A daily intelligence report; in chaotic times and famine years, grain is plentiful.

The Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness remained quiet.

Xu Yuan frowned and remained silent for a long time.

Liang Ming's words just now made everyone present hesitate.

Although the second-in-command has returned, he doesn't seem to be heading back to Qingfeng Village.

Seeing Xu Yuan wavering, Lin Lang immediately spoke up: "Liang Ming, whose side are you on? You suddenly came back today saying these things, have you already sided with the government?"

These words immediately sparked another round of discussion in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.

Many of Lin Lang's men echoed his sentiments, their tone full of skepticism. In their eyes, this so-called second-in-command was no different from a traitor.

Liang Ming's expression suddenly changed.

He turned his head and stared intently at Lin Lang's mocking gaze.

"Where were you, Lin Lang, when my elder brother and I raised the banner of Qingfeng Village to rebel against the government?"

These words immediately darkened Lin Lang's face.

The brothers present all knew that Liang Ming was a true elder of Qingfeng Village.

Back then, Xu Yuan and Liang Ming, along with dozens of desperate men, managed to establish themselves in Qingfeng Village with just a few broken knives.

After that, Lin Lang was just a small leader who came to join them, and it was only through his ruthlessness that he gradually climbed to the position of fourth leader.

Seeing everyone start arguing again, Xu Yuan sighed helplessly.

"Second brother, tell me the truth. If we really rescue Chen Mo, will you still stay in Qingfeng Village?"

Since Liang Ming left, life in Qingfeng Village has become more and more difficult.

Besides internal divisions, they also faced powerful government troops outside, and the grain they could seize was becoming increasingly scarce. If Xu Yuan had used his prestige to suppress them, Qingfeng Village would have disbanded long ago.

Upon hearing this, Liang Ming's expression softened considerably, and he replied, "Brother, what was the purpose of establishing Qingfeng Village in the first place?"

These words immediately stumped Xu Yuan.

For what?

Of course, it's to survive.

Before Xu Yuan could answer, Liang Ming continued, "We did this to rebel against the government and give our brothers a safe haven. Back then, we killed those corrupt officials and overthrew landlords and gentry, but we never bullied ordinary people. But now..."

His words immediately made the atmosphere in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness somewhat heavy.

Some people are already tired of hearing Liang Ming's righteous words.

"Qingfeng Village has long forgotten its original intentions. When the village stops committing murder and arson, I, Liang Ming, will naturally return."

Liang Ming said calmly.

"Liang Ming, stop spouting high-sounding platitudes. What's this talk of 'original aspirations'? The important thing now is to ensure the brothers have enough to eat. Do you expect me to go with you again to fight against the government troops' elite forces? That's suicide!"

Lin Lang retorted again, a mocking smile still on his face.

These words were agreed upon by many brothers.

Back when the government troops hadn't reinforced their forces, Qingfeng Village was incredibly powerful, often managing to seize grain carts from the local gentry and government officials.

However, after the government troops sent elite forces to encircle and suppress them, Qingfeng Village suffered heavy casualties after several rounds of attacks, and even the main camp was almost lost.

It was Lin Lang's suggestion to raid the village that allowed the village to survive to this day.

It was because of this incident that Liang Ming left in a huff, and stayed away for several months.

Now that Liang Ming has suddenly returned and brought up the old issues again, Lin Lang's faction is naturally dissatisfied.

"If we don't raid those villages, how will the brothers in the strongholds survive? In this chaotic world, survival is the only thing that matters. Don't be so naive!"

Lin Lang sneered again.

"It is because of people like you that Qingfeng Village has earned the infamous reputation of being a bandit village."

Liang Ming retorted without any politeness.

"Then why did you come back to beg us? If you left, don't come back."

Lin Lang still looked disdainful.

"Lin Lang, that's enough!"

Cai Sheng could no longer hold back and stood in front of Liang Ming, glaring angrily at Lin Lang.

"Is Second Brother wrong? If it weren't for Eldest Brother and Second Brother leading the way, would Qingfeng Village have so many brothers following us?"

"It's ridiculous. At least the brothers are alive now, not because of Liang Ming."

Lin Lang snorted coldly.

"you!"

Cai Sheng's expression changed, and he reached out to draw his knife.

"What? You want to fight?"

Lin Lang's men also drew their weapons.

The atmosphere in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness instantly became tense, as if swords were about to be drawn.

Seeing that the two sides were about to fight, Xu Yuan slammed his fist on the table and shouted sternly, "Stop it, both of you! Don't you respect me?"

This roar immediately stopped everyone in their tracks.

Xu Yuan slowly stepped forward, looking at the two opposing factions with a helpless expression on his face.

"Second brother, I understand what you're saying, but you also need to understand the difficulties the village faces. These men alone aren't enough to rescue Chen Mo."

Xu Yuan sighed.

His attitude seems quite clear.

"Brother, I've made myself very clear, I must save Chen Mo."

Liang Ming also made up his mind.

"Chen Mo is just a country bumpkin, is he worth all this risk?"

Xu Yuan frowned, utterly puzzled.

"He's no ordinary man... Anyone willing to come with me to Beicheng to rescue Chen Mo, I, Liang Ming, guarantee that as long as we can rescue him, the brothers will definitely be in a better situation than they are now."

Liang Ming said confidently again.

"I'm going with my second brother!"

Cai Sheng was the first to step forward.

"When has Second Brother ever made a mistake? Rather than sitting here waiting to die, we might as well fight him!"

After he finished speaking, dozens of his brothers behind him echoed, "We'll go too!"

Seeing the scene before him, Lin Lang's eyes instantly darkened, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "Liang Ming, you came back just to take the brothers from the stronghold to their deaths?"

"I'm doing this for the future of Qingfeng Village, to rescue Chen Mo and cooperate with him. It's that simple. I don't want to waste any more words with you."

Liang Ming's attitude became increasingly tough.

"You're not taking anyone with you today!"

Lin Lang said coldly.

Before he finished speaking, Lin Lang's men stepped forward, drew their weapons, and surrounded Liang Ming and Cai Sheng's group.

"Stop! All of you, get out of the way!"

Xu Yuan shouted again in a stern voice.

He walked between the two groups and glared at them.

"Do you even respect me as your leader? The Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness is not a place for you to draw your swords against each other!"

Lin Lang suppressed his anger, snorted coldly, and waved his hand, dismissing his men.

Xu Yuan frowned and said in a serious tone, "Second brother, give me a reason why you should believe Chen Mo."

Liang Ming sheathed his knife and said earnestly, "Brother, I spent some time in Lingtou Village and interacted with Chen Mo. He has a considerable amount of grain and can lead a group of villagers to reclaim wasteland and cultivate the land. He has already become a powerful force. If he becomes our ally, we can fight against the government together!"

"this one?"

Lin Lang didn't bother to interrupt.

Liang Ming ignored him and continued, "Chen Mo has the ability to make Lingtou Village self-sufficient, so our Qingfeng Village can learn from him. It's better than going down the mountain to plunder."

"You mean you want us to farm like those farmers?"

Lin Lang laughed loudly.

"The second-in-command's idea is far too outdated!"

"Yes, farming can't compare to seizing grain!"