Chapter Forty-Seven: Xu Village, Xu Chu the Tiger Marquis!

"Where's Sister? Where did she go?"

Xiao Qiao's heart was pounding wildly, utterly devoid of any sense of security. Her mind was blank, and she had no idea what to do.

Although her brother-in-law was a good man who liked to tell stories, she had never...

At that moment, Chu Feng finished fastening his armor.

By the light of the moon, he strode toward the bedside, his steps measured and heavy. With each step he took, Xiao Qiao grew more anxious.

What should she do?

Sister, please come back soon. Brother-in-law has mistaken me for you, and if you don't return soon, something terrible will happen! Xiao Qiao’s delicate hands clutched the quilt tightly, her nerves stretched taut.

Chu Feng sat on the edge of the bed, removed his shoes and socks, then stood up again to fetch some cold water and wipe away the sweat of the summer’s heat.

Xiao Qiao’s mood eased a little. Peeking out from beneath the corner of the blanket, she glimpsed his eight-pack abs, lean and without an ounce of excess flesh. There were scars—old and new—across his body.

Most startling was her brother-in-law’s... well, wooden...

It was intimidating!

She hid her eyes behind the blanket, then couldn’t help but peek again. That cursed curiosity! And the tension...

After a moment, Chu Feng finished washing. He came over in strides, and Xiao Qiao was stunned.

Shameless brother-in-law! Xiao Qiao hurriedly feigned sleep, turning away, her heart pounding. He was still coming!

What should she do, what should she do!

Chu Feng didn’t think much of it, simply burrowed into the covers.

Xiao Qiao: "???"

She began to doubt her own existence! Her whole body trembled, silently wishing Chu Feng would hurry up and fall asleep, and her sister would return quickly.

Chu Feng felt the trembling and asked suspiciously, "Wife, are you feeling unwell?"

Xiao Qiao: "…………"

Chu Feng sensed something was off tonight—like he was missing something. Just then, the long-absent system voice echoed in his mind:

"Congratulations, host, you have triggered the Rogue Choice!"

"1. Go to sleep, reward: Great Brother*999!"

"2. Pretend not to know, and act with Xiao Qiao... reward: Top-tier Brewing Method, Top-tier Yeast, Sauce-flavored Maotai*30 bottles, Thunder Bow*1."

"Please choose!"

Chu Feng: "?!?"

What the heck, this is Xiao Qiao beside him?

Damn, he suddenly remembered—today was supposed to be Xiao Qiao’s night to stay over, and he had completely forgotten. So that's how it is!

But then, if Xiao Qiao is here, where is Da Qiao? Where did she go?

Of course, none of that was the main concern right now.

The main concern was...

"System, I choose your grandma’s leg! She's my sister-in-law, and besides, am I that kind of person? Absolutely not!" Chu Feng replied righteously.

"Beep... System crash... Ding, since host is attempting the Rogue task for the first time, an extra reward will be added. Completing the task will grant Binoculars*5."

Chu Feng muttered, "The system can crash?"

---

"System, this task is rather difficult. Broadly speaking, I can't do it; narrowly speaking, I still can't. So, how about... you add a bit more?" Chu Feng shamelessly continued.

System: "???"

"Ding, scanning in progress 1%...100%. Beep, scan results show host's inner thoughts and spoken words are severely inconsistent.

Given host's shameless actions, which fit the ultimate Rogue persona, you are awarded Four-Dimensional Detection ability. This ability allows you to detect the four-dimensional status of everyone within your line of sight."

Chu Feng: "…………"

Good grief, this thing can even scan his inner thoughts? And label him ultimate shameless? It must be joking!

He seriously doubted the system’s scan—he was definitely not that kind of person!

"Hmph, I choose option 2!"

Chu Feng declared, full of righteousness.

For the sake of the nation, for the common people, for my forty million brothers, I will sacrifice a little. Who else but me should descend into hell?

Xiao Qiao: "Sister, brother-in-law, ..."

…

---

In the second year of Jian’an, mid-July!

Chu Feng quelled the rebellion in Lujiang, repelled all the way to the Yangtze and Huai, and word spread across the land. All the lords took notice, and their view of Chu Feng changed.

The most restless among them were Sun and Cao!

Meanwhile, under Chu Feng’s governance, the authorities opened the granaries to relieve disaster. Not only did this allow the people of the Yangtze-Huai region to survive, but refugees from the Central Plains also flocked to this place.

At the same time, his decree inviting talent spread widely in Runan, Peiguo, Lujiang, and Jiujiang. Combined with Chu Feng’s defeat of Liu Xun and his benevolent opening of the granaries, his reputation for righteousness spread far and wide.

Whether in ability, virtue, or domain, he was extraordinarily attractive to talent.

So, countless aspiring men traveled from afar. Of course, the top figures were mostly already committed elsewhere; those who came would likely be minor talents from counties.

—

Peiguo,

Outside Qiao County, in Xu Family Village.

A burly man was discussing matters with several dozen others.

"Zhongkang, you decide. Whoever you choose to serve, we’ll follow," one man declared heartily, pounding his chest.

The burly man’s waist was as thick as ten men’s, his face full of fierce lines. His glare alone could frighten ordinary folk into collapse.

"Although Liu Bei of Xiao Pei is virtuous, he has few troops and little territory—if we go, there’s nowhere to use our skills. As for Lü Bu of Xuzhou, his martial skills are fine, but he’s untrustworthy. I won’t go!"

Xu Chu frowned as he pondered.

"Zhongkang, that leaves only Cao Cao of Yingchuan and Chu Feng of the Yangtze-Huai. Further afield, men like Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, or Sun Ce would require moving the whole clan, which is difficult," a relative said gravely.

"Yes, I’m inclined toward Cao Cao or Chu Feng. Cao Cao holds the emperor and commands the lords, ruling Yan and Yu, and is eager for talent—a place to show our worth."

"Besides, Qiao County is under Cao Cao's domain, so our clan’s safety is assured. That's the primary choice. But Cao Cao lost great generals and kin for a woman—sigh!"

Xu Chu sighed.

Qiao County was Cao Cao's hometown, and Xu Chu very much wanted to join him, but the man’s foolish actions over a woman made him furious.

"As for Chu Feng, he has recently excelled—relieving disaster, slaying Liu Xun. He lacks civil and military talent, so it’s a good opportunity."

"But his territory is small, caught between Cao Cao and Sun Ce—a tough choice," Xu Chu said, scratching his head in frustration.

"Zhongkang, I’ve heard Chu Feng is the bravest of three armies, able to fight a hundred men. Rumor has it he has the courage of a hegemon. Let’s go to Shouchun first and see. If he’s only famous, we’ll join Cao Cao."

"If he lives up to his reputation, then he must be both civil and martial. He’s recruiting, and needs talent—let’s serve him. What do you think?" another suggested.

—

"Zhongkang, Ziping is right. If he truly lives up to his reputation, let’s join him. After all, Cao Cao has many civil and military talents, and values kin. Even you might not stand out."

"On the other hand, Chu Feng’s best general is only Ji Ling, who claims to be his top warrior. If you join, you’d be the strongest," another chimed in.

Xu Chu pondered—their arguments were sound. Under Cao Cao, he might not be valued. Under Chu Feng, who lacked both civil and military talent, he’d certainly be put to use.

Plus, Qiao County wasn’t far from Chu Feng’s territory, so moving there wouldn’t be troublesome, even if the clan had to relocate later.

"Alright, let’s go to Shouchun and take a look!"

—

Danyang, county seat Wanling.

At the General’s mansion in the city.

Sun Ce was planning how to attack Zu Lang, Jiao Yi, Yan Baihu, and Taishi Ci, when he heard word from his subordinates: his old friend Zhou Yu had come to visit.

Sun Ce personally went out to welcome him.

Seeing his long-lost confidant, Sun Ce gave him a hearty embrace and said, "Gongjin, why didn’t you let me know you were coming?"

"It happened suddenly," Zhou Yu replied with a bitter smile.

"What do you mean?" Sun Ce asked, puzzled.

Zhou Yu explained, "After Yuan Shu abdicated, Chu Feng sent people twice to find me. The first time, I had already left for Ju Chao, and heard rumors."

"The second time, after Lujiang fell, someone came to Ju Chao seeking me. If I hadn’t been cautious, it could have been dangerous... That’s why I hurried here by night," Zhou Yu shook his head.

"Haha, that little rogue Chu Feng is seeking talent. But his domain is small, with little land or grain, and he lacks both civil and military skills. What use is recruiting?" Sun Ce laughed.

"Bo Fu, don’t underestimate him!"

"Though I haven’t met him, Chu Feng’s methods are extraordinary. Liu Xun had tens of thousands of troops, yet within half a month, they were destroyed. Yuan Shu’s generals were fierce, but willingly surrendered their command—a remarkable feat," Zhou Yu said seriously.

"Gongjin, I know Yuan Shu’s generals well. Each lacks both courage and strategy, and is arrogant and rude. If not for the trouble caused by Zu Lang and others in Danyang, I’d have crossed the river to attack them long ago!" Sun Ce spoke confidently.

There was reason for his confidence. Since raising his army, Sun Ce had never lost: attacking Lu Kang, defeating Liu Yao, vanquishing Yan Baihu, and taking several counties west of Danyang, he now controlled three commanderies.

"Bo Fu, tell me about the current situation," Zhou Yu urged.

"Wu and Kuaiji are firmly in my hands. Chen Yu has allied with Zu Lang and other bandits, disturbing Danyang. Once I pacify them, Jiangdong will be secure!"

"Then I’ll cross north to strike them!" Sun Ce said, clenching his fist. He had long wanted to deal with Yuan Shu, but Chen Yu’s betrayal delayed him.

"Bo Fu, Chu Feng is not like Wang Lang or Xu Gong, who collapse at attack. Besides, your immediate priority is not Chu Feng, but pacifying the bandits and taking Yuzhang!"

"Only by capturing Yuzhang can you command the Yangtze, relying on its natural barrier. You can advance to attack Jiangxia and Jiujiang, retreat to defend Chaisang, and guard the crossing at Hengjiang."

"Once that's done, you can deal with Chu Feng’s two northern counties. Even if Chu Feng has great skill, he can't cross the river to strike your heartland. That is the path to victory!" Zhou Yu spoke solemnly.

He knew that as long as Yuzhang remained untaken, Huang Zu of Jiangxia could cross the river at any time, and their army would lack control of the waterways. If Chu Feng crossed from elsewhere, they would be powerless.

Sun Ce frowned—he had wanted to deal with Chu Feng first.

"Lord, General Zhou is absolutely right. Yuzhang is the key to victory. Without it, the Yangtze’s natural barrier is useless to us. Moreover, Liu Biao to the west is far stronger than Chu Feng; we must not neglect him," Huang Gai said, fist raised in agreement.

The other officers also voiced their approval.

To be fair, Zhou Yu’s strategic vision was sharp—he immediately spotted the critical point. If not for his early death, perhaps Liu Bei would have had little role.

"But if we let Chu Feng grow unchecked, he may become a problem in the future," Sun Ce frowned, mainly because he’d heard Chu Feng was a peerless warrior and wanted to test him.

"Lord, I have a plan that will wound him deeply and keep him running ragged!"