Section 3

Huang Shi furrowed his brows and walked over, blocking their way; "Who are you, and what business do you have with him?"

Zhang Zaidì kicked a few more times, feeling relieved, and was about to step back while panting heavily. Just as he was about to do so, Zhao Manxiong rushed forward in a swift motion, tightly embracing Zhang Zaidì, and shouted at the person, "Why aren't you leaving quickly?"

The three hunters appeared to be brothers. The eldest among them shot a glance at Huang Shi and said, "What are you doing here? This is none of your business!"

This month, Wang Huazhen dispatched another team of Guangning troops to attack the territory of the Later Jin. Huang Shi estimated that the situation was dire, so he clearly expressed his lack of optimism regarding this offensive

Huang Shi cast a peculiar glance at Zhang Zai Di, then at Zhao Man Xiong, feeling that this remark seemed to imply a suspicion of cursing the monk by calling him a bald donkey

Indeed, the three individuals were brothers, also hunters from the same village as Zhao Manxiong, and in Zhao Manxiong's words, they were three rascals. Zhao Manxiong was skilled and adept at crafting various traps, having designed and made many useful tools himself. However, having lost his parents at an early age and being all alone, he was often bullied by these three brothers

Zhao Manxiong did not pay attention to Zhang Zaidi, but instead faced Huang Shi and said: "I believe Brother Shitou will certainly agree."

Zhao Manxiong appeared very magnanimous, smiling and waving his hand to indicate that he did not care at all. When it came to his own views, Zhao Manxiong believed that offending these rascals was unacceptable, but one should not be too weak and easily bullied. Therefore, for a long time, he had also assisted those three brothers with some matters, but he always maintained a careful balance to ensure that he did not give too much, lest it provoke their greedy hearts

"On what basis?" Zhang Zaidi exclaimed angrily, "Such people should be beaten every time they are seen."

I, along with the illustrations and books, lack the power to protect you. The helpless words shattered the tranquility of the room, as Huang Shi, with his hands clasped behind his head, opened his eyes wide, wondering how he suddenly voiced his innermost thoughts. Now, all I can do is find a way to save my own life

It is impossible not to take action; Xiao Zhang's strikes are evidently lethal. The person he targeted has not stood up since. Two Ming Dynasty hunters, each standing at 1.6 meters, were knocked down by Huang Shi with just a few punches. He then lunged at the last individual who was entangled in combat with Zhang Zai Di.

The continuous defeats following the Battle of Sa'erhu had left the morale of the Liao army in a state of decline. In an effort to boost morale, Wang Huazhen, the governor of Liaodong, repeatedly dispatched small units across the Liao River to conduct surprise attacks. However, one crushing defeat after another only further dampened the spirits of the troops. Huang Shi silently contemplated when he might seize the opportunity presented by Mao Wenlong to escape from this land that was on the verge of falling.

My elder brother and second brother are both unaware of the situation Zhang Zaiyi added

This remark elicited a burst of laughter, and the two women beside the table also laughed in agreement, even mentioning a few names specifically. Huang Shi, still holding the chopsticks, did not respond, continuing to chew on something unconsciously. Their voices gradually faded away, and Zhang Youdi awkwardly touched his nose, refraining from continuing the teasing.

As he continued on his way, Huang Shi silently pondered his own thoughts, completely unaware of what Zhang Zai Di had said again. Even upon entering the forest, he did not notice the commotion ahead, until it was Zhang Zai Di who reminded him.

During lunch, the Zhang family had another debate on this issue. Zhang Youdi also supported his brother's viewpoint, asserting that General Cheng is an extraordinary hero. Huang Shi, feeling too lazy to elaborate, focused on his meal after clearly expressing his opinion. Meanwhile, Zhang Zaiyi and his two brothers engaged in a heated argument, becoming quite flushed in the face.

Mao Wenlong should have already been recommended to Wang Huazhen, who is dreaming of one day being granted a marquisate. His desire for offense aligns well with Wang Huazhen's preferences, and in two months, he will be dispatched to set out towards the Liao Sea. Within a few years, this army of fewer than 200 men will grow to nearly 100,000. Therefore, as long as I seize this opportunity for deployment, based on my historical knowledge, I should be able to attain the position of deputy general within three years and the position of vice general within five years

Hmm. Huangshi couldn't be bothered to pay him any attention

Why?

The Later Jin army did not launch a victorious attack as everyone had feared. Governor Wang Huazhen of Liaodong quickly began to gather troops in Guangning. Within less than a month, life returned to normal for everyone. Huang Shi's calm demeanor left a profound impression on the neighbors, and the Zhang family was deeply impressed.

"The fight with you was not about wanting to take your things." Zhang Zaidong was not foolish; after hearing this, he also felt a bit embarrassed, scratching his head and awkwardly saying: "You were too rude to Brother Huang."

I know, I know, Zhang Youdi is trying his best to showcase his loud voice: "He must have taken a liking to some girl, and is suffering from lovesickness."

"What a scoundrel," Zhang Zaidì said as he spat on the ground.

Huang Shi indeed stopped, but Zhang Zai Di was unwilling to relent. Just a moment ago, before Huang Shi came to help, he had taken a few solid hits, and now he was kicking back.

"They have stolen quite a few of my skills and even forcibly taken my prey and tools," Zhao Manxiong said indignantly. "If we don't give them what they want, they resort to violence."

Stone and books, have you heard that General Cheng has led his troops across the Liao River? I wonder how it will turn out this time

Oh? This topic piqued Huang Shi's interest. He is aware of the disasters that will occur in the coming years, so he does not have long-term plans. However, he does not intend to take full advantage of Zhao Manxiong before discarding him. Unexpectedly, Old Zhang's wife has already characterized his actions: "What do you think?"

The sly smile of the grocery store owner appeared before Huang Shi; this expression would emerge every time he suffered a defeat in bargaining. The complaints from the neighbor on his left were tiresome to him. What use is it to me for you two families' wives to come and complain? Several families with sons of marriageable age regarded themselves as prime assets, and the daughters from these families often cast shy or bold glances his way

They dare to insult Brother Huang, they truly must be tired of living

Huang Shilian's expression immediately darkened; just as he was about to retort, the youngest of the three let out a piercing scream. It turned out that Zhang Zai Di had circled to their side and struck him on the leg with an axe.

After the three people rolled and crawled away, Huang Shi, who stood aside and watched the entire process clearly, couldn't help but burst into laughter, "Zhao Manxiong, what are you playing at?"

Upon returning home and lying down, Huang Shi could not fall asleep for half a day. He felt the torrent of history screaming towards him, threatening to tear him apart. The thought that the entire town would be engulfed in flames, that familiar neighbors would be butchered into pieces, made it impossible for Huang Shi to control his emotions. These people were not like the soldiers who had passed by today; in Huang Shi's heart, they were all flesh-and-blood individuals.

Three individuals dressed as hunters are shouting something at Zhao Manxiong, and they appear to be pushing and shoving, creating a rather unfriendly atmosphere.

On the second day, during the afternoon break, Zhang Youdi ran over to return to the town with Huang Shi. Upon seeing his face full of mystery, it was clear that he had another story to tell.

After once again contemplating his escape plan, Huang Shi let out a sigh of relief. His plan for survival was to follow the army of Mao Wenlong, as he was aware of the history of the Later Jin sweeping through Liaodong. Moreover, his intensive study of Ming history before his time travel had made him remember the name Mao Wenlong.

After all three individuals fell, Zhao Manxiong immediately shouted: "Stop, do not hit anymore"

At the end of March, bad news came one after another. Shenyang and Liaoyang fell in succession, and over one hundred thousand troops from Liaodong were completely annihilated. The entire army in Guangning was thrown into chaos. Amid the panic and confusion of those around him, Huang Shi remained unperturbed and accepted this reality, continuing to chop wood and hunt as usual. This chaotic situation caused everyone to lose focus on their work, allowing him to make a small profit.

Zhang Youdi seems to have a different opinion: "General Cheng is a brave man from our Guangning army, there should be no problem."

Zhao Manxiong also smiled, and after laughing, he first turned to Zhang Zaidi and expressed his gratitude: "Brother Zhang has finally avenged me"

Hmm

By the way, I mentioned the matter of Old Zhao to them. After spending some time together, Zhao Mianxiong has transformed into Old Zhao in Zhang Zaidi's words

As Huang Shi arrived at Old Zhang's doorstep, he felt his heart gradually stabilize; however, the sensation of impending death lingered. During the meal, he was completely distracted, and Old Zhang's family inquired about him several times, only to receive vague and dismissive responses.

Oh

Brother Huang always says that one must keep their promises, doesn't he?" Zhang Zai said confidently, "I naturally know that Brother Huang is not that kind of person. And *illustration* *book*

Upon seeing Huang Shi's expression, Zhao Manxiong immediately realized: "Brother Shitou is indeed very righteous; he is always fair when it comes to dividing things, I feel quite embarrassed."

My mother says I lack understanding. Brother Huang wants to learn all of Old Zhao's skills and then kick him out to go solo. Zhang Zaidong exclaimed excitedly, "I said it’s not like that. My mother laughs at me for being young and encourages me to learn and observe more."

I have finished eating. Huang Shi slammed the chopsticks on the table and left Old Zhang's house in a daze

Finally, there were the faces of the benefactor's family. Old Zhang contentedly burped after the meal; the housewife incessantly nagged about the rising price of salt while carefully plucking bird feathers; the eldest son always left a piece of meat in his bowl, only turning his head to listen to everyone chatting when he saw his wife putting it in her mouth; the second son always mentioned a daughter from another family. After hearing privately about the plan for Huangshi to sponsor him some money, he first weakly declined a few times, then kept insisting that their two families had been good brothers for generations.

The animal traps made by Brother Shitou are my improvements. If they see them today, they will take them away. Zhao Manxiong drew a few circles on the ground, thought for a moment, and then looked up at Huangshi and said: "Brother Shitou, could you make a few more? I would like to send them to them tonight"

When Zhang Zai was going up the mountain to work, he was still feeling indignant: "Brother Huang must be right."

The only thing to consider now is how to take away a few of Old Zhang's sons. Given Old Zhang's advanced age, he surely has no means to think of a solution and can only hope that he himself escapes this war. However, Huangshi is very eager to bring all three of his sons into the future Dongjiang Army.

Zhao Manxiong shouted, "Stop hitting!" while going around to help the other two people lying on the ground