Chapter 315

If one were to say Du Shanü isn't feigning ignorance......

If one were to say Du Shanü isn't feigning ignorance......

We need to keep the ellipsis? The Chinese has "......". We'll keep as "......". So translation: "If one were to say Du Shanü isn't feigning ignorance......"

That is certainly false.

That is obviously false. Translation: "That is obviously false."

Even those around her, be it Chinu or Yun Feixing, have repeatedly stressed that Liu Ji comes from the marketplaces, a mere rustic.

Although the people around her, whether Chinu or Xuan Feixing, have repeatedly told her that Liu Ji comes from the marketplaces, truly a rabble...... Translation: "Although the people around her, whether Chinu or Xuan Feixing, have repeatedly told her that Liu Ji comes from the marketplaces, truly a rabble......"

Yet when she saw Liu Ji, her first impression of him was exhaustion, arrogance, and lust.

But upon seeing Liu Ji, her first impression of him is 【exhausted, arrogant, lustful】. Translation: "But upon seeing Liu Ji, her first impression of him is 【exhausted, arrogant, lustful】."

His exhaustion stems from being imprisoned.

Exhausted, because he is imprisoned. Translation: "Exhausted, because he is imprisoned."

His lust comes from the fact that, even while clearly imprisoned and struggling, he still conceals his restlessness.

Lustful, because even though he is clearly imprisoned and scrambling about, he still suppresses his agitation. Translation: "Lustful, because even though he is clearly imprisoned and scrambling about, he still suppresses his agitation."

As for arrogance—

As for arrogance—— Translation: "As for arrogance——"

Many people mistakenly believe that only heavenly nobility are worthy of arrogance.

Many people commonly have a misconception: that only nobles of heavenly lineage deserve arrogance. Translation: "Many people commonly have a misconception: that only nobles of heavenly lineage deserve arrogance."

Yet it is often those born in the marketplaces, who have tasted the vicissitudes of human relations, who climb on their own and, with a sudden turn of fate, leap from fish to dragon...

However, it is often those born in the marketplaces, who have tasted the warmth and coldness of human relations, who then climb step by step on their own, relying on a sudden turn of fortune, becoming dragons from fish...... Translation: "However, it is often those born in the marketplaces, who have tasted the warmth and coldness of human relations, who then climb step by step on their own, relying on a sudden turn of fortune, becoming dragons from fish......"

They are easily prone to arrogance.

They are very prone to arrogance. Translation: "They are very prone to arrogance."

Even imperial relatives and great clans are such that pulling a single hair moves the whole body.

Even imperial relatives and great clans, a single pull moves the whole body. Translation: "Even imperial relatives and great clans, a single pull moves the whole body."

Even someone as arrogantly tempered as Ruansizong has his own weaknesses, being skilled at going with the flow.

Even someone as arrogantly tempered as Ruansizong has his own weaknesses, adept at adapting to the wind. Translation: "Even someone as arrogantly tempered as Ruansizong has his own weaknesses, adept at adapting to the wind."

Those born as market rustics merely blindly trust and depend on the experience from the path they climbed.

And those born as marketplace rabble only blindly trust and rely on the experience that the path they climbed gave them. Translation: "And those born as marketplace rabble only blindly trust and rely on the experience that the path they climbed gave them."

If money changes his situation, then whenever anyone shows him even a hint of kindness, he thinks, "Damn, when I was poor in the busy market nobody cared, but now that I'm rich even distant relatives show up," and "Look, look, look, look—now that I have money, everyone comes flocking."

If money changed his predicament, then whenever anyone came before him and showed even a trace of kindness, he would think, "Damn it, truly poor in the bustling market no one asks, rich in the deep mountains distant relatives appear," and "Look, look, look, look, now that he has money, everyone comes flocking?" Translation: "If money changed his predicament, then whenever anyone came before him and showed even a trace of kindness, he would think, 'Damn it, truly poor in the bustling market no one asks, rich in the deep mountains distant relatives appear,' and 'Look, look, look, look, now that he has money, everyone comes flocking?'"

Such thinking essentially amounts to distrust and contempt for everyone, a conceit of looking down from on high as if seeing through everything.

Under such thoughts, essentially it is a distrust and contempt for everyone, a conceit of looking down from above as if seeing through everything...... Translation: "Under such thoughts, essentially it is a distrust and contempt for everyone, a conceit of looking down from above as if seeing through everything......"

And an inferiority complex that is hard to hide.

And, an hardly concealable 【inferiority】. Translation: "And, an hardly concealable 【inferiority】."

People flock to power and influence, yet they also go with the flow.

People flock to power and influence, yet they also adapt to the wind. Translation: "People flock to power and influence, yet they also adapt to the wind."

If one truly holds power, it's hard for foolish people to dare to dance before them.

If one truly holds power, it is hard for a foolish person to dance before them. Translation: "If one truly holds power, it is hard for a foolish person to dance before them."

Thus, it is often such people themselves who are most concerned about their origins and cannot forget the poverty and hardship of their past.

Thus, it is often such people themselves who care most about their origins and can never forget the poverty and hardship of past years. Translation: "Thus, it is often such people themselves who care most about their origins and can never forget the poverty and hardship of past years."

At the slightest sign of change, while others have not yet noticed, they themselves are the first to recall their own origins.

Once there is any stir, before others even recall it, they themselves first recall their own path. Translation: "Once there is any stir, before others even recall it, they themselves first recall their own path."

This speaks not only of Liu Ji, but also of Chinu.

This statement applies not only to Liu Ji but also to Chinu. Translation: "This statement applies not only to Liu Ji but also to Chinu."

The difference is that Chinu, when recalling the past, will weep, feel resentful, and pity herself.

The difference lies only in that Chinu, when recalling the past, will shed tears, feel unwilling, and pity herself. Translation: "The difference lies only in that Chinu, when recalling the past, will shed tears, feel unwilling, and pity herself."

But Liu Ji, standing before her imprisoned, thinks instead of how former power and status changed his predicament, so his heart is full of contempt for those who captured him, thinking "If only this and that, I would do this and that."

But Liu Ji before her, though imprisoned, thinks instead of how former power changed his predicament, thus his heart is full of contempt for those who captured him, thinking, "If only this and that, I would surely do this and that." Translation: "But Liu Ji before her, though imprisoned, thinks instead of how former power changed his predicament, thus his heart is full of contempt for those who captured him, thinking, 'If only this and that, I would surely do this and that.'"

To be frank, in this world, where are there so many things just waiting for you to be ready?

To speak frankly, in this world, how could there be so many things waiting for you to prepare? Translation: "To speak frankly, in this world, how could there be so many things waiting for you to prepare?"

If the army launches a surprise attack today, preparing to burn the enemy's supplies and cut off their retreat, would they first announce to the enemy, "I'm going to burn your supplies"?

If today the army launched a surprise attack, preparing to burn the enemy's grain, fodder, and baggage, cutting off their retreat, would they first announce to the enemy, "I'm going to burn your supplies"? Translation: "If today the army launched a surprise attack, preparing to burn the enemy's grain, fodder, and baggage, cutting off their retreat, would they first announce to the enemy, 'I'm going to burn your supplies'?"

That is completely unreasonable.

That is completely unreasonable. Translation: "That is completely unreasonable."

Liu Ji might be a talented general, but while the world never lacks thousand-mile horses, it lacks a Bo Le to recognize them.

This Liu Ji might be a general's talent, but the world never lacks thousand-li horses, only lacks a Bo Le. Translation: "This Liu Ji might be a general's talent, but the world never lacks thousand-li horses, only lacks a Bo Le."

He and Yu Lue share the same martial general's mindset—reckless and arrogant, seeking open brightness.

He and Yu Lve share a martial commander's mindset, both reckless and arrogant, seeking open brightness...... Translation: "He and Yu Lve share a martial commander's mindset, both reckless and arrogant, seeking open brightness......"

Such people, perhaps when the two armies meet someday and each deploys in preparation for battle, could bear the aura of a commander.

Such people, perhaps when the two armies meet someday, each deploying formations to prepare for a decisive battle, could bear the aura of a commander. Translation: "Such people, perhaps when the two armies meet someday, each deploying formations to prepare for a decisive battle, could bear the aura of a commander."

But when it comes to everyday matters...

But when it comes to everyday matters...... Translation: "But when it comes to everyday matters......"

Absolutely not as adept as Yun Feixing's easy handling.

They are certainly not as handy as Xuan Feixing's usual methods. Translation: "They are certainly not as handy as Xuan Feixing's usual methods."

Yun Feixing is open and unrestrained; this person appears flirtatious and dissolute, yet clearly has low standards.

Xuan Feixing is uninhibited; this person appears dissolute and rakish, yet clearly has low standards. Translation: "Xuan Feixing is uninhibited; this person appears dissolute and rakish, yet clearly has low standards."

Moreover, the other side is still shouting things like "female lackey," displaying an attitude of looking down on women.

Moreover, the other side is still shouting things like "female lackey," displaying an attitude of looking down on women. Translation: "Moreover, the other side is still shouting things like 'female lackey,' displaying an attitude of looking down on women."

After all, there is already a Yu Lue; if we cannot recruit this person, then so be it.

In any case, there is already Yu Lve; if we cannot recruit this person, then so be it. Translation: "In any case, there is already Yu Lve; if we cannot recruit this person, then so be it."

Du Shanü, absent‑minded, casually passed judgment on Liu Ji, then turned away her inquisitive gaze.

Du Shanü, absent-minded, lightly gave Liu Ji a verdict, then turned away her inquisitive gaze. Translation: "Du Shanü, absent-minded, lightly gave Liu Ji a verdict, then turned away her inquisitive gaze."

It was precisely this moment that inexplicably gave Liu Ji a sudden sense of crisis——

It was precisely this instant that inexplicably gave rise to a sudden sense of danger in Liu Ji's heart—— Translation: "It was precisely this instant that inexplicably gave rise to a sudden sense of danger in Liu Ji's heart——"

When she arrived, her gaze was still piercing, and she still held a spirit of inquiry and scrutiny toward him.

When she arrived, her gaze was still burning, and she still held a spirit of inquiry and scrutiny toward him. Translation: "When she arrived, her gaze was still burning, and she still held a spirit of inquiry and scrutiny toward him."

But now, by turning her eyes away, it seems she has lost all interest in him.

But now, averting her eyes, it seems as if she has lost all interest in him. Translation: "But now, averting her eyes, it seems as if she has lost all interest in him."

Is that right?

Is that right? Translation: "Is that right?"

Can that be correct?

Can that be correct? Translation: "Can that be correct?"

Shouldn't she, for the sake of the two cities, have devoted all her thoughts to recruiting him?

Speaking of which, shouldn't she be expending all her thoughts to recruit for the two cities? Translation: "Speaking of which, shouldn't she be expending all her thoughts to recruit for the two cities?"

How could she not hear kind words, not see wealth and honor, and in the span of just half an incense stick lose all interest in him?

How come she heard no kind words, saw no riches or honor, and after merely the time it takes to burn half an incense stick, she lost interest in him? Translation: "How come she heard no kind words, saw no riches or honor, and after merely the time it takes to burn half an incense stick, she lost interest in him?"

Not only is she uninterested, but from the subtext of his recent words it seems she even wants to catch his mistakes.

Not only is she uninterested, but from the meaning between the lines of what he just said, it seems she also wants to pinpoint his verbal mistakes. Translation: "Not only is she uninterested, but from the meaning between the lines of what he just said, it seems she also wants to pinpoint his verbal mistakes."

But what did he get wrong?

But what did he get wrong? Translation: "But what did he get wrong?"

That young messenger is clearly just a woman's lackey!

That young messenger is clearly just a woman's lackey! Translation: "That young messenger is clearly just a woman's lackey!"

Liu Ji felt a bit resentful, but he is still smart; he understands he is now a prisoner, and if he does not show weakness, he will not only be unable to return to Hengchun's two cities, but also easily offend the other party, bringing about his own demise.

Liu Ji feels a bit resentful, but he is still smart; he understands he is now a prisoner, and if he does not show weakness, he will not only be unable to return to Horizontal Spring Two Cities, but also easily offend the other party, leading to his own burial here. Translation: "Liu Ji feels a bit resentful, but he is still smart; he understands he is now a prisoner, and if he does not show weakness, he will not only be unable to return to Horizontal Spring Two Cities, but also easily offend the other party, leading to his own burial here."

Therefore, after thinking it over, he decided to speak frankly and first show weakness:

Therefore, after thinking it over, he still decided to speak frankly and first show weakness: Translation: "Therefore, after thinking it over, he still decided to speak frankly and first show weakness:"

"What I said earlier were merely the words of a loser; there's no need to take them seriously."

"Earlier were merely the words of a loser; there's no need to take them seriously." Translation: "\"Earlier were merely the words of a loser; there's no need to take them seriously. \""

"Your Highness, if you want Hengchun's two cities, I, Liu Ji, am willing to submit and serve as a vassal, except...... there are some conditions."

"Your Highness, if you want Horizontal Spring Two Cities, Liu Ji is willing to submit and serve as a subject, only...... there are some conditions." Translation: "\"Your Highness, if you want Horizontal Spring Two Cities, Liu Ji is willing to submit and serve as a subject, only...... there are some conditions. \""

Du Shanü indeed did not expect that the other party, at this time and place, would still dare to discuss terms; she narrowed her eyes, gave a meaningful 'oh,' and asked with a smile:

Du Shanü indeed did not expect that at this point the other party would still dare to discuss conditions; she narrowed her eyes, let out a meaningful "oh," and asked with a smile: Translation: "Du Shanü indeed did not expect that at this point the other party would still dare to discuss conditions; she narrowed her eyes, let out a meaningful 'oh,' and asked with a smile:"

"What conditions does Commissioner Liu wish to set?"

"What conditions does Lord Liu wish to set?" Translation: "\"What conditions does Lord Liu wish to set? \""

Liu Ji, captured in one move, was not feeling at ease to begin with, and this place is gloomy, so he momentarily failed to notice the coldness in Du Shanü's eyes.

Liu Ji, captured in a single move, was not feeling comfortable to begin with, and this place is dim, so he actually failed to notice the coldness in Du Shanü's eyes at first. Translation: "Liu Ji, captured in a single move, was not feeling comfortable to begin with, and this place is dim, so he actually failed to notice the coldness in Du Shanü's eyes at first."

Liu Ji, with difficulty suppressing his discomfort, pondered for a long time before speaking solemnly:

Liu Ji struggled to suppress his discomfort all over, pondered for a long time, then solemnly spoke: Translation: "Liu Ji struggled to suppress his discomfort all over, pondered for a long time, then solemnly spoke:"

"Five thousand taels of silver."

"Five thousand taels of silver." Translation: "\"Five thousand taels of silver. \""

"Besides, my brothers are still holding these two cities; if they don't see me return, they might do something rash. Whether you wish to pacify or seize them, it will surely cost effort and time. But if you give me five thousand taels of silver, you will be free of rear‑guard worries."

"Besides, my brothers still hold these two cities; if they don't see me return, they might do something foolish. Whether you wish to pacify or seize them, it will surely cost effort and time. But as long as you give five thousand taels of silver, you will be free of rear worries." Translation: "\"Besides, my brothers still hold these two cities; if they don't see me return, they might do something foolish. Whether you wish to pacify or seize them, it will surely cost effort and time. But as long as you give five thousand taels of silver, you will be free of rear worries. \""

"As long as you give Hengchun's two cities five thousand taels of silver each year, the salt and iron quotas can be distributed according to the prefecture's earnings, in order, to the brothers and the people of the two counties what they are due...... After that, Liu Ji will follow your command."

"As long as you give Horizontal Spring Two Cities five thousand taels of silver each year, the salt and iron quota can be distributed according to what Zhoufu obtains, in due order, giving my brothers and the people of the two counties what they deserve...... Liu Ji will thereafter follow your command." Translation: "\"As long as you give Horizontal Spring Two Cities five thousand taels of silver each year, the salt and iron quota can be distributed according to what Zhoufu obtains, in due order, giving my brothers and the people of the two counties what they deserve...... Liu Ji will thereafter follow your command. \""

"No matter whose territory you wish to seize, or what calamities arise, Liu Ji and his brothers will certainly, as long as they can protect their own two counties, give their full support."

"No matter whose territory you wish to seize, or what calamities arise, Liu Ji and my brothers will certainly, as long as we can protect our two counties' lands, give our utmost assistance." Translation: "\"No matter whose territory you wish to seize, or what calamities arise, Liu Ji and my brothers will certainly, as long as we can protect our two counties' lands, give our utmost assistance. \""

The last four words, spoken by Liu Ji with reluctance, thus sound rather drawn out.

The last four words, Liu Ji said them unwillingly, so they sound rather drawn out. Translation: "The last four words, Liu Ji said them unwillingly, so they sound rather drawn out."

Perhaps feeling that the promise given was still not clear enough, Liu Ji, after thinking it over, added:

Perhaps feeling that the promise given was still not clear enough, Liu Ji thought it over and added: Translation: "Perhaps feeling that the promise given was still not clear enough, Liu Ji thought it over and added:"

It must be a great help, but merely five thousand taels is still not enough to let the people of the two cities, and so many brothers, constantly rush about to their deaths.

Therefore, my price is: each year I will help you fight three battles, with the round‑trip travel not exceeding one month and the battle itself also not exceeding one month; if there is any further deployment, each time an extra two thousand taels will be added.

Liu Ji lives up to his name.

Once down on his luck, he now faces a major affair and can actually be flexible.

Du Shanü understood the other's meaning; in short, it's just one sentence—

The other side now clearly sees her prowess, no longer wanting to have any designs on the Zhoufu, but instead preparing to carve out territory and govern autonomously.

From now on, as long as she is willing to pay money and provide salt and iron, he will be willing to serve as her enforcer......

Or, to put it bluntly, 【mercenaries】.

The other side seems not to realize that he himself has already seized two cities, and now possesses the legitimacy to hold sway over a region.

And those three words 'legitimacy' are more important than making any money.

Therefore, he still wants to follow the old way of setting up a stronghold in Pan Mountain, acting as a 'mountain king', taking money to handle affairs.

As for the five thousand taels of silver......

To be frank, compared to Liu Ji's ability to seize two cities in a row and having a group of already trained fighters as his trump card, this price is naturally not much.

He also counted on Du Shanü's desire for stability in the Zhoufu, knowing that thereafter within its borders she would no longer turn her blade on her own people, which is why he dared to speak up.

In his impression, any emperor or princess are extremely wealthy people.

As long as he is casually given some silver, it would both eliminate future worries and provide a troop of soldiers that can be deployed—why not?

However, Liu Ji never expected that Du Shanü's previously calm composure would shatter upon hearing those three words 'five thousand taels'.

She fell silent for a few breaths, not even glancing at Liu Ji again, and turned and walked away.

Liu Ji was startled, ignoring the soreness and pain in his body, he scrambled to his feet:

Hey hey—you—no, where are you going—

Five thousand taels isn't much—how could you not be willing to take this bit? If you want to use us, we also need to eat and train! We can't just live on northwest wind!

You, you really sincerely want to recruit us?!

Nonsense!

Of course it's sincere!

Du Shanü cursed angrily in her heart, but in the end she swallowed the last sentence in her throat—

The money isn't much, but she simply has no money at all!

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