This temporary peace existed because Li Family Village was in a weaker position. That was why Dire Wolf Village could act so arrogantly. Of course, if they found an opportunity, they would certainly break the status quo and charge into Li Family Village to loot and pillage.
Although Dire Wolf Village had coveted Li Family Village for a long time, they had never found a chance to strike. Meanwhile, Li Family Village was constantly on guard against them.
At that moment, Li Youcai kindly warned Zhao Fu, "Your village will be discovered by them sooner or later. You should prepare your defenses as soon as possible. It'll be too late if they find you first."
Zhao Fu shook his head slightly, looking serious. "Village Chief Li, if I help you get rid of Dire Wolf Village, what will I get in return?"
At his words, everyone in Li Family Village turned to look at Zhao Fu. Some were suspicious, some believed him, some were grateful, and others were afraid.
"Sir, as long as you help us destroy Dire Wolf Village, my Li Family Village will follow your orders from now on!" Li Wen said excitedly.
Li Youcai quickly stopped Li Wen and explained, "Sorry, my son is young and doesn't know any better. Please don't take him seriously."
A faint smile appeared on Zhao Fu's face. He asked again, "Then, Village Chief Li, if I want to destroy Dire Wolf Village, what can you offer me?"
Li Youcai hesitated. On one hand, he knew Dire Wolf Village had been eyeing them and was always looking for a chance to attack. He wasn't stupid enough to believe a band of outlaws would leave Li Family Village alone. As a result, everyone in the village was on edge, keeping watch day and night. But that couldn't go on forever. Dire Wolf Village would eventually invade, so Zhao Fu's offer greatly appealed to him.
On the other hand, he feared that Zhao Fu might not be a match for Dire Wolf Village. If so, Dire Wolf Village would take its anger out on Li Family Village, and the consequences would be unimaginable.
Zhao Fu could see what he was thinking. "Don't worry, Village Chief Li. You won't have to send a single soldier, and this matter definitely won't implicate Li Family Village."
Hearing Zhao Fu's words, Li Youcai finally made up his mind. "What do you want in return?"
Zhao Fu smiled faintly. "I want Li Family Village to join Great Qin Village!"
Li Youcai hesitated when he heard Zhao Fu's request. He thought it over for a while, then agreed. If Zhao Fu destroyed Dire Wolf Village, Li Family Village would join Great Qin Village.
With that settled, Zhao Fu left with Bai Qi.
After Zhao Fu had left, some people in Li Family Village voiced their dissatisfaction. "We're just going to join another village like that? That's too rash. I don't agree!"
Li Youcai snorted. "Fools! If they can easily destroy Dire Wolf Village, that means Great Qin Village is very powerful. They could just as easily destroy our Li Family Village. They probably came to us with courtesy first, before resorting to force. If we refuse, we might be the first village they destroy."
Hearing Li Youcai's words, everyone finally understood. They were terrified.
After leaving Li Family Village, Zhao Fu and Bai Qi followed Li Youcai's directions and found Dire Wolf Village.
Dire Wolf Village had more than 350 people, most of them men, and they were very capable fighters. Its defenses, however, were poor: just a fence, with a few people standing guard outside.
It happened to be mealtime in Dire Wolf Village. Only a single plume of smoke rose into the sky. Seeing this, Zhao Fu gave a confident smile, returned to the village, halted all other tasks, and issued a string of orders.
That night, beneath the deep darkness, a somewhat skinny young man from Dire Wolf Village looked around and went to find a tree to relieve himself. Suddenly, the back of his head hurt, and he collapsed to the ground.
When he woke again, he found himself tied up in an unfamiliar place. Several people were watching him from across the room. Realizing what might have happened, the young man cried out, "Sirs, please spare me! I don't have anything. Have you got the wrong person?"
Zhao Fu looked at the skinny young man and asked, "What's your name?"
Wang Ergou realized that Zhao Fu was in charge here and hurriedly answered, "Sir, this humble one is called Wang Ergou."
"Good. I want you to do something for me, Wang Ergou. If you succeed, I'll give you a reward beyond your wildest imagination," Zhao Fu said with a faint smile.
Bandit Village was full of unsavory people, and none of them could be counted on for loyalty. Wang Ergou hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes! Just tell me what to do, sir. I'll do anything."
At that, Zhao Fu said, "Untie him."
A soldier stepped forward and untied Wang Ergou. Wang Ergou obediently stood there with his head lowered.
"I want you to put this in your food tomorrow night at dinner," Zhao Fu said, handing Wang Ergou a bottle.
Wang Ergou's face stiffened. He understood what Zhao Fu wanted him to do: poison their food. His hands trembled as he took the bottle.
Then Zhao Fu handed him a red pill. "Swallow this."
Wang Ergou sensed that something was wrong and forced a nervous smile. "Sir, there's really no need for that. Don't worry, I'll do the job properly."
Zhao Fu didn't believe him. If he trusted a bandit like Wang Ergou, the man might sell him out in the blink of an eye. His voice turned cold. "Are you going to swallow it yourself, or should I have someone help you?"
At that, Wang Ergou clutched the red pill, hesitating.
Zhao Fu tilted his head, signaling for someone to help. Two soldiers stepped forward, and Wang Ergou had no choice but to swallow the pill. He looked utterly miserable.
Zhao Fu then took a wild rabbit from its cage and fed it a pill identical to the one he had given Wang Ergou. He tossed the rabbit beside Wang Ergou's legs. The rabbit bounced around by his feet a few times, then suddenly stiffened. Foam spilled from its mouth, blood ran from its eyes, and it died.
Wang Ergou turned deathly pale with fright. He understood that if he failed to complete the task, the same fate awaited him.
"Here, take this. Don't worry, I'll give you the antidote afterward," Zhao Fu said, handing Wang Ergou five silver coins.
Wang Ergou nodded, still pale, and tremblingly took the coins. Zhao Fu then had someone cover Wang Ergou's head and release him.
The next day, Wang Ergou returned to Dire Wolf Village, looking deathly pale. He had been thinking about the matter so much that he didn't notice the man in front of him and bumped into him. The next second, a slap sent him sprawling to the ground. The stinging pain brought him back to his senses. He steeled himself and forced his expression back to normal.
Zhao Fu began gathering all his troops, including the Gnomes and Goblins, and waited for the right moment.
That evening, inside Dire Wolf Village's main hall, a burly, fierce-looking man sat in the seat of honor and shouted, "Brothers, eat and drink your fill tonight! Tomorrow, we're going to Li Family Village to grab a few women for fun!"
"Yes! Yes, boss..."
Everyone in the hall responded enthusiastically, and the place was buzzing with activity.
Outside Dire Wolf Village, Zhao Fu watched it coldly. "Bai Qi, do you think Wang Ergou will poison them?"
Bai Qi immediately lowered his head and cupped his fists. "This subordinate wouldn't dare question Your Highness's wise decision!"
Zhao Fu smiled. "All right, enough of that. Tell me what you really think!"