Chapter 332

Chen Wuji was genuinely curious about when Qin Zhanhong and Xiao Yuji became so close, but he didn't have time to waste on such trivial matters.

Named entities: Chen Wuji, Qin Zhanhong, Xiao Yuji.

As for Qin Zhanhong taking Xiao Yuji home, just go ahead; there's no need to report such a trivial matter to him.

Named: Qin Zhanhong, Xiao Yuji.

All she needs to avoid is bringing back a big and burly man.

There are no named entities (though "she" might refer to Xiao Yuji, it's not a name).

After sending Qin Zhanhong away, Chen Wuji summoned Xu Zengyi, Qian Fugui, and Wu Bu Yong to discuss the next plan.

Named: Qin Zhanhong, Chen Wuji, Xu Zengyi, Qian Fugui, Wu Bu Yong.

Absolute power doesn't last long; Chen Wuji, shaped by five thousand years of Chinese culture, clearly understands this.

Named: Chen Wuji.

Fighting is inevitable, but how to fight, when and from which direction to deploy troops, and other specific plans—he needs to gather everyone's input to pool collective wisdom.

No named.

"First, let me say this: this battle must be fought; we cannot avoid it. The Cao Family's defense layout map is here; you all need to figure out how to fight this battle so we can minimize our losses and maximize our gains." Chen Wuji, seated at the head, tossed Qian Fugui's freshly hand-drawn sketch into the air.

Named: Cao Family, Defense Layout Map, Chen Wuji, Qian Fugui.

After Xu Zengyi and Wu Bu Yong passed around the sketch, Xu Zengyi spoke first: "The Cao Family's residence is practically a fortress; the walls are so high, the gates must be heavily reinforced. Even if we know the enemy's troop deployment, in these narrow alleys it would be hard to break through, and our forces couldn't spread out."

Named: Xu Zengyi, Wu Bu Yong, Cao Family.

Wu Bu Yong nodded in agreement, saying: "They've practically built another city within the city; the walls between courtyards are extremely high, with arrow towers and watchtowers on top. The former local officials of Yunan were nothing but parasites; Cao Family's brazen behavior goes unchecked by them... Sorry, I'm going off track, but I also think this will be tough to fight."

Named: Wu Bu Yong, Yunan, Cao Family.

"What's so hard about it? If you think it's tough, I'll lead the charge!" Qian Fugui shouted.

Named: Qian Fugui.

"Although I am a Commandant, the people from the Qian Family always carry the Qian Family's mark, no matter my status. Even if I say public is public and private is private, you surely wouldn't believe me, so I won't harm others; I'll just lead the Qian Family's retainers into battle."

Named: Commandant, Qian Family.

"A little shabby residence guarded by only a few hundred people—my Qian Family's people are enough for it. If I fail to fulfill the military order, I, Qian Fugui, will present my head!"

Named: Qian Family, Qian Fugui.

Xu Zengyi said lightly: "Qian Commandant, military orders are no child's play!"

Named: Xu Zengyi, Qian Commandant.

"I know, I wasn't joking either." Qian Fugui raised his chin, made a chopping

Named: Qian Fugui, Commandant (generic). We'll list 'Commandant' as a rank; it's already been noted in line 11, so we'll mention it only once.

Chen Wujie said jokingly, "I won't even frown," and asked, "What is the basis for your confidence?"

Named: Chen Wujie.

Qian Fugui smiled mysteriously, "The Cao family manor's terrain is narrow, troops can't be deployed widely; in my view, that's a good thing."

Named: Qian Fugui, Cao Jia Zhai Yuan.

I'll get a few large planks, attach iron rods to both sides, then drill seven or eight holes. Soldiers on each side will hold shields, while five to eight soldiers stand in the middle; we don't need to see what's ahead—just charge straight through!

No named entities (perhaps "soldiers" is generic). None.

A single plank that serves as both shield and spear—reasonable, right?

No.

Xu Zengyi's eyes showed surprise, he slightly nodded, "Indeed, that's a decent tactic."

Named: Xu Zengyi.

"Mr. Zengyi, you really flatter me; I actually think it's not bad either, haha." Qian Fugui stood up, somewhat excited.

Named: Mr. Zengyi, Qian Fugui.

Commandant, don't hesitate—let me take this job. I'll personally go and slay those Cao family immortals right before them, make them crane their necks as I give them a nostril stare, and give them a chance to ask Lord Lu for aid.

Named: Commandant, Cao family, Old Immortal, Lord Lu.

I want them to see clearly whether my blade is fearsome or Lord Lu's reputation is more intimidating.

Named: Lord Lu, Knife.

Xu Zengyi glanced at the silent, head-down Wu Bu Yong, then calmly said, "I also have an idea; let me share it first, please Commandant and the two of you consider it, then we'll decide how to proceed."

Named: Xu Zengyi, Wu Bu Yong, Commandant.

Qian Fugui bowed his hands to Xu Zengyi and sat down.

Named: Qian Fugui, Xu Zengyi.

A wall that's high and thick, yet inside are countless bastions; fire attack might be a good strategy. Prepare plenty of firewood and oil; once the fire starts, our army outside can simply wait like a hunter waiting for a rabbit. Xu Zengyi said.

Named: Xu Zengyi, Fire Attack.

Wu Bu Yong asked, "Throwing in firewood is easy, but how do we get the fuel oil inside?"

Named: Wu Bu Yong.

"Brigade Commander Wu, if we douse the firewood with fuel oil, wouldn't that be more convenient?" Xu Zengyi said with a light smile.

Named: Brigade Commander Wu, Xu Zengyi.

If we set fire at all four corners, a single blaze can grow into a raging inferno. This action could be seen as guarding the gates of Qiankun, balancing water and fire to refine a great elixir.

No named entities (perhaps "great elixir" is generic). None.

Chen Wujie was listening fine, but Xu Zengyi's mention of alchemy gave him a start.

Named: Chen Wujie, Xu Zengyi.

This person seems to have the bearing of Jia Xu.

Named: Jia Xu.

This plan must be said—it's indeed somewhat vicious.

No.

Once the fire takes hold, the Cao family will be exterminated.

Named: Cao family.

But...

No.

As long as it's not our own people dying, Chen Wujie can actually bear such ruthlessness.

Named: Chen Wujie.

Who allowed the Cao family to not concentrate their forces outside at the villa, instead stacking heavy troops in their residence?

Named: Cao family, Zhuangzi.

If the extermination indeed occurs, the Cao family themselves will bear at least seventy percent of the blame.

Named: Cao family.

The more people worry about losing something, the more likely they are to actually lose it.

No.

Having nothing, they boast about nothing; desperately guarding something makes it easy to lose.

No.

Chen Wujie couldn't figure out the principle or rule behind this, but it seems like common sense.

Named: Chen Wujie.

If the Cao family concentrates their forces at the outer villa, Chen Wujie surely won't hold a grudge against their household.

Named: Cao family, Zhuangzi, Chen Wujie.

He intends to deal with the Cao family's troops and power, not their household.

Named: Cao family.

"I agree with Mr. Xu's strategy," Chen Wujie said.

Named: Mr. Xu, Chen Wujie.

Actually, Xu Zengyi's strategy could still be strengthened.

Named: Xu Zengyi.

If we also add Shocking Heaven Thunder, perhaps they could achieve this without losing a single soldier.

Named: Shocking Heaven Thunder.

Light a fire inside; if someone rushes out, throw the Shocking Heaven Thunder.

Named: Shocking Heaven Thunder.

This time we can prepare the thing, but Chen Wujie intends to avoid using it if possible.

Named: Chen Wujie.

The local bullies in the city are overly enthusiastic about this.

No named entities (perhaps "local bullies" is generic). None.

He doesn't want those people, after defeating the Cao family, to become united again because of the Shocking Heaven Thunder.

Named: Cao family, Shocking Heaven Thunder.

Wu Bu Yong hesitated a bit, "Won't that be too extreme?"

Named: Wu Bu Yong.

"The essence of war is destruction—destroy the enemy, strengthen ourselves." Xu Zengyi gave Wu Bu Yong a deep look, "Brigade Commander Wu, our soldiers also have families; if they die, their wives and children might freeze to death in the cold wind someday."

Named: Xu Zengyi, Brigade Commander Wu, Wu Bu Yong.

"Thank you for the advice... I suppose I agree as well." Wu Bu Yong bowed his hands, setting aside the compassion that had arisen in his heart, albeit with some hesitation.

Named: Wu Bu Yong.

Qian Fugui stood up again, "I have no objections, but I request permission to be the vanguard!"

Named: Qian Fugui.

"Why is Commander Qian so obsessed with being the vanguard?" Xu Zengyi chuckled.

Named: Qian Commandant, Xu Zengyi.

Qian Fugui forced a grin at the corners of his mouth and said, "If I don't succeed, I'll become benevolent!"

Named: Qian Fugui.

"If I die before gaining fame, it's because my skill is inferior, I deserve it. If I can fight and win fame, under heaven among the vanguard Great Generals there will surely be a place for me, Qian Fugui. Today I serve as vanguard, tomorrow I manage logistics; it's hard to gain fame."