The Lin family did not want to hunt down the bandits; it was too dangerous! However, Lin Zheng understood that this was a moment to show their loyalty. If the Lin family acted like turtles, Zhang Fang would definitely stop caring about them in the future. After deep contemplation, he gritted his teeth and responded, “The Lin family is willing to follow Young Master Zhang to hunt down the bandits!”
Mu Qing and the other two were much more enthusiastic than the Lin family. If it weren’t for the need to control the group of mountain bandits, they would have raised their hands in support of Zhang Fang.
This situation left Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde in stunned silence; Zhang Fang’s charisma had surpassed their control. Now that Zhang Fang was leading an expedition against the bandits, they could not stop him!
After binding the dozen or so mountain bandits, Zhang Fang arranged for the Lin women and children to stay behind and keep an eye on the group of bandits to prevent their escape.
“If one of them runs back to the lair to report, we’re all done for,” Zhang Fang emphasized the seriousness of the situation to the Lin women.
Lin Yuetong and Lin Qiaoqiao looked serious. The involvement in the mission against the bandits gave them an unprecedented sense of justice. They enjoyed this feeling; it made them feel like they were shining!
Mao Aniu also wanted to join the expedition against the bandits. As a young man, who didn’t have dreams of being a hero? With the opportunity to participate in heroics against bandits, how could he let it slip away?
“Please, Young Master, take me with you! I’m about your age; I can join in hunting down the bandits!”
“No way. You stay here and watch this group of mountain bandits. Aniu, you are the person I trust most. I can’t trust the Lin family; if one bandit escapes, the consequences will be disastrous,” Zhang Fang said earnestly as he patted Mao Aniu on the shoulder.
This made it hard for Mao Aniu to refuse. He could only nod in frustration and agree, “Don’t worry, Young Master, I will keep a close eye on everyone! I won’t let any bandit have a chance to escape!”
“If they cause trouble, just go for them and beat them up!” Zhang Fang instructed Mao Aniu on how to control the bandits.
Mao Aniu committed Zhang Fang’s words to heart.
Zhang Fang had Abiao lead the way towards the bandit lair.
Abiao was initially uncertain about the expedition against the bandits, but after hearing Zhang Fang’s plan, he couldn’t help but admire, “Young Master Zhang, you’re really cunning!”
As a sycophant, Lin Zheng immediately scolded him sternly, “What are you talking about! Young Master Zhang is a talent with both wisdom and courage!”
Abiao quickly corrected himself, awkwardly saying, “Yes, yes! Young Master Zhang is indeed talented in both wisdom and bravery!”
By noon, they reached the area near the bandit lair. Abiao pointed out a location, saying, “This is the best place to set an ambush. Although the entrance ahead is hidden, there are always two people stationed there. This location is a must-pass route surrounded by mountains and trees, perfect for hiding.”
Zhang Fang shook his head; he had been observing the surroundings since they set off. He felt that this spot was too close to the entrance, and since there were guards, any small movement would easily be detected, making it unsuitable for an ambush.
“Let’s go back to that stream and set the ambush opposite it,” Zhang Fang said in a low voice.
Abiao asked in confusion, “Why set the ambush behind? This place is clearly better for hiding.”
No explanation was needed; Lin Zheng rolled his eyes and directly responded, “You just said there are guards in the front; if we set an ambush here, they can hear any noise! I can’t believe you didn’t think of that!”
Abiao quickly explained, “Now that I’ve pledged loyalty to Young Master Zhang, naturally, I’m on his side! It’s just that I didn’t think this through. Let’s do as Young Master Zhang says and set the ambush by the stream!”
Thus, everyone retreated. They returned to the stream and set up their ambush in the woods.
After a lot of busy work, they had finally arranged the trap. Zhang Fang waved to Abiao, who hurried over to him.
Zhang Fang gave Mu Qing a glance, and she quickly pressed Abiao down to the ground. He pried open Abiao’s mouth, quickly stuffing something into it before closing his mouth and forcing him to swallow.
Abiao glared at Zhang Fang angrily, struggling desperately.
“Cough, cough, cough… What did you just make me eat?”
“Don’t worry, once the bandits are dealt with, I’ll give you the antidote. Otherwise, you’ll die soon,” Zhang Fang said with a smile, yet Abiao felt a chill throughout his body.
“You… how despicable!”
Abiao was furious! To save his own life, he had no choice but to obey Zhang Fang’s orders, walking back to the bandit lair with a sullen face.
The lookout brothers saw Abiao and curiously asked, “Why did you come back alone? Weren’t you going to catch that big fat sheep?”
Abiao quickly changed his expression and excitedly said, “That was indeed a big fat sheep! You don’t know, the cart was filled with gold and jewels! But unfortunately, when we tried to act, the cart broke down and we couldn’t bring it back. I’m back to get help!”
Upon hearing this, the two lookouts became excited and wanted to ask Abiao more questions. Abiao hurriedly waved his hands, saying, “I can’t chat with you now; I need to rush back and report to the boss, so he can send brothers to help with the haul!”
After saying that, Abiao dashed off, leaving the two lookouts filled with imagination.
After learning about the situation, the leader of the bandits, Chen, immediately slapped his thigh in excitement, assigning twenty men to follow Abiao to help with the haul.
Abiao led the twenty bandits away from the lair. The closer they got to the stream, the more nervous he became. Along the way, he boasted about the treasures in the cart, making the twenty bandits run even faster!
Once the bandits crossed the small stream and entered the woods, they instantly fell into the trap. Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde, the officials, were dumbfounded; they had not expected to catch a group of bandits so smoothly! Seeing Mu Qing and the others jump out, they hurried to assist.
The bandits in the trap cursed and scolded Abiao until he was drenched in sweat, hiding behind Zhang Fang in terror, not daring to look at them.
After putting in a lot of effort, all twenty bandits were knocked unconscious and dragged up from the pit, securely tied. Zhang Fang instructed the officials to drag the bandits to a farther place to hide, to prevent anyone from pretending to faint and causing problems later on.