Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

If they were to be plunged into the midst of chaos and revolt, the Meng’s were nothing more than just a prestigious family. They may have their own private army, but their numbers were limited. They had no prospective future generations to continue their line. The bit of military power that they had would allow them to survive the chaos. If they wanted to deal with her, however? That would be a joke!

Qiguan Rang quickly regained himself and steeled himself for more shocking news to come.

“You can continue speaking. With your audacious personality, this should not be the end of it.”

“My bookkeeper gave me an idea.” Jiang Pengji gave a sweet smile that chilled Qiguan Rang to his core.

“What idea?”

Jiang Pengji quickly summarized what Xu Ke had planned.

“That is certainly a bold idea, but it could be implemented. The only problem is where we would get our rice from…” Jiang Pengji smiled. “While we were having a headache over that, Meng Liang landed in our lap. Wouldn’t it be such a waste if we let that slip away?”

When Xu Ke had reached that part of the plan. He was troubled by Jiang Pengji and had no idea what she was planning. Qiguan Rang, on the other hand, was clear. Because he could see her plan, he was dumbfounded by her actions.

“What you’re trying to say is that you want to use Meng Liang in exchange for a large amount of rice, then let that officer kill him? You plan to inform the public that the officer is now in your hands, but you will let him secretly kill Meng Liang so that he will owe you and be the one responsible for his death?”

Such a thick-skinned individual! After profiting from this, they’re going to pull off the “I’m at a disadvantage” look?

“Ah, you missed something. If the officer ‘dies’ by my hand, I could still ask the Meng’s to pay me.”

Qiguan Rang was speechless.

Not only that, but she could use the rice she received to make the rich families with the rice pay.

From the start of her plan to the finish, she would not need to fork out any cost; she would profit from it.

Qiguan Rang was curious and asked, “Why do you feel the need to inform me of something so important?”

“Master Wei is getting you as his son-in-law, yet you have nothing of value on you. Of the three letters and six rites, which one are you getting?”

Qiguan Rang was silent for a beat before he replied, “Lanting, you’re planning to buy my loyalty?”

Was he that cheap? Telling him all that seemed to be buying his trust up front, but in actual fact, she was dragging him down with her.

If the plan failed, he went down with her. If it was a success, then he would benefit a little from it.

No matter how he thought about it, he didn’t stand to gain much.

Jiang Pengji lifted a hand with an aim to pat his shoulder, but she was short and could only reach his arm.

“The importance is not about the gifts, but rather the heart.”

The heart that wants another’s life?

Qiguan Rang felt like crying but unexpectedly, he was all right with the plan. Liu Lanting’s personality was very much like his.

Xu Ke received the order that Jiang Pengji wanted him over at the main residence and quickly rushed over. When he arrived, he saw his young master laughing and chatting with a young man. The latter’s expression was cold, but his expression seemed fond.

“Ke pays his respects to Langjun.” Xu Ke brought his hands together in greeting and quietly studied Qiguan Rang. An odd gleam flashed through his eyes.

Qiguan Rang noticed the thick dressing on Xu Ke’s face, covering the brand of punishment there. He frowned but said nothing.

“Wenzheng, this is my bookkeeper Xu Ke, Xu Xiaoyu. He’s currently handling the private squad matters.”

When he heard Xu Ke’s name, Qiguan Rang quickly kept a lid on his relaxed attitude.

“A bold one.” Qiguan Rang’s expression was stiff when his lips curled in amusement. He grew a sudden interest in Xu Ke.

That sudden interest was instinct; it was like noticing a comrade. Even if Xu Ke was vastly different from him in personality, they would still get along well.

Instead of concocting a scheme that was just and honorable, both he and Xu Ke preferred to go with the sinister and vicious route.

“This is… my future brother-in-law…” Jiang Pengji stared at Qiguan Rang, and lowered his seniority. “He’s also interesting.”

Xu Ke brought his hands up in greeting but secretly rolled his eyes.

Every time his young master found someone “interesting,” that person was, most likely, vicious and ruthless.

Birds of a feather flocked together. With Jiang Pengji’s personality, she naturally attracted others like her.

“Did the group come again last night?” Jiang Pengji asked Xu Ke in front of Qiguan Rang.

Xu Ke snuck a glance at Qiguan Rang and noticed the latter’s unperturbed demeanor.

“They came in the late of the night.”

“The took the things?” Jiang Pengji smiled happily.

“Yes, they took them.” Xu Ke nodded his head.

Qiguan Rang calmly listened to the ruthless pair’s conversation while feeling pity for the poor officer.

“I’m going to change my clothes. Xiaoyu, entertain Wenzheng on my behalf.” Jiang Pengji got up and went to her room to change into clothes that gave her more mobility. She was wearing layers of fabric that were complicated and elegant at the same time. They were too airy around the legs for her liking.

Without Jiang Pengji around, Qiguan Rang openly studied Xu Ke. The latter was not afraid and they both made eye contact.

Jiang Pengji quickly returned after changing.

Even though the current era was very open-minded, the “passionate” gazes they had left her not knowing what to do.

“Ahem.” A very fake cough broke them out of their hostile glares.

Qiguan Rang turned and noticed Jiang Pengji’s clothes. He raised a brow and asked, “That’s what you’re wearing?”

The clothes she had chosen were easy to move around in, but were made out of coarse cloth. They were the type typically worn by the poor or peasants.

Jiang Pengji was from a prestigious family, so she should not be wearing peasant clothes. If she were seen by an elder, they would give her a severe dressing down.

“Aren’t clothes made to be worn? If it’s comfortable and made to be worn, then the clothes are valuable. If it’s just to be worn for the sake of looking good, and it’s a hassle to move about in them, then we might as well hang them up like a portrait. Why should we make ourselves uncomfortable?” Jiang Pengji was indifferent. “You aren’t some fastidious person. Would you actually be angry just because of what I’m wearing?”

Qiguan Rang suddenly felt an urge to smack her. Why was she so good at spewing forth fallacious reasonings?