Chapter 070

Chapter 070

Having settled the matter of staying or leaving, the rest could wait. Xiao Zhen asked Sun Wei to take a few women to the kitchen to prepare food while he brought two strong villagers to escort Tong Sui and Xiao She to the stone gate.

Only then did Tong Sui descend from the cliff using the horizontal ladder, her long hair loosely tied with a cloth band.

Seeing the two men behind Xiao Zhen looking at her with joy, Tong Sui's mood lightened. "Are we going down the mountain?"

One of the strong villagers quipped, "Second Lady, Second Master said he’s not leaving; he wants to stay and be the chief of the stronghold. You’ll be our chief’s wife!"

Tong Sui laughed but didn’t believe it.

Xiao Zhen patted the two horses he had led over. "Get on. We’ll talk as we go."

Tong Sui and Xiao She mounted the horses and rode beside him.

Xiao Zhen didn’t rush into serious matters but looked at Tong Sui’s clothes instead. "Are you cold?"

The mountains were naturally cooler than the lowlands, especially since it was just dawn and the heat hadn’t risen yet.

Tong Sui had experienced alternating chills and warmth throughout the night, but none of it was due to the mountain climate. Now that everything was settled, she felt relieved and couldn’t feel anything else for the moment.

Xiao She: "Second Brother, is there food inside? I’m hungry."

Xiao Zhen: "I’ve already had someone prepare it. We’ll eat before going down the mountain."

Xiao She smiled.

As they spoke, the three exited the canyon.

Tong Sui instinctively pulled on the reins.

Before her lay an exceptionally vast valley floor, with varied terrain including flat land, small hills, and even a winding stream. Such a vast area, except for some old trees and shrubs growing under the cliffs and along the roads, almost all the arable land had been cultivated, revealing a sea of green seedlings from afar.

The houses were clustered on a small hill in the northwest corner of the valley, seemingly built around it one by one.

Xiao Zhen introduced them: "There are nearly a hundred acres of farmland here. The annual harvest can basically support two hundred people."

Xiao She: "If the bandits have land, why do they still need to raid villages for food?"

Xiao Zhen: "With three hundred bandits, these lands are far from enough if everyone needs to be well-fed. Besides, they recruited another two hundred bandits this year."

Xiao She angrily said, "Thankfully we got rid of them in time, or they would have harmed more villages."

Tong Sui began to feel sorry for the land. "If we leave, won’t this land be left fallow?"

Xiao Zhen looked at her. "Not just the land, but also the mules, swords, money, and grain left by the bandits—all must be handed over to the government."

Hearing this, Tong Sui immediately looked at the more than two hundred mules being led to the stables by the villagers. A mule could fetch five taels of silver, and horses were even more valuable. In other words, these mules and horses were worth at least a thousand taels of silver!

It wouldn’t matter if it wasn’t related to her, but the bandits were eradicated through the combined efforts of her and the villagers, and the government hadn’t lifted a finger. Why should they reap the benefits?

Xiao Zhen continued, "These are all material things. It doesn’t matter if we lose them. But if County Magistrate Liu learns that Lingshui Village has the ability to eliminate five hundred bandits, he might either recruit the strong villagers into his militia or accuse us of secretly manufacturing weapons and raising troops out of fear."

Corrupt officials feared the most when the common people caused trouble. Eliminating a bandit gang is good news for County Magistrate Liu, but having a stronger Lingshui Village would make him uneasy. Could he still sleep soundly?

Tong Sui panicked and asked in unison with Xiao She, "What should we do?"

Xiao Zhen then explained his plan to have Sun Dian, Xiao Ye, and others fake their deaths and remain at Imprisoned Dragon Ridge.

Xiao She accepted it immediately, saying, "Should I stay too? To make it look more convincing."

Xiao Zhen: "That’s not appropriate. We have plenty of land and can’t afford to lose more laborers. Besides, if you don’t go back, Second Aunt will kill me."

Xiao She thought about his mother’s behavior and awkwardly rubbed his head.

Xiao Zhen sent him to find Sun Dian and others first, then rode closer to Tong Sui, looking closely at the girl with a worried expression. "Afraid that if the news leaks, the government will hold you and your father-in-law accountable?"

Tong Sui looked at his hand holding the reins loosely and, after a long silence, asked softly, "Did you and Grandfather foresee this step when you started making guns?"

Xiao Zhen: "Not entirely. If Kong'er and Kong San hadn’t led people to attack Lingshui Village, we wouldn’t have needed to counterattack Imprisoned Dragon Ridge."

Tong Sui raised her eyes and met his gaze directly. "After taking over the mountain, is the next step rebellion?"

Xiao Zhen: "That depends on whether the government gives us a way to live."

His gaze was calm, as if discussing a meal. Tong Sui looked away, her heart entangled in a mess.

Rebellion is a capital offense that involves the execution of nine generations. If she had a choice, she would never get involved lightly. But did she still have a way out now?

Even if she severed ties with the Xiao family immediately after going down the mountain, unless she reported them to the government herself, she would still bear the blame for "withholding information" if anything happened in the future.

To betray her family to save herself?

Tong Sui couldn’t do it. The meticulous Xiao Zhen and the old man probably wouldn’t give her the chance to betray everyone.

In other words, she, Tong Sui, was destined to be bound to the Xiao family, including her own family. Both families could only advance and retreat together.

Resent the Xiao family for putting her in such danger?

But the Xiao family always acted to protect themselves, as well as Lingshui Village and the surrounding people.

No resentment. If it were just her alone on the Xiao family’s dangerous boat, it would be fine. But what about her innocent parents and brother?

Her vision blurred. Tong Sui never imagined that on her birthday, she would receive such a significant gift from her husband.

Xiao Zhen raised his hand and wiped away her tears with his sleeve. "Trust me once. I will never lead you to a dead end."

Tong Sui had no choice. She pushed his hand away. "I will listen to you and continue to be the Xiao family’s daughter-in-law. But I must tell my father and mother about this. If they decide to move elsewhere, please don’t stop them, okay?"

Xiao Zhen: "If your parents-in-law really insist on leaving, you can go with them. Both my grandfather and I trust you; we don't need to hold you hostage."

After saying this, he suddenly lifted Tong Sui onto his horse, holding her tightly. "We've been married for two months now. What kind of person do you think I am?"

Tong Sui closed her eyes.

What kind of person was he?

A husband who could take good care of her, a man who could remain exceptionally calm while killing over a dozen people, and a military family descendant capable of forming an army.

Regardless of the disparity in their backgrounds, Tong Sui had never felt that she and Xiao Zhen were fundamentally different, until today, until this moment.

---

Breakfast was prepared and laid out in the former meeting hall of the bandits.

With about two hundred people, each table crammed ten, totaling twenty tables.

Tong Sui was seated at the table with the four Xiao brothers, the Sun brothers, and Zhang Wengong.

No matter how many things she harbored in her heart, Tong Sui maintained a gentle smile, quiet and composed.

"Our successful entry is all thanks to Second Sister-in-Law's arrow. Otherwise, if the bandit guarding the gate had noticed something from his high vantage point and alerted the others inside, our fight wouldn't have been as smooth," Xiao Ye said loudly, praising his second sister-in-law.

Xiao Yan truly admired Tong Sui. This woman not only could shoot through grass and brick walls but also showed no mercy when shooting people!

"Here's to Second Sister-in-Law!"

Xiao Yan grabbed a wine jug and called out.

Xiao Zhen shot him a sharp glance. "Those who will be accompanying me down the mountain must not drink."

Sun Wei explained to Xiao Yan, "If the villagers smell alcohol on us, who would believe that our brothers are in trouble? Let's toast Second Lady with water instead."

With their encouragement, all the young men stood up, smiling at Tong Sui, including Xiao Zhen.

Tong Sui blushed deeply, but fortunately, the tall figures around her formed a wall, almost blocking out the intense gazes from outside.

She could only lift her bowl and make a gesture of acknowledgment.

After the toast, everyone started eating and chatting.

At Xiao Zhen's table, they discussed managing affairs within Imprisoned Dragon Ridge. By the end of the meal, Xiao Zhen had established ten military rules, which Zhang Wengong read aloud to everyone. These included the gun training regimen from Lingshui Village, prohibitions against group drinking and gambling, private brawls, and harassment of civilians. Violators would face corporal punishment or execution.

The hall was filled with law-abiding, passionate villagers who agreed to follow these rules.

Someone asked, "Second Master, what should we do with the women and children left behind by the bandits?"

Despite their passion, the men's baser instincts were evident, and the hall erupted in laughter.

Sitting beside Xiao Zhen, Tong Sui silently lowered her eyes.

Xiao Zhen reminded everyone, "They are indeed the bandits' leftovers, but they were innocent girls taken from nearby villages, just like our sisters in Lingshui Village. Some of you might even have met them during visits."

The laughter gradually subsided.

Xiao Zhen instructed Sun Wei and Zhang Wengong to bring all the women and children over.

There were forty-six young women, none older than thirty. Some had not yet given birth, some were pregnant, and some held infants or stood with toddlers.

All gathered, some cried softly, some nervously surveyed the unfamiliar men, and some looked numb.

Xiao Zhen looked at the women. "We are not bandits, but since we occupy this ridge, we have our secrets. Until we can openly descend the mountain, you must stay here."

The women continued to exhibit the same three reactions.

Xiao Zhen: "Is there anyone who wants to avenge the dead bandits?"

A relatively calm woman raised her head, her gaze sharp. "We were all taken by the bandits. Their deaths bring us relief!"

Xiao Zhen nodded and looked at the children. "The bandits are dead, but these children are their offspring, our enemies' bloodline. We won't harm these innocent children, but we won't raise our enemies' children either. When we leave the mountain, we'll send them to orphanages. If any of you don't want to be separated from your children, step to this side. You can then find a place to settle with your children."

Unmarried women didn't need to consider this, but those with children showed signs of struggle or shed tears. In the end, no one stepped forward.

These children represented humiliation and pain, too difficult to bear but also unwanted burdens in a world where survival was uncertain.

Xiao Zhen noted this and had Zhang Wengong record the names of the children and their mothers to avoid mistakes when sending them away.

After recording everything, Xiao Zhen continued, "As you can see, most of my brothers are single and unmarried. If you wish to marry, you can choose from among them, and it will be recognized as a proper marriage. If you don't want to marry, you can work here—cooking, washing clothes, or tending livestock. I guarantee that my brothers will not mistreat you, and any violators will face military discipline."

Sun Dian: "This is a good plan. Are the brothers willing?"

The women taken by the bandits were at least decent-looking, and the bachelors from Lingshui Village were certainly interested in marrying them.

Xiao Zhen: "Those who want to marry, step forward."

Immediately, about a hundred men stepped out, standing tall and proud.

Next, it was up to the women to choose.

Would they pick someone to marry, ensuring at least some support and protection, or trust the words of the second master that they would not be mistreated even if they remained unmarried?

Of the forty-six women, only three chose not to marry, while the other forty-three selected a man they found acceptable.

This was a form of mutual consent. The rejected men, though disappointed, accepted the outcome.

Assigning rooms and land was not difficult, with Sun Dian, Xiao Ye, and Zhang Wengong overseeing it.

Before leaving, Xiao Zhen told Sun Dian, "You are the eldest among the three. Think of these brothers and the Sun clan in Lingshui Village. Guard the stone gate strictly and enforce the military rules. Do not act impulsively."

Sun Dian snorted. "I know, no need for you to remind me."

Xiao Zhen instructed Xiao Ye, "You excel at training soldiers, so lead everyone in practicing with swords, spears, and bows. But don't be arrogant or overconfident. Consult with Sun Dian and Wengong when issues arise."

Xiao Ye: "Second Brother, don’t worry; I understand."

Third Brother can't let go of Third Sister-in-law, Fifth Younger Brother is too naive and easily manipulated, and Second Brother needs to handle the communication between the mountain and the village. It's best for him to stay in the mountains to keep things stable.

Xiao Zhen patted Zhang Wengong on the shoulder. "I have no qualms about you managing the warehouse. Don't see yourself as an outsider. If those two make any mistakes, speak up directly. If they don't listen, I'll deal with them later."

Zhang Wengong hurriedly said, "Second Master, you're being too modest. I should be learning more from Elder Brother Sun and Fourth Brother."

Xiao Zhen: "No need for humility. I know what each of you is capable of."

Sun Dian, Xiao Ye: "..."

A quarter of an hour later, four mules galloped out of the stone gate. Among them, Xiao Yan, Xiao She, and Sun Wei each rode one, while Tong Sui shared a ride with Xiao Zhen.

To make it look convincing, the four men had just inflicted minor wounds on each other, leaving them with injured arms or legs, covered in blood.

Xiao Zhen led Tong Sui at the back.

Tong Sui sat in front, able to see the torn sleeve on his right arm and the bloody wound beneath.

"What do you think about my arrangements for those women?"

The man behind her seemed to feel no pain as he spoke to her.

Tong Sui fell silent for a moment. "Isn't it too rushed? Wouldn't it be better to wait until everyone gets to know each other better before trying to match them up?"

Now, those women hardly understand how Xiao Zhen and the others operate. They dare not believe he can give them jobs without taking advantage of them. Out of fear, they naturally lean towards finding a protector first.

Xiao Zhen: "If we were living in the village, your idea would be right. However, Imprisoned Dragon Ridge is too isolated. With two hundred men and forty women trapped together, it's like having two hundred wolves and forty sheep. Without establishing ownership early, the wolves will fight over the prey, leading to chaos."

Tong Sui was silent.

Xiao Zhen nuzzled the top of her head. "I need overall stability. I can't ensure fairness for everyone."

Tong Sui understood his point and admitted that his arrangement was best for the brothers on Imprisoned Dragon Ridge. A group of young, passionate men who barely survived as bandits, only to die fighting over women, would be a tragic end indeed.

But she was also a woman, one of those sheep.

Should the sheep simply be left to the mercy of the wolves?

Tong Sui didn't want to be that kind of sheep.

The mountain path was winding and rugged, with the four mules sometimes speeding up and sometimes slowing down.

The moment they finally left the forest, the bright summer sunlight flooded in like a wave, blinding Tong Sui and making her turn away and close her eyes.

When she opened them again, the mountains remained the same, serene and peaceful nearby, with a clear blue sky in the distance.

She was being led by a wolf, walking on an unfamiliar path.