Chapter 351
On a certain hillside outside the city.
A group of bandits squatted there, eagerly eyeing the approaching carts loaded with goods, rubbing their hands in excitement with reddened eyes.
“Third Chief, those carts are loaded with food and medicine, let’s quickly snatch these goodies p>
Most of the emergency supplies were airlifted, but a large portion was still transported by land, giving these bandit rulers a chance to strike after the chaos.
The leading yellow-haired Beastman, spit out a grass stem from his mouth, and with a command, “Go get ’em p>
Over a hundred Beastmen pushed the giant boulders, which had been arranged beforehand, down the ridge with a thunderous crash.
In the ensuing chaos, they rushed down with guns to seize the goods and take them back to their lair.
In the Imperial City, Shen Tang dispatched numerous teams to the disaster area with supplies, mainly food and medicine.
The grain reserves in the Imperial City were nearly depleted, leaving them no choice but to transport supplies from Greenfield City to the affected areas.
The stock in Greenfield City was limited and could only provide temporary relief.
The food production in the Empire was still too low.
System notification, [Food crisis worsening, possible famine leading to population loss, public morale may fall again p>
Luckily, Shen Tang had accumulated ample points; she purchased a large amount of seeds and fertilizer from the space, handing them over to the management Beastman, intending to expand the cultivation area further.
Lu Xiao hurriedly entered, “Female Master, there’s bad news to tell you p>
His expression was rarely so cold and stern, exuding a chilling aura.
Shen Tang stood up from her seat, suppressing the unease within, frowned, “What happened p>
“Some of the grain transported from Greenfield City to the disaster area was ambushed by bandits and seized mid-route p>
Upon hearing this, Shen Tang’s face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot, simmering with anger.
Ever since the Empire split apart, vast chaotic zones emerged, leaderless, and overrun with bandits. Some grew into troublesome forces.
But she never imagined this group would be bold enough to openly hijack royal disaster relief grain, an outright rebellion!
“Have we identified which faction did this?” Shen Tang’s voice was chillingly cold.
Lu Xiao handed over the information, “It seems to be Black Wind Village, an old bandit stronghold that has never been completely eliminated. During this Empire’s chaos, they quickly expanded their influence, becoming the largest bandit group locally, intercepting shipments more than once p>
“They hijack these valuable supplies and sell them at high prices to other areas, making profits — a universally despised presence p>
Shen Tang paused at the familiar name, Black Wind Village?
Why did it sound so familiar?
She patted her forehead, suddenly recalling.
When she was streaming cooking, there was a troll named Black Wind Village Mountain King, could it be… a coincidence?
At this moment, a task was issued in her mind, [Issuing a construction sideline task to the host: successfully eradicate Black Wind Village, ensure normal grain transportation! Special requirement: the host must act personally, within 5 days, reward: 1000 points and a mysterious treasure map p>
[Failure will result in a significant drop in Reputation Value, please complete quickly p>
Shen Tang twitched her mouth, this damn system was getting increasingly tricky, demanding she completed the bandit suppression task in five days, personally no less, simply making things hard!
Having won several battles, her Reputation Value finally climbed back to positive numbers, she didn’t want it to drop back into negative.
Seeing her daze, Lu Xiao reminded, “Female Master, if these bandits aren’t dealt with, they won’t rest. Please allow me to lead troops to suppress them p>
Shen Tang took his hand, declaring firmly, “This time, I’ll go with you p>
Lu Xiao’s deep blue eyes flashed with surprise, then he shook his head in disagreement, “You’re a ruler now, there’s no need for you to handle such trivial matters p>
“Don’t worry, they’re just a bunch of petty outlaws, and I haven’t stretched my muscles in a while. Since they dared to cause trouble, I’ll teach them a lesson p>
Seeing her bright smile, Lu Xiao softened his stance and didn’t refuse further.
The two discussed over the next plan.
Several days later.
Along the usual remote mountain road that was often robbed.
A group of Beastmen drove carts towards the disaster area.
This time, however, there were two special people among them: Lu Xiao and Shen Tang, disguised as civilians.
On the hillside, a batch of Black Wind Village bandits quietly gathered.
Eyed with the prospect of more plunder, they excitedly deployed their old trick, pushing boulders off the cliff.
But this time, contrary to expectations, the falling rocks reversed course as if haunted, crushing these bandits underfoot with horrifying screams, their bones nearly shattered!
In the next moment, the disguised soldiers shed their pretense, arresting the bandits and binding them together, pressing them to the ground.
Shen Tang proudly glanced at Lu Xiao, raising her chin in triumph, “See? I told you, dealing with these small fry is a piece of cake p>
Lu Xiao smiled, “Yes, the Female Master is indeed impressive p>
The yellow-haired leader shouted in terror, “Better release us quick, or else! Don’t blame us if Black Wind Village retaliates p>
A Beastman kicked him down, cursing angrily, “A mere bandit daring to spout nonsense, see who stands before you — it’s the current Emperor p>
Hearing this, the yellow-haired one was dumbfounded, stumbling over his words, “The Emp—Emperor p>
Damn, they just hijacked some goods, and it turned out to be the new Emperor’s p>
Had they known it was the Emperor in person, even giving them ten times the guts wouldn’t be enough!
Shen Tang looked at the yellow-haired leader, still rather young, yet with sharp features, making him look a bit sly, “Are you the one with the online ID Black Wind Village Mountain King p>
“What Black Wind Village Mountain King? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the Beastman, terrified, seemed genuinely confused, not pretending.
His subordinate spoke up, “There’s no one else besides our boss! Who’d dare use that name? They must have a death wish p>
Hearing this piqued Shen Tang’s interest, could it be more than just a coincidence?
She suddenly wanted to know if the Black Wind Village boss had ties to the troll who insulted her.
Moreover, to complete the system’s task, she certainly had to meet this Black Wind Village leader personally.
Shen Tang turned to the speaking Beastman, “How about I make a deal with you? I’ll let you go, and you’ll help me lure out your leader p>
The Beastman’s face turned bright red, struggling violently, “Don’t even think about it! We’ll never be the Empire’s lackeys, I’ll never betray—ah p>
Before he could finish, Lu Xiao stuffed something in his mouth, nearly choking him.
Shen Tang glanced at Lu Xiao, “What did you feed him p>
Lu Xiao replied calmly, “Poison, that’s all p>
It takes a truly nice person to be the most ruthless!