Chapter 1343: The Bait is Salty, the Hook is Straight (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
"do not you remember?"
His voice was weak and trembling, giving the impression that if Gongxi Chou said "I don't remember," he would shatter completely.
Gong Xichou frowned, and Shen Tang immediately knew what he was going to say.
Sure enough, he countered, "Should I remember you?"
The implication is that you're nobody special!
The first person to stand up shattered instantly. His eyes reddened, his lips trembled, and he looked utterly vulnerable, overwhelmed by the blow. The others hesitated, some even halfway to their feet. Gong Xi Chou not only finished them off, but relentlessly pursued them, determined to wipe them out.
"I don't know you either..."
Gong Xiqiu knew what they wanted to ask as soon as he saw their posture.
Anticipate their actions and respond accordingly.
A group of grown men gave him abandoned looks and even grumbled and called him a scoundrel, which he simply couldn't accept.
Several people, some filled with grief and indignation, others with resentment, exclaimed: "You—"
If they didn't remember them, why did they give such important tokens to their lord? And how did their lord use them to threaten them? They had thought Gongxi Chou would be a scoundrel, but they never imagined he would be so heartless.
One man, his fingers trembling with rage, accused, "I—I've thought of you day and night, studied diligently, all for the day I could make you admit defeat and personally return what I lost… You, you, you don't even remember me! Strange Hero, could it be that you've committed too many sins and forgotten who the victims you persecuted were back then?"
Although losing the calf-nose trousers was a well-known secret, it was still somewhat shameful to say it in public, so the matter was handled vaguely. However, to Gong Xichou, it took on a different meaning. He first looked puzzled, then his eyes widened in horror, and finally, he broke down, jumping up and down, both ashamed and angry, shouting, "You're talking nonsense! How can you slander someone's innocence! I've always been a virgin, and even if I don't like women, I wouldn't sleep with men. Don't try to frame me! Open your eyes and see clearly, I practice virginity cultivation!"
Gong Xichou was even angrier and more annoyed than the people opposite him.
There's a sense of helplessness, like a nun in a Buddhist nunnery being the target of lewd rumors. Luckily, he practiced virginity training; otherwise, he would have been in a real predicament.
Gong Xichou turned to his allies, hoping to gain their support.
The alliance he envisioned had frozen in shock a moment ago, leaving the entire room in complete silence. The aggrieved parties looked ashen-faced, their colleagues exchanging bewildered glances, unsure how to break the awkward silence. Gong Xichou's words were far too difficult to respond to…
After a long while, Gong Xiqiu realized that something was wrong.
His mind was a bit dazed, but his face was confident, his eyes glancing at Chen Tang out of the corner of his eye. The latter mouthed the words to him silently, and Gong Xichou carefully tried to decipher them—犊、鼻、裈! As he spelled out these three words, a long-forgotten experience quietly surfaced in his mind. He vaguely remembered that He Shu had been ordered to take those boxes of 犊鼻裈 from his house, and Mama had said that these things were useful.
Forehead--
Gong Xichou turned his gaze back and carefully identified the people.
I racked my brains and barely managed to find a semblance of familiarity.
However, he wasn't sure if he had actually hit the other person.
Gong Xichou has fought and killed countless people over the years, leaving countless souls in his hands. How could he possibly remember every face? He is arrogant and will only remember those who are worthy of his remembrance.
Others?
They are all like ants.
These people in front of me are either dead or just passersby.
Oh, now he should be the passerby who lost to him with his calf-nose trousers.
Noticing the change in Gong Xichou's eyes, the group, feeling ashamed and indignant, softened their expressions and questioned, "You remember now?"
Gong Xiqiu nodded vaguely: "I do have some recollection of it."
This answer greatly healed their wounded hearts and even moved them somewhat—Gong Xichou's fact that he remembered them proved that they were not completely unknown to him, and that they could still leave a trace of themselves, so it wasn't a complete failure.
Gong Xichou said, "So you want to take it back now?"
That sarcastic mouth had no concept of "showing mercy," saying, "Tsk, those who lose by their own merit should naturally take it back by their own merit. You—it seems you don't have that merit yet—"
A single glance is enough to clearly discern their cultivation level.
Since Gongxi Chou has already said so, if these people then ask for the lost trousers back, it will be considered as Gongxi Chou giving them charity.
Which brave and courageous warrior would accept such humiliation?
Shen Tang: "..."
Gong Xi Chou has grown up to be this big entirely because of his exceptional strength. If he were weaker, he would have been attacked by the crowd long ago.
Just as Shen Tang was worried that he would provoke everyone into a frenzy and cause them to overturn the table, the aggrieved parties swallowed their bitterness. Their pitiful, wronged, and forbearing appearance would soften anyone's heart.
One of them spoke with a choked voice, like a white flower that had endured the ravages of wind and rain yet still stood strong: "Even if you don't have this ability now, you will in the future. Remember, fortunes change, so don't underestimate the poor in middle age!"
Shen Tang: "..."
(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
It really is necessary to address the issue of the spiritual entertainment of our subordinates. She knew that there was frequent cultural exchange among the people, and that the live-action drama troupes that were popular in the Northwest had spread to other regions, but she did not expect that Gu Chi's storybooks would be so widely circulated.
Especially those thrilling dramas about young, courageous martial arts prodigies leveling up and defeating monsters—they were absolutely irresistible in regions lacking entertainment. Wherever a Peking Opera troupe performed, the crowds were immense, and people could watch them countless times without getting enough. Even wealthy young men and women were willing to follow them. It's just unexpected that these subordinate officials also had a taste for this kind of thing in private.
Gong Xichou retorted, "Isn't it said that one should not underestimate a young man's potential?"
Shen Tang stared blankly with dead fish eyes, unsure of what expression to make.
Before asking that question, didn't he take a look at the other person's appearance? He didn't look like a teenager at all. He was more like a middle-aged man than an elderly person.
The atmosphere quieted down again because of Gong Xichou's words.
It's a subtle feeling that's hard to describe.
The enigmatic figure of the eccentric swordsman Qiu, while not exactly aloof, is certainly unfathomable. And yet, he also reads popular folk tales? And even shares the same favorite book with them! Idol (enemy) is actually a fellow fan? The previously distant relationship has suddenly shrunk.
It even downplayed the long-standing feud between the two sides.
Shen Tang: "..."
The concept of sharing burdens is applicable both in ancient and modern times.
Fortunately, these people didn't discuss the latest adaptation of "Five Elements Lacking Morality" in front of her. The people at the branch office didn't know the real identity behind "Five Elements Lacking Morality." They only knew that this talented man/woman had inexplicably stopped updating for more than a year, during which time no new works were published, and had only recently resumed creating.
The only problem is that the central region is too far from the northwest. It would take at least a year for the live-action drama to arrive, but the printed script wouldn't take that long. If you're willing to spend a lot, you can see it in two or three months, and if you're lucky, you might even be able to buy autographed copies and other so-called merchandise.
Shen Tang: "..."
This is probably the modern version of eating millet.
When Shen Tang returned after settling in, she could hear some of them complaining from a distance. Surprisingly, they became acquainted with Luo Sha the fastest, and instead of talking about martial arts, they chatted about some interesting anecdotes: "...I wonder when this war will end, and when we can see this year's new plays...I heard that because of the wars everywhere, some opera troupes don't have time to rehearse new plays."
Everyone has hobbies.
Some people are interested in power, some in the opposite sex, but others are interested in fishing, bead playing, watching plays, reading storybooks... Hobbies are diverse, and as long as they don't violate morality, no one can interfere, including Shen Tang.
So Shen Tang remained silent.
Luo Sha had just landed; how could he know any of this?
He simply responded on instinct: "I'll find someone I like."
One of them, who was chatting, suddenly remembered something: "...Speaking of which, are the two 'Five Elements Lacking Morality' the same person?"
Is the author of the two volumes of biographies of famous officials and scholars, "The Five Elements Lacking Morality," the same person who frequently publishes works on the same theme? Or is it just a coincidence that the two authors share the same nickname? This question wasn't unique; some even asked Lin Feng about it.
Luo Sha could not answer.
He doesn't even know who "Five Elements Lacking Morality" is.
Lin Feng did not answer directly: "Why ask that?"
“If it’s just one person, then there’s not much to say. But if it’s not just one person—” The group of people chatting and laughing exchanged glances and put on meaningful smiles. “Then it will be much easier.”
To be able to serve as the chief scribe for famous ministers and scholars, the first one, who is "lacking in virtue," is an official from Kang State, meaning a colleague they've never met, so it's not appropriate to do anything. If the second one is a commoner, then things are much easier; you can simply go to their door and tell them to focus on updating.
If you refuse to update, you'll be locked out of the game.
Making a living by writing storybooks, how can someone this age sleep soundly?
Short stories that are completed in one go are fine, but those stories that are divided into three volumes are simply mental torture. They always get stuck in the middle, and you have to wait at least half a year for the "next chapter".
Lin Feng: "...It's one person."
Not to mention these people had these thoughts, there were also quite a few readers in the Kang Kingdom's court who wanted to force the Censor-in-Chief to update. Unfortunately, not many people knew the true identity of [Five Elements Lacking Morality], and even if they did, they couldn't fight against the powerful, as he was the head of the Censorate! Apart from the Emperor and General Bai, no one could make Gu Chi obediently fill in the gaps: "Just give up."
Some persisted: "Could you reveal your strength?"
Lin Feng couldn't help but chuckle: "My teacher's generation."
Those who had planned to play in the dark room could only give up with resentment.
According to Lin Nujun's hints, [Five Elements Lacking Morality] is basically one of the elders of Kang State. No wonder, [Five Elements Lacking Morality] often uses the lord as a prototype for creative inspiration. If he didn't have some backing, how could he have cultivated his influence in Kang State for so many years?
They were all wiped out by the lord's die-hard fans long ago.
Unlike the intense, overtime-focused corporate culture at the Kang Kingdom's court, the branch office was more vibrant and people were more outgoing. Even before Shen Tang had left, someone had already initiated a conversation with Lin Feng.
It gives the impression of several peacocks displaying their tail feathers.
Not for finding a mate, but to show off.
Shen Tang: "..."
Showing off like this just shows you have too much free time.
She said, "...Let's all talk about how to bait the nest, cough cough, no, I mean, let's set a trap to fool Luo San."
A well-prepared baiting area can make fishing much more efficient.
As night fell, Shen Tang led the way, roasting cornmeal for a late-night snack while warming themselves by the fire. Working overtime and attending meetings were just incidental matters.
"Didn't Your Highness say to surround them? And ignore the rest?"
Why would they set up a scheme to deceive Luo San?
Luo San is not the same as before; he is now a rank 20 Marquis.
Shen Tang peeled off a slightly charred corn kernel with his fingers and popped it into his mouth. While chewing, he casually remarked, "We do need to besiege Shanyong County, but Luo San has legs to run, and we can't control where he goes, can we? Once Shanyong County is so short of food that he's driven to the brink of despair, and he temporarily regains his strength, do you think he'll be foolish enough to just sit and wait to die? He'll definitely seize every opportunity to launch a strong attack, either to break through the siege or to find a way to get food supplies..."
Luo San is like a fish in the river. Shen Tang can't predict where he'll swim, so she has to bait the area to attract the fish.
Simply playing passively and stalling for time is not her style.
Gu De said, "...Since he is short of food, then use food as bait. Even if he knows there is an ambush, he will still take the bait."
The classmate then asked, "Where are you going to get so much grain?"
Their food supplies were also not very plentiful.
Not to mention the large number of troops that need to be moved to the front lines in such a short time.
Xiahou Yu then said, "Forge a batch."
It doesn't necessarily have to be genuine; as long as it can lure fish to bite, that's fine.
Even if you use genuine products, you can still mix in some ingredients.
His colleagues worried that it wouldn't work, knowing that Luo San had recently been tricked by Gu De because of a food shortage. Not only did he not get to eat the frozen fish, but the grain that was originally piled up in the warehouse was also destroyed, and the garrison camp was completely dismantled, suffering a severe blow.
How could one not be wary upon seeing bait again?
“…If you try to lure them in, the fish won’t take the bait easily.” Lin Feng had an idea and asked with a smile, “Your Majesty, where are the army’s granaries located? I think it’s enough to secretly reveal the location of the granaries. Any extra actions will only arouse suspicion.”
How to expose it?
All we need to do is transport a batch of grain to the granary.
This batch of grain supplies couldn't be a last-minute addition; it had to be part of the original plan. Transporting grain supplies often requires thousands of cooks, making the operation extremely difficult to conceal. If Luo San were so inclined, his current reconnaissance capabilities would allow him to thoroughly investigate the area.
The military generals had many complaints about this.
"...The granary is a strategically important military location; how can its secrets be leaked to the enemy?"
"Even if it's meant to lure the enemy in, it's too risky."
If the enemy were to go all the way and burn down our granaries, we'd be in deep trouble. They know our lord hasn't worried about supplies in recent years, with a steady stream of provisions from Kang State. But that's no excuse for squandering our resources! No way!
They would rather use themselves as bait than use supplies.
Before responding, Lin Feng glanced at her lord. Receiving a look from him, she smiled calmly: "The real granary isn't in the granary itself, it's in me. Even if something unexpected happens and the enemy burns it down in a fit of pique, we won't suffer too much. It's Luo San who's planning to intercept the grain, so he'll bring a lot of men. We can take them down in batches, weakening his fighting strength..."
War is either about fighting people or fighting for supplies.
All tactics and strategies revolve around supporting these two.
Seeing that Shen Tang did not object, Gu De and the others knew that Lin Feng was not speaking without reason: "...It is feasible. We captured a lot of grain and supplies during the previous siege and reinforcement operation, and these things have not yet been transported back."
Perhaps we can start from this point.
Sending out a grain transport official to inform Luo San of the news about the granary is reasonable and unlikely to arouse his suspicion.
(`)Delicious
In the previous chapters, it was mentioned that cherries could be ordered on JD.com, so I checked it out. A 5-pound pack of 3J and 4J cherries was a little over 200 yuan, pre-order, and would be shipped before the 30th.
For those with closer availability, local supermarkets are also offering pre-sales, with pickup available on the 21st, and the price is around 30-40 yuan per kilogram.
Waaaaah, the local spot price has suddenly reached 80-90 jin these past few days.
I feel like I've been taken advantage of.
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