Chapter 531: Seeing Off

Chen Wuji pulled a Cheating Tactic and successfully bluffed his way through.

To his surprise, Qin Zhanhong and Xiao Yuji actually quite liked this delaying tactic.

At that moment, both of them collapsed onto the bed like mud, like two drunken octopuses entwining Chen Wuji from left and right, still murmuring some indecent endearments.

Chen Wuji originally intended to cheat, but unexpectedly, his cheating ended up pleasing everyone.

But where there's joy, there's also sorrow.

Chen Wuji's intermittent playing for so long exhausted Yan Qiushui and Shen Lu, who were sleeping in the outer room.

They furtively played a little, then prepared to boil hot water for Chen Wuji and the others to wash up, but waiting took another little while.

Both of them flushed red, blood rushing to certain places, uncontrollable.

Driven by instinct, they again hastily played a little.

In the end, after they finished, they discovered Chen Wuji still hadn't finished…

Shen Lu was so angry she almost rushed in to fight Chen Wuji to the death.

As for Chen Wuji's routine, they now know it by heart.

Previously, it only took half an hour for them to indulge in their own play at the right moment.

Because of Chen Wuji's exceptional performance today, they twice hastily indulged but still weren't satisfied—how could they not be angry?

These things Chen Wuji could never know, anyway he slept quite comfortably.

……

Next morning.

Chen Wuji had breakfast under Shen Lu's resentful gaze.

Having been stared at like that many times, Chen Wuji noticed something odd; after breakfast, as he went out, he called to Yan Qiushui, "What's wrong with Shen Lu today? Who provoked her?"

"It's nothing, sir; I scolded her this morning and she's still upset." Yan Qiushui was startled, hurriedly explaining.

Chen Wuji was doubtful, "But I feel she seems to have something against me!"

"She wouldn't dare have anything against you, sir; this girl wears her thoughts on her face." Yan Qiushui felt bitter, forcing herself to explain.

Chen Wuji nodded, "Speak plainly; if you have any troubles, tell me. If you're tired of the work, we can switch. Life is short; no need to wear a frown—be a little happier."

"……Yes."

Leaving the official residence, Chen Wuji took Qin Feng and the Hezhou civil and military officials to the inn where Yang Gong stayed.

Though he is at least a Strategist and currently Chen Wuji's sole ally, now that he is departing, proper respect and ceremony must be observed.

"Chen Xiaoyou, why have you come so early today?" Yang Gong saw Chen Wuji at the door, still sorting manuscripts, and asked with a smile.

No matter what he encounters, this old man always wears a kindly, approachable smile, which Chen Wuji greatly admires.

Yet likewise, he remains highly wary of such people; those who wear such an expression are rarely ordinary, usually possessing delicate minds, deep scheming, and subtle tactics.

Chen Wuji stood at the doorway, smiling, "Yang Gong, please don't misunderstand; I'm not trying to rush you away, you just never said when you'd leave, so I can only come early. If I'm to wait for you to send someone off, that would be too much."

Yang Gong said, "That's my fault; yesterday I enjoyed our talk and forgot this matter. Xiaoyou, have you had breakfast? If not, join this old man for a bite."

"I can accompany you, but I've already eaten." Chen Wuji said, "The manor hired a superb cook recently; since she arrived I rarely eat out."

"Then let Xiaoyou pour a cup of tea while I eat a couple of mouthfuls." Yang Gong laughed.

"Yang Gong, please!"

The party then moved to the inn's main hall.

Chen Wuji summoned the attendant to serve some Hezhou local breakfast, added a few meat dishes for each, then sat sipping tea while watching Yang Gong eat.

Today this scene is generals facing generals, soldiers facing soldiers.

Chen Wuji and Yang Gong took one table, while Qin Feng and the others sat with Yang Gong's retinue at separate tables, everyone chatting separately without interference.

"Regarding yesterday's matter, Xiaoyou, have you decided?" Yang Gong slowly sipped his soup and asked.

"Strike!"

Chen Wuji held his tea cup, leaned back in the chair, "Originally I meant to pick an opponent we could easily crush, drill the troops, and also expand our territory a bit."

"But after hearing Yang Gong's proposal, many of my officers thought, if we're going to fight, we should pick a challenging opponent; constantly kneading little shrimps is pointless, just a waste of manpower."

"They believe that once we take Qingzhou, those petty forces will surrender on their own without us lifting a sword, let alone Yang Gong here offering such a tempting bait. I thought about it, and it seems reasonable—so let's fight."

Yang Gong wiped his mouth, lightly inhaled, and asked, "Xiaoyou, do you have a good plan for dealing with Qingzhou?"

"Not yet, but since the goal is set, tactics must adapt to local conditions and timing; perhaps after a wait we'll find one." Chen Wuji said, "When I commanded only two or three thousand troops, Hezhou was also a tough bone, yet we finally gnawed it down."

"Wait a while, maybe the opportunity will come to us."

Yang Gong glanced at Chen Wuji with a faint smile, "Perhaps the opportunity is already on its way; your many capable hands will handle this—I need say no more, they surely see clearer than I."

"Oh no, Yang Gong, how can you take back your words halfway?" Chen Wuji bowed, "Please, Yang Gong, make clear what opportunity is now on its way."

Yang Gong speechless, laughed, "Xiaoyou, stop pretending to understand while hiding confusion; bullying an old man is not virtuous. You are now a piece of pastry; both I and Lu Ping'an wish to earn your goodwill—how could this not be an opportunity?"

"I know that, but how to use it—we still have no idea!" Chen Wuji, who always cares about face, must climb up the pole now that Yang Gong has spoken.

"Please, Yang Gong, do not withhold your guidance; give us a clear path, point a bright direction!"

Yang Gong, vexed by Chen Wuji's antics, looked at him for a while before chuckling, "Then I'll just brandish my sword before my own door—listen as you like."