Chapter 140: with translation of chapter title

Huo Sanniang clicked her tongue silently, "Your status is really high, but when did you learn to treat illness? I didn't know that."

"I only know a few folk remedies; her minor ailment happened to be cured by me, perhaps because of that she thinks I'm an otherworldly famous doctor, the misunderstanding is a bit big." Chen Wuji said.

"If I really had the ability to cure and save lives, I would have opened a medical clinic long ago; why would I risk hunting in the mountains? Being a doctor is surely more comfortable than hunting, I don't know what she's thinking."

Huo Sanniang laughed warmly, "You cured her illness, so she naturally trusts you."

"I don't understand." Chen Wuji shook his head.

"Wife, prepare some bamboo poles; today we have a lot of game, we need quite a bit for wind-drying and curing."

"Not selling it?" Huo Sanniang asked.

"Not selling it; the recent plague is severe, we'll keep the meat for ourselves to eat, just sell the pelts."

"Okay."

Chen Wuji drank a few cups of tea, then went out to handle the game with Chen Bushi.

"Got any news?" Chen Bushi shook off the grease stuck to his hands, looked up and asked.

He had almost finished dividing the two muntjacs.

"I actually managed to get some news." Chen Wuji said.

"Zhang Mingyuan doesn't get along with the Assistant Magistrate of Hezhou; he was impeached by this person. Zhang Xiuer said there's another person, but she can't remember."

Chen Bushi stretched his waist, then said: "I recall the Assistant Magistrate of Hezhou surnamed Han, of poor origins; this person has done quite a bit in Hezhou and has a clean reputation."

After a pause, he suddenly said, "If you want to give credit, you might as well give it to this person."

Chen Wuji shook his head, "I think it's better to give it to Magistrate Zhu."

"Why?" Chen Bushi asked doubtfully.

Chen Wuji gave his reason without hesitation, "Our Chen family's foundation is in Yunan; on that few acres of land in Yunan, the magistrate holds more actual authority."

"Another reason is that the Assistant Magistrate and the Prefect are natural political rivals; even if he had merit, he probably couldn't persuade the Prefect to act against the Zhang family."

"What we need now is an official with real authority, using his power to tear open a gap in the Zhang family; the magistrate and prefect can do that, but the Assistant Magistrate cannot."

"His authority is limited to the most he can do, which is to submit impeachment memorials."

Chen Bushi shook his head, "You might be underestimating the Assistant Magistrate's authority; he can directly adjudicate household registration, litigation, water conservancy, grain and finance affairs, and can veto the Prefect's orders with a single vote."

"Don't show off to me; I'm talking about this matter concerning Zhang Mingyuan." Chen Wuji said.

"Zhang Mingyuan's overt offenses are corruption and bribery, seizing peasants' fields; which of those does the Assistant Magistrate directly handle? If commoners file complaints, it could fall to him, but the problem is needing someone to file."

"Compared to that, the magistrate can do more things; although his rank is low, he holds more local actual authority. As long as he has confidence and is willing to act, he can attack the Zhang family from many angles."

"Although the Censor's authority in the court is said to be able to block gods and kill Buddhas, he lacks the power to influence specific local affairs."

Chen Bushi thought it over, nodded, "That makes sense; let's do as you say. I've already asked someone to put in a good word; now it's just a matter of when the magistrate will agree to see you. What gift have you prepared?"

"In the courtyard, I'll show you something eye-opening later." Chen Wuji gave a mysterious smile.

"That country bumpkin has certainly never seen what white sugar looks like; I'll give him an eye-opener."

Chen Bushi rolled his eyes, "Fine, let's see what eye-opener you can show me!"

After nearly two hours, Chen Wuji and Chen Bushi finally managed to process this full eight heads of game.

Watching the sun gradually lean toward West Mountain, Chen Wuji suddenly thought of something.

It seems he still needs to go and favor Qin Zhihong……

And he forgot to ask for it again.

He also planned to have a drink with Chen Bushi.

That's just drinking piss.

He greeted the two Yuan Jinshi brothers and had them wash some freshwater crabs.

Chen Wuji fried a big pot, served Chen Bushi a plate, then politely saw him out.

Have him take the food and wine to find Chen Luozi for a drink.

Regarding Chen Wuji's behavior, Chen Bushi felt no discomfort at all; on the contrary, he was extremely satisfied.

What he cares about isn't drinking with Chen Wuji; it's just the food and drink.

Chen Wuji packed a lunchbox with stir-fried freshwater crabs and left home at dusk.

Staying out all night to go play with other women—this excuse isn't easy to come by.

Chen Wuji turned it over in his mind several times, then finally had Huo Sanniang and the others fabricate a reason to invite the Young Master of Hengtong Business Business Business Business Business to a banquet, to discuss future cooperation.

……

Sanlipu

When Chen Wuji arrived, Qin Zhihong was preparing his horse.

Duan Yingxiong stood aside, frantically giving Chen Wuji signals.

Just one glance, and Chen Wuji understood.

This woman is again preparing to come to his house to find him.

Before Qin Zhihong lost his temper, Chen Wuji stepped forward first, raised his lunchbox, and said, "I've prepared something tasty for you; I was a bit delayed, but it's not too late, right?"

Qin Zhihong's bright eyes flashed with killing intent as he gripped his horsewhip tightly, "What good stuff could there be in the wilds? Are you just making excuses for your lateness again!"

"Mountain delicacies and seafood are representatives of tasty food; they all come from the mountains, wilds, seas, and borders." Chen Wuji said.

Qin Zhihong jumped down from his horse, face stern, "Duan Yingxiong, get the rope ready; if this isn't tasty, I'll have you tie him to a tree and give him fifty lashes."

"Yes!"

Chen Wuji: ……

"Just wait, I'll definitely run you over!"

Chen Wuji carried the lunchbox into Qin Zhihong's room.

Because the route was short, the stir-fried freshwater crabs were still hot, needing no reheating; they could be eaten directly.

Qin Zhanhong in a red dress lifted her long legs, looked disdainful, picked up one, and asked, "How do you eat this?"

"Bite and eat."

"I'm asking which part you want to eat."

"If your teeth are good, you can eat it all; if they're just okay, eat the tail and the roe."

Qin Zhanhong gave Chen Wuji an annoyed sideways glance, then cautiously took a small bite.

"How is it?" Chen Wuji asked with a chuckle.

Qin Zhanhong didn't speak, just lowered her head to peel the shrimp.

After eating seven or eight, she tilted her head and flatly ordered, "Go close the door."

"Not going into the city?" Chen Wuji asked.

As soon as she gave that look, Chen Wuji knew what she intended to do.

Her addiction is simply outrageous.

"Go ahead, but it doesn't stop me from playing with my toy first, what do you say?" Qin Zhanhong said with a teasing light laugh.

Chen Wuji's face suddenly darkened.

Woman, don't go too far!

"Change your tune, or I won't serve you!" Chen Wuji said, turning away arrogantly.

Qin Zhanhong scrutinized Chen Wuji, the corner of her mouth curling into a teasing smile, and asked, "What title do you want?"

"Husband, lord, or father—pick one." Chen Wuji said.