Chapter 704: Refusal, the Chief of Wushang Village! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
”Lord Marquis, we did not think that we would be honored by your presence. We have been rude by not going out to welcome you, so please forgive us for our lack of courtesy. This one is called Wu Jiumei and can be considered an elder of Wushang Village. I am afraid that there has been a small misunderstanding, and our villagers had a small conflict with Lord Marquis's subordinates. Previously, we had already refused them three times, but Lord Marquis's subordinates would not listen to reason and forced their way into the village, forcing our hand.
”But even so, we have treated them lightly. Lord Marquis's subordinates are currently being held in the village and we have not done any additional harm. In a little while, I will have the villagers bring out Lord Marquis's subordinates.”
The speaker was an elder of seventy or eighty, his hair silver but his complexion hale and hearty. He had a grim expression, and he spoke with dignity and bearing. He clearly had a high status within the village.
Wang Chong said nothing to these words, but behind him, Li Siye gave a long sigh.
This was the first time in the last few days that he had heard anything about his vanished subordinates.
Li Siye suddenly took a few steps forward and whispered into Wang Chong's ear, ”Lord Marquis, these people are very strong. If I had not taken out my Wootz Steel sword, I would have already been captured. Lord Marquis must act with utmost caution!”
”I know. You go and rest.”
Wang Chong did not turn his head, and his voice was carefree and relaxed.
”Old Sir, this one has no ill intentions. At present, the borders of the empire are facing difficulties, the beacons of war rising up from all around, and troops are dearly needed. When the world is in danger, every person has their duty to save it. The Wushang are brave and excellent fighters, and this one happens to be building a city in Wushang and so came to Wushang to enlist brave warriors.
”I presume that to the Wushang, guarding the border, protecting the people of the Central Plains, and performing a duty for the country would be an honorable deed.”
Wang Chong went straight to the point and revealed the purpose of his visit.
In subduing the Wushang, using schemes and tricks was liable to make things worse, so it was better to be frank. In truth, given how things had developed, the Wushang probably already understood what he had come for.
Concealing his intent at a time like this would probably only win him contempt.
As expected, Wu Jiumei and the other Wushang elders seemed unsurprised by Wang Chong's words. It was clear that they had expected this request.
”To receive the Lord Marquis's favor is truly our Wushang Village's honor. But our Wushang Village is isolated from the world and accustomed to peace and security, not very suitable for war.”
Without a second thought, Wu Jiumei rejected Wang Chong's invitation.
”Moreover, we Wushang are mountain villagers with limited capabilities. What can our village offer Lord Marquis, who vies for the world? I am afraid that we will let down Lord Marquis's high hopes. Lord Marquis should seek out more qualified individuals. The world is vast, so there must be people more suitable than we Wushang for Lord Marquis's gaze.”
”Correct. Lord Marquis, please seek out more qualified individuals elsewhere!”
Several other elders voiced their agreement.
Wushang Village had secluded itself from the world for nearly a thousand years now, and the villagers had always lived a peaceful life that did not seek to contend for the world. This had already become a tradition, and nobody could break it. How could they so easily change their ways due to a few words from Wang Chong?
”Elder is too humble. If even the Wushang are of limited capability, then there is no one capable in this world. All of my subordinates are veterans, elites who contend against one hundred soldiers, but in Wushang Village, they were captured by the warriors of the village in a single encounter. The Wushang are definitely the fiercest warriors of this world!
”If the Great Tang can receive the assistance of the Wushang, its borders will definitely be pacified, the country will prosper, and the people will be safe, protected from the chaos of war. Moreover, the Imperial Court has always generously rewarded warriors who fight on the behalf of the country. I can also promise the assembled elders that as long as Wushang Village responds to the enlistment, I can bestow upon the village large sums of gold and resources as a reward,” Wang Chong sincerely said.
With the current influence and power of the Wang Clan, as long as Wang Chong was willing, he could bestow unimaginable wealth, status, and reputation on Wushang Village.
On the other side, Wu Jiumei and the other village elders were displaying a variety of expressions. If Wang Chong's words had been a little tougher, they could have immediately refused. But Wang Chong had been extremely tactful, his words bursting with praise and reverence for the Wushang villagers, leaving the elders unable to say a word.
And most fatal of all was that Wang Chong's subordinates truly had been injured by their villagers.
Wu Jiumei had not expected that those soldiers lying on the ground were elites of the army who could fight against one hundred foes.
”This…”
Wu Jiumei and the elders exchanged glances, their expressions slack and their mouths momentarily speechless.
Right when all the elders were perplexed by how to respond to Wang Chong's words, a voice burst from a stone house deep within Wushang Village. ”Young Marquis is an eloquent speaker, earning this decrepit one's admiration, but I advise Lord Marquis to stop wasting breath and scheming in vain!”
”This is!!”
Wang Chong's eyes widened as he remembered that voice. After his battle with Huang Botian on the outskirts of the village, it was this voice that had allowed him entry.
But ever since he had entered the village, Wang Chong had not heard it speak.
”Chief!”