After all, the Mohists had a special identity and had completely lost confidence in the court.
To put it bluntly, the fact that they hadn't rebelled already showed their loyalty.
As the chief catcher, Mo Chuhan knew Yun City's situation very well.
"Brother Meng, after such a big incident happened, I suggest you still seek help from the prefecture as soon as possible."
Meng Huaining nodded: "For now, this is the only way. Yun City does not have any troops to defend it. Once the barbarians attack again, it would harm those innocent commoners."
Although he said that, he was very clear in his heart that the barren northwest was not valued by the court at all. Even if he made a request to the prefecture, the troops would not be comparable to other places.
Even if he brought up this matter with the prefect, he was afraid there would be no troops sent to provide support.
In any case, it was necessary for him to report to his superiors after such a major incident happened. As for whether the military force issue could be resolved, Meng Huaining did not have any hope at all. He was afraid that in the end, he would have to find a way by himself.
In fact, the two Mo brothers were more optimistic than Meng Huaining in facing the threat of the barbarians.
"If nothing unexpected happens, after failing to raid and suffering so many casualties this time, the barbarians should not take action again in a short period of time.
Commoners are timid. If they weren't really out of food, they would not want to take risks to come and venture."
"The only thing I worry about is that the barbarians have set their minds on attacking Da Shun. If the army invades, it would definitely not enter from Xi Ling Village here.
After all, it is difficult here with high mountains and rugged roads. It would be very inconvenient for them to transport grain and fodder."
"The court should be worried. The most dangerous place now looks to be the western border."
Meng Huaining had been a county magistrate since he started his official career. After all, he was a civil official without a high position. He had also focused on governing the locality in recent times, so his insight into military affairs was far from that of the Mo brothers.
Hearing Seventh Elder Brother Mo's words, Meng Huaining felt like he was enlightened.
"Although Yun City is at some distance from the western border, once a war starts, the commoners there will surely flee in this direction. It looks like I have to make some preparations early too."
As the parent official of Yun City, he could not overreach. But he had to ensure the safety of the commoners under his rule.
Thinking of this, Meng Huaining felt it necessary to plan properly.
He cupped his fist towards the two Mo brothers: "Thank you two elder brothers for the reminder. I will go back now to make arrangements."
After such a big incident happened, the Mo brothers knew Meng Huaining still had a lot of things to deal with, so they did not keep him back and sent him all the way to the village entrance before heading back.
The time went back to the early morning.
On the official road three hundred li from the capital.
"Ninth Younger Brother, the old guy is awake." Fifth Elder Brother Mo's voice was a little hoarse. Ever since they had taken out the toxic blood from Mr. Si Meng's heart, he had been keeping watch, afraid of any sudden circumstances happening.
At this time, Mo Jiuye was driving the carriage while Sixth Elder Brother Mo was riding on horseback.
Hearing Fifth Elder Brother's shout, Mo Jiuye hurriedly drove the carriage into the woods by the roadside to stop it, then immediately entered the carriage.
Sixth Elder Brother Mo also wanted to go into the carriage to take a look, but for everyone's safety, he could only stand outside the carriage to keep watch.
It was because Fifth Elder Brother had been keeping an eye on Mr. Si Meng that he would notice the slightest abnormality.
Therefore, when he informed Mo Jiuye, Mr. Si Meng had just moved his eyelids a little.
However, Mr. Si Meng was indeed regaining consciousness.
Probably because of the pain from the wounds, or numbness in his hands and feet from being tied up, his eyes were not fully open yet. First, he let out a painful moan.
"Since you're awake, don't pretend to be dead anymore." Mo Jiuye did not have any patience for his big enemy at all. If not for still having questions to ask, he would have gotten rid of him already.
Hearing this voice, Mr. Si Meng's previously still groggy mind instantly became clear.
He forced his somewhat heavy eyelids open, and what entered his eyes were the angry looks from the two Mo brothers glaring at him.
He did not know that he had lost the toxic blood in his heart. He thought the pain in his body was from being beaten by the Mo brothers.
"I'll say it again. Don't treat me like this. Surely you're not stupid enough to want to keep me company in death!"
After speaking, Mr. Si Meng let out a series of cold laughs to demonstrate his advantage.
He had thought that continuing to threaten them this way would have the same effect. He did not expect that the looks in the Mo brothers' eyes would become more and more mocking, and there was even a feeling that they were taking him for a fool.
Mr. Si Meng subconsciously sensed that something was wrong, especially the position of his chest, which felt particularly painful. That kind of pain was somewhat different from that after being beaten.
He suddenly changed his expression, and his eyes also showed some unease.
"What have you done to me?"
Mr. Si Meng simply could not believe this was true. While speaking, he had tried to communicate with his life-bound Gu worm but got no response at all.
And seeing that Mo Jinian was alive and well in front of him, he could ascertain that the Mos must have found some expert to control his life-bound Gu worm. Otherwise, he would not be unable to communicate with his life-bound Gu worm now.
At the same time, he also felt a piercing pain coming from the position of his heart where he had hidden the toxic blood.
Could it be that his toxic blood heart Gu had also disappeared?
It had to be said that Mr. Si Meng was quite smart.
Although he did not know how the other party did it, he had realized the severity of the problem.
Seeing the smug look in the Mo brothers' eyes, he felt even more certain of the truth.
"You're so sinister!"
"Sinister? You're the sinister one!" Fifth Elder Brother gritted his teeth in anger.
Mo Jiuye was much calmer today. He did not get angry and retort Mr. Si Meng due to fury.
He only had one goal, which was to ask about the whereabouts of his father and brothers.
"The you now, seeking death would even be a luxury."
This was his final reminder, hoping that Mr. Si Meng would know the time and situation better and not make them brothers interrogate too hard.
Mr. Si Meng had always thought highly of himself. After being caught by the Mo brothers, he had originally thought that even if he were to die, he would die proudly and drag the brothers down with him, and it would still be worthwhile. He did not expect that his toxic blood heart Gu would inexplicably disappear and he could no longer control the life-bound Gu worm. This made him feel somewhat unprepared while also realizing that his own situation was very dangerous after hearing Mo Jiuye's verbal threat.
However, he no longer had any capital to threaten the other party.
Moreover, judging by the Mo brothers' hatred of him, as Mo Jiuye said, even seeking death would be a luxury for him now.
Realizing this point, Mr. Si Meng was already starting to panic.
What he feared now was not death itself, but being unable to avenge his beloved woman, as well as possibly facing a fate worse than death through torture.
Seeing that Mr. Si Meng was still silent, Mo Jiuye knew that he had recognized his predicament.
"If you don't want to suffer torture, just honestly tell me about my father and brothers' whereabouts. I'll consider giving you a quick death."
Mr. Si Meng still did not respond to Mo Jiuye. At this moment, his thoughts had drifted far away, back to thirty years ago...
