Chapter 266

No one is perfect, so a family naturally cannot be all-around capable.

The Chen family's shortcoming in intelligence gathering is so strikingly lacking that it is hardly surprising.

If they were good at everything, that would be somewhat exaggerated.

Even after the Chen clan's MainVein had fallen to this state, they still clung to the Ancestral System, rigorously trained martial arts, created conditions where none existed, and secretly studied military texts; to Chen Wuji this already seemed incredibly unbelievable.

Or perhaps only this can truly be called their foundation.

Most of the people in the Chen clan's MainVein, over many past years, could barely manage to solve food and clothing.

"Is my reason sufficient enough?" Chen Wuji asked.

Chen Luozi and Xiong Paozi were still immersed in the news that Chen Wuji had just spoken.

These matters left them not only shocked but also somewhat fearful.

Their ancestors had been established in Xishan Village for so many years, yet they actually had no idea there were so many formidable neighbors.

"I have no opinion," Chen Luozi said, "but I suggest we first clarify the situation in Yunan City; this is as important as going into the mountains. War is about to break out, people's hearts are unsettled, and no one can guarantee what those people will do."

"I'll find time tomorrow to go down the mountain, make a trip into the city; half a day will be enough," Chen Wuji said.

Chen Luozi seemed to want to find some excuse, but after thinking he let it go, he shook his head and said, "I'm fine."

"Your reason is indeed sound, so I won't stop you," Xiong Paizi said.

"But there are some things we need to say up front: your life is more important than anyone else's; if circumstances change, don't be reckless—even if you have to abandon all of us, you must leave."

Chen Wuji nodded and agreed.

However, he did not take this matter to heart.

To abandon everyone and preserve his own life—he could not do that.

Chen Wuji looked toward the clan troops who were training and asked, "Which squad should we pick?"

"I favor the squad led by Chen Lang, and I'm also curious about Chen Lang himself," Chen Luozi said, his gaze burning as he stared at the distant training troops, speaking slowly and deliberately.

Chen Wuji frowned slightly, "Choosing them—isn't that a bit hasty?"

Chen Lang comes from the plateau branch and is also the biological son of the old clan chief.

Toward the plateau branch people, Chen Wuji had always been wary, feeling that their current honesty was all an act, and that they might be plotting to deal him a major blow at some point.

"Although the Duilu is from the plateau branch, this squad has members from every branch, and in such a short time Chen Lang couldn't possibly have won over their hearts," Chen Luozi said.

"I want to see what they're actually up to; if there's a problem, resolving it sooner is naturally best."

Chen Wuji glanced at Chen Luozi and said, "Are you refusing me because you want to be the bait? But as for being bait, none of you are as suitable as I am. The plateau branch people are also those I killed; if there is hatred, their hatred toward me is the greatest."

"That's true, but if you're going, we need to bring more people," Chen Luozi said.

"You mean the MainVein's manpower?"

"Yes."

Chen Wuji realized that if he refused, the two would surely argue for another half day, so he readily agreed and added, "Bringing ten people will be enough."

"Fine, I have no objection," Chen Luozi readily agreed.

Chen Wuji jumped down from the stone strip and said, "Then let's muster the troops; while the sun is still high, first find a place to stay on the mountain. Also, bring enough rations."

"Yes."

After that, Chen Wuji did not intervene further.

He went home once, took his own knife and bow and arrows, then stuffed the arrow quiver full of arrows—all of these came from Yang Tiejiang's righteous assistance.

After working as a hunter for so long, Chen Wuji finally achieved an ample supply of arrows.

"Wuji, are you going into the mountains again today?" Huo Sanniang walked in holding a tray of jerky, picking up a small cloth bag from the table and loading it while asking Chen Wuji.

Chen Wuji grunted in acknowledgment, walked over and embraced Huo Sanniang from behind, saying, "This time there's other business; perhaps I won't come down from the mountain for two or three days."

Huo Sanniang's expression dimmed slightly; she seemed to have thousands of words wanting to burst from her mouth, but when they reached her lips they turned into a warm reassurance: "Go, be careful; we're at home, so don't worry."

"Mm."

Chen Wuji exerted force, pressing Huo Sanniang's neither-fat-nor-slim graceful figure into himself, saying, "San Niang, nothing will happen; this time I'm just going out to scout the terrain."

"……I, I'm reassured." Huo Sanniang forced a smile, but crystal‑bright tears flickered at the corners of her eyes.

Recently the village has been in such an uproar; even though she hadn't actively asked Chen Wuji, through everyday affairs she could also piece together what was going on.

War is about to begin.

And war means people will die.

"The silver you brought home today, Miss Qin suggested I first hide it underground—what do you think?" Huo Sanniang shifted her body backward to press closer to Chen Wuji.

"Digging pits is too laborious for you lot; if you're uneasy, just break through the kang and put it in first. No worries—those few people will be staying at home lately, and normally nothing will happen," Chen Wuji said.

Huo Sanniang lowered her head slightly, "But there's too much silver; faced with so much silver, people's hearts become fragile. I've already told You Wei and Hong Dou to forget this matter and not mention it to anyone."

"Still, San Niang is thoughtful," Chen Wuji praised.

Huo Sanniang smiled lightly, her smooth face like warm jade gently rubbing Chen Wuji's cheek, and she said softly, "That silver… was it given by the government?"

She asked uncertainly and cautiously.

Chen Wuji chuckled, "Look at my brain—I forgot to mention that; it's military pay."

"I guessed as much; with that much silver, even if you tried to rob it, it wouldn't be easy to get," Huo Sanniang said with a light smile.

Although she said that, before asking this question what she actually worried about most was precisely this.

At this moment her heart could finally be at ease.

"The government actually takes military matters quite seriously, being this generous," Huo Sanniang said softly.

Chen Wuji chuckled, "Indeed, quite generous."

Only Qin Feng is being generous.

The Court had long since stopped caring about their life or death, and even wanted to sell these people to the Qiang as slaves.

But there's no need to tell Huo Sanniang about this; saying it would only add worry.

"I'm leaving." Chen Wuji bent down and gave Huo Sanniang a quick kiss.

Huo Sanniang's cheeks flushed red; she hurriedly shoved the prepared jerky into Chen Wuji, saying, "Take these."

"... good."

It turned out this jerky had been prepared for Chen Wuji.

Although Huo Sanniang neither asked nor said anything, seeing Chen Wuji packing up his bow and arrow, she had already guessed.