The first one to step up and act opposite him was Hei Zi. This was Qin Sang's suggestion because Hei Zi used to be a local ruffian, so he should be quite adept at bullying the common people.
Hei Zi gave a bitter smile:
"Aunt, I've already turned over a new leaf. Besides, back when we were in Songbai Town, we never actually killed anyone."
Qin Sang smiled and said:
"It's fine, it's just acting. Just let loose. The more realistically you play the part, the higher A Shui's chances of survival. Just think of it as saving a life."
Hearing Qin Sang say this, Hei Zi finally nodded and stood up:
"Alright then."
Qin Sang looked at A Shui:
"Alright, the scenario is that you are the sole rebel soldier who escaped back to the Town. You need to tell the others that the Government officials have sent troops to surround and wipe them out."
I'll give you half a cup of tea's time to prepare..."
A Shui hadn't expected Qin Sang to arrange a rehearsal for him, so his expression and speech couldn't quite shift in time for a moment:
"Huh?"
"Oh..."
A Shui thought for a moment, and after some preparation, he approached Hei Zi and said:
"Big brother, help! The Government Soldiers are coming..."
Seeing A Shui's performance, Qin Sang shook her head:
"No, your reaction is too mild. Besides, Rebel Soldiers wouldn't be this polite. If you're too polite, even if they don't suspect you, you'll easily be bullied. Also, you've been running back all night; you should be in a state of panic..."
A Shui was dazed:
"Then... then what should I do?"
Hei Zi's eyes lit up:
"Do it like this... Run into the Town in a disheveled state. When you encounter someone blocking your way, tell them:
'Quickly take me to see Master Qian! I have news to report. Hurry! If we delay any longer, we'll all die together!'"
They had heard the name Master Qian from Butcher Hu's mouth; he was undoubtedly the Leader of the Rebel Soldiers.
"This way, those Rebel Soldiers will definitely be wary of whether you've actually received some news. You need to act a bit more fierce for them to listen to you.
Furthermore, it will set the stage for you to later claim that the grain and treasures are all hidden in Master Qian's residence."
After listening, Qin Sang felt that Hei Zi's idea was very good. He was indeed a talent who had been a local ruffian; his mind was sharper than the other farmers.
Qin Sang also added:
"At that time, if Master Qian questions you, you can say you'll personally lead a team here to check. That way, you'll become a small team Leader, and those who come with you can become your first targets for incitement to defect..."
With a start made, the rest of the rehearsal went quite smoothly.
Qin Sang also prepared several other contingency plans just in case. She had everyone practice with A Shui several times, which brought about a certain change in A Shui's temperament.
They practiced until midnight before resting where they were. After being exhausted for two nights, everyone needed a good rest.
Early the next morning, the group saw A Shui off down the mountain. Qin Sang pulled A Shui aside privately, handed him something, and whispered instructions:
"This is a map of Steward Huangs Residence. There are several copies; you can find an opportunity to spread them around.
Then, tonight I will find a way to deliver the grain to the large tree outside the Town. A red silk ribbon will be tied to the tree.
Remember to avoid being seen. Tell them you stole it from the Leader. That way, they'll have no choice but to believe it.
Also, if you start your operation, remember to use a stick to prop this red silk ribbon above the roof. That way, we'll know the Rebel Soldiers have begun killing each other.
Also, you must watch out for your own safety. Once things get chaotic, don't think about killing anyone; just find a safe place to hide.
Only by staying alive can you take good care of your younger brother."
A Shui nodded heavily:
"I understand, Aunt. I will find a way to survive."
Qin Sang handed him a bundle:
"There's some food in here. Eat your fill first and keep your spirits up so you can better handle what's coming next."
"Mm, thank you, Aunt."
Qin Sang thought for a moment and, seeing nothing else was missed, watched A Shui leave.
His younger brother was crying uncontrollably beside Qin Sang:
"Brother, you have to come back alive..."
A Shui didn't answer his shouts; he only raised his hand and waved, as if saying goodbye to his brother.
Qin Sang comforted him:
"As long as your brother can restrain his desire for revenge, I believe he can survive."
With teary eyes, A Jing looked up at Qin Sang:
"Really?"
Qin Sang nodded. Even if it was a lie, it was a well-intentioned one.
Returning to the mountainside, there was a faint excitement in the villagers' eyes.
"Da Zhuangs Mother, what should we do now? Should we wait here or go back to the camp?"
Qin Sang thought for a moment:
"We need to send two people back to give everyone word. Otherwise, they won't know the situation and will surely worry if we don't return for a few days."
Tian Yougen nodded:
"Then let San Gui and Hu Zi go back. You two are the youngest."
As it turned out, neither of them was very willing:
"Mother, I don't want to go back. I want to go to the Town to wipe out the Rebel Soldiers."
"Uncle, I can shoot arrows! My aim is very precise. Can't you let someone else go back?"
Qin Sang could probably guess what these two boys were thinking. Boys all wanted to be great heroes.
With such a good opportunity, how could they let it pass?
Qin Sang said:
"In-law, how about you go back to deliver the news?"
Da Huas Father was the only man in his family. If anything happened to him, Qin Sang wouldn't be able to explain it.
Furthermore, Da Huas Father had been there when they were looking for a place to settle, so he was quite familiar with the route. Qin Sang could feel at ease.
Da Huas Father obviously understood Qin Sang's kind intentions and did not decline:
"Alright, then you all stay safe. We'll wait for your good news at the camp."
"Mm."
After seeing the In-law off, Qin Sang suggested going to fetch some supplies, which would come in handy for everyone over the next few days.
Without letting anyone follow, Qin Sang led the Horse and took Da Huang down the mountain.
...
Meanwhile, A Shui hid in a pit outside the Town, slowly eating the roasted flour and drinking water.
Aunt said that because he had been hungry for too long, he shouldn't wolf it down but should chew slowly and swallow carefully. He couldn't eat too much at once, just a few bites at a time.
He was waiting for the sun to set. At that time, the light would be dim, making it harder for people to notice anything amiss.
All of this was taught to him by Aunt.
Aunt told him to keep his spirits up, so A Shui obediently followed her instructions, closing his eyes to rest once he was half-full.
When the sun no longer shone on him, A Shui opened his eyes. The sun was about to set.
He drank a few more gulps of water, stuffed a piece of flatbread into his mouth, and then hid the remaining food in the pit, covering it with a stone.
After doing this, he used a sharp small stone to cut several bloody gashes on his face, arms, and belly.
He rolled around on the ground until he was covered in dust. Then, from a long distance away from the Town, he began to run urgently:
"This is bad..."
There were Rebel Soldiers guarding the main intersections of the Town. Seeing A Shui rushing toward them on the road, the Rebel Soldiers held their Broadswords across their chests:
"Who goes there?"
A Shui cursed loudly:
"Damn your mother, it's me! I need to see Master Qian. I have a major matter to report to Master Qian immediately..."
Hearing Master Qian's name, the two guards finally put away their Broadswords:
"What business do you have with Master Qian?"
A Shui spat at him and cursed loudly:
"People are dead! Do you know Butcher Hu? He's been killed by the Government Soldiers!
Telling you? Who the hell do you think you are? Are you even worthy?"