Chapter 244

Chen Wuji used an old tiger to not only show his martial prowess but also unexpectedly win people's hearts.

The next day, Wu Bu Yong went up the mountain and brought all the Tianchi Garrison troops down, leaving only their families to continue managing the fields they had reclaimed on the mountain.

These things were painstakingly dug out from nothing by the Tianchi Garrison troops, so they would naturally not be easily abandoned.

This time, accompanying Wu Bu Yong was also his father, the former Tianchi Pass Brigade Commander, Wu Cheng.

Upon hearing the news, Chen Wuji immediately went out of the village to greet them in person.

At the village entrance, he saw this gaunt former brigade commander.

He was carried on a bamboo frame by two provincial troops, his whole body looking light as if he were a skeleton.

"Young man, I pay my respects to Brigade Commander Wu," Chen Wuji said politely.

He sincerely respected this elder; despite the chaos in Nan Jun, he remained dutiful, refusing to be a lackey of the powerful, steadfastly holding Tianchi Pass and repeatedly repelling the rebellious Qiang and mountain bandits.

Whether he loves or hates the court, Chen Wuji cannot know, but at least he is a true soldier.

Moreover, Chen Wuji guessed that the person strategizing behind Wu Bu Yong was this old brigade commander.

Otherwise, with Wu Bu Yong's brains, he might manage in battle, but he is far worse at politics.

Wu Cheng struggled to sit up; his eyes were cloudy yet shone brightly, exuding an aura utterly mismatched with his frail body.

"Brigade Commander Chen, you flatter this old man," Wu Cheng laughed heartily. "I am merely an aging old man nearing death, no longer a brigade commander; the brigade commander of Tianchi Pass is right before your eyes."

Chen Wuji smiled faintly and shook his head. "I'm just pushing a duck onto a shelf; this brigade commander position relies entirely on the assistance of Brigade Commander Wu and Leader Wu."

Wu Cheng gave a dry chuckle. "Brigade Commander Chen is too modest. I've been a soldier all my life, and even in old age I remain an unenlightened soldier, but I have also heard somewhat of the Chen clan."

"The Chen clan is no longer what it once was," Chen Wuji said.

These words are modest, yet also true.

Although the Chen clan still has many members, only the main lineage is truly usable.

The rest are a mixed bag of dragons and fish.

For example, the plateau branch vein.

Those people must be used, but Chen Wuji does not know what results they will yield later.

Other branch veins are not necessarily better than the plateau one; they might even be worse.

"Though the tiger is dead, its might remains. Saying this to Brigade Commander Chen and my foolish son might be appropriate; saying it to others would seem overly deliberate," Wu Cheng stared at Chen Wuji, his words loaded with meaning.

Chen Wuji raised his eyebrows slightly.

This old man was speaking fine—why did he start lecturing?

Could he really think that by uttering a few humble words, he would be treated as a superior commander?

"I only wish to ask Brigade Commander Chen one thing: what are your plans for the future?" Wu Cheng stared fixedly at Chen Wuji, each word deliberate, his killing intent pressing, as if he had suddenly gained the fierce vigor of a deathbed rally.

Chen Wuji did not directly answer Wu Cheng's words, but asked, "What else do you, Old Wu, want?"

"As an old man nearing death, besides seeking a path to death, what else could I desire?" Wu Cheng gave a faint smile.

Chen Wuji smiled but said nothing.

This old fogey is still sparring with him here.

Actually, Chen Wuji clearly knows what this old man is asking—just the future of the Tianchi Garrison troops.

But Chen Wuji neither wants to speak nor can he make any promises.

He doesn't even know what will become of himself, so what could he use to make promises?

Such are worldly affairs; the situation changes so rapidly that he now cannot see clearly at all.

And what he will do in the future will inevitably shift with the situation; it's impossible to now fix events for the next few years, let alone a dozen. The one thing he can be certain of now is that he will certainly not give up—even if it means rallying in the mountains and wilderness, this cause must rise.

But he cannot say this to Wu Cheng's face; saying it might cause the talks to collapse.

Seeing Chen Wuji silent, Wu Cheng's heart sank slightly. "The Chen clan is not tolerated by the court; the clan head surely knows this better than I."

"That is natural," Chen Wuji nodded.

"I observe that Brigade Commander Chen also harbors great ambitions; surely he will not remain a brigade commander his whole life?" Wu Cheng asked.

Chen Wuji cut him off: "Old Wu, if you have something to say, please speak plainly. Although the Chen clan is not tolerated by the court, at present neither the Chen clan nor the Tianchi Garrison seems to have the strength to oppose the court."

Don't look at the Lingnan Six Commanderies turned into a chaotic porridge; the court also has intentions to abandon them, but if they truly set their minds to crush a rebel force, it would still be easier than squashing an ant.

Chen Wuji dares not fully believe this old man harbors rebellious intent, but his words are truly easy to misunderstand.

"Don't misunderstand, Brigade Commander Chen; how could this old man dare harbor such treasonous intent? Merely, as chaotic times approach, we have a duty to hold the land." Wu Cheng let out a long sigh. "I want to know, after Brigade Commander Chen gathers our remnant troops, what will he do with them?"

Earlier, having heard some things from his son Wu Shan, he thought Chen Wuji was a person of martial prowess who did not lack strategy.

But after chatting a couple of sentences today, he suddenly realized this kid is somewhat stupid and stubborn.

Chen Wuji looked at Wu Cheng and suddenly burst out laughing.

After beating around the bush for so long, the result is just this?

What need is there to beat around the bush, making him guess all over, almost thinking this old man harbors some ambition?

"The Chen clan ancestral hall is in Xishan Village," Chen Wuji said lightly.

Wu Cheng nodded. "I understand; the entire foundation of the Tianchi Garrison troops also lies on Tianchi Mountain."

"Old Wu, the wind is strong at the village entrance; let's go inside to talk." Chen Wuji harbored some inner complaint: just this matter—is it necessary to make such a fuss? Still beating around the bush with questions.

Chen Wuji brought Wu Cheng and his son, along with several leaders of the Tianchi Guan Militia, back to his own home and personally prepared a banquet to entertain them.

The others were taken by Chen Li to the Ancestral Hall to eat a big pot meal, to give them a welcoming feast.

Wu Cheng walked in and saw the state of Chen Wuji's home, his expression froze for an instant.

He never imagined Chen Wuji's family would be this destitute—there are only two courtyards and two tiled houses.

Although such a house is considered decent in the village, Chen Wuji is after all a Brigade Commander; even if his finances are strained, it's unlikely he would live so shabbily.

Chen Wuji observed the reactions of the several people; seeing they were only slightly surprised and showed no contempt or disdain, he then said: "The conditions are rather humble; please bear with us."

"Scholar, serve the tea!"

"Yes."

Wu Cheng laughed and said, "Where does the talk of being shabby come from? In my view, Brigade Commander Chen, this is simplicity."

Chen Wuji: ……

If you can speak, you can say a couple more sentences.

Although Chen Wuji's lodgings were somewhat shabby, the food was superb; one meal left Wu Bu Yong and the others wishing they could eat the bowls.

Even Wu Cheng, who usually lacks energy, couldn't help but eat several more bowls.

After the meal, the vegetables and soup were completely eaten, leaving nothing.