chi said, "My lord, I am somewhat worried."
Shen Tang asked, puzzled, "What are you worried about?"
Gu Chi gestured for his lord to come closer, and the two whispered among themselves: "This whole thing seems really off to me. The Xu family has backed down, and Xu Wenzhu refuses to provide any more supplies. What good does this do for the Tianhai family? The only benefit is that it completely swayes Wu Xian's side, giving them the upper hand over Qin Li's faction, but that doesn't bring any real benefit! They have to pay with real grain. So, I feel there's something fishy going on, some deliberate manipulation. Isn't Qi Yuanliang in the rear?"
Shen Tang turned her head to look at Gu Chi, who was standing close by.
The latter's expression was subtle.
Shen Tang's expression was horrified.
"You're saying—Yuanliang did it?"
Gu Chi nodded slightly and continued in a low voice, "This opportunistic tactic is very much like the style of 'malicious schemes.' Qi Yuanliang has been obedient and law-abiding with the Lord all these years, but that doesn't mean he's reformed! He knows all too well how to deal with Qin Gongsu!"
Shen Tang quickly covered his mouth and whispered, "...Wang Chao, don't talk nonsense without evidence!"
They've falsely accused Yuanliang of being innocent!
Shen Tang's grip was strong, and Gu Chi almost couldn't breathe.
She said, "This is something only Heaven, Earth, you, and I know. Don't tell a third person! Yuanliang wouldn't do that!"
Shen Tang didn't expect the slap in the face to come so quickly.
The following day, she received a large amount of intelligence from the rear.
While it was called intelligence, it was really just a summary of work and government affairs. Even during a war, Shen Tang, as the prefect, needed to know what was happening in his territory. This intelligence had no special classification; it was the kind that spies wouldn't even bother to look through.
Then--
Shen Tang saw that there was a "big guy" inside!
She was caught off guard and was shocked!
A handwritten letter by Qi Yuanliang.
Start by saying hello.
The first message was a greeting to inquire about her recent situation.
The second paragraph subtly advises her to spend less time with Gong Xichou, as she often gets bruises from sparring with him, thinking he doesn't know.
The third paragraph is a summary of the work done in the last half month. Longwu County is doing well, Sibao County is doing well, Minfeng County is doing well, but Xu Wenzhu, the prefect of Heyin County, is not doing well recently. I even wrote him a letter to send him a flirtatious message.
Upon seeing this, Shen Tang's heart skipped a beat.
As expected—
The fourth paragraph describes Qi Yuanliang's concern that Wu Zhaode's power would become uncontrollable and that Qin Gongsu would become a major threat to his lord. Therefore, he had a flash of inspiration and chose a roundabout way to save the country.
The first step was to use a borrowed knife to kill someone, orchestrating for the Tianhai family to eliminate the Xu family, thoroughly enraging Xu Jie, who already harbored resentment. The second step was to use some underhanded tactics to disrupt the Xu family's granary operations, creating an urgent need for grain supplies at the front lines, forcing Xu Wenzhu to abandon his post and go on strike, allowing the Tianhai family to formally take over the mess. The third step was to secretly spread rumors within Tianhai that Qin Gongsu was ambitious and disdainful of the Tianhai family lineage, framing Qin Li for interfering in Wu Zhaode's succession struggle, further provoking the Tianhai family's nerves…
Ultimately, there is only one goal—
Make things difficult for Qin Gongsu under Wu Xian's command!
Shen Tang stared in disbelief at the eight pages of letter that were all written by Qi Shan. Even the part at the end, in which Qi Shan mentioned that "Shan has sent people to Shangnan to bring Gu Ziyi's relatives to Sibao for resettlement," failed to distract her.
Shen Tang: "..."
|ω`)
Qin Li would wake up from nightmares in the middle of the night and curse: "Qi Yuanliang, are you sick in the head?!"
While writing this, it suddenly occurred to me that if this were a card game, and subordinates were like the cards in Tang Mei's hand, I think Yuan Liang really shouldn't be on the field. If he were, his teammates would target him.
(End of this chapter)
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