I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Chapter 350: Wanting to Obtain This Batch of Gunpowder

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan both showed surprise, their eyes widening instantly, filled with doubt and anticipation.

The general continued, "This is no ordinary gunpowder. As far as I know, it was purchased from foreigners by the former prefect years ago. The quantity is quite considerable. If we can use it, it will definitely be the key to turning the tide in the fight against the bandits."

Fang Xiaoxiao frowned slightly, her eyes revealing a thoughtful expression: "This is indeed a major discovery, but the armory must be a place heavily guarded by bandits. Getting this batch of gunpowder will probably be as difficult as climbing to the sky."

Her voice carried a hint of worry, but also a resolute determination to not give up.

Pei Yan stood up, walked to the window of the dilapidated temple, looked at the dark night outside, and slowly said, "General, do you know exactly where this armory is located? What is the defense situation around it? This information is crucial if we are to take action."

The general shook his head and sighed: "I only heard about this by chance, and I really know very little about the specific location and defenses. But I think that since it is a place where such important supplies are stored, it must be heavily guarded."

Fang Xiaoxiao bit her lip, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Even if there are many difficulties, this batch of gunpowder is still a hope we cannot easily give up. Perhaps we can send someone to investigate first, understand the situation, and then make a plan."

Pei Yan turned around and nodded: "This is a safe method. But the people we send must be clever and cautious. If they are discovered by the bandits, not only will all our efforts be in vain, but it may also bring us even greater trouble."

The general said, "I have a few brothers under my command who are agile and quick-witted; perhaps they can take on this task."

Fang Xiaoxiao said, "Alright, then let's not delay and arrange for them to set off as soon as possible."

The general responded and then turned to arrange the manpower.

Silence fell once more in the dilapidated temple. Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan were still pondering the various possible scenarios they might face.

After a while, the general returned and said, "The men have been sent out. I hope they can bring back useful intelligence successfully."

Fang Xiaoxiao looked at the general and Pei Yan and said firmly, "No matter what the outcome, we must be fully prepared. This batch of gunpowder may be the key to our victory over the bandits, but even without it, we cannot back down. We must liberate Dounan County from the ravages of the bandits."

Pei Yan held Fang Xiaoxiao's hand and gave her an encouraging look: "That's right, as long as we are united, there is no difficulty that we cannot overcome."

The general patted the two men heavily on the shoulders: "With your determination, how can Dounan County not return to its former peace!"

The campfire was still burning brightly, and the three figures looked even more determined in the firelight.

They knew the road ahead was full of thorns, but for justice and for the people, they went without hesitation.

As the night deepened, the discussions in the dilapidated temple gradually subsided, but the flame of hope in their hearts burned ever brighter.

The atmosphere in the dilapidated temple was rather somber as they waited for news to arrive.

Fang Xiaoxiao thought they couldn't just wait around, so she suggested taking Pei Yan up the mountain to collect herbs.

“On my way here, I discovered that there are many medicinal herbs on this mountain. Let’s pick some to prepare for any eventuality.” Fang Xiaoxiao’s eyes revealed decisiveness and anticipation.

Pei Yan nodded without hesitation and replied, "Alright, more herbs will always be useful."

So, the two of them set off towards the mysterious mountain, facing the morning breeze.

The mountain road was rugged, with lush trees on both sides. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, creating patches of golden light.

Fang Xiaoxiao led the way, her steps light and her eyes keenly scanning the surrounding vegetation.

“Pei Yan, look, there are a few plantains in the grass over there.” Fang Xiaoxiao pointed excitedly to a spot.

Pei Yan looked in the direction she was pointing and saw that the plantains were growing plump and juicy.

The two walked over carefully, squatted down, and Fang Xiaoxiao gently dug away the soil around the plantain with her small hoe, while Pei Yan reached out and gently pulled out the herbs and put them into the bamboo basket on his back.

They continued up the mountain, and the deeper they went, the more diverse the types of herbs became.

"Wow, there's a whole patch of honeysuckle here!" Fang Xiaoxiao exclaimed in surprise.

The honeysuckle vines intertwine, and the golden and white flowers look exceptionally beautiful against the backdrop of green leaves.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan got busy, carefully picking flowers, their fingers weaving through the blossoms, the air filled with the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle.

"Pei Yan, be careful not to get pricked by the thorns," Fang Xiaoxiao reminded him with concern.

Pei Yan smiled and replied, "Don't worry, I'll be careful."

Just as they were immersed in the joy of gathering herbs, a deep roar suddenly broke the tranquility of the forest. Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan immediately stopped what they were doing, their hearts pounding.

"Oh no, there might be a ferocious beast." Fang Xiaoxiao's voice trembled slightly.

Before the words were finished, a huge tiger slowly emerged from the woods.

It has a huge body, golden fur, stripes on its body like black lightning bolts, and a pair of bright eyes that radiate a chilling light.

Pei Yan instinctively shielded Fang Xiaoxiao behind him, his voice tense but firm: "Xiaoxiao, don't be afraid."

The tiger approached them with steady steps, its breath seeming to ignite the air.

Fang Xiaoxiao gripped Pei Yan's clothes tightly, her eyes fixed on the tiger, her mind racing as she considered what to do.

"Pei Yan, let's retreat slowly and not provoke it," Fang Xiaoxiao said in a low voice.

The two began to move slowly backward, taking each step cautiously, for fear of provoking a sudden attack from the tiger.

However, the tiger seemed to have no intention of letting them go. It quickened its pace, opened its blood-red mouth, and let out another deafening roar.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan's hearts were in their throats, and cold sweat soaked their backs.

Just at this critical moment, Fang Xiaoxiao suddenly noticed a large tree beside her with low branches, which she might be able to climb up to avoid the tiger's attack.

"Pei Yan, quick, climb that tree!" Fang Xiaoxiao shouted.

Pei Yan also saw the tree, and the two quickly ran towards it.

Pei Yan first pushed Fang Xiaoxiao up the tree branch, and then he also struggled to climb up.

Seeing them climb the tree, the tiger paced back and forth beneath it, leaping and attempting to pounce on them. Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan clung tightly to the tree trunk, barely daring to breathe.

Time passed slowly, but the tiger never gave up and remained guarding under the tree.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan were gradually losing their strength, but they dared not relax in the slightest.