Let’s look at Jiang Pengji’s subordinates and their standing in society.

Feng Jin ranked the highest as the second son of Dongqing’s Feng family. He hailed from a reputable family.

Wei Ci was the descendant of scholars that had regressed. Langye’s Wei family was spread across Zhongzhao’s Bianzhou. He was the only one left.

Feng Zhen was had suffered a reversal of fortune. His parents had passed away early and his relatives weren’t dependable. Yet he still lived a wastrel life and squandered his family’s inheritance.

Other than these three men, the others had a lower standing in society.

Based on this group of people, Jiang Pengji did not yet possess the capital to attract more talented people to herself.

However, if the Feng family made known their stance and were willing to support her, the situation would be completely different.

In fact, Wei Ci’s efforts to swindle and cheat were not necessary. There would be men with aspirations and abilities who would queue up to pledge their allegiance to her.

The Feng family’s commanding power was their reputation among the virtuous and upright.

Xu Ke understood the underlying challenges. He hoped Jiang Pengji would carefully balance the pros and cons.

They were a family who could switch their allegiance at any time, yet Jiang Pengji deemed their requirement to be inconsequential? If they agreed easily, would they be putting themselves in danger?

“My Lord, this is unlike you…”

Xu Ke shook his head and looked lost.

This was unlike his lord’s usual style. Letting the Feng family go would be equivalent to presenting her potential competition with talented men and resources.

Jiang Pengji kept the livestream on. Among the viewers were people knowledgeable in ancient scripts. They translated the contents of the letters and analyzed the findings.

Although the viewers were kept in the dark, they’d read many stories about power struggles and dark schemes.

Jintian Sangeng: “Streamer, is it disadvantageous for you to agree to this condition? Based on handsome brother Feng Zhen’s explanation, the military strength at Shangyang county cannot hold on till next year’s summer. It’d be effortless for you to conquer it directly. You should hold the Feng family hostage. If they are allowed to devise an alternative path, they may turn around to backstab you, which will leave you in a sorry state. Instead, why not be ruthless now? Prevention for the future is better.”

Mingtian Sigeng: “Don’t be anxious, the streamer must have her considerations. We’ll await the analysis of a knowledgeable person. Watching this livestream often makes me feel like our intelligence is lacking. This cannot be. I must go to Taobao to buy 100 dollars’ worth of intelligence to enhance my mind.”

Guicai Guofengxiao: “I believe the streamer did the right thing.”

Yin Yuejia Zhuge Qinmo: “By using the ID of a genius, you seriously think that you’re Guo Jia. How shameless.”

Guicai Guofengxiao: “@ the fellow above. If not for Jia who passed on early, how would the world have been split into three?”

The live streaming room wasn’t a peaceful place because quarrels over identity happened daily.

Laosiji Lianmeng: “Young people nowadays aren’t reliable. Let me evaluate this. Please critique my humble opinion. Firstly, do you all remember the strategy the streamer implemented? She intended to weaken the powers the aristocratic families wielded. In the beginning, surely these families should not be allowed too much autonomy. If the Feng family decides to join this association, she will probably be more passive. Secondly, if the Fengs participate early on, it’ll arouse hatred. Nonconformity will be punished. If the Emperor and Prince Changshou choose to join forces to eliminate her before fighting amongst themselves, what should she do? Thirdly, Feng Jin is still working under the streamer and they’re friends. From a third person’s point of view, she must respect the Feng family… Although, I feel the third reason is rather inconsequential. The streamer isn’t a merciful and lenient person. But to add on, it appears that she is compassionate.”

Guicai Guofengxiao: “Of course, most importantly, the Feng family looks down on the streamer.”

When this comment was posted on the bullet screen, a string of “666” appeared. “It hurts so badly, Lao Tie.””What great truths are you speaking?”

Jiang Pengji discreetly took a deep breath. She resisted the urge to capture these ignorant viewers and smack them.

Didn’t they know that honest men don’t live long lives?

“A melon forcefully twisted isn’t sweet. Instead, it leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth and causes one to feel thirsty.” She mockingly implied and she wasn’t ignorant about the importance of the Feng family, and that she knew that it was impossible to force them to be on her side. “Rather than breed enmity, why not take advantage of the situation and foster a good relationship? The Lord has a benevolent and magnanimous heart. I can hold the fort. Additionally, I am motivated to achieve my goals. I agree to this condition and will make a personal trip to Shangyang to express my sincerity.”

“This must never be, how can the lord leave at whim?”

Xu Ke was unsettled as the head servant. What kind of boss would leave her territory to run to other places?

Isn’t she afraid that she’ll be captured and killed once she is alone?

Jiang Pengji tried to explain herself and replied, “Ke, if I do not head to Shangyang county, Huaiyu will only return the year after.”

Xu Ke was stumped, why is his lord still adamant about this incident?

Feng Zhen concentrated his energy and burst out laughing, then remarked, “This is worrying, if the lord goes to Shangyang, I’m afraid you might not want to return the year after.”

“This must never be, how can the lord leave at whim?”

As the head overseer, Xu Ke was unsettled, which big boss would rather not stay at her territory but instead run about to other places?

Isn’t she afraid that she’ll be captured and killed once she leaves her territory?

Jiang Pengji made a “Tsk” sound then replied, “Ke, if I do not head to Shangyang county, Huaiyu will only return the year after.”

Xu Ke was dumbfounded, why is his lord still adamant about this incident?

Feng Zhen burst out laughing abruptly, then remarked, “This is worrying, if the lord goes to Shangyang, I’m afraid you might not want to return the year after.”

Using the excuse of catching her subordinate who is absent from work, their lord was also elated at escaping from her responsibilities.

Jiang Pengji discreetly stared at Feng Zhen, can this fellow show some tacit understanding?

Xu Ke attempted to continue to advise her against going, but Wei Ci interrupted, “If the lord wishes to go to Shangyang county, who will you bring along?”

The situation was a goner, Xu Ke was mentally and emotionally tired.

She pondered over it then said, “Initially I thought that since Wenzheng is mature and composed, to have him present to stabilize the situation will be ideal. However, since he has been separated from his wife for about a year and they have only reunited after much difficulties, I will not be a wet-blanket. The remaining ones have their responsibilities and they cannot leave so easily… Why not Zixiao follow me… except I don’t know if your health can withstand the tumultuous journey?”

Wei Ci’s facial expression changed, he replied, “Ci’s health is fine, except I am busy with official matters and I’m afraid I cannot leave, why not let Zi Shi…”

Jiang Pengji interrupted his speech saying, “You are still in the recovery process and innately, you cannot be heavily burdened. Let’s just delegate this to Jingrong since he can carry the workload of two men, it’d be a waste not to use him… You are very meticulous in your undertakings and I have high expectations of you.

Wei Ci: “…”

Being termed as “a waste if not made used of”, Yang Si only laughed it off.

He was still in the government office; did they think he’s transparent?

How can you say it’s a waste if not made used of, doesn’t your conscience hurt?

Till now, Yang Si hasn’t agreed to join the group, but he was tempted by the delicacies and he can’t bear to leave presently.

Being fully confident in the presence of food, how can Liu Xi be so shameless as to use it to haphazardly weigh him down with work?

Don’t you know how “shameless” is being written?

Xu Ke had high hopes for Wei Ci, he was entrusted with the task to control their lord and keep her from harm.

Being away from one’s territory leaves one feeling that danger is always lurking.

When the ruler is absent, troubled times will descend on the sixteen countries. How did the power of the feudal lords collapse when they were in the best position to compete with the great Xia dynasty?

It’s because the feudal lords have the hobby of hunting, they are proud of their mighty, martial arts and they roam around taking their safety for granted thus affording their enemies a chance to pierce their hearts with an arrow.

Without the lord as their mainstay, there will be infighting, the officials will rebel, and a mighty city will be split up.

He was afraid Jiang Pengji will meet with such accidents.

There are dangers lurking everywhere, although the Red Lotus group and Tsing Yi army are the minority but there are numerous violent mobs around.

Without considering these, Jiang Pengji travelled light and only brought 40 to 50 guards.

In order to safeguard her territories, she only brought along Dian Yan, Feng Zhen and Wei Ci while the middle person shamelessly tagged along.

Initially, she wanted to bring Jiang Nongqin along, but she was needed to head the winter lessons in the women’s camp. Recently, she’s busy till she’s nowhere in sight, thus this idea had to be given up.