Chapter 151: Preparations

Lord Zhao pinched the note, his face shifting like June weather—changeable at a moment's notice.

If the barbarians invade, this is no small matter; mishandle it, and even his official hat won't be saved.

Beads of sweat dotted his forehead as he paced back and forth, muttering:

What… what shall we do…

Master Tang stroked his goat beard, then said slowly:

Sir, in my humble opinion, it's better to believe it exists than to doubt it.

What if the barbarians really attack? We're utterly unprepared—wouldn't that mean the city falls and the people perish?

By then, sir, you'd become the sinner who doomed Wangzhou City.

Lord Zhao suddenly stopped in his tracks, eyes wide.

Master Tang makes perfect sense! I will now order the whole city to be on alert!

He immediately issued the order, commanding the city's garrison to strengthen patrols, drill troops, and prepare weapons and provisions.

At the same time, he sent scouts beyond the pass to gather detailed intelligence on the barbarian army's movements.

He then pointed at Jiang Xiaomu and shouted:

Jiang Xiaomu, although you have some talent, privately recruiting troops and buying horses ultimately violates the law.

Considering your loyalty, I will not pursue the matter for now.

Now that the enemy is at our door, you must strengthen internal patrols, guard against spies, and report any abnormality immediately!

Jiang Xiaomu bowed and said:

Sir, rest assured, I will devote all my strength to defending Wangzhou City!

Yet in his heart he sneered, Lord Zhao changes face faster than flipping a page—just moments ago he was shouting for battle, now he's making me work; truly an old fox.

Lord Zhao hastily wrote a memorial to the imperial court requesting aid, describing in vivid detail the possibility of a barbarian invasion and Wangzhou City's dire situation.

He added: If Wangzhou City falls, the barbarian army can march straight in, threatening the Central Plains, and then the capital will be in peril!

After finishing all this, Lord Zhao finally let out a long breath and slumped into his chair.

Seeing this, Master Tang hurriedly offered a cup of hot tea.

Sir, now we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate.

Lord Zhao took the cup, drank it in one gulp, his brow still furrowed.

I hope the court can send troops in time; otherwise…

He didn't go on, but the worry was obvious.

Jiang Xiaomu returned to the camp, the sunset's afterglow stretching his shadow long, a vague unease lingering in his heart.

In the camp, Xiong Kuohai was directing the newly recruited soldiers in drills; though few in number, each was spirited and brimming with killing intent.

Boss, how did you get here!

Xiong Kuohai saw Jiang Xiaomu and immediately went up to meet him, asking in a deep, muffled voice:

Jiang Xiaomu shook his head and said solemnly:

There's bad news: barbarian scouts have already slipped inside the pass; within three months, the main force will be at our doorstep.

Xiong Kuohai heard this, his brows knitting, and he spat.

Damn it! These barbarians are relentless! Three months… our handful of people isn't even enough to fill a tooth gap!

So we must drill troops urgently while continuing to recruit and buy horses.

Jiang Xiaomu's eyes were sharp, his tone firm.

I have already registered the able-bodied youths in the city; recruitment will begin tomorrow.

Xiong Kuohai scratched his head, somewhat worried:

Boss, I'm not trying to pour cold water on you, but Wangzhou City's defenses are dilapidated.

Even if we recruit several thousand more, we still couldn't withstand the barbarian army; then…

Jiang Xiaomu fell silent for a moment, and the image of the abandoned village outside the city appeared in his mind—crumbling walls, overgrown weeds, yet easy to defend and hard to attack.

A bold idea began to brew in his heart.

Kuohai, what do you think of Luoxia Village outside the city?

Jiang Xiaomu asked.

Xiong Kuohai stared, then burst out laughing.

I say, boss, you wouldn't want to turn that haunted place into our stronghold, would you?

That place is haunted at night and eerie by day—who would dare go there!

Jiang Xiaomu ignored his mockery and continued:

Luoxia Village occupies a strategic position, easy to defend and hard to attack; although long abandoned, a little repair would make it a natural barrier.

Moreover, the barbarians are unfamiliar with the terrain; we can use this to catch them off guard.

After hearing this, Xiong Kuohai's smile faded, and he began to seriously consider Jiang Xiaomu's proposal.

After a while, he spoke in a low voice:

Boss, your idea… although bold, it's not impossible.

Only, that place is very sinister.

When I used to take my brothers hunting and passed by there, I always felt chilling winds and gooseflesh.

Xiong Kuohai scratched his head and continued:

Furthermore, I've heard that village once suffered a plague.

Many died and were buried behind the village, the yin energy there is extremely heavy…

Jiang Xiaomu understood Xiong Kuohai's concerns, but he already had a plan in mind.

These are all small problems; I'll think of a way to solve them.

Right now, the most important thing is to quickly turn Fall Glow Village into our stronghold.

As for the rumors of haunting, they are merely wild country tales, not worth believing.

Xiong Kuohai saw that Jiang Xiaomu's mind was made up, and he no longer tried to dissuade him, speaking in a low voice:

Boss, the brothers all follow you; even in a mountain of knives and a sea of fire, we won't frown at all.

The next day, Jiang Xiaomu led a troop to Fall Glow Village.

Just as they stepped into the village entrance, a chilling, yin-filled aura rushed over them.

The ruined houses, crooked courtyard walls—everywhere exuded desolate eeriness.

Damn, this place is really spooky!

A soldier couldn't help but say in a low voice.

"Shut up!" Jiang Xiaomu barked angrily.

Feigning ghosts and gods—what propriety!

He looked around, silently thinking:

It seems, to have the soldiers settle here peacefully, we must first dispel the fear in their hearts.

Jiang Xiaomu scanned the surroundings; broken walls and ruins loomed faintly in the cold mist.

He couldn't help but frown slightly; this place was even more dilapidated than he had imagined.

Li San, take a few people to the highest point of the village.

Draw a detailed map of Fall Glow Village, marking all houses, roads, and water sources.

Jiang Xiaomu ordered the lean soldier beside him.

Yes!

Li San received the order and left, quickly disappearing into the mist.

The rest of you, follow me!

Jiang Xiaomu waved his hand and walked toward an open space in the village center.

Kuohai, you lead people to clear an area; tonight we will camp here.

Sure thing!

Xiong Kuohai responded, directing the soldiers to start clearing away the rubble and weeds.

Jiang Xiaomu, meanwhile, carefully observed the surrounding terrain, contemplating the layout of defenses in his mind.

Fall Glow Village backs onto a small hill, with dense forest surrounding it on three sides.

Only a narrow road leads to the outside; indeed, it is a good place that is easy to defend but hard to attack.

Boss, look at this place—can we dig a trap here?

A soldier pointed at the village entrance and said.

Jiang Xiaomu walked over and saw that the spot was low-lying, indeed suitable for digging a trap.

Great idea! Dig it here—the more, the better!

Hehe, I guarantee those barbarians will come and never return!

The soldier rubbed his hands excitedly.