northernbook Chapter 133: Retreat
Chapter 133: Retreat
The soldiers guarding the entrance to Kaoshan Village saw the dust rising in the distance, followed by a group of ragged figures gradually appearing, and their eyes immediately became alert. These ragged people were covered in dirt and blood, with haggard faces and staggering steps, as if they were defeated soldiers escaping from the battlefield.
The leading soldier, holding a spear and with a sharp gaze, stepped forward and shouted in a deep voice: "Stop here! I need to report to the leader first!" There was an unquestionable majesty in his words. At the same time, he was also looking at this group of people carefully, secretly guessing their purpose.
A middle-aged man, although dressed in tattered clothes, had an extraordinary bearing. He bowed and replied respectfully: "Thank you, we are indeed here to seek refuge in your village." Although his voice was a little hoarse, it was full of firmness and determination.
When the soldier heard this, a trace of suspicion flashed in his eyes. He looked at the group of people carefully, then sneered: "Are you really here to join us? I see that the way you are dressed makes you more like beggars or refugees. Can't survive outside and want to come here for a meal?" There was a bit of disdain and contempt in his tone, as if he had seen through these people's true intentions.
The middle-aged man's face changed slightly when he heard this, but he quickly regained his composure. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Although we have been defeated, our ambitions remain. We were once the team that raised the banner of rebellion in Xishan County. Although we were defeated due to the disparity in strength, our respect for Chief Sun has never changed. We learned that Chief Sun is the best hero in Xishan County, so we came here specially to surrender, hoping to serve under him."
As soon as he finished speaking, hurried footsteps were heard from the camp gate. Sun Ying and Lin Kunlun hurried over. They swept their eyes over the group of people, and their faces showed solemn expressions. Seeing this, Sun Ying immediately asked, "Who are you brothers? Why did you come to my Kaoshan Village?"
When the middle-aged man heard Sun Ying asking, he immediately stepped forward and said with a bow, "Master Sun, we are the remnants of the people who raised the banner of rebellion in Xishan County. Although we were defeated, we still have the will to fight. We have heard that Master Sun is famous, so we have come here to join you, hoping to continue to contribute to the cause of resistance under your command."
Upon hearing this, Sun Ying's eyes flashed with admiration. He nodded and said in a deep voice: "It is a blessing for our Kaoshan Village that you brothers have such ambitions. But the current situation is serious, and I need to discuss with you to see how to accommodate you." There was a hint of solemnity and worry in his words, but more of it was trust and expectation for this group of people.
"What a coincidence! Your leader Zhang has just arrived at Kaoshan Village!" Lin Kunlun said at this time.
Lin Kunlun had already noticed that Zhang Shan had been observing the situation here, so he deliberately made it clear at this time!
The atmosphere at the camp gate suddenly became tense. The middle-aged man and the defeated soldiers behind him looked at each other, with complex emotions flashing in their eyes. They were surprised by the unexpected appearance of Chief Zhang, and worried that this sudden news would bring changes to their way of seeking refuge.
"Chief Zhang?" The middle-aged man was slightly startled, then took a deep breath, calmed down, and asked respectfully, "Where is Chief Zhang?"
Sun Ying and Lin Kunlun looked at each other and saw the solemnity in each other's eyes. Lin Kunlun said, "Chief Zhang is also in this camp! You can also live in this camp with peace of mind."
The middle-aged man felt relieved after hearing this. He nodded and bowed again, saying, "Thank you, Chief Sun and Brother Lin, for your care. Now that we have decided to surrender, we will follow your village's arrangements."
Sun Ying nodded, turned to the soldiers beside him and said, "Go and ask Chief Zhang to come over, and tell him that an old friend is visiting." The soldiers took the order and left, and the atmosphere at the camp gate fell silent again.
Soon, a burly, resolute-looking middle-aged man strode over. He was Zhang Shan, another leader of the rebel army in Xishan County. When he saw the middle-aged man at the camp gate and the ragged remnants of the defeated army, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Brothers, how are you?" Zhang Shan walked forward and bowed to the middle-aged man.
When the middle-aged man saw that it was Zhang Shan, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes. He stepped forward, shook Zhang Shan's hand tightly, and said excitedly: "Chief Zhang, we finally found you!"
Zhang Shan patted the middle-aged man on the shoulder, swept his eyes over everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Brothers, I am no longer a leader! I have surrendered to Leader Sun Ying. From now on, he will be our common leader!"
Sun Ying and Lin Kunlun also stepped forward and stood side by side with Zhang Shan. Sun Ying looked at the group of people in front of him, and a sense of responsibility surged in his heart. He knew that these defeated soldiers who escaped from the battlefield, although ragged and exhausted, still had an unyielding light in their eyes. These people were real warriors, they had firm beliefs and tenacious fighting spirit.
"Brothers, welcome to Kaoshan Village." Sun Ying's voice was firm and powerful. "Here, we will fight side by side so that everyone can have enough food to eat."
When the middle-aged man and others heard Sun Ying's words, their eyes flashed with gratitude and admiration.
"Chief Sun, we are willing to follow your arrangements." The middle-aged man said respectfully, "Whatever you ask us to do, we will do our best."
These people were quickly arranged to a separate location in the camp!
"Can Brother Lin and his people really be used by me? I see they trust Zhang Shan very much!" Sun Ying looked at the dozens of people who were arranged in the tent next to them!
"Brother Sun, do you know why these people would follow Zhang Shangan?" Lin Kunlun asked in a deep voice.
Sun Ying shook his head: "I don't know, and I've never thought about it." Sun Ying really didn't know. Although he had been paying attention to the situation in the county, he had never thought that Zhang Shan could gather a team of 2,000 people to capture Xishan County.
"Because they think they can survive by following Zhang Shan. I think they chose Zhang Shan just to survive. It's a helpless choice."
Lin Kunlun pondered for a moment and said slowly: "They won on the battlefield! This trust will grow deeper and deeper. Zhang Shan's personal prestige will also grow higher and higher. But now they have failed and are like dogs that have lost their homes. Naturally, they will not be determined to follow Zhang Shan. As long as you give them food and lead him to win a few battles, you will naturally gain their trust!"
Sun Ying suddenly understood what Lin Kunlun said. Sun Ying knew that what Lin Kunlun said was right. Survival in this world is the most important thing!