Chapter 235: with translation of chapter title

On Yang Tiejiang's fierce, demonic‑looking face a hint of gravity appeared. "Is the news certain?"

"Certain!" Chen Wuji nodded.

The Qiang people intend to use the ancient plank road through Shenxian Ridge to break through Yunan City and attack Nan Jun; that much is certain. What remains unknown is how many troops they have, when they will launch the assault, and those few scouts are tight‑lipped, so we still haven't figured it out.

Yang Tiejiang pondered for a moment, then set the kettle on the stove where the flames crackled. "If the Qiang attack, Yunan City will surely fall; as for the court… forget it, we can't rely on the court either."

"The court has even withdrawn the border troops—what else could you hope for?" Chen Wuji sneered.

"Corrupt officials run rampant, the state is no longer a state!" Yang Tiejiang gritted his teeth and shouted. "The forces in Yunan City are a mixed bag, full of hidden talent; if we could unite them all, we wouldn't fear the Qiang's siege."

"But what can we do? When they show off their ferocity, each one is a ruthless tough; yet when it comes to actual fighting, I, surnamed Yang, am not underestimating them—they will surely shrink back like turtles."

Chen Wuji took it in stride, casually saying, "Actually, I can understand; if there were no ties, who wouldn't be willing to risk their life? Do you plan to go or to stay?"

"You can't possibly escape, can you?" Yang Tiejiang asked with a hint of schadenfreude.

Chen Wuji gave him a dark look and said, "You bushy‑eyed fellow, why are you still messing around? I really can't get away; before, just worrying about my family's safety kept me busy, and now I bear the responsibility for everyone."

"Funny enough, I can't get away either!" Yang Tiejiang grinned.

"My ancestors and clansmen are here; how could I flee? I must stand my ground. We'll hold out as long as we can, and if we can't, we'll deal with it then. The Qiang aren't invincible giants—surely we won't surrender just at the rumor of their attack."

Chen Wuji almost couldn't resist giving Yang Tiejiang a modern thumbs‑up of praise.

In the era of Da Yu, that gesture doesn't carry a good meaning.

"Since the Qiang haven't attacked yet, this business must go on—I'll make preparations too; if anything happens, send someone to let me know at once," said Yang Tiejiang.

"Good."

After sharing a simple meal with Yang Tiejiang, Chen Wuji hauled a pile of Old Yang's inventory back to the village.

These weapons are mostly spearheads, with only a few bows.

But what pleased Chen Wuji was that, while loading the weapons onto the cart, Yang Tiejiang suddenly told him that he and Xu Zengyi of the coffin shop could both make crossbows, planning to work overtime these days to produce some; Yang Tiejiang would craft the bolts, and Xu Zengyi would make the bows.

The usefulness of a crossbow on the battlefield needs no further explanation.

If they had this weapon, their chances of victory would improve considerably.

By the time Chen Wuji returned to the village, it was already late, with only a glimmer of light on the horizon.

Since the night road is dangerous, he left the Yang clansman who had delivered the weapons, letting him and the two Yuan Jinshi brothers hold the fort for the night, to set out again in the morning.

"Husband, why are you dragging so many spearheads here?" Huo Sanniang saw the cargo, a little surprised, thinking there was no place at home that could use so many weapons.

"I'm preparing them for the clan." Chen Wuji didn't elaborate.

Telling them about the Qiang's impending attack would only cause them unnecessary worry and panic; it's better to keep it quiet for now.

"Oh, I had Hongdou boil some hot water—go wash up, look at all that sweat." Huo Sanniang's soft hand gently wiped the sweat from Chen Wuji's temples, her eyes full of concern.

"It's too hot." Chen Wuji took Huo Sanniang's wrist and led her inside.

Faced with the smiling gazes of Shen Youwei and Xue Hongdou, Huo Sanniang felt a bit uneasy, gently broke free of Chen Wuji's hand, her ears tinged with a faint blush, and hurried to the kitchen, saying, "I'll go warm up your food; you go wash up."

Shen Youwei burst out laughing, "Sister's feeling shy, huh? After doing all those complicated things, how could you still be embarrassed over such a small matter?"

"Do you think everyone is as reckless and fearless as you?" Chen Wuji laughed, gave Shen Youwei's perky, soft rear a slap, and ordered, "You two go heat some water for me; I'll wash up."

"Well… husband, may I help you wash? I know how to serve a person." Shen Youwei's eyes glistened with moisture, her soft body lightly pressing against Chen Wuji.

She really does know how to attend to people, and she's quite eager about it.

"Let's wash together," Chen Wuji said with a mischievous grin.

These past two days he hadn't gone to Qin Zhongred to check in, and that little vixen had teased him twice, instantly making him furious.

Shen Youwei feigned shyness, biting her lip, gave Chen Wuji a bashful glance, and said, "I… I'll go get ready now."

She took Xue Hongdou with her, and the two women hurried outside to fetch firewood, bringing it in and lighting the stove.

Chen Wuji took the opportunity to rest, watching the bright flames in the stove and pondering what to do next.

Not long after, Huo Sanniang brought out the hot food and called for Chen Wuji to eat while it was still warm.

At noon he had just drunk his fill on the mountain, and in the evening at Yang Tiejiang's place it was just plain tea; Chen Wuji wasn't satisfied, and now he's genuinely hungry.

With two side dishes, Chen Wuji ate three big bowls of meat stew before he was satisfied.

People still need to eat.

"Husband, hurry up, hurry up, take a bath!" Shen Youwei suddenly shouted excitedly.

Chen Wuji instantly felt a vein pop on his forehead.

Is there still anyone outside?

Shen Youwei's boldness in this regard truly matches that of Qin Zhongred.

"Keep it down, let's go!" Chen Wuji stood up and, as an afterthought, brought Huo Sanniang along.

Washing up and then sleeping is just right.

"Just go wash up; what are you two up to again?" Huo Sanniang's face flushed, her manner shy and fidgety, and she instantly felt ill at ease.

Although she asked a question, Huo Sanniang knew exactly what Chen Wuji intended to do, as clear as a mirror.

"What nonsense, just take a bath and sleep." Chen Wuji suddenly bent down, scooped Huo Sanniang up in his arms, and strode into the room.

…… -> none.

They spent a blissful night.

In the morning, Chen Wuji sprang out of bed full of energy, only to be told by Huo Sanniang that Chen Li had already arrived at his home a while ago and was waiting outside.

Perhaps because he'd been tired these days, he got up a bit later today, and he hadn't even noticed when Huo Sanniang and the others had risen.

After a quick wash, Chen Wuji left the courtyard.

"Wuji, people from the branch lineage on the plateau have come, blocking the ancestral hall and shouting insults—go see what's up." Chen Li said hurriedly as he saw Chen Wuji emerge.

Chen Wuji blinked, "They came, they came—what are they shouting about?"

"They were beaten by Chen Bushi and are now demanding that the ancestors decide." Chen Li said, "Besides, their side isn't small either—there are about seventy or eighty of them."

Chen Wuji's expression suddenly turned strange, "Chen Bushi beat up their people, then they ran to the Ancestral Hall to cause trouble? Aren't you afraid I'll beat/kill a few more?"