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Cangshan, Qinglong Village
On the fifth day of the new year, the mountain bandits were joyfully hosting a feast to welcome the God of Wealth.
Snow was falling from the sky, but it didn’t dampen their spirits.
After Qiu Hai had received toasts from the heads and brothers, he poured another cup of wine and toasted Xue Xu, “Thanks to your wisdom, our Qinglong Village has been able to develop and grow over the years. In the new year, I hope our Qinglong Village will continue to thrive.”
The old man, Xue Xu, smiled and drank.
At this moment, someone reported good news, “Chief, our informants from Qingxi Village have sent word that a fat sheep has arrived in their village. It’s a convoy with a dozen carriages, and they say it’s all full of supplies.”
Upon hearing this, everyone’s eyes turned to the messenger with great interest.
“What kind of people are in this convoy?”
“Mainly wealthy merchants and their hired bodyguards.”
The bandits below were eager, and the four heads under the village leader were also excited. They loved wealthy merchant convoys!
“In addition, there’s an officer and four attendants who are responsible for escorting prisoners to Pingzhou.”
Xue Xu sensed something was off. Why are there officers and attendants with prisoners at this time of year? It isn’t the season for transporting prisoners.
“Do you know how many prisoners there are and their identities?” he asked, feeling that these prisoners might have special identities.
“It’s too soon to find out. All we know is that there are three young men in shackles.”
Xue Xu felt the configuration was unusual. An officer and four attendants for just three young men?
The opponent hadn’t mentioned that these three young men were in good spirits and didn’t look like the usual emaciated and weak prisoners. Although the prisoners’ beards and hair weren’t well-maintained, they appeared relatively clean. Unfortunately, the informant was just a villager and didn’t notice such details.
Xue Xu and Qiu Hai suggested, “Chief, our village is quite prosperous at the moment and doesn’t lack food or supplies. Why don’t we just let them go?”
Before the chief could speak, the other heads couldn’t help but voice their opinions.
The second head said, “Boss Xue Xu, you’re mistaken. Our Qinglong Village may not worry about food and drink now, but a fat sheep is hard to come by. Besides, the lean months of March and April are approaching, and we need to prepare more.”
Xue Xu replied, “I just think these people seem unusual. It’s better to be cautious.”
The third head followed up, “What’s there to fear? As the saying goes, wealth and danger go hand in hand. We’re bandits, after all; we do dangerous work. What’s there to be afraid of?”
The fourth head said boldly, “Yeah, it’s just a few officers and attendants. Why be scared?”
“The problem is Boss Xue Xu is too cautious. Out of ten times, he’d advise against charging in five times,” joked the fifth head, though his dissatisfaction was clear.
“And these exiles are indeed quite special. They’re the kind of prisoners who are likely to be sent off at a time when they’re least capable. Those with the ability would be sent after the weather warms up. If they’re sent now, it’s likely there’s no choice or they’re intentionally being sent to die. Do we really need to be afraid of such people?”
Village Chief Qiu Hai said, “Everyone, be quiet! Do not speak disrespectfully to Boss Xue Xu!” After making this statement, he turned to Xue Xu and said, “Boss Xue Xu, please don’t take offense. I know that whether it’s you or the brothers, everyone is thinking of Qinglong Village.”
Xue Xu smiled, “I understand, Chief.”
“As for this operation…” Qiu Hai pondered,
At this point, some of the bandits, under the heads’ signals, started to make a commotion.
“Chief, let’s go for it! This is our first operation of the year! If we succeed, it will set the tone for a prosperous year for Qinglong Village.”
“Yeah, without some unexpected wealth, you can’t get rich! Let’s do it!”
“Exactly, if there’s a fat sheep passing by, why not slaughter it?”
“We’re the strongest bandits in Cangshan. Not to mention a fat sheep, even a fly that tries to pass through Cangshan has to leave a leg behind!”
“Our Qinglong Village only robs wealth, not lives. Those who encounter us are truly blessed by their ancestors, hahaha…”
Xue Xu chose to remain silent. You’re reckless and overconfident! Be careful not to end up with your teeth knocked out without even catching the sheep!
He thought to himself that he couldn’t stay in Qinglong Village any longer. Arrogant troops are doomed to fail. Even if they succeed this time, their work is inherently dangerous, and being so reckless could lead to disastrous consequences.
Faced with the enthusiasm of the bandits, Qiu Hai found himself in a difficult position. Although he had doubts about Xue Xu’s warnings, refusing them now would demoralize the troops. Additionally, agreeing with Xue Xu might undermine his authority as the chief, making it hard to lead the group.
He raised his hand to calm the agitated bandits. “Don’t rush. It’s snowing heavily outside. Let’s continue drinking and eating!”
Previously, they avoided targeting officers and prisoners for two main reasons: one was the officials’ status, and the other was that there was no profit in such acts. Since there was a need to act now, it was no longer a concern. They didn’t intend to take lives, so it should be manageable.
His words were taken as a decision, and the atmosphere became even more lively.
“Right, right! Drink and eat! It’s just right to let them relax their guard. Once the snow stops or lessens, we’ll strike immediately and catch them off guard.”
“Hahaha…”
Late at night, Yan Liang, wrapped in thick winter clothes and covered with a white linen cloak, walked through the snow-covered wilderness. When he was finally led by Qin Sheng to avoid Qinglong Village’s patrols and arrived at the courtyard where they were staying in Qingxi Village, he suddenly felt confident about their plan to encircle Qinglong Village.
Upon meeting Lu Mingzhi for the first time, Yan Liang praised him repeatedly.
What could Lu Mingzhi do? He could only offer an awkward yet polite smile.
Yan Liang brought all the information collected by the authorities about Qinglong Village. He told them that Qinglong Village was quite cunning. They had tried to lure them out with schemes but had failed.
Village Chief Qiu Hai was very cautious and shrewd. Even the slightest hint of danger would make him retreat into the village, sending other heads out on missions—much like a turtle hiding in its shell. As a result, their previous attempts to suppress the bandits had never fully succeeded, and Qinglong Village had only grown stronger over time.
The subsequent battle plans against Qinglong Village were discussed by the Qin brothers, Xu Zheng, Yang Wei, and Yan Liang, while Lu Songli did not participate.
Qinglong Village’s reliance was on internal support and geographical advantages. She had already enlisted the help needed. Qin Heng and Qin Zhao were seasoned generals, so she believed the remaining tasks would be handled well. Additionally, Old Madam Qin was ill, requiring her attention.
What they needed to be most cautious about was an old man named Xue Xu, who had appeared beside Qiu Hai three years ago.
Village Chief Qiu Hai of Qinglong Village was known for his boldness and willingness to take risks. His favorite saying was, “Wealth and honor are sought through danger.”
The change in Qinglong Village’s operating style began three years ago. However, Lu Songli believed that while circumstances may change, one’s nature remains constant. Qiu Hai was inherently a gambler, and his repeated successes over the past three years likely intensified his risk-taking tendencies. Lu Songli was confident that he would act this time.