Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

Meanwhile, Xiao Yi led his group back to Tiger Head Stronghold, travel-worn and exhausted.

As soon as they stepped through the village gate, the First Madam hurried over to greet them, her eyes filled with anxiety and anticipation. Before anyone could catch their breath, she asked eagerly, "How is it?"

Have Tao'er and the young master been found?

Xiao Yi stopped, lowered his head slightly, his expression revealing exhaustion and shame. He slowly shook his head, his voice low and deep: "Madam..."

They haven't found him yet.

The First Madam's heart sank. The expectant look on her face was instantly replaced by disappointment and a hint of anger. She couldn't help but raise her voice: "If you didn't find anyone, then what are you doing back here?"

"With so many people sent out, can't you even find two living people?"

She spoke with great emotion, unable to control herself, her beautiful eyes filled with worry.

Ever since Tao'er helped her kill Zhang Fei, the bandit leader who ruined her life, and avenged her blood feud, she had long regarded the seemingly weak but loyal Tao'er as her own sister.

Hearing that the person has not been found, how could I not be extremely anxious?

Xiao Yi was speechless for a moment. Faced with the First Madam's questioning, he could not refute it and remained silent for a while.

Seeing this, Dongkui quickly stepped forward, gently supported the First Madam's arm, and softly comforted her, "First Madam, please don't be anxious, listen to me."

Although we couldn't find any trace of Ayan and my sister Tao'er, we searched all the nearby mountains and forests but found no signs of a fight or any place with a bloody smell.

We suspect they were most likely rescued by kind-hearted people who went hunting in the mountains.

So please don't worry too much.

Brother Shi Qi has done his best. He specifically left two reliable brothers behind to continue searching the area carefully, and they will send back news immediately if they find anything.

Qingfeng quickly chimed in, "Yes, Madam, what Dongkui said makes sense."

"Miss Tao and the young master look like they're blessed; good fortune will surely protect them, and they'll be safe and sound!"

"Madam, please don't worry too much. We have all done our best."

Xiaohe also came over and added with lingering fear.

"Sister Tao'er and Ayan will definitely be alright."

"On my way back just now, I was terrified!"

"Xiaohe, are you in danger?"

The First Madam hurriedly asked.

"Uh-huh!

"My sister Dongkui and I encountered a pack of wolves, but thanks to the timely rescue by Young Master Shi Qi and Young Master Qingfeng, we were able to return safely."

Upon hearing this, the First Madam's expression changed instantly. She grabbed Dongkui's hand, looked her up and down, and her voice changed: "What?"

Did you encounter wolves?

that……

"If Tao'er, who has a child with her, also encounters a pack of wolves, wouldn't that be..."

Before she could finish speaking, she dared not think any further, feeling a chill run down her spine.

Xiao Yi had no choice but to interrupt the First Madam, saying in a deep voice, "First Madam, now is not the time to blame her."

Once Tao'er is found, you can scold or punish me as you please, I will not say a word.

But right now, there is a more urgent matter, a matter of life and death concerning Tiger Head Village, that requires your decision.

He paused for a moment, then said clearly, word by word, "The troops of King Cheng, Xie Jingxing, have already encamped at the foot of Jingmeng Mountain, and I'm afraid they will begin their attack on Hutou Village soon."

"Ah...this..."

What should we do?

The First Madam gasped in surprise, her face turning deathly pale.

But then she thought of Tiger Head Stronghold, which was easy to defend and difficult to attack, and had strict rules, so she felt a little more at ease and forced herself to calm down, saying, "Seventh Young Master Shi, there is no need to worry too much."

Anyone who wants to attack my Tiger Head Stronghold must have our specially made token and be able to match the coded password.

If they dare to force their way in, the various traps and hidden arrows in our stronghold are not just for show; we'll make sure they don't leave alive!

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi shook his head, his expression grave: "Madam, you are mistaken."

It’s different in the past.

In the past, Tiger Head Village had a chief, a second chief, and a third chief in charge, and there was a leader.

The hundreds of brothers in the village are of one mind and work together as one, so naturally they are an inseparable unit.

But now?

All three leaders are gone, leaving only you and the young master.

Without a leader, do the hundreds of people in this village truly submit to you?

Whether they'll obey orders to the death is still unknown.

He glanced at the crowd of people in the distance, who were peeking out and looking on with fear, and continued, "If it really comes to the moment when Xie Jingxing leads his troops to launch a strong attack, with everyone in a state of panic, I'm afraid most of the brothers will only think about escaping for their own lives, rather than fighting to the death to defend the stronghold."

At that time, Tiger Head Village will be in grave danger.

Prince Cheng brought a thousand imperial guards, while Tiger Head Stronghold only had a few hundred men, and dozens of them were not capable of fighting.

Xiao Yi's words, each one like a heavy hammer blow to the First Madam's heart, startled her and instantly shattered her composure.

She anxiously grabbed Xiao Yi's sleeve, as if grasping at a lifeline: "Seventh Young Master Shi, you..."

You have always been resourceful; do you have any good ideas on how to protect Tiger Head Village?

Most of the people in the village were forced into banditry by the need to make a living, and they usually just obeyed orders. They didn't deserve to die...

Xiao Yi looked at her and subtly pulled away from her hand.

His eyes were calm and resolute: "I have a way to protect Tiger Head Village, and also to save the lives of the vast majority of the people in the village."

But the condition is that Tiger Head Village must be taken over and managed by our side from then on.

The First Madam was stunned for a moment, and didn't react immediately.

He changed the subject and looked at the First Madam, "Don't worry, you are still half the master of this village."

You can live freely with your daughter, without any constraints.

From now on, you will be in charge of the daily life and affairs of the village, including firewood, rice, oil, salt, and miscellaneous household matters. To put it bluntly, you will be the head steward of Tiger Head Village.

They also receive two taels of silver a month, enough to live comfortably.

Xiao Yi's words were clear and unambiguous, and they resonated deeply with the First Madam.

She quickly calculated in her mind: as a woman with a young child, it was already difficult enough in this dangerous place.

Now that the three leaders have died tragically, the mother and daughter have no one to rely on.

Rather than be shattered in the coming storm, it's better to find someone to rely on, to save themselves and their children's lives, and to keep the innocent people in the village from being implicated.

She raised her head, her eyes no longer hesitant, and nodded heavily: "Alright, Seventh Young Master Shi, I agree."

As long as you treat my son and me well, and treat everyone in the village, young and old, well, we'll do whatever you say!

"Since you've agreed, let's not delay and do as I say now."