Chapter 94: Highly Poisonous!

“Logically speaking, they’re only nine people, while we have so many. Shouldn’t we have turned them into pincushions?

But first, our aim is terrible, and second, we’re too scattered and lack coordination.

Let’s talk about accuracy first. Honestly, I’m not great either. The Hu brothers from our village are good at it, so let’s have them teach us. Everyone should put in the effort to improve their aim so that in the future, we can take them down in one volley.

As for targets, I think we need better distribution. Right now, we’re just shooting wildly—one guy ends up full of arrows while another doesn’t get a scratch. That’s ridiculous!

We need teamwork. Whether we’re facing mountain bandits or out hunting, we must know our roles and who to shoot. That way, we won’t be in chaos.

And there’s one more crucial thing—remember this well and never forget.

We cannot afford to get injured. Not even a scratch. Think about it—how many people have those bandits’ blades killed? They’ve also killed wild animals. The blood mixes together over the years, never truly cleaned off. Just how filthy do you think that is? If such a dirty blade cuts us… that’s poison! Serious poison!

So listen carefully—no matter what, we must not let the bandits get close. Here’s the rule: they must be taken down at least thirty feet away. Watch closely—if they can still grip their blades, don’t let them get near. Shoot! Keep shooting! Make sure they’re dead!

Otherwise, if they throw a blade at someone, tell me—who could dodge that? Am I right?”

“Whoa!”

The crowd erupted, as noisy as a bustling marketplace.

“Oh my, their blades are poisoned?!”

“Those heartless beasts!”

“Damn them to hell!”

“Yan Er, are you sure their blades are poisonous?”

Yan Er nodded solemnly. “Of course. Do you think they bother washing them properly with water or scrubbing them with strong liquor? Have you ever heard of someone getting scratched by iron and their wound swelling up, turning feverish until they start raving and then die from the fever? That’s the poison!”

“Doctor Cui, do you know about this poison?”

Cui, the ex-apprentice from the pharmacy, furrowed his brows in thought and spoke slowly. “That does happen. When cut by iron, the wound can swell and fester. The rotten flesh must be cut away before applying medicine. In severe cases, amputation is necessary.”

“Whoa!”

The crowd grew even more agitated.

“If a bandit charges at me and I block with my hand, damn… I’ll lose my hand!”

“No wonder people say mountain bandits are ruthless—just a scratch from them means either death or crippling injury!”

“That was too close—we almost let them get near us today.”

“Imagine if they suddenly threw a blade at us. That’s terrifying! Who could dodge it?”

“Yan Er is right! We need to shoot them down from afar!”

“Son! Listen to your Brother Yan! Don’t let them near! Shoot them dead! You hear me?”

“Don’t worry, Mother. I remember everything Yan Er said. I won’t forget!”

“Husband, if you get crippled, what will happen to our family? We’re all counting on you!”

“What nonsense! I’m fine! Thirty feet? I’ll train harder and make sure they drop fifty feet away, unable to get up!”

With that, the morale soared!

Yan Er raised his eyebrows at his daughter.

Yan Yu gave him a look of admiration and a thumbs-up.

A man doesn’t need comforting!

As long as the enemy still stands, they cannot fall!

Seizing the moment, Yan Er discussed with the Hu brothers.

From now on, archery training would be the top priority.

However, the issue of team distribution was troubling.

There were too few men in the village—even adding the half-grown boys wasn’t enough.

He had no choice but to consider recruiting the mountain folks.

But he worried—if they also learned to use bamboo crossbows, would they become a threat to the village?

So Yan Er went to ask his brother.

Yan Huaiwen asked him, “Why do you think those mountain folks followed us so easily?”

“They don’t want to be bandits,” Yan Er blurted out.

“And?”

Yan Er was stumped.

“They want stability. They want to be registered citizens,” Yan Huaiwen said calmly.

Yan Er suddenly understood—turning from outlaws into legal citizens was crucial for them.

“When the new household registry is established, if the verification is strict, settling in our village will be much easier for them.”

Especially with Yan Huaiwen’s status—official clerks would focus more on him, the scholar, and overlook the others.

“If you’re still uneasy, call Uncle An over. I’ll talk to him,” Yan Huaiwen offered.

“No need. I’ll find him myself. Now that you’ve explained it, I feel reassured.”

Yan Huaiwen nodded, not pressing further.

…

Just as Yan Er turned around, he saw his daughter squatting again, hands tucked into her sleeves.

Noticing his gaze, she squinted her eyes and grinned widely, all teeth and no eyes.

She quickly stood up, patted nonexistent dust off her clothes, and ran over eagerly.

Sliding her small hand into her father’s large one, she chirped, “Dad! Let’s go!”

Alright then!

A daughter he spoiled himself—what else could he do but keep spoiling her?

…

Before Yan Er could even start, Uncle An already knew why he had come.

He quickly said, “To be honest, for generations we’ve lived in the mountains. Forget about entering the county or a town—we even feel uneasy stepping into a village.”

“Being able to follow you guys, everyone is beyond happy. If we can officially become citizens, we’ll work hard, farm diligently. As long as we don’t starve, none of us want to return to the mountains. We must think of the future, for our children and their children, so they can eat grain from the fields, wear soft cloth, and sleep in brick houses—safe from snakes and insects, without fear of being dragged off by wild beasts.”

He sighed deeply. “Look at our little village—how many elders do we have? Hardly any, because people don’t live long. If they fall ill, they just take random herbs. If they’re lucky, they recover; if not, they die.”

“We overheard your speech earlier. You spoke so well! You and the scholar are knowledgeable, worldly men. We mountain folk are ignorant, but we know one thing—following capable people is never wrong.”

“We’ve all decided. From now on, we’ll follow your lead. Whatever you tell us to do, we’ll do. Use us however you like.”

Yan Er was speechless.

These mountain folks knew their place too well.

They were practically begging—We’re the ones seeking help, so we must humble ourselves. Use us as you see fit—we’re willing.

They weren’t putting on airs. They were speaking from the heart.

Their only wish was to become lawful citizens and live a stable life.

Such a simple and honest desire—Yan Er felt he could trust them.

“Uncle An, the journey is still long. To be safe, choose some people to train in archery with us.”

Uncle An’s eyebrows shot up in excitement.

He grinned from ear to ear. “Sure, sure! Don’t worry! I’ll pick only the best boys!”