Chapter 290

They had expected some entanglement, never imagining it would be this easy. A trace of bewilderment even showed on everyone's faces. Zhao Jin spoke again: "If I am to take charge, there are several matters that must be made clear first. First, the village braves and militias from every area will be under my unified command. In wartime, there is no room for the slightest ambiguity. I will enforce military law on those who err, and when the time comes, I ask you all not to plead for mercy or complain. Second, the assembled main force will be stationed at He Village. Each area is to prepare fast horses. If trouble arises and you seek aid, I will mobilize to rescue you. Third, weapons, provisions, and pay are to be supplied by yourselves. In times like these, there can be absolutely no ambiguity on this point either. If there is any delay or embezzlement, I will take them myself..."

The atmosphere in the room, which had just begun to warm, cooled again. Everyone exchanged glances. This was tantamount to Zhao Jin seizing control of the village braves and militias from every area in one stroke, and then this force would also be stationed at He Village. In that case, it meant each area would be left without its own self-defense force, placing their safety in the hands of distant He Village. Then what was the point of the joint defense pact? As for providing their own weapons, provisions, and pay, that was a minor matter; they could hardly expect Zhao Jin to contribute both manpower and money.

No one cared about awe or deference anymore. Someone went straight up to Honorary Licentiate Cai and whispered in his ear. That Honorary Licentiate Cai, Cai Zhengqiu, actually displayed some skill in self-cultivation, his expression unmoved, his eyes slightly closed.

Zhao Jin turned and said a few words in a low voice to Chen Sheng. Chen Sheng nodded and strode out the door. Just as Chen Sheng left, Honorary Licentiate Cai stroked his beard and spoke calmly: "Young Master Zhao, this old man and the various fellow villagers have seen today that He Village is overcrowded and can no longer accept outsiders. This situation is truly worrisome!"

At these words, everyone looked at Zhao Jin. Zhao Jin was momentarily stunned, wondering why the topic had shifted, but the next moment he understood. He smiled and said: "It can't really be called overcrowded. Most of He Village's residents have gone to the lower courtyard of Cloud Mountain Temple, leaving many houses empty. If any of you wish to come, you are most welcome here."

Honorary Licentiate Cai beamed again, and so did every one of the guests in the room. After Zhao Jin made this promise, Honorary Licentiate Cai offered no further superfluous pleasantries. He stood up and said: "In that case, this old man and the others will not delay Young Master Zhao's preparations any further. At the very latest by tonight, the village braves and militias will assemble here."

"Please rest assured, everyone. Zhao Camp can protect you all. Even if we cannot win a fight, we can still outrun them," Zhao Jin said with a smile. Everyone joined in with amused laughter.

Zhao Jin saw his guests out. The large courtyard bustled with orderly activity. Some household troops of Zhao Camp saw them emerging and hurriedly ran outside, but no one paid it any mind.

When they reached the eastern exit, the servants and attendants of each household went to prepare their carts and horses. Before they could leave, however, they all stopped in their tracks, because a column of over a hundred cavalry was passing through the open ground to the east. These cavalrymen also looked to be household troops of Zhao Camp. Each man held a long spear upright in one hand and gripped the reins in the other, controlling his horse as it moved forward.

These hundred-odd cavalrymen barely maintained their formation, four riders per rank, arranged in a long column, slowly walking across the open ground. Honorary Licentiate Cai and his group all watched in silence. Each person had started out indifferent, but gradually their mouths fell open, their eyes widened, and their faces filled with shock and terror.

When they had been driven out earlier, everyone had seen over sixty riders. Messengers coming and going accounted for another dozen or so. And now they were seeing over a hundred more cavalrymen. Whose militia could muster two hundred riders?

Moreover, the formation before them looked utterly different from the ordinary. Though clearly mounted on horseback, they were arrayed as if in formation on the ground. Though they made no particular move, a murderous aura seemed to press toward them.

"... This is truly..." Honorary Licentiate Cai tugged several strands from his own beard, yet he remained oblivious, at a loss for words.

Once the hundred-odd riders had passed, everyone was still standing there dumbfounded. Zhao Jin urged them on with a smile: "Everyone, time is pressing. Let us not delay any further."

No one reacted for a moment. Only after Zhao Jin spoke again did they hurriedly respond in a fluster, one after another, bowing respectfully to Zhao Jin in farewell. Even Honorary Licentiate Cai cupped his fist politely. Once they turned away, they all began discussing excitedly: "Coming here, we can certainly be safe and free from worry."

Once these people left, He Village, which had been clamorous since early morning, finally quieted down considerably. Zhao Jin wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a light breath. In the distance, a cavalryman spurred his horse and galloped over. Reaching him, he dismounted and said: "Master, the village braves and militias from the joint-defense areas have all arrived."

Not long after, Zhao Jin saw the village braves and able-bodied men from the joint-defense areas. Since several hundred men were already stationed at Zhao Camp, the numbers they brought were not large. The largest contingent came from the Liu Family Mine, where the proportion of able-bodied young men was already very high. This time, Steward Liu was not the leader; instead, it was several men wielding podao sabers. The Liu Family Mine had sent nearly two hundred men this time. Tian Family Village was next, with over a hundred able-bodied men, led by Tian Ying, who carried a bow on his back and held a goose-quill saber in his hand. The other areas each sent a few dozen men. What surprised Zhao Jin somewhat was that the village braves and militias from the joint-defense areas actually had over twenty men on horseback.

The mounted men were mainly concentrated in Tian Family Village and the Lin Family Stockade. These men had never been seen during ordinary training sessions, and they were surely the hidden reserves and strength of these families.

Along with the village braves and able-bodied men were also a dozen or so households. Judging by their attire, they were far more respectable than the common folk who had come earlier, and they even had seven or eight large carts with them.

Tian Ying and Lin Er, also on horseback, had hurried over early. They dismounted before him and bowed, saying with humble flattery: "Master Jin, we have come to seek refuge with you."

Normally, the nine members of the joint-defense pact, especially the three strongest—Tian Family Village, the Liu Family Coal Mine, and the Lin Family Stockade—always went through the motions. Outwardly respectful, they secretly did their utmost to maintain their own independence. Moreover, they privately colluded with one another, even bribing or coercing the smaller villages.

People had long since come to report and expose these matters. Those who came to inform included people from the other smaller villages and hamlets, as well as people from Tian Family Village and the Lin Family Stockade—for instance, a younger paternal uncle of Tian Ying, and Lin the Fourth. It was either due to old grudges or because of competition for the position of clan head or family patriarch.

The petty schemes these families thought were secret could not stir up any waves at all. They could only scheme in the dark. Openly, they sent men for training and supplied materials, not daring to delay anything. Under such circumstances, Zhao Jin simply pretended not to see.

Now that a powerful enemy was bearing down and disaster loomed, the attitude of these families changed immediately. Zhao Jin understood this in his heart, but his face showed nothing. He merely smiled and said: "We are all one family. Why speak of seeking refuge? Are those your family dependents? Mr. Cao, first lead them into the village to get settled. If they lack anything, just come and tell us."

Ruhui acknowledged the order and invited them into the village with a smile. The few who had come first left, profuse in their gratitude, to busy themselves. Over on the other side, Chen Sheng strode over, frowning, and said in a low voice: "We can't let too many people into the village, or even the roads will be clogged. If our main force's advance or retreat gets blocked, that will be trouble."

Zhao Jin glanced at the people currently entering the village and said with a smile: "What do you mean, too many people? There are just over a hundred here, and a few hundred more this afternoon—no more than that. The militias and village braves from the various areas are under our command and deployment; we'll just station them on the perimeter."

Chen Sheng was taken aback. He looked around and said: "All these places combined, deducting those who have already come, plus those who won't come, at the very least several thousand people should be coming here. How could it be just a few hundred?"

"These gentry and local tyrants are all thinking of protecting themselves. How could they care whether others live or die? That Honorary Licentiate Cai spoke so high-mindedly, but wasn't it all so his own family could take refuge here? Too many refugees in the village would likewise hinder their own movement. For their own sake, they know what to do," Zhao Jin said with a cold laugh.

Chen Sheng, catching on, spat on the ground and cursed under his breath: "Shameless. They're definitely still going to bring their village braves and militias here. Then what about the common folk in their areas?"

"They'll probably also run toward our side, but they can only go to Little Stone Village. He Village just needs to maintain its current situation," Zhao Jin said, then sighed and added: "Our strength is limited right now. We can only protect the places within our reach. When we grow larger in the future, then we can look after all directions."

After saying this, Zhao Jin walked toward the house. Chen Sheng followed in silence. After a few steps, he suddenly said: "When these roving bandits reach our territory, unless they're willing to throw everything into a frontal assault or lay a long-term siege, they won't be able to swallow us."

This was confidence in their strength, and Zhao Jin thought the same. With Zhao Camp plus the village braves and militias gathered from all areas, He Village was now like a hedgehog. Before their stockpiled grain ran out, nothing would go wrong. As for grain, there might not be much rice or white flour, but at the distillery and the mule-and-horse market, sorghum was piled high as a mountain.

Back inside the house, Zhao Jin took a key from a box in the main hall and handed it to Chen Sheng. He said: "Open our armory. For the militias and village braves coming from various areas whose weapons are insufficient, we'll supplement them as much as possible. But armor and bows can only be used by our own men. Go now and tell everyone: those from each family who can shoot a bow or ride a horse must all be placed under our unified command."

Chen Sheng took the key, nodded, and was about to leave. Just then, Liu Yong hurried in with someone, his expression very grim.

"Hasn't everything at the distillery already been settled? Why have you brought Old Lu here?" Zhao Jin was immediately puzzled when he saw that the person with Liu Yong was Lu Xiangjiu.

Liu Yong offered no explanation, but turned his head and said: "Old Lu, you tell him."

Chen Sheng also stopped in his tracks. The craftsmen and workers at the distillery were arguably the most comfortable group in He Village right now. They stayed inside the distillery, not needing to toil outside or risk being conscripted into the militia. They only had to stay inside the distillery, eat and drink their fill, and wait for news. As the distillery manager, Lu Xiangjiu had it even better—he was the big boss inside the distillery.

"Master... Master Jin, there's... there's a wine craftsman missing..." Lu Xiangjiu's voice trembled uncontrollably as he spoke, clearly terrified to the extreme.

Zhao Jin was first stunned. The distillery's production and sales proceeded methodically; he had long since stopped devoting much thought to it. But Zhao Jin reacted immediately and asked in a stern voice: "When did this happen?"

"Just... just within this last hour. This... this humble one has always followed the master's instructions, taking roll call on time. He was still there when I took roll just now..."

"Have you searched inside the distillery?"

"This humble one led men and searched everywhere. We even checked the large wine cellars and vats. No... no one." After a few exchanges, Lu Xiangjiu finally calmed down somewhat.

"Big Brother, everyone from the distillery is lined up in front of the wine cellar. I've assigned household troops to watch them. That man should still be inside He Village," Liu Yong said.

Zhao Jin nodded. After a moment's thought, he said: "Summon all the leaders from the joint-defense areas. Summon Wang Ziyang from the mule-and-horse market too. Dasheng, you go arrange the household troops. Seal off all the intersections in He Village immediately. From now on, people can only enter, not leave!"

"It's just one wine craftsman. Why go to such..." Chen Sheng began. In his view, the most important thing now was defending against the roving bandits and maintaining vigilance. He Village was in chaos inside and out; what did it matter if there was one person more or less?

"What do you mean, why?! This is our foundation!" Zhao Jin raised his voice, then immediately felt his tone was inappropriate. He softened his voice and said: "Within three years, our Zhao Camp will rely on the distillery to sustain itself. If the secret of making the wine leaks out and we can't earn that much money, then we'll have other troubles!"

A rare look of embarrassment crossed Chen Sheng's face. He coughed and said: "I'll go arrange it right away."

When the news that the main force of refugees had crossed the river arrived, He Village had merely been chaotic and noisy. People from all over came in a hubbub and were driven away in disorder. There was actually not much fear or panic.

Suddenly, Zhao Camp began to mount a strict and forbidding guard. Prominent figures from all areas led their trusted men, coordinating with Zhao Camp's household troops, to begin searching the village. No one, high or low, knew what had happened, but everyone felt the tension. Could it be that the roving bandits were about to arrive?

Every household had to be checked. The identities of He Village's original residents were verified by Zhao Camp. All the other newly arrived people were examined by personnel from their respective areas.

With Zhao Camp's men plus the village braves and militias from all areas, there were now nearly two thousand people. With so many people combing through like a fine sieve, within less than half a shichen, they found their target over at the cattle and horse market.

Those with money could stay in houses and courtyards. Those without all gathered in several open areas. At the mule-and-horse market, many of the livestock had already been sold, so the space was wide and open. The common folk from the joint-defense areas were all gathered here.

It actually wasn't very hard to find him. The common folk gathered separately according to the different places they came from, and then further divided themselves by household and family, based on closeness or distance. An outsider, even if hiding among them, would stand out conspicuously. But if no one searched, the common folk would simply assume this stranger was also just someone fleeing disaster, and would pay no attention.

The reason Zhao Jin conducted a comprehensive search was that the craftsmen and workers were either from He Village, from the city of Xuzhou itself, or from outside Xuzhou. As long as they were still in He Village, there was no way they could blend in and slip out.

The captured man was in his thirties, his face deathly pale, his whole body trembling like chaff in a sieve. He was directly dragged before Zhao Jin.

"Is your surname Jia?" Zhao Jin asked. He still had some impression of this man. Among the wine craftsmen at the distillery, there were the clever and the dull. This wine craftsman surnamed Jia was an old hand from He Weiyuan's original distillery, very adept at reading expressions and gauging moods. The few times Zhao Jin had visited the distillery, this wine craftsman had always flattered and fawned, striving to stand out, which was why Zhao Jin remembered him.

"Yes, yes, his surname is Jia. Usually he's highly perceptive and works honestly. I really never expected..." Lu Xiangjiu said repeatedly.

As the distillery manager, he bore responsibility when a subordinate fled. Naturally, Lu Xiangjiu had no kind expression for this man.

"Brothers, come with me to the distillery," Zhao Jin said. Ruhui, who had already returned, immediately arranged for men to summon everyone from various places. Before long, everyone had followed.

Two squads of household guards were already on duty inside the winery. The winemakers and workers were sandwiched between these two squads, every face marked with fear and unease. When they saw Zhao Jin and his group approaching, many instinctively dropped straight to their knees.

He walked up to the craftsmen and workers. The winemaker surnamed Jia was brought to the front and pressed directly to the ground. Zhao Jin asked coolly, "Why did you run?"

"This lowly one heard that a hundred thousand roving bandits were coming from outside. My heart panicked, and I thought of escaping from here," the Jia winemaker explained, his voice trembling.

"Everyone in the winery knew the news. Why were you the only one who wanted to flee? And after you fled, why didn't you run outside, but instead hid over by the mule and horse market? Were you trying to slip out without a sound?" Zhao Jin said, a smile on his face.

The winemaker looked stunned. Zhao Jin smiled and continued, "I think you've always wanted to run. This time you thought your chance had come, but after fleeing the winery you realized something was wrong — that even if you left the estate, riders would catch up. So you wanted to hide among the crowd, then quietly blend out when the time came, and use the skills you learned in this winery to make your own fortune. Isn't that right?"

His secret laid bare, the Jia winemaker first flushed red to the ears, then his face turned deathly pale. His lips quivered, unable to speak. Zhao Jin turned to the frightened winery crowd and raised his voice: "You will watch each other. If one person runs, everyone is punished — everyone loses two months' wages. If anyone runs again, I'll dock four months!"

Working in Zhao Jin's winery, though it was akin to being confined for several years, also came with extremely generous wages — several times more than working outside. The craftsmen could even earn ten times as much. Losing two months at once was a truly painful loss. The crowd's gazes toward the Jia winemaker instantly turned resentful.

The Jia winemaker hung his head even lower in dejection. Having been caught and dragged back, his own wages would surely be docked even more. And he had offended everyone — the days ahead would certainly be hard.

"I've always wanted to show you the consequences of running away, but you've all been sensible enough never to give me the chance. This time, watch closely!" Zhao Jin called out again, then made a downward chopping gesture toward Chen Sheng beside him.

Chen Sheng froze for a moment, his hand gripping the saber hilt as he looked at Zhao Jin. Zhao Jin nodded. Chen Sheng reversed his grip and drew the long blade, striding forward.

At this moment, the Jia winemaker understood what fate awaited him. He struggled desperately, but the household guards held him down firmly — he could not break free at all.

"... What right do you have to pen us in? Who knows where you stole that method from? Aren't you afraid of the law..." Facing his end, the winemaker shouted hoarsely at the top of his lungs. But Chen Sheng's motion did not pause. He gripped the blade and chopped down. The winemaker's head was severed cleanly, tumbling away with a rattle. Blood sprayed across a wide swath in front.

The head was cut off, but the other winemakers and workers had yet to react. Those standing near the front were splattered with blood. A moment of silence passed, then sudden chaos erupted. Someone screamed and collapsed to the ground. Others' legs trembled uncontrollably. The stench of urine and feces spread — they had lost control of their bowels.