RWNEFE -Chapter 149 Cao Lianwang Dies!

Niu Zhuang handed out soldier tokens while saying, “There are only ten of us left in the garrison. Yesterday, we replaced all the military tokens. These are yours!”

Shen Lanxi received number eleven, Wei Dongzhu twelve, and so on.

“I know what you’re going to ask—don’t expect armor. The previous soldiers took it all. There’s some scraps left in the warehouse, but they’re useless!”

“Shields, broadswords, and spears are still there. For now, just use the spears!”

Niu Zhuang led them to the warehouse, and each grabbed a rusty iron-and-wood spear.

“Now, let me assign duties. You two are on watch at the smoke post, you two are miscellaneous guards. Start by guarding the main gate. When Captain Cao arrives, we’ll see what further assignments are needed.”

Shen Lanxi and the others exchanged glances. Niu Zhuang’s words meant they might not even remain at the garrison.

“All the food has been taken. There isn’t much left. There’s no war or bandits for now, so we eat only once a day—at noon.”

Luckily, they had brought some provisions with them.

After assigning posts, Niu Zhuang retreated indoors.

By noon, Cao Lianwang arrived.

“Captain Cao, last night Zhang Liao from Hongliu Village sent over some men to enlist. Big, strong fellows—look like they can really work!” Niu Zhuang reported with a flattering grin.

Cao Lianwang frowned. “Besides them, has anyone else come?”

“No, maybe the roads were difficult,” Niu Zhuang replied.

Cao Lianwang’s face darkened. “The court is rushing troop mobilization this time and has pulled all our local soldiers. What if bandits or marauders attack now? If the town falls, the court doesn’t care why, only the result!”

“I don’t care what methods you use—the garrison must have 200 soldiers. If post-spring the crops are affected, I’ll have your whole family planting in the fields myself!”

Niu Zhuang hurriedly flattered him: “Yes, sir! I’ll take men to recruit from the county immediately!”

Cao Lianwang stayed a short while before leaving. In the afternoon, Niu Zhuang brought back ten more men. They were old and young, all crying, clearly forcibly conscripted.

A few days later, Shen Lanxi had learned Cao Lianwang’s background from Niu Zhuang.

Cao Lianwang had once been a common soldier. He caught the eye of Tian Maofeng’s daughter—the same Tian Maofeng who was then a Qianhu and now a four-county garrison commander—and rose from a lowly private to a centurion.

Cao Lianwang had no talent in training troops or managing farms, but he was greedy. He privately cultivated land in Baihe County, using military households as his personal forces. This time, the court urgently needed soldiers. Fearing he couldn’t fulfill the quota, he handed over all the tenant soldiers under his private estate.

After understanding the situation, Shen Lanxi decided to wait for an opportunity to act.

Soon, an opportunity arose: a bandit attack at the neighboring Dayu Village. Shen Lanxi gathered fifty men, with Niu Zhuang leading them to support Dayu Village.

“These damned bandits must know the garrison’s troops were pulled away. Otherwise, how could they be so bold!” Niu Zhuang cursed as he led the way.

Shen Lanxi secretly leaked the news that they were going to Dayu Village while buying provisions. Then they waited for the right moment.

As soon as they arrived at Dayu Village, the Baihe garrison was seized by bandits.

The speed of the attack meant there was definitely an insider helping the bandits in the county.

“Damn it! We had to walk here to support, and by the time we arrive, the bandits have already fled!” Niu Zhuang fumed.

“Sir, I think we should stay here for a couple more days. If the bandits return while we’re gone, what will the court say when we fail to protect the garrison?”

Niu Zhuang realized he was right. “Fine, we’ll stay here two days!”

News of the bandits brazenly attacking Baihe garrison spread like wildfire.

Soon, Tian Maofeng summoned Cao Lianwang for reprimand.

“How can you be a centurion? Both Dayu Village and Baihe garrison are under your command, and the bandits took both. How can I save face?”

“If you don’t eliminate the bandit nest quickly, don’t even call yourself my son-in-law when you go out!” Tian Maofeng was furious; bandits running rampant on his land was a personal humiliation.

Cao Lianwang had never seen his father-in-law so angry. He didn’t dare explain and immediately led troops to Baihe County.

By the time he arrived, the bandits had already fled.

“Where are the garrison soldiers?” Cao Lianwang exploded.

“They went to support Dayu Village as you instructed,” someone replied.

Cao Lianwang’s fury ignited: “I told them to support, not stay there! Call them back and crush the bandits!”

“Yes, sir!”

Upon receiving the news, Shen Lanxi immediately spread a counter-story. Within a day, the entire town knew that Cao Lianwang had vowed to eliminate the bandits.

On the way back, they fell into an ambush.

Niu Zhuang and others were injured. Shen Lanxi rose to temporarily take the decurion’s role and ordered a retreat back to Dayu Village.

Cao Lianwang waited two more days. Seeing Shen Lanxi and his group still not returning, he angrily decided to lead troops himself.

Halfway there, the bandits ambushed him. Cao Lianwang was killed on the spot, and his soldiers were all injured to varying degrees.

Shen Lanxi “happened” to return to Baihe County just in time to drive off the bandits and save the injured soldiers.

“Centurion Cao has been killed by the bandits. We must avenge him!” Shen Lanxi raised his arm and shouted.

“For Centurion Cao!” the group echoed in unison.

The group rushed back to Baihe County. Niu Zhuang immediately brought Cao Lianwang’s body to Tian Maofeng.

“Lord Tian, Centurion Cao was ambushed and tragically killed while suppressing bandits!”

Thinking of his daughter, Tian Maofeng’s face darkened. Seeing the report noted only Cao Lianwang’s death, he angrily demanded: “Why did only Cao Lianwang die? Did you deliberately put him in harm’s way?”

Terrified, Niu Zhuang knelt and explained: “Lord, Centurion Cao sent us to Dayu Village to assist. On the way back, he was ambushed. If not for the bravery of my soldiers, all of his men would have been killed. The bandits must have known Cao planned to attack them, so they set up the ambush!”

“If you don’t believe me, I brought all of Centurion Cao’s soldiers with me. Investigate as you wish!” Niu Zhuang stammered, afraid that one slip could cost him his head.

Tian Maofeng glared at him like he wanted to kill him.

…

“Master accurately predicted the bandits’ appearance twice—truly a marvel of strategy!”