Chapter Forty: Battle Once More

"Why? I want the truth." Qi Jun did not agree immediately, but instead replied coldly.

He had witnessed too many schemes and betrayals in official circles. Sun Jiu’s unwavering loyalty to Feng Qinian was well known; Qi Jun himself had just fallen victim to one of Feng Qinian’s tricks the day before. Now, hearing about a plan to cooperate in suppressing the bandits directly from Sun Jiu, it was hard for Qi Jun not to suspect that this was yet another trap laid by Feng Qinian.

"I know you might not believe me, but this truly comes from my heart." Sun Jiu sat up straighter, striving to show his sincerity as he continued, "I want to make a name for myself, to rise above my station. But day after day, standing guard at the city gates and leading patrols—what future is there in that? Killing bandits is my only chance to stand out!"

His tone grew more impassioned. "Do you know? I’ve had enough of being ostracized and isolated in the county troop camp. I want to accomplish something real, to show those thugs what I’m made of! This is my livelihood, and yet, seeing the common folk bullied by bandits while being powerless to help—what kind of life is that?"

Overcome with emotion, Sun Jiu smashed his water bowl on the ground, thumping his chest as he declared to Qi Jun, "Now there’s finally a chance. I don’t want to live stifled any longer—do you understand?"

Qi Jun was taken aback, reevaluating the county troop leader before him, moved by his ideals. In an era when everyone only sought to protect themselves and survive, ideals were rare and precious.

Qi Jun thought of his past life, where he had devoted himself to defending his country at its borders, only to die in a foreign land with unfulfilled regrets. In this moment, he seemed to see his own shadow in Sun Jiu, understanding the force behind Sun Jiu’s sudden outburst of passion.

Seeing Qi Jun nod at him, Sun Jiu realized his own loss of composure and hurriedly stood.

"Forgive me, Master Qi, I’m just a rough man and I was out of line. I really do want to join you in fighting the bandits!" Sun Jiu quickly bent to pick up the shattered pieces, blushing as he apologized.

"I believe you. It’s just a bowl, don’t worry about it. Now, tell me your plan," Qi Jun stopped Sun Jiu from gathering the shards, his gaze earnest.

"The bandits are running wild everywhere—their lair must be unguarded. If we concentrate our forces and strike directly at Panlong Ridge, kill their leaders and seize their den, the rest of the rabble will scatter like monkeys from a fallen tree!" Sun Jiu declared, his fists clenched.

"We’re of the same mind. But there are still some details to perfect..." Qi Jun eyed Sun Jiu’s fists nervously, afraid the burly man might next smash the small wooden table between them.

Nevertheless, he was secretly elated; Sun Jiu’s surprise attack plan matched perfectly with his own urge to take the initiative.

"But we’re too few. Even the guards left behind at the bandit den must number over a hundred. This plan is too risky," Qi Jun thought aloud, shaking his head in concern.

Qi Jun’s idea had been to use guerrilla tactics, gradually wearing down the bandits and waiting for a chance to assassinate their leaders. Sun Jiu, on the other hand, wanted to storm Panlong Ridge in a single decisive blow.

"The captain leading over a hundred county troops should still be near Panlong Ridge—they likely haven’t received Lord Feng’s retreat order. I’ll go find them!" Sensing Qi Jun’s worry, Sun Jiu immediately thought of the county troops disguised as civilians, who were lying in wait near the ridge.

Yesterday’s events had unfolded too suddenly for the retreating Lord Feng and his men to notify the captain’s unit. If Sun Jiu could persuade them to join, the assault on Panlong Ridge might just succeed.

"Very well," Qi Jun agreed after a moment’s thought. He didn’t know the captain’s character, but since Sun Jiu was so confident, it probably wouldn’t be hard to convince them.

"I’ll lead the villagers to Longyan Gully before sunset. If all goes well, send someone to meet us there. By the way, may I borrow that wagon?"

"The wagon? It belongs to the county office—please don’t damage it, or I’ll have trouble explaining to Lord Feng. It’s settled then, tonight we’ll take Panlong Ridge by storm!"

After a few more words of caution, Qi Jun watched Sun Jiu and his men descend the mountain, leaving the wagon at the village entrance as instructed.

Once Sun Jiu had left, Qi Jun hurried to the elder’s home and explained the plan to the clan elder and Liu Kui. Liu Kui immediately agreed and went out to gather the villagers. The elder, though visibly worried, did not object.

"You’re a capable lad, and the young men of the village are all willing to follow you against the bandits. But you must bring them all back, promise me that!" The elder clasped Qi Jun’s hand with trembling fingers.

"Don’t worry, Elder. The men of Dongling Village are all brave—I know what to do." Qi Jun promised solemnly.

"You’re doing the right thing. I shouldn’t stop anyone from avenging our people, but remember this: don’t try to fight those beasts head-on. The brutes at Panlong Ridge are vicious. If you can’t win, just run—we won’t lose face," the elder said anxiously.

"I understand," Qi Jun replied, then asked, "Where’s Yunfei? Has she not come back?"

"That girl! No sooner did she return than she left again, saying she wanted to visit Jade Maiden..." The elder shook his head fondly at the mention of his granddaughter, eyes full of affection.

The elder spoke without thinking, but Qi Jun caught the hint, a sudden sense of foreboding gripping him. He wasn’t worried that Yunfei would trouble Jade Maiden over the amulet, but that Jade Maiden might reveal her feelings for him in Yunfei’s presence.

Even the densest of men would understand what it meant when a girl gave him something she carried close. Although he lived in ancient times, Qi Jun still thought and acted by the standards of the modern age.

He was unused to kneeling to others, disliked performing ritual obeisance, and found the rigid hierarchies and formalities tiresome. His belief in the equality of men and women clashed with the patriarchal customs of the day.

But there was no time to dwell on these thoughts. After taking his leave of the elder, Qi Jun hurried to the village entrance. With Liu Kui’s influence, a good number of villagers should already be gathered.

Sure enough, when Qi Jun arrived, the open space where the one-armed bandit leader had been executed was packed. The villagers were talking amongst themselves, but fell silent the moment Qi Jun appeared, their eyes filled with respect and anticipation.

Qi Jun noted how many had come—at least fifty men by a quick count. What surprised him even more was that many of those who’d withdrawn from the fight against the bandits the previous day were now present.

Sensing his surprise, one of the men, looking ashamed, spoke first, "Master Qi, the elders at home scolded us half to death after we returned yesterday! When Brother Kui told us you were leading us against the bandits today, we swore we wouldn’t drag our feet again!"

"That’s right. We’ve all thought it through. As long as the bandits remain, we’ll never have peace. Even if it means death, we have to fight!"

"Yesterday you led everyone in beating those fiends, and the whole village finally vented their anger. The few of us who hid in the hills are now being called cowards—can’t even lift our heads. This time, count us in, let us have a chance to prove ourselves!"

"When it comes to fighting bandits, we’re no cowards! Master Qi, tell us what to do—we’ll follow you!"

Qi Jun listened, his eyes growing moist. He knew these men were sincere in their desire to follow him against the bandits; he was moved by their unprecedented unity and passion, and by their unwavering trust in him.

"Fellow villagers, you’re all fine men!" Qi Jun bowed deeply to them, his eyes brimming with tears. "I, Qi Jun, will not betray your trust. This campaign against the bandits concerns the very survival of Dongling Village! The bandits are ruthless, the battlefield merciless. I hope each of you will summon your greatest courage and resolve, to fight to the end against those bloodthirsty fiends!"

Everyone watched him in silence, a solemn atmosphere heavy with grim determination.

"If we lose this battle today, your wives and children will suffer unspeakable horrors and die by the bandits’ blades—Dongling Village will be no more..."

"Say no more, Master Qi! We’ve all made up our minds. Even if we die, we’ll never let the bandits ravage our village again!" a man interrupted, his eyes red.

"That’s right! Fight them! Blood for blood!"

The crowd roared their rage to the heavens as dark clouds gathered on the horizon.

"Very well! I hereby announce the official formation of the Dongling Village Anti-Bandit Brigade!" Qi Jun shouted, his voice ringing with emotion.

Thunderous applause broke out, and from this day forward, Dongling Village would turn a new page in its history.