Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

The roar of the Shatuo immediately instilled a sense of inferiority in the Solon people.

Under the threat of the whip, many people obediently put down their bowls and chopsticks, some even daring not to chew.

It was only then that they seemed to realize that they were indeed unworthy of such luxurious food.

Shatuo roared arrogantly, "Now I command you to get back to the Savage Mountain at once!"

Upon hearing this, Hailan was so angry that her veins bulged. She stood up and shouted, "Shatuo, what are you yelling about? It was the adults who summoned us here. Why should you send us back with just a word!"

"What sir? That's the Duke of Zhenguo! How dare a lowly person like you aspire to such a high position?"

Hylanin, take your bunch of beggars and get back to the Savage Mountain right now, or don't blame me for being impolite!

Hylan immediately ceased his efforts.

The Solons, accustomed to a life of poverty, were brave and skilled in battle, but also quite self-conscious.

Shen Lang, standing not far away, watched this scene expressionlessly, but made no attempt to interfere.

Wang Xuance whispered to Shen Lang, "Commander, the Solon people have been bullied for hundreds of years, and their current behavior is simply their nature."

The Soren tribe lived in the Land of Crying, relying on hunting and fishing in these mountains and forests for sustenance. However, it was impossible for a tribe of tens of thousands to survive solely on hunting.

They could only take the roe deer, wild boar, and other game they hunted to various tribes to exchange for salt and grain, which they would then eat along with some wild fruits to survive.

"I see."

Shen Lang nodded, then got up and slowly walked towards Shatuo.

Shatuo, oblivious to the trouble that was about to unfold, continued his incessant chatter, using the most humiliating tone to insult Hailanyin and his party.

"Get out of here, the farther the better. This is not a place for your Soren tribe."

“It’s summer now, and there are more wild animals in the mountains and forests. You should go back and hunt.”

"Look at yourselves, you stink and are filthy. Staying here will only disgrace the warriors of Liaodong. If you know what's good for you, get out of here."

Shatuo became increasingly agitated as he spoke, eager to drive the Solon people away.

In fact, he did this because he was worried that the Solon people would be favored by Shen Lang and replace his position, and that they would also come in and share the resources of the state city.

Only by driving them away can the Shatuo feel at ease.

What are you yelling about?

Just as Shatuo was cursing enthusiastically, Shen Lang's voice suddenly rang in his ears.

Shatuo was taken aback, looked at Shen Lang and was immediately surprised, then bowed and said, "Greetings, Duke Zhenguo."

"Instead of staying in your own camp, you come here to hurl insults. Do you think you, Shatuo, have the final say in this Taiji Kingdom's military camp?"

"Please calm down, Duke Zhenguo."

Shatuo, suppressing the growing numbness in his scalp, mustered his courage and said to Shen Lang, "Duke Zhenguo, please drive these Solon people out immediately."

"reason."

"Because these people are filthy and untouchable, a disgrace to our entire Liaodong region!"

"The shame of Liaodong? Where does the shame lie?"

Shatuo immediately said, "Our Liaodong warriors are so strong and robust, and look at these Solon people, they are all in tattered clothes and broken armor. It would be a disgrace to the Duke of Zhenguo to be in command of the army!"

Upon hearing this, Hailan clenched her fists.

Hai Lanzhou, unable to bear it any longer, shouted, "We may be wearing tattered clothes, but we have strength and courage!"

"I can kill a tiger with my bare hands; I'm much stronger than your Shatuo tribe."

Shatuo looked at him with disdain: "Shut up, you're still a beggar no matter what, stop making trouble."

Shen Lang sneered: "Are you saying that I, the Duke of Zhenguo of Great Chu, went to great lengths to find a group of beggars?"

Shatuo didn't understand the implication in Shen Lang's words and immediately replied, "That's right, you just found a group of beggars..."

Snapped--

The next moment, Shen Lang showed no mercy and slapped him across the face.

The slap was so powerful that it knocked the 200-pound strong man, Sha Tuo, to the ground on the spot.

This scene deeply shocked Hailanyin and Hailanzhou, who were standing nearby.

They knew very well what kind of strength Shatuo possessed. Although they could easily defeat him, they could never do what this "master" did—slap someone down with a single blow.

This shows that the adult's strength is unfathomable.

"Who do you think you are, daring to speak to me like that? Shatuo, it's been a few days since I taught you a lesson, and I think you've forgotten what I'm capable of."

"It's not my place to dictate who I use, you piece of trash."

Shatuo was so badly slapped that he saw stars, and it was only with the help of his companions that he managed to get up and steady himself.

Once he regained his senses, he immediately knelt before Shen Lang: "Duke Zhenguo, I'm sorry, Shatuo was confused. Please give me another chance."

A look of shock flashed in Hylan's eyes.

When did Shatuo become so afraid of someone?

It seems that this person's status and position are probably higher than I thought.

Shen Lang stepped forward, raised his leg and stomped on Shatuo's head, saying in a low voice, "Shatuo, this is my last warning to you. Don't provoke me again."

"I will not break my promise to your request. After the fall of Rangzhou City, everything that can and cannot be moved..."

You can take whatever you want, and I guarantee the Sorens won't steal what belongs to you.

"However, if you want to teach me how to do things again, it won't be as simple as just talking to me while stepping on my head, understand?"

Shatuo nodded repeatedly: "Understood, understood, Duke Zhenguo, I promise I will not do it again."

He was afraid that Soren's share would harm his own interests, but now that Shen Lang had given him a personal promise, he felt at ease.

As long as the Solons don't come to steal our things, it doesn't matter whether they're here or not.

Shen Lang then loosened his foot, gestured for him to get up, and said to him, "Go back and inform your subordinates that the siege will continue tomorrow."

"Yes."

After responding, Shatuo cautiously asked again.

"My lord, is the city wall...?"

"I will blast it open and send some Taiji Kingdom soldiers to assist you from the side. This time, you must take Rangzhou City in one fell swoop."

"Yes!"

After loudly accepting the order, Shatuo left in high spirits.

As soon as he left, Shen Lang bent down, picked up the bowl and chopsticks from under his feet, and handed them to Hailanyin.

"Keep eating. Come to my tent after you've finished. I have something to tell you."

Hailan stood there blankly, holding her bowl and chopsticks, watching Shen Lang's elegant departure, unsure of what to say.

After the meal, Hailan, led by Xuance, arrived at Shen Lang's tent.

"Sir, are you looking for me?"

"Don't be shy, sit down and talk."

"No, Your Excellency is of noble status. We are just ordinary, uncouth men. We should stand."

Hearing this, Shen Lang didn't insist any further and sat down to ask, "Are you all full?"

Hailan smiled awkwardly: "Don't laugh at me, sir, but this is probably the most filling meal my tribe has ever had."

"If I can ensure that your tribe has enough to eat every day from now on, what would you be willing to give in exchange?"

Upon hearing this, Hailan immediately knelt before Shen Lang: "My lord, our Soren tribe has nothing but this life."

"We'd give our lives to you if you could stop us from going hungry!"