Chapter 926

The situation in the Lingnan Six Commanderies is now crystal clear; Chen Wuji and Yang Yu's families dominate, leaving dozens of small factions that spend the whole day fighting each other, making things quite lively.

It's worth noting that Shendu, as an independent country, is also one of those dozens of small powers.

Anyway, Chen Wuji and Yang Yu both think that way.

Shendu, rich in land and water resources near the coast, is a huge piece of juicy meat in the eyes of Chen Wuji and Yang Yu; they don't care what kind of people live there, but they both covet its land.

As for the Qiang people, who were incredibly strong last year, they now look like scraps in the eyes of the two.

Speaking of the Qiang people's strength, even now it's still not weak, but they are too scattered; their tribes stretch from the southern end of the Uyghur lands to the western side of Shendu across this vast expanse of land.

After enduring several rounds of Chen Wuji's high-pressure bloodbaths, the remaining Qiang people now display two completely opposite traits on the surface.

Some actively seek internal alliances, trying to forge a strong Qiang alliance tribe to resist the pressure from Chen Wuji and Yang Yu.

Others lower their stance, bowing and scraping to begin seeking refuge with Chen Wuji.

But no matter how you say it, the Qiang people can no longer pose any pressure on Chen Wuji in the short term.

The roles of attack and defense have long since reversed.

Chen Wuji sipped tea, unconsciously rubbing his chin, and said, "Sir, let's first talk with Yang Yu, gauge his intentions. Also, keep an eye on his upcoming troop strength."

Xu Zengyi nodded, "I was actually planning to mention this to my lord; since you've already thought of it, it saves me the trouble."

"Although that's a bit unkind, being careful isn't a big mistake." Chen Wuji laughed.

"Don't let that old brat Yang Yu hear this, or he'll surely send greetings to my family and spout nonsense about employing people only at the front, not the back."

"Just mention it briefly; we know it in our hearts, no need to overthink."

Yang Yu now leads his troops garrisoned on the predicted second route, so idle he's almost catching lice to play.

He used to complain endlessly about insufficient supplies in the commandery and that the army shouldn't stay out long, etc.; but if, knowing the court army won't move south soon, he still keeps the main force there, we need to study whether he's suddenly changed his mind.

West of Nan Jun, south of the Uyghur lands, north of Qiang Land—this position is extremely vital, leaving no room for Chen Wuji to be careless.

If that place falls into Yang Yu's hands, Chen Wuji's neck would truly be stuck.

Xu Zengyi nodded to show understanding.

"That's about it, sir, thank you for your trouble; I'm going back to rest, I really need to rest this time." Chen Wuji rose lazily, stretching his joints until they crackled.

Xu Zengyi raised his head and looked, "My lord, weren't you just saying we should settle the rear?"

"Sir, first draft a charter; I don't really understand this matter." Chen Wuji said.

???

Seeing Xu Zengyi's face full of question marks, Chen Wuji laughed heartily, "There's no rush; sir, just list it out simply for now, we'll discuss later."

Xu Zengyi helplessly gave a light chuckle, thumped his waist, and said, "My lord, having shed blood on the battlefield, you are indeed weary; this old bone of mine will just endure a bit more hardship—just a little sore waist and back, really nothing serious."

"Sir, that's not proper, don't be in a hurry, take it slow!" Chen Wuji laughed.

Xu Zengyi gave a faint smile, "I obey the order!"

Chen Wuji returned to the courtyard that Xu Zengyi had arranged for him.

It's right next door, just a few steps away.

With many family members, the tavern felt cramped; staying there long made one feel stifled, so Xu Zengyi, considering these reasons, found a new courtyard for Chen Wuji.

Not big, just a two‑courtyard compound.

The front and back courtyards together have seven or eight rooms, barely enough for residents.

When Chen Wuji entered, he saw no one else—only Elder Princess Yu Yan Chu sitting in the courtyard, holding a piece of jujube wood and carving it.

"What are you doing?" Chen Wuji asked.

Hearing the sound, Yu Yan Chu quickly hid what was in her hands behind her back, her face flushing red, even the tips of her ears turning a crystal‑clear red.

She dared not look at Chen Wuji, her gaze darting, she stammered, "Nothing, just messing around a bit… hus… husband, you're back?"

Even though she and Chen Wuji had already consummated their marriage, uttering those two words still felt awkward.

"It's just a piece of wood, what's there to hide? Bring it out so I can see!" Chen Wuji reached out.

One look at her sneaking around made it clear she wasn't up to anything good, and his thoughts instantly turned impure.

However, it's not fair to blame his thoughts for being dirty.

Blame Qin Zhanhong!

She had set a precedent before, which made Chen Wuji, upon seeing Yu Yan Chu like this, immediately think of that sort of thing.

Yu Yan Chu dodged a bit, hiding the thing behind her back more securely, "Just playing around, killing time out of boredom, husband… husband, you'd better not look. Husband, having just returned, you're surely tired; I'll have Hua Yin fetch water for you to wash up and soak your feet."

"Hua Yin! Hua Yin!"

"Coming, coming!" Hua Yin replied, rushing out from the moon gate of the side courtyard in a surging wave, still holding a small shovel.

This era has many beauties, and what's before us is one of them.

The clothing inside isn't that restrictive; a slight movement reveals the beauty fully.

Seeing this, Chen Wuji, who had lived as a wild man in the mountains for two months, felt his heart warm slightly, a tiny flutter, and he found himself thinking a bit.

Yu Yan Chu, face red, waved at Hua Yin and shouted, "Quickly attend to the master's washing and changing!"

"Oh… okay."

Chen Wuji lightly shifted his steps, moved behind Yu Yan Chu, and snatched away what she had hidden behind her back, saying, "Being so secretive, what's there that can't be seen… huh? Are you preparing my funeral arrangements for me?"

Yu Yan Chu's face turned pale instantly, "My lord, how could that be… it's just a carving, how could it be linked to funeral arrangements? You you you, are you looking at me unfavorably?"

"It's because you find me displeasing, right? Forget the statue, you made it so ugly for me." Chen Wuji examined the figurine disparagingly, still thinking it was something else, only to realize it was his own wooden carving.

"I'm just learning!" Yu Yan Chu pouted, "I didn't think you were displeasing; I just felt like carving it, what's the problem?"

"Have you never heard of the witchcraft disaster?" Chen Wuji asked.

Although this world has never seen a witchcraft disaster as severe as that of Emperor Wu of Han's era, similar incidents are not few; they are often recorded in histories, and the name used is also witchcraft disaster, collectively referred to as such.