Chapter 420

You don't know the specifics, so how can you coordinate inside and out? Chen Wuji asked.

That statement sounds contradictory.

According to the plan, we will meet in the city on the ninth day, and the person I am to contact will arrange tactics based on the intelligence in my hands, the female spy said.

As for this battle, Gu Wenjie and the Snake Staff Elder seemingly had no concrete tactics beforehand, handing over full authority to the person I am to contact. Who that person is, how much Bīngmǎ he brings, I might find out when I meet him, but right now I truly cannot tell you anything.

Chen Wuji counted on his fingers; the ninth day, that is, four days later.

He scrutinized the female spy, pondered for a moment, then said: "Then let's discuss terms—what do you want in exchange for helping me wipe out these rats that have sneaked into Yunan?"

Chen Wuji, having pondered for a moment, couldn't think of anything that could tempt this female spy, so he simply threw the question back at her, letting her propose it herself.

The female spy curled the corner of her mouth, revealing a smile that was either mocking or scornful: "Deputy Commander Chen, you are far more magnanimous than I imagined; all I want now is a way to survive, to avoid giving birth to a monster. I am already a superfluous person in this world; I do not wish to create such evil."

Chen Wuji ignored the female spy's sarcasm and said indifferently: "Feel free to bring it up boldly."

Just a way to survive? You probably won't help me honestly. Moreover, tit for tat, based on what you've said, your survival is already assured.

The female spy was somewhat surprised; she stared at Chen Wuji and asked, "If I want power and silver, Deputy Commander Chen, would you give them to me?"

What kind of power, and how much silver?

Either power or silver—I want to become a female general, or one thousand taels of silver, the female spy said.

Qin Zhanhong heard this and scoffed, "Your appetite is truly not small, female general—do you even deserve it?"

The female spy ignored Qin Zhanhong, merely staring fixedly at Chen Wuji.

All right. Chen Wuji pondered for a moment and agreed, "I'm reluctant to part with the silver, but letting you become a female officer is no problem."

Qin Zhanhong looked over, astonished.

Before she could voice her question, Chen Wuji stopped her with a glance.

He couldn't say this in front of the female spy, but he wasn't foolish enough to actually hand over his troops for her to command; if there were still deeper schemes by the Snake Staff Elder, wouldn't that be leading sheep into a tiger's mouth?

However, quite coincidentally, Chen Wuji happened to have a unit under his command that was just as wicked.

Exactly the former Yunan Provincial Troops.

These people, Chen Wuji originally intended to use them as cannon fodder, sending them to suppress bandits, but he had been constantly busy fighting, so they ended up idle instead.

This woman wants to be a female general; letting her lead those several hundred Provincial Troops is just perfect.

The female spy was equally astonished; she looked at Chen Wuji in disbelief and asked, "You really are willing to let me command your troops? Rather than just giving me an empty title?"

Not empty—I can give you several hundred men, with no achievements yet; that's the limit! Chen Wuji said.

The female spy stared dumbfounded for a long while without speaking.

Are you still satisfied? Chen Wuji asked.

The female spy glanced at Chen Wuji: "I thought my demands were already outrageous enough, but I didn't expect you to be even more outrageous—actually agreeing to such a thing!"

For a cooperative spy, I am willing to show my sincerity. Chen Wuji smiled faintly, pushing the previously poured tea toward her, "Have a cup of tea, and think again whether anything is missing."

The female spy was completely numb.

The outcome of this matter deviated greatly from what she had anticipated.

She numbly took the bamboo cup, held it in her bosom for a long while, then took a sip.

Indeed, there's still something I just overlooked—the Snake Staff Elder dreads Yunan City; although I don't know why he fears such a small town, he has repeatedly muttered that he ought not to show his face in Yunan. The female spy suddenly said.

Hearing this, Chen Wuji was also completely bewildered.

Could the Snake Staff Elder actually dread certain people in Yunan City?

What terrifying forces could still exist in this city?!

Out of the blue, Chen Wuji's mind suddenly conjured the image of Zhang Lao.

He suddenly recalled that Yang Tiejiang had once said something similar.

Surely not?

Zhang Lao is already that old; the Ciji Zhai altogether has only three people—what is there to dread? Perhaps when he has free time he should ask Yang Tiejiang and then have a good chat with Zhang Lao.

Your military authority token will be handed to you after this matter is settled; until then, you need to monitor and reside—do you have any objections? Aside from leaving the village, no one will stop you from doing anything else. Chen Wuji said.

The female spy readily agreed, "I can understand and accept that."

As a prisoner, I think I should be getting the best treatment; just give me orders directly—I have already chosen to betray, so I won't betray again.

Wushuang, take her to the village and settle her down. Chen Wuji ordered.

Yes!

Chen Wushuang appeared abruptly, clasped his fists, and accepted the order.

The female spy glanced at him, her expression slightly changing.

After Chen Wushuang took the female spy away, Qin Zhanhong immediately impatiently asked, "You didn't even ask her name, and you're planning to give her troops outright?"

Her name, I don't need to know for now; the troops I'm giving her are those Yunan Provincial Troops. Chen Wuji said with a light smile, "Don't be so nervous—I'm not so foolish as to mess up such a simple matter."

Qin Zhanhong teased, "What if you take a liking to her?"

Such a woman is absolutely out of the question, husband—don't be fooled by her pretty looks; her heart must be black.

Chen Wuji: ……

Your idea is purely superfluous.

Who knows what might happen? This kind of woman is good-looking and will surely serve a man; if you're not careful, you could fall for her.

Chen Wuji chuckled and shook his head, "Put your heart at ease—it won't happen."

No, I still feel uneasy; husband, if you want a woman of this type, I'll help you pick one—don't go messing around. Qin Zhanhong still somewhat uneasy.

Chen Wuji stared sternly, "Don't go messing around—I really have no such intention."

I'm already struggling to handle the few of you; looking for another would just be asking for trouble—absolutely impossible.

Qin Zhanhong teased, "Husband, your incapacity is only temporary; in a few days you'll surely be fine again. Besides, things you haven't tried are the most tempting; even if you taste a few bites and find you can't stomach them, you'll still want to give them a try."

This principle—I've understood it since childhood; otherwise, you'd wonder why, as your concubine, I'm so eager to help you find women. This is all experience.

Chen Wuji: ……

He now only wants to know where Qin Zhanhong learned these heretical fallacies from?