Chapter 1070: with translation of chapter title

If it were in later times, Xu Zengyi at this age would be exactly the age to fight and strive; on a construction site, you could easily grab a handful of workers carrying steel bars.

But in this era, he really can no longer be considered young.

Of course, he is still far from being described as old.

Probably because he has experienced great ups and downs in life and survived a serious illness that almost killed him, his mindset has already grown old.

Before, he only occasionally felt sentimental about spring; now he actually says such things out loud.

"Old Xu, do you still remember what you said to me when we first used troops together?" Chen Wuji murmured.

Xu Zengyi gazed into the distance and nodded. "Of course I remember."

"That day, we were climbing the mountain and chatting; you spoke of rebellion, which to me was full of hesitation and unease. By the time we reached the summit, your words were finished, and I too had accepted the possibility of rebellion." Chen Wuji said slowly, turning his head to look at Xu Zengyi.

Xu Zengyi just smiled and nodded.

"That day, after we reached the summit we decided what to do next; today we have already marched out of Lingnan, advancing like a broken bamboo into Uyghur lands, and the summit is no longer far away. At this point, is it appropriate for you to speak of a hundred years from now?" Chen Wuji asked.

Xu Zengyi apologetically said, "My lord, please don't be angry; I only said that Chuxiu is young and can accompany you further. But I certainly will not admit to being old now; I am still at an age where I can jump and run, how could I easily say that?"

Chen Wuji's mood, however, was not very pleasant.

This matter involves a certain law that may or may not have a name, but most people know of it.

In films and novels, when a supporting character suddenly starts missing their children, they are bound to die.

Once they start chatting happily about their future lives, they are bound to die!

Xu Zengyi had just issued a ten-day military order, then turned around and spoke of how he would be a hundred years from now; this... truly made Chen Wuji's heart pound with fear.

He had never encountered such a law in life, but he could not accept such a thing happening to Xu Zengyi.

"As for the attack on Magic Capital Mountain, sir, take a rest and let Chuxiu go!" Chen Wuji suddenly said.

Before the dust settles on Magic Capital Mountain, he must have this half-old man bound to his side.

Xu Zengyi stared, then said, "My lord, are you worried about me?"

"It's nothing, but your words make me uneasy; let Chuxiu take your place." Chen Wuji said, "If you have any ideas, tell Chuxiu early, explain clearly, and take Magic Capital Mountain within ten days."

"All right then." Xu Zengyi, surprisingly, did not insist further, "It's a good chance to let Guianyuan gain some experience."

The wind and snow on the mountain suddenly intensified, swirling and scraping painfully against people's faces.

"My lord, let's return to the camp first." Xu Zengyi covered his face with his sleeve against the wind and snow, advising.

Chen Wuji was about to speak when, in the distance, someone hurried over.

"My lord, a Uyghur envoy requests an audience, claiming to be a retainer of the Fourth Prince of the Uyghurs."

"Understood!"

Chen Wuji strode toward the camp, smiling at Xu Zengyi, "It seems Chuxiu's yang stratagem is finally taking effect; sir, why don't you guess what this person has come to say?"

"Barring any surprise, he probably wants to discuss a business deal with my lord."

"Be more specific."

"Sell off Lao San or the eldest to gain a title for himself, while also exchanging for the lord's military support." Xu Zengyi said, "Depending on how ambitious this person is, if he is someone with resolve, today he should show the utmost sincerity and achieve everything in one step."

"The fourth son of the Uyghur king, I hear, is no good fellow—his moods are unpredictable, he loves killing and slaughter, and he often takes lives for amusement." Chen Wuji said, "Such a person would probably sell his brothers without hesitation."

"This snow is truly an auspicious snow!"

Chen Wuji let out a light sigh, "As for the battle opportunity and timing, it indeed counts as an auspicious snow, but for my soldiers, probably no one would praise it so highly. After two months of fighting to this point, even if there are some consequences, we must grit our teeth and hold on; Magic Capital Mountain cannot be abandoned."

The Uyghur snow and winter cold had already been anticipated before the troop deployment.

However, Chen Wuji's plan was to withdraw troops as soon as the weather turned cold.

Given the Lingnan environment, trying to assemble two hundred sets of winter clothing would be extremely difficult, not worth considering; the only option is to retreat and fight again next year.

But, as luck would have it, they were just one step away from capturing Magic Capital Mountain.

Having come this far, if they withdrew, Chen Wuji's intestines would surely turn green (i. e., he would regret it bitterly).

The Magic Capital Mountain range is the Uyghurs' eastern barrier, and likewise could serve as Chen Wuji's western barrier; although it did not stop Chen Wuji's troops when in Uyghur hands, that does not mean it is unimportant.

Returning to the camp, Chen Wuji took his seat in the Zhongjun Camp and ordered that the envoy of the Uyghur Fourth Prince be brought in.

"Pu Cun, your servant, pays respects to Marquis Zhenyuan, Your Highness, and inquires after your well-being on behalf of my master!"

Pu Cun is not old, about thirty-one or twenty years old, with a light, somewhat unsightly tuft of beard on his chin, deep-set eyes, and an overall aura of a deceitful scholar.

He looks like a scholar, but also looks like not a good person.

"The envoy has come from afar; I do not know what business he has." Chen Wuji held a cup of ginger tea, sipping it slowly, and did not order anyone to arrange a seat or refreshments for the envoy.

An envoy of this status is not worthy of his courteous treatment of scholars.

Once the conversation is nearly finished, one could then arrange for him; if the talk is not satisfactory, he should leave the way he came.

Pu Cun slightly raised his head, clasped his hands again, and then said, "In reply to Marquis Zhenyuan, my master is the fourth son of the Uyghur king, Li Qichen; my master has been intelligent since childhood, leaving behind the bright cherished imperial, the pivotal light accompanies the utmost, he possesses the clear bright divine mirror, and warmth and literature reside in his person. However, only because the queen's background is obscure, my master fell out of favor with the Uyghur king."

"Now that I have heard Marquis Zhenyuan personally leads the great army to Magic Capital Mountain, and furthermore, on behalf of his lord's country, he personally enfeoffed the Third Prince Li Qichen as the next Uyghur king, my master wishes to ask Marquis Zhenyuan whether he has such an opportunity."

Chen Wuji smiled, "You have come all this way just to ask me this one question?"

"These are my master's original words; I dare not alter them arbitrarily." Pu Cun said, "My master dislikes beating around the bush; in everything he prefers to be direct and straightforward. He ordered me to ask Marquis Zhenyuan: if he fails his father and elder brothers, fails the people, could he exchange that for the next Uyghur king?"

"How would he fail?" Chen Wuji asked.

He actually likes dealing with such people—simple, direct, and blunt.

Stating one's demands clearly and straightforwardly, without hiding anything, is very convenient.

"My master is willing to help Marquis Zhenyuan capture Magic Capital Mountain and seize the Uyghur realm!" Pu Cun said, "My master says, if Marquis Zhenyuan lacks provisions, he is also willing to nearby find ways to procure them; the sole request is the Uyghur kingship!"

"What your master means is, let me lead my troops to the royal court and take the Uyghur kingship for him?"