Chapter 188: with translation of chapter title

Chen Wuji couldn't keep up with Yang Tiejiang's line of thought; he didn't understand where Lao Yang had gotten the idea that they should go to war with the Shi Family.

There is opposition, but to say we're going to war—isn't that a bit exaggerated?

Yang Tiejiang asked again, surprised and solemn: "Because of this little matter of ours, you actually resolved to come out of retirement? The Dayu Dynasty is indeed in peril, but a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse. We rose up because of this opportunity; I think you're being foolish."

Xu Zengyi wiped his face, turned his head toward Chen Wuji, and asked, "Do you know what he's saying?"

"I know—war." Chen Wuji said with a laugh.

"But what are we talking about?" Xu Zengyi was somewhat distraught, "Afraid he wouldn't understand, I even explained it once more, but listen to what he's saying. Just because of this matter I've raised troops and rebelled—I must be out of my mind. I'm a coffin seller—what kind of thing am I raising, what kind of rebellion am I staging?"

Yang Tiejiang was a bit bewildered: "Then what are you talking about?"

"Let this kid explain to you; I can't talk to you!" Xu Zengyi said disdainfully, "Every time I speak with you, I recall some unpleasant past experiences."

Yang Tiejiang's face flushed: "But I hear you clearly talking about rising up and waging war."

"It's opposition to the Shi Family." Chen Wuji said.

In his mind, Lao Yang had always been a person of great wisdom that appeared fierce, straightforward and steady, decisive in action.

Today he saw another side of Lao Yang.

How to put it? He seemed a bit simple-minded.

That he could draw a conclusion to go to war from such blunt words is surprising.

It really is unexpected.

Lao Yang muttered doubtfully, "Obviously you're talking about fighting."

Chen Wuji: ……

Xu Zengyi ignored Yang Tiejiang's muttering and turned to Chen Wuji: "Other unimportant matters can be set aside for now; when you have time, go into the mountains. I'm really running out of food. Provoking the Shi Family, such a colossal power, is indeed somewhat troublesome, but not to an exaggerated degree."

"You've solved the Zhang Family's big trouble, so why fear the Shi Family? The Zhang Family's base is in Nan Jun, while the Lu Family are outsiders; officials wielding power in Nan Jun aren't necessarily truly formidable."

Chen Wuji nodded, "I'll go into the mountains these two days."

"Okay." Xu Zengyi glanced at Yang Tiejiang, then said meaningfully, "From what Lao Yang implied, he must have told you about some of the things we've done before. Those are past matters; there's no need to dwell on them. Now we're just a blacksmith and a coffin seller—nothing more."

"I know a bit, but not very clearly." Chen Wuji chuckled lightly, "I'm just a hunter; I know you because I'm Lao Yang's guest, and you're my guest. As for anything else, I'm not that concerned."

"Very good." Xu Zengyi nodded, lifted his teacup, and took a light sip.

This meal was worthwhile, but it took an extremely long time—lunch almost merged with dinner.

By the time Chen Wuji and the two others left the shop, it was nearly evening.

They first went to the Hengtong Business Business Business on the way, intending to deliver the iron pot the other party had ordered.

Unexpectedly, the Young Master had gone to the countryside to collect grain and wasn't there.

This order involved several hundred taels of silver, and no one else could make the decision.

Chen Wuji had no choice but to ask the people at the shop roughly when the Young Master would return, and asked them to report promptly; they would discuss it again once the Young Master came back.

After bidding farewell to Yang Tiejiang and Xu Zengyi, Chen Wuji hurried off to Sanlipu without stopping.

Two days passed, and I don't know what progress Qin Zhanzhong has made on his side.

At the entrance of Yangji Tiejiangpu, Xu Zengyi and Yang Tiejiang stood side by side.

"This kid is a member of the Chen Family!" Yang Tiejiang whispered.

Xu Zengyi nodded calmly, "I know; I've seen it for a while. He's not just of the Chen Family, he's from the main line of the Family Head. Speak your purpose directly—no need to beat around the bush."

Yang Tiejiang looked at Xu Zengyi in astonishment, "What purpose could I have? This kid can help me earn silver, so I'll help him a bit—that's all. We're currently partners selling pots."

Xu Zengyi gave no reply to Yang Tiejiang's answer, then turned the topic back to Chen Wuji: "There's a rumor in town that the Chen clan mustered troops and attacked Yunan City the night before last, though no one knows if it's true."

"If you don't know whether it's true, then it probably is. But if I recall correctly, the Chen Family hardly has anyone left, right? With just a handful of people, they dare to attack Yunan—are they crazy?" Yang Tiejiang expressed extreme doubt.

"I'm puzzled too." Xu Zengyi folded his hands in his sleeves, hefting his belly, his gaze following a graceful young woman walking down the street, "Her slender figure swaying is truly pleasing to the eye."

Yang Tiejiang: ……

"If you're lustful, just find someone; merely staring at that woman won't get her into your bed." Yang Tiejiang shook his head, "At your age, you should find a woman and consider leaving an heir."

"Get lost!" Xu Zengyi exploded in anger, "The only ones willing to come find me now are the dead."

Yang Tiejiang chuckled twice, then felt like adding a couple of spiteful remarks.

But thinking of Xu Zengyi's methods, he restrained himself.

This guy doesn't hurt when he hits, but the harm he can cause is painful.

"The Chen clan shows signs of rising." Xu Zengyi suddenly said in a low tone, "This time, if they rise again, it certainly won't be to protect half of the Dayu Dynasty's territory; if nothing unexpected happens, they likely aim to take the life of Da Yu."

"You want to get involved?" Yang Tiejiang's expression suddenly showed some excitement.

Xu Zengyi craned his neck to watch the woman leave, "Which of your ears heard me say that? I merely said the Chen clan refuses to remain decadent and wants to rise. Now then, there are still a few customers coming to buy my coffins today."

Sanlipu.

When Chen Wuji arrived, the entire manor had only Qin Zhanzhong present.

She seemed idle today as well, sitting in the courtyard reading a book, with a cup of flower tea steeped with a bunch of blossoms—what kind of tea it was, I don't know—making the scene exceptionally tranquil and refined.

This almost gave Chen Wuji an unpleasant surprise.

Qin Zhanzhong actually has such a refined and elegant side?

If he hadn't failed to give prior notice, Chen Wuji might even suspect Qin Zhanzhong knew he was coming and deliberately struck a pose here.

"Lord Qin, you're so leisurely—have you settled everything in the city?" Chen Wuji sat down on one side of the stone table.

Qin Zhanzhong lifted his eyelids slightly, naturally kicked off his shoes, and placed his feet on Chen Wuji's legs, "All the cases that needed reviewing have been reviewed, the items to be sent to the Capital have been dispatched; now we're just waiting."

Chen Wuji played with those small feet and asked, "Not even a bit of news has arrived?"

Qin Zhanzhong rolled up the bamboo slips, set them on the stone table, and shook his head, "No. If there were news, I wouldn't have the heart to look at these. I just learned two new moves from the book—want to give them a try?"

Chen Wuji's pupils dilated sharply, "This book… what kind of book is it?"

"Exactly, it's all pictures—very clear." Qin Zhanzhong gave a seductive smile and winked at Chen Wuji.