Chapter 28

On the afternoon of the eighth day of the ninth month in the fifth year of the Chongzhen era, Yueyang, accompanied by Yuelai Fu, Shunbao, and a group of servants, was walking on a small path in the fields of Wulizhai.

After several months of hard work, Yueyang had used drilling machines to dig nearly two hundred irrigation wells. Despite the Sanggan River still being dry, the planting work in Wulizhai was not affected. In just two months, the fields had been harvested, transplanted, and replanted. Along the way, Yueyang saw many farmers walking in the fields, checking on the crops, and many of them had satisfied smiles on their faces.

A cool autumn breeze blew, carrying the pleasant scent of grass. The fields exuded a refreshing aroma. Yueyang felt a surge of joy as he looked at the vast, lush rice paddies. Two months ago, Yueyang had ordered his tenant farmers to plant the super rice and wheat seeds he had brought from the modern era. Although Yueyang did not dare to use chemical fertilizers, he was confident that with just organic manure, he could achieve a yield of over 1,000 pounds per acre. This way, by the beginning of next year, his 12,000 acres of land would yield at least 12 million pounds of grain. With the tenants paying 50% rent, the Yue family estate would harvest at least 6 million pounds of grain. The thought of this made Yueyang's heart race.

As they walked, Yueyang was not the only one who was pleased. Yuelai Fu also marveled, "Young Master, the crops are growing very well, much better than our old seeds. I haven't seen any pests or diseases along the way, which is quite rare."

"Yes, I'm also puzzled. In previous years, the crops we planted were often damaged by pests, and the farmers had to keep a close eye on them. But today, the seedlings are growing so well, it's almost unbelievable. The seeds you brought, Young Master, are truly amazing."

Shunbao also expressed his amazement, his tone filled with pride. Just a month ago, when Yueyang distributed these seeds to the tenants, most of them were skeptical and reluctant to plant the new rice variety. In the end, Yueyang had to issue a strict order, promising to waive the rent for the year if the seeds failed. The tenants reluctantly agreed to plant them. Now, it was clear that these seeds were of high quality, growing quickly and resistant to pests and diseases. The only thing left to see was their yield.

Just as Yueyang was feeling pleased, a voice called out, "Young Master! Young Master!" Turning around, he saw a servant running towards them.

The servant arrived, panting, and said, "Young Master, someone from Yingzhou Prefecture has come. They are waiting for you at the estate."

"Someone from Yingzhou Prefecture?" Yueyang felt a sense of foreboding. "Is something wrong in Yingzhou Prefecture?"

The servant shook his head. "I don't know, but the official said it's an emergency and asked me to bring you back quickly."

"Let's go!"

Yueyang didn't waste any time and ran back to the estate, with Yuelai Fu and Shunbao following closely behind.

When Yueyang reached the main hall, he saw a bailiff in a red and black robe pacing anxiously. Upon seeing Yueyang, the bailiff rushed over, knelt down, and shouted, "I am Lu Lin, the head of the bailiffs from Yingzhou Prefecture. Young Master Yue, we have a serious problem. This morning, a large number of bandits surrounded Yingzhou City. They launched a fierce attack without any warning. The city is in grave danger, and the Prefect has sent me to request your help. Please send troops to save Yingzhou City!"

"What? The bandits have already surrounded Yingzhou City? They came so quickly?" Although Yueyang had been prepared for the bandits to attack Yingzhou City from Danning, he was still shocked to hear the news. The war had unexpectedly come to their doorstep.

"Head Bailiff Lu, what exactly happened? Why did Prefect Zheng send you here for help? Tell me everything!" After the initial shock, Yueyang frowned and sat down, addressing the bailiff sternly.

"Sir, it's like this..." Hearing Yueyang's question, Lu Lin did not dare to delay and began to explain the situation.

It turned out that Zheng Fakui had been prepared for a possible attack by the bandits. He had gathered the servants and guards from the various gentry households in Yingzhou City to help defend the city, along with the existing city guards, bringing the total number of defenders to over 2,000. Zheng Fakui had been optimistic, believing that with the city walls and 2,000 men, he could hold out for ten to fifteen days even against 10,000 bandits. However, early this morning, before dawn, the bandits had reached the city gates. If not for a guard who had gone to relieve himself and discovered the bandits trying to sneak into the city, and the fact that the city gates were still closed, Yingzhou City would have already fallen.

Despite this, the bandits did not retreat after their surprise attack failed. Instead, they immediately launched a full-scale assault, catching the city off guard. The poorly trained and unprepared city guards and hastily assembled servants suffered heavy casualties, losing about 300 men in less than half a day. Zheng Fakui was terrified, realizing that at this rate, the entire city would fall to the bandits by tomorrow afternoon.

In his panic, someone suggested to Zheng Fakui that since Yuejia Village had recently formed a militia, he should send someone to request their help. Regardless of how many men they could send, even a few hundred would be helpful in the current situation.

Terrified by the heavy casualties, Zheng Fakui did not think twice and immediately agreed to the suggestion, sending Lu Lin to Wulizhai for help.

After hearing this, Yueyang asked, "Tell me honestly, how many bandits are there outside Yingzhou City?"

Lu Lin thought for a moment and replied, "I don't know the exact number, but I estimate there are at least 10,000. The bandit leader is driving the mob to attack the city relentlessly, regardless of the casualties. The men inside the city are struggling to hold on."

"Who suggested that we send troops to reinforce Yingzhou City?" Yueyang asked, his heart filled with resentment. He wanted to know who was trying to drag him into this mess.

Lu Lin hesitated before answering, "It... it was the head of the Wang family who suggested it to Prefect Zheng."

"Damn it!" Yueyang was furious. Wang Shoucheng was truly persistent, still trying to undermine him even now. This was a classic case of hurting others without benefiting oneself.

At that moment, footsteps were heard, and Yuelai Fu and Shunbao rushed in. When Shunbao saw the bailiff, he was surprised and said to Yueyang, "Young Master, isn't this the official we met at the Prefect's office last time?"

Hearing this, Yueyang remembered that Lu Lin was the bailiff who had been arrogant when he met Zheng Fakui a few months ago. No wonder he had felt a sense of familiarity when he saw him.

Seeing Yueyang's somber expression, Lu Lin thought Yueyang was still angry about the past. He knelt down and cried, "Young Master, I was wrong last time. Please forgive me. But the city is in grave danger. You can't hesitate. Please send troops. If you do, I will be eternally grateful, even if I have to work as a slave for you!"

Yueyang helped him up and said seriously, "Get up. Sending troops is a matter of life and death for Yuejia Village. I need to discuss it with everyone. Shunbao, take this official to the side hall for a meal. Uncle Lai Fu, send someone to call Hu Lao San. We need to discuss this together!"

"Yes!"

Fifteen minutes later, Hu Lao San, Yuelai Fu, and Shunbao were all seated in front of Yueyang, their faces showing a mix of fear and unease.

After a long pause, Yueyang said, "Alright, everyone knows the situation. What do you think?"

"Young Master, the bandits are too numerous. We only have about 500 men. Even if we send reinforcements, it won't make a difference. We should not go," Yuelai Fu, the old servant who had worked for Yuejia Village all his life, was the first to speak, opposing the idea.

"Shunbao, what do you think? Do you agree with your father?" Yueyang looked at his young servant without comment.

Shunbao hesitated, glancing at his father, and then said, "Young Master, I... I don't know. I'll do whatever you say."

"Hu Lao San, what about you?" Yueyang looked at Hu Lao San with a disappointed gaze.

"Young Master, I'll do whatever you say. I'll follow your lead," the tough-looking Hu Lao San's response was as expected.

Sighing, Yueyang shook his head. He had no capable people to rely on. These men were good for managing the estate and keeping the peace, but they were not suited for matters of war. He would have to make the decision himself.

Taking a deep breath, Yueyang said, "Alright, I've made my decision. We must go to Yingzhou City and save it. We have to save it..."

PS: A new week has started. How about some recommendations and favorites?