Chen Yixiao continued asking:
"Have you never considered wiping out the bandits?"
"It's not that we haven't considered it. The mountains around here are simply too treacherous, easy to defend and difficult to attack.
"Take the mountain where Lu Tieniu and his men are based, for instance. It's called Rooster-Cry Mountain, and their stronghold sits at its highest point.
"Sheer cliffs surround the stronghold on three sides, with only one road leading to the outside world.
"The mountain is crawling with snakes, insects, rats, and ants, and there is poisonous miasma there too.
"Many of our Government Troops were poisoned before they even got near the stronghold.
"We also had someone prepare medicine to protect against the poisonous miasma, but it was no use at all.
"Let alone launching an attack."
"I see."
County Magistrate Liu continued:
"The terrain and conditions are much the same throughout this area. There are several bandit strongholds, but the bandits on Rooster-Cry Mountain are the most powerful."
"If this continues and these mountain bandits gain real strength, won't they become even harder to deal with?
"We dealt with Rooster-Cry Mountain's second-in-command this time. If word reaches them, they're bound to hold a grudge against us. Who knows how they'll retaliate against Cold Pass City?
"The first to suffer will be travelers passing through. These bandits might even go on a killing spree."
County Magistrate Liu's brow was furrowed with worry too:
"That is precisely what concerns me."
"Since we've encountered this matter, we cannot stand by and do nothing."
Hearing this, County Magistrate Liu cupped his hands and bowed:
"On behalf of the people, I thank Your Highness.
"Whatever Your Highness wishes to do next, I await your orders and will do everything in my power to cooperate."
"Mm. We still need to discuss