Chapter 110: The Extermination of the Mountain Bandits

Stepping out of the prison cell, Xiao Ding took several deep breaths of fresh air, feeling as if he had been reborn into the light. Magistrate Hu led him to a guest room in the rear quarters of the county office, where he was to stay for the night. The house in the back was just as dilapidated as the ones in the village—not much better, really.

Xiao Ding thought to himself, “For a county magistrate to live in such a shabby place, it’s truly beyond imagination.”

Magistrate Hu ordered a servant to bring tea, then took a sip and said, “You know, Brother Xiao Ding, have you ever considered serving under me in the county government?”

Xiao Ding shook his head. “I have no interest in officialdom. As the saying goes, ‘No office, no burden.’ The higher the rank, the heavier the responsibility. If one cannot serve the people as an official, then what use is the position? It’s better to be a commoner, free from the scorn and blame of the people.”

Magistrate Hu nodded repeatedly. Then he added, “The last time I saw you, you were quite close with my wife’s younger sister, Han Luer. You even stood up for her. Don’t you have any feelings for her? If you wish, I can arrange a match for you.”

Xiao Ding shook his head again. “We are just ordinary friends. I only intervened because I couldn’t stand Xue’s villainy. Besides, I already have a family and have no intention of pursuing anyone else.”

“That’s not true. Listen, brother, a real man may have three wives and four concubines—it’s perfectly normal. Why be so troubled by the wives you have at home?” Magistrate Hu pressed on.

“I’ve made up my mind. I will not take another woman.” Xiao Ding’s voice softened, and a faint sadness flickered in his eyes as memories of Qing’er, the woman he loved deeply in another world, surfaced in his heart once more.

Seeing the change in Xiao Ding’s expression, Magistrate Hu quickly shifted the topic. “Brother, you haven’t eaten dinner yet, have you? What would you like? I’ll have the kitchen prepare something for you.”

“Anything will do,” Xiao Ding replied absentmindedly, pulling himself back to the present.

Magistrate Hu then instructed a servant to arrange the meal.

The two chatted casually for a while until the food was ready. Magistrate Hu accompanied Xiao Ding as they ate, then retired for the night.

Xiao Ding wasn’t sure whether Magistrate Hu had released Zhao Hu and the others. His mind was preoccupied with plans to eradicate the mountain bandits, so it wasn’t until late that night that he finally fell asleep.

The next morning, outside the county office, Xiao Ding saw Zhao Hu and the others. After being freed the previous night, they had stayed at an inn and now came to find him.

Leading them back to Luoxia Village, the Tian family erupted with joy at their safe return. The laborers working nearby also cheered upon seeing them.

Before long, the news reached the old manor.

“I wonder, old man, how did that fool and those bandits return so quickly? Why didn’t the authorities execute them all?” Madam Zhou asked Tian Caishen with suspicion.

“I’m not sure myself. Perhaps the magistrate is a muddle-headed official who can’t tell right from wrong,” Tian Caishen speculated.

“That’s likely. Otherwise, why would he release them all when they deserved death for their crimes? That’s not an official’s mistake? What else could it be?” Madam Zhou said firmly.

“I never thought that fool was so lucky—to encounter such a confused magistrate who spared his entire family. They’re truly blessed,” Tian Caishen agreed, increasingly convinced.

Meanwhile, the Tian family had no idea their parents were lamenting the missed opportunity to have their household entirely wiped out. Surrounded by Xiao Ding and his companions, they asked about their wellbeing. Particularly, Madam Li clutched Xiao Ding’s hand, repeatedly inquiring, “Did you suffer in prison? Were you bullied?”

Xiao Ding recounted the events of the previous day in detail but omitted his promise to Magistrate Hu to help eradicate the bandits. He only said that the magistrate knew he was innocent and thus released them all.

Two days later, Xiao Ding and Zhao Laixi drove to the Mo family’s blacksmith shop to collect the finished crossbow parts.

Back home, Xiao Ding assembled the crossbows one by one.

There were ten slightly larger repeating crossbows and ten smaller models. He planned to give the smaller ones to the women and children at home for self-defense.

The ten larger ones were reserved for himself, Fan Sanpang, Zhao Hu, and a few others for protection.

Testing the crossbows in an open field, Xiao Ding found the larger ones had an effective range of about 150 paces, while the smaller models could shoot over twenty zhang (approximately 66 feet).

Each crossbow came with a quiver that held fifteen bolts, allowing for fifteen consecutive shots when fully loaded.

Xiao Ding taught his family how to use the repeating crossbows—how to load bolts, engage the safety, and handle them properly. Even little Zhu’er quickly mastered it.

He equipped each family member with a crossbow and the corresponding bolts, reminding them to carry them carefully and keep the safety on to prevent accidental firing. He especially warned the children never to aim at their own people and to only use the weapons in times of danger.

Fan Sanpang, a seasoned man of the world, admired the power and clever design of these crossbows. Despite his wide experience, he had never seen such well-crafted, potent, and convenient hidden weapons. He hadn’t expected this so-called fool, Xiao Ding, to be capable of designing such arms.

Soon, the day arrived for Xiao Ding’s planned assault on Feiyun Stronghold with Magistrate Hu.

Xiao Ding, Fan Sanpang, Zhao Hu, and three others went to the road leading to Luoxia County to meet the soldiers sent by Magistrate Hu.

This time, Magistrate Hu dispatched over a hundred troops led by Captain Yan, a stern man.

Zhao Hu and his men were very familiar with the terrain around Feiyun Stronghold, and Xiao Ding had long since had a map drawn.

After the two forces merged, they quickly arrived at the foot of Feiyun Peak.

Feiyun Stronghold was perched atop Feiyun Peak, a rugged mountain with a single narrow path leading to the stronghold—unsuitable for large armies. The fortress commanded a commanding view, making it easy to defend but difficult to assault.

Moreover, the mountain path ran beneath sheer cliffs. If the bandits spotted attackers approaching, they could simply roll logs and rocks down upon them, blocking the ascent.

Xiao Ding studied the terrain carefully and thought, “Stone Jianduan really knows how to pick his lair. To wipe out this nest, a direct assault won’t work. If we charge head-on, Captain Yan’s hundred-plus men will be slaughtered here. No wonder Magistrate Hu said the previous attack ended in defeat.”

Stone Jianduan’s choice of terrain made victory almost impossible for the attackers.

Xiao Ding knew he must devise a foolproof plan or the mission would fail.

“Captain Yan, do you have any strategies for assaulting the mountain?” Xiao Ding turned to him.

Captain Yan was a seasoned soldier in his thirties, with a short beard, a sword at his waist, and a spear hanging from his horse.

“I’m but a simple warrior. I’ll need Brother Xiao Ding’s guidance to defeat the enemy,” he replied. Before setting out, Magistrate Hu had instructed him that Xiao Ding would take the lead, and he was to cooperate fully.

Seeing Captain Yan had no plan, Xiao Ding felt a twinge of disappointment and realized he would have to rely on himself.

Suddenly, his gaze fell on Zhao Hu and the others, and an idea took shape in his mind.

[End of translation.]