Chapter Twenty Drumming in Unison

  Things started to get simpler and smoother. Although the great witch was expressionless, she was much more comfortable, one by one responding to Zhu Yongxing's requests and offering suggestions that made them even better.

  Copies of Zhu Yongxing's forged and altered imperial edicts were written on many sheets of paper, which were then distributed in Yunnan. This should be called a proclamation, it would be very efficient. Zhu Yongxing felt that Dazhen had some unknown power in his hands, making him feel even more mysterious and profound.

  But this method is indeed better, Zhu Yongxing secretly warned himself at the same time, and was also glad that he had finally gotten a powerful arm to help him, no longer having to fight alone with an uncertain future.

  In just two or three days, Zhu Yongxing experienced too many unimaginable things, which had an extremely important relationship with his mental adjustment and change, and also gave him a deeper understanding.

  One person, even if they are a time-traveler with knowledge and power beyond their era, is still extremely limited in what they can accomplish alone. It's impossible to single-handedly turn the tide of events. Only by gathering or utilizing more people can one's knowledge be transformed into powerful forces that can demonstrate its might.

  And the tiger's body shook, and Wang Ba's energy leaked out, which led to countless heroes and heroes competing to bow down and be willing to be younger brothers. This is also a virtual plot. After exhausting his tongue and stirring up his brain, he vowed to make a fierce mountain Klu tribe barely surrender, which is evidence and a warning.

  Don't oversimplify things, don't do things with a sense of superiority as a traverser, you must go all out and think carefully to achieve something.

  ……

  The village began to make intense preparations, taking out the crossbows and arrows that had been banned by the Mozu government from their hidden places, and starting to build new bows and crossbows. In the quiet areas along the river, large numbers of bamboo rafts were being tied up; supplies were being concentrated, and strong men were gathering for team training.

  All activities were well hidden, thanks to the Mangshan Miao's traditional exclusivity, which prevented news from leaking out easily. However, this also made Zhu Yongxing realize that the Mangshan Miao people must have had plans for rebellion or migration long ago, otherwise they would not have acted so orderly. And it was his own arrival, combined with his special identity and reasonable promises, that ultimately became the catalyst for the Mangshan Miao's determination.

  If they didn't have Zhu, the Mangshi Yi people returning to Yunnan would inevitably worry about being viewed with hostility by local people, facing difficulties from local chieftains and government officials, or even attacks. By relying on Zhu's identity, they could avoid conflicts as much as possible, thus ensuring the safety of the entire tribe.

  After all, it's just an exchange of interests and mutual utilization. Talking about restoring the great Ming dynasty or assisting the king to dominate is just a cover-up phrase. Of course, although the words are unpleasant, both parties have no dissatisfaction. Being utilized means having value to be utilized; if one actively seeks to offer services but nobody responds, that's the real tragedy.

  Zhu Yongxing was very optimistic about this. Especially after he got the fake imperial edict and the written letter from Daxia, and Daxia had already started sending people to Yunnan to spread the news, he knew that he had taken the first step towards success, and his cooperation with the Mangshan Ke clan was well worth it.

  "The silent strike of the crossbow, although its range is not as good as that of the bow and arrow, has a higher accuracy rate. It can be fired while lying down or standing up, and the impact of rain and humidity is relatively small." Zhu Yongxing fiddled with a crossbow, slightly showing off his expertise, "If three or five teams are lined up to fire in succession, they can form a continuous barrage of arrows, causing sustained casualties to the enemy."

  Most of the crossbows made by the Miao people are made from local materials, using either wood or bamboo, without any metal parts. Although their power is discounted, they can be compensated with "medicine crossbow", that is, applying poison to the arrowhead. Once a person or animal is hit by the arrow, it will die of poisoning, which is called "bleeding throat". Moreover, almost every Miao man is good at shooting arrows, starting from childhood with "doll crossbows" and often competing with each other.

  Although Zhu Yongxing had great doubts about exaggerated expressions like "see blood and seal the throat", he was quite impressed with others' archery skills, of course, he absolutely did not want to try the taste of being shot.

  Xiang lightly pursed the corner of her mouth, as if she had some thoughts in her mind, but her face didn't reveal any emotions. She said calmly: "Your Highness is wise. In five days, it will be the Huahua Festival, and we'll be taking action soon. There are many things to attend to, so I won't keep you company for too long."

  "Please, make yourself at home." Zhu Yongxing made a polite gesture, indicating that he didn't mind. The action was imminent, which meant that he would soon return to his hometown and show off his skills. About this, Zhu Yongxing had a little fear in his heart, but more of it was anticipation.

  As the figure of Bu Ting disappeared from view, Meng Zhu picked up his crossbow and shot an arrow at a distant tree trunk. Then, with a smile, he said to Zhu Yongxing: "If time permits, our tribe's skilled craftsmen can make even more exquisite crossbows. The large crossbow can shoot over 200 steps, and the small one is around 100 steps."

  The length of a step in ancient times was roughly equivalent to 1.2-1.3 meters today, but could the range of the crossbow exceed that of the Qing army's bows and arrows? Zhu Yongxing expressed skepticism, but his face didn't reveal it because he wasn't entirely certain and didn't quite believe the data statistics about ancient weapons from later generations. One had to see it with their own eyes and experience it personally in order to be most credible and draw a correct conclusion. Relying on a bit of knowledge, regardless of right or wrong, recklessly criticizing and giving orders was truly too shallow.

  "When the Huahua Festival is held, will that Burmese Tusi come to participate?" Zhu Yongxing diverged from this topic and asked: "Is the Huahua Festival in this village or somewhere else?"

  Huashan Festival is also known as "Treading Huashan", "Jumping Flower Field", "Treading Field" and "Treading Mountain". Due to the different places where the Miao people live, their costumes are different. The dates of the Huashan Festival are not consistent, and the names of the festival are not exactly the same. Some are in January of the lunar calendar, some in June, and some in August.

  At that time, people from all directions came to the scene, and the tribal leader announced the start of the jump. The young men blew the lusheng, and the girls danced around the flowers, competing with each other. Sometimes horse racing, archery, and threading needle competitions were also held. During this period, young men and women sang antiphonal songs, played national musical instruments, and lovers gave each other embroidered handkerchiefs, waistbands, etc. The elderly took the opportunity to visit relatives and friends, talk to each other, and the activity lasted for a whole day, even until late at night before ending.

  Mengzhu knew that Zhu Yongxing was not familiar with the festivals and customs of the Mangshan Ke ethnic group, so he briefly introduced them. Then, very confidently, he said: "The Mianpai Tusi is very picky, every time they come to celebrate the festival under the protection of the Mian soldiers, in order to choose beautiful girls."

  Zhu Yongxing nodded slightly, if so, unfortunately this time it was the death period of the Myanmar Pai Tusi, no need to stare at the beautiful woman drooling, and bully the good girl of the Mengshan Ke ethnic group again.