Chapter 12: Tracing the Trail

Early the next morning, Wang Wu got up promptly. He knew that since Ning Ye had entrusted him with authority, he should supervise the men and ensure they carried out Ning Ye’s orders.

At the first light of dawn, he roused everyone from their beds. Though he had no experience commanding troops, he clearly remembered how others had drilled him before—and how reluctant he had been to rise. Now, he could at least help others to do better.

It took little effort for Wang Wu to gather the group and pull them from their slumber. After they lazily formed a loose line, he prepared to begin the morning run.

“Well, look at you all, actually so willing—good, saves me from nagging. But this formation is far too sloppy,” a cleanly dressed Ning Ye approached slowly, surprising the men. Could it be that Ning Ye intended to train alongside them?

To make them stand properly, Ning Ye reluctantly stepped forward and gave a few sharp kicks, compelling them to stand straight.

Satisfied with the lineup, Ning Ye took his place at the front. “Don’t worry, I’m not one to speak empty words. Whatever I ask you to do, I’ll do myself. If anyone can’t even outdo me, then maybe it’s time to question their pride.”

Leading the run from the front, Ning Ye’s swift pace left no room for laziness behind. The men struggled to keep up, soon realizing their bodies were no match for his stamina.

After three laps, many were gasping for breath, too weak even to stand. They had lived day to day, their bodies already worn thin.

Unfortunately, Ning Ye gave no chance to rest. Brief respite was quickly replaced by a succession of other drills.

This scene drew the attention of many villagers, who had never witnessed such discipline before.

When Ning Silang arrived, he too was mercilessly pulled into the training.

Thus, half a month slipped by in the blink of an eye. Many things could not be rushed, yet time was pressing.

After those two weeks, Ning Ye met with the strategist for the first time.

Xu Sanguan sipped his tea with a proud expression. “Ning, you’ve been holed up in the village for half a month. Some might think you’ve fled. Aren’t you planning to deal with those bandits on horseback?”

Ning Ye smiled warmly. “Master, you’re worried already? I’m just about ready to strike those bandits. Within a couple of days, I’ll have results you’ll be pleased with.”

Xu raised an eyebrow. “Ning, I came to urge you, but there’s no need to rush. Are you confident?”

“Rest assured, Master. I never act without confidence. Please share my good news with Lord Wang and the others.”

Xu was slightly surprised. He had only intended to remind Ning Ye not to forget his duties, but hadn’t expected him to be so ready to act.

No matter what, Lord Wang favored Ning Ye somewhat. Xu could only warn, “Those bandits recently massacred a landlord’s family—they’re not to be taken lightly. Don’t be hasty.”

“I’ve heard. Their successive victories have made them arrogant. As the saying goes, an overconfident soldier is bound to fail. Now is the perfect moment to strike.”

Seeing Ning Ye’s resolve, Xu gave up trying to dissuade him. If Ning Ye stumbled, the worst would be losing some supplies—enough to convince Lord Wang that this boy was of little use.

After setting down his tea, Xu rose and took his leave. Ning Ye paid no mind to his departing figure.

He truly intended to move within these couple of days. After half a month of training, these refugees were no soldiers, but they could be used in a simple way.

Of course, a crucial key was needed to make this plan work.

Ning Ye sought out his fourth uncle, since Hu Erbiao had been captured and was guarded by Ning Silang.

After explaining his plan, Ning Silang assured him there would be no problems.

That night, in the cellar beneath Ning Silang’s house, Hu Erbiao—tied up tight—had been held captive for over half a month.

When Ning Silang came to deliver food, Hu Erbiao cursed loudly as usual.

This had become routine; Ning Silang was now immune to the insults. He placed the food on the table and began to untie the ropes.

But halfway through, someone called Ning Silang from outside, forcing him to leave grumbling.

Sensing an escape chance, Hu Erbiao seized the moment. Half the ropes were loosened, and with effort, he broke free.

The cellar had been a near living hell for the past two weeks—no one could endure such torment without going mad.

Cautiously peeking out, Hu Erbiao heard a sudden commotion—sounds of angry shouting.

Confirming no one was near, he scaled the wall and fled, not looking back as he left Qingyuan Village.

At that moment, only one thought filled Hu Erbiao’s mind: he must find his leader and make that Ning boy pay dearly in blood for his grudge.

When a man loses reason, many illogical things are overlooked. Hu Erbiao failed to notice that not far behind him, a group of men were hanging, waiting.

After raising this worthless man for so long, it was time to put him to use. Following Hu Erbiao’s trail to the enemy’s den, the advantage of numbers would shrink under the cover of darkness.

This was the best plan Ning Ye could devise. These men were not seasoned soldiers—just raw recruits, still inadequately trained.

It was impossible to crush a band of hundreds in one strike, but tonight, he had to show some results; otherwise, the whole trip would be wasted.

The pale moonlight illuminated the path beneath their feet as Ning Ye carefully distinguished Hu Erbiao’s footprints among the scattered tracks on the ground.