Chapter 288: with translation of chapter title

Chen Wuji had thought Qian Fugui would voice his views, even object, after hearing he'd placed the battlefield in the mountains, but Qian Fugui asked nothing and simply accepted.

This made Chen Wuji look at him in a new light.

A wealthy scion like him had never had any military experience; their ingrained mindset made them trust their own judgment and doubt others' decisions as a matter of course.

In this regard, Qian Fugui was far better than others.

"There is one more matter." Chen Wuji said solemnly, "Our previous agreement probably needs to be changed; I need the Qian Family's able-bodied men, but they must still obey my orders."

Qian Fugui hesitated slightly, "How many men does the Brigade Commander need?"

"The more, the better."

Qian Fugui looked awkwardly at Chen Wuji, "Brigade Commander, I'm afraid I need to discuss this with my family. Frankly, it's not easy for our merchant family to have gathered these men; we've spent countless funds over the years. If we simply send them all under your command, the elders will surely feel the loss and think more."

"However, I myself agree; since the Brigade Commander promised me a deputy post, I believe he won't treat me poorly, but I cannot decide on so many men."

Chen Wuji nodded, "That's reasonable; you've spent great sums to raise these men, so it's not right to give them away for nothing. But the Court hasn't collapsed, and I cannot let a mere two‑thousand‑strong Bīngmǎ issue orders twice."

"Qian Brother, quickly send someone home to discuss this; you and I will set out for the mountains tomorrow, and if your family agrees, I need to see the men within five days."

Qian Fugui's expression tightened, "That fast?"

"Time waits for no one; tomorrow Qian Commandant will go to the battlefield." Chen Wuji said.

Qian Fugui's face lit up with joy, he suddenly leapt onto his horse, "Brigade Commander, wait a moment, I'll go and come back quickly. Before sunset I'll bring back the grain and the Bīngmǎ together; even if I have to risk my life, I will secure the men. Since it's a gamble, let's make it a big one—what's the point of small stakes, just to annoy people?"

Chen Wuji:?

Watching Qian Fugui ride away, Chen Wuji suddenly felt a bit lost.

Why is he so excited?

This is going to war, not visiting a brothel.

"Wuji, are we going to war?" a voice suddenly sounded from behind.

Chen Wuji turned his head and saw Huo Sanniang holding a small basket full of wild vegetables, standing there timidly, her eyes full of worry.

"Let's go inside to talk." Chen Wuji patted Huo Sanniang's arm.

People came and went around; there were clansmen working on construction, also servants of the Qian Family, and some things were not convenient to say.

Huo Sanniang nodded lightly, and the two entered the courtyard one after the other.

The grain sent by Qian Fugui was all piled up in Chen Wuji's courtyard.

Xiong Paozi had already vacated his own house for use as a granary; Qian Fugui didn't ask and simply had it moved to Chen Wuji's home.

But this is just a minor matter, not important; even if the later grain shipments are hauled to the granary, it's at most taking up a little space.

"Indeed, war is coming; the Qiang People's arrival is much faster than I expected." Chen Wuji said upon entering the door, "As a member of the ChenClanHead line, these things are unavoidable. We live in Nan Jun; even if I weren't part of the Chen clan, war's disaster cannot be avoided."

How can there be intact eggs under an overturned nest?

Look at what the Qiang People do; once the flames of war spread, unless they hide deep in the mountains and old forests, they cannot possibly have peace.

Huo Sanniang's eyes glistened with tears; she pursed her lips and nodded slightly, "I know all this, I know, but……"

She rubbed her belly, her expression sombre, "After so many times, none of us have shown a pregnancy; we still haven't been able to give you an offspring."

Chen Wuji: ……

"I will come back alive and well; why keep insisting on giving me an heir?"

The simple-mindedness of the Dayu People sometimes leaves Chen Wuji unsure whether to feel pleased or helpless.

Huo Sanniang suddenly grabbed Chen Wuji's arm, "Wuji, do you have time now?"

"Now? Yes." Chen Wuji said.

All the matters that needed to be arranged have been taken care of; now we just wait for tomorrow to march the troops into the mountains.

Huo Sanniang squeezed into Chen Wuji's embrace, "Let's try again, right now. I heard the village women say that after that act, to conceive more quickly one needs to lie still for a while. But I…… I'm shy; I've never dared before, but today I want to try."

"Okay." Chen Wuji agreed helplessly.

Huo Sanniang had always been fixated on having an offspring; knowing he was about to go to the battlefield, she felt uneasy, wanting to seize the opportunity, and he really couldn't think of a reason to refuse.

The two quickly rolled into the bed.

After the one‑plus‑one‑equals‑umbrella maneuver, Huo Sanniang's face flushed as she cautiously drew her legs up and lay down, her breathing a little short, sweat beading on her forehead, "Wuji, although we shouldn't talk of defeat now, you really should value having an heir; even if…… something happens, at least later someone could avenge you."

Chen Wuji instantly got a headache.

He leaned in and lightly kissed Huo Sanniang, "The matter of an heir is indeed important, but I will return safe and sound, whole and unharmed—don't worry."

Huo Sanniang gave a slight nod, but how could she not worry?

That is the battlefield, a place where life and death are decided.

She certainly didn't want anything to happen to Chen Wuji, not even a wound.

But faced with that absolute reality, she couldn't deceive herself into continuing a carefree life, enjoying the peace Chen Wuji now brings; she must prepare for the worst.

She hopes everything will be fine, but her preparations must be based on the worst case.

This is the responsibility that the mistress of the household must bear.

"Husband, do you still have strength?" Huo Sanniang asked softly, her eyes hinting at shy worry that wouldn't fade.

Chen Wuji blinked, "What do you mean?"

"There's also You Wei, Zhan Hong, and Hong Dou." Huo Sanniang said.

Chen Wuji: ……

He went numb.

"You're not thinking of having me go through each one, are you?" Chen Wuji asked incredulously.

Huo Sanniang nodded lightly.

Chen Wuji looked at Huo Sanniang speechlessly, "All of them?"

"If they can come, that would be best." Huo Sanniang said with a shallow smile.

Chen Wuji: ……

After a troubled hesitation for a while, Chen Wuji compromised, "Alright, I'll do my best, but don't come one by one—come all together; I'll go as far as I can."

"'I'm afraid they'll be shy, unable to let loose,' Huo Sanniang explained."

"Chen Wuji gave a faint smile, 'It's fine; as long as you, San Niang, can let loose, they will let loose too.'"