Water Margin: I am Zhu Biao

Chapter 96 Tiger Disaster

"A tiger attack?"

Zhu Biao frowned.

At that time, there were indeed tigers in Shandong, and a unique species at that: the North China tiger, which was larger than the South China tiger and said to be more intelligent than the Siberian tiger.

In the original timeline, the tiger that Wu Song killed with his bare hands on Jingyang Ridge was this kind of tiger.

"Isn't that right?"

Zhu Yan nodded, and said indignantly, "It's that female tiger that went north. I don't know what's wrong with that beast? The New Year is almost here, and she still comes down the mountain to cause trouble!"

'

"Third Brother! Sanlang!"

Hearing their conversation, Lin Chong, Pang Qiutang, and the others swarmed over, especially Wu Song, whose eyes gleamed with an eerie light.

"Is there a tiger attack on the Zhu Family Village? Should we ask Second Brother for help?"

Hearing him ask that, Zhu Biao couldn't help but rub his teeth, thinking to himself, "Could this guy have some special bond with tigers?"

Does one have to fight a tiger for their destiny to be fulfilled?

Zhu Biao chuckled and patted Wu Song's rock-solid shoulder: "Second Brother, don't be impatient. You all get to know your men first. Let me figure out the situation first. If we really go into the mountains to fight the tiger, then naturally no one will be absent."

A moment later, when Zhu Biao reached the fourth courtyard, Pan Jinlian, that woman, actually ran out from the west wing to greet him and blocked his way.

She hastily curtsied and said urgently, "My lord, I know you are busy with many things, and I have no choice but to bother you. Could you spare half an incense stick's time for me?"

"Half an incense stick's time! You're so arrogant, who do you think you are?"

Upon hearing her say this, an extremely absurd thought suddenly popped into Zhu Biao's mind.

Of course, his expression remained unchanged, and his tone was calm and even.

"But do we need to take measurements?"

"Exactly!"

Pan Jinlian exclaimed in surprise, and a strange light suddenly flashed in her bloodshot eyes.

"As one wishes!"

Unexpectedly, Zhu Biao turned his head and suddenly called out towards the north wing.

Soon, the door was pushed open, and Ruyi peeked out, asking softly, "What are your orders, my lord?"

"Go get one of my old clothes that fits well and measure for Madam Pan."

"Yes."

Ruyi responded with a sound of agreement, glancing at Pan Jinlian with a half-smile.

"Then please come inside with me, Madam Pan. There are some of your husband's newly washed old clothes in the room."

"Oh, oh, okay."

At this moment, Pan Jinlian froze completely, and replied blankly. The next instant, a dark glint flashed in her lowered eyes.

The second courtyard was bustling with people in the main hall.

Besides Zhu Chaofeng, Zhu Long, and Zhu Hu, there were also several elders of the Zhu clan, as well as Zhu Laoshi, the village chief of Xiaoxi Village.

Xiaoxi Village is located at the easternmost edge of Zhujiazhuang, right next to the North Mountain. It is a village where people engage in both farming and hunting. The village has more than a hundred households, and they usually live a relatively prosperous life.

"Third Master!"

"Young Master!"

"Saburo!"

Upon seeing Zhu Biao enter, everyone stood up to greet him, surrounding him with friendly smiles.

Previously, Zhu Biao was the young master of the family, with the best martial arts skills, the fiercest temper, and the most favored by Zhu Chaofeng.

Now, he is a ninth-rank Baoyi Lang favored by Prime Minister Murong, and also a Tuanlian Shi (military commander), holding a proper official position.

Another thing is that in the past two days, Zhu Biao disciplined his eldest son at home, and the second son's actions have also been spread out.

Nobody's stupid; everyone can see that the third son of the Zhu family is destined for great things!

Therefore, everyone seemed to be deliberately trying to please each other.

"How is Third Uncle's health?"

"Second Uncle, I heard that Third Brother just gave birth to your grandson? Congratulations!"

"Uncle Nine is still so healthy and robust!"

Zhu Biao was not arrogant at all; on the contrary, he was very humble and greeted them warmly, showing great courtesy.

These clan elders were all landlords, and also served as village heads and baozheng (a local administrative unit). Later, when he established his own household, he would need their help in every aspect.

Finally, he walked up to Zhu Laoshi.

"Honestly, don't be sad. Have all the villagers who were killed and injured been properly taken care of?"

Although this old man was quite old, he was of a lower generation, and according to etiquette, he should call Zhu Biao "uncle".

"Young Master, you are very capable, and you are also an official. You must stand up for our Little Creek Village!"

Zhu Laoshi held his hand tightly, sobbing and crying.

"Overnight, two people in our village were bitten to death by that beast, and four others were injured. Even my newborn grandson was terrified."

"Be honest, don't cry!"

After hearing his words, Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows, pressed down on his shoulder, and said firmly.

"On behalf of the clan chief, I promise and in the name of the local militia, I guarantee that we will eliminate this scoundrel, avenge our fellow villagers, and ensure everyone can have a peaceful New Year!"

"good!"

"Young Master is mighty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, cheers erupted, and even Zhu Chaofeng slammed his hand on the table in excitement.

"Very well! What my youngest son says is my opinion!"

Ever since Zhu Biao entered the reception room and was fawned over by everyone, Zhu Long had been holding back, until now, when even his father had publicly relinquished power.

He, the future head of the Zhu family, finally could no longer tolerate it.

"Third brother, don't talk big."

He slammed his fist on the table and stood up, saying, "That's a tiger, a tiger that's eaten people and gone mad from the sight of blood. How can it be so easily eliminated?"

"Tsk!"

Zhu Biao couldn't help but smack his lips unconsciously.

He originally thought that after these two days of repeated crackdowns, the eldest and second eldest sons would be able to calm down for a while, but it turns out they completely forgot how they were punished.

But thinking about it again, I can understand.

Zhu Biao is too outstanding and too outrageous, and has seriously threatened Zhu Long's "throne"!

"Brother is right to reprimand me. I was indeed reckless and shouldn't have spoken so arrogantly."

In front of outsiders, Zhu Biao did not confront Zhu Long directly. Instead, he bowed to him and then changed the subject.

"This matter should be handled by the eldest brother."

"That's right!"

At this moment, Zhu Hu suddenly responded loudly, "Eldest brother is brave and skilled in leading troops. He is also the future head of the Zhu family. This matter should be resolved by eldest brother."

Yesterday, the eldest sister-in-law seized the opportunity to launch an attack, ordering her men to cripple Zhu Quan and throw him out the door.

Zhu Quan was not only Zhu Hu's confidant who helped him amass wealth, but also his brother-in-law, a true relative.

This feud was now completely settled, which is why he jumped out to deliver the final blow.

At this moment, everyone turned their heads and stared intently at Zhu Long, whose square face instantly turned a deep purplish-red.

He had no confidence in accepting the offer, but if he didn't, he would be put in an awkward position by the words of his second and third brothers. He was truly caught in a dilemma.

"Recently, that gang of bandits from White Tiger Mountain have been coming down the mountain frequently to commit atrocities, robbing merchants and travelers. Our leader has to lead his men to drive them away, so he can't spare the time."

In the dead silence, Zhu Chaofeng suddenly sat up and spoke.

"The task of eliminating the tiger will be handled entirely by the third brother."

As he spoke, he didn't even look at Zhu Long, but stared fixedly at Zhu Biao, his old eyes filled with expectation, helplessness, and even a hint of pleading.

"Yes, sir! I will not fail in my mission."

Zhu Biao responded loudly, not putting Zhu Chaofeng in a difficult position.

In the afternoon, after a quick lunch, Zhu Biao led his team to Xiaoxi Village.

Lin Chong, Wu Song, Pang Qiutang, Zhu San, Zhu Wu, Zhu Jiu, Su Fang.

He didn't bring a large number of men, but they were all top-notch elites, fully equipped with weapons, more than capable of killing a tiger.

Moreover, his trip to Xiaoxi Village this time was not to hunt tigers.

Firstly, he felt there was something fishy about the matter. Tigers are ferocious but intelligent, and they would never easily rush into a village and injure people, let alone injure six people.

He must find out the truth behind the tiger attack in order to find the right remedy.

Secondly, even if they couldn't kill the tiger, they could protect themselves and ensure that the beast wouldn't harm anyone tonight, thus stabilizing the situation.

Leading a large force rashly to confront the inexperienced soldiers directly against the tiger would only increase the risk of casualties.

"Everyone, young and old, come out! The young master has personally come to help us fight the tiger!"

As soon as they entered Xiaoxi Village, Zhu Laoshi jumped off the carriage and shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Behave yourself, don't shout."

Zhu Biao frowned, about to stop him, but it was too late.

Countless villagers surged in from all directions, immediately surrounding them and staring at him expectantly.

"Young Master, is this all the people you brought? That beast is incredibly fierce."

An elderly villager in the crowd raised a question.

"Yes! Young Master, please send more troops!"

Other villagers also joined in the commotion.

"snort!"

Wu Song suddenly scoffed, dismounted, pushed aside the crowd, and strode toward a stone mill by the roadside.

"rise!"

He assumed a horse stance, and with a sudden burst of strength, lifted up half of the millstone, which weighed at least three or four hundred pounds.

"go!"

He let out a low roar, then swung the stone mill several dozen paces away, sending it crashing to the ground with a loud thud.

"Hiss~"

Everyone was shocked by his divine power. Wu Song took a breath, looked around the scene, and shouted a question.

"With such strength, how could he possibly deal with that beast?"

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