Chapter 554: with translation of chapter title

"Self-recommendation? So that's it!" Chen Li muttered, then said no more.

Chen Wuji walked out of the study, raised his voice and said: "Return to camp, this tea probably also lacks flavor, there's no need to drink it!"

The herdboy who was tending the fire suddenly heard this, stared blankly for a moment, and pressed on: "May I ask, General, you haven't even tasted this tea yet, how do you already judge it lacking flavor?"

"When your tea learns to be sincere, its flavor will probably improve." Chen Wuji glanced at it, didn't linger, and strode out of the courtyard.

The herdboy hurriedly chased out, but was ruthlessly blocked outside by Chen Wuji's layers of personal guards; facing countless cold blades, the herdboy Wang Ce dared not rush forward, only jumping and shouting: "General, you didn't even ask me—how am I not sincere?"

"You know what you're doing!" Chen Wuji replied.

After leaving the courtyard, Chen Luozi asked curiously: "What did you find in the study? Why did you get worked up over this kid?"

"Actually I didn't find anything; it's just a normal study, but I suddenly understood his purpose." Chen Wuji said with a light smile.

"This kid probably has some talent in his belly, but he's a natural dwarf, doesn't look old, looks just like a child; with that appearance, even great learning likely couldn't secure him a position as a Western Seat."

"Perhaps because of these life experiences, he impulsively pulled this stunt on us, and moreover laid a false trap, luring us into the jar—he's playing it quite elaborately!"

"This damn stunt of his made me break out in a cold sweat; I almost really thought someone had seen through our plan, hiding tens of thousands of troops in this little village, planning to catch us in a jar."

Chen Luozi suddenly realized, instantly becoming frustrated: "So this kid's doing all this just to recommend himself? Damn it, I can't stand it—I'll go back and give him a beating, it's so infuriating."

"If he wanted to recommend himself, why not just say it directly? Why put on this whole show for us?"

Chen Wuji stopped him: "Don't be so impulsive; actually I can truly understand his difficulties—because of his appearance, no matter how great his talent, no one appreciates it. The purpose of his stunt surely is to intend to win us over with talent; let's see what he does next."

"If this kid, because of what just happened, stops coming to see you, you can still go beat him later—then be sure to beat him to a pulp, drag him back half-dead."

"You want to use him?" Chen Luozi asked in surprise.

"Let's see first, see what he can come up with when the time comes." Chen Wuji said: "Although I'm eager for talent, I'm not so desperate as to accept anything."

Chen Luozi twisted his mouth hard, speaking coldly: "I'm already somewhat looking forward to it—if I don't beat him half-dead when the time comes, this little bastard, he's made me actually think there's some big secret hidden here."

Chen Wuji had a false alarm in this nameless little village, then returned safely to the camp.

Before he had even settled down, Chen Baojia came rushing over.

"My lord! Our scouts discovered Land Ping'an's great banner at Wenkou Town and encountered his scouts; they fought a battle, but unfortunately no survivors were left." Chen Baojia said.

Chen Wuji frowned slightly: "How did they end up fighting?"

"The other side struck first; when our scouts crept over, they were spotted by the enemy scouts, and in the sudden clash the battle broke out." Chen Baojia said, "But afterward it became clear: the enemy brought people back to camp precisely because they left no survivors."

"In that case, this is somewhat troublesome..." Chen Wuji rubbed his fingers and muttered.

Chen Luozi beside him said calmly: "My lord, why worry about these trifles? We already have constant friction with Land Ping'an; it's only natural to be on guard against him. If he had a bit of sense, he should understand our actions."

"If he can't understand, then we actually need to be even more cautious."

Chen Wuji shook his head: "Whether he understands is secondary; more importantly, this little friction will affect our upcoming plans. Don't forget, we're not really here to discuss cooperation with him—what we want from start to finish is his head."

"Precisely for that reason, our attitude must be tougher; otherwise, given Land Ping'an's character, we'd only suspect him more!" Chen Luozi said: "His scouts killed ours without asking why—this must be investigated, we need to ask him what he's really up to."

Chen Baojia said in a muffled voice: "Our side had no deaths, just three lightly wounded; meanwhile the enemy lost two dead and several seriously wounded."

"Then we still need to send someone to investigate!" Chen Luozi shouted righteously: "It was his people who struck first, so the fault lies entirely with him and has nothing to do with us. Our army sets up camp, sends scouts to survey the surroundings—that's routine; what gives him the right to attack over a disagreement?"

"Uncle Nine makes sense." Chen Wuji nodded: "Baojia, can someone be chosen? Send a person to Wenkou Town for a trip! Question Land Ping'an, and meanwhile observe his camp."

"I'll go myself!" Chen Luozi shouted: "I'll give Land Ping'an some face."

"Have you been infected by Qian Fugui?" Chen Wuji asked.

"What nonsense, that kid's learning is about the same as mine." Chen Luozi said arrogantly: "There's nothing to consider; this matter I'm the right person to handle—our Chen family has no cowardly heroes. If I die, let no one mourn for me; I've lived quite a splendid life so far."

"What the hell are you blabbering about? Land Ping'an couldn't possibly do anything to you right now." Chen Wuji cursed angrily; for a sentimental person on the battlefield, nothing is worse than this.

He fears hearing such talk, and fears even more the death of those around him!

Chen Luozi gave a hehe laugh: "Wuji, I am after all your Jiu Shu; when cursing, please watch your words. I definitely won't die—I was just saying it in passing."

"If you say something human, I'll certainly watch my words!" Chen Wuji glared angrily, speechless: "You can go, but you must weigh your tone carefully—know when to stop."

"Understood, I have it in mind; if I don't make it back before sunset, you can launch the troops. The brothers I've brought are all experts in night battle—we'll catch him off guard!" Chen Luozi waved his hand, stepping out of the camp gate with a touch of bravado.

Chen Wuji rubbed his temples, headache.

Chen Li, knife in hand standing at the gate, suddenly said: "Family Head, no need to worry about him; this kid is born in the Year of the Monkey—though he lacks restraint in speech, his mind is careful. He's not the first to undertake such risky endeavors; every time he worries people, yet he always succeeds."