Chapter 367: with translation of chapter title

Six hundred armored veterans? You mean that Yang Tiejiang? Chen Bushi snapped his eyes up.

Chen Wuji nodded, "Does San Shu know their identities?"

"After all, we too are considered longtime residents of Yunan City; we know more or less about the people and events inside and outside the city, unless they are deeply hidden. For example, the old man at the charitable hall—his identity we still haven't figured out." Chen Bushi said.

Chen Luozi interjected, saying, "Actually, it's just that our identities are sensitive, so it's inconvenient to overly expand our military power or gather intelligence; otherwise, none of these matters could stay hidden. Having settled in Xishan Village for so many years, this little place—if we don't get to the bottom of it, we'd really be letting down our former identities."

Chen Wuji nodded deeply in agreement.

The Chen Family should indeed understand this thoroughly.

He previously thought the Chen Family's intelligence was lacking, but now it seems not quite so.

"The last time the enemy army attacked the city, that Yang Tiejiang didn't lift a finger—why is he suddenly willing to help us now?" Chen Bushi said with some unease, "Wuji, I know you have a closer relationship with Yang Tiejiang, but those people of his are truly elite who fought their way out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood; in terms of martial prowess they far surpass us, who only bear the title of a general's family but have never experienced a few battles."

It wasn't only Chen Bushi who had said such things.

But after hearing Yang Tiejiang's reasons, Chen Wuji had no doubts left.

Moreover, a more immediate reality is.

Even if Yang Tiejiang had ulterior motives, he couldn't get any benefit out of the Chen clan.

Although he only has six hundred troops under his command, these people are all true elite Old Veterans who fought their way out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

Just based on that, he could actually personally join the struggle for Yunan City.

Moreover, he should still be the side with the highest chance of victory.

The concept of six hundred armored veterans cannot be summed up by mere numbers.

"Yang Tiejiang always thought I wouldn't give him military pay, that I simply wanted them to help out. As for this, Yang Tiejiang himself is willing, but his old subordinates aren't very keen—that's the reason he gave me before." Chen Wuji said, "I trust him."

Chen Luozi laughed and said, "I believe that reason too."

"Anyone would surely be unwilling to do something that brings no benefit. Yang Tiejiang used to be their general, but he isn't anymore; they might give the old general a bit of face and help out reluctantly once or twice, but they certainly wouldn't help in the long term."

"After all, this is war—helping could get you killed. In other words, are they now under your command?"

Chen Wuji nodded, "You could say that."

"This calls for celebration!" Chen Luozi said delightedly.

"Lao Yang, I'd heard of him back when he followed the Western King in his uprising—he's a bold general, his troops observe strict discipline. Among the Western King's ragtag forces, he stands out as a true breath of fresh air."

Lao Yang's skill in managing troops, Chen Wuji has already witnessed.

Indeed, the military discipline is strict.

They haven't worn armor for many years, yet the essence of those things hasn't been lost at all.

Chen Bushi said, "With his help, our chances of victory could increase by at least thirty or forty percent, and we can indeed try the Reciprocal Scheme."

"There's one more thing." Chen Wuji said, "I've established a new old tradition for my troops."

Chen Luozi interrupted him, asking puzzled, "What do you mean by a new old tradition?"

"It's just a new tradition made to look like an old one." Chen Wuji laughed.

Both Chen Luozi and Chen Bushi became interested.

"Let's hear it." Chen Luozi asked curiously, arms crossed.

"If, I mean, if something happens to me, the Chen Family and this troop will continue to be led by San Shu, and he will properly handle the last letters written by the soldiers." Chen Wuji said solemnly.

Whether this new old tradition continues or not doesn't matter to him, but the fallen soldiers' last letters must be properly arranged now.

Chen Bushi and Chen Luozi's faces changed abruptly.

"What you're saying... what does it mean?" Chen Bushi asked in a low voice.

Chen Wuji laughed lightly, "Don't look like you're facing a great enemy; I won't do anything foolish. I'm saying this just as a precaution—on the battlefield, weapons are blind; from the moment I picked up a knife, I never imagined I'd die of old age in peace."

"Is this the new old tradition you're telling us about, pretending to be old?" Chen Bushi asked irritably.

At that moment, his fists clenched.

"The old tradition I'm talking about is the last will!" Chen Wuji said.

"Before going into battle, I will have the soldiers leave family letters or last wills. For soldiers who die on the battlefield, we need to send people to deliver these items, together with their belongings and condolence money, to their families. Even if something happens to me, we will still treat this batch of soldiers in this way."

Chen Bushi exchanged a somewhat surprised glance with Chen Luozi.

"No wonder we're from the Chen Family—this Buy Someone's Heart tactic you've got down to a science. The Court has similar methods, and our Chen ancestors once did the same, but... I don't know how to put it... seize people, yes, seize people!" Chen Luozi exclaimed admiringly.

"A single family letter may be light, but its power to Buy Someone's Heart is certainly strong."

Chen Bushi also agreed, saying, "Lao Jiu may speak roughly, but his reasoning is sound; this is indeed worth doing."

"Rest assured, even if you, kid, are smashed to bits with not a trace left, we will still continue the rules you set."

Chen Wuji darkened his face, "Can't you at least hope for something good for me? Instead you're wishing me smashed to bits with not a trace left."

Speechless, he shook his head, "Let's go, let's have a couple drinks at my place; after that, this ox and horse of mine should also continue to gallop on the battlefield."

Chen Luozi looked at Chen Wuji's back and muttered quietly, "Is there any saying about oxen and horses going to battle?"

"Probably... it means to regard death as returning home."

"Why?"

"We temporarily have no cavalry, only horses; whereas oxen on the battlefield usually fare poorly—not only do they have to pull things, but they also get eaten."

Chen Luozi scratched his head, "I feel like you're just spouting nonsense to me—is that what you mean, Wuji?"

"You've actually thought a lot— isn't it just the meaning of going to battle?" Chen Bushi muttered angrily.

"You go ahead first; I'll go fetch two jars of the ancestors' fine wine— all good stuff. I've come to this place so many times, yet I never realized there was still wine hidden; the ancestors truly hid it deeply, thoughtful down to the smallest detail."

Chen Luozi shouted, "Go easy on it— that's the only cellar!"

"Wuji is going to the battlefield— shouldn't he have a drink of the good stuff the old ancestors prepared?"

"... That makes sense."

Chen Wuji returned home.

In a small courtyard that who knows how much more splendid than the old residence, the fragrant aroma of rice, rich with the smell of firewood, is wafting about.

This is the concrete embodiment of home.