owlsbooks Chapter 40 Ambush
Chapter 40 Ambush
Intelligence indicates that the four major families are jointly escorting an important caravan, which will depart from Qinghe Town in five days, traveling via the northwestern official road to an unknown destination. The caravan is heavily guarded, and the value of its cargo, which has prompted such secrecy from the four families, is self-evident.
Moyuan, the council hall.
Lin Mo sat in the main seat, with Han Li, Shi Yong, and several other core members who had distinguished themselves in the process of gathering refugees and integrating the black market, their abilities and loyalty having been tested. The atmosphere in the hall was heavy; everyone knew that the manor lord had summoned them for something important.
"Gentlemen," Lin Mo began, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority, "we have received definite information that the four great families will jointly transport a shipment of extremely important goods. This is our opportunity."
He succinctly shared the intelligence, including the approximate size of the caravan (estimated based on the manpower mobilized by the aristocratic families and the number of specially made caravans), the possible composition of the escort force (the elite troops drawn by each aristocratic family), the planned route (the initial section of the Northwest Official Road was clear, although the subsequent section was unknown, but the initial ambush was sufficient), and the time point (departure in five days).
"Master, do you mean... to rob this caravan?" Shi Yong asked in a deep voice, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He was a fierce soldier who loved fighting, and the tasks of integrating the black market and setting rules made him feel somewhat stifled. Now, hearing that there was a tough battle to fight, he immediately perked up.
"Yes and no." Lin Mo's gaze swept over everyone. "Robbing the caravan is one of our methods. But our goal is not just the goods themselves."
He paused, then continued, "First, to acquire resources. The four great families are placing such importance on this; the goods they're escorting must be extraordinary. Successfully seizing them will greatly benefit the development of my Mo Garden. Second, to test their strength. This is our first direct confrontation with the four great families, allowing us to ascertain their true capabilities and understand the strength and style of their experts. Third, to establish our prestige and reputation. Successfully intercepting this joint escort team will shake the entire Qinghe Town and even the surrounding area, letting those who are still observing or secretly coveting us know that Mo Garden is not someone they can easily provoke."
Upon hearing this, the crowd reacted with varying expressions, but most revealed an eagerness to try. Although Moyuan was newly established and controlled the black market in the south of the city, its influence beginning to permeate trade routes, it was still likely considered a "nouveau riche" in the eyes of the established powers. Only if this battle succeeded would Moyuan truly establish itself in this region.
"Master, the four great families are jointly escorting us, so their security forces are certainly not weak. We..." A leader in charge of intelligence details spoke with some concern. He knew the strength of the four great families well; they were far more powerful than the canal gang traitors or black market thugs he had dealt with before.
"Therefore, the key to this battle lies in 'ambush'." Lin Mo traced his finger across the unfolded map. "We cannot fight head-on; we must take advantage of the terrain, launch a surprise attack, and catch them off guard."
His finger finally pointed to an area about thirty miles from Qinghe Town on the northwest official road. "Eagle Beak Cliff. This is a dangerous spot on the official road. The cliffs on both sides are steep, and the official road runs through the middle, resembling an eagle's beak, hence the name. This place is easy to ambush, and it will also make it easy for us to retreat afterward."
All eyes were focused on the narrow passage on the map.
"The ambush plan has the following key points." Lin Mo began to deploy the plan. "First, the intelligence team will continue to closely monitor the movements of the four major families, ensuring that there are no major changes in their departure time, route, or personnel configuration. If there are any unusual movements, report them immediately."
Han Li solemnly accepted the order: "Yes!"
"Secondly, Shi Yong, you are responsible for selecting the men to participate in this ambush. Requirements: loyal and reliable, bold and meticulous, with a certain level of martial arts skills, especially those skilled in archery, traps, or close combat. The number does not need to be large, but they must be elite. Initially, we have thirty men, divided into three teams."
"Understood!" Shi Yong clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice booming like a bell.
"Third, terrain reconnaissance. I need to personally go to Eagle's Beak Cliff to inspect the terrain in person, design specific ambush points, trap arrangements, and attack and retreat routes." Lin Mo looked at Han Li, "Han Li, you'll come with me."
"Yes, Master."
"Fourth, equipment preparation. Secretly purchase a batch of powerful bows and crossbows through the black market channels we control, ensuring a sufficient supply of arrows. At the same time, prepare materials such as ropes, barbed wire, logs, and stones needed to make traps. This matter will be handled by..." Lin Mo turned his gaze to a leader in charge of logistics, "...Manager Zhou will be in charge. It must be done discreetly, with purchases made in batches, without attracting outside attention."
Manager Zhou quickly stood up: "I understand, I will handle it properly."
"Fifth, pre-battle drills. After the personnel were selected, Shi Yong led the team to conduct simulated drills in similar terrain on the back mountain of Moyuan, based on the plan I developed after the reconnaissance. Everyone was required to understand their own tasks, be familiar with the signals, attack sequence, and retreat route. We must strive for perfect coordination to reduce the possibility of mistakes in the actual battle."
"Don't worry, Master, I will definitely train them well!" Shi Yong patted his chest and assured him.
Lin Mo nodded slightly, then emphasized, "This operation is codenamed 'Falcon.' All participants must maintain strict secrecy and not divulge anything to outsiders. During the operation, you will obey my orders. Our objective is to smuggle the goods, to probe their territory, and to establish our authority, but the premise is to minimize our own casualties. If things become unfavorable, I will order a retreat; do not linger in battle."
"We will obey the Lord's command!" the crowd responded in unison, their faces solemn and resolute. They knew this would be a tough battle, the greatest test the Silent Garden had ever faced since its founding.
After the meeting, everyone went about their respective tasks and began preparations in earnest.
Lin Mo, along with Han Li, disguised themselves slightly and quietly left Mo Garden, heading straight for Eagle Beak Cliff in the northwest.
Thirty miles was nothing to the two martial arts experts. A little over an hour later, they arrived near Eagle's Beak Cliff.
Instead of heading directly onto the main road, they circled around to the side of the mountain ridge to observe from a high vantage point. As the map showed, the main road narrowed here, with towering cliffs and jagged rocks on both sides. Although the forests were not very dense, they were enough to conceal an ambush.
Lin Mo's eyes flashed like lightning as he meticulously scanned every possible vantage point of the terrain. Where could he deploy archers for the initial long-range attack? Where could he set up tripwires and traps to hinder the caravan's progress? Where would rolling logs and boulders be used to create chaos? Where would be the best entry point for a close-quarters assault? And how could he use the forest to quickly retreat after the mission was accomplished…
He mentally rehearsed every detail of the ambush, sometimes pausing to ponder, sometimes moving quickly to confirm from different angles. Han Li followed closely behind, silently recording Lin Mo's instructions and key terrain points.
"Here," Lin Mo pointed to the area behind a protruding boulder, "five crossbowmen can be positioned. The view is expansive, covering the first half of the main road." "That thicket looks ordinary, but the terrain behind it is slightly lower. We can dig shallow pits, hide barbed wire inside, and cover them with camouflage." "These loose boulders on the cliff top are natural boulders; with just a little prying, they can create a fatal attack." "The retreat route shouldn't be along the main road. Although it's difficult, traversing this dense forest is the fastest way to escape the main road's reach..."
As Lin Mo observed, he quietly shared his ideas with Han Li. Han Li, with his exceptional memory, memorized everything.
As the sun set, it stained Eagle's Beak Cliff with a blood-red hue. Lin Mo stood atop the cliff, looking down at the official road that snaked like a giant python, his eyes cold and sharp.
The four great families... In your past life, you treated your illegitimate sons like dirt, and in this life, you continue to spy on them because of strange phenomena.
This debt will be settled sooner or later.