In Black Tiger Village.
Since returning from Beiyuan City two days ago, Wang Meng's worries have gradually subsided.
He had been extremely worried that Qin Ze would send troops to attack, but after receiving Zhao Yuan's reply, he was much relieved and his anxiety subsided.
Putting aside everything else, he has served Zhao Yuan diligently for so many years, doing so much for him. It can be said that the relationship between Black Tiger Stronghold and the Commander's Mansion is one of mutual prosperity and mutual loss.
That's why he was so sure Zhao Yuan would protect him.
After Wolf Head Village and Green Peak Village were wiped out, Black Tiger Village was the last stronghold in Jubeichuan. Without paying tribute to Zhao Yuan, where would he have gotten his vast wealth?
People die for wealth, birds die for food; Wang Meng knew that Zhao Yuan couldn't possibly be unaware of this principle.
At this moment, Wang Meng was sitting upright in his chair, slowly sipping his tea, a habit he had never had before.
Having come from humble beginnings, he had always only ever known how to drink from large bowls and eat large chunks of meat, but through his frequent interactions with Zhao Yuan, he gradually learned these skills from him.
Black Tiger Village has been rooted in Beichuan for several years, and the wealth, food and other resources accumulated in the village are far beyond what Green Peak Village and Wolf Head Village can match.
That's why Wang Meng is now pursuing stability, not more wealth and fame!
He could live peacefully in the mountain stronghold until he was a hundred years old, with a beautiful wife and maids by his side, which was why his reaction to the Prince of Zhenbei's entry into Jubeichuan was so strong.
For him, this was an unstable factor.
As a local strongman, he would never allow any dangerous elements to exist around him in Beichuan!
In fact, Wang Meng had already planned to go to Beiyuan City again in a few days to find Zhao Yuan and ask him to bring out some troops so that they could kill the Prince of Zhenbei together!
The situation is gradually getting out of control. Although it's a poor choice, it's the only option left.
Just then, a burly man in his twenties walked into the hall. He was Wang Meng's son, Wang Wei!
Wang Wei, shirtless and with bulging muscles that made him appear strong and powerful, strode in, an impatient expression on his face, and said:
"Dad, I haven't left the village for days, I'm getting restless."
"It's harvest time now, shouldn't we take this opportunity to freeload?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Meng frowned and said in a deep voice:
"Can't you just keep quiet for a few days? The Prince of Zhenbei is suppressing bandits; don't go out and cause trouble during this crucial time!"
"Let's talk about it after this storm passes."
Wang Wei looked completely indifferent and casually said:
"What's the big deal?"
"That's because Zhu Fu and Zhao Dayou are incompetent! They're nothing like us. We're all trained fighters, how can we be the same?"
"If Qin Ze dares to come to our Black Tiger Stronghold, Father, rest assured, I will cut off his dog's head!"
Wang Meng knew that his son was exceptionally talented, possessed immense strength, and had been skilled in martial arts since childhood. As a result, he had been raised to have a fiery temper, much like Wang Meng himself in his youth.
Seeing this, he said calmly:
"After these few days, it will be your turn to contribute."
Upon hearing this, Wang Wei smiled and nodded, saying:
“Dad, I saw you were so worried the other day. I think it’s because you’re getting old and have become timid.”
"Qin Ze is a powerful dragon; even if he comes to Jubeichuan, we will suppress him!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Meng smiled with satisfaction.
"Yes, Wei'er, Black Tiger Stronghold will definitely be yours in the future. It's good that you have this courage."
Wang Wei beamed with joy upon receiving his father's praise, nodding repeatedly.
Just then, urgent shouts came from outside the hall, and a subordinate ran in looking flustered.
"Boss! The brothers outside Shuangqi Mountain have spotted a large group of people heading this way!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Meng's eyes narrowed, and he was greatly alarmed. The teacup fell from his hand and shattered.
"What!"
"A large group of people? Which direction are they coming from?"
"It's to the south, boss!" the subordinate hurriedly replied.
Upon hearing this, Wang Meng raised an eyebrow and his expression changed.
"South? The south is Beiyuan City, the commanding troops?"
"Where are they?" Wang Meng asked urgently.
"They were still a few miles away from us, but the brothers who went to scout saw from afar that there were a large number of them, a huge, dark mass!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Meng's heart began to race, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
He murmured to himself, "Why did the commander send such a large force here? Is he going to annihilate us, or... does he intend to kill Qin Ze in one fell swoop?"
Wang Meng was now filled with doubt, as he had not received a clear answer from Zhao Yuan earlier.
Zhao Yuan only said he would step in to resolve the issue. Does that mean he would openly and legitimately go and suppress Qin Ze?
Upon careful consideration, it seems that this is the only possible solution!
If Qin Ze only had eight hundred men, it would be fine; Zhao Yuan could simply send men to kill them. However, judging from his successive capture of two mountain strongholds, he must have an army under his command. Therefore, Zhao Yuan's arrangement is understandable.
Even if we take a step back and assume the worst, does he really intend to send troops to annihilate us?
That's absolutely impossible!
Thinking about this, Wang Meng gradually calmed down.
"Okay, I understand. Send a few brothers to ask."
Wang Wei, standing to the side, frowned and said in a deep voice:
"etc!"
"Father, did the commander-in-chief not tell you beforehand that he was going to send troops over?"
Wang Meng shook his head.
After a moment's thought, Wang Wei said, "Then do you think it might be him who wants to...?"
Before he could finish speaking, Wang Meng waved his hand and said, "Wei'er, you don't understand the relationship between me and Zhao Yuan. We are from the same village. He later joined the army, while I became a commoner. I have worked under him for so many years. He would never do anything to us."
Don't worry!
"Alright, go ahead and find out what happened," Wang Wei said in a deep voice.
The subordinate immediately ran out.
Wang Meng frowned, looking at the shattered teacup on the floor. After pondering for a while, he said:
"Wei'er, just in case, have the brothers in the village prepare defensive fortifications, just for peace of mind."
"Yes, Father!"
Wang Wei immediately strode away.
On the other side.
On the main road to the north, Qin Ze was leading six thousand cavalrymen at full speed toward Shuangqi Mountain.
Just then, a cavalryman galloped up from directly ahead, the very same troops Qin Ze had sent to scout the area the day before.
"General! The bandits of Shuangqi Mountain have made no move, but a force of troops is rapidly approaching from the east. It is Zhao Yuan's men!"
Qin Ze nodded slightly, a faint smile on his face.
Just as I expected, Zhao Yuanzhen really sent troops!
"Alright! Full speed ahead!" Qin Ze gave the order.
Qin Ze was determined to take down Black Tiger Stronghold himself, and Zhao Yuan could only play a supporting role. He didn't want to waste this opportunity to gain more points!
Immediately, everyone slapped their horses' rumps and sped off towards Shuangqi Mountain!
Meanwhile, on a low-lying hillside outside Shuangqi Mountain, Dian Wei was rubbing shoulders with excitement.
He had been anxiously waiting since he arrived yesterday. Now he was just waiting for the main force to arrive so that he could storm into Black Tiger Stronghold in one fell swoop. How could he not be excited?
At this moment, a strong killing intent flashed in his tiger-like eyes...
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