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

Upon hearing this news, the government army leader grinned and said, "I knew it. These lowly people run away as soon as they see government soldiers."

Wang Laoqi, however, still looked grave and was filled with doubt.

"Sir, in my opinion, we shouldn't charge in headfirst. Let's launch a feint attack first to scare the people inside. They'll definitely open the door and surrender obediently afterward."

He suggested.

The officer in charge stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and nodded, saying, "What you said makes sense. Anyway, they're already trapped, so it's better to avoid losing too many of our brothers."

With that, he personally led his troops into the village.

Before us lay an open area, with fields previously cultivated by villagers on both sides.

Looking at these fields, Wang Laoqi frowned.

It seems that Chen Mo, this traitor, has long harbored the idea of ​​rebellion, and he even cultivated land in the village.

But now that they've voluntarily given up these fields, they probably won't be able to hold on for long.

The soldiers cautiously approached the village, and soon arrived at the second fortified village, only a few hundred steps from the gate.

Before them appeared an even more sturdy stockade wall and a deep ditch, blocking their path.

Above the village, a figure could be seen.

Where are they?

The government troops leader frowned as he surveyed the stockade wall before him.

It's astonishing that such a small village was able to build such a large-scale defense.

It seems that Wang Laoqi was right; Chen Mo was indeed prepared.

If we were to launch a direct assault on this village, we would certainly suffer heavy casualties.

"Men, fire the arrows!"

He then gave the order.

The soldiers behind him immediately stepped forward, lit the arrows in their hands, and shot them at the village in front of them.

At this moment, all the villagers in the village were hiding behind the defensive fortifications, holding their breath and not showing their faces at all.

The arrows were shot at the village, but caused no casualties.

Moments later, the attack from the outside finally subsided.

The villagers responsible for guarding the village then carried buckets of water and extinguished the flames.

Seeing this, Wang Laoqi gritted his teeth, spurred his horse forward a few steps, and shouted, "Listen up, you inside! Hand over Chen Mo immediately! He's a traitor designated by the imperial court! Do you want to protect him, or do you want to die with him?!"

Seeing that his attack was ineffective, he prepared to threaten and intimidate.

"Quickly tie up Chen Mo and send him out, and I can guarantee the safety of your entire village. If you resist, wait for the government troops to break through the stronghold and slaughter you all!"

His voice echoed through the valley, but received no response.

"If you don't open the gates now, you're all doomed!"

Wang Laoqi said angrily.

Faced with these deep trenches and high walls, the officers and soldiers had no way to launch a direct assault for the time being.

"Old dog Wang, stop talking nonsense! If you're going to fight, then fight! Stop beating around the bush!"

Chen Mo's voice could be heard from inside the village.

Upon hearing his enemy's voice, Wang Laoqi was instantly enraged and roared, "Chen Mo! You traitor! I'll skin you alive!"

Recalling the manner of Wang Mang's death, Wang Laoqi was filled with grief and indignation.

He continued cursing, insulting Chen Mo's ancestors for eighteen generations.

But there was no response from the village.

Seeing this stalemate, Wang Laoqi could only roar in frustration.

He suppressed his anger, turned to the officer in charge, and said, "Sir, these lowly people won't admit defeat until they're faced with death. In my opinion, we should besiege them for half a month. They won't have much time to hide inside, and they'll surely come out and surrender obediently!"

The officer in charge of the troops still frowned, examining the rammed earth wall before him. He glanced at his men beside him before nodding: "On my orders, surround the village. Don't let a single person escape. I want to see how long these rebels can hold out!"

The government officials and their troops outside dispersed and surrounded the village completely.

As darkness fell, fires were lit over the village.

The soldiers outside the village remained besieged, seemingly determined to wear the village down to the bitter end.

The villagers on night watch dared not close their eyes, gripping their weapons tightly and keeping a close eye on the situation outside.

For half a day, the officers and soldiers surrounded the area but did not attack, which made people somewhat uneasy.

Just then, another commotion came from outside the village.

"alert."

On the hilltop, Chen Mo shouted, and everyone immediately perked up.

Just then, another loud shout came from outside.

"Listen up, you rebels of Lingtou Village! The government's reinforcements have arrived, and so have our siege equipment. Tonight, we'll raze your wretched village to the ground!"

Hearing this, the villagers became even more nervous.

"Reinforcements? And siege equipment?"

"Can our village hold out?"

Fear spread through the village in an instant.

"Chen Mo! You coward, dare to come out and say something to me?"

Outside, Wang Laoqi's voice could be heard again.

By the dim light of the fire, one could see Wang Laoqi riding alone on horseback in the distance, swaggering around in front of the soldiers' positions.

"Let me tell you, the main force of the government troops is coming soon, and you bunch of unruly people are on your last breath!"

He showed no fear of the villagers' sneak attack and continued to provoke them.

"If we don't bring Chen Mo out, the government troops will slaughter your entire village once the stronghold is breached!"

His words caused unease among the villagers.

What was expected to be a fierce battle has now turned into a stalemate, which has gradually made the villagers more fearful.

Chen Mo slowly stepped forward, looked at the slightly panicked villagers, and calmly said, "Don't panic, they don't have the guts to launch a direct attack. This is a psychological tactic; they just want to throw us into disarray."

"But Brother Mo, if the reinforcements from the other side really arrive, how long can we hold out?"

A young villager couldn't help but speak up.

"Don't worry, General Zhao's troops definitely won't move, and those reinforcements won't arrive anytime soon. We have plenty of food reserves, and as long as we don't panic, they won't be able to break into the camp!"

Chen Mo said firmly.

He is not worried about the government troops launching a fierce attack. As long as he can withstand the siege for the next few days, he will surely find a way to break the deadlock.

"Brother Mo is right, everyone calm down. At worst, we'll fight them. Surrendering is definitely a dead end!"

Sun Dazhu echoed this sentiment.

The crowd's emotions were gradually stirred up, and they all gripped their weapons tightly.

That night, everyone in the village was on edge, not daring to relax for a moment.

Night was falling.

Outside the village, apart from Wang Laoqi's threats, the soldiers did not take any action.

Gradually, it became dawn.

The villagers rubbed their tired eyes and looked out of the village.

This sight immediately sent a chill down everyone's spine.

Sure enough, there were many more soldiers in the officers' and soldiers' camp.

At a glance, it was clear that the number of troops outside was more than three hundred.

Moreover, siege equipment was placed at the very front of the camp.

Moreover, some supplies were piled up behind it.

It seems that the government troops not only intend to besiege the village to death, but may also launch a general offensive at any time.

The current situation seems to be getting worse for the village.

"Listen up, you rebels inside! The government troops have plenty of food, and more reinforcements will be coming. You can just wait to die!"