Chapter 8: Surrounded by Crisis

The mountain path was steep, and Zhang Xing and Li He trudged onward with heavy steps, traversing the narrow trails surrounding Zhao Village. Their feet, cut and bloodied by the sharp rocks, left red stains on the ground, but neither of them stopped. Zhao Meng had yet to give a clear answer, and Zhang Xing was filled with growing unease.

"We've waited for two days, and Zhao Meng is still hesitating. Is he stalling, or planning something else?" Li He's voice was laced with anxiety, and he gripped his bow tightly.

Zhang Xing didn't respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Zhao Village was in a similar situation to Zhang Village—suffering from both heavy taxes and natural disasters. Zhao Meng's hesitation could be driven by fear of the imperial forces or a desire to wait and see how things unfolded. But Zhang Xing knew they didn't have much time left. They needed to act quickly.

"Zhao Village can't stay out of this forever," Zhang Xing finally said, his voice firm with resolve. "The court won't spare them. If we don't unite, the soldiers will come for all of us, one village at a time."

Li He remained silent for a moment, then nodded. "Then tonight, we need to confront Zhao Meng and force a decision. If he continues to waver, we'll have to find another way."

As the two discussed their next move, the sound of rustling leaves suddenly came from the nearby forest. Zhang Xing immediately raised his hand, signaling Li He to stop. They both crouched down in the bushes, hiding from sight.

Moments later, a small group of imperial soldiers appeared on the path ahead, clearly a patrol. Their low voices drifted through the air, but Zhang Xing and Li He could hear every word.

"I heard the magistrate's already sent a large force to wipe out those rebels in Zhang Village."

"Yeah, those peasants are fools to think they can stand up to the imperial court. This time, they'll be crushed for sure."

The soldiers walked closer, and Zhang Xing held his breath, his hand tightening around the short knife at his waist, ready to strike if necessary. They couldn't afford to be discovered.

Luckily, the soldiers didn't notice them and continued down the path toward Zhao Village. Only after they were out of earshot did Li He let out a quiet sigh of relief. "It seems the magistrate really has mobilized troops. The situation is worse than we thought."

Zhang Xing nodded, his expression darkening. "Our time is even more limited than we realized. If Zhao Meng doesn't act soon, his entire village will be caught up in this disaster."

"We need to inform Zhao Meng immediately," Li He urged, his voice tense. "There's no more time to wait."

Without hesitation, Zhang Xing got to his feet, and they hurried toward the entrance of Zhao Village. Every step felt heavier, their sense of urgency mounting as they neared the village. What happened next would determine the fate of both villages.

By the time they reached Zhao Meng's residence, night had fully fallen. Zhao Meng sat outside, his expression stern, deep in thought. Zhang Xing wasted no time, stepping forward and speaking bluntly. "Village leader Zhao, the soldiers are already on the move. They'll be here in two days, at most. Now is not the time to hesitate—you must make a decision."

Zhao Meng looked up, a flicker of conflict in his eyes. He understood the gravity of the situation, but the weight of the decision still pressed heavily on him. "Zhang Xing, I know things are urgent, but you must understand that if Zhao Village joins this rebellion, there's no turning back. My people still hope that the court might forgive us if we stay quiet. I can't risk their lives so easily."

Zhang Xing narrowed his eyes, his voice turning cold. "Do you really think the court will forgive you? The court has already burdened us farmers with taxes we can't pay and left us to starve. Once the soldiers arrive, Zhao Village will be no different from Zhang Village—you'll lose everything. Instead of waiting to be slaughtered, it's better to rise up and fight."

Zhao Meng's brows furrowed in deep frustration. He was torn between fear of the court and the growing reality that rebellion might be their only chance for survival. Zhang Xing pressed harder, seizing the moment of hesitation. "We're running out of time. If you unite with us, I promise that together we can resist the soldiers. But if you refuse, your village will face destruction."

After a long silence, Zhao Meng finally nodded, letting out a heavy sigh. "Alright, there's no other choice now. I'll gather the villagers and prepare to fight."

Zhang Xing felt a small sense of relief. Though late, Zhao Village had finally agreed to join them. Their combined forces would significantly bolster their resistance.

"We need to prepare our defenses immediately," Zhang Xing said gravely. "The soldiers won't show mercy, and this time, they'll throw everything they have at us."

Zhao Meng nodded and stood up to gather the villagers, while Zhang Xing and Li He began strategizing with the village's hunters. They decided to use the natural terrain of Zhao Village to their advantage, setting traps at the village entrance and positioning archers on the hillside for long-range attacks.

Throughout the night, Zhao Village was abuzz with tense activity. Villagers worked tirelessly, moving stones and building barricades, while the hunters took up hidden positions, their bows and crossbows ready. By dawn, the village was prepared as best as it could be for the coming battle.

Zhang Xing stood at the entrance, gazing out toward the distant horizon where the soldiers would soon appear. His heart was heavy. Despite their preparations, they were still facing a trained military force. Their odds were slim.

"Zhang Xing, the soldiers are coming!" Li He suddenly ran down from the hillside, his face pale with fear.

Zhang Xing turned sharply. In the distance, a column of soldiers marched steadily up the mountain path, their armor gleaming in the morning sun. There were about fifty of them—fewer than expected, but still a formidable force. Each soldier was well-equipped, their weapons gleaming in the light.

Zhang Xing took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with grim determination. He knew there was no retreat. They had no choice but to fight.

"Prepare for battle!" Zhang Xing shouted, his voice ringing out like thunder across the village.

The hunters quickly took their positions in the trees, while the villagers huddled behind the makeshift barricades, weapons ready. The air grew still, everyone holding their breath in anticipation of the coming storm.

Zhang Xing stood at the front, gripping his long knife, his gaze locked on the advancing soldiers. He knew that this battle would decide the fate of Zhao Village and the rebellion itself.

"For survival, we fight to the death," Zhang Xing muttered to himself, tightening his grip on his weapon as the soldiers drew closer.

The sound of marching feet echoed louder and louder as the imperial soldiers approached. Zhao Village's defenses, though hastily constructed, were the only thing standing between them and certain death.

The first battle for freedom was about to begin.