Uncertain who took the first step, the others followed suit.
Chen Laoda watched his subordinates leave him and let out an ineffective roar: “A bunch of useless dogs! I raised you for so long for nothing!”
Seeing this scene, Yuan Chuan showed a look of surprise, realizing belatedly, and asked Zhang Fang, “Is this Zhang Gongzi’s strategy?”
Zhang Fang lowered his hand as Abiao approached him with a large group of people, grinning as he said, “Gongzi, these brothers are coming to follow you!”
“Great, there will be meat to eat later. Go help with the work!” Zhang Fang welcomed this group with a friendly demeanor.
This warm attitude reassured the anxious mountain bandits.
Only three people remained by Chen Laoda’s side. Abiao told Zhang Fang, “Chen Laoda saved their lives; these three shouldn’t betray him.”
Zhang Fang nodded and casually complimented, “Well done! You’ll manage these folks from now on.”
Abiao straightened his back, filled with confidence, and turned to keep an eye on the bandits.
Yuan Chuan continued to question Zhang Fang: “Earlier, when Zhang Gongzi sent them provisions, was it certain that Chen’s bandit leader wouldn’t share the food with all the bandits?”
“Hmm.” Zhang Fang had already inquired about Chen Laoda’s character from Abiao. This man was selfish, often keeping ninety percent of the plunder for himself, only giving ten percent to the other bandits. Therefore, Zhang Fang deliberately sent provisions to test people’s hearts. It proved to be very effective.
“Zhang Gongzi’s intelligence is truly admirable!” Yuan Chuan looked at Zhang Fang with admiration, getting up to explain to Mu Qing and Chang Bao.
Since Zhang Fang released the bandits, Mu Qing had felt dissatisfied, especially seeing Zhang Fang send a bag of provisions to the bandits. Mu Qing even doubted his understanding of Zhang Fang. How could someone be so naive! He never expected that every step was meticulously calculated by Zhang Fang! Such intelligence was worthy of total admiration!
Mu Qing became Zhang Fang’s staunch supporter and came over to apologize, “Zhang Gongzi, I’m sorry; I didn’t understand your actions before.”
Zhang Fang smiled faintly and said, “Brother Mu, Brother Chang, you’ve worked hard. Why don’t you take a break?”
Yuan Chuan added, “Yes, you two take a break; I’ll keep watch outside.”
Only then did Mu Qing and Chang Bao enter the carriage to rest.
A large crowd gathered around the horse, creating quite a commotion. In contrast, the area near Chen Laoda became exceedingly quiet.
The three people beside Chen Laoda repeatedly assured him that they would never betray him.
However, Chen Laoda did not trust them. He knew well that these three would not betray him now only because he had once saved their lives. How long could they hold onto that bit of loyalty? In the end, one must rely on oneself!
Fortunately, he had previously purchased some charcoal; otherwise, using the waterlogged wood, it would have been impossible to cook meat. As the smell of cooked meat wafted through the air, Chen Laoda’s expression darkened further.
This horse meat wasn’t tasty, only sprinkled with a little salt and not fully cooked. Zhang Fang forced himself to eat a few pieces but could take no more. He took a bowl of meat and walked towards Chen Laoda.
Chen Laoda held a rock in his hand, watching Zhang Fang approach step by step, thoughts of killing the other person surfacing in his mind.
“I know you harbor resentment towards me, but I don’t resent you. To me, you are now a partner in adversity. Eat up; whatever you plan to do must start with a full stomach.”
This handsome face appeared so gentle and friendly. Chen Laoda’s expression turned icy; he threw the stone in his hand aside and reached out to take the bowl of meat.
Zhang Fang’s words were right; no matter what you plan to do, you must eat well first! It would be foolish not to eat this meat presented to him!
After eating most of the meat in the bowl, Chen Laoda kept three pieces and shared them among the three subordinates. Even if they could only have one piece, it moved them greatly.
As dawn broke and the situation below the mountain became clear, everyone felt apprehensive.
Yesterday, some tree tops could be seen poking out of the water. Now all that could be seen was a stretch of yellow water, with indistinguishable things floating and slowly drifting.
The joy of having meat to eat vanished in an instant. The crowd appeared worried. They did not know if the wooden rafts they built would be able to drift on the water. If they fell into the water, they would surely drown!
Zhang Fang rubbed his head and spoke, “Now that we’ve eaten and drunk enough, let’s prepare to set off! Chen Laoda, you are familiar with the local environment, please lead the way.”
Chen Laoda squinted his eyes, realizing that Zhang Fang’s kindness came with a purpose. Indeed, people would only be treated kindly where they could be of use. Relationships between people could only be solidified through interests!
Without saying a word, Chen Laoda stood up in a cold manner.
Zhang Fang pointed to the overturned carriage and spoke to Chen Laoda, “You stay with me.”
Chen Laoda laughed, a sinister smile that was unhidden.
Mu Qing warned Zhang Fang, “Zhang Gongzi, be careful of this person! If he decides to push you into the water when you’re together, what will you do?”
“Brother Mu, please stay with me.” Zhang Fang clasped his hands in greeting.
Mu Qing nodded satisfactorily, assuring Zhang Fang, “I will protect you well!”
There were only nine usable wooden rafts, but there were over a hundred people here; it was impossible for everyone to leave together. So Zhang Fang left half the people behind to wait for rescue. He would lead a team outside to find help, and once he bought a boat, he would come back to save them.
The Lin family was left behind; they had no intention of staying there, not trusting Zhang Fang’s words, believing he was abandoning them!
Only Lin Yuerong and Lin Qiaoqiao believed in Zhang Fang’s words, which was why they didn’t cause a scene.
A large crowd of Lin family members knelt in front of Zhang Fang, pleading with him to take them away.
Zhang Fang’s face was solemn as he addressed the group, “The raft cannot carry so many people! I promise, once I find a boat, I will return to save you! The food and meat will be left here for you! The rain has stopped; the water shouldn’t rise any further. Just wait patiently here!”
“No! I don’t want to stay here! Please, Zhang Gongzi, take us away! I was wrong; I shouldn’t have been disrespectful to Zhang Gongzi in the prison!” The Lin family’s elder aunt cried, pleading with Zhang Fang. She had thought Zhang Fang wouldn’t hold a grudge about her earlier wrong remarks, but now, during this critical moment, she feared that Zhang Fang would abandon the Lin family!