Chapter 200

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: Chen Wuji followed Qin Zhanhong out of the courtyard.

commentary -> skip.

Qin Zhanhong stepped a little away from Chen Wuji's home, stopped, and said: "The court's decision on this matter has been announced; His Majesty issued a secret edict praising me slightly and bestowing some gifts. You guessed correctly; this time, by overstepping our authority, we have indeed won His Majesty the Emperor's favor."

commentary -> skip.

commentary -> skip.

Translate: "The Court's decision on this matter has come out. His Majesty the Emperor issued a secret edict praising me a little and bestowing some things. You guessed right; this time, by overstepping our authority, we have indeed hit the spot in His Majesty the Emperor's heart."

commentary -> skip.

commentary -> skip.

We'll produce: Qin Zhanhong stopped and said: "The Court's decision on this matter has come out. His Majesty the Emperor issued a secret edict praising me a little and bestowing some things. You guessed right; this time, by overstepping our authority, we have indeed hit the spot in His Majesty the Emperor's heart."

Make sure it's one line.

Chen Wuji raised an eyebrow. Woman, hold back your smile.

Translation: Chen Wuji raised his eyebrows slightly, woman, rein in the corner of your mouth.

commentary -> skip.

I'm the one who plots and strategizes behind the scenes, and even contributed crucial effort, yet you're humblebragging in front of me—does that befit? Seems a bit lacking.

Speaker is Qin Zhanhong? Actually line 4 is Qin Zhanhong speaking? The preceding line had Qin Zhanhong speaking; line 4 continues his speech? It seems Qin Zhanhong continues: "I am the person who planned strategies from behind and also contributed crucial strength; you, in front of me, are putting on airs—appropriate? Seems a bit lacking in discipline." Let's translate.

commentary -> skip.

We'll translate: Qin Zhanhong said: "I am the person who planned strategies from behind and also contributed crucial strength; you, putting on airs in front of me—is that appropriate? Seems a bit lacking in discipline."

We need to keep as one line.

'He also gave a little praise, bestowed some things—quite an understated way of putting it.'

Speaker likely Chen Wuji? Actually line 5 is Chen Wuji speaking? The pattern: after line 4, line 5 is Chen Wuji commenting. So translation: "Still, praising me a little and bestowing some things—what a modest way to put it."

We'll translate: Chen Wuji said: "Still, praising me a little and bestowing some things—what a modest way to put it."

'Don't make that face; I'm happy we guessed right. His Majesty also has a reward for you, and there are two options.' Qin Zhanhong rolled her eyes.

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong rolled his eyes slightly and said: "Don't make that face; I'm happy we guessed right. His Majesty the Emperor also has a reward for you, and there are two options."

commentary -> skip.

commentary -> skip.

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "His Majesty the Emperor's praise for you uses far more words than mine, even employing the phrase 'loyal to the sovereign and devoted to the country.' However, the secret edict involves some confidential matters, so I won't show you the specifics."

commentary -> skip.

'A reward is a reward—why are there still two options?' Chen Wuji asked.

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji asked: "A reward is a reward; why are there still two options?"

'Because what you did this time was all behind-the-scenes help, and wasn't exposed publicly.' Qin Zhanhong said, 'His Majesty's arrangements for you seem very careful; according to the Dayu Law, given your contribution this time, you will certainly receive a title and a hundred mu of good farmland.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "Because everything you did this time was behind-the-scenes help and not exposed publicly. His Majesty the Emperor's arrangements for you seem very cautious; according to the Dayu Law, with your achievements this time, you will certainly receive a title and a hundred mu of good farmland."

'But the situation in Yunnan is complex; you have no visible achievements, yet suddenly you've been credited with such great merit—some people will inevitably overthink, even linking it to the court's recent moves; the Zhang family and the southwestern barbarians might cause trouble for you and your family.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "But the situation in Yunan is complex; you have no obvious achievements, yet suddenly you've been credited with such great merit—some people will inevitably suspect more, even linking it to the Court's recent actions. The Zhang Family and the Southwestern Barbarians might cause trouble for you and your family."

commentary -> skip.

'But if you insist on wanting a title and land, His Majesty has also prepared such a secret decree.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "But if you insist on a title and land, His Majesty the Emperor has also prepared such a secret edict for that."

Chen Wuji's eyebrows slightly furrowed; this is indeed a practical situation.

Speaker narration. Translation: Chen Wuji frowned slightly; this indeed is a practical situation.

He already has enough trouble; if the Zhang family and the Qiang people also take notice because of this, Chen Wuji would surely be disgusted to death.

Speaker narration. Translation: The troubles he's already involved in are more than enough; if, because of this matter, the Zhang Family and the Qiang People take notice of him, Chen Wuji will surely be disgusted to death.

'What is the second option His Majesty gave me?' Chen Wuji asked.

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji asked: "What is His Majesty the Emperor's second option for me?"

Qin Zhanhong said: 'Award of one thousand taels of silver, and the position of provincial troops brigade commander.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "A grant of one thousand taels of silver, and the position of Brigade Commander of Provincial Troops."

commentary -> skip.

Chen Wuji instantly felt somewhat gloomy.

Speaker narration. Translation: Chen Wuji instantly felt somewhat depressed.

The emperor gave money, but the reward actually became less.

Speaker narration. Translation: The Emperor gave money, but the actual reward has diminished.

Even the lowest title would allow him to use that title to seek a position as a constable at the county office.

Speaker narration. Translation: Even with the lowest title, he could use it to seek a position as a constable at the Xianya.

The title of provincial troops brigade commander sounds impressive, but actually carries little authority.

Speaker narration. Translation: The title of Brigade Commander of Provincial Troops sounds impressive, but in reality it carries little authority.

In peacetime they farm, in wartime they serve as soldiers; this brigade commander role only matters in wartime, otherwise they're just farmers.

Speaker narration. Translation: In peacetime he farms, in wartime he serves as a soldier; the Brigade Commander's role is only effective in wartime, and in peacetime he is merely a farming household.

Moreover, there's a very bad aspect: he would change from a hunter household to a military household.

Speaker narration. Translation: Moreover, there is a very bad aspect: he will change from a hunting household to a military household.

In the Dayu dynasty, changing commoners' status is extremely complicated, almost fixed.

Speaker narration. Translation: In the Dayu Dynasty, changing a commoner's status is extremely complicated, almost fixed for life.

Once becoming a military household, at least one of Chen Wuji's descendants must inherit that status, continuing to fight for the court.

Speaker narration. Translation: Once he becomes a military household, at least one of Chen Wuji's descendants must inherit that status and continue to fight for the Court.

Qin Zhanhong smiled at the corners of her mouth, 'Don't rush to refuse; as the provincial troops brigade commander, you have the right to choose your own troops—meaning you can select a hundred military households yourself; later you just need to report to the county office for registration. And you personally, His Majesty specially gave you a reward, remaining a hunter household, so you needn't worry about affecting your descendants.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong smiled and said: "Don't rush to refuse; as this Brigade Commander of Provincial Troops, you have the right to choose your troops—namely, you can select a hundred military households, and then you only need to report to the Xianya for registration. As for you, His Majesty the Emperor has specially granted you a reward, leaving you as a hunting household, so you need not worry about affecting your descendants."

commentary -> skip.

'In recent years, the six prefectures of Shenxian Ling have been gradually slipping from court control; the court seems intent on turning the provincial troops of those six prefectures into border troops that consume court provisions, to be prepared for emergencies. The court hasn't yet issued regulations, but this shouldn't be too far off.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "In recent years, the six prefectures of Shenxian Ling have shown a tendency to gradually escape the Court's control; the Court seems intent on turning the Provincial Troops of those six prefectures into border troops that feed off the Court Army's provisions, as a precaution. Although the Court has not yet issued regulations, this should not be too far off."

Chen Wuji's eyes lit up a little, somewhat surprised: 'Does His Majesty really pay so much attention to a petty hunter like me?'

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji's eyes lit up slightly, somewhat surprised: "His Majesty the Emperor pays this much attention to a petty hunting household like me?"

Qin Zhanhong's expression suddenly became complex; she lowered her voice and said softly: 'The struggle between His Majesty and the Ruan Xiang faction has never been optimistic; although we of the Imperial City Department serve as His Majesty's eyes and ears, we don't really get to handle many impressive assignments.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong's expression suddenly became complex; he lowered his voice and said gloomily: "The struggle between His Majesty the Emperor and the Ruan Xiang Faction has never been optimistic; although our Imperial City Department serves as the Emperor's eyes and ears, we really don't handle many impressive tasks."

'Zhang Mingyuan's death is equivalent to removing Ruan Xiang's most capable general; this is a rare great victory, His Majesty is pleased, and naturally he won't be stingy in arranging more for you, a brave and resourceful unofficial strategist.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "Zhang Mingyuan's death is equivalent to removing the Ruan Xiang Faction's most capable general; this is a rare great victory, His Majesty the Emperor is pleased, and for someone like you, a brave and resourceful unofficial strategist, he naturally will not stint on arranging more."

Chen Wuji's mouth twitched slightly: 'Being praised like this makes me a bit uncomfortable; indeed I should read more—I never imagined a hunter like me could be called an unofficial strategist.'

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji's mouth twitched slightly: "Being praised like this makes me a bit unaccustomed; indeed, I should read more—I never imagined that as a hunting household I could still be called an unofficial strategist."

Qin Zhanhong rolled her eyes: 'Which are you preparing to choose? My suggestion is the brigade commander. A title may be nice, but it doesn't benefit you now; on the contrary, the brigade commander not only gives you some status, but also puts people under your command.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong rolled his eyes and said: "Which are you preparing to choose? My suggestion is the Brigade Commander position; although a title is nice, it currently does you no good, whereas the Brigade Commander not only carries some status but also has people under his command."

'Alright, then brigade commander it is.' Chen Wuji readily agreed.

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji readily agreed: "Fine, then the Brigade Commander it is."

The emperor and Qin Zhanhong have already considered everything that needed consideration for him.

Speaker narration. Translation: The Emperor and Qin Zhanhong have already considered everything that needs to be considered for him.

If the court really turns the provincial troops of the six prefectures of Shenxian Ling into border troops, then he will be a bona fide officer, with rank, court stipend, and more importantly a path for advancement.

Speaker narration. Translation: If the Court truly turns the Provincial Troops of the six prefectures of Shenxian Ling into border troops, then he will be a bona fide officer, with rank, a stipend from the Court, and, more importantly, a path for advancement.

It's worth mentioning that the provincial troops, whether brigade commander or colonel commanding thousands of military households, have no rank or stipend.

Speaker narration. Translation: Moreover, whether it's the Brigade Commander or a Training Officer in command of over a thousand military households, Provincial Troops positions lack rank and stipend.

This post is impressive only in name.

Speaker narration. Translation: Such an office is impressive only in name.

'Let me confirm one thing—this matter of turning provincial troops into border troops shouldn't be just an empty promise, right?' Chen Wuji thought it over and couldn't help asking again.

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji thought it over and then asked: "Let me confirm one thing—is the idea of turning Provincial Troops into border troops not just a pie in the sky?"

This is a very important choice in life; asking a few more questions is by no means excessive.

Speaker narration. Translation: This is a very important choice in life; asking a few more questions is by no means excessive.

Qin Zhanhong looked at Chen Wuji with a smiling expression, nodded, and said: 'Rest assured, since the court has said this, they definitely intend to do it; they just need an opportunity.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong looked at Chen Wuji with a smiling nod and said: "Rest assured, since the Court has spoken of this, it certainly intends to do so; it merely needs an opportunity."

All right.

Speaker Qin Zhanhong? Actually line 39 is just 'All right.' Likely Qin Zhanhong responding. We'll translate it as 'All right.'

'Your military households will be selected from near West Mountain Village; if you have any ideas, you can also go directly to the county magistrate. He will handle these matters for you; you can keep a bit of caution toward him, but you can trust him on major issues.' Qin Zhanhong instructed.

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong instructed: "Your military households will, in due time, be selected from the vicinity of Xishan Village; if you have any ideas, you can also go directly to the County Magistrate. He will handle these matters for you afterward; you may keep some reservations about him, but you can trust him on major affairs."

She was like an old mother seeing off a child on a long journey, her instructions were very detailed.

Speaker narration. Translation: She was like an old mother seeing off a child on a long journey, having explained everything in great detail.

'From what you're saying, is he someone of His Majesty?' Chen Wuji asked.

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji asked: "Does this mean he is a person of His Majesty the Emperor?"

Qin Zhanhong neither affirmed nor denied, just said: 'I don't know; as long as you have it figured out in your mind, that's enough.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong neither affirmed nor denied, merely saying: "I don't know; just have it clear in your mind."

The words are somewhat contradictory, but the meaning is already clear enough.

Speaker narration. Translation: The words are somewhat contradictory, but the meaning has been made sufficiently clear.

The newly appointed county magistrate is the emperor's man.

Speaker narration. Translation: The newly appointed County Magistrate is a person of the Emperor.

This also puts the emperor in a difficult position, having to contend daily with powerful ministers while also worrying about frontier affairs and preparing for war. His arrangements, including granting Chen Wuji a substantive provincial troops brigade commander reward, clearly bear the marks of war preparation.

Speaker narration. Translation: This also puts His Majesty the Emperor in a difficult position, having to contend daily with powerful officials while worrying about frontier affairs and preparing for war. His arrangements, including granting Chen Wuji an actual-power Brigade Commander of Provincial Troops as a reward, clearly bear the traces of war preparations.

'We've pretty much finished the serious talk? Let's go eat!' Chen Wuji tilted his head, indicating toward the house.

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji tilted his head toward the house and said: "The main points are pretty much covered; let's go eat."

Qin Zhanhong suddenly hesitated: 'Is it convenient? I hear your house seems to have a lot of people.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong suddenly hesitated and said: "Is it convenient? I hear your household seems to have many people."

'You, a high-ranking official of the Imperial City Department, are afraid of our smallfolk being numerous?' Chen Wuji teased, laughing: 'Come on, we're all clansmen; today we caught some game on the mountain, and they came over to help.'

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: Chen Wuji mocked with a laugh: "You, a high-ranking official of the Imperial City Department, still afraid of our smallfolk being numerous? Come on, they're all clansmen; today we caught some game on the mountain, and they've come to help."

'Well... all right then.' Qin Zhanhong hesitated again and again, then nodded and agreed.

Speaker Qin Zhanhong. Translation: Qin Zhanhong hesitated again and again, then nodded in agreement.

After walking two steps, she suddenly asked: 'By the way, do you have a place to sleep? After dinner it will be too late; I can only stay at your house—don't think about sending me back.'

Speaker Qin Zhanhong (referred as she). Translation: After walking two steps, she suddenly asked: 'By the way, do you have a place to sleep? After dinner it will be too late; I can only stay at your house—don't think about sending me back.'

'Yes, let's go.' Chen Wuji slapped Qin Zhanhong's perky butt.

Speaker Chen Wuji. Translation: "Yes, let's go." Chen Wuji slapped Qin Zhanhong's perky butt.

"Yeah, let's go." Chen Wuji slapped Qin Zhanhong's perky butt.

Perky Little Qin seems to be getting perkier.