My lady, I'm going to rebel.

Is that Liu Mao?

Liu Mao wasn't mentioned much in history. Mu Zheng assumed he died early or was incompetent, but he turned out to be a hidden figure.

Liu Gong glanced at Mu Zheng without saying anything, but from his eyes, it seemed that he did not seem to be dissatisfied.

Liu Mao, on the other hand, had sharp eyes, as if he wanted to see through Mu Zheng.

Mu Zheng looked indifferent. No matter who you are, the truth is within the range of boxing.

"Are you from Kuishan?" Liu Mao asked.

"Yes!" Mu Zheng did not explain any further.

"I heard clearly what you said just now. Just as you said, we should not shirk responsibility and we should not be afraid of difficulties. Now that the problem has arisen, we should solve it. I wonder if you have any suggestions?" Liu Mao asked again.

"Rush to support Ju County." Mu Zheng had only this one answer.

"Then what about my Qi County?" Liu Mao did not refute.

"Qi County represents the plan, while Ju County represents the change. Plans cannot keep up with change. Of course, there's another very important point: Qi County is located in the Central Plains, while Ju County is in Lu. Lu was previously in rebellion by the Lü Clan Army. Although it has been brought under control, the daily lives of the local people have not yet resumed. It can be said that they are even more difficult than before. While Qi County has also suffered natural disasters, the people of Ju County don't have the same strong desire for a new world. Therefore, if Ju County raises an army, the people will participate more and more actively."

Li Mao looked at Mu Zheng without saying anything, and paused for a moment, "Continue."

Mu Zheng pointed at Mafu Mountain and said, "There was a rebellion in Lu before, and the local army and officers were drastically reduced. Therefore, if we choose to raise an army in Lu, the chances of encountering strong suppression will be much smaller. Secondly, we all grew up in the mountains, and Ju County is more mountainous than Qi County, making it suitable for the people to fight."

Li Mao still didn't say anything, but from his expression it was obvious that he was thinking about Mu Zheng's words.

"That being said, Mafushan's many brothers have been preparing for Qi County to raise an army for so long. It's impossible for them to change their stance just because of a few words." Liu Mao looked at Mu Zheng and said, "Besides, Mafushan's weapons and arrows have already been transported to Qi County. To transfer them again would require a lot of manpower, material resources, and time to rebuild. Not to mention the degree of danger is difficult to estimate."

Mu Zheng didn't refute Liu Mao's words, because they were truthful. But from his attitude, Mu Zheng could tell he'd taken his words to heart, or perhaps, he was desperate to launch his attack. Was he really going to give up Ju County? Was he really going to give up Fan Chong?

Maybe he just needed an excuse.

Seeing this, Mu Zheng turned to look at everyone present: "Aren't you going to make a move? Aren't you ready to raise an army? Now, I, Mu Zheng, have only one thing to say. Since Fan Chong has already raised an army in Ju County, it's best for everyone to cooperate. Only by protecting them can we protect Mafu Mountain."

Mu Zheng stood in the center of the crowd, looking majestic.

"Don't think I'm talking nonsense. If Ju County runs out of logistical supplies, the first thing the rebels will think of is retreat. But where to retreat to? They'll just push to the rear. Tell me, when the people of Ju County retreat to Mafu Mountain, will Mafu Mountain still be as peaceful as it is now?"

Mu Zheng twisted his neck and said, "I'm standing here now. You've all seen my strength just now. If you're not convinced, let's continue fighting. To be honest, there are many people with skills like me in the Lu Family Army. The addition of the Lu Family Army will only give Ma Fushan more power. Since we all have the same goal, why let two strong men become rivals? In the end, the court will take advantage."

Silence fell again, and then whispers broke out. Mu Zheng's lips curled slightly as he continued to work hard. "We can get food locally. I just need weapons and organized men in horse uniforms." Mu Zheng explained that since most of the weapons had already been transported to Qi County, there was no need to increase the risk by transporting them further. At the beginning of the peasant uprising, there wouldn't be many people, so the weapons consumed wouldn't be too many either. He only needed a few weapons to break through the government's defenses, and everything else would proceed smoothly.

"Oh? How many weapons do you need in the early stage?" Liu Mao asked.

"100 knives. 200 bows and arrows." Mu Zheng spoke conservatively because he was not sure whether Ma Fushan could still gather so many weapons.

Hearing this, Liu Mao frowned, "There's nothing wrong with the bow, but we don't have that many arrows."

When Mu Zheng heard this, he knew that the matter was settled: "Don't worry, I can handle it."

"How to do it?" Liu Mao asked.

"Hehe." Mu Zheng smiled: "I have heard a story called Borrowing Arrows from a Straw Boat!"

……

Ju County, during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, was the State of Ju.

It borders the Shu River to the east and the Liuqing River to the west.

The land here is vast, and the people have made a living by farming for generations. However, the harsh government, heavy taxes and corvee labor made the people miserable.

Xie Junfei led the peasant army, armed with simple weapons such as hoes, sickles, and sticks, and rushed to the county town. The county officers and soldiers were panicked. They did not expect that the usually docile peasants would rise up in resistance.

The peasant army was in high spirits and advanced with unstoppable force. At the city gate, officers and soldiers tried to stop the peasant army's attack. A fierce battle ensued between the two sides.

Although the peasant army had simple weapons, they were full of anger and courage.

Xie Junfei led the charge, brandishing his hoe and striking the soldiers with all his might. Xie Nong, unwilling to be outdone, directly engaged the soldiers in close combat, picking up a knife.

After all, the officers and soldiers were well-trained and well-equipped, and the peasant army initially found itself in a difficult position. However, the peasants refused to retreat. They coordinated their attacks, some attacking the officers' legs with hoes, others hitting them on the head with clubs. Gradually, the peasants found their rhythm and began to gain the upper hand.

During the battle, Xie Junfei shouted loudly: "Fellow villagers, we are fighting for our own survival and for our families! Don't be afraid, fight bravely!" His voice spread throughout the battlefield, inspiring every peasant army soldier.

At the same time, a section of the peasant army began promoting the uprising's purpose within the county town, calling on the people to join them. Witnessing the bravery and determination of the peasant army, the people responded in droves. Some young men picked up tools from their homes and joined the fight. Women provided logistical support, bringing water and food to the peasant army.

The peasant army learned that there was a government granary in the county town that stored a large amount of grain. Xie Junfei decided to seize the granary, which would not only solve the food problem for the peasant army and the people, but also weaken the government.

They quickly marched towards the granary. The granary guards fought desperately but were eventually defeated by the fierce attack of the peasant army.

The peasant army successfully occupied the granary, opened the granary door, and distributed the grain to the people. The people cheered and were full of gratitude and respect for the peasant army.

I don’t know who shouted, “Thank you, General, thank you, General,” and then the words “Thank you, General, thank you” were floating in the whole city.

For a moment, Xie Junfei was a little dazed. It felt really good to be admired by thousands of people.

At this moment, a young man stumbled over and said, "Junfei, Hu Shuer has been arrested!"