Chapter 250

Chen Li brought people to block several members of the Yuan family.

This sudden scene made several Yuan family members panic; after a commotion, the Yuan family member who currently carries the most weight in speaking, Yuan Dingcang, had no choice but to step forward and say, "Chen Shiyi, what do you mean by this?"

"What do you mean? You think we can just pat our butts and leave after causing trouble?" Chen Li said coldly.

Yuan Dingcang was actually terrified inside, but he still steeled himself and shouted, "You've already killed people; what else do you want?"

"Is the dead one from your family?" Chen Li shouted, "Stay here honestly, or else watch out—I won't show any mercy."

"What if we don't? When did your Chen family become so unreasonable?" Yuan Dingcang shouted angrily.

Chen Li's face sank, and he sneered, "We're unreasonable? Fine, we can be unreasonable too, just like the two Ruan brothers—are you satisfied with that?"

Yuan Dingcang was momentarily at a loss for words, "Well, that's not necessary; just have us wait."

While the two were speaking, Ruan Xiaoying finally died under the blades of Wang Yu, his uncle, and his nephew.

Chen Wuji looked at Wang Yu with calm eyes; he too was a ruthless person, possessing extraordinary on-the-spot decision-making, striking without hesitation, vicious and resolute.

Too bad, he's not exactly a good bird either.

"Uncle Wang, why did you kill someone?"

Chen Wuji's single question left Wang Yu dumbfounded.

No, isn't this obvious?

Wang Yu said angrily, "Wuji, the Ruan brothers have bullied people too much; I was careless and fell for their scheme, almost making our two families enemies—I can't swallow this anger unless I chop them down."

Chen Wuji chuckled, "Uncle Wang, you're old—why is your temper still so big?"

Wang Yu's mouth twitched slightly.

Chen Wuji's attitude was very straightforward; as long as he wasn't a blockhead, he could sense it, but he had no other way.

The rift already exists—how could it disappear so easily?

Wang Yu sighed with regret; this matter can't be rushed now, so we'll have to think of a solution later.

If blame is to be assigned, it's only his own fault for making a wrong choice today and mistakenly believing the nonsense of Ruan Xiong's grandson.

"I've always hated those petty people who don't do proper work and sow discord. This Ruan family brat almost got us into a fight; if we don't kill him, I really can't quell the hatred in my heart." Wang Yu lowered his stance and said hatefully.

Chen Wuji listened to Wang Yu's solemn, teeth‑gritting words and nodded in agreement, "I also hate such people; they truly deserve to die. Besides, thank you, Uncle Wang, for your help this time."

Wang Yu quickly waved his hands, "It's we who were at fault first; this isn't really help—just an apology and penance."

Chen Wuji nodded, accepting his explanation.

Their life‑or‑death struggle, this attitude is indeed acceptable.

Although the Wang family uncle‑nephew pair sees profit and forgets righteousness, Wang Yu's reaction ability is certainly not weak, and he is extremely decisive.

Such a decision to kill isn't something just anyone can make lightly. Nan Jun is quite chaotic, but the official authority still remains; killing requires paying with one's life.

Chen Wuji looked at the others and asked, "What do you mean? Do you still want the money?"

Chen Wuji's tone was calm, his smile gentle, yet to the villagers' eyes it made their hearts turn cold, and they dared not meet his gaze.

The villagers chattered, saying all this was the mess Ruan Xiong stirred up; they hadn't really come for money, just to join the fun.

"If you're just here to watch the spectacle, that's perfect—since everyone's gathered, let's discuss what needs to be discussed." Chen Wuji said softly.

"Do you all know why I want to build this wall?"

Everyone shook their heads in confusion.

They had guessed, but couldn't figure out the reason.

The reason given by the Ruan Clan Brothers was that the Chen clan wanted to bring in members of other branches to drive them out.

Members of other branches of the Chen clan had indeed been frequently appearing in Xishan Village lately; Ruan Xiong's claim made the villagers extremely uneasy, so they came over to see what the Chen clan had to say.

Xishan Village is just this small a place; once the Chen clan brings in other clansmen, it will inevitably affect their interests.

"To preserve our lives." Chen Wuji said loudly.

"Trusted by the court, I was appointed Brigade Commander of Yunan, leading the Tianchi Guan Militia."

"Lately banditry has been rampant everywhere; the Zhao clan's village‑annihilation incident is right before our eyes. If my Xishan Village hadn't detected it in time and repelled the bandits, we too would have nearly ended up like the Zhao clan's village."

Constructing the Lìng fort wall may not guarantee absolute safety, but at least it gives us a sliver of self‑defense.

"If you all feel this wall of a few feet affects your livelihood, we can easily work around it; it's just a small matter—why resort to knives and guns, making an ugly scene? As long as you say so, I won't force its construction."

Chen Wuji originally thought that for such a matter, nobody should have a reason to refuse—after all, they wouldn't need to spend a single copper coin, nor even exert any effort, to enjoy the protection of the fort wall.

The result, however, turned into a complete mess.

In this world, good people really can't get by.

Since they don't want to enjoy something for free, let's talk about something else.

Upon hearing Chen Wuji's words, everyone's faces changed.

This isn't the first time Chen Wuji has said this; earlier, the Chen clan had sent people to tell them the same thing.

However, the Chen clan members put it simply, and they heard it even more simply—basically nobody really believed it, and some even thought the Chen clan was meddling like a dog chasing a mouse, dirt‑poor yet trying to act like a great clan.

Later, after being stirred up by the Ruan Clan Brothers, the Yuan family, and others, even those who had a little belief wavered completely.

"No, no, no, Wuji, this wall must be built, should be built—use our land however you like." Yuan Dingcang shouted at the top of his lungs.

The situation had become somewhat stalled; Old Yuan had a change of heart and decided to echo Chen Wuji's words.

As soon as he spoke, others chimed in; now things were clear—building this wall would indeed save lives, and it wouldn't cost them any silver or labor, so why not build it?

Chen Wuji was satisfied with their reaction: "Fine, building the wall is okay, but each household must contribute either money, grain, or labor—pick one. I had intended to be magnanimous and play the good guy, but since you're unwilling, we'll just discuss the matter objectively, no personal feelings."

As soon as Chen Wuji said that, it seemed a spark lit in every villager's eyes.

However, it wasn't aimed at Chen Wuji, but fell on the Wang family uncle‑nephew and those few Yuan family members.

Wang Yu shouted in protest, "Don't look at me—I was also deceived."

"Exactly, exactly, we're the same." Yuan Dingcang immediately echoed.

No sooner had the words fallen than Wang Yu suddenly flew into a rage: "Damn your mother, you old Zamao—you earlier advised me to seize the opportunity to rob Wuji's home; those two Ruan fools are stupidly evil, and you, this grandson, are pure evil."

Yuan Dingcang stood up immediately, glaring his eyes and retorted: "What you say sounds nice, but aren't you moved?"