Chapter 517: Paying respects to the Lord

Chen Wuji had only a passing acquaintance with Triple Prefectral Pacification Commissioner Yang Yu, but he had witnessed the events that had occurred in San Guan Jun over the past few months.

Although the news isn't that comprehensive, when put together every word speaks of Yang Yu's loyalty to the Court and his determination to resist the Qiang People.

They are fighting the Qiang People with a death wish.

But Lu Ping'an, that bastard, not sending troops to help is bad enough; yet at this time he still wants to attack Yang Yu from the side—his heart is truly black without limit.

Chen Wuji pondered briefly, "How did Strategist Lu Jinglve come to know that San Guan Jun is suspected of turning to the Qiang People?"

"I don't know about these matters, but the news should be reliable. Strategist Lu Jinglve has been very anxious lately, almost daily convening the generals to discuss what Nan Jun should do if San Guan Jun falls." Shen Chai said softly.

"I know General Chen and Strategist Lu Jinglve have some disagreements, but in the face of this major matter, I hope General Chen can set aside those not-so-serious prejudices and join forces with Strategist Lu Jinglve against the enemy."

"If the Qiang People truly breach San Guan Jun and their forces advance straight to Nan Jun, General Chen alone would likely be unable to cope; the only way is to set aside past grievances and jointly resist the enemy."

Chen Wuji drooped his eyelids, feigning hesitation, then after a moment asked, "If we join forces against the enemy, how should this battle be fought? And who will take the lead, who will supply the provisions?"

"Under Strategist Lu Jinglve's command there is a general named Lu Ji, who is versed in battle formations and has never suffered a defeat. Strategist Lu Jinglve's meaning is, if troops are dispatched, Lu Ji will take the lead, General Chen will assist, Strategist Lu Jinglve will hold Qingzhou and personally provide the provisions." Shen Chai said.

Saying this, she suddenly shifted her tone: "Of course, this is merely a preliminary suggestion from Strategist Lu Jinglve, who knows full well that General Chen is a rare talent; in terms of battle achievements, he surpasses Lu Ji without falling short."

"Therefore, Strategist Lu Jinglve specifically instructed me that this tactic is merely a proposal, not an order for General Chen to follow. The specifics still depend on General Chen's decision; I will send his opinion by fast horse to Qingzhou for consideration, and then we will settle the matter." Shen Chai said.

Chen Wuji snorted, "This time you're being quite polite."

"Since Lu Ping'an wants my opinion, I'll state it: this battle can be fought, but I have never learned to obey others' orders, so I will take the lead and the Qingzhou Troops will assist."

"As for provisions, I have no objection; we'll follow Lu Ping'an's, supplied by Qingzhou! Moreover, the captured territory will be split fifty-fifty, but I get first pick!"

Shen Chai gave a dry laugh, "Having General Chen take the lead could be discussed, but insisting on first pick after splitting the territory fifty-fifty would be difficult."

"Strategist Lu Jinglve contributes both troops and provisions; logically, his contribution seems somewhat greater."

Chen Wuji retorted, "Can you make the decision?"

Shen Chai startled, shook her head somewhat embarrassedly, "I cannot."

"If you can't, just relay my opinion to Lu Ping'an; don't spout nonsense here." Chen Wuji gave Shen Chai no face, apparently ignoring her beauty.

Shen Chai forced a smile; she was so angry she wanted to jump up and punch Chen Wuji twice, but she didn't dare.

Looking at Chen Wuji's face, she couldn't help but forget his fearsome reputation, and had to remind herself from time to time that he is a ruthless man who casually erects memorial arches and carries out massacres.

"As Lu Ping'an's envoy, there's something you still haven't figured out!" Chen Wuji rapped the table, "Now it's Lu Ping'an begging me to cooperate, not me seeking his favor, and I might as well tell you plainly: I can fight this battle, or I can not fight."

"Even if the Qiang People truly reach Hezhou, I could turn all the populace into mountain dwellers. With ten thousand elite troops guarding two cities, unless the Qiang mobilize tens of thousands of troops, they can do nothing to me."

"If Lu Ping'an improves his attitude, I could also shift from defense to offense and cooperate simply with him. If he keeps nitpicking, we'll just go our separate ways—don't bother me!"

Although Chen Wuji decided to cooperate with Lu Ping'an, he does not truly believe Yang Yu is suspected of treason.

If even he has turned to the Qiang People, then there truly is no good official left in Lingnan.

The reason he agreed to Lu Ping'an is that his true intention is actually to mess with Lu Ping'an.

This Lao Zamao sleeping beside him makes him feel less secure than facing the Qiang People.

Shen Chai forced a smile, could only nod, "Yes, this... seems indeed so."

"Remember to tell Lu Ping'an exactly what I just said, let him weigh it carefully, then come talk to me." Chen Wuji said coldly, "My temper isn't good; if he keeps messing with me with those tricks, I'll attack Qingzhou first, whether the Qiang come or not."

Having completely lost the initiative in negotiations, Shen Chai now can't even think of displaying her alluring charm to try to manipulate Chen Wuji, nor does she know what to say.

Her mind feels rusted; aside from nodding, it's a blank.

"I think you don't have anything else to say either." Chen Wuji waved his hand, "Qiushui, see the guest out!"

"Yes!"

Yan Qiushui, standing at the side, stepped forward, gestured to Shen Chai with an inviting hand, "Please this way, the route inside the manor is somewhat winding; I'll lead you."

Shen Chai hesitated, then gave up the words she had been mustering, bowed slightly to Chen Wuji, and followed Yan Qiushui out.

She still has to stay in Hezhou for a while; the future is long.

She refuses to believe that with her looks she couldn't capture a lecher!

"Eleventh Uncle!" Chen Wuji called.

Chen Li entered, "Family Head!"

"Check what kind of goods Lu Ping'an sent over; also go to Taohua Yuan and bring Qin Feng and Li Run over, then summon Cheng Zhiheng and Zhang Xun for a meeting. And add Xu Zhang as well."

"Yes!"

After Chen Li left, Chen Wuji rose and went to the courtyard, tinkering with the small earthen stove placed there.

Yang Tiejiang likes to light a small earthen stove and brew tea in his spare time; previously Chen Wuji saw this and thought it troublesome—wouldn't brewing tea be more convenient?

But after drinking it a few times, he also grew to enjoy the feeling of boiling tea.

How to put it? Because the boiling process makes the tea's flavor more pleasant.

In the midst of busyness, doing this for a pot really feels quite good.

Chen Wuji personally split firewood and lit the fire; just as a pot of tea came to a boil, Qin Feng, Li Run, Cheng Zhiheng, Zhang Xun, and Xu Zhang happened to gather together.

"Have you seen the Commandant?"

"Greetings, Lord!"

Two different voices sounded.

Qin Feng and Li Run shouted "Lord," while the other three addressed him as "Commandant."

Zhang Xun glanced at Qin Feng and Li Run, quickly corrected himself, "Zhang Xun greets the Lord!"

Cheng Zhiheng:???