Chapter 1051

The Yǐnmǎchuān, occupied by the Uyghur People for several decades, finally returned to Zhongyuan hands in this turbulent age; on the meadow blanketed with wildflowers, one finally saw those familiar skin and eyebrows.

The wind was gentle, the grass supple.

On the open grassland lay a polished, shining mat, with a small table set upon it holding drinks and fruit tea snacks.

Chen Wuji, Xu Zengyi, Chen Li, and Qian Fugui, along with the other generals, sat in a circle.

After Xinglin Zhen, this was the first time everyone gathered so completely.

No one was absent, no one had lost an arm or leg, and nobody had to be carried here.

Chen Wuji eloquently dubbed this banquet a minor assembly.

The assembly was a genuine reality; adding the word "minor" was only because everyone's separation hadn't been that long, so the sense of assembly had faded, thus we could only prefix it with a small word.

"Let me say a few words first; today's sole agenda is to give this city a name—use your wit, pool ideas, and pick a pleasant name. After that, feel free to enjoy the breeze, scenery, tea, and wine." Before the banquet began, Chen Wuji set the tone for the gathering.

Qian Fugui was the first to speak enthusiastically, "This city should rightly be called Fugui!"

As soon as he said that, everyone immediately launched a collective condemnation.

"You shameless wretch, my lord hasn't even spoken, yet you dare to name the city after yourself—do you think you're going to heaven? I oppose this name first!"

"Those called Fugui are usually not very wealthy, Qian Fugui excepted; but this name is indeed bad, and I oppose it too. I cannot let future generations mention this city and think its name was proposed by Qian Fugui."

"Oppose, oppose, just a shameless wretch!"

"I, too, oppose it—Fugui City really doesn't sound good."

Qian Fugui argued, "What's wrong with the name Fugui City? Staying here will bring wealth, which also symbolizes our lord's path to prosperity—what a fine meaning! Our lord raised troops against the Uyghurs, and this city is the first stop."

"No good, no good, just drop it!" Xie Fengxian grabbed Qian Fugui, ready to clap a hand over his mouth.

Qian Fugui huffed, "You lot truly don't know value, fine, fine, I won't say more—I'll just listen to what nonsense you lot are coming up with."

"I just happened to think of a name; let me say it for my lord and the generals to judge." Lü Ji clasped his fists, gestured around, then said, "How about naming this city 'Returning Bird'?"

"Yǐnmǎchuān originally belonged to Da Yu's territory, but the corrupt court later gave this precious land away to the Uyghurs at will. Leaving Da Yu's Yǐnmǎchuān is like a bird leaving its nest; today, my lord has brought this wandering bird back home."

"This name seems actually not bad, and its meaning is good too." Chen Ruoshui said.

This female general, the sole woman in Chen Wuji's army, has now fully blended in with these commanders.

But because she is truly too beautiful, sitting on the ground with a group of elder gentlemen still feels somewhat awkward; however, as she is the only one of her kind, this is unavoidable.

"I also think it's quite good—Returning Bird City rolls off the tongue and pleases the ear." Feng Linchuan said.

Qian Fugui looked left and right, then shouted indignantly, "I think you're biased against me—how could Returning Bird City sound better than Fugui City? Fugui City instantly sounds rich, the people's lives prosperous, opportunities for wealth everywhere, full of joy!"

"Returning Bird City—this name sounds a bit sad at first hearing, lacking grandeur and nobility; we should pick a name from something good, why dwell on sadness?"

Xie Fengxian grabbed Qian Fugui and pulled him down, saying, "Sit down, why get all worked up? Hear me out—really, stop clinging to Fugui; you and your father's fondness for that name… frankly, it's not good."

Qian Fugui stared, then suddenly turned and seized Xie Fengxian's throat, "You—are you mocking my name? Ah, I'll kill you!"

"Really not!" Xie Fengxian explained with a solemn face, but after barely two breaths he burst out laughing, doubling over, tears nearly streaming from his eyes.

Qian Fugui is now a renowned fierce general across the world.

Jianghu people rank him as the eighth general under Marquis Zhenyuan, famed for his brutality, nicknamed the Vanguard of Brutality.

He used to be the seventh general, but after the Southwest Chu Wang Feng Linchuan emerged, his rank dropped by one.

Since Chen Wuji launched his northern expedition, Nan Jun's fame has grown ever louder across the world, and these commanders of Nan Jun have become the talk of countless people after tea and meals.

People especially love to discuss which of these commanders is the toughest.

When talking about others, it's always about their appearance and battle record.

But when discussing Qian Fugui, one must first complain about his name.

To have a merchant's name crown a fierce general just feels odd no matter how you hear it.

This isn't just Xie Fengxian complaining; many people across the world are criticizing Qian Fugui's father for his naming ability. I've heard that when Jianghu people compile the rankings of Marquis Zhenyuan's generals, they also include this point, as if hoping Qian Fugui will consider changing his name upon seeing it.

Chen Wuji ignored their squabble and said, "Forget the name Fugui; Returning Bird also has a petty air—birds are nimble and agile, but they lack grandeur."

"I'll casually cite a few examples: Zhangye, the arm of the state's territory; Anxi, peaceful western borders; Datong, the way of the great path, the world for the public; Changle, long-lasting joy."

Qian Fugui wiped his face and instantly sat properly.

"My lord already has plenty of names; just pick one and use it—why make us lose face? Ah, it's aggravating..." Qian Fugui shrank his neck and muttered softly.

Xie Fengxian suppressed his laughter and said softly, "Fugui, actually Returning Bird is really fine; my lord also said it's just a bit petty, so… hahaha."

Qian Fugui's face instantly blackened like a pot bottom; his right hand suddenly jabbed Xie Fengxian's thigh, and he snarled through clenched teeth, "You stay silent, and no one thinks you're mute—just because you're clever? My Fugui follows custom but is beautiful!"

"Ah… stop, stop, I didn't mean to mock you!"

"My lord, save me! This bastard is going to kill to silence!"

Qian Fugui didn't loosen his grip, and instantly sat up straight, "My lord, General Xie's bones are a bit stiff; as deputy general I'll help loosen them."

"My lord, I'm perfectly fine, no problems at all—this bastard just wants to kill to silence!" Xie Fengxian shouted, straining his voice, face flushed red.

Qian Fugui didn't hold back at all; he felt he was about to lose the flesh on his thigh.

"All right, all right, you two are the noisiest!" Chen Wuji laughed and waved his hand.