Chu Yan almost pressed his nose against Dian Wei's face, despite having experienced the effects of the Magical Milk himself. However, at that time, he had lost consciousness and was unaware of the true situation. Additionally, there were still the horses to deal with.
"Ha, Brother Chu is right; I was too impatient," he said, distributing the dried rations to everyone. While the Gao Family members were eating, Dian Wei and Chu Yan gathered the scattered Jian Zhi Ma and collected the remains of the horses.
After the ambush, only thirty horses remained, with ten alive and the rest unable to be saved. Initially, ten had died, and later it was discovered that four more were severely injured with little chance of survival. Dian Wei couldn't bear to use precious medicine to save them, so he decided to end their suffering.
After replenishing their rations, both the Gao Family's physical and mental states improved significantly, and everyone actively participated in completing the subsequent tasks. The older women gathered dry grass for fuel, while several strong men used knives to process the fallen horses.
This group of bandits had originally ridden Hequ Horses, which averaged about a hundred pounds in weight, with a significant portion being pure meat. Thanks to the Gao Family's relentless efforts, they managed to process all ten dead horses, yielding a total of Wanjin Meat. Even considering that each member of the Gao Family, along with Dian Wei and Chu Yan, consumed three pounds of meat daily, this amount would be enough to sustain them for over half a year.
Additionally, they harvested ten complete horse hides. If these items were transported to the capital for sale, they could likely be exchanged for at least an acre of quality land. Fortunately, there were still ten horses alive.
With so many supplies, it would be difficult for Dian Wei and Chu Yan to transport them with just a single horse-drawn cart. Once everything was settled, Dian Wei smiled and suggested to the Gao Family, "Could we split the spoils of battle equally?"
However, Gao Ping immediately declined, saying, "If it weren't for your assistance, our Gao Family might have perished at the hands of bandits today. To ask for wealth after receiving such great kindness would be too greedy."
Faced with Gao Ping's firm stance, both Dian Wei and Chu Yan felt a bit helpless. "How about this? I have a suggestion," Dian Wei said.
"Please, go ahead," the two replied.
Dian Wei continued, "We will keep the live horses and hides, while the horse meat will be split between us." He paused before adding, "But please allow me to explain further; this is not without cost. I need your help with something."
"What is it?" Gao Ping asked.
Dian Wei waved his hand dismissively. "It's not difficult. We plan to head south to Chen Liu Kingdom, and it would be quite inconvenient to carry all these items. You are preparing to head north to Changshan County and Zhengding County in search of immortals. Therefore, I ask that you represent us by delivering these live horses and hides to Zhao Family Village and handing them over to the immortal."
As for the half portion of horse meat, consider it a reward for assisting us in your mission.
Gao Ping understood that Dian Wei and Chu Yan were trying to accommodate their situation. Nevertheless, he could not refuse, as the Gao Family was in urgent need of supplies. Whether injured or in good health, they required enough food to restore their stamina for the journey northward. Thus, he etched this goodwill into his heart.
Warrior Dian Wei and Hero Chu Yan felt a deep sense of gratitude, unable to express it fully. This kindness, they vowed, would be remembered by the Gao Family for a lifetime.
After speaking, Gao Ping turned to the family members behind him. "Everyone, remember this! Even when we have descendants in the future, we must pass down this sentiment."
"Rest assured, Clan Leader, we are not ungrateful people," came the response.
"Indeed, we will always remember this kindness. In the future, whether Warrior Dian Wei or Hero Chu Yan requires our assistance, even if it means facing mountains of blades or seas of fire, we will not hesitate."
The family members expressed their determination one by one, their eyes reflecting unwavering resolve.
Next, they worked together in the vast and tranquil wilderness to build a fire pit. They skewered pieces of horse meat onto wooden sticks and placed them over the flames to roast.
At that moment, Chu Yan remembered that he had brought some seasonings for this trip. He hurriedly retrieved a box of salt, a box of soy sauce, and a box of honey from the cart. Adding these condiments during cooking would enhance the flavor significantly.
The Gao Family members responsible for roasting nodded in agreement as they accepted the seasonings.
"Chu Yan, you should rest for a while; we'll handle the grilling," they suggested.
Despite their words, neither Chu Yan nor Dian Wei truly rested. Instead, they quietly approached the five captured bandits while the horse meat was roasting. The bandits huddled together, trembling as if deeply intimidated by something.
Gao Shun was in charge of guarding them.
"Dian Wei, Chu Yan, what brings you here?" he asked.
Dian Wei smiled slightly. "We just wanted to see what these fellows have to say."
With that, Dian Wei slowly crouched down until his face was nearly touching that of the first captive. "Are you scared? I have a question for you. If your answer doesn't satisfy me, you'll face the consequences."
His gaze was sharp as an eagle's, causing the thief's heart to race.
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