Chapter 576: Examination

"What have I always done?" Chen Wuji really was a bit curious about that.

What people say about him, what he's really like—he had never paid attention, nor cared, but today he wanted to hear it.

"The general governs the army strictly and loves the people benevolently!" Wang Ce said.

"Just that?"

"The general isn't satisfied with this?"

"It's not exactly satisfaction; it's just that your words seem a bit short compared to what I imagined." Chen Wuji said.

Wang Ce suddenly froze; this answer was also a bit different from what he imagined.

He actually dislikes it being short?

These eight characters, while not the highest praise, for an ordinary local lord to fully achieve these two points is nearly impossible.

Some people merely achieve one of these points in a short time and then boast wildly about their political achievements, let alone consistently practicing these eight characters, earnestly, to produce something tangible that can truly be seen.

But Chen Wuji did it.

It's not just Wang Ce flattering Chen Wuji; Chen Wuji truly has won the people's hearts in Wenkou Town.

Wenkou Town is not far from Hezhou, and it's a key trade route, with frequent commercial traffic.

The caravans coming and going brought many fresh news from Hezhou and also spread word of what Chen Wuji had done there.

In fact, it's precisely because of these things that Wang Ce decided to join Chen Wuji's staff as an advisor.

Although others despise and slander him for his appearance, Wang Ce is also an ambitious, aspirational person—not just any local lord can catch his eye and earn his support.

For example, someone like Lu Ping'an—he would absolutely never pledge allegiance to him.

"Barely counts as passing." Chen Wuji said, "Your answer may not be perfect, but it does indeed have some insight."

This made Wang Ce feel a bit dissatisfied again—is this not even perfect? Just some insight?!

"You're not satisfied?!" Chen Wuji pushed the meat-filled plate aside, wiped his hands with a damp towel, and asked with a light smile.

Wang Ce tilted his neck, "Anyway, there's a bit..."

He decided to speak frankly.

Although he somewhat admired what Chen Wuji had done, after a brief conversation he formed a somewhat different impression of this person.

Just like those vulgar people, disrespectful toward others.

Chen Wuji nodded, "Since you're not satisfied, then tell me your answer in full."

"Just a reminder: I have no bias against your appearance, but your answer indeed cannot fully satisfy me."

Wang Ce's expression flickered slightly, his thoughts suddenly stirred.

His answer really seems not quite complete...

Since it's been confirmed that Chen Wuji's raising troops in Wenkou Town is not aimed at attacking San Guan Jun, he must have another purpose.

It's impossible that he merely brought these troops out to Wenkou Town for a leisurely stroll.

"General, are you going to attack Lu Ping'an?" Wang Ce blurted out.

Chen Wuji looked at him without changing expression, "You say your piece; don't ask me—how can a question‑answer exchange show off your talent?"

Wang Ce's thoughts raced like thunder, and he quickly began to simulate in his mind.

Chen Wuji and Lu Ping'an gathered troops in Wenkou Town, putting up a show of attacking Hongde City on the surface, but in fact they did not attack.

Then his purpose is only Lu Ping'an.

Yet with both sides mobilizing such forces, Yang Yu could never just stand by and do nothing.

If Chen Wuji were to stab Lu Ping'an in the back and Yang Yu suddenly intervened, the situation would inevitably produce unexpected developments, likely affecting Chen Wuji's overall plan.

Wang Ce narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

Since Chen Wuji raised his troops, he has been victorious in every battle, seemingly never suffering a defeat.

Such a person could not possibly fail to calculate something this simple.

Unless...

Wang Ce's thoughts instantly cleared, and he shouted: "On the surface it's the general allying with Lu Ping'an to attack San Guan Jun, but in reality it should be the general allying with Yang Yu to attack Lu Ping'an and seize Qingzhou."

"Moreover, if I'm not mistaken, the general should already have moved troops against Qingzhou. Holding Lu Ping'an's main force here, now is the best time to use troops against Qingzhou."

Chen Wuji smiled and nodded, "Not bad—how about temporarily joining my staff as a Council Army officer?"

Wang Ce's face lit up; he bowed with clasped hands, "I, your subordinate, thank the general for your trust, and am willing to lay liver and brains on the ground for you."

He now has no objections to Chen Wuji.

Judging by the outcome, his earlier reply was indeed not thorough, with many shortcomings.

"You've been out all day and haven't eaten yet?" Chen Wuji asked kindly.

Wang Ce covered his stomach and shook his head, "I had some dry rations at noon to tide me over, but I really haven't eaten yet tonight."

"Without doubt, go, prepare a meal and bring it here." Chen Wuji ordered.

"Yes!"

Chen Luozi laughed and teased, "You're just a low‑ranking brat, but from now on you'll definitely be standing at the front."

"Why?" Wang Ce asked, still puzzled.

Chen Luozi chuckled, "With that head of yours, if you stood in the back, who could still see you?"

Wang Ce: ……

That remark is one of the many things he hates most.

In the village, whenever something comes up, he's always tossed into the pile of kids.

That is, only when sacrifices require writing memorial texts or when festivals call for writing something does his position become somewhat important.

Chen Luozi picked up the just‑boiled kettle, first poured Chen Wuji a cup, then poured Wang Ce a cup of clear tea, saying, "What a person looks like is decided by Heaven and Earth, and has nothing to do with you. Here under the Commander, we only look at talent—you needn't worry about your appearance."

"……Yes." Wang Ce replied, though his heart suddenly stirred.

These two titles, 'Military Governor', are not something just anyone can call; there's a lot of meaning behind them.

And the most important point is that this title corresponds to the Military Governor position that has been abolished by the current dynasty.

Chen Wuji actually proclaimed himself Military Governor……

This is probably not a good thing.

After turning the thought over in his mind, Wang Ce wanted to voice his opinion.

But after thinking about it, he held back.

He still doesn't really understand Chen Wuji and the specific situation in Hezhou, so it's not appropriate to rashly speak about these matters now.

Besides, wait a bit longer; once he gets a feel for the situation, then he can make plans.

Chen Wuyi carried the food in and placed it in front of Wang Ce.

"Come on, eat up; we can chat while we eat." Chen Wuji said.

"Thank... Military Governor."

Wang Ce hesitated a moment, but still used the title 'Military Governor' for Chen Wuji.

When entering a village, follow local customs.

While they were eating and chatting casually, Lu Ping'an hurried in holding several letters, "General, the letters are written; take a look, and if there's no problem, we can send someone to deliver them to Qingzhou."

"Old Lu, have a seat, drink a cup of night tea." Chen Wuji greeted, then took the letter from Lu Ping'an's hand.