Chapter 408: I Want 30,000 Crow-Head Scales (Part 4) [Two-in-One]

"I vaguely remember that Registrar Yu was not an only son?"

Chu Yao's question left Registrar Yu completely bewildered, but unsure of what the other was up to, he could only play along and reply, "Yes, I have an older brother at home."

Yu, the registrar, had a twin brother.

Given the medical standards of that era, it was rare for twins to survive. Either the mother would suffer a difficult childbirth resulting in the death of all three, or the twins would die young for various reasons after birth. Twins were traditionally considered an omen of bad luck. The Yu brothers, however, were fortunate; they both survived. However, their mother's health was damaged during childbirth, rendering her unable to conceive again. Their father then poured all his energy into raising the brothers.

Yu Zhubu's elder brother was gentle and taciturn.

He never had any great ambitions in his life.

All I want is to focus on running my family business and serving my parents.

But Yu, the registrar, was different.

Unwilling to remain confined to a small, unfulfilling life, and knowing that he would at best only become a minor local official if he didn't venture out and try his luck, the young Registrar Yu packed his bags and set off with a fellow villager and friend. Initially, he was able to maintain stable contact with his family, but later, as the world descended into chaos and family letters became precious, Registrar Yu encountered trouble. His father and brother moved away to escape the war, and all contact was severed.

Trying to contact them again is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

After Yu Zhubu stabilized his situation, he searched for people for several years without making any progress. Not long after, the State of Chu was destroyed, and all hope was lost.

Why did Chu Yao bring this up on purpose?

Could it be—

Where did he see his brother?

Yu, the registrar, felt a stirring in his heart and a sense of anticipation arose within him.

Chu Yao's next question seemed to confirm his guess: "Is the registrar Yu and his elder brother extremely similar?"

"My elder brother and I are born of the same mother and look exactly alike. If we weren't very close relatives, we would hardly recognize each other. How come—Wu Hui, have you seen such a person somewhere before?"

His tone carried an undisguised expectation.

Chu Yao said calmly, "No, that's not the case."

Yu Zhubu's expectations were instantly dashed.

He suppressed his disappointment, thinking to himself that the other party was despicable for taking advantage of an old man like him.

“However—” Chu Yao changed the subject again.

Registrar Yu hurriedly asked, "But what?"

Compared to him, Chu Yao was quite composed, even having time to observe Yu Zi out of the corner of his eye—this child was completely unaware that she might be the center of attention, and was focusing all her attention on her lord, never leaving his side.

Chu Yao said, "However, I did run into a child whose features bear a resemblance to those of Registrar Yu..."

Upon hearing this, Registrar Yu lost interest.

There are countless people in the world who look alike.

Just because people look alike doesn't mean they're blood relatives.

Chu Yao said slowly, "This person's surname is also 'Yu'."

Yu, the registrar, sensed something was amiss.

He might not understand the current Chu Yao, but surely he understood the Chu Yao of the past? More than a decade had passed, and this guy had weathered many storms; his mind had only become deeper and more reserved. If there wasn't something going on, he wouldn't suddenly bring up this "child" with him.

Registrar Yu simply cut to the chase.

He smiled and said casually, as if reminiscing about old times, "This is quite a coincidence. Could you be a direct descendant of your elder brother's branch?"

Chu Yao did not answer, but his expression became serious.

Yu, the registrar, looked at him and understood something.

"Is it really from my elder brother's branch?"

Judging by their age, they should be grandchildren by now.

So he hurriedly asked, "Where and when did you see me?"

No wonder he was so emotional.

He was a lone goose, separated from home for many years and unable to find his way back. The world was vast, yet he had no blood relatives to accompany him. Many years ago, he had a wife and children, but one died in childbirth and the other died in infancy. He remained alone to this day.

Having followed their commander for so many years, besides the fact that they shared the same fate, another reason was that they developed feelings for each other.

The commander was both his student and his son; they were family to each other in the chaos of war, as close as father and son.

I thought this would be how my life would be.

Who knew I'd hear news about my elder brother's lineage!

How could Registrar Yu not be agitated?

However, he did not show his excitement, only a few words revealed his true feelings.

"This..." Chu Yao looked troubled at this moment.

Registrar Yu wouldn't fall into a trap so easily.

His expression was calm: "Could it be that he's no longer alive?"

If that's the case, then it's normal.

Life and death, separation and parting are the norm in this world.

"No, it's just that the process was quite complicated. Registrar Yu is getting old, and I'm afraid you might get sick from getting upset, which would be difficult to explain to General Chu." Under Registrar Yu's suspicious gaze, he beckoned to Yu Zi and said, "Wei Heng, come here."

Upon hearing her own voice, Yu Zi subconsciously turned her head to look, revealing a slightly dark face.

To avoid looking too fair-skinned, Yu Zi deliberately darkened her skin every day. Coupled with her lack of grooming and eyebrow shaping, she really did look like a slightly delicate young man at first glance: "Is it the clerk calling me?"

"Okay, come here."

Yu Zi was somewhat flattered.

I am truly flattered.

Having grown up in the streets, she was adept at reading people. Chu Yao wasn't exactly mean to her, but he wasn't friendly either, exuding an inexplicable distance. It wasn't that he disliked her; she had attended classes with Lin Feng, who had taught her diligently, but because her foundation was weak and she struggled, Chu Yao never specifically asked if she needed extra help.

Whether she understands or not is irrelevant.

Yu Zi didn't dare to offend anyone, so she had to seek advice from Kang Jishou, whom she was fairly familiar with, and thankfully the latter didn't refuse.

The clerk never summons her unless it's for important business.

With a mix of trepidation and confusion, Yu Zi stepped forward and skillfully bowed to Chu Yao and Registrar Yu. She then stood obediently to one side, head bowed, awaiting Chu Yao's instructions. Registrar Yu, seeing this, understood the situation and carefully examined Yu Zi's appearance.

Being stared at so rudely by a stranger, Yu Zi was naturally extremely unhappy, but she could only endure it without making a scene.

After a while, she heard this person ask her.

What's your name?

Yu Zi said, "Yu Zi."

"Is there any writing?"

Yu Zi looked at Chu Yao questioningly, and the latter simply nodded slightly. Only then did she feel relieved and say, "His courtesy name is 'Wei Heng'."

Although the official in charge of ceremonies did not particularly like her, he still chose a courtesy name for her when it was time to do so.

She quite liked it.

“Wei Heng… Yu Zi… do you know the names of your elders? Where do you live? Who are your grandparents?”

Registrar Yu wanted to confirm further, but Yu Zi remained silent, her face somewhat sour, until Chu Yao spoke up to ease the tension.

“Wei Heng, this person may be your great-uncle.”

Yu Zi was stunned by these words and lost her composure.

granduncle……

Isn't he my mother's uncle?

only……

She didn't know how to answer questions about her elders' names, addresses, or what their grandparents' status was, and couldn't help but cast a pleading look at Chu Yao. Chu Yao explained to Registrar Yu, "Wei Heng's background is rather complicated. Registrar Yu, why don't you find a quiet place and listen to her recount her experiences over the years before you make a judgment..." He just hoped he wouldn't get too worked up...

If qi and blood attack the heart, it can directly lead to hemiplegia...

That would be difficult to explain.

Chu Yao seemed somewhat expectant of Yu the Registrar being so enraged that he nearly exploded, and even the surrounding atmosphere of distance seemed to have lessened considerably. Yu the Registrar, knowing there was a problem, could only nod, whisper a few words to his commander, and lead the two away.

In less than fifteen minutes.

One of the tents was crushed by the furious Wen Qi.

Soldiers who noticed the commotion rushed over, and even the commander and his entourage were alerted. They saw only Yu, the registrar, with a furious expression, looking as if he wanted to fight someone to the death. A strange young man stood to one side wiping away tears, while Chu Yao watched from the side with his hands tucked into his sleeves.

The commander was both surprised and puzzled: "What's going on?"

It was rare to see Registrar Yu so angry. His gaze swept over Yu Zi and Chu Yao, neither of whom seemed to be the "culprit." He could only reach out to help Registrar Yu calm down, saying repeatedly, "Calm down, teacher, please calm down."

Yu, the registrar, had a livid face, wide-open eyes, and bloodshot eyes. His body was stiff, and finally, under the worried gazes of everyone, he vomited a mouthful of foul-smelling blood.

Yu Zi stepped forward to help him up, worried: "Grandpa Uncle..."

The commander was surprised to hear this title.

"Are you a descendant of the teacher's clan?"

Upon closer inspection, they do indeed bear some resemblance.

After catching his breath, Clerk Yu's face was no longer as pale and ashen as before. He patted Yu Zi's hand.

He said in a hoarse voice, "It's alright."

After all, he had been mentally preparing himself for decades, and dared not hold too much hope for his brother's family's fate. Upon suddenly learning the outcome, he felt heartache, but not to the point of such anger. However, the fate of Yu Zi's mother, Yu Meiren, was something he could not bear!

Having witnessed her birth mother's suffering firsthand, Yu Zi's account was natural, truthful, detailed, and emotionally rich, vividly recounting the events to the reader's eyes. It sent Yu the Registrar's blood pressure soaring.

The descendants of the elder brother suffered such humiliation...

If the culprits hadn't already been reduced to ashes, Registrar Yu would have been furious enough to dig their bones out of the grave and whip their corpses to vent his anger, his teeth chattering. As his emotions subsided, reason gradually returned to him.

He turned his head and scrutinized Yu Zi with a critical eye.

Although he loathed Yu Zi's father for his many evil deeds, Yu Zi was, after all, the only remaining bloodline of his elder brother's branch. Moreover, the child was able to distinguish right from wrong, was filial and humble, and had not been tainted by the stench of his father's lineage. This made him look at Yu Zi in a different light and admire her quite a bit. His gaze gradually softened, showing more of the love and tolerance an elder would show to a younger generation. He said, "Wei Heng, you did very well."

Yu Zi is not completely ignorant.

My lord's stance differs from that of this newly recognized uncle; I should do something about it...

She sobbed, "I dare not take credit... If it weren't for my lord saving my grandson from dire straits, I would not be alive today."

Yu, the registrar, frowned and sighed deeply.

He couldn't say a single bad word about Shen Tang.

He is not an ungrateful person.

However, private matters are private matters, and public matters are public matters.

Even with Yu Zi's connection, Registrar Yu couldn't side with Shen Tang. He calmed his turbulent emotions, regulated his disordered breathing, and appeared in the main tent as if nothing had happened.

If it weren't for her slightly pale complexion, one wouldn't be able to tell there was a problem.

The general was drawn to Yu Zhubu's literary talent, but Shen Tang and the others did not, and remained quietly waiting in place.

Until both parties were seated.

“We know the purpose of your visit, Lord Shen, and we admire your courage and bravery. We are certain that you will not allow the Ten Cuttlefish to run rampant. However—Yonggu Pass is no ordinary pass; it involves great importance and cannot be entrusted to you lightly. We ask for your understanding, Lord Shen.”

Shen Tang still smelled of alcohol.

The air still carried a strong smell of alcohol.

His expression turned slightly cold: "How can we forgive this? Two tigers cannot share one mountain. Don't you all understand such a simple principle? Only when everyone in Longwu County is of one mind can it be as solid as a rock. But you all harbor doubts and are on guard at every turn. How can we entrust you with our trust? Furthermore, you detained the Longwu Chief Clerk without distinguishing right from wrong. Shouldn't this matter be explained?"

She was still worried about how this group of people had detained and abused Chu Yao.

I can't let this go.

Gu Chi heard the thought and looked at Chu Yao with a strange expression, scrutinizing him from head to toe—this guy didn't look like he was being abused at all.

Yu, the registrar, said, “We did not detain Chu Gongcao. We were just old friends who met and stayed to catch up. There is no evidence to prove this. As for your statement that we were ‘suspicious and on guard,’ that is a misunderstanding. It is because Lord Shen came here on the orders of the king, and we have been suffering under the royal court for a long time. That is why we misunderstood that Lord Shen’s actions were at the king’s behest. We dare not be careless in order to ensure that the Yongguan Pass is not lost.”

This is a misunderstanding. Even if there is a mistake, it is Shen Tang's behavior that caused them to "react".

Chu Yao did not say anything to undermine him.

Let's just take this as an implicit acceptance of the "reminiscing" interpretation.

However, the reasons for all of this were known to both of them.

Yu, the registrar, asked again: "As the prefect of Longwu County, Lord Shen naturally has the right to mobilize the troops at Yonggu Pass, but—with less than six thousand troops, can you guarantee the safety of Yonggu Pass?"

Yonggu Pass had more than 20,000 soldiers.

However, more than 70% of them were private soldiers of the general.

The rest are the ones that Shen Tang has the right to mobilize.

She remained calm and said, "Six thousand? That's difficult!"

Shen Tang did not follow the rhythm of Yu Zhubu.

He cut to the chase: "But you won't let Yonggu Pass fall into the hands of the Ten Crows. I'm short of men, and you're short of supplies. Cooperation benefits both sides, while division harms both. Tell me, what conditions will allow me to command over 20,000 troops to defend Yonggu Pass?"

Registrar Yu frowned.

He originally intended for both parties to cooperate.

But Shen Tang's words did not stop there.

Their only goal was to "defend Yonggu Pass" and they had no other ambitions, so Yu, the registrar, could not use this as an excuse to cause trouble.

Faced with Shen Tang's arrogant and unruly attitude, the generals under his command were displeased, but not long ago he had fought their commander to a standstill. They also considered that he was of a certain age, so his arrogance was understandable.

If they're this good at fighting at their age...

She's definitely even more arrogant than Shen Jun.

Registrar Yu recounted what everyone had been discussing earlier.

"Thirty thousand! We want thirty thousand squid heads! Regardless of age or gender, as long as they are squid heads, that's fine! We'll use their heads to build an altar to worship the heavens and commemorate the brothers who have died tragically over the years!" His words were resounding and his expression was firm.

The other soldiers in the tent also showed expressions of indignation.

They were completely convinced.

I'm willing to be driven by Shen Tang, and that's my condition.

If you can, then do it.

No, we should all compromise.

You provide the food, we'll guard the pass.

They keep to themselves and don't interfere with each other's affairs.

but--

Is Shen Tang the kind of person who would back down when things get tough?

Without even blinking, she sneered, "Thirty thousand black and strong heads? Fine, of course, no problem!"

Yu, the registrar, and others were taken aback.

Knowing the conditions were stringent, they proactively added additional requirements to lower the difficulty—any head from the Ten Crows would suffice, regardless of age or gender—generally, a few tribes could meet the requirement. But what about "the heads of able-bodied young men"? How difficult that would be?

The commander, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

"Is Mr. Shen telling the truth?"

Shen Tang said, "Of course it's true. Do you all remember why that scoundrel Zheng Qiao transferred me here?"

The transfer to Longwu County, and the safe escort of the princess intended for the marriage alliance to Shiwu, left a great deal of room for maneuver.

|ω`)

My younger brother is getting married tomorrow.

Although I don't need to do anything, I still need to get up early...

Sigh, I'm sleepy at this hour...

(End of this chapter)