Chong Houhu's Arrogance

Arrogant and Self-Important Chong Houhu

After all the generals had withdrawn from the tent, only ruler and minister remained within the great command tent.

Ji Chang turned to Jiang Ziya and asked softly, "Grand Tutor, when you mentioned Shen Gongbao just now, your expression was extremely grave. Have you crossed paths with this man before? Do you know the depths of his abilities?"

Jiang Ziya shook his head slightly, his gaze profound and carrying an unprecedented caution. "In all my life, I have never met or associated with him. But I read people through their qi and judge fortunes by observing the tides of power; there are subtle stirrings of fate beyond sight. This man will surely be the most difficult obstacle to overcome on this campaign. The stratagems in his breast and the schemes within his heart are in no way inferior to this old minister's."

Hearing this, Ji Chang's brows immediately knitted tight, his heart filled with disbelief.

In his mind—and in the minds of the feudal lords across the realm—the true pillar holding up Yin Shang had always been Wenzhong, who guarded Great Shang and cowed the four directions.

The reason so many lords endured in silence rather than rebel or act rashly was largely their fear of Wenzhong's strength and prestige.

As for Shen Gongbao, though they had heard that his cultivation was profound and his status extraordinary, he had always remained hidden in the imperial court and rarely meddled in military or political affairs. How could he possibly be mentioned in the same breath as Jiang Ziya, who had aided Western Zhou's rise and advanced step by careful step?

"Grand Tutor, you are being overly modest," Ji Chang said after a brief pause.

"These past years, Grand Tutor has helped my Western Qi recuperate and