In just half a month, Song Jinzhao and Song Qiming led their men to heavily eradicate bandits in Suining Prefecture, sweeping clean every mountain stronghold they visited without leaving even a single grain of rice behind.
The bandits were struck with terror, not even daring to step out of their doors, and some even entertained the thought of disbanding their crews to flee for their lives.
The commoners, on the other hand, were overjoyed, raising their voices to the heavens: Long live the County Princess! The righteous officials have finally arrived.
Despite this, the bandit eradication plan did not stop.
After clearing out Yunzhu County and Songhe County, Song Jinzhao and Song Qiming directly led their men toward Yanshan County and Qingxia County, not even returning to Suining City to rest and regroup.
In a mountain col of Mount Feiyun within Yanshan County, the Tiangang Stronghold, which ranked third in power, had been steeped in an oppressive atmosphere for many consecutive days.
No voices could be heard in the stronghold, and even footsteps were exceptionally light.
Inside the hall, the five bosses gathered around a table, each looking worse than the last.
Sitting at the end, the Fifth Boss said, News just came that Duanlong Stronghold has been overrun by the government troops. I am afraid we are next.
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene fell into an even deeper silence.
After a long silence, the Third Boss slammed his fist hard onto the table, gritting his teeth, his chest aching with anger.
Wiping out all the mountain bandits in Suining Prefecture—they sure have the nerve to dream big!
The Fourth Boss looked up, his eyes filled with gloom, his tone laced with heavy frustration.
They are almost there. If we do not do something soon, we are dead meat.
At first, they thought the government would stop after wiping out a few strongholds, assuming it was nothing more than new officials trying to establish their authority.
Who could have imagined that this sweep would last so long? In just one month, seventeen strongholds had already been destroyed. The speed and determination of this eradication campaign were terrifying.
The Fifth Boss asked in bitter anguish, questioning both the others and himself.
Do we have any other choice but to make a last stand?
The Third Boss and Fourth Boss fell silent.
Unable to think of a way out, the three of them turned their gazes to the other two who had remained silent all along.
Big Brother, say something.
Seeing them not utter a single word, the three younger brothers felt incredibly frustrated.
Staying silent when the fire was burning their eyebrows—did they want their brothers to just sit and wait for death?
If that was the case, they might as well open the stronghold gates and surrender. At least they could save their own lives.
But not a single one of them dared to say those words out loud.
After an unknown amount of time, the Second Boss of Tiangang Stronghold, Poison Scorpion, said, As long as the green hills remain, there will be no shortage of firewood.
Big Brother, let us leave Mount Feiyun, head to Songzhou City, and find another mountain to start over. The Suining prefectural office has no jurisdiction there.
The chief of Tiangang Stronghold, Xiong Batian, said with a heavy tone, The Suining prefectural office might not have jurisdiction, but the Songzhou prefectural office does. They have three thousand soldiers; who could they not attack?
The newly sprouted hope was instantly shattered, and the three men lowered their heads in silence once more.
After pondering for a long time, Xiong Batian closed his eyes and slowly exhaled.
He clenched his fists and subtly swept his gaze over the four men.
Take your men immediately and set up ambushes on the four mountain paths. As soon as the government army arrives, strike at once. I want them all to die halfway up the mountain.
Exchanging glances, the four helplessly nodded in agreement.
The government troops brought by Song Jinzhao and Song Qiming were highly capable in combat. Even if the ambush succeeded, victory was not guaranteed. They were truly finished this time.
Over half of the stronghold's manpower was led out by the four men.
In the middle of the night, when the bandits assigned to keep watch had fallen asleep, Xiong Batian secretly jumped out of his room's window.
Clutching his chest and looking around, he carefully navigated his way through the stronghold.
Reaching the southwest corner of the wall, he decisively crouched down and pushed aside the rocks blocking a small hole.
Xiong Batian paused to listen carefully for any movement outside. Once certain that no one was there, he decisively crawled out through the hole.
