Chapter 1516 - 44: Sudden Downturn (Part 2)

Chapter 1516: Chapter 44: Sudden Downturn (Part 2)

"Now, speaking of Poland and Germany, their words are the most effective, followed by the tools in hand. During these chaotic times, even the remnants of the old era must restrain themselves."

"Moreover, we’re only borrowing a little money from them, compared to the wealth they’ve plundered from the countryside. Are we excessive?"

"Everyone is ’robbing,’ only we rob openly, while they covertly rob with land and status. Back when I farmed, I paid plenty of rent to them."

When Chelvrad spoke so shamelessly, his followers thought to themselves, as Chelvrad’s past was no secret. Since childhood, he was idle, later joining a gang, and eventually putting on a "dog skin." How could such a person have honestly farmed the land?

If Chelvrad claimed he had worked as a thug for nobles and gentry, it would be more convincing than saying he farmed.

Meanwhile, Rovtashenko, who was busy with the meals, angrily cursed in his heart: "Chelvrad and Radovich are both no good."

As Chelvrad said, he and Radovich are essentially the same kind of people, just that Radovich has a more respectable identity and social status.

Then, the White Bandits’ grain requisition team began feasting heartily. Though they complained about the poor food, it was still better than what true poor people ate. Just the chicken in the stew was not something ordinary people could afford in this chaotic, scarce era.

Seeing Chelvrad’s group start eating, Rovtashenko quietly slipped into the back kitchen.

He whispered to the three villagers there, "Leave now as you usually do, walk out of the yard, and quickly run home. Hide and do not go out!"

The three didn’t know about Rovtashenko and the guerrilla team’s plan, so they asked, "What’s wrong, Village Chief?"

Rovtashenko didn’t explain but said, "If you don’t want to die, do as I say. I’ll leave with you, don’t ask questions. I’m looking out for you."

The three villagers, hearing this from Rovtashenko, instantly felt their blood pressure rise, realizing something was wrong. They feared Rovtashenko had done something bad behind their backs, which might implicate them.

As the saying goes, better to live poorly than die well. Many people hold onto a lucky hope unless pushed to the brink.

However, at this moment, they couldn’t concern themselves with whatever trouble the old man might have stirred. They had to follow Rovtashenko’s instructions, as staying could mean no escape once things blew up.

Thus, the four of them feigned nonchalance, walked through the yard, and the grain requisition team was too engrossed in eating to notice their small movements.

Once safely outside the gate, Rovtashenko signified with his eyes, and the other three understood, quickly leaving the troubled place.

Rovtashenko also hurried home, rhythmically knocking on the door: one, two, three, one, two, three.

The door opened, and Rovtashenko immediately went in. Though his home wasn’t large, it housed over thirty people at the time.

Under Popov’s leadership, the entire guerrilla squad consisted of just these thirty or so people. This was why Popov didn’t support directly attacking the requisition team; though confident of defeating the enemies with his men, losses would surely be severe on his side.

Popov asked, "Rovtashenko, how is the enemy now?"

Rovtashenko replied, "When I left, they were eating, so I estimate the drug has likely taken effect."

Upon hearing this, Popov hesitated no more and said, "Rovtashenko, quickly take us there. The drug is made from a local plant, and its effect isn’t lethal. If they disperse into the village, it could lead to big trouble."

Behind enemy lines, Popov’s resources were limited, forcing him to use local materials.

Rovtashenko hurriedly led the guerrilla team toward the yard occupied by the requisition team.

Upon arrival, the White Bandits in the yard were clutching their stomachs and convulsing. By then, they knew they had been ambushed, but the abdominal pain caused muscle spasms, making them unable to exert force.

They could only watch helplessly as the guerilla members disarmed them. Secretary Popov said, "Timing is just right; a few minutes later, they might have endured it."

As the drug’s effect wanes, although not fully recovering for combat, small actions like shooting would be possible. This was why Popov hurried to the scene; the drug’s potency diminishes over time.

...

With the White Bandits’ grain requisition team’s selfless "assistance," the guerrillas of Liuban Village successfully expanded to surrounding villages, including Luni Nici Village.

Under Popov’s leadership, the "Rural Labor Government" was established, centered in Luni Nici Village. To prevent a siege by Belaros City and Poland’s government forces, Popov promptly decided to attack Radovich Manor after initially consolidating power.

The decision to first attack Radovich Manor was due to its owner Radovich having a guard team of over fifty men. Capturing them would expand the guerrilla force to nearly two hundred people.