The other Mo Family men also had similar thoughts. When they saw the eldest brother voice out what was on their minds, they came forward to echo his words.
"Eldest brother is right. As long as we brothers work together, we will definitely make them unable to come and go freely."
However, Mo Jiuye did not think it would be as easy as his elder brothers had assumed.
"Since Mr. Fei could write to warn us about this matter, the actions taken by the Empress this time are clearly not small."
"On the way to exile in the northwest, the exile convoy encountered ambushes a few times. The assassins sent by Nan Heng number at least over a hundred."
"From what I know, the death warriors and assassins used by the Empress and Nan Heng were secretly trained by the Xue Family. This time, the assassins sent by the Empress also came from the Xue Family camp."
"Judging from the previous incident, the number of death warriors trained by the Xue Family is clearly not small. Especially since they sincerely want to destroy my Mo Family, if they take action again, the numbers will definitely not be fewer."
"Ninth brother, even if your analysis is right, aren't we brothers all survivors who have escaped death on the battlefield? When have we ever feared anyone in our lives?" Mo Chuhan still felt somewhat unconvinced. He felt that his ninth brother had become timid.
Mo Jiuye had indeed become more timid.
"Eighth brother, do you know what it was like when news of each of your deaths were relayed back one by one?"
"Mother and the sisters-in-law were basically living deaths, faces washed with tears every day. Now that the Mo Family has finally reunited after overcoming thousands of hardships, I don't want the scenes from back then to happen again."
"What's more, I am already married with children now, and there are also the elders who need me to attend to them filially. This life of mine already does not belong solely to myself."
"Before taking any risky actions, I have to prioritize safety first."
"Jiuye is right. Our Mo Family has already suffered a major catastrophe once. Now that we have finally reunited with difficulty, we can no longer withstand any more blows. We must carefully plan for the long term regarding this matter and not act rashly."
As Mo Qing spoke, his gaze swept back and forth among his few sons.
This kind of gaze was all too familiar to the Mo Family men. In the past on the battlefield, their father would also have such piercing eyes when gathering subordinates for discussion in the camp tent.
In an instant, all the Mo men tightened up, instantly entering their roles, just like when they were on high alert on the battlefield in the past.
At this moment, Mo Qing naturally slipped into his role as well.
"Jiuye, what good countermeasures do you have now?"
"Father, no matter how we respond, the premise is that we must ensure the safety of our own people."
"Mm, tell me your specific methods."
When everyone was arguing just now, Mo Jiuye had already swiftly devised countermeasures in his mind.
"Mr. Fei obtained the news seven days ago. If the Empress's people started taking action from that time, it would take them at least seven more days to reach the northwest.
"There is not much difficulty for the veterans to use explosives. With just a little guidance they will know how.
"I plan to use these few days to drill them in using explosives.
"Of course, explosives make too loud a commotion when set off. It would be best not to use them if possible. It can also be said that explosives are the final trump card of my Mo Family.
"I also still have twenty continuously-firing repeating crossbows remaining which I will distribute to everyone.
"Counting from today, I will arrange for subordinates to conceal themselves with the repeating crossbows and explosives on the necessary roads to Yun City at the latest seven days from now. This will definitely make it so the assassins can come but cannot leave."
"Mm. What Jiuye said makes sense. We must not give them any chance to enter Yun City," Mo Qing highly approved of Mo Jiuye's suggestion.
That was without even mentioning that the many women of the Mo Family and the two newly born grandchildren simply had no ability to evade danger. The villagers of Xi Ling Village were the same as well.
If those death warriors came here and the Mo Family resisted resulting in a big fight, innocent people would inevitably get hurt.
This was not a result the Mo Family wanted to see.
"It's decided as such. You brothers go and handle the arrangements," Mo Qing finalized. In principle, he wanted Mo Jiuye to take full command of this matter. But considering that he still needed to care for He Zhiran and the two babies, he let the brothers handle it together instead.
Of course, he believed his other sons could fully listen to Mo Jiuye's command.
Seeing the Mo Family was prepared, Meng Huaining felt slightly more relieved.
He was just about to bid farewell and leave when he was called to stop by Mo Qing.
Ever since marrying Mo Hanyue, this was the first time his father-in-law took the initiative to call him.
Mo Qing waved his hand to dismiss his sons first before letting Meng Huaining sit beside him.
"The situation in the Mo Family now is also clear to you. Things are not as peaceful as they seem on the surface. Heaven is unfair, unwilling to even grant us a period of stability.
"Since this is so, we of the Mo Family are not pushovers who can just be arbitrarily manipulated. Judging from the current circumstances, at the minimum we have to fend off the people the Empress sends over in secret. In truth, danger lies all around."
"Hanyue is my only daughter. I don't want her to get embroiled in anything. She is now a daughter-in-law of your Meng Family. I hope you can bring her away from the Mo Family."
Mo Qing did not say the words that followed, but he knew Meng Huaining would understand the meaning behind them.
Meng Huaining stood up solmenly and bowed to Mo Qing.
"Father-in-law, Huaining is not a coward who fears death. Living together now with the Mo Family, I already regard myself as one of you. When the Mo Family encounters adversity, how can I shrink back just to save my own skin?
"If I did that, even if grandfather was alive he would not forgive me.
"The sages' books say a person may not have ability, but cannot be without affection and righteousness. Moreover, I also understand the Mo Family's circumstances. When grandfather was still alive, wasn't he suspected as well..."
The two of them were clear who that suspector was - the muddle-headed Emperor Shunwu.
"Father-in-law, since we have talked to this point, I will speak frankly with you as well.
"I originally did not intend to enter officialdom. It was because grandfather died wronged that I only wanted to rely on my own efforts to restore his innocence.
"But after working in court these past few years, I have seen through everything clearly. With an emperor as muddled as the one on Great Shun's throne, he is simply a nightmare for the common people.
"What's more, I have trained in martial arts since I was young. Although I am not as capable as eldest brother and the rest, protecting Hanyue is still not an issue.
"So please believe me, father-in-law. As long as there is still breath left in me, I will protect Hanyue well. I also want to share in the same fortunes and adversities as the Mo Family."
Mo Qing did not expect Meng Huaining to take such an attitude. The Mo Family was currently like a pond of muddy water now. Whoever waded in would easily attract lethal disaster upon themselves.
At the same time, he also greatly admired this son-in-law's integrity and courage.
He was not the naggy sort to begin with. Furthermore, he was also able to discern Meng Huaining's extremely resolute attitude. Since this was the case, further persuasion would be futile.
"Although you are unwilling to take Hanyue away to protect only yourselves, I still hope you two will take care of your own safety."
"Father-in-law, please rest assured. Huaining understands," Meng Huaining spoke.
Both had the same thoughts, so many words were unnecessary. An unspoken understanding had formed between them.
Mo Qing shifted his body slightly and said, "It is already quite late. Go back to rest!"
"Father-in-law should also rest early. Huaining shall take his leave."
Meng Huaining had just pushed the door open when barks sounded from outside.
