Chapter 391

Xiao Yuji also knew the fame of horny goat weed.

This is definitely worth discussing with Chen Wuji—for instance, he began taking these substances when he was young and strong; what should be done later, how the five wives and concubines at home should protect themselves, and similar topics.

But after glancing at her own second uncle, Xiao Ershu, who was also drinking tea, Xiao Yuji murmured, "This tea… I'm not used to it. You all keep chatting; I'll go… find something drinkable."

Xiao Yuan felt uneasy under Xiao Yuji's glance and silently set down his cup.

After a moment's thought, he still picked it up.

He's doing it for his internal Qi, not to supplement any particular aspect—what's there to feel guilty about?

"She just doesn't know good stuff—who says only men can drink this? Women get plenty of benefits too." Chen Wuji shook his head and refilled Xiao Yuan's cup.

Xiao Yuan nodded in agreement, "Medicinal herbs don't distinguish between genders."

Just then, a scout appeared outside the tent, cupped his fists and called out, "Report to the Deputy Commandant: Li Run has sent someone with an urgent message—Li Family, together with the Xue Family, have deployed three thousand troops and are now within twenty li of Sifang Shan; Li Run asks the Deputy Commandant to make preparations early."

"Understood."

Chen Wuji's lips curled in a mocking smile: "These people are really something—reinforcements are practically here, yet they still pretend to send a messenger saying they're mobilizing the Bīngmǎ."

Li Run's guess was pretty accurate—Li Linguo really doesn't trust him, so he specially sent someone to take a look.

This fish has basically bitten the hook and won't let go.

Now we just wait to see how Li Run plays this out.

Chen Wuji trusts Li Run, but his naturally cautious nature makes it impossible for him to completely hand over Qian Yong and Wu Bu Yong's two detachments to Li Run.

If Li Run's actions go beyond the plan he originally proposed, Chen Wuji here also has a second tactic, and Qian Fugui and Wu Bu Yong will immediately switch tactics.

"Li Linguo acts flamboyantly and ruthlessly, yet he's also naturally suspicious—this is completely normal. I know a bit about their family affairs; Li Run was actually the old family head's favored heir, and the Li family has poured plenty of resources into him over the years." Xiao Yuan said.

"Because of this, Li Linguo hasn't stopped causing trouble—behind the scenes he's repeatedly sent his confidants to attack Li Run, several times almost succeeding, but Li Run also has capable people around him who have literally snatched him back from the clutches of King Yama."

"This uncle‑nephew pair have long been mortal enemies, outwardly united but inwardly divided. Li Run can endure a lot—by rights he should have uncovered most of Li Linguo's misdeeds by now, yet he hides his feelings and still hasn't broken with Li Linguo."

Chen Wuji nodded. "This kid looks like someone who can get things done."

"I don't get scheming, but maybe he's just waiting for an opportunity like this." Xiao Yuan said, "Actually, I've never understood why the Li family's internal struggles are worth it—what's so good about being the head of the household?"

"Our previous generation refused this, refused that, and we're the same—our eldest spends all day tinkering with pointless junk; the moment you mention managing the household he gets a brain fever, runs naked through the courtyard, and even shouts that if anyone pushes him he'll go sprinting through the streets."

"I have no choice—I have to grit my teeth and do it, though honestly I don't want to. My life's ambition is to wander the rivers and lakes, visit famous mountains and great martial artists; ever since becoming family head, even a trip to Hezhou requires me to prepare two or three days in advance."

"Everyone has their own aspirations." Chen Wuji summed it up concisely.

Li Linguo is an ambitious sort, but he refuses to believe that Xiao Yuan lacks strategic sense.

Just look at how badly Gu Wenjie has been screwed over by him.

In one battle they lost two thousand troops—this scheme can be called wildly successful.

Xiao Yuan set down his bamboo cup and said, "Deputy Commandant, how should we fight this battle? Just give the orders. Although it's hard for someone my age to take up arms again, in this fight I and those old fellows will definitely serve as the Deputy Commandant's vanguard to break the enemy formation."

"We'll watch first, then when the enemy opens fire we'll act as the situation demands—and then—straight for Huang Chao!" Chen Wuji said in a low voice.

I've already spent enough time playing with Gu Wenjie; now that the Attack‑Defense Easy Form has shifted, we ought to strike while he's ill and take his life—how could we give him more time to continue ravaging Yunan's populace like a plague of locusts?

"All right, we old fellows and the Xiao family's young lads under the Deputy Commandant can be freely commanded—you point, we strike; I guarantee with my life that I won't hold the Deputy Commandant back." Xiao Yuan leapt to his feet, his aura instantly surging like a mighty tiger descending from the mountains.

Seeing him like that, Chen Wuji suddenly recalled a saying.

"A tiger may be old, but it's not dead."

"Who says an old tiger that spends all day napping is no longer the king of the mountains?"

At this moment, Chen Wuji felt an even stronger desire for Xiao Ershu.

If we could train them into a unit wielding cleavers, they'd surely have plenty of presence on the battlefield.

Perhaps even before the fighting starts, the enemy's calves will already be cramping.

Who could see a brand of men waving cleavers as weapons and not feel a twinge of fear?

If the left unit wielding strange swords and the right unit wielding cleavers could truly be formed and coordinated, the mere visual shock would likely sap three‑tenths of the enemy's morale.

"Thank you, Xiao Ershu!" Chen Wuji gave a courteous clasped‑hand salute.

Xiao Yuan grabbed Chen Wuji's hand and said, "I don't deserve such great courtesy from the Deputy Commandant—even setting aside other matters, Yunan has produced three pests harming the people, and the Xiao family ought to contribute its share out of duty and reason."

"Deputy Commandant, go ahead and get busy; I'll take my leave, go sharpen my cleaver, and later be ready to chop off some dog heads."

Chen Wuji nodded, personally saw Xiao Yuan out of the Big Tent, then left the camp for the edge of the Xia Gu.

This spot is only a few hundred meters from the Daying, with an arrow tower every fifty paces, and the riverbank already piled high with large quantities of rolling logs and stones.

Although it's a show, every detail is extremely realistic—nothing that should be there is missing.

"Li Run just led people out of the Daying; he must be going to meet the Li family's reinforcements." Xu Zengyi held up a chicken leg, walked over and handed it to Chen Wuji, then shook his left sleeve and, like a conjurer, produced another which he popped into his mouth.

"The Deputy Commandant's chicken is truly well‑cooked."

"I say, why does this drumstick look so familiar?" Chen Wuji chuckled.

"The game in the mountains is always tastier than farm-raised, and besides, everything added here is good stuff, so the flavor can't possibly be bad."

"It's just that eating it easily causes heartburn, which isn't very friendly to someone like me who doesn't even have a wife." Xu Zengyi let out a wistful sigh.

Chen Wuji glanced at it, "But you still enjoy eating it."

"Carnal cravings are hard to quit; just eat it—what else can we do? Heartburn is far better than drooling from hunger." Xu Zengyi took a bite of the chicken meat and loudly praised its chewiness.