Chapter 296 Motivation

The refugees who came to seek refuge went to dig traps. After the militiamen put on their equipment, they were gathered together. Wu Fan came to their front and stood still, looking at them.

"You may have known that the rebel army active near Qingyuan County will soon arrive in our village. This team has destroyed several villages and now has set its sights here." Wu Fan looked at everyone and said.

Many people present had panicked expressions on their faces. Obviously, they were still afraid of the upcoming rebel army.

"I know you are afraid, and I am afraid too! However, no matter how afraid we are, we cannot retreat! Think about your previous lives, most of which were destroyed by these so-called rebels. Here, you can still have enough food and even get paid. If this place is destroyed, where can you go? Can you support yourself and your family?" Wu Fan continued, "So, I want you to join me in resisting this rebel army and defeating them!"

The expressions of the people changed. Some of them fled to Qingyuan County after their villages were destroyed by this rebel army. Therefore, in addition to fear of this team, they also felt resentment.

As for the others, they were reduced to refugees, which was more or less related to the rebels. These rebel forces were supposed to make the lives of these ordinary people better and seek more benefits. At this point, many of their natures have changed. They are no different from the rebels. They burn, kill and loot everywhere, which is even more excessive than the imperial army.

There are many rebel forces in Yanfeng Country now. Even if they escape from here now, where can they escape to? Where can they be safe? Perhaps other places will be like Qingyuan County, rejecting them and not caring about their life or death.

Only here, only Wu Fan accepted them and gave them a place to live, and they could also avoid the trouble of hunger, and even get paid. Even if they could escape to other places, they would never find better treatment than here.

So, they can't leave, and this place can't be destroyed!

"I said before that I will reward anyone who has made merit in the battle, and this time, it's your chance!" Wu Fan saw that everyone's face gradually returned to calm, and he felt relieved: "You all saw that there is a large open space in front of the village. As long as you fight bravely and can make merit, then you will have the opportunity to get land! This is my promise to you before, and I will never break my promise!"

Wu Fan's words made everyone more excited!

The rebels are dangerous, but the temptation of land is greater for them!

Before they fled, few of them owned their own land. Most of them worked as tenant farmers for wealthy families. Now, as long as they made contributions, they could own their own land, a piece of land that could be passed on to their descendants. Such a temptation was too great.

"Defend the Hermit Village to the death! Defend the adults to the death!" Someone in the militia couldn't help shouting loudly.

"Defend the Hermit Village to the death! Defend the adults to the death!" Others began to shout with excitement.

"Defend the Hermit Village to the death, defend the adults to the death!" At the beginning, the crowd shouted a little chaotically. After a few times, the voices of the entire militia were uniform and powerful.

The shouting sounded far away, and those who were digging traps in front of the village also heard it. These people turned their heads slightly and looked in the direction of the village. Their expressions were also a little excited. The mood that was still very fearful before seemed to be much calmer at this time.

Wu Fan looked at this scene with satisfaction. Although these people had been trained for a short time and had not yet formed real combat effectiveness, they were much worse than the elite troops of the imperial court, let alone the ordinary regular troops of the imperial court.

However, they were in high spirits and had a strong fighting will. With the weapons and protective gear he had built for them, they might not be unable to fight against the rebel army.

After all, the rebel army was only composed of ordinary farmers. They probably had not received any training and lacked weapons and protective gear. He had deployed in advance and took the initiative.

"Niu Er, Lu Bin, the three of you will each bring 20 people, plus some other refugees, to ambush on both sides of the road in front of the village. Don't act rashly. Wait for my signal before taking action." Wu Fan ordered.

"Yes, sir." Niu Er and Lu Bin bowed.

However, Niu Er's face was somewhat worried, and he hesitated and said: "Sir, there are only more than 60 people in the village, isn't it too few?"

Originally, the number of soldiers on their side was much less than that of the enemy, and now Wu Fan has divided the troops, which makes the village's defense force even weaker. Niu Er is worried that this place cannot be defended and the village will be destroyed.

"With me, nothing will happen." Wu Fan said: "You just need to take action after seeing the signal."

Although the number of enemies is large, because they are just a rebel army, and they are also a poorly equipped rebel army, Wu Fan wants to make a big wave, not just repel them.

If they are not completely wiped out, they will definitely come again, and then they may not be able to make arrangements in advance.

Although there are only more than 60 people, Wu Fan himself is not weak, and with the various trump cards in his hand, he is confident that he can block the opponent's impact head-on.

Seeing Wu Fan say this, Niu Er and Lu Bin naturally have no objection.

Then, the two of them led their men out of the village to find a suitable ambush location.

The terrain of the Hermit Village is quite good. There are mountains behind, forests to the east of the village, and a river to the west. There is only one road to the village in the south, and there are also terrains on both sides of the road that can be used for hiding.

Wu Fan and his men are now in the initiative. They know that the enemy is coming, but the enemy knows nothing about it. Therefore, they cannot be too vigilant. In their minds, this place is no different from the village they robbed before, and there will be no danger. The road they take must be the road in front of the village.

After Niu Er and Lu Bin led their men away, Wu Fan also asked the remaining people to use the wood and stones excavated before to make some simple fortifications and wait for the enemy to come.

When Wu Fan was directing the militia to prepare, Luo Yue came to his side at some point, and was fully armed, ready to fight.

"Why are you here? You are not well yet, go back quickly." Wu Fan said.

"I want to stay by your side and protect your safety!" Luo Yue said with a firm look.