Chapter 10: Setting the Rules

The situation had already reached this point; if they didn’t act now, they would lose all face. Hu Erbiao said coldly, “Those who don’t want to die, step aside. I’m only after this kid. If anyone insists on courting death, I won’t mind adding a few more lives to the count.”

Ning Ye responded firmly, “This opportunity today came from my petition to the county magistrate. If any of you want to be like stray dogs dying on the roadside, ignored and forgotten, then leave now. I won’t care.”

Upon hearing this, several people immediately turned and fled without looking back. What did it matter to be stray dogs on the roadside? Survival was what truly mattered. But the majority stayed behind; they had endured enough days of uncertainty and despair. Even if they weren’t sure whether this chance was right or wrong, they had to try to know for themselves.

Silently, everyone produced their tattered weapons, their eyes filled with a flicker of determination as they faced Hu Erbiao and his men.

Ning Ye folded his arms and said, “Here is the second rule: I want you all to remember my orders and execute them without question. Now, take these people down!”

Ning Ye believed in only one principle: loyalty must be absolute, or it was nonexistent. There could be no room for disloyalty among his men.

At Ning Ye’s command, Wang Wu led the charge, his long knife flashing fiercely. Although Hu Erbiao seemed somewhat skilled, he was mercilessly overwhelmed.

More than twenty against five—unless they were handicapped, defeat was impossible.

The only problem was that these refugees didn’t understand the weight of the situation; they blindly wielded their makeshift weapons, gritting their teeth and closing their eyes as they charged wildly.

Before long, Ning Ye ordered everyone to halt.

By then, those few thugs were nearly reduced to heaps of mangled flesh, their bodies riddled with countless wounds.

The refugees under Ning Ye’s command had tasted blood for the first time, and the surge of adrenaline began to fade as one by one they dropped their weapons.

Lin Qinshu, equally terrified, buried her head against Ning Ye’s chest, unwilling to witness the brutal scene.

Throughout, Hu Erbiao only faced Wang Wu, but Wang Wu alone had become an insurmountable fortress.

After the fight, Hu Erbiao hadn’t even managed to graze Wang Wu’s clothing, while he himself bore numerous fresh wounds—a complete and utter rout.

Seeing his men fallen, Hu Erbiao knew he was beaten. He had never expected these refugees to be so fearless.

Were these the same timid refugees from the streets?

What Hu Erbiao failed to understand was that people fight with all their might when their survival is on the line. When the last path to life is cut off, a person can become a ferocious beast.

Hu Erbiao stepped back a few paces and threw his knife to the ground. “I lost today. I admit defeat. Do whatever you want—skin me alive if you must.”

Ning Ye said calmly, “Don’t worry, your life still has some use. No need to rush into death.”

If memory served, Hu Erbiao had some connections with those bandits. He might come in handy in the future.

As for the bodies of the thugs, Ning Ye adhered to the principle of giving the dead their due respect. He ordered a large pit dug and had them all thrown in, extending the last shred of humanity to his foes.

This was perhaps the rare mercy Ning Ye showed his enemies.

After binding Hu Erbiao securely, Wang Wu was assigned to watch him.

From then on, the journey proceeded smoothly; no one dared cause any more trouble.

However, returning to Qingyuan Village with such a large crowd stirred some resentment among the villagers. Only after Ning Ye’s repeated assurances did they reluctantly accept the refugees’ temporary residence.

Upon hearing the news, Ning Silang rushed over immediately. Upon seeing the throng, he nearly fainted.

Ignoring the many onlookers, Ning Silang grabbed Ning Ye aside. “My ancestor, why did you bring back so many people?”

“Uncle, do you remember the big-money deal I mentioned before? These people are crucial to it,” Ning Ye replied.

Ning Silang paused, then gritted his teeth. “Speak plainly—is this about robbing that wealthy landlord Huang? When will you make your move? Give me your word.”

Ning Ye laughed dryly. “Uncle, these people are officially recognized militia by the county. What are you thinking?”

“Oh my, my ancestor, don’t tell me you’re planning to use them against the horse bandits?” Ning Silang said.

“You guessed right. I do have plans for those bandits. I’ll need your help with this. After all, fighting tigers shoulder to shoulder—father and son soldiers—you’re like my father,” Ning Ye said.

Ning Silang clutched his chest, feeling as if he were dreaming. When had his nephew become so bold?

Ning Ye earnestly continued, “Look at how chaotic things are out there. Having some people under our command is good for protection. If trouble really comes, we won’t be helpless lambs to the slaughter. Don’t you agree?”

Ning Silang gave a helpless wave. “Fine. Your father entrusted you to me, so whatever you do, I have to support you. Now tell me, what do you want me to do?”

Ning Ye took Ning Silang’s hand and led him before the group. “Everyone, listen carefully: except for my orders, my uncle is second only to me. You must obey him.”

Under so many eyes, Ning Silang was nervous, but when Wang Wu was the first to call him “sir,” he found the feeling rather pleasant.

He had always been the one addressing others as “sir.” Being addressed that way himself for the first time—how could he not feel a thrill?

Ning Ye nudged him twice. “Come on, Uncle, say a few words.”

Ning Silang hemmed and hawed but managed only to state his name and urge everyone to behave. Beyond that, he couldn’t find the words.

No one dared mock him anyway, for Ning Ye’s icy gaze swept over them all, making clear he was not joking.

Arranging these people was manageable; many places had been wiped out, and with a word to the village head and a little money, lodging was readily found.

After settling everyone, Ning Ye issued another order: he would fetch water and wash himself thoroughly today. If tomorrow anyone found him unclean in any way, they could kick him out.