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

Upon hearing this, the villagers, who had been indignant just moments before, immediately fell silent, their faces showing signs of worry.

The government forces number at least several hundred, and government troops are also likely to intervene.

How could their small village possibly hold off these enemies?

Although Qingfeng Village is now nominally allied with Lingtou Village, it's uncertain whether Qingfeng Village can help when government troops arrive.

Seeing the tense and hesitant expressions on everyone's faces, Chen Mo said loudly, "Everyone, there's no use being afraid now. The soldiers' target is our Lingtou Village. Even if we hide now, they won't let us go."

The villagers looked at Chen Mo with a hint of unease in their expressions.

"Now you either resist or live a life of ignominy. If any of you are afraid, go hide in Black Wind Ridge first."

As Chen Mo spoke, he observed the expressions on everyone's faces.

In such a life-or-death situation, the most feared thing is internal conflict.

"I have a suggestion: let the old, young, women and children in the village go up the mountain to hide, and let the strong men we train on weekdays fight the government troops."

Li Laogen also made the suggestion.

Despite his advanced age, he was prepared to step up for the sake of the village.

"No need to hide. The village is actually the safest place now. If we really lose, we'll cover everyone's retreat to the mountains."

Chen Mo spoke up.

After more than half a year of preparation, the village now has two lines of defense, and the inner village has even been fortified with rammed earth walls, making it very sturdy.

Even without intervention from the government troops, the village is not without a chance of victory against the government officials in the northern city.

Seeing that his fellow villagers were all in agreement, Chen Mo began to make preparations.

The once peaceful village began to tense up.

"From now on, you'll have to rely on yourselves. I need to go back to Qingfeng Village first."

At this moment, Liang Ming came to Chen Mo's side.

Hearing that Liang Ming was leaving, Chen Mo became more worried.

After all, a master like Liang Ming is a rare find. If we could keep him in the village, his combat strength would definitely increase significantly.

Chen Mo was already very grateful that Liang Ming was willing to risk his life to rescue him from the execution ground.

The safety of the village now truly depends on the people of Lingtou Village.

"Brother Liang, I have some information I can tell you."

As Chen Mo spoke, he leaned close to Liang Ming's ear and told him some important news.

Upon hearing this, Liang Ming simply nodded slightly, then took stock of the brothers of Qingfeng Village, preparing to go and collect the grain to return and report to the chief.

It was already dark.

Inside and outside Lingtou Village, the lights were on.

The villagers at each outpost remained vigilant, keeping a close watch on the situation outside the valley.

The night wind howled.

The government troops could arrive at any moment.

The next day.

Early in the morning, a troop of soldiers gathered outside the south side of the mountain.

This force of over three hundred people consisted mostly of soldiers from the northern part of the city and the southern part of the town. In addition, there were dozens of guards and servants under Wang Laoqi.

This group of people, armed with weapons and full of menacing intent, charged towards Lingtou Village.

The government of Beicheng has issued a death order to annihilate Chen Mo and his rebel forces.

Wang Laoqi went all out this time, gathering the entire Wang family force, determined to kill Chen Mo and avenge his son.

"Level Lingtou Village and kill Chen Mo!"

With a roar from Wang Laoqi, the group set off towards Lingtou Village.

Inside and outside Lingtou Village, everyone was busy working at a tense pace.

"Brother Mo! The soldiers are here!"

A villager responsible for gathering information rode into the village at top speed and came to Chen Mo's side.

How many people are there?

"More than three hundred."

Upon hearing this news, the villagers present became inexplicably nervous again.

"Are General Zhao's troops also inside?"

Chen Mo asked calmly.

"No, they all seem to be people from the government offices, and some members of the Wang family."

The scout replied.

Upon hearing this news, Chen Mo finally felt relieved.

If the government troops were to join in, Lingtou Village would certainly be in imminent danger. But now their enemy is just a group of city-guarding soldiers who have been out of battle for a long time, so they may not be without a chance of winning.

"Everyone, don't panic! Those government soldiers are nothing but a bunch of good-for-nothing rabble. As long as we unite, we will definitely be able to defeat them!"

Chen Mo spoke firmly, boosting everyone's morale.

At times like these, we must not back down.

"Alright! Brother Mo, let's go fight them now!"

Sun Dazhu shouted excitedly, gripping the hunting bow tightly in his hand.

After these days of tempering, he is no longer the timid person he once was.

"Listen up, everyone! Open the gates of the valley and move all the supplies into the village."

Chen Mo gave the order.

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but look puzzled.

"Brother Mo, if we open up the fortified village in the valley, won't the government troops just rush in?"

"If we retreat into the village, we'll be trapped like turtles in a jar. What if they surround us?"

The bystander looked worried.

Chen Mo remained calm and explained, "The first fortress is not secure and cannot withstand the first wave of attacks from the government troops. If we retreat to the village first, we can concentrate our forces for defense."

The village's core wall has long since been replaced with a more robust rammed earth wall, and together with the moat in front of the village gate, it can completely withstand the fierce attack of government troops.

After listening to Chen Mo's explanation, everyone gradually calmed down.

"Our food reserves can last for another two or three months. Those soldiers certainly won't besiege us for long. We're abandoning the first stockade to reduce casualties."

Chen Mo continued.

He not only had to protect the village, but also ensure that no one was injured or killed.

Li Laogen stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "Mowazi is right. The fields outside haven't been planted yet. Even if the government troops destroy them, it doesn't matter. As long as we can hold out for half a month, the government troops will definitely retreat."

Chen Mo nodded slightly, and then explained the plan in more detail.

With no further objections, everyone immediately got to work.

In the afternoon, the sound of horses' hooves echoed from the end of the mountain path.

Before long, the troop of soldiers arrived at the first gate of the stockade in a grand procession.

"stop!"

The officer in charge waved his hand, and the troops behind him immediately stopped.

He squinted, surveying the open village and the mess on the ground, and smiled disdainfully.

"These unruly villagers actually built a stockade, but with the gate wide open, could it be that they abandoned it and ran away when they saw our army approaching?"

"Sir, please don't underestimate them. Those unruly commoners are extremely cunning; they might be deliberately leaving the door open to lure us in!"

Wang Laoqi, who was standing nearby, reminded him.

At this moment, his eyes were filled only with the fury of revenge.

He wished he could tear Chen Mo to pieces to avenge the murder of his son.

But now, even when facing the villagers of Lingtou Village, he dares not let his guard down.

"Just a bunch of untrained traitors."

The officer in charge of the troops said disdainfully.

"Send a squad of soldiers in to scout ahead."

After he finished speaking, a small group of people stepped out and cautiously entered the first village.

Before long, the group returned.

"Sir, there's no ambush inside. It seems those rebels have all hidden in the village."