Chapter 69: Ambush!

"Heh. How did you sleep last night, Brother Fan?"

The next morning.

Snow fell thick and heavy, casting a dull haze over the world. It was nearly noon before the third chief finally awoke from the arms of warmth and pleasure, tended by the top courtesan, and went to see the benevolent Xue. Seeing the amusement in Xue's eyes, the third chief didn't blush or falter, but smiled and said,

"Brother Xue, one really can't pretend to be young forever. Today, I think I must take it easy."

Xue burst out laughing. "If you need to rest, then rest. With this heavy snow, it's the perfect day to share a drink with you, Brother Fan."

"Then I gladly accept the invitation."

They exchanged glances and laughed together.

"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, are you there?"

But before their laughter had fully bloomed, a rough, raspy voice rang out from outside.

"Hmm?" The third chief frowned in annoyance. "Making such a racket so early—come in and speak!"

"Yes."

A moment later, the third chief's confidant—and brother-in-law—Liu Dabiao hurried in, a dogskin scarf wrapped tightly around his neck. Given the cold, neither the third chief nor Xue found it odd.

Seeing Xue present, Liu Dabiao hesitated, glancing at the third chief with words on the tip of his tongue. The third chief raised an eyebrow and barked coldly,

"Useless mutt, are you blind? Xue is my good friend. Speak freely!"

"Ah, yes." Liu Dabiao bowed to Xue, but the look he gave the third chief betrayed a flash of resentment. When his gaze flicked toward the alluring figure in the room, his eyes brimmed with greed. He lowered his voice respectfully,

"Brother-in-law, the main chief has urgent business and wants us back. Something happened at Yellow Mud Hollow, and he’s anxious to discuss it with you..."

"Something happened at Yellow Mud Hollow?" The third chief snapped to attention, all composure gone.

After a brief pause, he clasped his hands to Xue and said, "Brother Xue, something has come up at home. I must return immediately. As for that troublemaker Li at Spring Village, you needn't worry. Once I've handled family matters, his situation should be resolved as well."

Xue knew of Yellow Mud Hollow, but asked nothing further, though a hint of regret lingered. He smiled and clasped his hands, "No worries. I trust you completely, Brother Fan. Go take care of your business; everything here will be kept for you."

"Ha, many thanks, Brother Xue."

The third chief took his leave, summoned his six men, mounted his old horse, loaded the gifts Xue had prepared onto two sturdy donkeys, and hurried toward Cold Mountain.

...

"Master, will they come? I hope Liu Dabiao doesn't mess things up..."

Meanwhile.

Some fifteen miles northwest of Iron Ox Town, a narrow mountain pass stretched two or three hundred meters. The swirling snow had already turned nearly twenty hidden figures into snowmen, their ambush lasting half an hour.

---

Though they endured the cold, their hearts burned with impatience. Even Zhao Zengjin struggled to keep calm, quietly asking Li Yuanjing,

"Heh."

"Old Zhao, what are you fretting for? Just wait patiently," Li Yuanjing laughed, kicking the restless Zhao Zengjin, then turned to Mao Xiaocao, "Girl, are you afraid?"

Though Mao Xiaocao was tense, she yearned for Li Yuanjing’s approval. The fear in her eyes was quickly replaced by hope, and she answered firmly,

"Master, I am not afraid! To die for you is my fortune!"

Li Yuanjing chuckled, not caring who was present. He gave her a firm pat on her small backside, saying,

"Good, I believe in you!"

...

Mao Xiaocao froze, but the hope in her eyes grew fiercer, burning like fire. If she could win Li Yuanjing's approval, perhaps...

Zhang Kun, Zhao Zengjin, and the others saw Li Yuanjing's gesture, but none dared say a word. They forced themselves to remain calm.

Seeing everyone settle down, Li Yuanjing's lips curled in satisfaction.

Since ancient times, those who accomplish things—especially great things—must understand human nature.

But human nature can only be guided, never controlled.

Li Yuanjing felt a pang of regret, wishing he’d spent more time in his past life reading "Selected Works of Mao." Using Liu Dabiao as bait was risky, but Li Yuanjing wasn’t overly concerned.

He’d only needed a brief conversation to see through Liu Dabiao: greedy, lustful, and deeply dissatisfied with his lot. The heart of it—though he was the third chief’s brother-in-law, he’d never gotten the position he wanted. Already in his thirties, he hadn’t even managed to become a middle-ranking leader in Cold Mountain. Who knew what the third chief was thinking, keeping Liu Dabiao as nothing more than a bag-carrying lackey?

Moreover, Liu Dabiao’s obvious desire for the little courtesan the third chief slept with left Li Yuanjing with nothing to fear. He’d seen countless men like this in his previous life and knew their nature inside out.

...

Time ticked by.

Just at midday, around twelve, seven figures gradually appeared on the snowy horizon. The leader was wrapped tightly, riding an old horse. Six more followed, guarding two pack-laden mules, trudging through the white wilderness.

It was the third chief and his men.

The tension and excitement among Li Yuanjing’s group was palpable; he could hear their heavy breathing. But Li Yuanjing himself was as calm as still water, showing no sign of emotion.

As the third chief and company drew closer, Li Yuanjing focused on the tall man beside him, whose waist bore a curved blade reminiscent of a Damascus saber.

---

At last, Li Yuanjing’s expression shifted. He murmured to Mao Xiaocao,

"Xiaocao, see that tall fellow? Can you hit his chest?"

Mao Xiaocao had clearly been waiting for Li Yuanjing’s order. She drew a deep breath,

"Master, I can!"

"Good!"

"When they’ve taken ten more steps forward, fire!"

"Yes!"

Mao Xiaocao readied her matchlock, igniting the fuse.

Bang!

As the group advanced ten paces, Mao Xiaocao decisively pulled the trigger. A crisp report rang out from the bird rifle!

The strapping man beside the third chief—clearly no slouch—froze. Though he wore thick cotton, his chest was shredded, blackened blood pouring from the wound.

Blood bubbled from his mouth, his eyes wide in disbelief, and he collapsed with a thud.

"What happened?"

"What’s going on?"

"Who are you, heroes? Let’s not mistake friend for foe—a family shouldn’t fight amongst itself..."

The third chief, though seasoned, had never faced such peril. In an instant, his proud face turned pale, his legs quivering uncontrollably. He had no idea what to do, and could only clasp his hands to both sides of the pass in desperate plea.

Seeing this, Li Yuanjing was amused. He’d expected the third chief to have some skill, but it turned out he was nothing but a bully, lower than a dog!

He called to Mao Xiaocao,

"Hit another one! The rest of you, charge!"

"Yes!"

With Li Yuanjing’s command, nearly twenty men burst from both ends of the pass like wolves.

Bang!

Another crisp shot rang out, felling another capable-looking man beside the third chief.

The third chief and his remaining men dared not resist, dropping to their knees and begging for mercy, crying "Spare us, noble sirs!"

Li Yuanjing had thought he’d need hand grenades, but the matchlock was already overkill—this third chief was less than a paper tiger.

Soon, the five survivors were bound tightly by Zhang Kun and Zhao Zengjin.

The third chief didn’t dare lift his head, groveling desperately. Beside him, Liu Dabiao spotted a familiar figure approaching, his eyes lighting up as he signaled to Li Yuanjing.

Li Yuanjing smiled and nodded, then strode over to the third chief, planting his foot on the man’s neck and grinding down as he laughed,

"Third chief, life brings unexpected encounters. Who would have thought we’d meet again so soon?"