"The Li people have been kidnapping people for a long time, but we can't verify it, so we dare not go up the mountain to demand our people back."
However, there are also rumors that many people are being held captive in the mines.
Even the powerful and influential of the Great Yin Dynasty viewed us as a resource to be plundered...
Besides men being abducted to do hard labor, women who were abducted were also enslaved or made maids.
These are all passed down orally, and we cannot verify them.
But the truth is, our people often disappear without a trace, their bodies never even found.
Niu Erhua pointed to herself, "That's how my dad died..."
A few years later, my mother also disappeared. I was raised by my older brother...
He then pointed to Chen Hai, "Uncle Chen Hai, my son went out to sea, and none of him and the others who went with him have returned..."
The person in charge of the organization gave no explanation, only saying that the boat had capsized.
Two years later, her daughter also disappeared one night...
Whether it's Niu Erhua speaking her mind or Chen Hai remaining silent...
They all looked very calm, a kind of numb calm.
Song Chenghou and the others were alarmed by what they heard.
How much patience and repression must one endure to achieve this state of perfect tranquility?
After a brief silence, Niu Erhua continued in a light voice:
"I'm saying this to remind everyone..."
There was no precedent for demanding ransom before.
Their remarks this time are probably aimed at these important figures.
We could never raise that much money on our own.
But even if they raise the money, will they send the person back, or even all of them...?
It is also unknown.
But one thing is certain: this will absolutely not be the last time our people are abducted.
But if we pay the ransom this time, no matter the outcome, there will be a next time...
Not to mention Song Chenghou, even Song Chengjian, who was here for the first time to discuss the matter, couldn't help but take a second look at Niu Erhua.
This young woman grew up by the sea, orphaned, and could not have received much education...
But she was very clear-headed and possessed a certain composure and calmness typical of women.
Although she spoke at a steady pace and without excessive force, the imposing manner she conveyed was in no way inferior.
Although she didn't say it explicitly, her implication was that bandits were not trustworthy and could change their minds at any time...
She tends to take action.
Chen Hai's expression was firm; he offered neither dissuasion nor attempt to ease the situation...
It is considered as, or by default.
The information provided by Niu Erhua is of great reference value to the region.
Throughout the entire process, Song Chenghou believed that the bandits who helped him had a base on the shore.
Regardless of which force at sea is involved, the islanders are burying their heads in the sand...
At least, based on Niu Erhua's information, we can roughly figure out the direction.
It's easy to fight.
They now have boats, people, and explosives.
But they knew nothing about their opponent, not even how strong the opponent was.
More importantly, their weaknesses are too obvious.
As exiled criminals, the Song family was not allowed to leave Hainan Island.
The fishermen's wives and children, as well as the abbot and monks, would not easily leave the island.
Even if you win a minor skirmish, nobody knows if your opponent will come ashore to retaliate...
If money could solve their predicament, Song Chenghou, like Jiang Xinyu, hoped for a peaceful resolution.
The abbot did not express his opinion, and Jiang Xinyu waited for Song Chenghou to make a decision.
So Song Chenghou said, "We don't have much time, so let's get straight to the point."
Based on the information provided by Uncle Chen Hai and Miss Erhua, and everyone's opinions...
We need to prepare for the worst.
But after all, we are in the open while the enemy is in the shadows. Without knowing the enemy's strength, we still need to consider the consequences...
With so many people still on shore, if they face relentless retaliation from the other side, their suffering will be endless.
Therefore, my personal suggestion is that, on the one hand, we should start planning how to raise money....
At the same time, be prepared for the other party to break their promise, accept four thousand taels but still not release the person, or not release all of them, and for a confrontation to follow...
Even in the worst-case scenario, we have our reasons.
If they retaliate someday, we will still be on their side!
Everyone else agreed wholeheartedly, but Song Chengjian nodded with great difficulty.
He's always been someone who doesn't back down and just does what he's told; he can't stand being treated like a pushover.
But now, without their parents' protection, they have to consider the safety of their younger brothers and Shishi, and the situation of their eldest brother...
Once people grow up, they can no longer follow their own temper and do whatever they want.
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