In the afternoon, the few people who had come to offer their services failed to show up and had vanished without a trace. It was evident they had only come to gather information.
Lu Ye instructed all the residents of Hongshu Slope to finish work early, eat dinner, and then gather in the front yard of the houses.
Bai Sheng was pregnant, and Lu Ye had not wanted to tell her about this matter, fearing she would worry. However, the situation was too significant to conceal, so it was better to inform her directly.
Upon learning of the situation, Bai Sheng immediately instructed Hengheng to remain vigilant within the space, constantly monitoring any unusual movements outside.
Simultaneously, she released Lightning and Thunder. These two creatures possessed strong offensive capabilities and were quite intimidating.
Lightning was naturally imposing and frightening in appearance. Thunder, on the other hand, had grown exceptionally tall and robust, its physique now appearing larger than that of an adult tiger. White wolves raised with space water were never ordinary.
To maintain some of its wild nature, Bai Sheng would occasionally release it from the space at night for training in the desert. Each time, it managed to capture several wild animals.
Lightning and Thunder were responsible for patrolling the outer perimeter, accompanied by numerous small snakes that Lightning had summoned, its snake companions.
At this moment, the sun was setting in the west, and the evening glow draped the desert in a layer of warm, passionate hues.
In the open space in front of Bai Sheng's house, sixty to seventy people were densely seated. Each person had brought their own small stool, with men, women, old and young, the entire family present.
Everyone's expression was serious. All of them knew about the incident of bandits infiltrating Hongshu Slope at noon to gather information.
Being targeted by bandits was definitely a major event. These common folk feared natural disasters, wars, refugees, and bandits the most – these were all catastrophic events that could lead to the utter ruin of their households.
Lu Ye walked forward and stood before everyone, his expression calm, not showing the slightest sign of panic. "Everyone, I have asked you to gather here tonight because there is a very important matter that requires urgent planning.
This noon, during their patrol, the guard team discovered several suspicious individuals. We surmise that they are likely bandits hidden in the desert, and those individuals were likely here for reconnaissance. This means our Hongshu Slope has been targeted by bandits, and the other party will likely take action soon.
Therefore, we must enter a state of emergency preparedness starting tonight.
After discussions between myself and your Madam, there are several aspects that require everyone to take immediate action and execute after this meeting!
Firstly, those willing to participate in the battle can stay. If anyone feels afraid and is unwilling to participate, they can go to their relatives' or friends' homes and return after we have dealt with the bandit problem. Time is of the essence. If you wish to leave, you may do so now."
After speaking, Lu Ye quietly observed everyone, awaiting their decision.
The crowd sat in silence; not a single person moved.
Seeing this, Bai Sheng stood up and said gently, "Everyone, please do not feel any psychological burden. It is not shameful not to participate in the battle, because by dispersing some of those lacking combat effectiveness, our burden will be significantly reduced. In a way, this is also helping."
However, everyone remained motionless.
Du Min stood up, her voice firm and fearless. "Master, Madam, all of us house slaves will stay and fight. We were originally vagrants with no hope of survival, living like despised rats in Hongshu Slope, thirsty and hungry, barely clinging to life. It was Master and Madam who gave us a way to live, ensuring we had enough to eat and wear, filling us with hope for life. Therefore, we will defend our home to the death!"
"Defend our home to the death!" all the house slaves shouted in unison. Tian Dou and Tie Zhu were not to be outdone, raising their small fists in coordination as they shouted.
Zhao Dazhuang stood up and said, "Hongshu Slope is our home. I, Zhao Dazhuang, will protect it even if I have to risk my life!"
"Right! This old woman will also participate in the battle!" Granny Zhong had been training for a long time and felt she had become quite strong. She was eager to spar with a robust bandit to prove her strength.
The father of Gou Dan suddenly stood up. As a farmer, he wasn't very articulate, but at this moment, he felt compelled to say something. If he didn't, it felt like a cat was scratching at his heart.
"Mas-master and Madam gave... gave us a way to live and allowed us to live good lives. We people of Hongliu Village cannot just take benefits without shouldering any responsibility. If we did, we wouldn't be human!"
"Right! Not human!" The people of Hongliu Village stood up one after another, their voices filled with passion as they echoed the father of Gou Dan's words. They were not eloquent, and the father of Gou Dan's words were exactly what they wanted to say.
Wang Xiaoma of Caomiao Village stood up, his gaze sharp as he looked towards the people of Caomiao Village, asking loudly, "Are there any people from Caomiao Village who wish to leave and seek refuge?"
"No!" the people of Caomiao Village answered in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
"Since there are none, then we will defend Hongshu Slope to the death! Protect our new home!" Wang Xiaoma's voice was filled with strength.
"Protect our new home! Protect our new home!..."
Zhou Donggua of Huangsha Village prepared to stand up but was pulled back by her husband.
Zhou Donggua was furious and was about to retaliate with her fists when she saw Li Guai Zi stand up somewhat crookedly.
He coughed lightly, a little embarrassed. "Lu Ye, I, Li Guai Zi, was blind before and offended you greatly. I hope you can overlook my past misdeeds.
Fortunately, my wife had foresight and invested 500 wen in your well; otherwise, our entire family would have starved and died of thirst.
From this day forward, my life, Li Guai Zi's life, belongs to your family! From now on, in my heart, there is no Huangsha Village. Hongshu Slope is our new home. This time, our entire family will participate in the battle!"
Zhou Donggua absolutely did not expect her foolish husband to stand up and say these things. She was so delighted that she pinched and hugged him, causing everyone to burst into laughter, which eased the solemn atmosphere.
Ji Chenghe said, "As an official, I should participate in the battle even more!" He then turned to Madam Ji, "Mother, you and the children can hide together. That way, I will have no worries."
Madam Ji tilted her head. "I will not hide! I am this old, and I have lived a good life. A few of us old women can even work together to kill a few bandits!"
Granny Zhong and Granny Wu nodded in agreement.
Ji Chenghe: Alright, as long as Mother is happy.
Li Qiang and Lu Fengshou also stood up. Li Qiang said, "We have nowhere to escape; only Hongshu Slope allows us to live. So, if the bandits come, I will fight them to the death!"
Lu Yun stood up with his crescent moon saber. Although the saber was heavy, he held it with apparent ease. "My brothers and I will also participate in the battle!"
"Yes! We will all participate in the battle! Eliminate the bandits!" Tian Dou, Tie Zhu, and Tian Ya raised their small fists.
Lu Yun and Sun Gamei also stood up. "Us too!"
After everyone had spoken, Bai Sheng and Lu Ye exchanged a look. Their eyes sparkled with fervent light.
In truth, they did not pay much attention to mere bandits. Bai Sheng could incapacitate them all instantly with a scattering of incapacitating powder.
Alternatively, if they released their蛊虫 (gu worms), eliminating them would only take the blink of an eye. However, they wanted all the residents of Hongshu Slope to participate.
By having everyone take action personally to protect their homes, their hearts would be united even more.
When hearts are united, mountains can be moved!