Chapter 246

But I'm not stupid anymore, Chen Wují said.

Translation: "But I'm not stupid anymore." Chen Wuji said.

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese uses 「」 for quotes. In English we can use double quotes. Keep the quoted speech. So: "But I'm not stupid anymore." Chen Wuji said.

Make sure it's one line.

Since they all agree to recognize and support him as the family head, Chen Wují feels he should know about some matters.

Translation: Since they are all willing to acknowledge and support him as the family head, Chen Wuji feels there are some things he should know.

Since they all agree to recognize and support him as the family head, Chen Wují feels he should know about some matters.

Let's produce: Since they all agree to recognize and support him as the family head, Chen Wuji feels he should know about some matters.

Always hiding things—who are they guarding against?

Translation: Always hiding things—who are they guarding against?

Always hiding things—who are they guarding against?

Because of their past care, Chen Wují actually doesn't want to speculate maliciously about the people of the main vein.

Translation: Because of their past care, Chen Wuji actually doesn't want to speculate maliciously about the people of the main vein.

Because of their past care, Chen Wují actually doesn't want to speculate maliciously about the people of the MainVein.

But they keep being evasive, skirting the important points, making it hard for Chen Wují not to overthink.

Translation: But they keep being evasive, skirting the important points, making it hard for Chen Wuji not to overthink.

But they keep being evasive, skirting the important points, making it hard for Chen Wují not to overthink.

Once the dam of trust has a crack, what Chen Wují needs to consider naturally changes.

Translation: Once the dam of trust has a crack, what Chen Wuji needs to consider naturally changes.

Once the dam of trust has a crack, what Chen Wují needs to consider naturally changes.

Chen Luzi nodded, "Those things really ought to be discussed openly with you, and we should talk about our Chen family's history. We didn't deliberately hide it from you; you just never brought it up, so we forgot you were unaware."

Translation: Chen Luozi nodded, "Those things indeed should be told to you openly. Let me talk about our Chen family's history. Actually, we didn't intentionally hide it from you; you just never brought it up, so we forgot you didn't know."

We need to keep quotes. Use double quotes. So: Chen Luozi nodded, "Those things indeed should be told to you openly. Let me talk about our Chen family's history. Actually, we didn't intentionally hide it from you; you just never brought it up, so we forgot you didn't know."

Chen Wují: …

Translation: Chen Wuji: ……

We need to keep the ellipsis. So: Chen Wuji: ……

Chen Wují accepted this reason.

Translation: Chen Wuji accepts this reason.

"What has Third Uncle been hiding from me?" Chen Wují asked.

Translation: "What has San Shu been hiding from me?" Chen Wuji asked.

Chen Luzi's reason can explain everything else, but it doesn't fit this case.

Translation: Chen Luozi's reason can explain everything else, but it doesn't fit this one.

He has mentioned this matter several times to Chen Bùshi; that nasty thing shouldn't be forgotten so quickly.

Translation: He has mentioned this matter several times to Chen Bushi; that nasty thing shouldn't be forgotten so quickly.

That nasty thing shouldn't be forgotten so quickly.

"This is indeed something Third Uncle deliberately concealed," Chen Luzi said.

Translation: "This is indeed Lao San deliberately covering up." Chen Luozi said.

"Don't overthink it, Wují; it's not that we don't trust you, nor do we have other thoughts about you—there's nothing of the sort. You know our Chen family's situation in the court is dire; we have to be extremely cautious in everything we do."

Translation: "Wuji, don't overthink it; it's not that we don't trust you, nor do we have other thoughts about you—there's nothing of the sort. You know our Chen family's situation in the court is dire; we have to be extremely cautious in everything we do."

"Don't overthink it, Wují; it's not that we don't trust you, nor do we have other thoughts about you—there's nothing of the sort. You know our Chen family's situation in the court is dire; we have to be extremely cautious in everything we do."

"Wují, I'm going to say a few unpleasant things—don't take offense…"

Translation: "Wuji, I'm going to say a few unpleasant things; please don't take offense……"

We need to keep the trailing ellipsis. So: "Wuji, I'm going to say a few unpleasant things; please don't take offense……"

Having said that, Chen Luzi glanced at Chen Wují's expression before continuing: "The main line of the family has faced many ups and downs in recent years, with many losses and waning spirit. Therefore, since our grandfather's generation, more of the family's important responsibilities have fallen on the main line, and the burdens of the main line have largely fallen on Third Uncle's branch."

Translation: Having said that, Chen Luozi glanced at Chen Wuji's expression before continuing: "The main line of the family head has seen many ups and downs these years, with losses and waning ambition. Therefore, since our grandfather's generation, more of the family's important responsibilities have fallen on the main line, and the burden of the main line has fallen mostly on Lao San's branch."

Having said that, Chen Luzi glanced at Chen Wují's expression before continuing: "The main line of the family has faced many ups and downs in recent years, with many losses and waning spirit. Therefore, since our grandfather's generation, more of the family's important responsibilities have fallen on the main line, and the burdens of the main line have largely fallen on Third Uncle's branch."

"Since our Chen family settled in West Mountain Village, we have been secretly accumulating strength, both to make a comeback and to leave ourselves a retreat. What Third Uncle has done is known only to him; we don't know."

Translation: "Since our Chen family settled in Xishan Village, we have been secretly accumulating strength, both to make a comeback and to leave ourselves a way out. What Lao San has done is actually known only to himself; we don't know."

"The more people who know about it, the greater the risk of exposure. These things are the Chen family's safeguard for continuation and the hope of a comeback; unless absolutely necessary, they cannot be brought out—they are preparations the family has made over decades."

Translation: "The more people who know about it, the greater the risk of exposure. Those things are the guarantee for the Chen family's continuation and the hope for a comeback; unless absolutely necessary, they cannot be brought out—they are preparations the family has made over decades……"

We need to keep the trailing ellipsis. So: "……" at end.

Chen Wují's expression remained calm: "It turns out I was mistaken."

Translation: Chen Wuji's expression remained calm: "I guess I was wrong."

"No, if this time it involves the Chen family's peril, those things will be brought out," Chen Luzi explained. "I don't know how Third Uncle spoke to you about this, but he indeed has his own difficulties."

Translation: "No, if this time involves the Chen family's peril, those things will be brought out." Chen Luozi explained, "I don't know what Lao San told you, but in this matter he indeed has his own difficulties."

We need to keep quotes. So: "No, if this time involves the Chen family's peril, those things will be brought out." Chen Luozi explained, "I don't know what Lao San told you, but in this matter he indeed has his own difficulties."

After thinking for a while, Chen Wují gave up probing the matter further and merely raised a small question: "Such an important matter rests entirely on Third Uncle's shoulders—have you considered any other possibilities?"

Translation: After thinking for a while, Chen Wuji gave up on getting to the bottom of this and merely raised a small question: "For such an important matter, putting the whole burden on San Shu alone—have you considered any other possibilities?"

"Are you worried that something might happen to Third Uncle, causing all the family's years of preparation to go to waste?" Xiong Paozi asked.

Translation: "Are you worried that something might have happened to Lao San, causing all the family's preparations over the years to go to waste?" Xiong Paozi asked.

Chen Wují nodded, "Although saying this isn't auspicious, what we're about to do has nothing to do with luck; nobody wants anything to happen, but indeed any possibility could occur."

Translation: Chen Wuji nodded, "Although saying this is unlucky, what we are about to do has nothing to do with auspiciousness; nobody wants anything to happen, but indeed any possibility could occur."

Chen Wují naturally doesn't want anything to happen to Chen Bùshi.

Translation: Chen Wuji naturally doesn't want anything to happen to Chen Bushi.

But what they are about to face is war.

Translation: But what they are about to face is war.

War, whether won or lost, always requires filling the ranks with lives.

Translation: War, whether victory or defeat, always requires filling it with human lives.

"Wují's consideration is very prudent; the ancestors also prepared for this and left a backup," Xiong Paozi said.

Translation: "Wuji's consideration is very prudent; the ancestors also made preparations for this, leaving a backup." Xiong Paozi said.

Chen Wují nodded, "Then let's hear about the ancestors' other preparations."

Translation: Chen Wuji nodded, "Then let's hear about the ancestors' other preparations."

There's no need to go further on this matter.

Translation: There's no need to continue discussing this matter further.

"Other preparations? Oh dear, I almost forgot," Chen Luzi chuckled.

Translation: "Other preparations? Oh oh, I almost slipped up." Chen Luozi chuckled.

"Well, this isn't really a preparation; it's the Chen family's longstanding tradition of passing down martial and literary heritage. Even if we were reduced to impoverished commoners in West Mountain Village, the ancestral military strategies and tactics remain, and we have never neglected the books to read or the martial arts to practice."

Translation: "This matter, however, cannot really be called preparation; it is the Chen family's longstanding tradition of passing down martial and literary heritage. Even if we have fallen to being impoverished commoners in Xishan Village, the ancestors' military strategies and tactics remain; we have never neglected the books we should read or the martial arts we should practice."

"Well, this isn't really a preparation; it's the Chen family's longstanding tradition of passing down martial and literary heritage. Even if we were reduced to impoverished commoners in West Mountain Village, the ancestral military strategies and tactics remain, and we have never neglected the books to read or the martial arts to practice."

"The provincial troops at Tianchi Pass are indeed good, but they certainly lack the deep heritage of our Chen family."

Translation: "The provincial troops at Tianchi Pass are indeed good, but they certainly don't have the deep foundation of our Chen family's heritage."

"The provincial troops at Tianchi Pass are indeed good, but they certainly lack the deep heritage of the Chen Family."

Chen Wují: …

Translation: Chen Wuji: ……

This gave him a rather… absurd feeling.

Translation: This gave him a very…… absurd feeling.

We need to keep the ellipsis inside. So: This gave him a very…… absurd feeling.

It's hard to put into words, but overall it's a bit far-fetched.

Translation: It's hard to put into words, but in short, it's a bit far-fetched.

"You think I know, and that assumption… is pretty good," Chen Wují said, speechless and laughing.

Translation: "You think I know, this kind of assuming…… is good enough." Chen Wuji was speechless and laughed.

We need to keep the ellipsis inside quotes. So: "You think I know, this kind of assuming…… is good enough." Chen Wuji was speechless and laughed.

These people, besides farming, are desperately practicing martial arts and reading military manuals, then assuming he also knows…

Translation: These people, besides farming, are desperately practicing martial arts and reading military manuals, then assuming he also knows……

We need to keep the trailing ellipsis. So: … at end.

As the family head, he seems somewhat superfluous.

Translation: As the family head, he seems somewhat superfluous.

He seems to have overestimated his standing in the hearts of the Chen clan.

Translation: He seems to have overestimated his standing in the hearts of the Chen clan.

But if something happens to him, these people won't hesitate—they'll grab their knives and attack Yunnan City.

Translation: But if something happens to him, these people, without hesitation, will grab their knives and attack Yunan City.

But if something happens to him, these people won't hesitate—they'll grab their knives and attack Yunnan City.

Really…

Translation: Really……

Quite contradictory.

Translation: Quite contradictory.

Xiong Paozi gave Chen Wují a strange look and said, "Wují, you wouldn't happen to not know where those military manuals are, would you?"

Translation: Xiong Paozi gave Chen Wuji a strange look, "Wuji, you wouldn't happen to not know where those military manuals are, would you?"

"Should I know?"

Translation: "Should I know?"

Chen Luzi and Xiong Paozi looked slightly dazed.

Translation: Chen Luozi and Xiong Paozi's expressions were slightly stunned.

"This really isn't our fault; no wonder you've never mentioned these things," Chen Luzi said with a wry smile.

Translation: "This really isn't our fault; no wonder you've never spoken of these things." Chen Luozi said with a wry smile.

"The ancestral books are buried beneath your house, under two rooms. We read about one book a year, taking turns memorizing them, then while working in the fields we secretly check each other's recitation; when the last person finishes, we return it and take another."

Translation: "The ancestral collection is buried beneath your house, under two rooms. We read about one book a year, taking turns reciting it; then, while working in the fields, we secretly check each other's progress, and when the last person finishes reciting, we return it and exchange for another."

Chen Wují remained silent for a moment.

Translation: Chen Wuji remained silent for a moment.

This really isn't their fault either.

Translation: This really isn't their fault.

As the one in charge of the books, it's only natural that others think he reads them.

Translation: As someone in charge of books, it's only natural that others think he reads.

The only thing to blame is the original owner's foolishness.

Translation: The only thing to blame is the original owner's foolishness.

"Just point me to a spot later; it looks like I'll have to catch up on your progress," Chen Wují said, chuckling.

Translation: "Just point me to a spot later; it looks like I'll have to catch up on your progress." Chen Wuji said with a laugh.

This matter is a mess.

Translation: This is quite a mess.

Chen Luzi and Xiong Paozi readily agreed.

Translation: Chen Luozi and Xiong Paozi readily agreed.

"You just said that each year everyone reads one book, memorizes it in turn, and then while working in the fields they cross-check—has it always been like that?"

Translation: "You just said everyone reads one book a year, reciting them in turn, then verifying each other while working in the fields—has it always been like that?" Chen Wuji asked.

"Yes." Xiong Paozi replied with a satisfied expression.

Translation: "Yes." Xiong Paozi looked pleased.

"This is one of the foundations of our Chen family's heritage; no matter the circumstances, we cannot neglect studying or practicing martial arts."

Translation: "This is one of the foundations of our Chen family's heritage; no matter the circumstances, we cannot neglect studying or practicing martial arts."

Chen Wují couldn't help but be somewhat shocked.

Translation: Chen Wuji inevitably felt somewhat shocked.

This truly is the Chen family's foundation and heritage; indeed, it could be said to be their greatest strength.

Translation: This truly is the Chen family's foundation and deep foundation; it could even be said to be the strongest foundation.

Not every family could maintain the tradition of studying and practicing martial arts even in such a fallen predicament.

This requires a strong sense of identity and perseverance.

No wonder Chen Wuji, when he usually interacts with clansmen, always feels they seem to have read books.

It turns out the source is here.

The Chen clan, indeed, is quite different.

They have the pride of a great family, but what they put out is also several times that of ordinary people.

"Looks like, I, the Family Head, am currently the worst in the clan." Chen Wuji shook his head and joked.

He has read many books, and the things he has studied are even more complex.

But in this era, much of what he has learned is of no use.

He also urgently needs to read the books of this era to enrich himself, especially military books.