After the trip to Raozhou ended, the old Duke brought his old bodyguards, the Crown Prince Li Sizu, Chu Xiaoxiao and Grandma Wuxu, Niu Damei, Heitantou, Jinglan, Xiaojin, and several other young men from aristocratic families who came out to gain experience back to the capital.

Those children of noble families who were training had almost no chance to be with the Imperial Master and his companions, because there was such a huge disparity in strength that they could not communicate on the same wavelength.

Even Li Sizu was abandoned, let alone them.

Yang Heng led his men to patrol the three states and six prefectures to maintain local public security, monitor officials, and assess political achievements. When the emperor learned that the imperial teacher had eliminated the spies from the Northern Kingdom in the three states and six prefectures, he was very pleased and praised Chu Xiaoxiao heavily in the morning court.

He was even more impressed in his heart. His little ancestor was so powerful that he could find ways to help him clear obstacles wherever he went. The only thing that made him unhappy was that Nangong Jinyuan was so shameless that he actually let his little ancestor be the national teacher of Nanyun.

Bah! He took advantage of his little ancestor, how despicable.

Without the high priest, Nanyun no longer dared to dominate other countries. His little ancestor was a very kind person, a little fairy sent from heaven.

If she is willing to protect Nanyun, then she can protect Nanyun! But she is still from Dongsheng, his little ancestor, so she will definitely prefer Dongsheng.

Hearing that they were coming back, he was both happy and worried. There were only some children and the old duke's personal soldiers left along the way. Could they return home safely? What if something happened on the way?

Don’t say that the emperor is a jinx. When the old duke led this group of people, something really happened.

After passing through Raozhou and arriving at Fengzhou, they encountered a group of bandits.

This group of bandits is the strongest in the three states and six prefectures. Not only are there people from Dongsheng, but also death row prisoners from Nanyun Kingdom, vagrants and ruffians, as well as people in the army who have been suppressed, have no hope of promotion, and are full of resentment.

They have been entrenched at the junction of Raozhou and Fengzhou for many years, specializing in attacking passing merchants and carriages of wealthy families. They will not touch ordinary people and small vendors.

The people of Nanyun believed that this was the territory of the three states and six prefectures, and was a lowly place for the lower class, so they never thought of sending troops to suppress it. The governor of Fengzhou gathered people to suppress it five times, but failed to completely eliminate it.

The mountain they were occupying was very special. There was only one exit, separated by a ravine in the middle, so a suspension bridge was needed.

The bandits would lower the suspension bridge when they wanted to get out, and retract it when they didn't want to. There was food, drink and water in the mountains, and they were trapped to death even after being besieged for half a year.

Instead, the soldiers in the prefectural government complained and were filled with resentment.

Nanyun was afraid that the people of Dongsheng would rebel, so he did not station troops in Dongsheng, one of the three states and six prefectures. Only some soldiers from the prefectures were sent out to suppress the bandits.

As time went by, the number of bandits increased. Those who were desperate and not afraid of death went to this place. They also had a very famous name, called Botianzhai.

The leader of Botian Village is named Yun Qingtian. He is in his forties, has a sturdy build and is very strong.

This place did not belong to him before. He snatched it from others after he came here. Then after some transformation, he made Botianzhai like an iron wall.

The troops were sent several times but failed to capture them. The village was big and there were many people. It was said that there were more than 10,000 people in it, not counting the spies scattered in Raozhou, Fengzhou and Xingzhou.

Some spies were also scattered in other capitals and counties of Nanyun State, specifically spying on the news of the major families. After all, this place belonged to Nanyun. In case any family said they wanted to send troops to wipe them out, it would be better to prepare food and grass in advance.

Botang Village is a natural fortress, surrounded by mountains and steep cliffs. It is impossible to get through without climbing tools. There is a river under the cliffs, so getting water is not a problem at all.

As long as there is enough food, it won't be a problem to stay here for ten or eight years.

Hearing that the three major families of Nanyun Kingdom were chosen by a baby, Yun Qingtian was curious, what kind of baby could be so powerful?

His original intention was to bring the baby into the village to have a look, but his subordinates did not understand what he meant, so they gathered a group of people and surrounded the old duke and his men.

Naituanzi was very angry. She was just drowsy and was woken up by someone who was shouting and screaming.

Especially when she saw her grandfather holding a knife and ready to fight those people, she ran off the carriage with her short legs, and Li Sizu couldn't stop her.

Chu Yishang was like a hungry wolf released from a cage. Although he was young, the way he held the knife made him look like a brave warrior fighting on the battlefield.

In fact, it was his first time to personally go to the battlefield. Facing the vicious bandits, he seemed to have no fear. Perhaps this was the courageous will in the bones of the Chu family. They shouldered the lives of many people and had no right to be afraid.

The old Duke, with white hair and beard but vigorous spirit, held an ancient long sword in his hand and stood at the front of the team, like an unshakable mountain.

His face is full of traces of time, but his eyes burn with an undying fighting spirit and deep expectations for the younger generation.

Surrounding him were several equally old but vigorous old soldiers, some holding spears and some holding broadswords.

Although his steps were a little unsteady, each step was firm and powerful, as if he wanted to condense his life's combat experience into this unknown battle.

Their faces are filled with memories of past glory and a firm belief in protecting their homeland.

Behind them were Chu Yishang, Heitantou and several other kids.

He is still young, with an immature face, and his eyes show both fear of the unknown and the fighting spirit inspired by the bravery and fearlessness of the old Duke and his old soldiers.

Carrying the slightly heavy weapons brought from home, everyone wanted to prove themselves.

In the woods, bursts of low horn sounds rang out, heralding the approach of bandits.

The old Duke gave orders in a deep voice, and the troops quickly deployed. The old soldiers tacitly deployed in various key positions, using their rich combat experience to build a line of defense for the children.

Chu Yishang and others mustered up their courage, gripped their weapons tightly, and prepared for the upcoming battle.

As the bandits gradually approached, the air was filled with blood and tension.

The old Duke took the lead and his long sword was like a dragon, cutting through the air and going straight for the bandit leader.

The old soldiers followed closely behind, charging into battle, providing support and cover, demonstrating amazing combat effectiveness and tacit cooperation.

Led by the old man, several children bravely waved their weapons. Their movements were a little clumsy, but their firm will was moving.

During the battle, the bravery and fearlessness of the old Duke and his old soldiers deeply moved Chu Yishang and other children. They gradually overcame their fears and learned how to cooperate and how to find opportunities in adversity.

In this seemingly unequal battle, they successfully repelled the bandits with their indomitable spirit and wisdom.

The bandits looked at the wounded all over the ground and were terrified as if they had seen a ghost, especially the black boy who was such a good fighter.

The man with the big knife was also a fierce general. His moves were lethal. If you were to fight him, you would either die or be crippled. The two beautiful women were better fighters than them.

After being a bandit for so many years, this was the first time I was beaten so badly that I began to question my life.