Chapter 260

"Guard the city." Chen Wuji said.

Xu Zengyi's eyes suddenly became sharp, like an arrow, staring at Chen Wuji, "It seems you have confirmed this matter? Will the Qiang attack Yunan?"

He knew this matter.

After Chen Wuji hinted to Yang Tiejiang, Yang Tiejiang turned around and found him.

But at that time Xu Zengyi didn't take this matter to heart; in his view, it was possible for Qiang Scouts to appear in Nan Jun. These people mainly engage in looting; their caravans also undertake scouting tasks, so a few Qiang Scouts showing up in the mountains is nothing novel.

Chen Wuji shook his head and nodded, "It's confirmed that the Qiang will attack Nan Jun, but we don't yet know the other details; the captured live mouths also didn't explain anything."

Speaking of which, he also forgot to ask Qin Zhanhong about the final interrogation results yesterday.

It's uncertain whether Qin Zhanhong still has some other information, but it probably isn't too important.

If it were truly urgent, Qin Zhanhong would definitely have said it right away.

"That surnamed Yang, he still likes to speak half and leave half." Xu Zengyi angrily scolded, "For such an important matter, he only gave a beginning and didn't mention a single word afterwards."

Chen Wuji was slightly surprised, "Old Yang didn't explain clearly?"

Xu Zengyi pouted and shook his head angrily, "He only said you captured Qiang Scouts, suspecting the Qiang Tribe would invade Nan Jun via the Gu Zhandao; how can suspicion be taken as fact? The Qiang have been active in every corner of the Lingnan Six Commanderies these years; their caravans are scouts and spies, gathering intelligence, befriending the powerful, and so on—they do all of that."

"There are their spies and scouts all over Yunan City; a few showing up on South Mountain—what's so strange about that? At the time, I didn't take this matter to heart."

Chen Wuji said quietly, "Shopkeeper Xu, I think it's understandable for spies and scouts to appear in the city, but their appearance on South Mountain is worth suspicion. In such a place, their people go only for one reason: to examine the terrain and determine the attack route."

"What you say makes sense, but this sort of thing, the Qiang have been doing it these years." Xu Zengyi said.

"It's not just them doing it; even our own people are sending out intelligence, routes, and weapons. In this situation, you say a mere squad of Qiang appearing on South Mountain is worth making a fuss over?"

Chen Wuji smiled faintly and said nothing.

Even someone like Xu Zengyi has grown accustomed to an environment riddled with holes.

But then again, what can one do if they're not used to it?

No matter how prestigious his former identity, he is now just the boss of a coffin shop.

"Shopkeeper Xu, may I ask how this city should be defended?" Chen Wuji brought the topic back to the main point.

Xu Zengyi countered, "Defend?"

"The Chen clan has no deserters." Chen Wuji said firmly.

Whether to defend or retreat, this matter had already been discussed; there's no need to revisit it.

"The Qiang are not good at siege warfare; as long as our Provincial Troops can muster three parts of morale and have a capable commander to hold the fort, this city can be defended; close to a thousand Yunan Provincial Troops are enough to hold such a small city." Xu Zengyi said, "But holding such a small city is meaningless."

"The Qiang mainly loot; they want money, grain, food, and people. Even if the city holds, if the surrounding populace is completely gone, what's the point of defending it?"

He didn't voice any opinion on the Chen clan's attitude, instead launching straight into strategy.

"Can't hold, only attack?" Chen Wuji asked.

Xu Zengyi laughed, "Why can't we do both?"

"Please elaborate, sir." Chen Wuji clasped his hands.

Actually, he had many of his own ideas, but since he came to seek advice, he wasn't in a rush to push his views; he first wanted to hear what answer Xu Zengyi would give.

Xu Zengyi laughed heartily, "Someone of my standing seems to be getting started too."

"If you hadn't agreed to speak, I could only inquire as a friend; now that you're willing to take time to advise, I dare not continue treating you as merely the shopkeeper." Chen Wuji laughed.

Xu Zengyi waved his hand with a laugh, "Between us, there's no need for all that."

"In the future, I'll still have to rely heavily on you, sir; I, the junior, dare not be presumptuous." Chen Wuji said.

Xu Zengyi gave Chen Wuji an annoyed glance, "You little brat, you want to hitch me to your chariot so quickly? I only agreed to chat with you; it's just idle talk, nothing else."

"... Yes."

Chen Wuji tentatively agreed, but his purpose would not change.

To know such a capable person and not make use of them—might as well just bang one's head against a wall and be done with it.

Even if it meant seven or ten visits to the coffin shop, Xu Zengyi and Chen Wuji would certainly ask for his help.

Even if everyone in the MainVein is versed in battle formation tactics, such talent is still not excessive.

"In this campaign, we need to balance offense and defense, with repelling the enemy as the priority." Xu Zengyi stared at the mutton leg before him, his Adam's apple moved slightly, "But the Yunan Provincial Troops are corrupt, usable soldiers are few; letting them defend the city might be possible, but launching an offensive would surely end in a disastrous loss."

"The Qiang warriors have always been fighting, while our troops have long enjoyed peace, letting them bully the populace—each has their own ways, but when it comes to fighting, they're a bunch of good-for-nothings."

Chen Wuji nodded, deeply agreeing.

The corruption of the Yunan Provincial Troops is no longer the view of just one or two people; it's nearly a consensus among everyone.

When everyone thinks that way, this troop is already beyond saving.

But now, Qin Feng wants to forcibly thrust such a troop onto him.

Old Chen is quite bald.

"But what you really ought to be asking is how to defend Xishan Village, right?" Xu Zengyi suddenly asked.

The roasted mutton leg was ready; taking advantage of the conversation, he took the leg off the fire, placed it on a wooden plate to one side, and cut a piece for Chen Wuji while it was hot.

"Try it."

Chen Wuji took a bite, "Crispy outside, tender inside, the flavor is rich."

"I used to be a proper foodie, always thinking about tasty things, but since my health went bad, I've lost that blessing. These past few days I've been almost crazy with hunger, so I got a mutton leg to stave off the craving." Xu Zengyi laughed.

Chen Wuji got up, went to the Coffin Shop to feel around for two sea bowls, opened the wine jar, poured a bowl for each of him and Xu Zengyi, clinked them, and then said, "Defending Xishan Village and defending Yunan is no different."

He slightly concealed it, not mentioning that he was about to be appointed commandant.

Although Qin Feng didn't say how he would do it, Chen Wuji's intuition told him that that unreliable fellow would probably use the simplest, most direct method to get those three commandants killed.

Such matters must not be leaked even a bit before they are completely settled.

"Indeed, there's no real difference." Xu Zengyi nodded.

"Fortunately, your Chen clan has plenty of talent, and the Tianchi Pass Provincial Troops are also Yunan's sole capable fighting force. In my view, you must set aside the other provincial troops, intercept them midway, and block the Qiang inside South Mountain."