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"Have you heard? A few more people from the Right Fifth Battalion ran away yesterday, and Captain You was so angry that he wanted to punish everyone involved."

"Tsk tsk, what's the point of this? Sending Baba back and then running away again, isn't this just looking for trouble?"

"Exactly. I heard the Red Flag Gang eats and dresses well, just like General Qiu's way of leading troops. Well, if I were captured, I would definitely surrender immediately and stay there to live a luxurious life."

"Hahaha, with your cowardly look, would anyone want you?"

"Get lost! I haven't met anyone who knows what I'm worth. What if Miss Qiu takes a fancy to me..."

"Hush! How can you say that? Don't you know how many spies we have planted in our camp?"

"Oh my stinky mouth! Come on, drink some wine."

The two jailers outside were chatting animatedly. In the cell, Xu Xianrong sat against the wall without saying a word, his face as gloomy and cold as the cage.

He hadn't expected it to turn out like this.

Xu Xianrong had been prepared for the possibility that Wang Ling would use him as a scapegoat and shoulder the blame for a fatal crime. Unexpectedly, on their return journey, they encountered the Qingfeng Gang again and suffered a crushing defeat. When the ship finally reached shore, he was thrown into jail and never heard of again.

I heard everything that happened next. Wang Ling was imprisoned and taken directly to Panyu. Over 2,000 prisoners were released, but soon after, suspicions of spies were raised, leading to a complete chaos. Even today, desertions have begun to appear. No matter how much it cost to bring these people back, they have now become a burden.

Xu Xianrong couldn't figure out how the Red Flag Gang had instigated the surrendered soldiers, but he knew the potential for disaster from thousands of uneasy soldiers. The camps and garrisons near Panyu might no longer have soldiers to fight. Without ships, morale, and even the desire to achieve merit, was there any hope for a war?

Originally, he regretted letting Yuehua fall into danger and failing to protect her. But now, while he was still in prison, the Red Flag Gang had already completely destroyed the Panyu garrison, leaving them unable to send any more troops.

In comparison, his own worries were simply ridiculous. He couldn't even save himself, so how could he save others?

Two days later, Xu Xianrong was finally brought out and taken to the back hall.

"Commander Xu, your luck is quite good this time." The man who came wasn't his superior, but a trusted advisor to the governor, and one of the Lu family's most influential figures in Panyu. He was the one who had initially urged the Red Flag Gang to be severely punished, but now he had changed his mind.

Without waiting for Xu Xianrong to reply, the councilor stroked his beard and said, "The blame for the war has now fallen on Wang Ling. He believed the rumors and, wanting to seize power, rashly sent troops, causing great disaster. As for you, you only noticed the pirates fighting and were afraid they would attack the shore, so you sent troops to intercept them. Although you encountered a hurricane and damaged some ships, it was not a war crime and can be forgiven."

This means that all the charges against him have been cleared. It seems that Wang Ling's group is already worried about their own safety and has no time to fight with the Lu family anymore.

However, Xu Xianrong did not feel happy. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "What about the Red Flag Gang?"

The counselor's face immediately darkened. "This is none of your business! Although you haven't committed a serious crime, you will still be punished for your defeat. You can only be demoted and transferred to the Northern Frontier to atone for your sins. This is a blessing, so remember who you should thank."

There were actually quite a few twists and turns here. Even Minister Lu hadn't anticipated that an orphan girl from the Qiu family would emerge from the Red Flag Gang and defeat the imperial army. Now it was impossible to target them, and without revenge, they could only cut their losses. Fortunately, with Wang Ling at the forefront, a rift had formed between the various factions within the military, offering an opportunity to clear their own family of any involvement.

Xu Xianrong also had an advantage. He was an old subordinate of Qiu Sheng. If the imperial court wanted to persuade the Red Flag Gang to surrender, it would be difficult to massacre them all. However, it was impossible to stay on the coast. Like his former subordinates, he could only be transferred to the border and serve the country well.

Of course, there is no need to say these words so clearly. Anyway, this Xu guy is no longer useful, so just find a place to throw him away.

These scoldings did not make Xu Xianrong feel submissive. Instead, they made him feel that it was ridiculous. He came here on orders, and now he had to leave on orders again. He had accomplished nothing and had also killed many soldiers. Was this the purpose of his coming to Panyu?

Who was he serving? The imperial court, or the corrupt officials who held power? After a long silence, Xu Xianrong finally lowered his head and accepted the order.

The Northern Frontier was now ravaged by war and threatened by foreign enemies. He could only lead troops, and he could always protect something. Just like the military commander back then, he had saved tens of thousands of civilians with only three to five hundred men.

This is the purpose of his learning martial arts and joining the army.

They didn't stay in the hall for long; soon, Xu Xianrong was driven out. The dazzling sun from the South China Sea was hanging high in the sky, making it difficult to open one's eyes. Xu Xianrong didn't open his eyes either, just tilting his head back and letting the sunlight shine on him.

A hollow space lingered in his chest. The military commander's suicide note was gone. Afraid it might be found, he had swallowed the tear-stained letter, completely destroying the military commander's wishes. No one knew the military commander had entrusted his daughter to him, and no one cared.

In the dense darkness speckled with light, a nearly forgotten memory suddenly surfaced. It was the first time he had seen Miss Qiu. He didn't quite get a good look at her face; she only raised her head like a deer, glanced at him quickly, and then lowered her head to hide behind her father.

"Zixin, you are now my disciple, and it's time for you to meet Yuehua. I only have this one precious daughter, so you must protect her in the future..."

The smile was so warm, yet a little helpless, full of his deep love for his daughter.

A tear slipped across the corner of his eye and sank into his hair. Xu Xianrong opened his eyes, no longer looking at the sky, but staring straight ahead and taking a step forward.

…

A major defeat is enough to trigger one tsunami after another, causing turmoil in the officialdom and making countless people run around just to protect themselves or harm others.

However, no matter how strong the wind and waves in Panyu were, they could not reach Dongning. The only thing that troubled the Dongning County Magistrate was probably the person in front of him.

There were beads of sweat on his forehead. Although County Magistrate Cao was sitting in the main seat, his butt was only touching the edge of the chair. His waist was slightly arched, and he put on an attitude that was even more flattering than when he was paying homage to his superiors.

"Dongning is safe this time, thanks to your concern. I will remember this kindness in my heart."

Hearing this, County Magistrate Cao's back stiffened, and he quickly said, "Master, you don't have to be so polite. I didn't do anything. It was your gang's efforts that saved the county..."

As he spoke, he stole a glance and noticed a smile on the woman's lips. He quickly lowered his head again, secretly feeling fortunate. It was no wonder he lost his composure. Who could have imagined that the "gang leader's concubine" who frequently visited the government office was actually the leader of the Red Flag Gang?!

Upon learning that the Red Flag Gang was founded by General Qiu's daughter, he sensed a formidable threat. Later, the approaching army terrified County Magistrate Cao, who feared his life would end in this unfortunate place. Only Master Yang, the magistrate, managed to stop him from abandoning his post and fleeing. Of course, the Red Flag Gang's spies also kept him at bay, keeping him from making any rash moves. Now, after a battle, the government forces were utterly defeated, with countless ships looted. Later, it was rumored that a ransom had been paid for the captured officers...

What's there to be afraid of? County Magistrate Cao heaved a sigh of relief, convinced that he had finally found a thick thigh. He just needed to hold on tightly.

Yet, despite this thought, County Magistrate Cao was still terrified when she "visited" him again. This time, it wasn't just her stunning, alluring makeup look; Miss Qiu, in a red dress and tights, looked like a completely different person. It was also this time that County Magistrate Cao deeply felt her fear. Last year, the Red Flag Gang had only a few members, yet she had the audacity to disguise herself and come to see him, the County Magistrate, and even rescued someone from the county government. How brave was that?! Truly worthy of being General Qiu's daughter, it was no wonder the imperial army was defeated and fled in panic...

The more he thought about it, the more afraid County Magistrate Cao became... well, no, the more he awed her. Now he really didn't even dare to look her in the eye.

Looking at the timid and sweaty county magistrate, Cheng Xi smiled even more gently. She didn't come here to scare people, but she really had something to do.

"Dongning is one of my bases, so naturally it needs someone to guard it. Your Excellency is sensible and talented, and is a perfect helper for the Red Flag Gang." Cheng Xi paused, "But now that my identity has been revealed, I miss my father even more. Seeing that the court has no promises, I want to build a temple for my father in Dongning so that we can worship him properly."

The court couldn't give a definite answer? What did this mean? No matter how well-informed Magistrate Cao was, he couldn't possibly know the thoughts of those high-ranking officials in Panyu. But Miss Qiu's words, could she still harbor the intention of recruiting them? Originally, building a temple for General Qiu would have brought disaster, but now...

County Magistrate Cao's eyes rolled, and he immediately straightened his back. "General Qiu has made outstanding contributions, and I admire him immensely. Now, we're just building a family temple, and what's the harm in receiving some offerings? The leader's filial piety is so touching, and I, as a humble official, will do my best to gather the county gentry and donate some money. I only hope that this temple can be completed quickly, so that General Qiu will not suffer in his later years."

This was such a straightforward statement. She didn't even need to follow a step-by-step process. He just handed in a perfect answer. Cheng Xi's lips curled up: "I am very grateful for your kindness. I hope you will put more thought into the preparations later."

"Of course!" Magistrate Cao was immediately delighted, knowing that he had flattered the emperor effectively. Whether the imperial court could control him was another matter, as this person was the one who could hold his life in thrall.

After explaining the idea of ​​building the temple in detail, Cheng Xi said goodbye and left. Now that she had received the ransom and the money for the lives of the families, she only had to deal with some finishing work on the island, so her focus naturally changed.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he left the house, he saw a carriage pull up in front of him. The curtain was lifted, revealing a familiar handsome face: "I heard you returned to Dongning. Please don't be offended by my uninvited visit."

Looking at that smiling face, Cheng Xi also smiled. "What a coincidence! I was thinking of sending someone to invite Brother Lu. My humble abode is right in front. Why don't you come over and have a seat?"

Lu Jian smiled and nodded: "Then I'd better obey your command."

Cheng Xi did not get on his carriage as usual, but returned to his own carriage. Looking at the carriage leading the way, Lu Jian smiled slightly, lowered the curtain, and asked the driver to follow.