Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 266 A New Crisis, Joint Efforts to Suppress Bandits

A gang of bandits roamed the border, robbing caravans and disrupting trade.

This gang of bandits was elusive and ruthless, causing widespread fear among merchants. The once-thriving border trade was suddenly plunged into crisis, and many caravans dared not travel easily anymore.

Upon learning of this, Xiao Ling immediately summoned the Marquis's guards to prepare for a siege against the bandits. Su Jinxiu, meanwhile, coordinated supplies from the rear to ensure the smooth execution of the operation.

Xiao Yi volunteered to lead a team of elite soldiers deep into the border to investigate the bandits' whereabouts. They endured wind and rain, searching arduously in the mountains and forests.

After several days of reconnaissance, Xiao Yi finally discovered the bandits' hideout. However, the bandits were very vigilant and noticed Xiao Yi and his group as they approached, leading to a fierce battle.

Xiao Yi led from the front, fighting bravely against the enemy, but the bandits, familiar with the terrain, put up a fierce resistance. For a time, the battle reached a stalemate.

Just then, Xiao Yu arrived with reinforcements. They flanked the bandits, disrupting their formation.

Under the fierce attack of the Marquis's army, the bandits gradually lost their strength and began to scatter and flee.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yu gave chase, determined to capture all the bandits.

After a hard-fought pursuit and battle, most of the bandits were captured, but a few leaders escaped.

These escaped bandit leaders rallied their remaining forces and continued to harass the border, becoming even more cunning and ruthless.

At the same time, the imperial court began to question the actions of the Marquis's residence on the border. Some officials believed that the Marquis's residence had overstepped its authority and might have ulterior motives.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had to deal with pressure from the imperial court on one hand, and eliminate the bandits as soon as possible to restore peace and trade order on the border on the other.

Amidst this predicament, disagreements arose within the Marquis's household. Some argued for appeasing the imperial court first to avoid further trouble; others advocated for a full-scale manhunt for the bandits to ensure border security.

Xiao Ling led the Marquis's army to join forces with the neighboring country's army to suppress bandits and maintain border security.

In order to completely eliminate the fleeing bandits, Xiao Ling decided to join forces with the army of a neighboring country. He personally went to the neighboring country and had a sincere discussion with the general there.

The neighboring general was initially skeptical of the cooperation, fearing that the Marquis's army had ulterior motives. Xiao Ling, through his sincerity and unwavering commitment to border peace, ultimately persuaded him.

The two armies quickly formulated a detailed plan to suppress the bandits. They divided their forces into multiple groups and conducted a thorough search of the areas where the bandits might be hiding.

During a raid, the Marquis's army and the neighboring country's army cooperated closely. Xiao Yi's vanguard discovered the bandits' trail and quickly made contact with the main force behind them.

The neighboring country's army, as planned, flanked the enemy from the flank, forming an encirclement.

The bandits fought desperately, but were gradually defeated by the powerful offensive of the two armies.

However, during the battle, Xiao Yu was unfortunately wounded by an arrow. Upon learning the news, Su Jinxiu was extremely anxious, but she suppressed her worries and organized medical personnel in the rear to do their best to treat the wounded.

After several days of fierce fighting, most of the bandits were wiped out, with only a few leaders escaping in the chaos.

Xiao Ling and the generals of the neighboring country decided to press their advantage and not give the bandits a chance to catch their breath.

They continued deeper into the mountains, searching for the bandit leader.

However, at this time, some treacherous officials in the court took this opportunity to slander Xiao Ling to the emperor, falsely accusing him of colluding with neighboring countries and plotting a rebellion.

The emperor became suspicious and ordered Xiao Ling to be recalled.

Xiao Ling was caught in a dilemma. If he abandoned the bandit suppression campaign and returned to the capital, all his previous efforts might be in vain, giving the bandits a chance to rise again. If he disobeyed the imperial decree, he would be accused of disobeying the imperial order.

At this critical moment, a division arose within the Marquis's residence. Some advocated that Xiao Ling should immediately return to the capital and explain the situation to the Emperor; others believed that the bandit suppression mission should be completed first before making any further plans.