Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The Chief Secretary said, Prefect, you’re being shortsighted! Prefect Xiao has already stepped into this muddy water by agreeing to support us. Willing or not, he’s already involved in this situation. With your shallow seniority and lack of authority to command troops, the siege failed. Now Xu Mao is advancing toward Jiang Province – doesn’t this mean everything has returned to square one, rendering all our efforts wasted? Prefect Xiao would never want to see such an outcome!

The Jin Province Prefect slapped his forehead, his eyes lighting up as what had seemed an insoluble problem suddenly became clear.

Indeed, why hadn’t he thought of this? If Prefect Xiao came to Jin Province to take charge, he wouldn’t have to bear the responsibility anymore!

That makes perfect sense. The Jin Province Prefect’s furrowed brow smoothed, his worries vanishing as his mood eased.

Acting immediately given the urgency, the Jin Province Prefect set aside his pride without hesitation and humbly wrote another letter to the Jiang Province Prefect, explaining the situation and requesting Elder Xiao’s personal presence in Jin Province.

When Prefect Xiao received the letter, his eyebrows knitted together in hesitation for a long while.

The letter’s wording clearly showed attempts to shift responsibility – citing youth, lack of experience, and other officials’ refusal to follow orders. The pile of excuses ultimately served only one purpose: to have him, the Jiang Province Prefect, fully take over Jin Province’s mess.

The crucial point was that this Jin Province Prefect, Zeng Erlang, had accurately pinpointed his weakness. The fates of Jin and Jiang Provinces were intertwined, and as Jiang Province’s leader, he had no choice but to concern himself with Jin Province’s safety, constantly worrying about situation changes and giving his full effort.

These sly officials use all their cleverness on political maneuvering, but never demonstrate such shrewdness when suppressing civil unrest or actually doing real work. Prefect Xiao folded the letter and put it away. Zeng Erlang’s intentions were completely transparent to him, yet he couldn’t refuse.

Prefect Xiao set aside the letter, arranging for his Assistant Prefect, Chief Secretary, and other officials to temporarily handle Jiang Province’s daily affairs, with urgent matters to be reported by fast horse. He then ordered his staff to immediately prepare, gathering troops and supplies to rush to Jin Province’s aid.

The troops marched urgently, covering several days’ journey as Prefect Xiao hurried to Jin Province to rescue Zeng Erlang from his predicament.

With Lord Xiao personally commanding, the other officials could no longer raise objections. Following previous discussions and agreements, they dispatched forces, transferring all command authority to Prefect Xiao.

By the time they finished these troubles, Xu Mao had already captured several dozen prisoners, all of whom she sent to Fengcheng as free labor to help repair roads.

After many anxious days of waiting, both warring sides finally prepared, and a fierce battle commenced.

Having just arrived in Jin Province, Prefect Xiao had no time for pleasantries or diplomacy. He gathered everyone to discuss strategies for capturing Xu Mao.

Zeng Erlang, holding intelligence gathered during this period, half-bowed and approached Prefect Xiao with respectful, mincing steps, reporting: According to scout reports, Xu Mao frequently appears near the main roads but never approaches. Instead, she continuously pursues our fleeing soldiers, while supplies are transported separately along side paths.

Prefect Xiao stared silently at the map where Zeng Erlang pointed, remaining wordless for a long while as he contemplated which of the Thirty-Six Stratagems Xu Mao was employing – why she would stop midway, not attacking Jin Province but instead capturing those useless deserters.

Was she attempting to extract city gate defense information from the deserters?

Unlikely. Zeng Erlang had long since rearranged personnel and altered the city gate defense arrangements. Even if some soldiers knew the previous deployments, after such changes, everything had been completely transformed, making such knowledge useless.

Preparing to threaten them with the prisoners’ lives?

Even more impossible.

Military regulations stipulate that those who flee before battle must be severely punished—beheaded as a public example, their corpses hung as a deterrent. In more severe cases, collective punishment and execution might follow.

Those deserters would face death even if they returned. Whether Xu Mao fought or killed them made no difference, so why bother with unnecessary actions!

Prefect Xiao pinched the bridge of his nose, utterly unable to comprehend Xu Mao’s reasoning. He deeply felt the truth in Second Son Zeng’s letter describing Xu Mao’s unconventional and unpredictable methods. Having just taken charge, he already faced a difficult problem.

Lord Xiao?

Prefect Xiao stood frozen in a daze. Second Son Zeng grew uneasy, a bad premonition rising as he hurriedly spoke to interrupt Prefect Xiao’s wandering thoughts.

Returning to his senses, Prefect Xiao pushed aside the chaotic thoughts in his mind and said gravely, Since we don’t understand Xu Mao’s intention in pursuing the deserting soldiers, we should proceed cautiously with any engagement.

Having delayed too long already, Second Son Zeng was actually growing restless. Hearing Prefect Xiao’s words, he couldn’t help suspecting that Prefect Xiao’s excessive caution might cost them a perfect opportunity.

Pointing at the terrain ideal for ambushes, Second Son Zeng said, Look, Lord Xiao—this area is perfect for ambush and encirclement. It’s our best chance to eliminate Xu Mao in one stroke.

Prefect Xiao studied the area intently, his sparse eyebrows knitting together with clear distaste. Raising his hand decisively, he refused: If we can see it, wouldn’t Xu Mao see it too? How could she willingly walk into such an obvious trap? Remain calm—we mustn’t act rashly!

Then what strategy does Lord Xiao propose? Second Son Zeng pressed urgently.

Prefect Xiao pondered before speaking: Earlier you mentioned her supply lines… Since neither side wants to make the first move in this stalemate with Xu Mao, perhaps we should try a different approach.

We have sufficient troops. By besieging Xu Mao and cutting off her supplies, her forces will grow weak without food. They’ll naturally be no match for us then, and capturing Xu Mao alive won’t be a problem.

Seeing Second Son Zeng’s impatience, Prefect Xiao didn’t keep him in suspense but immediately explained his plan, tracing circles on the military map.

With Prefect Xiao’s decision made, Second Son Zeng promptly seized the opportunity to flatter him. Thumbs up, he spouted blatant falsehoods with sincere admiration: I’ve been so worried I couldn’t eat or sleep, but Lord Xiao has the solution! The moment you stepped in, the problem that troubled me for days was immediately resolved!

Having no other options, Second Son Zeng now regarded Prefect Xiao as his anchor. Whatever Prefect Xiao said was law—he cared about nothing else but quickly killing Xu Mao to quell the rebellion in his jurisdiction.

Racking his brains for compliments, Second Son Zeng continued: …The Prefect’s brilliant strategy covers everything. The soldiers Xu Mao personally leads might be her elite, carefully trained troops. Engaging them without knowing their capabilities would be too risky.

But attacking Xu Mao’s supply team is different. Those kitchen personnel lack combat experience, and besides—they’re just women who spend their time around cooking stoves. They’re no match for us! Lord Xiao’s plan is sure to succeed!

Other officials, gauging their Prefect’s attitude and seeing him speak, naturally didn’t question the decision. None dared undermine the River Province Prefect’s authority. They all obsequiously broke into smiles, joining Second Son Zeng in praising Prefect Xiao’s brilliant idea.

Prefect Xiao is wise—peerless in strategy!

Everyone beamed before Prefect Xiao as if celebrating, appearing as though Xu Mao’s head had already been chopped off and hung high on the city gates as a warning. They acted as if their suppression of the popular uprising was proceeding splendidly.

With no further objections, the battle strategy was hastily finalized—to ambush Xu Mao’s grain transport convoy.

Prefect Xiao scanned the room, observing everyone’s expressions, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Though they now maintained a humble silence as if all were well, he knew that once Xu Mao was successfully eliminated, those who had contributed ideas would emerge one after another to claim their share of the spoils.

Age had sapped his energy. After arranging the soldiers’ positions and formations, Prefect Xiao knew when to delegate—handing over command to Zeng Erlang before retiring to rest with a hand pressed to his throbbing head.

Before dawn broke, Tang Zhegui’s mess squad rose in darkness to prepare the morning meal. As the autumn chill deepened with each cold breeze, thicker clothing became necessary. Keeping this in mind, Tang Zhegui planned to deliver both breakfast and warm garments to Xu Mao and the troops.

She had adapted quickly to the mess squad. Due to manpower shortages, kitchen logistics were combined with other duties, making it far less leisurely than she had imagined. Every day involved inventory checks, purchasing supplies to fill gaps, and endless cooking—racing against time to deliver meals promptly.

In just over a month, Tang Zhegui had grown noticeably thinner, barely recognizable compared to her former self.

Yet though the work was exhausting, it was fulfilling. Keeping busy left no room for idle thoughts—she spun like a little top that never stopped.

During meal deliveries, seeing everyone’s satisfied faces filled her chest with warmth. Feeling needed and receiving immediate positive feedback for her hard work made her feel as if steeped in honey—sweet and utterly content.

After verifying the counts, Tang Zhegui ordered the carts loaded. The team set out as usual. If they delivered breakfast quickly, she could return for a short rest, so their pace unconsciously quickened.

Under the ink-blue sky, faint stars flickered while insects chirred. The crunch of cartwheels over gravel and the soft scuff of straw sandals against dust echoed distinctly in the tranquil predawn.

Walking at the rear as rearguard, Tang Zhegui suddenly caught an anomalous sound. Her ears twitched slightly as she pinpointed the source—the wooded slope to their left.

Attack—!

At the command, figures leaped from the woods—one, two, three, then countless more—brandishing red tassel spears. Their eyes glinted in the darkness like predators fixated on prey.

Tang Zhegui’s pupils contracted violently, her face paling. Ambush! Stay alert! Be on guard! she shouted.

A flicker of panic subsided as realization dawned. Her eyes widened, sharp light dancing within them. She abruptly drew her blade, staring fixedly at the emerging foes, her gaze burning with fierce excitement. The corners of her mouth lifted uncontrollably.

Sisters! The Marshal once said: the mess squad is the most vital and exceptional unit in our Loyal Army—bearing great responsibility. Only the most outstanding are selected to join.

Her heart swelled as if set aflame, body buzzing with heat. Gripping her sword hilt, she yearned to charge into battle.

Restraining herself, she explained Xu Mao’s deeper intent: I never grasped the Marshal’s meaning until now. He placed great expectations upon us—to advance and slay enemies, annihilating elite troops; to retreat and guard the camp, securing the entire army.

Tang Zhegui was brimming with enthusiasm and shouted, Our chance to prove ourselves has come! Everyone, charge!

Upon hearing this, the others immediately calmed down.

As Tang Zhegui had said, their test results placed them in the upper-middle ranks. They had initially felt somewhat disheartened about being assigned to the cooking squad, but today’s sudden attack made them realize:

The cooking squad’s purpose wasn’t just about cooking meals—they were also excellent vanguards!