093 Uneven distribution of spoils

The moon ascended to its zenith, casting its ethereal glow upon the landscape. Occasionally, the distant hoots of an owl echoed through the night, carried on the gentle breeze.

The campfire burned tranquilly, intermittently punctuated by the crackling of flames. Assured of Shen Tang and Zhai Le's slumber, the distinguished middle-aged man convened the other guards around the fire, pooling their collective wisdom to chart the course ahead—

"What other recourse do we have?" an impatient voice interjected, accompanied by a menacing gesture indicative of violence. "We've come this far. Let's take decisive action..."

"Yes, haven't we always espoused the principle of sharing blessings and enduring hardships together?" remarked another, with a scholarly demeanor. "Since the current state of affairs renders survival untenable, why not seize control of the mountains and live freely?"

Another guard chimed in, "With these treasures, we could live out our days in abundance. Why subject ourselves to servitude and indignity?"

Opinions were expressed fervently. Some advocated embracing banditry, while others sought to divide the spoils on the spot and return home as affluent individuals.

Shen Tang's intelligence was indeed accurate. They were, in fact, guards of the Lin family from Lingzhou. However, certain details had been deliberately obscured—such as the perilous journey southward, marked by escalating casualties and a growing desire to abandon the venture midway. Moreover, the sight of wooden crates brimming with treasures—gold, silver, and antiquities—stoked their avarice, leading to plans of treachery.

Most significantly, those under their protection were predominantly elderly, infirm, and vulnerable. Given the tumultuous times, would it not be deemed suspicious if such individuals were to meet with misfortune en route? When the truth came to light, they would have absconded with the treasures, leaving no trace behind.

Apart from greed, there were other motivations at play. For instance, the urgency to meet deadlines led to the hasty burial of fallen comrades, some of whom were left unmarked graves due to enemy pursuit, their bodies abandoned in the wilderness or reduced to bones.

The compensation offered was merely symbolic. While it might seem substantial to the common folk, it paled in comparison to the Lin family's wealth. Why risk one's life for such meager recompense? It would be more honorable to ensure the families of fallen comrades were adequately cared for.

After much deliberation, they reached a consensus. The original plan was to take action near Xiaocheng. However, a group of brigands emerged, disrupting their plans and seizing numerous crates containing precious treasures.

Following their escape, they took stock of their numbers, revealing over twenty fallen comrades and the remaining survivors nursing various injuries.

At this juncture, a member of the Lin family noticed their suspicious behavior and voiced concerns. Fearing exposure, they resorted to drastic measures, eliminating all witnesses and discarding them down the mountainside.

Before they could even recuperate, Shen Tang and Zhai Le reappeared.

"Here's the plan..." The middle-aged man, after a prolonged silence by the campfire, finally spoke up. All eyes turned to him, awaiting his decision. "We'll tally our numbers later and divide the spoils into a hundred and fifty shares. Those who wish to leave can take a share..."

However, dissent arose at his words.

"Why should a hundred and fifty shares be divided into just one each? We have around sixty people here, so it should be divided into sixty shares!"

The middle-aged man retorted, "Shouldn't the deceased comrades be included?"

Another guard spoke up, "I, along with Maoda, Wang San, and Zhao Si, are from the same hometown. Shouldn't their shares be taken back to their families? Who knows when you lot will return home, leaving their parents, spouses, and children in distress?"

The middle-aged man's expression darkened slightly. "What are you implying?"

"I'm not implying anything."

This exchange left the middle-aged man visibly agitated.

"Do you think we would covet their money?"

"I never said that."

This unexpected challenge to his authority left the middle-aged man fuming.

At this point, several others who expressed a desire to return home as wealthy individuals began naming deceased comrades, pledging to deliver their compensation to their families. While some may have been sincere, others harbored ulterior motives.

As such voices grew in number, reaching seven or eight individuals, the middle-aged man stubbornly refused to yield, insisting that he would personally ensure the compensation reached the families of fallen comrades.

A guard, at odds with him, sneered, "Anyone can spout pretty words. But ask yourself, do you even believe what you're saying? If you don't believe it, how can we?"

At this juncture, another guard voiced a third perspective.

"Why should the hard-earned money be shared with those who have long since departed? Shouldn't it go to those who are still alive?"

While this sentiment echoed the thoughts of many, they hesitated to voice it for fear of appearing callous. With someone finally articulating it, their viewpoint garnered unanimous agreement.

The middle-aged man's countenance grew dark as ink.

As Shen Tang listened to the commotion, she inwardly sensed trouble—had someone within the large wooden crate stirred at the worst possible moment?

"What's that sound

?" the middle-aged man bellowed.

All eyes turned to Shen Tang and Zhai Le.

Tensions escalated, with the atmosphere thick with hostility.

Even if the disturbance wasn't of their making, the two youths couldn't be allowed to leave alive. All witnesses, including their entourage, had to be eliminated to prevent any potential repercussions.

The middle-aged man's face betrayed a flicker of ruthlessness.

"Kill them!"

Before they could act, however, the two individuals who had appeared asleep moments before suddenly opened their eyes!

Zhai Le swiftly tossed the water pouch into the air, leaped onto a tree trunk, and drew a sleek longbow with his left hand, while his right hand plucked the bowstring. With a sharp twang, an arrow pierced through the water pouch, causing its contents to douse the campfire in a cascade of liquid. The remaining flames were extinguished in an instant.

Surroundings plunged into darkness once again, illuminated only by the cold moonlight pouring silently from above.

This all occurred in the blink of an eye.

The others were caught off guard, thrown into disarray.

When Zhai Le acted, Shen Tang naturally followed suit. With a swift motion, she conjured a gleaming longsword from thin air, gracefully maneuvering with agile steps. Her sword sliced through the night air, targeting the enemies' throats with precision. Several throats were slit effortlessly before the assailants could react, their necks cooling as blood spurted out, staining the surrounding garments.

The middle-aged man was the first to react.

Shocked and enraged, his feelings of anger far outweighing his astonishment!

Praying mantis catches cicada, yellow bird behind.

Before the yellow bird could celebrate its brief victory, the slingshot aimed at its backside struck! Despite his years of caution, he had suffered a major setback today at the hands of two youngsters!