Chapter 312

Chen Wuji said something, but it seemed to go completely past Yang Tiejiang's ears; after another long silence he said, "I have a few old comrades, all veterans who fought their way out of battle. Having them face arrows and charge ahead might be tough, but they're more than capable as personal guards."

Besides, you don't need to worry about their loyalty; they've received your favor, and their families are in Yunan, so they won't have any other thoughts.

Chen Wuji shook his head, "What I said—looks like you didn't hear a word. If you want to do it, go ahead; I don't mind. I just wonder why they would owe me a favor."

He doesn't remember when he ever looked after these people.

Yang Tiejiang pointed to the workshop behind him, "The silver earned here is shared by those six hundred who followed me over mountains and rivers. It's this business you gave them that lets them have enough to eat and wear, escaping the days of going hungry every few days, with their belts tightened tighter each day."

Chen Wuji laughed upon hearing that, "I have plenty of other business, and I happen to be short on help right now—you can ask around."

"You still aren't willing to give up?" Yang Tiejiang caught his breath, "Forget it, you're right—I really need to ask them first."

Chen Wuji: …

His conversation with Yang Tiejiang seemed to be influenced by some strange factor.

It's completely talking past each other.

"The business I'm talking about is legitimate, not a battlefield slaughter business." Chen Wuji said speechlessly, "After fighting the Qiang People, I captured a lot of cattle, sheep, and warhorses; they now need people to feed and care for them. If I can use our own people, why go looking elsewhere?"

Yang Tiejiang awkwardly rubbed the tip of his nose, "I thought…"

"Don't assume; I wasn't speaking nonsense." Chen Wuji cut him off, "Come to think of it, your old comrades are all military veterans—surely many of them are good with horses?"

"There are some, but not many."

"Round them all up—I want them all."

The back‑and‑forth with Yang Tiejiang that was all mismatched ended up leading Chen Wuji to an unexpected delight.

Who would regularly come into contact with warhorses?

Naturally, it's among the troops!

If Yang Tiejiang hadn't brought it up, he really wouldn't have thought of this place.

"All right, I'll head back today." Yang Tiejiang's expression lightened.

It's clear that the Qian Family's actions really put considerable pressure on him.

But Chen Wuji actually could understand his hesitation and reluctance.

They had already guessed wrong once, and in the end had to flee their homeland, scrambling over mountains and rivers to put down roots in Yunan; facing the same situation again, how could they not be cautious?

After so many years they had finally caught their breath—how could they dare make another easy choice?

Perhaps they simply no longer wanted to get tangled in such trouble.

After drinking a pot of tea, Chen Wuji bade farewell and left Yang Ji.

As he was leaving, he casually asked about Xu Zengyi's whereabouts, not expecting that Yang Tiejiang hadn't seen him in days either.

Chen Wuji suddenly had a bad premonition, but he didn't show it; instead he hurried out of the city to Qin Zhenghong's residence in Sanlipu.

He shoved open the heavy wooden door rudely, Chen Wuji entered hurriedly carrying a sack.

Qin Zhenghong was watering flowers in the courtyard; she glanced at the sack on Chen Wuji's shoulder and said, "Which girl's got you so worked up that you're hauling a sack over in broad daylight?"

Chen Wuji carefully set the sack down, "Your eyesight is really something."

"Borrow some of your people to help me look into someone—the shopkeeper of the Dongshi Guancai Pu, Xu Zengyi."

"I know him—has he gone missing?" Qin Zhenghong gave the sack another serious look before asking.

Chen Wuji nodded, "Before the battle, he promised to advise me and even suggested going alone to persuade the various troublemakers in Yunan City. But when I just went to the Coffin Shop, I also saw the familiar Yang Tiejiang; the shop's door was locked tight, and I haven't seen Yang Tiejiang in days either—I'm worried something happened."

"I got it—wait here, I'll go into the city myself." Qin Zhenghong decided at once.

"Let's go together!"

"No need." Qin Zhenghong stopped Chen Wuji, "After all, the Imperial City Department's people are the court's eyes; if you follow me, it's bound to raise suspicion, making later things difficult."

Chen Wuji hesitated a moment, then gave up the idea.

Qin Zhenghong has now made it clear she wants to use public resources for private ends, taking the court's sharpest eyes and deadliest blade and employing them as Chen Wuji's intelligence network.

But having done what needed doing, if he frequently appears beside Qin Zhenghong, the Imperial City Department's people will inevitably grow suspicious.

There are plenty of foolish people in the world, but we shouldn't judge others with foolish eyes.

"Stay home, clean up, and wait for me to return," the young lady said, her skills having greatly improved these days; later we can spar properly. Qin Zhenghong's red skirt flared as she left a light kiss on Chen Wuji's cheek, winked, and hurried out the door.

Watching that swift, extreme figure, Chen Wuji smiled silently.

This damned peach‑blossom luck really makes him happy.

After Qin Zhenghong left, Chen Wuji really heated water and took a thorough bath.

But he wasn't doing it to prepare for the night's battle; he genuinely needed a wash—after a bout of slaughter in the mountains, he could still faintly smell blood on himself.

When Qin Zhenghong returned, it was already late at night.

Chen Wuji hadn't slept; he idly picked a book from the shelf and read while waiting.

She pushed the door in reeking of strong blood odor, glanced at the book in Chen Wuji's hand, then reached out to grab his trousers and clambered on top.

Chen Wuji was completely dazed.

Having experienced much slaughter, he could also roughly gauge from others' blood scent how much fighting they'd been through; given Qin Zhenghong's strong blood odor, she must have cut down many people tonight.

"Are you hurt?" Chen Wuji asked anxiously.

"No, but I want to get hurt right now—hurry up and rise to the occasion." Qin Zhenghong gave a wicked smile, bit down on Chen Wuji's earlobe, and said, "If you don't get up, I might just ride your face."

Chen Wuji: …

Helplessly chuckling, Chen Wuji grabbed and tore open Qin Zhenghong's skirt.

"Mmm…" Qin Zhenghong let out a satisfied murmur, "I've been thinking about you all day, only to be delayed by a bunch of petty flies and dogs—really pisses me off."

Chen Wuji supported Qin Zhenghong's soft waist, his face looking a little grim.

Qin Zhenghong hummed, drawing out the tone so long it was impossible to tell whether it was a response or pleasure.

"I found him in the Cao Family's dungeon—he's unharmed, getting meat patties every meal; I've temporarily placed him at a stronghold of the Imperial City Department." Qin Zhenghong said, panting.

"Something's off with the Cao Family; this time we're likely to run into considerable trouble."