29: Chapter 29 The Storm Is Brewing

The night was as dark as ink, and the mountain breeze grew colder.

As the soldiers of Panshi Stockade dragged their exhausted yet excited bodies, hauling the last batch of spoils back into the valley, the entire stockade was submerged in an ocean of revelry.

Bonfires roared to life, casting a crimson glow upon everyone's Faces.

The savory aroma of meat and the scent of low-quality rice wine mingled, creating an intoxicating fragrance unique to victors.

Gao Feng did not participate in the revelry.

He stood alone on the newly built wooden watchtower, his gaze passing over the jubilant crowd below and looking toward the direction of Qinghe County. In his deep eyes, there was not a shred of joy, only a gravity as heavy as water.

Zhang Yang had escaped.

This thought, like a cold needle, pierced through the immense satisfaction brought by victory, instantly sobering his mind.

He knew better than anyone what a cowardly, Face-obsessed official's son would say when he returned to his father, and what kind of retaliation he would unleash!

"Stockade Master."

A steady voice sounded from behind him; Old Qiu walked up carrying a steaming bowl of meat broth.

"It's so lively down there, why are you standing here in the cold wind all by yourself?"

Gao Feng took the hot earthenware bowl, but did not drink from it, only feeling the warmth radiating against his palms.

He slowly said, "Old Qiu, what do you think we are lacking the most right now?"

Old Qiu paused for a moment, then followed Gao Feng's gaze.

Below, the newly joined refugees and the old stockade residents were mixed together; although they were all celebrating, there was still a clear barrier between them.

When some of the new, able-bodied men scrambled for food, there was even a bit of shoving and bickering.

He sighed, understanding what Gao Feng meant.

"People," Old Qiu's voice was a bit hoarse. "What we lack are people who can actually be put to use."

Gao Feng nodded, a trace of approval appearing in his eyes.

Although Old Qiu hadn't read many books, his decades of life experience allowed him to always see to the root of a problem.

"That's right, people. Not just population, but talent."

Gao Feng took a sip of the meat broth; the spicy sensation warmed him from his throat down to his stomach, and his thoughts became increasingly clear.

"Look down there," he pointed below. "We have over three hundred people now, with about one hundred and fifty or sixty able-bodied men. But apart from you and me, Luo Qin, Luo Shu, and those lads like Shouhou, who can shoulder responsibilities alone?"

"Luo Shu keeps the accounts in perfect order, but she is a woman after all. Letting her manage over a hundred unruly, able-bodied men... she won't be able to suppress them."

"Luo Qin can fight and train troops, but she is only one person and lacks the ability to Clone. Furthermore, handling internal affairs and planning production are not her strengths."

"You are experienced and can hold down the fort, but asking you to read, manage accounts, or drill troops would be difficult for you."

"As for the others..." Gao Feng shook his head. "I promoted ten squad leaders and five platoon leaders today, but they can't even recognize their own names. Getting them to understand my orders and then accurately relay them is just too hard."

This was the current state of Panshi Stockade, like a giant with a strong body but an underdeveloped brain and nervous System.

It looked intimidating on the outside, but was full of various problems on the inside.

Talent, it was severely lacking!

This was the first, and also the most fatal, weakness.

"Also," Gao Feng put down the bowl and continued. "We are like a deaf person, and also like a blind person."

He pointed toward the distant, pitch-black mountains: "When will the Government Soldiers come? How many people will come? Which road will they take? Who is leading the troops? We know absolutely nothing."

"We can only passively wait here, waiting for others to come knocking. I really don't like this feeling."

Intelligence, completely cut off!

This was the second, the Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads.

Old Qiu fell silent; he knew that what Gao Feng said was the truth.

They were immersed in the joy of defeating the Tiger Slaying Squad, but had overlooked the even more turbulent undercurrents behind the victory.

An emergency meeting of core members was convened overnight on this crude watchtower.

The light of the bonfire cast the shadows of Gao Feng, Luo Qin, Luo Shu, Old Qiu, and the others onto the wooden wall, flickering incessantly.

After Gao Feng laid out his worries, the atmosphere became incomparably grave.

"I agree with brother's view." Luo Qin was the first to speak, her spirited eyebrows furrowed tightly. "Our victory today had elements of a sneak attack and also elements of luck. If we had met them head-on, we could never have won so easily. Once the Government Soldiers attack in full force, our small number of people will struggle even to hold the mountain pass."

"Regarding money and provisions, we captured quite a lot this time, so it won't be a problem in the short term."

Luo Shu took out her small account book, her voice crisp and rational. "But we lack too many things. Iron, salt, cloth, medicinal herbs... these are not things that can be easily bought just with silver; we need stable channels."

Listening to everyone's words, Gao Feng gradually made his decision.

"The situation is severe, but it hasn't reached a dead end yet." His voice was not loud, but it was filled with unquestionable power, instantly calming everyone's emotions.

"Starting tomorrow, the stockade will enter the highest state of combat readiness."

He looked at Old Qiu: "Old Qiu, your task is the heaviest. I will give you twenty of the most reliable soldiers, and half of our stored grain. I want you to continue going out of the mountains, go to even further places, and at all costs, gather more refugees for me!"

"Remember, this time I don't just want people, I especially want those 'useful people' who have nowhere else to go but have read books, worked as craftsmen, or served as minor officials! Tell them that if they come to our Panshi Stockade, not only will they be well-fed, but they will also be valued and live like human beings!"

Old Qiu nodded heavily: "Rest assured, Stockade Master, I will risk this old life of mine to bring the people back for you!"

Next, Gao Feng looked at Shouhou, this young man who was so clever he was almost cunning, who was looking at him with an expression of worship.

"Shouhou, I am giving you a new position: Scout Captain. I will pick ten of the fastest-footed and sharpest-minded young people for you. Your mission is to sneak out of the valley and keep a close watch on all roads leading to Qinghe County. I want to know, for every fly in the county town, whether it is male or female!"

Shouhou was so excited his Face turned red, and he puffed out his chest: "Yes! Stockade Master! I guarantee I will complete the mission!"

Finally, Gao Feng's gaze fell upon the sisters, Luo Qin and Luo Shu.

"Luo Qin, the stockade's defense and the training of all soldiers are all handed over to you. Train our army to death! I want them to become true tigers and wolves before the Government Soldiers arrive!"

"Yes, brother!"

"Luo Shu, you are fully responsible for the stockade's internal affairs, logistics, and production. I have only one requirement: stabilize the people's hearts, and ensure that all newcomers have work to do, food to eat, and can integrate into our big family as quickly as possible."

"Mm, I understand." Luo Shu nodded gently, her eyes flashing with the light of wisdom.

After the deployment, everyone was clear about their tasks, and the previous anxiety and unease were replaced by a tense and fulfilling drive.