Chapter 63: Strategizing with the Mountain-Piercing Leopard (Part 1)

The alliance of Li Family Village was like a warm breeze, temporarily dispelling the slight chill from outside Jiao Tu Zhen.

Chen Wen knew deep down that the real test had only just begun.

The threat of the Mountain-Piercing Leopard was like a sword hanging over one's head, far more dangerous than the continually feuding remnants of Liu Du Tou.

Sure enough, less than five days after forming an alliance with Li Chong.

The Inspection Bureau's Qian Gui then brought definite news:

The Mountain-Piercing Leopard absorbed nearly thirty percent of Liu Du Tou's defeated troops, its strength surged, and its combat-ready forces now exceeded eight hundred, its arrogance extreme.

What's more unsettling is that the Mountain-Piercing Leopard's scouting activities have clearly expanded their range.

Recently, several times they have even approached within ten li of Jiao Tu Zhen's outskirts, full of provocative intent.

Inside the council hall, the atmosphere was solemn.

"Chief, this Mountain-Piercing Leopard scoundrel is jealous that we ate Liu Du Tou's fat meat, and seeing we just went through a big battle, wants to take advantage!"

Zhang Cheng's fists clenched with a crackling sound, new and old grudges surging in his heart.

Originally, the Black Wind Stronghold was the Mountain-Piercing Leopard's claw and fang.

Aunt Wang worriedly:

"We've just caught our breath; the militia training is insufficient. If we fight another hard battle, I'm afraid…"

Shi Dun muttered:

"When soldiers come, we block them; when water comes, we earth it! At worst, we'll fight to the death!"

Zhao Lao Nian, meanwhile, was more worried about the fields:

"Spring plowing is imminent; we cannot withstand war."

Chen Wen listened quietly to the discussion, his fingers unconsciously tapping the tabletop.

A head-on clash is undoubtedly a worst strategy; Jiao Tu Zhen cannot afford another pyrrhic victory.

But retreat and concession will only make the Mountain-Piercing Leopard see us as weak and bully us even more.

"To fight may not win; to retreat is surely death."

Chen Wen slowly spoke, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"The Mountain-Piercing Leopard has a wolfish nature; it bullies the soft and fears the hard."

"We have just defeated Liu Du Tou; he must certainly have misgivings."

"He is now probing, wanting to see our strengths and weaknesses and our bottom line."

"Then… Chief, what do you mean?"

Qian Gui asked cautiously.

"Courtesy before force."

A glint flashed in Chen Wen's eyes.

"He sent scouts, didn't he? Let him see, but not our weakness—our strength and resolve!"

A bold plan took shape in his mind.

He intended to use this crisis not only to drive back the Mountain-Piercing Leopard!

But also to establish prestige through it, firmly securing Jiao Tu Zhen's dominant position in the region.

The next day, Chen Wen made a series of arrangements.

He first ordered the Civil Militia Bureau to move the daily training grounds from inside the town to an open area outside, and to raise the training intensity and opposition to the maximum.

At the same time, he secretly conferred broad enhancements on all participating militia (about double effect, focusing on morale, discipline, and teamwork).

When the Mountain-Piercing Leopard's scouts once again sneaked onto the nearby hills,

they saw not a weary army, but a spirited elite with strict orders and fierce killing intent!

Their formations shifted like extensions of their arms, their combat fierce and ruthless!

That soaring aura, even from afar, made hearts pound.

The scouts exchanged glances—this hardly looked like a force that had just endured a bloody battle.

At the same time, Chen Wen had the Construction Bureau place the newly finished few improved plows and that conspicuous waterwheel deliberately at the field edge facing the Mountain-Piercing Leopard's direction.

And he organized the able-bodied laborers of the Land Reclamation Bureau (likewise given double strength and endurance) to conduct a fervent spring plowing demonstration.

Only see the plowshares flying, the earth turned over as easily as waves.

The waterwheel splashed as it drew water for irrigation, its efficiency astonishingly high.

This displayed not only military strength, but also deep productive potential and sustained combat capability.

A force capable of quick recovery, even rapid development, is far harder to deal with than one that only knows how to fight.

After completing these "muscle-showing" actions, Chen Wen dispatched an envoy

—namely the eloquent Qian Gui, carrying a modest yet firm letter, heading to the Mountain-Piercing Leopard's lair.

The gist of the letter's content is:

Jiao Tu Zhen has no intention of conflicting with anyone; it only wishes to live in peace and prosperity.

Recently, your troops' scouts have frequently approached, causing us unease.

Liu Du Tou's recent fate is a nearby warning; I hope the Mountain-Piercing Leopard's leader will take heed.

If your side wishes peaceful coexistence, our town is willing to open limited trade, for example exchanging new farming tools for your mountain goods and pelts.

If your side harbors other thoughts, all of Jiao Tu Zhen will fight to the death; then jade and stone will burn together—surely not what a wise person would desire.

This letter, soft yet firm, expresses the desire for peace while clearly drawing a red line and also throwing out a trade bait.

After Qian Gui departed, Jiao Tu Zhen entered the highest state of alert.

Chen Wen knew that the Mountain-Piercing Leopard's reaction would determine the subsequent course.

Three days later, Qian Gui returned, his complexion somewhat strange.

"Boss, over at Chuan Shan Bao's side…… the reaction is somewhat interesting."

Qian Gui reported back.

"That bastard was initially arrogant, threw the letter to the ground, and said he would trample us."

"But several of his underlings persuaded him, especially the scout leader who had watched our 'performance'; he privately talked with Chuan Shan Bao for a long time."

"And then?" Chen Wen asked.

"Chuan Shan Bao changed his mind."

Qian Gui said.

"He agreed to a temporary non‑invasion, but also put forward conditions."

"First, he wants us to provide five new‑style plows and two carts free of charge."

"Second, he wants us to open the border, allow his caravans free passage for trade, and the tariff should be ten percent lower than that given to Li Family Village."

"Third…… he demands that you personally go to his stronghold to conclude the alliance in person."

"The conditions are extremely harsh and rude, especially the third, which is obviously a Hongmen banquet."

"Zhang Cheng and the others exploded upon hearing it:"

"Nonsense! This is clearly extortion! The boss absolutely cannot go!"

"Chen Wen, however, fell into contemplation."

"Chuan Shan Bao's change in attitude shows he is indeed wary."

"But he cannot lose face, so he put forward these harsh conditions to regain prestige."

"If we flatly refuse, war is almost inevitable."

"But if we agree to all of them, our prestige will be ruined."

"This is a game of strategy."

"Tell him……"

"Chen Wen lifted his head, his eyes showing resolve."

"The new farming tools can be sold to him at a fair price, but we will not give them away for free."

"Tariffs can be negotiated, but they must be fair; Jiao Tu Zhen does not discriminate against any sincere trader."

"As for letting me personally go to his stronghold……"

"He paused, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold arc:"

"Fine. But the meeting cannot be at his stronghold!"

"Either on the border line between us, or please have him come as a guest to my Jiao Tu Zhen!"

"At the same time, each side may bring no more than ten guards."

"He kicked the ball back, showing both courage and firmly keeping the initiative."

"Going to the border, the risk is controllable;"

"coming to Jiao Tu Zhen gives an even greater home‑field advantage."

"When the news is sent back, how will Chuan Shan Bao respond?"

"This contest over the regional situation has only just entered the middle game."

"And Chen Wen is ready, to use his extraordinary ability again at the crucial moment to win this war without smoke."