The courtyard gate was locked again, and the sound of footsteps outside gradually faded away.
Qin Sang stood at the door and waited for a while. After confirming that no one was guarding outside, she turned back into the room.
In the room, a heavy and eerie atmosphere lingered. Everyone on the communal bed had sat up.
They had all heard the words the captain said before he left just now.
Their gazes fell heavily on Qin Sang as she entered, filled with guilt, heartache, and respect.
Looking at the complex emotions in their eyes, Qin Sang gave a calm smile:
"It seems you have three days at most."
Lin Qi walked up to Qin Sang, his eyes firm and serious as he said:
"It is enough."
Qin Sang nodded:
"Then continue your training. I'll go outside to keep watch."
Qin Sang exited the room and climbed the tree again. After confirming no one was around, she took the receiver out of the Warehouse and put on the headphones.
Just now, she had placed an invisible bug on that captain. Since she was free now, she might as well listen to what they were doing, or how they planned to deal with Lin Qi and the others next.
Increasing the volume, Qin Sang happened to hear the captain respectfully reporting to someone:
"Chief Officer, your subordinate just went to the servants' quarters to check on that Lin Qi. As expected, he won't survive more than three days."
The Chief Officer's voice carried a hint of ruthlessness:
"Are you certain?"
"Chief Officer, those were the words of that woman. You may not know, but that woman had good intentions that led to bad results. Since we haven't sent any food these past few days, she ended up feeding Lin Qi and the others dirt and tree leaves. This caused them abdominal distension, swelling, and intestinal blockages. Your subordinate feels that with that woman acting clever, even if Lin Qi and the others aren't dead in three days, we can still send them on their way."
A hint of joy entered the Chief Officer's voice:
"That's good. Once Lin Qi is dead, I can completely take control of the troops here in Songbai Town. Once we collect the ears of five hundred Rebel Soldiers to complete the mission, we will go to Qingfeng Mountain to suppress the Bandits."
Hearing this arrangement, the captain asked curiously:
"Third Uncle, are we really going to suppress the Bandits?"
The Chief Officer rebuked him:
"In the military camp, you must address me as Chief Officer."
"Yes, Chief Officer. With just our small number of people going to suppress the Bandits, wouldn't that be like sheep entering a tiger's den? Your subordinate feels there is really no need to take this risk."
Perhaps because this person was his nephew, the Chief Officer explained:
"I have already reported this matter, and the higher-ups have agreed to send soldiers for support. At that time, I will be the one in charge of leading the team. You don't need to worry about the personnel."
"Chief Officer, Qingfeng Mountain is dozens of kilometers away from Songbai Town. Why should we go so far out of our way? Must we work so hard for such a small amount of military merit? If we lose our lives there, wouldn't the Chief Officer position you worked so hard to obtain be given away for nothing?"
The Chief Officer laughed:
"It is indeed not worth the risk for that bit of military merit. But what if I told you that all the wealth stolen by those rebels was taken by the Bandits of Qingfeng Mountain? Is it worth a trip then?"
Hearing this, Qin Sang sat up straight on the tree in surprise. These people actually planned to go to Qingfeng Mountain to suppress the Bandits?
They were coveting that wealth.
But the Bandits of Qingfeng Mountain hadn't obtained any money at all.
In the past, Qin Sang would have felt it didn't matter if they went to suppress the Bandits, as it would help the people get rid of a scourge. However, when she was exchanging Medicinal Herbs before, she heard that the Bandits of Qingfeng Mountain were not at all what she had imagined.
When there was a water shortage at the foot of the mountain, they would tirelessly carry water down to distribute to the commoners.
They would use money and furs to trade with the commoners for grain and vegetables, giving prices even higher than in the Town.
They never harassed the people and even took in orphans.
In the hearts of the people who knew them, they weren't Bandits, but good people.
Knowing now that these people wanted to deal with them, Qin Sang couldn't help but feel worried. This matter started because of her; she couldn't just stand by and watch.
However, even if they were to suppress the Bandits, it would likely be after Lin Qi and the others 'passed away,' so there was still time.
Perhaps once Lin Qi regained control of the situation, this bandit suppression operation would also vanish.
In the middle of the night, Qin Sang opened the Mall. While there were no firearms, there were cold weapons. Combined with the many weapons seized from the Rebel Soldiers earlier that were stored in the Warehouse, Qin Sang picked through them and took out the handy weapons everyone needed.
She also gave each person a dagger and a Broadsword, and took out two sets of wooden armor and shields from the Warehouse.
When Qin Sang moved the items into the room, Lin Qi and the others were stunned yet again.
Over the past few days, they saw that the dishes Qin Sang stole back were never the same. Every time they were amazed by the rich and delicious food she brought back, she would always bring them a new shock the next time.
And this moment was no different.
Lin Qi considered himself well-traveled, but he was still shocked by the ground full of sabers, spears, swords, and halberds before him:
"Sister-in-law, where... where did you... steal so many from?"
After tossing the Wooden Shields into the room and closing the door, Qin Sang supported her waist and panted heavily:
"Oh, I'm exhausted. These things are so heavy. I couldn't move them openly, so I had to transport them one by one like a mouse. It's really taking half my life."
"You don't know, the armory had four people guarding it. I really had to work hard to lure them away..."
Qin Sang described her hardships out of breath. Everyone listened in a daze, feeling it was incredibly thrilling and dangerous. Their guilt toward Qin Sang was truly deeper than the sea.
"Sister-in-law, thank you."
"With these weapons, I believe I can take on ten men alone."
"This weapon doesn't look like what the Southern Army is equipped with; it doesn't look like pig iron."
What puzzled them was a long spear. Few among the rebels knew how to use one, so Qin Sang and her group naturally hadn't seized any. This long spear was exchanged from the Mall, costing Qin Sang 3,500 mall coins.
Not only did it cost money, but she also had to find a suitable excuse for it. Qin Sang was cursing inwardly:
"It might be part of this estate owner's collection. After all, such good weapons are rare. I saw it looked very powerful, so I stole it along with the rest. Young General, can this long spear be used?"
Lin Qi touched the long spear affectionately, the satisfaction in his eyes plain to see:
"It can be used. This is a fine spear. Sister-in-law, please don't call me Young General anymore. My life was saved by you. If you don't mind, you can call me by my courtesy name, Zheng Yuan."
Qin Sang was naturally more than happy to. Calling him 'Young General' over and over made her feel so lowly. Him taking the initiative to let her use his courtesy name showed a desire for closeness. Even if the General of the North Commandery Residence was not as powerful as before, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. If she didn't strike while the iron was hot, when would she:
"Alright then, Zheng Yuan. The weapons are all ready for you. You must hide them well during the day and be careful of the noise during training. If you need anything else, tell me, and I will do my best to find a way."
Lin Qi thought for a moment, lifted his gaze, and parted his lips:
"Sister-in-law, there is one thing I really need to trouble you to find a way for."