After crossing, I surrounded the capital from the countryside

"Sir, what are you doing..." Xu Qingqing said, with a hint of confusion and caution in her voice. She knew very well that the situation was not simple. As the leader of the rebel army, every decision she made could affect the fate of countless people. She could not take it lightly. What if it was a conspiracy?

The official looked up, his eyes full of earnestness and despair: "Master Xu, we really have no other choice but to ask for your help. The people in this city have been harassed by bandits for a long time and are suffering terribly. We have petitioned the court many times to request troops to suppress the bandits, but there has been no response. Seeing the people living in fear, I, as a local official, am powerless and can only place my last hope on you."

At this point, the official's eyes turned slightly red, but he tried hard not to let the tears fall, because he knew that at this moment he represented the expectations and hopes of the people of the entire city.

He bowed deeply to Xu Qingqing, his tone full of pleading and trust: "Master Xu, I know that you care about the world and will sympathize with the suffering of the people. Here, on behalf of the people of the whole city, I make the most sincere request to you, and implore you to lend a hand, lead your uprising army to the mountains to suppress the bandits, and give us a peaceful home. We will always remember your kindness and pass it on from generation to generation."

When these words came out, Xu Qingqing felt that there was a hint of moral blackmail in them, but when she saw the eyes of the people behind the man looking at her, Xu Qingqing swallowed back the words she wanted to say.

At this time, some people slowly walked out from behind.

"Master Xu, we really can't hold on any longer..." An old woman trembled as she squeezed out of the crowd, tears streaking her wrinkled face. "My grandson was kidnapped by those bandits the other day. I dream of him crying every night, but I can't do anything..."

"Yes, Sect Master Xu!" A young mother hugged her baby tightly, her eyes full of fear and determination, "We are not afraid of death, but we can't let our children live in such fear. Please save us!"

"Yes, Sect Master Xu, you are our only hope!" A young man stood up, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, "We are willing to follow you, regardless of life or death, as long as we can restore peace to this land!"

As the old woman and the young mother spoke, the people around them seemed to have found an outlet to vent, and they all told their experiences and expectations. Some told of the pain of their family members being killed, some recalled their peaceful lives in the past, and more expressed their gratitude and trust in Xu Qingqing and the rebels.

"Master Xu, you must save us!"

"We believe in you. You will definitely lead us out of this predicament!"

"For our children and our future, we are willing to give everything!"

These voices converged into a powerful emotional force, echoing in front of the city gate. They are not only prayers and expectations, but also a desire for justice and peace, and a yearning for a better life.

Xu Qingqing looked at the people who had suffered so much but remained strong, and the emotions in her heart became more complicated and profound. She knew that she had a heavy responsibility on her shoulders, but she was also more determined about what she was doing now.

After thinking for a moment, Xu Qingqing stepped forward and helped the man who was still kneeling on the ground up.

"Fellow villagers, please stand up. Although we are the rebels, we also have a sense of home and country in our hearts. Since the court does not care about the lives of the people, we will protect this land ourselves. I promise you that I will do my best to wipe out the bandits and give you a peaceful home."

"Do you think so?"

As soon as the words fell, the rebels behind Xu Qingqing raised their weapons and shouted, "Speak for the people and don't fear power!"

"Speak for the people and don't fear the powerful!"

"Speak for the people and don't fear the powerful!"

As soon as these words came out, the people cheered and expressed their gratitude. The official was so excited that his eyes were filled with tears and he thanked him again and again.

Xu Qingqing waved her hand to signal the rebels to enter the city, and immediately began to deploy a plan to suppress the bandits.

As Xu Qingqing and a few generals led the vanguard troops into the city, the rebel army stationed outside the city remained on high alert. Their figures lengthened in the setting sun, appearing both determined and full of expectation.

At this time, the people in the city did not forget the warriors who were silently guarding outside the city.

When the people came to the rebel camp with full loads of food, full of gratitude and enthusiasm, the rebel soldiers seemed a little reserved and embarrassed at first. They were dressed in simple uniforms and held sharp weapons. Although they knew that their mission was to protect the land and the people, they could not help feeling a little shy and uneasy in the face of the people's sincere care.

"Soldiers, please accept it quickly. This is the kindness of our fellow villagers." An elderly woman held a basket full of hot steamed buns and pickles in her trembling hands. Her eyes were full of expectation and encouragement.

Seeing that the soldiers refused to accept them, the old woman hurriedly stepped forward and said, "This is not something expensive, just some ordinary food. I hope you don't mind it."

However, the rebels still looked at each other, hesitant.

At this time, Xu Qingqing rushed over after hearing the news. She was dressed in a simple battle robe and looked heroic. She walked in front of the soldiers, looked at the people with a smile, and then nodded slightly, indicating that the soldiers should accept the people's kindness.

"Don't be polite, everyone. How can we refuse the people's kindness?" Xu Qingqing's voice was gentle but powerful. Her words were like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling the soldiers' worries and embarrassment.

"We protect this city so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment. Now they are giving back to us in their own way, which is the greatest affirmation and support for us. So, please accept it calmly and keep it in mind."

With Xu Qingqing's encouragement, the soldiers finally let go of their worries and stepped forward to take the food from the people.

A young peasant woman walked up to a soldier with a piece of freshly stewed meat in her hands and said softly, "Young man, you have worked hard! This is the meat that my family has just stewed. Eat it while it's hot to replenish your body." The soldier looked up, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, followed by a grateful smile: "Thank you, sister! We will definitely work hard and not let you and the villagers down."

Next to them, a little boy held his mother's hand and looked at the weapons in the soldiers' hands with curiosity. Seeing this, the soldier squatted down and said to the little boy gently: "Little friend, this is a sword to protect everyone. When you grow up, you can also learn martial arts to protect your family and friends."

The little boy's eyes lit up and he nodded excitedly: "Really? Then I want to be a hero like you in the future!"