Chapter 434

There are no fixed conditions in warfare, just as water has no constant shape.

Translation: "Soldiers have no fixed shape, water has no constant momentum." But typical translation: "Troops have no constant formation, water has no constant condition." We'll keep concise: "Soldiers have no constant shape, water has no constant momentum." Ensure we keep both clauses.

Some changes can occur in a single moment.

Translation: "Some changes perhaps occur in an instant." Keep: "Some changes perhaps occur in an instant."

At this time commanding over ten thousand troops, and with a unit of fully armored Personal Guard and Cavalry, Chen Wuji, though still sufficiently vigilant, no longer regards Gu Wenjie as his formidable rival in Hezhou.

At this time commanding over ten thousand troops, and with a unit of fully armored Personal Guard and Cavalry, Chen Wuji, though still sufficiently vigilant, no longer regards Gu Wenjie as his formidable rival in Hezhou.

Now the person he truly vigilant against is the Snake Staff Elder.

Now the person he truly vigilant against is the Snake Staff Elder.

This Lao Deng hiding behind Gu Wenjie makes Chen Wuji feel awkward from every angle, everywhere exuding a strange, unsettling vibe.

This Lao Deng hiding behind Gu Wenjie makes Chen Wuji feel awkward from every angle, everywhere exuding a strange, unsettling vibe.

But he just can't figure out what medicine the Snake Staff Elder's Lao Deng is selling in his gourd, and thus he becomes even more vigilant.

But he just can't figure out what medicine the Snake Staff Elder's Lao Deng is selling in his gourd, and thus he becomes even more vigilant.

Five days after Qin Zhanhong's return, Yang Tiejiang led troops back to Yunan.

Five days after Qin Zhanhong's return, Yang Tiejiang led troops back to Yunan.

Along with him were two magistrates, as well as over a hundred wagons fully loaded with provisions and luggage and supplies.

Along with him were two magistrates, as well as over a hundred wagons fully loaded with provisions and luggage and supplies.

In the side hall of the Xianya, Chen Wuji, in the capacity of Deputy Commander Chen, met these two officials whose ranks and status were far above his.

In the side hall of the Xianya, Chen Wuji, in the capacity of Deputy Commander Chen, met these two officials whose ranks and status were far above his.

"What are you two officials doing, mobilizing troops and rallying the masses?" Chen Wuji, seated in the main seat, feigned surprise and asked.

Translation: "\"What are you two officials doing, mobilizing troops like this? \" Chen Wuji sat in the main seat, feigning surprise as he asked." Keep.

Those who came this time were the magistrates of Qing County and Ping Shan County.

Those who came this time were the magistrates of Qing County and Ping Shan County.

Both were slender,

Translation: "Both were slender in appearance, bearing the air of scholars." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "However, Qing County Magistrate Lu Jing looked more like a scholar, with a full heavenly granary, abundant earthly storehouse, and a ruddy complexion. Meanwhile, the Ping Shan County Magistrate appeared as if a fox spirit had drained his yang energy, with sunken, green-tinged eye sockets and high, fleshless cheekbones." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "However, once they sat down, at a glance they both appeared more official than Chen Wuji." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"Speaking of this, I truly feel ashamed. \" Lu Jing first sighed, then said, \"I've heard that Deputy Commander Chen, to quell the county's rebellion, even personally went up the mountain to hunt for military funds. Although our Qing County's treasury is not abundant either, we still have some family wealth. \"" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "\"If I had not known, I would have let it be; but now that I have heard, I naturally ought to contribute my modest effort. \"" Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"Exactly, exactly! \" Fang Zijing immediately echoed." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

This line is colloquial. Translation: "Although he phrased it differently, the meaning was exactly the same." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Chen Wuji chuckled; even though everyone knew what was inside, the two still tried to save face, unwilling to admit it." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "However, Chen Wuji could also understand this; after all, they are officials who care about face—how could they so easily admit to bowing and scraping before a Rebel like him?" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Lu Jing's remark was probably partly to save face, and partly to test: see whether this Deputy Commander Chen, who holds real power but has no rank in the court, is merely seeking to seize power or already harbors rebellious intent." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Chen Wuji gave a slight smile, \"You two officials are probably trying to kill a dog with a meat-filled bun; I merely seek to seize Hezhou, cause a little trouble, and have no great public spirit. \"" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "Lu Jing and Fang Zijing both stared, startled." Keep.

Chinese line.

Translation: "They likely never imagined that Chen Wuji would so readily admit his purpose." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"Deputy Commander Chen is joking; why bother mocking us with such a life‑risking matter? \" Lu Jing chuckled embarrassedly." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "Chen Wuji laughed heartily, \"Just a joke; you two officials need not take it seriously. \"" Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"Now the Court has abandoned us barbarians, and outside, true barbarian tribes march north, ravaging the prefectures. As a lowly Deputy Commander, merely clearing the bandits within this region has exhausted my thoughts; facing the great trends of the world, I inevitably feel anxious—truly, I might as well become a carefree bandit, retreat to the mountains, to escape this chaotic age. \"" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"Jokes aside, self‑mockery works too—all are sighs of helplessness! I wonder if you two officials have any advice? The land bandits of Nan Jun have raised troops and declared themselves rulers, already harboring the ambition to call themselves sovereigns; Hezhou City has been seized by Gu Wenjie, a claw of the land bandits, and we must decide what to do. \"" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "Chen Wuji's words were partly true, partly false." Keep.

Chinese line.

Translation: "The situation is indeed dire; he genuinely wanted to consult these two." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Although Lu Jing and Fang Zijing are only minor magistrates, they are both old foxes of Hezhou Officialdom; their thoughts and considerations may surpass the patchwork Chen Wuji has assembled in Yunan." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Qin Feng, too, is a magistrate." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "But as a magistrate, aside from his talent for governance, he doesn't know much more than Chen Wuji does." Keep.

Chinese line.

Translation: "Qin Feng's governance of his locality is somewhat like closing his ears to outside affairs, focusing solely on his own tiny plot of land." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Chen Wuji's remarks let Lu Jing and Fang Zijing breathe a sigh of relief, yet they also felt a slight surprise." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Before entering this government office, their shared impression of Chen Wuji was that of a crude hunter who barely knew how to fight, whose ambition spread faster than weeds." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "They did not believe Chen Wuji truly had any insight." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "But after a few words, the genuinely degree‑holding Lu Jing and Fang Zijing saw Chen Wuji's strategic acumen. This hunter, said to have never read a day in his life, possesses far greater foresight than Gu Wenjie, who still has family learning." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"Deputy Commander, in this national crisis, we can only ask the Court for reinforcements and then defend with all our might, to uphold Loyalty and Righteousness. \" Lu Jing sighed deeply." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "\"Besides that, I truly have no other plan. Though lowly, I dare not forget the nation's worries; yet being lowly and powerless, I also truly worry like a skillful woman unable to cook without rice. \"" Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Chen Wuji glanced at Lu Jing, \"Magistrate Lu, do you still pin your hopes on the Court? \"" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "Such high‑sounding words just give one a headache." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"The Court…… otherwise, what else could one think? \" Lu Jing trailed off, suddenly paused, turning into a faint sigh and a murmur as if asking someone unknown." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Chen Wuji's gaze flicked lightly, then turned to Magistrate Fang, \"Magistrate Fang, do you share this view? \"" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Fang Zijing hesitated a while before saying, \"Now the Lingnan Prefectures each fight for themselves, with rebel bands rising everywhere—truly a great bustle. Those like Deputy Commander Chen who can still be loyal to the sovereign and serve the state are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. I, who have never had my own opinions, only wish to follow a capable person, run errands, raise funds and provisions, and ensure my own and the people's safety— that is enough. \"" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "As soon as he finished, Lu Jing gave him a flying white‑eye." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Fang Zijing, however, paid no heed, saying on his own, \"Magistrate Lu's words sound beautiful, but anyone can see they are utterly impractical; if the Court could truly be relied upon, why would we county chiefs be sitting here discussing state affairs? When would it ever be our turn? \"\" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "\"Now the commanderies rebel, the prefectures rebel, and even clans and commoners rise with raised banners; I only want to ask Deputy Commander Chen one thing: having taken five counties, can we hold them? \"\" We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "In Chen Wuji's eyes, Fang Zijing seemed indecisive, yet he was the first to abandon probing; one sentence hit the crux, laying bare his intent." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "But Chen Wuji truly did not know how to respond to his words." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Translation: "Nothing else—he lacked confidence." Keep.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "Logically, Hezhou relies on Shenxian Ling, with roads cut off; it should not involve large troop formations." We'll output that.

Chinese line.

Already given translation: "But unfortunately, Shenxian Ling contains several Gu Zhandao routes, located in Hezhou's north." We'll output that.

Gu Zhandao's march is difficult, not suitable for large-scale marching, yet its advantage lies in convenience.