Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Wu Hongying lit a candle and began writing furiously. First, she transcribed the sections revised by Xu Mao, then started crafting stories based on his requirements.

Impoverished farming families, merchants who had painstakingly built their fortunes, scholars originally blessed with bright futures—all saw their destinies abruptly altered upon encountering the Celestial God Sect. The poor grew poorer, the wealthy went bankrupt, abandoned by friends and relatives until they reached utter desperation, wishing to end their miserable lives by throwing themselves into rivers.

Yet at this very moment, the Loyal Army appeared to save them, providing food and arranging manual labor. Men were sent to repair roads while women entered textile workshops to thread needles and sew garments.

Wu Hongying blended truth with fiction, incorporating Fengcheng’s road repairs and canal excavations along with Mo Huifu’s textile workshops to enhance credibility. If anyone investigated, they would find confirmation and ultimately place their full trust in the Loyal Army.

After repeatedly refining and revising the leaflet content, the flickering candle cast an orange glow on Wu Hongying’s face, elongating her shadow into a dark, broad silhouette.

The candle wax dripped steadily, shortening the candle visibly.

Wu Hongying set down her brush, slowly straightened her back, and rubbed her sore neck and wrists. She tidied the cluttered desk, organizing each sheet neatly before reviewing them all again to check for omissions.

The thick stack of papers contained her newly written case studies—dozens for similar identities alone. For instance, farming households, while sharing similar initial conditions, differed in specific family circumstances and kinship networks. The Celestial God Sect’s methods against them varied only slightly before moving on to other social classes.

Wu Hongying organized the logic of her narratives, marking uncertain passages to consult others the next day, avoiding errors that might invite ridicule.

The candle flame swayed before she blew it out, plunging the tent into darkness.

The following day, Wu Hongying presented her drafted case studies to the soldiers for feedback, hastily recording and revising based on their critiques.

Having witnessed Du Caiwen’s literary brilliance while composing Feng Qiuye’s storyline, Wu Hongying made another trip with her revised drafts, requesting Du Caiwen’s additional review.

You finished this quickly? Du Caiwen exclaimed in astonishment, especially when Wu Hongying produced a large stack of revised manuscripts. Her refined manners momentarily forgotten, she nearly gasped aloud: So many!

Wu Hongying scratched her head sheepishly. Madam Du, I lack natural talent and must compensate through diligence. Since the Celestial God Sect dared shoot warning arrows at us, clearly looking down on us, we must counterattack swiftly.

Unsure which drafts are suitable, I’ve come to seek your assistance in selecting the most fitting examples to present to the Marshal. We shouldn’t waste time—once chosen, we can directly transcribe and distribute them to conserve energy.

Convinced, Du Caiwen immersed herself in reviewing Wu Hongying’s revisions.

Case studies essentially functioned as short stories, a format Du Caiwen handled with familiarity. She edited certain plot elements to enhance overall narrative flow, ensuring readers would remain engaged.

These are the ones I consider finest—place them on top when submitting to the Marshal. Du Caiwen selected the most satisfactory cases and handed them to Wu Hongying.

Thank you, Madam Du.

As Wu Hongying turned to leave, Du Caiwen had a sudden inspiration and stopped her: Madam Wu, please wait a moment. Hear me out.

What’s wrong? Wu Hongying asked, puzzled.

Du Caiwen replied, I think using a petition format might be better – not the formal, complex legal petitions. Madam Wu, have you heard of commoners appealing to the emperor in the capital?

Wu Hongying’s mind raced as she grasped Du Caiwen’s meaning, her eyes suddenly lighting up. You mean we should fake it as if commoners are bringing petitions to the capital?

Exactly. It doesn’t need to be overly elaborate. As long as people hear about it and start discussing these matters, our goal will be achieved.

Just the concept of appealing to the emperor – something usually seen in operas appearing in real life – would be sensational enough. She doubted commoners could resist such gossip.

Wu Hongying clapped her hands in approval and immediately worked with Du Caiwen on revisions. They drafted petitions based on actual cases, using simple language for ordinary farmers’ appeals and adjusting the style according to different social statuses, making everything as accessible as possible.

After several rounds of revisions, Wu Hongying finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had fulfilled the Marshal’s important task – the leaflet content was complete, and they now had revised petitions as backup options. Barring unexpected issues, they could start distribution immediately.

After thorough review, Xu Mao found no problems when he examined them again. If he had to nitpick, perhaps there were too many new cases. Selecting just a few would mean wasting the others, while using them all would be excessive.

Xu Mao decided: Release them in installments. Keep the main content unchanged, but rotate the cases.

Moreover, each case was so typical that simply changing names could create new examples that could be used for a long time.

Seizing the opportunity, Wu Hongying presented the revised petitions. Marshal, Madam Du suggested informing the people through petitions. I found it an excellent idea and have specially revised these petitions with her. Please review them.

Xu Mao was taken aback. He took the petitions and carefully examined the content, looking quite surprised.

The petition format was excellent – curious commoners would spare no effort to decipher the contents of imperial appeals. However, it had one drawback: focusing solely on attacking the Celestial God Sect meant they couldn’t mention the Loyal Army at the end, and the parts about the Loyal Army rescuing people had to be removed.

After some consideration, Xu Mao said, Then use the petitions. They’ll be more effective.

Thrilled by the smooth progress, Wu Hongying eagerly acknowledged the order and happily rushed out.

Xu Mao shook his head helplessly and stepped out of the tent to check the weather. The roads were becoming increasingly dry and cold – likely signaling heavy snow approaching. They needed to quicken their pace.

After the army had rested and resumed marching, Wu Hongying remained behind with literate women from the army to copy petitions overnight, her mission being to lead several squads into various cities to distribute their specially made propaganda materials.

After careful thought, Wu Hongying decided to divide her personnel into several groups: one team would operate from street corners and alleyways, while another would target crowded, bustling areas.

In streets and alleys, they could work individually, finding excuses to temporarily leave petitions with passersby, then never reappearing.

In crowded city markets and suburban fairs where people carried baskets selling homegrown vegetables and various handicrafts, they could discreetly place petitions in baskets and backpacks, pretending they had accidentally fallen in.

Additionally, a simple flatbread could recruit several young beggars to help, delegating the widespread distribution work to them.

With her plan properly arranged, Wu Hongying prepared to work with everyone for a quick resolution – distributing the petitions and then returning to catch up with the main army.

But Wu Hongying never expected they would encounter setbacks right at the street corner. The petitions couldn’t even be distributed – commoners would turn pale with fright upon hearing the word petition and flee in panic, while bystanders would grow wary and deliberately take detours.

When they tried to explain about the Celestial God Sect to the commoners, they either received blank, confused stares or indifferent expressions showing complete disinterest. People were tense and guarded around them, and some even glared fiercely and shouted abuses, startling them greatly.

Even in relatively better situations, someone might glance at the petition but, afraid of getting involved, would return the papers to them.

Lady Wu, what should we do now?

After a whole day of busy but fruitless efforts with no progress made, everyone felt discouraged and anxious.

Wu Hongying patted her head as she realized, How foolish of me! The commoners are illiterate and naturally fear things they don’t understand. Of course they wouldn’t willingly approach us, especially when what we’re giving them are petitions related to government matters. They’re scared out of their wits – how could they have any other reaction? I was too impatient and overlooked the most crucial point.

Let’s change locations. Later, everyone should use the pretext that our papers are excellent for starting fires to attract commoners to accept them. Let them take the papers home first, then I’ll make an appearance to put on a performance explaining the contents to them.

Dressed in blue scholar’s robes, her words carried weight, making her the perfect person for this role.

Since we’re putting on a show, we might as well make it complete. Let’s use the excuse of exchanging paper for water and approach people separately, focusing particularly on women. Seeing that we’re also women and alone, they’ll find it hard to refuse us.

Wu Hongying said, Very well, let’s see how this works.

As dusk approached, everyone felt anxious but followed the plan with some skepticism.

The soldiers ruffled each other’s hair and smudged some dust on their faces, disguising themselves as refugees before dispersing to carry out their tasks.

A soldier spotted an elderly woman passing by and quickly approached her with a bundle, pleading pitifully: Granny, I’ve fled from Jiangzhou. Both my parents have passed away, and I’ve used up all my money. I’m starving and thirsty, but I have some papers I collected along the way that are perfect for starting fires. I wonder if I might exchange them for some water?

The old woman looked her over and sympathetically took her hand. Poor child, it’s just some water – no need for exchange. I have a grandson about your age who hasn’t married yet. If you’re willing, why not come to my home? I’ll make sure you’re fed.

The soldier froze for a moment, then smiled awkwardly and declined: I appreciate your kindness, Granny, but my husband is still alive. I cannot remarry.

The old woman sighed regretfully. I see… What a pity my grandson has no such fortune. Wait here, young lady, I’ll fetch you a bowl of water.

Thank you, Granny. Please take this. The soldier quickly pressed the petition into her hand.

After the woman left, she breathed a long sigh of relief.

With the first one distributed, the rest became much easier. Although this method was shameless and somewhat deceptive, at least they had successfully taken the first step.

When most petitions had been distributed, Wu Hongying made her entrance. After the soldiers had delivered the papers and left, she pretended to pass by and accidentally notice them, exclaiming in surprise: What? The Celestial God Sect again!

The young woman holding the petition trembled, noticing from Wu Hongying’s expression and words that the content on the paper in her hand was anything but ordinary. She hurriedly asked, Sir, what is the Celestial God Sect?

Wu Hongying said indignantly, It’s the number one evil cult in the world, responsible for countless deaths and suffering. Can’t you see what’s written here? It’s an appeal to the capital accusing the Celestial God Sect of seizing wealth, taking lives, and destroying families.

This is clearly a petition, yet you don’t even know what the Celestial God Sect is. Could it be that someone else was supposed to bring this to the capital to appeal to the emperor? Wu Hongying questioned doubtfully.

The young woman had initially found it strange how Wu Hongying had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, but upon hearing that what she held was an imperial petition, her soul seemed to flee her body in terror. Her lips turned deathly pale as she panicked, I know nothing about this! Someone else gave it to me!

Wu Hongying let out a thoughtful oh and inhaled sharply. Given the ruthless methods of the Celestial God Sect, I fear the original owner of this petition has likely met a tragic end.

The young woman’s eyes widened in horror, on the verge of tears from panic. She flung the paper away, terrified of being dragged into a calamity.