Chapter 606

Commander, may I ask, what is the matter of going to Dingzhou to see Hu Bu Gui?

Translation: "Commander, may I ask, what is the matter of going to Dingzhou to see Hu Bu Gui?"

We need to keep punctuation? The Chinese includes quotation marks and question mark. We'll translate preserving meaning. We'll output: Commander, may I ask, what is the matter of going to Dingzhou to see Hu Bu Gui?

But we need to keep the quotes? The instruction: translate faithfully, not add or omit. The original line includes Chinese quotation marks 「」 and a question mark at end. In English we can use quotes or not? Usually we drop the Chinese quotes and use English punctuation. The instruction says render exactly what the source says — same meaning, same information, nothing added. It doesn't require preserving the Chinese quotation marks; we can use English quotes or none. However to be safe, we can keep the meaning and use English punctuation. We'll not add extra quotes unless needed. We'll output: Commander, may I ask, what is the matter of going to Dingzhou to see Hu Bu Gui?

But we need to keep the tone: Commander, may I ask, what is the matter of going to Dingzhou to see Hu Bu Gui? The speaker says "Commander, may I ask, what is the matter of going to Dingzhou to see Hu Bu Gui?" That seems fine.

Dingbian County Magistrate Wei Shu, hearing this, asked with a bit of caution.

Translation: "Dingbian County Magistrate Wei Shu, hearing this, asked with a bit of caution."

Dingbian County Magistrate Wei Shu, hearing this, asked with a bit of caution.

Borrow a path through Dingzhou, attack Yushan Prefecture! Chen Wujie said.

Translation: "Borrow a route through Dingzhou and attack Yushan Prefecture!" Chen Wuji said.

We need to keep exclamation. We'll output: "Borrow a route through Dingzhou and attack Yushan Prefecture!" Chen Wuji said.

Wei Shu's eyes lit up, "If none of the generals and lords are willing to go, I, the subordinate, would like to give it a try; Hu Bu Gui is my cousin, and we have exchanged letters before."

Translation: Wei Shu's eyes lit up, "If none of the generals and lords are willing to go, I, the subordinate, would like to give it a try; Hu Bu Gui is my cousin-in-law, and we have exchanged letters before."

Wei Shu's eyes lit up, "If none of the generals and lords are willing to go, I, the subordinate, would like to give it a try; Hu Bu Gui is my cousin, and we have exchanged letters before."

As soon as he said that, everyone present glanced sideways.

Translation: Upon hearing this, everyone in the seat glanced sideways.

We'll output: Upon hearing this, everyone in the seat glanced sideways.

Chen Wujie's eyes lit up instantly.

Translation: Chen Wuji's eyes lit up instantly.

We'll output: Chen Wuji's eyes lit up instantly.

How coincidental! Isn't this just like when you feel sleepy and someone brings you a pillow?

Translation: Isn't this just like when you feel sleepy and someone brings you a pillow? Such a fortuitous coincidence.

We'll output: Isn't this just like when you feel sleepy and someone brings you a pillow? Such a fortuitous coincidence.

What kind of person is Hu Bu Gui? Chen Wujie asked.

Translation: "What kind of person is Hu Bu Gui?" Chen Wuji asked.

We'll output: "What kind of person is Hu Bu Gui?" Chen Wuji asked.

This question should now have a concrete answer.

Translation: This question should now have a concrete answer.

We'll output: This question should now have a concrete answer.

He is vulgar to the extreme, but he has a sense of righteousness; our family's traditions are still decent, and few go astray. Wei Shu said, "But this person's vulgarity is genuinely vulgar; basically, he opens his mouth with profanity."

Translation: "He is crude and uncouth, but he has a sense of righteousness; our family's traditions are not bad, and few have gone astray." Wei Shu said, "But this person's crudeness is truly crude; he basically opens his mouth with vulgar words."

We'll output: "He is crude and uncouth, but he has a sense of righteousness; our family's traditions are not bad, and few have gone astray." Wei Shu said, "But this person's crudeness is truly crude; he basically opens his mouth with vulgar words."

I heard that in Dingzhou he has gathered a large number of influential clans and powerful families behind him? Chen Wujie asked.

Translation: "I heard that behind him in Dingzhou he has gathered a large number of prestigious and powerful clans?" Chen Wuji asked.

We'll output: "I heard that behind him in Dingzhou he has gathered a large number of prestigious and powerful clans?" Chen Wuji asked.

Replying to Commander, that's true, but he has also killed not a few. Wei Shu said.

Translation: "Replying to Commander, that's true, but he has also killed many." Wei Shu said.

We'll output: "Replying to Commander, that's true, but he has also killed many." Wei Shu said.

I don't exchange many letters with this cousin; usually when I write to him, I'm asking for a favor so I can bring the people of Dingbian to the city to sell fish and buy mountain goods.

Translation: "I don't correspond much with this cousin; usually when I write to him, I'm asking him to do me a favor so I can bring the Dingbian commoners to the city to sell fish and buy mountain goods."

We'll output: "I don't correspond much with this cousin; usually when I write to him, I'm asking him to do me a favor so I can bring the Dingbian commoners to the city to sell fish and buy mountain goods."

But when he voluntarily writes to me, he usually boasts about how many lawbreakers and bullies he has killed recently. Although he relies on the power of the great clans to maintain his position, he shows no mercy when dealing with them... I can only say he has a knack for making money, able to lead those great clans and influential families to prosperity, which is why they follow him.

Translation: "When he voluntarily writes to me, he usually boasts about how many lawbreakers and bullies he has chopped up this period. Although he relies on the power of the powerful clans to maintain his position, he doesn't hold back when dealing with them... I can only say he has a knack for making money, able to lead those powerful and prestigious clans to prosperity, which is why everyone follows him."

We'll output: "When he voluntarily writes to me, he usually boasts about how many lawbreakers and bullies he has chopped up this period. Although he relies on the power of the powerful clans to maintain his position, he doesn't hold back when dealing with them... I can only say he has a knack for making money, able to lead those powerful and prestigious clans to prosperity, which is why everyone follows him."

What do you mean by that? Chen Wujie asked.

Translation: "What do you mean by that?" Chen Wuji asked.

We'll output: "What do you mean by that?" Chen Wuji asked.

The other generals also looked over curiously.

Translation: The generals in the seat also looked over curiously.

We'll output: The generals in the seat also looked over curiously.

Wei Shu awkwardly touched his nose and said, "It's basically posing as bandits, raiding the Qiang people."

Translation: Wei Shu, feeling a bit embarrassed, touched his nose and said, "It's just posing as bandits, plundering the Qiang People."

We'll output: Wei Shu, feeling a bit embarrassed, touched his nose and said, "It's just posing as bandits, plundering the Qiang People."

As far as I know, in these past few years he has already brought disaster to several Qiang tribes. Toward his own people he still has some morality, but toward the Qiang... it's truly, he leaves no means untried, his methods are rather dirty.

Translation: "As far as I know, in these years he has already brought disaster to several Qiang tribes. Toward his own people he still has some morals, but toward the Qiang People... it's truly, using every possible means, his methods are rather dirty."

We'll output: "As far as I know, in these years he has already brought disaster to several Qiang tribes. Toward his own people he still has some morals, but toward the Qiang People... it's truly, using every possible means, his methods are rather dirty."

Whenever he carries out a raid, he basically uproots everything, then disguises himself as a Qiang person and sells those captives to more distant Qiang and Di tribes; one raid earns him two sums of silver.

Translation: "Whenever he carries out a raid, he basically uproots them completely, then pretends to be Qiang People and sells those captives to more distant Qiang and Di tribes; one raid earns two sums of silver."

We'll output: "Whenever he carries out a raid, he basically uproots them completely, then pretends to be Qiang People and sells those captives to more distant Qiang and Di tribes; one raid earns two sums of silver."

In his most outrageous raids, he even had the pastures of the raided tribes sold off. My cousin, on that plateau, his bandit reputation is... quite fierce.

Translation: "In his most outrageous raids, he even sold off the pastures of the raided tribes. My cousin, on that plateau, his bandit reputation is... quite fierce."

We'll output: "In his most outrageous raids, he even sold off the pastures of the raided tribes. My cousin, on that plateau, his bandit reputation is... quite fierce."

Chen Wujie's mouth twitched slightly.

Translation: Chen Wuji's mouth twitched slightly.

We'll output: Chen Wuji's mouth twitched slightly.

This method is indeed dirty.

Translation: This method is indeed dirty.

We'll output: This method is indeed dirty.

However, he genuinely enjoys it.

Translation: But he genuinely likes it.

We'll output: But he genuinely likes it.

When dealing with the tribes that have caused chaos on the border for hundreds of years and even enjoy roasting the people of Great Yu on a fire, there's no need for courtesy; you can just discuss the sharpness of their knives.

Translation: Toward the tribe that has caused chaos on the border for hundreds of years and even likes to roast the Dayu commoners over a fire, there's no need for courtesy; just talking about the sharpness of their knives is enough.

We'll output: Toward the tribe that has caused chaos on the border for hundreds of years and even likes to roast the Dayu commoners over a fire, there's no need for courtesy; just talking about the sharpness of their knives is enough.

My lord, this Governor Hu sounds like he shouldn't be too hard to get along with; perhaps he could be a good ally. Wang Ce said.

Translation: "My lord, this Hu Prefect sounds not too difficult to get along with; perhaps he could be a good ally." Wang Ce said.

We'll output: "My lord, this Hu Prefect sounds not too difficult to get along with; perhaps he could be a good ally." Wang Ce said.

Chen Wujie nodded; he now feels the same way.

Translation: Chen Wuji nodded; he now thinks the same.

We'll output: Chen Wuji nodded; he now thinks the same.

A person who understands righteousness could potentially become a threat later, but if it's for dealing with the Qiang, without surprise he should agree to lend a passage.

Translation: A person who understands righteousness could potentially be a threat to him in the future, but if it's about dealing with the Qiang People, without surprise he should agree to lend the route.

We'll output: A person who understands righteousness could potentially be a threat to him in the future, but if it's about dealing with the Qiang People, without surprise he should agree to lend the route.

Wei Shu, I am sending a thousand troops with you; set out today to go chat with your cousin about family matters and discuss the matter of borrowing a route. Chen Wujie said.

Translation: "Wei Shu, I will send a thousand troops with you; set out today to go chat with your cousin about family matters and discuss borrowing the route." Chen Wuji said.

We'll output: "Wei Shu, I will send a thousand troops with you; set out today to go chat with your cousin about family matters and discuss borrowing the route." Chen Wuji said.

Yes!

Translation: "Yes!"

We'll output: "Yes!"

Wei Shu clasped his fists in acceptance, paused a moment, and cautiously asked: "Commander, shall I try to persuade him to surrender?"

Translation: Wei Shu clasped his fists in acceptance, paused a moment, and cautiously asked, "Commander, what if I try to persuade him again, see if I can convince him to surrender?"

We'll output: Wei Shu clasped his fists in acceptance, paused a moment, and cautiously asked, "Commander, what if I try to persuade him again, see if I can convince him to surrender?"

Do you think it's possible? Chen Wujie asked.

Translation: "Do you think it's possible?" Chen Wuji asked.

We'll output: "Do you think it's possible?" Chen Wuji asked.

Wei Shu hesitated a bit, saying, "This, I as subordinate find hard to say, but even if I advise him, he probably won't kill me; at most he'd scold me a couple of times."

Translation: Wei Shu hesitated a bit, "This, as a subordinate I find it hard to say, but even if I tried to persuade him, he wouldn't cut me down; at most he'd scold me a couple of sentences."

We'll output: Wei Shu hesitated a bit, "This, as a subordinate I find it hard to say, but even if I tried to persuade him, he wouldn't cut me down; at most he'd scold me a couple of sentences."

Then let's try it, prioritizing the discussion of borrowing a route! Chen Wujie said.

Translation: "Then let's try, prioritizing the discussion of borrowing the route!" Chen Wuji said.

We'll output: "Then let's try, prioritizing the discussion of borrowing the route!" Chen Wuji said.

This time he really picked up a windfall.

Translation: This time he really picked up a windfall.

We'll output: This time he really picked up a windfall.

Yes!

Translation: "Yes!"

We'll output: "Yes!"

Chen Wujie was in high spirits, leaned back, and said: "The second matter is that negotiating with Hu Bu Gui will still take some time, but we can't just sit idle during this period."

Translation: Chen Wuji was in high spirits, leaned back a little, and said, "The second matter is that negotiating with Hu Bu Gui will still take some time, but we can't just sit idle during this period."

We'll output: Chen Wuji was in high spirits, leaned back a little, and said, "The second matter is that negotiating with Hu Bu Gui will still take some time, but we can't just sit idle during this period."

I intend to send a small detachment to take a detour into Yushan Prefecture to scout its troop deployment; who among you is willing to go?

Translation: "I intend to send a small detachment of troops, detour into Yushan Prefecture to scout its troop deployment; who among you is willing to go?"

We'll output: "I intend to send a small detachment of troops, detour into Yushan Prefecture to scout its troop deployment; who among you is willing to go?"

The humble general is willing to go!

Translation: "Deputy General is willing to go!"

We'll output: "Deputy General is willing to go!"

The humble general is willing to go!

Translation: "Deputy General is willing to go!"

We'll output: "Deputy General is willing to go!"

……

Translation: …… (ellipsis) we keep as is? The instruction: translate faithfully; ellipsis is punctuation; we can keep as … or ……. We'll output: …… (same).

As soon as Chen Wujie finished speaking, all the generals present stood up in unison, without exception.

Translation: As soon as Chen Wuji finished speaking, all the generals in the seat stood up in unison, without exception.

We'll output: As soon as Chen Wuji finished speaking, all the generals in the seat stood up in unison, without exception.

This display of force once again handed the decision-making power to Chen Wujie.

Translation: This situation once again placed the decision-making power in Chen Wuji's hands.

We'll output: This situation once again placed the decision-making power in Chen Wuji's hands.

I don't know whether it's Qian Fugui who started a good trend, or that his subordinates just enjoy this kind of leading-from-the-front exciting activity; in short...

Translation: I don't know whether it's Qian Fugui who started this trend, or that his subordinates just enjoy leading from the front in such stimulating actions; either way, this seems to be quickly becoming a tradition.

We'll output: I don't know whether it's Qian Fugui who started this trend, or that his subordinates just enjoy leading from the front in such stimulating actions; either way, this seems to be quickly becoming a tradition.

My lord, I am a surrendered general; give me a chance, I want to earn some merit! Lu Ji, seeing the competition so fierce, directly unleashed his big move, speaking bluntly without hesitation.

Translation: "My lord, I am a surrendered general; give me a chance, I want to earn some merit!" Lu Ji, seeing the competition so fierce, directly unleashed his big move, speaking bluntly without hesitation.

We'll output: "My lord, I am a surrendered general; give me a chance, I want to earn some merit!" Lu Ji, seeing the competition so fierce, directly unleashed his big move, speaking bluntly without hesitation.

Tang Yu followed closely, saying: "General Chen, Yang Jinglue sent us here just to fight; my troops shouldn't go unused, we need to use them—give me this opportunity."

Translation: Tang Yu followed closely, "General Chen, Yang Jinglve sent us here just to fight; my troops shouldn't go unused, we need to use them, give me this opportunity."

We'll output: Tang Yu followed closely, "General Chen, Yang Jinglve sent us here just to fight; my troops shouldn't go unused, we need to use them, give me this opportunity."

My lord, otherwise, I'll make a small suggestion: add one more person and include me. Xie Fengxian also added supplementary conditions: "I don't have any other ideas; I just want to take this opportunity to train my troops, whose combat strength is still too weak. This kind of deep incursion into enemy territory, small-scale operations are perfect for training; please, my lord, give me a chance."

Translation: "My lord, otherwise, I'll make a small suggestion: add another person, include me." Xie Fengxian also added supplementary conditions, "I have no other ideas; I just want to take the opportunity to train the troops, my forces are still too weak. Going deep into enemy territory, small-scale operations are very suitable for training; please, my lord, give me this opportunity."

We'll output: "My lord, otherwise, I'll make a small suggestion: add another person, include me." Xie Fengxian also added supplementary conditions, "I have no other ideas; I just want to take the opportunity to train the troops, my forces are still too weak. Going deep into enemy territory, small-scale operations are very suitable for training; please, my lord, give me this opportunity."

Upon seeing the three of them in this posture, Chen Wujie suddenly felt wary.

Translation: Chen Wuji, seeing their posture, suddenly felt wary.

We'll output: Chen Wuji, seeing their posture, suddenly felt wary.

These three seem to have an intention to repeat their old tricks on him.

Translation: These three seem to have an intention to repeat old tricks on him.

We'll output: These three seem to have an intention to repeat old tricks on him.

You three wouldn't be intending to swallow Yushan Prefecture in one go, would you? Chen Wujie asked.

Translation: "You three wouldn't be intending to swallow Yushan Prefecture in one go, would you?" Chen Wuji asked.

We'll output: "You three wouldn't be intending to swallow Yushan Prefecture in one go, would you?" Chen Wuji asked.

Lu Ji and the three others all shook their heads.

Translation: Lu Ji and the three others all shook their heads.

We'll output: Lu Ji and the three others all shook their heads.

My lord, even a small scouting force isn't suitable for storming cities and looting strongholds! Xie Fengxian said.

Translation: "My lord, small-scale reconnaissance is also not suitable for attacking cities and looting strongholds!" Xie Fengxian said.

We'll output: "My lord, small-scale reconnaissance is also not suitable for attacking cities and looting strongholds!" Xie Fengxian said.

Yes, my lord, I just want to earn a little merit; the soldiers under me have recently been annoying me to death. Lu Ji, who has recently become accustomed to Chen Wujie's atmosphere here, blurted out complaints as soon as he spoke.

Translation: "Yes, my lord, I just want to earn a little merit; the soldiers below have recently been annoying me to death." Lu Ji, recently also familiar with Chen Wuji's atmosphere here, came up and vented his resentment.

We'll output: "Yes, my lord, I just want to earn a little merit; the soldiers below have recently been annoying me to death." Lu Ji, recently also familiar with Chen Wuji's atmosphere here, came up and vented his resentment.

Xie Fengxian and his troops lately walk with a clanking sound; those who should be promoted have all been promoted. As for my troops, to this day they have still achieved nothing, living like useless good-for-nothings.

Translation: "Xie Fengxian and his subordinates lately walk with a clanking sound, those who should be promoted have all been promoted. As for my subordinates, to this day they still have no merit, living like good-for-nothings."

We'll output: "Xie Fengxian and his subordinates lately walk with a clanking sound, those who should be promoted have all been promoted. As for my subordinates, to this day they still have no merit, living like good-for-nothings."

Chen Wujie:...

Translation: Chen Wuji: ……

We'll output: Chen Wuji: ……

What is all this about?

Translation: What is this all about?

We'll output: What is this all about?

My lord, the humble general requests orders! Chen Ruoshui suddenly also joined in.

Translation: "My lord, Deputy General requests orders!" Chen Ruoshui suddenly joined in as well.

We'll output: "My lord, Deputy General requests orders!" Chen Ruoshui suddenly joined in as well.

What Lü General and Xie General said about the surrendered generals is somewhat exaggerated, but our Sinrong Army, whose designation is Sinrong Army, has truly had no merit since its formation.

Translation: "What the Lu General and Xie General said about surrendered generals is somewhat exaggerated, but our Sinful Army, its designation number is the Sinful Army; since its formation it has truly had no merit."

We'll output: "What the Lu General and Xie General said about surrendered generals is somewhat exaggerated, but our Sinful Army, its designation number is the Sinful Army; since its formation it has truly had no merit."

Moreover, our Sinrong Army is originally a small detachment, very suitable for this task.

Translation: "Moreover, our Sinful Army is originally a small detachment of troops, very suitable for this task."

We'll output: "Moreover, our Sinful Army is originally a small detachment of troops, very suitable for this task."

As soon as she finished speaking, Chen Baojia also jumped into the fray, saying: "You can't put it that way; although I have not a few subordinates, it's not easy to turn the few into many, but splitting off a unit from the many is quite simple."

Translation: As soon as she finished speaking, Chen Baojia also jumped in on the fun, "You can't say that; although I have many subordinates, it's not easy to turn few into many, but splitting off a group from many is simple."

We'll output: As soon as she finished speaking, Chen Baojia also jumped in on the fun, "You can't say that; although I have many subordinates, it's not easy to turn few into many, but splitting off a group from many is simple."

"Your contributions are already enough; you don't need to compete with us!" Chen Ruoshui said.

"General Ruoshui makes sense, I agree too!" Lu Ji immediately echoed.

"I agree too!"

"General Baojia, why don't you just take a rest?"

Chen Baojia:???

"You guys seem to be bullying me." The inarticulate Chen Baojia, after holding it in for a long while, softly uttered this sentence, his eyes full of resentment.

Chen Li then suddenly said: "Actually, I think this task should be given to our central army; we are truly those who have never achieved any merit, and we usually don't get a chance to fight."