Chapter 518: The Influence of the Words 'My Lord

Zhang Xun's sudden reversal left Cheng Zhiheng and Xu Zhang completely at a loss.

The meaning behind those two words "my lord" is crystal clear to them.

Originally, these two words were how subjects addressed the lord of a fief, that is, a princely ruler.

Later they simply emphasized a personal loyalty relationship, having nothing to do with office.

Once they called him "my lord," they were thoroughly bound to Chen Wuji.

While Cheng Zhiheng was still hesitating, not knowing how to respond to this dilemma, his only remaining ally Xu Zhang, standing beside him, suddenly clasped his fists and shouted loudly: "Your subordinate Xu Zhang pays respects to my lord!"

Cheng Zhiheng was completely dumbfounded.

You two useless things, do you even know how to act like people?

In this situation, how could Cheng Zhiheng dare to continue wavering?

If he hesitates any longer, Chen Wuji's executioner's blade will probably fall on his head.

"Your subordinate Cheng Zhiheng pays respects to my lord." Even though he was somewhat unwilling inside, Cheng Zhiheng still earnestly clasped his fists and performed the salute—today he had to utter those words "my lord."

Seeing this scene, Chen Wuji couldn't help but laugh.

This morning he had still discussed the matter with Qin Feng, thinking that these old-timers in Hezhou's officialdom would inevitably have estrangement and conflict with the two of them; he hadn't expected that it would be largely resolved just like that.

Once Zhang Xun shouted the words "my lord," it became impossible for them to remain united internally.

Xu Zhang represents Hezhou's scholar class; his shout also counts as a renewed declaration of allegiance.

The difference here depends on how much influence Xu Zhang wields within Hezhou's scholar class.

"Please sit, don't stand on ceremony." Chen Wuji raised his hand and said, "You've come at just the right time; I've just brewed this tea—help yourselves to cups, and we'll talk while drinking clear tea."

Cheng Zhiheng immediately stepped forward, picked up the tea kettle gurgling with hot air on the small earthen stove, and said, "I'll take care of the tea for my lord; those who want tea, bring your cups over."

As the last person to declare his position, Cheng Zhiheng well knew that if he did not show more initiative going forward, trouble would surely follow.

Anyway, since "my lord" has been called, the decision has been made, so there can be no further hesitation.

Having spoken the words, yet still wavering, that is truly a path to death.

Cheng Zhiheng ladled clear tea for everyone, poured himself a cup as well, then refilled the kettle with mountain spring water before sitting down at the side.

"Just now Lu Ping'an sent an envoy over, who also brought a thousand carts of grain and cloth; you must have heard about this," Chen Wuji said while sipping his tea, speaking slowly.

Qin Feng sneered, "Is Lu Ping'an still not giving up even now?"

"That traitor Lu Ping'an is hateful—he's done everything so absolutely, yet he keeps trying to drag my lord into trouble." Cheng Zhiheng immediately flared up, saying, "My lord, I don't know what Lu Ping'an intends by sending people this time."

Cheng Zhiheng's proactive attitude right now eased Chen Wuji's mind considerably, the corners of his mouth involuntarily curling into a smile—they were all genuine smart people, which saved him a lot of trouble.

Chen Wuji said solemnly, "I don't know where Lu Ping'an got his information, but he believes San Guan Jun might defect to the Qiang people and wants to invite me to join forces in attacking San Guan Jun."

"This is ninety percent likely a ruse; given Lu Ping'an's character, he will only use us and could never truly cooperate with me. Does anyone here know something about San Guan Jun?"

Several people present, hearing this, all grew solemn in expression.

Cheng Zhiheng glanced sideways, then spoke up again: "My lord, the Triple Prefectural Pacification Commissioner of San Guan Jun, Yang Yu, was only assigned there this year; I don't know how he's fared there, but I have heard that since taking office as Strategist, he has carried out sweeping reforms of San Guan Jun's officialdom and vigorously trained its troops to deal with the Qiang people."

"However, I have heard a little about some of his past doings in the court. Many people there think Yang Yu is a hard, foul stone in a latrine, but that's only how some see him; to most, Lord Yang Yu is an upright and honest official."

Zhang Xun had wanted to speak earlier but didn't want to be preempted by Cheng Zhiheng; seeing Cheng Zhiheng finish, he immediately said, "My lord, Lord Yang is a good official; I don't think he would defect to the Qiang people—this must be Lu Ping'an's scheming plot."

"Lord Yang is fighting the Qiang people up front, yet now he wants to attack San Guan Jun from the rear—I actually think he's more likely to have turned to the Qiang, intending to pincer Lord Yang from front and back."

Xu Zhang looked left and right, then silently closed his mouth, giving up his opinion.

Today's atmosphere feels a bit off; he figured it would be better to conserve his energy.

"It seems my simple understanding is not wrong." Chen Wuji liked this atmosphere; he hoped everyone would be more proactive: "I have met Lord Yang once before—just a brief encounter—but I also don't think he would betray to the Qiang people."

"Nevertheless, I have agreed to Lu Ping'an's plan to send troops together; this war must still be fought."

Several people present all stared in shock, their surprise plainly visible on their faces, just like Xu Zhang.

Qin Feng leaned back, legs crossed, sipping his tea leisurely and asked, "My lord, are you planning to turn the tables on Lu Ping'an?"

"You could switch careers and become a roundworm in my belly." Chen Wuji laughed.

Qin Feng gave a disdainful pout, "My lord trusts Yang Yu yet still wants to launch a campaign—it certainly won't be another attack on San Guan Jun; the only possibility must be to attack Lu Ping'an. Such a minor matter doesn't require being a worm in your belly to figure out."

"That's basically the situation." Chen Wuji looked around at everyone and said, "This matter is crucial and involves secrets; over the coming period you may all have to work hard."

The matter still needs to be discussed, but the people also need to be monitored.

To ensure it doesn't affect the war effort, should the enemy attempt a reciprocal scheme, once the deliberations end Chen Wuji will certainly send people to keep an eye on them.

"Your subordinate understands; my lord, feel free to send people to watch my family." Cheng Zhiheng declared first, his words generous and fervent, firm and unyielding.

Zhang Xun's eyes flickered; he immediately followed up, "Your subordinate will take up residence in the government office from today onward, going nowhere until this war ends."

Xu Zhang: ……

"My lord, this war probably won't start that quickly, nor will it end that quickly, right?" he asked weakly, this matter making him feel somewhat embarrassed.

His family aren't in Hezhou, so monitoring them would be difficult and would have a considerable impact.

"Naturally, for now we're only in the negotiation phase; the earliest this war could begin would be around the year's end." Chen Wuji said, "You also don't need to overly worry; I summoned you here precisely because I trust you, but the required procedures must still be followed."

"You also don't need to worry that your families will be harmed; I'm merely assigning a few people to guard your safety for a time—just that."