"My lord!"
Not long after, Meng Hun appeared in the tent wearing a full suit of armor. His forehead was still beaded with sweat.
"Stand up. No need for formalities," Jiang Pengji said to Meng Hun. "I called you here because of the Meng's. You've worked for the Meng's for many years and know them well enough. I want to hear your opinion … "
Jiang Pengji got straight to the point and briefly explained what had happened at Jiamen Pass and her own speculation.
Meng Hun was deep in thought. Based on his understanding of Meng Zhan, his plan couldn't be that simple.
He was an experienced general after all. "I can't say for sure. But Meng Zhan is a scheming man. He's good at building up his base step by step. He's unpredictable. According to you two gentlemen, Jiamen Pass could hold the alliance back for ten days to half a month. Would Prince Changshou be able to overcome so many obstacles and invade the imperial city of Chenzhou in half a month? If he can't, it'll only take a day or two for the alliance to break through Jiamen Pass and catch up with Prince Changshou's army. When the time comes, the two armies will fight each other. It's hard to say who will win. "
Feng Zhen and Yang Si had the same idea. Prince Changshou must have a backup plan.
Jiang Pengji pointed at the table and said confidently, "He's probably splitting up."
The three of them nodded. They all believed that was the case.
Using the main force to attract the alliance's attention and secretly sending some of the elites to attack the imperial city of Chenzhou.
"If that's the case, the imperial city is in danger." Feng Zhen was always serious when it came to business. He didn't look like his usual playful self. He said, "Prince Changshou must have calculated the time … Maybe when the alliance breaks through Jiamen Pass, Prince Changshou will break through the imperial city of Chenzhou and capture the emperor. Then he'll threaten the emperor with his life and force him to abdicate the throne … That way … "
Before Feng Zhen could finish his sentence, everyone's faces in the tent darkened.
If Prince Changshou really had this plan, the alliance would be in an awkward position.
Jiang Pengji rubbed her brows. She told them even worse news. "I might know why the Meng's are helping Prince Changshou."
Feng Zhen and Yang Si were stunned. They didn't know why Jiang Pengji suddenly brought this up.
Meng Hun finally understood. He clenched his fists, his face grim, and the hatred in his heart almost rushed out of his throat.
"For Meng Liang?"
"Yes, it should be about that. Meng Zhan probably suspects that we have something to do with Meng Liang's death. If Prince Changshou becomes the emperor, Meng Zhan will never let go of the Liu's, as he has done a great service to the throne. " Jiang Pengji's eyes flashed fiercely. "What a coincidence. Even if the Meng's didn't come to us, we would have done so sooner or later. The grudges of so many years should finally be settled … "
Feng Zhen and Yang Si were both dumbfounded.
"Master, who is Meng Liang?"
Jiang Pengji said, "Meng Liang is Meng Zhan's beloved son. I killed him."
What?
His lord had killed Meng Zhan's beloved son?
When did that happen?
Meng Hun's face was filled with guilt.
"My lord, if it wasn't for me, my lord wouldn't have …"
Jiang Pengji said, "What are you saying? I won't regret killing a little bastard. So what if we offend the Meng's? The Meng's want to bet their treasures on Prince Changshou and use him to get rid of the Liu's. They'll have to see if the heavens help them! "
Even if they didn't kill Meng Liang, the Meng's and the Liu's would have an unresolvable grudge.
Feng Zhen drummed his fingers on his knee. "If Prince Changshou really wants to attack the imperial city of Chenzhou, he'll send at most 20,000 soldiers. If we go around Jiamen Pass, we might still make it. As long as the emperor doesn't fall into Prince Changshou's hands, we still have a chance. "
Yang Si said, "If we want to take action, we must inform the alliance leader. My lord, should we …"
Jiang Pengji was a decisive person. She made up her mind. "Prepare the horse. I'm going to find Xu Bei."
Before becoming the alliance leader, Xu Bei's dreams were beautiful, but reality was much harsher than he had imagined. His head was filled with lawsuits.
He felt like he was going deaf after listening to the vassals argue for a day.
Finally, he could relax for a while. Someone outside reported that Liu Xi wanted to see him.
Hearing that it was Liu Xi, Xu Bei couldn't reject him. He could only force himself to be alert.
"Invite my worthy brother in!"
Jiang Pengji entered the tent. The two exchanged a few words, then she went straight to the point.
"Brother Xu, you don't look happy. Are you still worried about the alliance?"
Xu Bei let out a long sigh. "My worthy brother knows me well. It is indeed because of this. After discussing for a day, we still couldn't decide who should be the vanguard. "
Jiang Pengji gave him a suggestion. "If that's the case, why don't we let each family send out a portion of their troops? That way, they won't have anything to say. Those with more troops will send more people. Those with fewer troops will send less. No matter what, we can't just come to Jiamen Pass in a grandiose manner and not fight, right? "
Xu Bei felt much better. His worthy brother was indeed more considerate. He was much better than those who shirked responsibility all day.
Of course, he quickly changed his mind.
Jiang Pengji said, "Brother Xu, I have a request that I hope you can agree to."
Xu Bei's eyelids twitched subconsciously, but he maintained a warm smile on his face. "My worthy brother, please speak your mind."
Jiang Pengji briefly repeated her and Feng Zhen's conjecture. She wanted to lead her 10,000 troops to attack Jiamen Pass.
Xu Bei groaned inwardly. It was indeed difficult to be the leader of the alliance.
Previously, Yang Jian had made a fuss about withdrawing from the alliance. Now, Liu Xi wanted to leave the alliance and go on his own. What was going on?
He said, "This is only your speculation. There is no concrete evidence to prove that Prince Changshou split his troops to attack the imperial city of Chenzhou. If this is true, it will be a great achievement. But if it isn't, aren't you worried that someone will use this as an excuse to attack you? In my opinion, it's better to give this matter further thought. Why don't you wait a little longer and I'll send some scouts to investigate? "
Jiang Pengji was so righteous that she wished she could carve the word "justice" on her face.
"This matter is urgent and cannot be delayed. As long as it can ensure the safety of the imperial court, I'm willing to go through fire and water for it. "
Xu Bei didn't show it on his face, but his heart was already conflicted.
"If you leave midway, how will I explain this to the other feudal lords?"
Jiang Pengji pursed her lips and stared straight at Xu Bei. Xu Bei looked back at her silently.
The two of them were in a stalemate when a soldier came to report that Yang Jian was requesting an audience.
Xu Bei was surprised. Why would Yang Jian suddenly visit at this time?
Could it be that he couldn't stand the quarrel during the day and wanted to stir up trouble again?
"Invite Chief Yang in."
Yang Jian had arrived, but he wasn't alone. Behind him was a young scholar in a green bamboo robe — Yan Lin.
Jiang Pengji frowned inwardly when she saw this.
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