Journey to the West: Starting from Changing Sun Wukong’s fate
Chapter 695 - 535: Challenge the Enemy from 300 Steps Ahead

Chapter 695: Chapter 535: Challenge the Enemy from 300 Steps Ahead

Just now, Li Feng had already sensed something was amiss, and if Yuanshu were allowed to continue on like this, Shouchun would likely be lost soon enough.

Arrogant and egotistical persons cannot last long, and now that Yuanshu has effectively declared himself emperor, if he is not careful and cautious, it’s likely that he and others will struggle to survive in this chaotic world.

"Hmm? I wonder what insight you have."

With Ji Ling’s assurance, how could Yuanshu possibly take Wang Yang seriously? He merely saw him as a jumping clown.

As for Li Feng, who also came from an aristocratic family, he had heard somewhat of his own infamy, but Li Feng was not one to dwell on such reputations, otherwise Yuanshu would not have appointed him Registrar.

Asking for Li Feng’s opinion was merely a token gesture; whether to accept it or not still depended on Yuanshu’s own will.

Yuanshu still very much enjoyed the sensation of manipulating power, hence his determination to claim the throne without regard for consequences.

But what Yuanshu casually took for granted, for Li Feng, was akin to an Imperial Decree; having Yuanshu’s approval, it was natural to voice his feelings without restraint.

"Currently, the hundred thousand troops within the city consume a vast amount of grain and fodder daily, and nowadays, Shouchun is nowhere near its former glory. Although Wang Yang leading five thousand Cavalry may well be a bluff, it must not go unguarded!"

"Under Cao Cao’s command, Guo Jia is by no means an ordinary Counselor. The art of war is a game of deception! It’s possible that General Ji Ling’s sortie is precisely what Guo Jia has calculated!"

Li Feng, in the court, analyzed the situation for Yuanshu, considering the intentions behind actions like Sun Ce’s, Liu Bei’s, and Wang Yang leading five thousand Cavalry.

Speaking made Li Feng somewhat dry in the mouth and he paused, while some civil officials already felt drowsy, and very few military generals were interested; even Yuanshu seemed indifferent.

"Hmm, I understand; you may step down!"

Yuanshu nodded slightly and waved his left hand dismissively, signaling Li Feng to leave, his gesture undeniably showing contempt for Li Feng.

"If that’s the case, then we’ll follow General Ji Ling’s advice, keeping things simple, especially since Li Feng, you’ve said so much yet have not offered a solution."

As the lord, since Yuanshu had someone offering strategies, it was only proper to respond—even a dismissal.

Moreover, Li Feng had said so much without mentioning a solution. After all, considering so many contingencies could be overly burdensome.

A mere Wang Yang, no matter his stratagems, as long as we refuse to meet him on the battlefield, even Guo Jia will have no cunning plan to speak of.

Guo Jia is but a Counselor, not an immortal, nor does he possess Immortal Technique. No matter his stratagem, he can’t use five thousand to defeat a hundred thousand—that’s a twentyfold difference.

"My lord!"

Li Feng wanted to say more but stopped himself, realizing that he had not thought of any strategies in this short span.

Typically, a Counselor’s strategy is conceived promptly, needing a spark of inspiration; simply matching force with force or a makeshift solution is hardly a good strategy.

And Li Feng understood his own capabilities; he was surely not on par with Guo Jia or Zhuge Liang, able to grasp the big picture was already quite commendable.

As for coming up with a countermeasure, evidently, he was not up to the task, yet being dismissed by Yuanshu so peremptorily still left Li Feng with an unwilling heart, his efforts seemingly falling short when compared with the brute strength of Ji Ling.

This gave Li Feng a deep sense of defeat, as traditionally, civil officials commanded military generals, yet now he felt far inferior to a brute like Ji Ling.

Li Feng felt deep shame and was about to turn and leave but, considering the potential consequences of leaving, he repressed that impulse.

After all, Yuanshu wasn’t exactly an easy person to get along with.

If Li Feng offended him even slightly, he might struggle to safeguard himself; amidst chaos, Li Feng was not one from humble families but a bona fide member of the aristocracy.

Understanding the methods of such families like the back of his hand, Li Feng was acutely aware of the adage: serving a lord is like sleeping with a tiger. Moreover, Yuanshu’s disposition was not mild.

Pursuing pleasure aside, Yuanshu’s unpredictable temper made him hard to fathom. Every time Li Feng thought of interacting with him, he experienced that chilling sensation.

"There’s no need for more words; you have followed me for a long time, and you should understand that some things are better left unsaid!"

There was a look of inscrutable depth in Yuanshu’s eyes.

Sweat was visible on Li Feng’s forehead. The intent behind Yuanshu’s words was clear—it was a warning!

If Li Feng persisted, he might provoke Yuanshu’s displeasure, and with his narrow-mindedness, Li Feng would have no way out.

"Your servant was afflicted with a chill last night and fears he may not continue attending the court today; he seeks to take his leave."

Now that Yuanshu had openly expressed dissatisfaction, it was not appropriate for Li Feng to remain, and having his own desire to depart, finding an excuse to retire was the correct course.

"You may go, take care of your health."

Yuanshu gave a token expression of concern for Li Feng, who fully understood it was merely for appearance’s sake.

"Yes, your servant will recover as soon as possible to toil like a dog or horse in your service!"

Li Feng appeared to be touched by Yuanshu’s concern, but his heart felt precisely the opposite.

It was all an act to save himself.

"Your servant takes his leave."