Chapter 840

Chen Wuji didn't realize that because of him, the imperial court experienced another earthquake.

Translation: Chen Wuji didn't even know that because of him, the imperial court was shaken again.

Chen Wuji didn't realize that because of him, the imperial court was shaken again.

But we need to keep it concise. Let's produce: Chen Wuji didn't realize that because of him, the imperial court was shaken again.

He has been living very comfortably lately.

Translation: He has been living very comfortably lately.

He has been living very comfortably lately.

After learning to delegate, the number of things he had to handle visibly decreased.

Translation: After learning to delegate, the number of things he personally handled visibly decreased.

Or: After he learned to delegate, the tasks under his noticeably decreased. We'll output: After learning to delegate, the number of tasks he personally handled noticeably decreased.

All the troops fought fiercely, and the advance went extremely smoothly.

Translation: All the troops fought fiercely, and the advance went extremely smoothly.

We'll output: All the troops fought fiercely, and the advance proceeded extremely smoothly.

Even now he doesn't need to rush north; Chen Baojia's army has already reached the northern part of Qiang territory, where the land formerly belonging to the Canlang Qiang is beginning to build a main camp for preliminary reconnaissance.

Translation: Even now he doesn't need to rush north; Chen Baojia's army has already reached the northern part of Qiang Land, where the former Canlang Qiang territory is beginning to build a main camp for preliminary reconnaissance.

Even now he doesn't need to rush north; Chen Baojia's army has already reached the northern part of Qiang Land, where the former Canlang Qiang territory is beginning to build a main camp for preliminary reconnaissance.

The Canlang Qiang were Chen Wuji's true long‑standing rivals.

Translation: The Canlang Qiang were Chen Wuji's true old rivals.

We'll output: The Canlang Qiang were Chen Wuji's true old rivals.

They were the first Qiang tribe Chen Wuji encountered, and also the first step in his rise to fame.

Translation: They were the first Qiang tribe Chen Wuji encountered, and also the first step in making his name known.

We'll output: They were the first Qiang tribe Chen Wuji encountered, and also the first step in making his name known.

After this battle, this Qiang tribe was essentially completely ruined.

Translation: After this battle, this Qiang tribe can be considered completely declined.

We'll output: After this battle, this Qiang tribe can be considered completely declined.

Although not everyone died, they came very close to extinction.

Translation: Although not all the people died, they were almost extinct.

We'll output: Although not all the people died, they were almost extinct.

Chen Wuji, seeing that Xi Leng had handled recent affairs well and that Yang Tiejiang, Chen Baojia, and others had given him positive evaluations, therefore gave him some face, not wiping out the Canlang Qiang entirely, but only keeping Xi Leng's direct relatives, who were all moved to Chongyi Prefecture and required to change their names and surnames.

Translation: Considering that Xi Leng had handled recent affairs well, and both Yang Tiejiang and Chen Baojia, among others, gave him positive feedback, Chen Wuji gave him some face, not exterminating the Canlang Qiang completely, but only retaining Xi Leng's direct relatives, who were all relocated to Chongyi Prefecture and required to change their names and surnames.

Chen Wuji, seeing that Xi Leng had handled recent affairs well and that Yang Tiejiang, Chen Baojia, and others had given him positive feedback, gave him some face—he did not exterminate the Canlang Qiang completely, but only retained Xi Leng's direct relatives, who were all relocated to Chongyi Prefecture and required to change their names and surnames.

The remaining Canlang Qiang who resisted were all collectively punished.

Translation: The remaining Canlang Qiang, anyone who resisted, were all punished collectively.

We'll output: The remaining Canlang Qiang, anyone who resisted, were all punished collectively.

Those with better attitudes had their able‑bodied youths conscripted into the servant army, while women, children, and the elderly were relocated to the Jiaoguzui farming garrison.

Translation: Those with better attitudes had their able-bodied youths conscripted into the servant army, while women, children, and the elderly were relocated to the Jie Jia Zui garrison for farming.

We'll output: Those with better attitudes had their able-bodied youths conscripted into the servant army, while women, children, and the elderly were relocated to the Jie Jia Zui garrison for farming.

Xi Leng's direct relatives in Chongyi Prefecture had land and freedom, but the rest had no freedom at all.

Translation: Xi Leng's direct relatives in Chongyi Prefecture had land and freedom; the rest had no freedom at all.

We'll output: Xi Leng's direct relatives in Chongyi Prefecture had land and freedom; the rest had no freedom at all.

They would participate in farming at Jiaoguzui, and then their future arrangements would be determined according to their merits.

Translation: They were to engage in farming at Jie Jia Zui, and then their future arrangements would be determined according to merit.

We'll output: They were to engage in farming at Jie Jia Zui, and then their future arrangements would be determined according to merit.

At that time they no longer had any Qiang surnames; they had all changed their family names.

Translation: At that time, they no longer had any Qiang names; they had all changed their surnames.

We'll output: At that time, they no longer had any Qiang names; they had all changed their surnames.

Chen Wuji benevolently gave them several options, allowing them to freely choose what surname they wanted.

Translation: Chen Wuji benevolently gave them several options, allowing them to freely choose what surname they wanted.

We'll output: Chen Wuji benevolently gave them several options, allowing them to freely choose what surname they wanted.

However, it is said they seem particularly fond of the surname Ruan.

Translation: However, it was heard that they seemed particularly fond of the surname Ruan.

We'll output: However, it was heard that they seemed particularly fond of the surname Ruan.

It's unclear whether this is because Ruan Yuchang once especially favored them.

Translation: It was also unclear whether this was because Ruan Yuchang had once been especially attentive to them.

We'll output: It was also unclear whether this was because Ruan Yuchang had once been especially attentive to them.

After enjoying peace for nearly another half month, Chen Wuji received a piece of news that greatly surprised him.

Translation: After another half month of ease, Chen Wuji received a piece of news that greatly surprised him.

We'll output: After another half month of ease, Chen Wuji received a piece of news that greatly surprised him.

Yang Yu intends to come personally to Jiaoguzui.

Translation: Yang Yu was coming in person to Jie Jia Zui!

We'll output: Yang Yu was coming in person to Jie Jia Zui!

When he received this news, Chen Wuji was competing with Xu Zengyi in fishing skills.

Translation: When he received the news, Chen Wuji was competing with Xu Zengyi in fishing skill.

We'll output: When he received the news, Chen Wuji was competing with Xu Zengyi in fishing skill.

Although he had secretly sworn several times never to touch a fishing rod again.

Translation: Although he had secretly sworn several times never to touch a fishing rod again.

We'll output: Although he had secretly sworn several times never to touch a fishing rod again.

But people are sometimes like that—always wanting to fall somewhere and get up, rather than just lying where they are.

Translation: But people are sometimes like that—always wanting to fall down somewhere and get up, not wanting to just lie where they are.

We'll output: But people are sometimes like that—always wanting to fall down somewhere and get up, not wanting to just lie where they are.

And then, as expected, he ended up lying down again.

Translation: And then, as expected, he ended up lying down again.

We'll output: And then, as expected, he ended up lying down again.

Anyway, this time Chen Wuji was again slapped in the face at lightning speed.

Translation: Anyway, this time Chen Wuji was slapped in the face at lightning speed again.

We'll output: Anyway, this time Chen Wuji was slapped in the face at lightning speed again.

The emptiness is terrifying!

Translation: The emptiness was terrifying!

We'll output: The emptiness was terrifying!

"Could it be that Commander Yang also has an interest in Jiaoguzui?" Chen Wuji joked with a smile, unable to guess Yang Yu's purpose this time, so he could only make a casual remark to break the ice.

Translation: "Yang Jinglve probably isn't also interested in this place, Jie Jia Zui, is he?" Chen Wuji joked with a smile, unable to guess Yang Yu's purpose this time, so he could only make a casual remark.

We'll output: "Yang Jinglve probably isn't also interested in this place, Jie Jia Zui, is he?" Chen Wuji joked with a smile, unable to guess Yang Yu's purpose this time, so he could only make a casual remark.

Xu Zengyi smiled and said, "He probably isn't very interested in Jiaoguzui, but perhaps he has some interest in Corpse Poison; the San Guan Commandery is now quite strong militarily, the Qiang threat has largely subsided, and Commander Yang is now at leisure, so he might have other ideas."

Translation: Xu Zengyi smiled and said, "He probably isn't very interested in Jie Jia Zui, but perhaps he has some interest in Shendu; San Guan Jun is now also strong in troops and horses, the Qiang people's momentum has waned, and Yang Jinglve is now at leisure, so he might have other ideas."

We'll output: Xu Zengyi smiled and said, "He probably isn't very interested in Jie Jia Zui, but perhaps he has some interest in Shendu; San Guan Jun is now also strong in troops and horses, the Qiang people's momentum has waned, and Yang Jinglve is now at leisure, so he might have other ideas."

Chen Wuji really hadn't considered that possibility: "Shouldn't he be thinking about his own left and right? How could he be fixated on Corpse Poison?"

Translation: Chen Wuji really hadn't considered that possibility: "He shouldn't be worrying about his left and right now; why would he be thinking about Shendu?"

We'll output: Chen Wuji really hadn't considered that possibility: "He shouldn't be worrying about his left and right now; why would he be thinking about Shendu?"

Xu Zengyi said, "My lord, Commander Yang has always proclaimed himself loyal to the sovereign and patriotic; sending his troops to other commanderies at this time might give people grounds for criticism."

Translation: Xu Zengyi said, "My lord, Yang Jinglve has always proclaimed loyalty to the sovereign and love for the country; sending his troops to other commanderies at this time might invite criticism."

We'll output: Xu Zengyi said, "My lord, Yang Jinglve has always proclaimed loyalty to the sovereign and love for the country; sending his troops to other commanderies at this time might invite criticism."

"Pedantic!" Chen Wuji disparagingly remarked, "The other commanderies have fallen into ruin; I refrained from acting out of fear of him, so what does he have to fear? He sent troops to quell rebellions in other commanderies—how could that invite criticism?"

Translation: "Pedantic!" Chen Wuji disparagingly remarked, "Other commanderies have become a mess; I refrained from acting out of apprehension toward him, so what does he have to be apprehensive about? He suppressed rebellions in other commanderies—how could that invite criticism?"

We'll output: "Pedantic!" Chen Wuji disparagingly remarked, "Other commanderies have become a mess; I refrained from acting out of apprehension toward him, so what does he have to be apprehensive about? He suppressed rebellions in other commanderies—how could that invite criticism?"

"Without an imperial order, mobilizing troops to suppress rebellion on one's own isn't that just carving out autonomous rule?" Xu Zengyi said, "My lord, some things appear different to others than they do to us, especially those high officials at court, for whom merit is considered quite cheap."

Translation: "Without the court's order, privately mobilizing troops to suppress rebellion isn't that just carving out autonomous territory?" Xu Zengyi said, "My lord, some things appear different in others' eyes than in ours, especially those high officials at court, for whom merit is quite cheap."

We'll output: "Without the court's order, privately mobilizing troops to suppress rebellion isn't that just carving out autonomous territory?" Xu Zengyi said, "My lord, some things appear different in others' eyes than in ours, especially those high officials at court, for whom merit is quite cheap."

"I really can't figure this out!" Chen Wuji scoffed.

Translation: "I really can't understand this!" Chen Wuji scoffed.

We'll output: "I really can't understand this!" Chen Wuji scoffed.

Xu Zengyi's argument left him truly speechless.

Translation: Xu Zengyi's saying really left him speechless.

We'll output: Xu Zengyi's saying really left him speechless.

However, his speechlessness was not due to the views of those in court, but because of Yang Yu.

Translation: However, his speechlessness was not about those officials' views, but about Yang Yu.

We'll output: However, his speechlessness was not about those officials' views, but about Yang Yu.

Because he was worried about the court's opinion and sought distant solutions, Yang Yu's approach doesn't seem like something someone who schemes half the court would do; it's overly pedantic.

Translation: Because he was worried about the court's opinion and sought distant solutions, Yang Yu's approach doesn't seem like something someone who schemed half the court could pull off—it's overly pedantic.

We'll output: Because he was worried about the court's opinion and sought distant solutions, Yang Yu's approach doesn't seem like something someone who schemed half the court could pull off—it's overly pedantic.

Xu Zengyi seemed to see through Chen Wuji's thoughts, chuckling, "My lord, Commander Yang is extremely cautious; everything he does is planned before action, so scheming for Corpse Poison is no different from planning for the other commanderies."

Translation: Xu Zengyi seemed to see through Chen Wuji's thoughts, chuckling, "My lord, Yang Gong is the most cautious; everything he does is planned before acting—scheming for Shendu is no different from scheming for the other commanderies."

We'll output: Xu Zengyi seemed to see through Chen Wuji's thoughts, chuckling, "My lord, Yang Gong is the most cautious; everything he does is planned before acting—scheming for Shendu is no different from scheming for the other commanderies."

"In the six commanderies of Lingnan, aside from you and Commander Yang, the remaining commanderies, with the Qiang retreat, have already fallen into utter chaos. The six commanderies' territory, with you in the north and Yang Yu in the center, is conveniently divided into four parts—east, west, south, north—and they dare only fight between two commanderies at most, never daring to easily cross the San Guan and Southern commanderies."

Translation: "In the Lingnan Six Commanderies, aside from my lord and Yang Yu, the remaining commanderies, with the Qiang people's retreat, have already fallen into chaos. The Six Commanderies' territory has my lord to the north, Yang Yu in the center, neatly divided into four parts east, west, south, north; they dare only fight between two commanderies at most, and absolutely dare not lightly cross San Guan Jun and Nan Jun."

We'll output: "In the Lingnan Six Commanderies, aside from my lord and Yang Yu, the remaining commanderies, with the Qiang people's retreat, have already fallen into chaos. The Six Commanderies' territory has my lord to the north, Yang Yu in the center, neatly divided into four parts east, west, south, north; they dare only fight between two commanderies at most, and absolutely dare not lightly cross San Guan Jun and Nan Jun."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wuji's heart suddenly stirred.

Translation: Chen Wuji, hearing this, suddenly felt a stir in his heart.

We'll output: Chen Wuji, hearing this, suddenly felt a stir in his heart.

He knew what Xu Zengyi was about to say and what Yang Yu intended to do.

Translation: He knew what Xu Zengyi was about to say and what Yang Yu was about to do.

We'll output: He knew what Xu Zengyi was about to say and what Yang Yu was about to do.

Tsk, indeed, the minds of those who scheme are all corrupt.

Translation: Tsk, indeed, the hearts of those who play schemes are all dirty.

We'll output: Tsk, indeed, the hearts of those who play schemes are all dirty.

Damn, this is the art of raising gu!

Translation: Damn, this is the art of raising gu!

We'll output: Damn, this is the art of raising gu!

"Sir, after you said that, I suddenly have a bad feeling." Chen Wuji sighed lightly, "That old brat Yang Yu indeed still has a grudge against me; after dealing with Corpse Poison and cleaning up the mess in the other commanderies, wouldn't he then turn on me?"

Translation: "Sir, saying that, I suddenly have a bad feeling." Chen Wuji sighed lightly, "That old brat Yang Yu indeed still has a grudge against me—after taking care of Shendu and cleaning up the mess in the other commanderies, turning around, isn't he just going to come after me?"

We'll output: "Sir, saying that, I suddenly have a bad feeling." Chen Wuji sighed lightly, "That old brat Yang Yu indeed still has a grudge against me—after taking care of Shendu and cleaning up the mess in the other commanderies, turning around, isn't he just going to come after me?"

Xu Zengyi gave a slight nod, "It seems my lord has also guessed Yang Yu's scheme. If nothing unexpected happens, it should be as such—one mountain cannot tolerate two tigers."

Translation: Xu Zengyi gave a slight nod, "It seems my lord also guessed Yang Yu's scheme. If nothing unexpected happens, that should be the case—one mountain cannot tolerate two tigers."

We'll output: Xu Zengyi gave a slight nod, "It seems my lord also guessed Yang Yu's scheme. If nothing unexpected happens, that should be the case—one mountain cannot tolerate two tigers."

"The Luoze and Shangtang commanderies are now filled with countless forces of all sizes; these people now only dare to fight within their own strongholds, and their endless struggles ultimately drain their own commandery's strength."

Translation: "Luozegun County and the Shangtang Four Commanderies are now filled with countless forces big and small; these people now only dare to fight within their own nests, and in the end they consume only their own commandery's strength."

We'll output: "Luozegun County and the Shangtang Four Commanderies are now filled with countless forces big and small; these people now only dare to fight within their own nests, and in the end they consume only their own commandery's strength."

"Even if one faction could quickly swallow the others and unify the commandery, at present they would still be no match for either you or Commander Yang."

Translation: "Even if one force could quickly swallow the others and unify the commandery, right now, whether facing my lord or Yang Yu, they would not be a match."

We'll output: "Even if one force could quickly swallow the others and unify the commandery, right now, whether facing my lord or Yang Yu, they would not be a match."

"Having suffered the Qiang's bloodbath, these four commanderies lack the funds, resources, and manpower compared to you and Commander Yang; in the end they cannot avoid being annexed. What Yang Yu wants now is for them to destroy each other through frantic infighting."

Translation: "After suffering the Qiang people's bloodbath, these four commanderies' territory, whether in grain and finances or manpower, is far inferior to my lord and Yang Yu; in the end they cannot avoid being annexed. What Yang Yu wants now is for them to annihilate each other, frenziedly consuming their strength."

We'll output: "After suffering the Qiang people's bloodbath, these four commanderies' territory, whether in grain and finances or manpower, is far inferior to my lord and Yang Yu; in the end they cannot avoid being annexed. What Yang Yu wants now is for them to annihilate each other, frenziedly consuming their strength."

As Xu Zengyi said this, he suddenly jerked the rod, and a fish leapt out of the water.

Translation: Xu Zengyi, having said that, suddenly jerked the rod, and a fish leapt out of the water.

We'll output: Xu Zengyi, having said that, suddenly jerked the rod, and a fish leapt out of the water.

Chen Wuji looked at his fishing rod, which had been still for nearly an hour, flung it aside, and gave up fishing, feeling ill‑omened.

Translation: Chen Wuji looked at his fishing rod, which had been motionless for about an hour, flung it aside, and quit fishing—what bad luck.

We'll output: Chen Wuji looked at his fishing rod, which had been motionless for about an hour, flung it aside, and quit fishing—what bad luck.

Xu Zengyi laughed heartily, openly issuing a mocking laugh.

Translation: Xu Zengyi laughed heartily, openly issuing a mocking laugh.

We'll output: Xu Zengyi laughed heartily, openly issuing a mocking laugh.

"Sir, you don't need to laugh so loudly; hurry up and state your inference." Chen Wuji said with a dark face, also truly impressed, wondering what kind of innate hunting saint's body this is.

Translation: "Sir, the laugh doesn't need to be so loud; hurry up and say your inference." Chen Wuji said with a dark face, "I really am convinced—what kind of innate hunting holy body is this?"

We'll output: "Sir, the laugh doesn't need to be so loud; hurry up and say your inference." Chen Wuji said with a dark face, "I really am convinced—what kind of innate hunting holy body is this?"

Could it be that his physique still has a novice protection period, allowing him to act recklessly only on Immortal Ridge?

Translation: Could it be that his physique still has a novice protection period, allowing him to run wild only on Shenxian Ling?

We'll output: Could it be that his physique still has a novice protection period, allowing him to run wild only on Shenxian Ling?

Xu Zengyi forcibly restrained his smile and continued, "I am certain Commander Yang has set his sights on Corpse Poison because of its geographical location and the high‑quality farmland there."

Translation: Xu Zengyi forcibly suppressed his smile and continued, "The reason I believe Yang Yu is eyeing Shendu is because of its geographical location and the high-quality farmland there."

We'll output: Xu Zengyi forcibly suppressed his smile and continued, "The reason I believe Yang Yu is eyeing Shendu is because of its geographical location and the high-quality farmland there."

"This is also why I originally urged you to seize that rich piece of land, Corpse Poison, as it can become your true granary. Moreover, if Commander Yang could capture the eastern part of Corpse Poison, his army would already have encircled Luoze Commandery."

Translation: "This is also why I originally strongly advised my lord to take that chunk of Shendu as fertile meat—Shendu can serve as my lord's true granary. And if Yang Yu could capture eastern Shendu, his army would already have completed the encirclement of Luozegun County."

We'll output: "This is also why I originally strongly advised my lord to take that chunk of Shendu as fertile meat—Shendu can serve as my lord's true granary. And if Yang Yu could capture eastern Shendu, his army would already have completed the encirclement of Luozegun County."

Chen Wuji's expression froze slightly, "Is he treating me as a natural ally?"

Translation: Chen Wuji's expression flickered slightly, "Is he treating me as a natural ally?"

We'll output: Chen Wuji's expression flickered slightly, "Is he treating me as a natural ally?"

"My lord, aren't you currently allying with Yang Yu? If he sends troops to attack Luo Ze, will my lord help or not?"