"Tonight's events are not your fault; you did your best. I will not force you today. I offer you two choices. If you are willing to follow me, regardless of the outcome once this is accomplished, I guarantee your past transgressions will never be brought up again. If you are unwilling, you can leave the city with your family at dawn and flee for your lives!"
At this point, Han Mo did not wish to compel anyone.
After all, what he needed now were loyal and trustworthy subordinates, not fence-sitters who would switch sides at the slightest breeze.
Initially, he had spared this man's life simply because the fellow knew some insider information and might prove useful. However, he had not expected the man to do something like this tonight.
This fellow might lack courage and his martial arts skills were merely passable, but if he could truly win him over, it would be a significant help to Han Mo.
"This subordinate is willing to die for the Lord!"
After listening to Han Mo, Lu Ying knelt on one knee after a moment of contemplation.
Fundamentally, he was not aligned with Zhang Huai and the others. He was merely in a compromising situation where he had to bow his head to those in power.
The feeling of being controlled was utterly unbearable. Regardless of his true intentions, he always had to act according to Zhang Huai's commands.
Seeing himself making one mistake after another, sinking deeper into trouble, yet having no opportunity to break free, he felt a sense of release when he encountered Han Mo this time. Now, hearing Han Mo's words, his entire being felt a burst of clarity.
Although the path ahead was perilous, if he could carve out a bloody path, the future would be smooth sailing.
"Have you thought this through clearly? All the troops under my command combined do not exceed seven hundred men, yet Li Mao'er has three thousand fierce bandits!"
Han Mo sneered and spoke again.
"My Lord, this humble one is willing to serve as your vanguard. If we do not win, I shall die!"
"Well said, 'If we do not win, I shall die!' For these words alone, I claim your life! However, I do not require you to be the vanguard. The militia and archers in this city are essentially all your subordinates. How many of them do you believe you can control?"
Since this was their only chance of survival, Han Mo would not hesitate any longer.
However, before leaving the city, he still needed to accomplish two things.
The first and foremost of these was to capture Zhang Huai and Li Chong!
"Although my subordinates are not talented, I still have a few confidantes. With them, controlling these archers will not be a problem!"
"Good. I will give you half an hour to prepare. After half an hour, you will personally lead your men to Zhang Huai's residence and arrest him!"
Since they were to break all ties and fight to the death, they could not leave any potential trouble behind at this time. With Zhang Huai and the others within Neihuang County, they remained a hidden danger. Han Mo was about to go out and fight desperately, so he had to eliminate them first.
"Yes!"
"Commander Wu, Li Chong and Liu San are entrusted to you!"
"Yes!"
Wu Jie agreed without a second thought.
"In times of national crisis, one must never be soft-hearted. These individuals, along with their families, are not to be spared. Any resistance will be met with lethal force!"
"Yes!"
"My Lord, after they are captured, how should they be dealt with?"
Lu Ying hesitated for a moment before asking.
"Any resistance will be met with lethal force!"
Han Mo did not answer his question but repeated it, deliberately emphasizing the words "lethal force."
Seeing the half-smile on Han Mo's face, Lu Ying immediately understood his meaning.
However, he then felt a chill creep from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, causing him to involuntarily shiver.
Han Mo clearly intended to resolve the issue once and for all, leaving no chance for them to recover.
This was a truly ruthless man!
"Do you understand?"
"This subordinate understands!"
"Very good. Go and prepare."
Han Mo was quite satisfied with Lu Ying's attitude this time.
Compared to Lu Ying, Wu Jie's attitude appeared calm and collected.
If it were him, he would have acted even more decisively in this matter.
If the roots are not removed, the weeds will grow back with the spring breeze; such a principle needs no teaching.
"Yes!"
After exchanging a glance with Wu Jie, Lu Ying each went to make their preparations.
Meanwhile, Han Mo once again focused his attention on the map before him. Life or death depended on tonight.
Time was pressing tonight. Not only did he have to eliminate Zhang Huai and Li Chong, but he also had to lead troops to raid Li Family Village outside the city.
He was confident about the matters within the city, with Wu Jie and the others handling them. However, how the battle outside the city was to be fought required careful consideration.
Third watch of the night, it was the time in the summer night most suited for deep sleep.
Without the heat of the day, people who had worked hard all day finally fell into slumber.
Despite facing a life-or-death decision, Zhang Huai seemed to be in particularly high spirits tonight.
To fully indulge himself, the man had gathered all his concubines around the large embroidered bed.
Of course, such a battle required a few special pills to enhance the mood.
However, just as he swallowed the pill, he heard a cacophony of footsteps outside.
"Damn it, are they all trying to court death by not sleeping in the middle of the night?"
Zhang Huai, who was in the heat of the moment, cursed angrily.
"Master, it's bad! Lu Ying, that scoundrel, has surrounded our stronghold!"
"What did you say? Has he lost his mind? Fetch my sword!"
The butler's words were like a bucket of cold water, completely extinguishing his rekindled passion.
"Ah—"
"Ah—"
...
Listening to the cries of pain rising and falling outside, Zhang Huai's expression grew even more grim. They dared to kill people!
The sudden turn of events not only terrified him but also sent his concubines into a panic.
In the short time it took him to get dressed, the noisy footsteps outside grew closer and closer!
"Clerk Zhang, it's been a long time!"
Seeing the precious sword in Zhang Huai's hand, Lu Ying couldn't help but smile.
"Lu Ying, are you insane? Don't you know this is my residence?"
Zhang Huai's face turned extremely ugly, and he roared in anger.
"Is this how you speak to your superior? You, a mere clerk, what right do you have to shout at me, the County Lieutenant?"
As Lu Ying spoke, he deliberately puffed out his chest.
"Don't forget, that thing is still in my hands!"
Zhang Huai's chest heaved violently, his face looking grim.
"By the order of County Magistrate Han, Zhang Huai has colluded with bandits and intended to rebel. The County Lieutenant Lu Ying is ordered to arrest him. Any resistance will be met with lethal force! Guards, shoot!"
"You dare!"
After hearing Lu Ying's words, not only Zhang Huai was stunned, but the archers were also taken aback. This was Zhang Huai!
"Guess if I dare!"
As Lu Ying spoke, he took a hunting bow from one of the archers.