Chapter 110: Mission Completed

The people in the hall fell into silence again, the atmosphere so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

Lin Xiaodong's gaze swept over everyone's faces, finally landing on Jiang Xiaomu.

"Mr. Jiang, you just said this might not be a bad thing… What exactly do you mean?"

Jiang Xiaomu smiled slightly and said:

"Stronghold Chief Lin, think about it—now the world is in chaos, the people cannot make a living."

"Even if Heifengzhai isn't pacified by the imperial court, how long can you enjoy carefree freedom?"

He paused, then continued:

"Rather than becoming outlaws, living in fear, it's better to accept amnesty, clear your names, and start anew."

"Besides, Prefect Zhao also said, as long as you sincerely submit,"

"the imperial court will not only not pursue your crimes,"

"but will also assign you posts, letting you live peaceful lives."

Jiang Xiaomu's words were like a bolt of lightning, tearing through the fog in everyone's hearts.

Yeah, they became bandits just to survive, right?

Now there's a chance to clear their names and start over—why not take it?

Lin Xiaodong pondered for a moment, then finally made up his mind.

"Fine! I accept Prefect Zhao's terms!"

"But," he shifted his tone, fixing Jiang Xiaomu with a sharp stare.

"I have a demand!"

"Stronghold Chief Lin, please speak."

Jiang Xiaomu cupped his fists and said.

"I want you to guarantee the safety of me and my brothers!"

Lin Xiaodong said, word by word:

"If the imperial court goes back on its word, I, Lin Xiaodong, will risk my life to drag a few down with me!"

Jiang Xiaomu and Li Wenqing exchanged a glance, both seeing amusement in the other's eyes.

"Stronghold Chief Lin, rest assured—Prefect Zhao always keeps his word and never goes back on it."

Jiang Xiaomu said solemnly:

"As long as you sincerely submit, the imperial court will surely treat you well."

"Good! Then it's settled."

Lin Xiaodong waved his hand.

"Someone, release Assistant Official Zhang's daughter!"

Soon, a young woman bound tightly, crying with tears like pear blossoms in rain, was brought forward.

"Father! Father!"

The woman saw Assistant Official Zhang and immediately cried out, throwing herself at him.

Assistant Official Zhang burst into tears, tightly embracing his daughter, too moved to speak.

Li Wenqing, seeing this, quickly said:

"Stronghold Chief Lin is truly a man of righteousness that reaches the clouds!"

"I will faithfully report today's events to Prefect Zhao, letting him know of Stronghold Chief Lin's sincerity!"

Lin Xiaodong waved his hand and said:

"Sir Li, you're too polite—this is just what I ought to do."

Li Wenqing cupped his fists and said:

"Stronghold Chief Lin, just wait peacefully for the imperial edict; I'll handle the minor matters."

Lin Xiaodong returned the salute with clasped fists.

Jiang Xiaomu and Li Wenqing bade farewell to Lin Xiaodong, mounted the prepared horses, and rode off in a cloud of dust.

"Mr. Jiang, this time we owe it all to you!"

Li Wenqing was in high spirits, urging his horse to ride alongside Jiang Xiaomu.

"If Prefect Zhao finds out, he'll surely reward you handsomely!"

Jiang Xiaomu gave a faint smile.

"Sir Li, you flatter me—I merely did my small part."

After parting, Jiang Xiaomu went straight to the military camp; upon reaching the camp entrance, he heard a clamor.

Before his eyes was Pei Dongyong drilling the troops.

All the soldiers around focused intently, taking Pei Dongyong as their example and throwing themselves into the training.

Jiang Xiaomu nodded; hundreds of soldiers were drilling, their battle cries shaking the sky, their spirit like a rainbow.

Pei Dongyong indeed lived up to his expectations.

Upon seeing Jiang Xiaomu, Pei Dongyong immediately went forward, clasped his fists, and said:

"Mr. Jiang, how come you're here?"

Jiang Xiaomu dismounted, patted Pei Dongyong on the shoulder, and laughed:

"Constable Captain Pei, you've worked hard! I came to check on the brothers' training."

Pei Dongyong grinned and said:

"Thanks to Mr. Jiang, the brothers train extremely hard, just waiting for the day they can achieve merit and establish themselves!"

Jiang Xiaomu nodded in satisfaction, yet secretly sighed in his heart.

In this troubled world, how could establishing merit and career be easy?

"Come on, let's have a drink!"

Jiang Xiaomu put his arm around Pei Dongyong's shoulders in a bold manner and walked toward the tent.

After three rounds of wine, Jiang Xiaomu set down his cup and was about to speak.

A soldier rushed in, flustered, dropped to one knee, and spoke urgently:

"General! Someone's stealing things in the camp!"

Jiang Xiaomu and Pei Dongyong were both taken aback.

This camp is located in a remote place, with tight defenses—how could there be thieves?

"What's happening? Please explain in detail!"

Pei Dongyong asked in a low voice.

The soldier, panting, said:

"I, on my patrol just then, noticed movement near the granary."

"When I went over to look, there was... a black shadow stealing grain!"

"I captured him and rushed to report to the general!"

Jiang Xiaomu's brows furrowed slightly, and the blade of his knife pressed coldly against the youth's throat.

His voice low and deep, he said:

"Do you know what the consequence of stealing is?"

The youth lifted his head, his eyes full of fear yet also stubborn.

"I just wanted to bring some food for my younger siblings; they're about to starve to death..."

Jiang Xiaomu's heart jolted, and the knife in his hand involuntarily loosened a bit.

He seemed to see his former self in the youth—the version of himself who would stop at nothing to protect his sister.

"Don't think I'll let you go just because of this."

Jiang Xiaomu's gaze remained stern, but his tone was no longer as overbearing as before.

The youth stared at him blankly, his eyes pleading.

"Please, let me take some food back for them… they're still so young."

Pei Dongyong stood nearby, brows furrowed, thinking to himself.

How could Jiang Xiaomu be soft-hearted in this situation?

He has always been cold and ruthless—how could he be moved by a thief's words?

"Do you think I'll believe your words?"

Jiang Xiaomu's tone turned cold again, and the tip of his blade lightly grazed the youth's neck, leaving a faint red line.

"I… I will take the food and then come back…"

The youth's voice grew weaker, trembling, as if he were exerting all his strength to hold onto his last hope.

Jiang Xiaomu raised his hand and cut the rope with a single stroke.

"I hope this is the last time—take the food and get out!"

The youth burst with joy, thanked him repeatedly, turned, and fled the camp at full speed.

"How could you let him go?"

Pei Dongyong couldn't help but ask.

"He's just trying to survive."

Jiang Xiaomu replied.

"He still has younger siblings to support."

Pei Dongyong furrowed his brows, his doubts deepening—could this be the legendary 'soft-heartedness'?

He absolutely did not consider Jiang Xiaomu a good person, yet the facts before him forced him to re-examine this familiar

a person who is both familiar and strange.