Chapter 219

Qin Magistrate's this move of showing off skill indeed dazzled Chen Wuji and Chen Xingyuan.

But we need to be natural, not padded. Let's translate each.

We must keep the exact meaning, not add extra.

We'll go line by line.

Qin Magistrate's flashy skill really impressed Chen Wují and Chen Xíngyuǎn.

Literal: "Qin Magistrate's this move of showing off skill, indeed gave Chen Wuji and Chen Xingyuan 【they were】 dazzled." Natural: "Qin Magistrate's flashy move really dazzled Chen Wuji and Chen Xingyuan."

We need to keep "Qin Magistrate" as "Qin Magistrate". Use glossary? Not in glossary but we decided to use "Qin Magistrate". However we have "Qin County Magistrate" as more precise. But "Qin Magistrate" is a respectful address, not necessarily specifying county. In context, it's Qin County Magistrate. But we can translate as "Qin Magistrate". That's fine.

It left Chen Xíngyuǎn stunned; he didn't react for a long time. How did the knife in his hand end up in the Qin County Magistrate's hands?

Literal: "Made Chen Xingyuan all dumbfounded, for a long time he didn't react, his knife in hand ended up how in Qin County Magistrate's hand?" Natural: "It left Chen Xingyuan dumbfounded; he didn't react for a long time—how did his knife end up in the Qin County Magistrate's hand?"

We need to keep "Qin County Magistrate" as "Qin County Magistrate" (glossary). Good.

It was too fast; he only heard the sound of a sword being drawn, and then the person vanished instantly, without even seeing a flower.

Literal: "Too fast, he only heard a sound of knife leaving sheath, immediately the person disappeared, before his eyes not even a flower flickered." Natural: "It happened too fast—he only heard the knife being drawn, and then the person vanished; he didn't even see a flicker."

"Qin Magistrate, this isn't confidence in the county office's constables, but confidence in yourself!" Chen Wují exclaimed.

Literal: "Qin Magistrate this is not confidence in the county office's constables, but confidence in himself!" Chen Wuji sighed. Natural: "\"It's not confidence in the county constables, it's confidence in himself! \" Chen Wuji exclaimed."

With this skill, he could indeed be a bit more confident.

Literal: "Just relying on this skill, indeed seems able to be a bit more confident." Natural: "With that skill, he could indeed be a bit more confident."

But even if he has the skill, drinking heavily at this crucial moment might not be appropriate, right?

Literal: "But even if he has skill, at this critical juncture drinking heavily is probably somewhat inappropriate, right?" Natural: "But even if he's skilled, drinking heavily now is probably not appropriate, is it?"

After drinking a lot of alcohol, can he still manage to fly?

Literal: "After finishing a big drink, can he still fly up?" Natural: "After a big drink, can he still fly?"

"That's one way to put it." Qin County Magistrate, with a relaxed posture, slowly took a sip of wine, smacked his lips twice, and said, "Three hundred constables, plus myself who can still run—if we were still blocked and killed by that bunch of good-for-nothings at the county office, then it's just my fate."

Literal: "Also can be said like that." Qin County Magistrate posture leisurely, slowly poured a mouthful of wine into his mouth, clicked his lips twice and said, "Three hundred constables, plus me who can run, if still blocked by those trash in the county office and killed, that's my fate to die." Natural: "\"You could say that. \" Qin County Magistrate struck a leisurely pose, slowly took a sip of wine, smacked his lips twice, and said, \"Three hundred constables, plus me who can run—if those scumbags still trap us in the county office and kill us, then it's just my fate to die. \""

Chen Wují: ……

Literal: Chen Wuji: …… Natural: "Chen Wuji: ……"

Damn, I suddenly felt a bit envious.

Literal: "Merde, suddenly a bit envious." Natural: "\"Damn, \" he suddenly felt a bit envious."

It's a shame he's past the age to learn martial arts; his foundation is too old.

Literal: "Unfortunately he seems already past the age for learning martial arts, his bones too old." Natural: "Unfortunately, he seems too old to learn martial arts now—his bones are too aged."

"Qin Magistrate, although that's the case, I think we should save the drink for another day. If you drink heavily, you might still be able to leap over roofs and walls, but I can't—I turn into a limp shrimp when I drink too much." Chen Wují shook his head and laughed.

Literal: "Qin Magistrate, although that's so, but this drink I think better to have another day? Magistrate drinking a lot maybe still able to leap over walls, but I can't, I drink too much become soft-legged shrimp." Natural: "\"Qin Magistrate, even so, I think we should save the drink for another day. You might be able to leap walls after a few drinks, but I'd just turn into a limp shrimp. \" Chen Wuji shook his head and laughed."

Who knows when those people will attack; if they happen to strike while they're drinking heavily, he'd feel wronged to death.

Literal: "Who knows when those people will act, if by chance they attack while they're drinking heavily, then he'd feel wronged to death." Natural: "No one knows when those people will strike; if they attack while they're drunk, he'd feel resentful to death."

Without alcohol, he can still wield his knife and fight for a while.

Literal: "Not drinking alcohol, he with knife cutting people still able to cut for a while." Natural: "Without drink, he could still slash with his knife for a while."

But if he drinks, he can't even find the fuse of a thunderbolt.

Literal: "But if he drinks alcohol, he can't even find where the fuse of Shocking Heaven Thunder is." Natural: "But if he drinks, he couldn't even locate the fuse of the Shocking Heaven Thunder."

Qin County Magistrate thought the same and could only say regretfully, "Then let's do it another day. Once I've dealt with all those annoying good-for-nothings, I'll send someone to invite Commander Chen. At that time, we won't talk about celebrations; we'll just have a good drink together."

Literal: "Qin County Magistrate thought likewise, could only regretfully say: \"Then another day, after I finish dealing with those annoying trash, I'll send people to invite Commander Chen, then we won't talk celebration, just have a good drink. \"" Natural: "Qin County Magistrate agreed, saying regretfully, \"Then let's postpone it. Once I've dealt with those annoying troublemakers, I'll send someone to summon Commander Chen. Then we won't talk celebration—we'll just have a good drink. \""

Chen Wují let out a quiet sigh; it seemed there was no way to avoid this drink.

Literal: "Chen Wuji secretly sighed, this drink looks like no way to avoid." Natural: "Chen Wuji sighed inwardly; it seemed there was no escaping this drink."

He could only cup his hands and say, "Then I'll await Qin Magistrate's fine wine."

Literal: "He could only clasp fists and say: \"Then I'll await Qin Magistrate's fine wine. \"" Natural: "He bowed his hands and said, \"Then I'll look forward to your wine, Magistrate Qin. \""

Qin County Magistrate laughed heartily, lightly descending from the eaves, saying, "Don't worry, it won't take more than a few days."

Literal: "Qin County Magistrate laughed heartily, lightly descended from the eaves, \"Relax, won't take a few days. \"" Natural: "Qin County Magistrate laughed, lightly landing from the eaves, \"Don't worry, it won't take more than a few days. \""

He is very confident and also quite proud.

Literal: "He very confident, also very proud." Natural: "He was confident and proud."

But this lightness skill is truly impressive, possessing a beauty you'd only see in martial arts dramas.

Literal: "But this lightness skill is really handsome, has a beauty only seen in martial arts dramas." Natural: "But his lightness skill was truly impressive, possessing a beauty you only see in martial arts dramas."

After putting down the wine jar, Qin County Magistrate returned to the room and took out a bundle of bamboo slips, saying, "These are the personnel I've carefully selected for Commander Chen. I've had people look into them in detail; although they are government troops, they are all tough fighters, just a bit difficult to manage."

Literal: "Put down wine jar, Qin County Magistrate returned to room took out a bamboo slip, \"This is I for Commander Chen carefully selected personnel, I sent people to investigate thoroughly, these people although provincial troops, are all tough soldiers, just some are hard to manage. \"" Natural: "Qin County Magistrate set down the wine jar, went back to his room, and produced a bamboo slip. \"These are the men I've handpicked for Commander Chen. I've looked into them thoroughly—though they're provincial troops, they're all tough fighters, just a bit unruly. \""

"Commander Chen, you might want to take a look first; if you find it difficult, we can simply switch to another group."

Literal: "Commander Chen might as well first look, if feels difficulty, then change another batch." Natural: "\"Commander Chen, take a look first; if they seem too difficult, we can swap them out. \""

"May I ask how they are insubordinate?" Chen Wují asked.

Literal: "Dare ask what is the method of not being disciplined?" Chen Wuji asked. Natural: "\"How exactly are they undisciplined? \" Chen Wuji asked."

Qin County Magistrate chuckled lightly, "In any case, none of the previous magistrates of Yunnan have ever mobilized or deployed them."

Literal: "Qin County Magistrate lightly laughed, \"In Yunan, the previous magistrates anyway never mobilized, never used them. \"" Natural: "Qin County Magistrate chuckled. \"In Yunan, none of the previous magistrates ever mobilized or used these troops. \""

Chen Xíngyuǎn's expression shifted slightly, "Could it be that Qin County Magistrate is looking for those military households from Tianchi Pass?"

Literal: "Chen Xingyuan's expression slightly changed, \"Qin County Magistrate you're looking for probably those military households of Tianchi Pass, right? \"" Natural: "Chen Xingyuan's face shifted. \"You couldn't be referring to the military households at Tianchi Pass, could you? \""

"Oh, you guessed it? Indeed, as an old-timer of the county office, you'd certainly know." Qin County Magistrate expressed surprise, then immediately understood.

Literal: "Eh, guessed? Also, you're an old hand at the county office, you definitely know this." Qin County Magistrate surprised a bit, then realized. Natural: "\"You guessed right? Of course—you're a veteran of the county office, you'd know this. \" Qin County Magistrate blinked, then understood."

To handle this matter for Chen Wují, he really put in some effort, having nearly exhausted his research on the history of the Yunnan government troops.

Literal: "In order to handle this matter for Chen Wuji, he really did put in some effort, about the history of Yunan provincial troops he almost turned over everything." Natural: "To get this done for Chen Wuji, he really did his homework—he's practically read through all the history of the Yunan provincial troops."

Chen Xíngyuǎn gave a wry smile, "Having Commander Chen lead them... might really be difficult."

Literal: "Chen Xingyuan bitterly smiled, \"Let Commander Chen lead them…… probably really some difficulty. \"" Natural: "Chen Xingyuan gave a wry smile. \"Having Commander Chen lead them… might actually be quite difficult. \""

"It does have some difficulty, but seeing such a band of tough fighters buried in the mountains and fields makes my heart ache; I must give it a try." Qin County Magistrate said.

Literal: "Is some difficulty, but seeing such a tough force buried in mountains and wilds, I feel uneasy, anyway must try." Natural: "\"It is difficult, but seeing such a tough force wasted in the wilderness pains me—I have to give it a try. \" Qin County Magistrate said."

Chen Wují looked at the two of them and said, "Why don't you two explain what's going on first?"

Literal: "Chen Wuji looking at these two people, \"You two, why not first tell me what's going on? \"" Natural: "Chen Wuji looked at the two of them and said, \"You two, could you first explain what's going on? \""

He didn't even know where Tianchi Pass was, let alone which place's military households.

Literal: "He even doesn't know where Tianchi Pass is, how could he not know which place's military households." Natural: "He didn't even know where Tianchi Pass was, let alone which area's military households they were."

"You don't know? Let me explain." Chen Xíngyuǎn said, "Tianchi Pass is one of the many passes on the Divine Immortal Ridge, and also the last one to be abandoned. It lies about sixty miles northeast of West Mountain Village. Although the court withdrew the border troops from Tianchi Pass, the government troops stationed there remain, and their numbers are excessive—a full three hundred households."

Literal: "You don't know? I'll say." Chen Xingyuan said, "Tianchi Pass is one of many passes of Shenxian Ling, also the last abandoned pass, located about sixty li northeast of Xishan Village. Although the court withdrew the border troops of Tianchi Pass, the provincial troops stationed there still remain, and moreover, the number is surplus, there are a full three hundred households." Natural: "\"You don't know? Let me explain. \" Chen Xingyuan said, \"Tianchi Pass is one of the many gates of Shenxian Ling, and the last one abandoned. It lies about sixty li northeast of Xishan Village. Although the court withdrew its border troops, the provincial troops stationed there remain—in fact, they're overstrength, with a full three hundred households. \""

"However, you don't need to worry about this. Because of past circumstances, the three hundred military households of Tianchi Pass are still under the command of a single commander, and assigning them all to you is reasonable."

Literal: "However, you don't need to worry about this, because formerly due to some reason, Tianchi Pass's three hundred military households still under one brigade commander's command, all assigned to you is also reasonable." Natural: "\"But you don't need to worry—historically, those three hundred military households have always been under a single brigade commander, so assigning them all to you makes sense. \""

Chen Wují carefully recalled in his mind, the place sixty miles northeast of West Mountain Village suddenly came to him: "Are you talking about Iron Pass?"

Literal: "Chen Wuji carefully recalled in his mind, the place sixty li northeast of Xishan Village, suddenly came to mind, \"You're talking about Iron Pass? \"" Natural: "Chen Wuji thought back, and the spot sixty li northeast of Xishan Village clicked—\"You mean Iron Pass, right? \""

"What Iron Pass?"

Literal: "What Iron Pass?" Natural: "\"What's Iron Pass? \""

Both Qin County Magistrate and Chen Xíngyuǎn were a bit bewildered.

Literal: "Qin County Magistrate and Chen Xingyuan both somewhat bewildered." Natural: "Qin County Magistrate and Chen Xingyuan both looked puzzled."

How come we're still talking past each other?

Literal: "How come still ox head doesn't match horse mouth?" Natural: "How come we're still talking past each other?"

"That must be the place. West Mountain Village northeast sixty li has no other passes; only that one exists. It's likely the locals' name for it differs from the court's." Chen Wují said.

Literal: "Should be that place, Xishan Village northeast sixty li no other passes, only that one, should be the folk's name for that place differs from court's." Chen Wuji said. Natural: "\"It must be that place—northeast sixty li from Xishan Village there's no other pass, just that one. The locals probably call it something different from the official name. \" Chen Wuji said."

"There is indeed a large village stronghold there; I've had dealings with them, but I never realized they were actually military households."

Literal: "There indeed is a large village stronghold, I've dealt with them, but never knew they were actually military households." Natural: "\"There is indeed a large stronghold there; I've dealt with them before, but I never realized they were military households. \""

Because the stronghold has a wall, impressively built, and normally has people garrisoned, Chen Wují always thought it was a tribe.

Literal: "Because that stronghold has a wall, built quite imposing, normally still someone guards, Chen Wuji always thought that place was a tribe." Natural: "Since the stronghold has a wall, fairly imposing, and normally guarded, Chen Wuji had always assumed it was a tribe."

After all that effort, it turns out to be military households.

Literal: "After all that effort, it turned out to be military households." Natural: "After all that, it turned out they were military households."

"That's it." Chen Xíngyuǎn nodded, "Just why do the locals call it Iron Pass?"

Literal: "That's it." Chen Xingyuan nodded, "Just why do the commoners call it Iron Pass?" Natural: "\"That's it. \" Chen Xingyuan nodded. \"But why do the locals call it Iron Pass? \""

"Don't ask me; I don't know either." Chen Wují laughed, although he actually knew that place.

Literal: "Don't ask me, I also don't know." Chen Wuji laughed, he just knows that place. Natural: "\"Don't ask me—I don't know either. \" Chen Wuji laughed. (He just knew the place.)"

Qin County Magistrate took a pleased sip of wine and said, "Perhaps it's for the same reason I took a liking to this military unit—they've fought several tough battles at Tianchi Pass, and the surrounding locals surely know that the name 'Iron Pass' sounds solid."

Literal: "Qin County Magistrate happily drank a sip of wine, said: \"Perhaps same reason I took a liking to this military household, they fought several tough battles at Tianchi Pass, surrounding folks surely know, the name Iron Pass sounds solid. \"" Natural: "Qin County Magistrate took a pleased sip of wine and said, \"Maybe it's for the same reason I took a liking to this militia—they've fought several tough battles at Tianchi Pass, and the locals surely know it; the name 'Iron Pass' sounds solid. \""

Chen Wují asked, "From what you're saying, are those people hard to deal with?"

Literal: "Chen Wuji asked: \"According to your meaning, those people are very troublesome? \"" Natural: "Chen Wuji asked, \"So you're saying these people are really difficult to deal with? \""

"Hmm." Chen Xíngyuǎn gave a wry smile.

Literal: "En." Chen Xingyuan bitterly smiled a bit. Natural: "\"Hmm. \" Chen Xingyuan gave a bitter smile."

"They're not just ordinarily difficult to handle. The county office personnel can't even get in there now; they flatly ignore any orders, and if provoked, they attack. Even Magistrate Zhu once took an interest in this troop, but the constables he sent were killed, and their bodies appeared in his room in the dead of night, frightening him so much that he dare not have any thoughts about them anymore, leaving him to simply leave them alone."

Literal: "They, not just generally troublesome. County office people there now can't enter, fundamentally don't obey any orders, if annoyed they attack. Zhu County Magistrate also once had a mind for this provincial troops, result sent constables were hacked, corpse deep night appeared in Zhu County Magistrate's room, frightened Zhu County Magistrate no longer dare have any thoughts about them, only let be." Natural: "\"They're more than just troublesome. The county office staff can't even get in there; they ignore all orders and attack if provoked. Even Zhu County Magistrate once considered using these troops, but the constables he sent were slaughtered, and their bodies turned up in his room in the dead of night—scaring him into leaving them alone. \""

Chen Wují briefly summed it up: these people are formidable fighters, but also hot-tempered, and they look down on the county office.

Literal: "Chen Wuji simply summarized, this group very capable of fighting, but also very temperamental, also look down on county office." Natural: "Chen Wuji summed it up: they're strong fighters, but hot-tempered and contemptuous of the county office."

He's feeling a bit tempted.

Literal: "A bit moved heart." Natural: "He was somewhat intrigued."

Chen Wují likes people who are capable and temperamental; even if it's difficult, he wants to give it a try.

Literal: "People with ability and temper, Chen Wuji likes, even if difficulty also want to try." Natural: "Chen Wuji likes people who are capable and strong-willed; even if it's hard, he wants to give it a try."

What he fears most is encountering incompetent people who are nothing but trouble.

Literal: "His greatest fear is encountering lacking ability yet all mother is temper bastard." Natural: "What he fears most is meeting incompetent hotheads."

"Let's give it a try." Chen Wují snatched up the document Qin County Magistrate had produced and tucked it into his chest.

Literal: "\"Try. \" Chen Wuji grabbed the document Qin County Magistrate produced and tucked it into his chest." Natural: "\"Let's try. \" Chen Wuji snatched the document Qin County Magistrate had produced and tucked it away."

Chen Xíngyuǎn was somewhat surprised, "You really want to try? These people are utterly lawless; they'll kill at the drop of a hat, and no one can predict what they'll do."

Literal: "Chen Xingyuan somewhat surprised, \"You really want to try? These people now are fully bandit-like, saying kill then kill, nobody can guess what they'll do. \"" Natural: "Chen Xingyuan looked surprised. \"You really want to try? These folks are practically bandits—if they say they'll kill, they will, and nobody can predict what they'll do. \""

"I'll first have a proper talk with them; they shouldn't be that unreasonable." Chen Wují said.

Literal: "\"I'll first talk nicely with them, they shouldn't be that unreasonable. \" Chen Wuji said. Natural: "\"I'll talk to them first; I doubt they're completely unreasonable. \" Chen Wuji said."

"That's fine. Just stay safe, don't overreach, and if something feels off, withdraw immediately." Chen Xíngyuǎn couldn't help adding a few more words of advice.

Literal: "\"That's fine, anyway you pay attention to safety, don't be strong, if find wrong immediately withdraw. \" Chen Xingyuan couldn't help but add a few more words. Natural: "\"All right, just stay safe, don't overreach, and pull back at the first sign of trouble. \" Chen Xingyuan added, unable to resist giving more advice."

He wasn't entirely confident in Chen Wují's abilities as the family head.

Literal: "He to Chen Wuji this Family Head's ability somewhat not at ease." Natural: "He was uneasy about Chen Wuji's abilities as Family Head."

Qin County Magistrate said, "Commander Chen, if you have any difficulties, just let me know. I can provide funds and supplies right now—I'm practically rolling in wealth. As for manpower, just wait a few days; once I've dealt with these scoundrels in the city, I can allocate personnel to you."

Literal: "Qin County Magistrate said: \"Commander Chen, if any difficulties just tell this official, money and grain can be given now, this official now rich flowing oil. As for manpower, wait a few days, after I clear out these trash in the city then can allocate you. \"" Natural: "Qin County Magistrate said, \"Commander Chen, if you run into any trouble, just let me know—I can provide funds and supplies right now; I'm flush with money. As for manpower, wait a few days until I've cleared out the riffraff in the city, then I'll assign you troops. \""

Chen Wují bowed his hands in thanks and said, "I'll first go investigate the background of this group."

Literal: "Chen Wuji clasped fists in thanks, \"I'll first go scout out these people's bottom. \"" Natural: "Chen Wuji bowed his hands in thanks and said, \"I'll go first to scout out their background. \""

With the Qin County magistrate's words as a safety net, at least future matters will be much simpler.