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Although both were drunk, Shen Feng got up much later than Lu Jian. However, when the two gang leaders met, they were able to drive away the outsiders.

Pretending to rub his temples, Shen Feng complained, "Every time I come to your place to drink, I get drunk. Boss Cheng is really too unkind."

"I can't control this." Cheng Xi smiled innocently, "How about Brother Shen stay for a few more days and teach those guys a lesson."

Her words made it seem as if she was trying to get rid of him. Shen Feng sighed, "Boss Cheng was so kind to invite me, so I naturally wanted to stay a few more days. But unfortunately, I have a lot of things to do at home. I'm busy all day long and don't have a single moment to rest."

"I've finished fighting here too. If Brother Shen needs my help, just let me know." Cheng Xi said readily.

If he had been able to resolve the chaos before, he could have turned to the Red Flag Gang. However, after she took control of the South China Sea and reorganized the army, things were no longer so simple. Who knew if she was planning to take advantage of the opportunity to expand her power and even encroach on his territory?

Shen Feng laughed and said, "If I can't even handle those little scoundrels, I'd be unworthy of being the leader of a gang. Those scoundrels are a bit of a burden to have under my control. When can I get the ransom?"

"That depends on when the Xisai people and the Changjing Gang finish fighting. But there's no need to worry. Ships are easy to build, but skilled sailors and gunners are not so easy to train. As long as they settle down, they will definitely pay the ransom." Cheng Xi is familiar with the code of conduct of these Westerners. Not to mention the importance of manpower, just to restore the relationship with her, the lord of the South China Sea, is worth spending money and effort.

Shen Feng glanced at her and asked casually, "When are you going to call?"

He didn't believe that after Cheng Xi occupied the South China Sea, he had no plans to go to Southeast Asia. In the future, no matter whether it was the Xisai people or the remnants of the Changjing Gang, they would eventually have to fight with them to compete for the strait.

Cheng Xi smiled slightly: "No rush, let's consolidate the foundation first. I'm planning to open banks in Quanzhou and Yuhang, I wonder if Brother Shen has any plans to invest in them?"

Shen Feng was genuinely surprised. He looked at Cheng Xi for a long moment before slowly saying, "Quanzhou is fine, but Yuhang is a problem. It's the hub for traffic between the north and the south, and there are countless sea merchants and salt traders. Even a powerful dragon can't suppress those local tyrants."

Jiangdong has always been a prosperous maritime trade region, spawning numerous prominent families. These individuals are the primary force behind the maritime ban, and they own vast fleets and maritime trade businesses. Challenging them would likely be even more difficult than rebelling.

"We are all seafarers. If we want to go to Southeast Asia, we have to pass through our territory. We will have to deal with each other eventually. Let's go there to open a bank first and see the situation over there. Besides, there are constant wars everywhere now, and bandits are rampant. We don't know how many mountain kings will emerge. We have to take a look." Cheng Xi smiled more harmlessly, like a curious young lady.

Shen Feng sneered and leaned lazily against the back of his chair. "Since you're all thinking this, let's go and take a look. It's only a matter of time. But is Gang Leader Cheng really unwilling to have a 'close friendship' with me? If we're a perfect match, the East China Sea will fall into our hands sooner or later."

The word "close friendship" sounded very meaningful to him. Cheng Xi could not help but sighed falsely, "Ah, who wouldn't want to? But forcing someone to be submissive always leads to trouble."

When Shen Feng heard this, he really laughed out loud.

They are so similar in nature that neither of them can give in. If they really get together, they will have to guard against being devised and swallowed up by the other side. It is better for them to have a gentlemanly friendship and at least have the status of allies.

Of course, since he couldn't succeed, Shen Feng still didn't forget to give someone some eye drops: "Boss Cheng has an open mind, so I have nothing to say. But some guys are scheming and calculating. Don't be fooled by his good looks."

Cheng Xi also smiled immediately: "If we compare handsomeness, no one is better than Brother Shen. I think I still have some ability to remain calm, so don't worry about it."

Shen Feng laughed out loud upon hearing this. It was true that when women were energetic, they were no less capable than men. It seemed that Lu Jian had been dealt a blow, and even his original ally status was about to be lost. In this world, the one with the bigger fist had the louder voice. A mere merchant was no match for him.

Shen Feng was in a good mood and had no reason to stay here any longer, so he went home happily.

Of course, before leaving, he did not forget to say some dirty words in front of the guys who were seeing him off. No matter whether it would work or not, he always wanted to take advantage of the verbal advantage.

Not to mention Lu Jian's expression, Yan Yuan and others also changed their expressions. It was really because the gang leader was too close to the man named Chen, and it was really hard to guess what she was thinking.

After everyone had left, Yan Yuan thought about it and decided to find Tian Yu.

"The gang leader is going to Jiangdong to expand the territory. Isn't it normal for him to be hypocritical with the guy named Shen?" Tian Yu snorted with disdain on his face.

Despite saying so, Yan Yuan's expression didn't improve much: "Chen Sandao is a well-known figure after all. It's always better to be cautious when making friends with him."

Knowing the hidden meaning behind Yan Yuan's words, Tian Yu became even more annoyed: "Is he worthy of being mentioned on the same level as the gang leader? If the gang leader took him seriously, why would he spread those gossips?"

Tian Yu had been wary of Shen Feng in the past, but now he had seen clearly that this man was just an ally that Cheng Xi could use. If he was to be wary of someone, Lu Jian was the better one.

Hearing this, Yan Yuan felt relieved, but then frowned again: "But after forming an army, immediately plotting to take Jiangdong, isn't that a bit too hasty?"

The restructuring was well known to all leaders, big and small, and Yan Yuan was particularly keenly aware of its deeper meaning. This was a means of controlling military power. Even with the five fleets now publicly on the scene, training, selection, and rewards would no longer be decided solely by the leaders. Proclaiming the title of "General Zhenhai" would further establish the leader's supreme authority within the army. Choosing the restructuring after a major victory would also discourage others from opposing it, making it a rather clever move.

However, after forming the army, they did not choose to attack Qiongzhou, but opened a bank in Jiangdong now, which was somewhat beyond Yan Yuan's expectations. He did not think that the Red Flag Gang had the spare energy to plot against Jiangdong now. Not to mention that side, the Qingfeng Gang that was so close would be trouble in the future, and they had to be careful to guard against it. How could they expand so wildly?

Knowing Yan Yuan's strengths lay in warfare, not business, Tian Yu took the rare step of explaining, "Having soldiers and horses alone isn't enough. To secure our territory, we need money and food. The bank is the gang leader's foundation on land. Use the bank to stimulate maritime trade, which in turn promotes workshops. Furthermore, we need to reach a consensus with local gentry and wealthy families. Only then can we gain a foothold in a region. The same principle applies to our current journey to Quanzhou and Yuhang. Without a direct military confrontation, we'll use the bank to pave the way."

Yan Yuan nodded thoughtfully, "This isn't for Master Lu, nor is it an attack on Jiangdong. It's just a raft, a place to stand, or an excuse to send troops?"

This statement is not wrong. Success will naturally establish a foothold, and failure can be used as an excuse for conquest. Its military significance is also insignificant. Just mentioning Lu Jian made Tian Yu snort coldly: "Lu Er is a ruthless person who will do anything to achieve his goals. How can everything go as he wishes?"

Yan Yuan's concern at this moment was no longer about personal affairs. After a moment's silence, he breathed a sigh of relief: "It seems that the gang leader's ambition has not changed. I was worried that she, or you, would be deceived by hatred and prepare to take a risky move."

Tian Yu's face darkened. Not many people dared to bring up this matter in front of him. However, he didn't get angry this time. He just said, "The gang leader is certainly not after a family feud, nor is she after the power that everyone covets. Although I can't see through her, I know that what she seeks is different from ordinary people."

Cheng Xi is ambitious and has strong likes and dislikes. Yan knows this better than anyone else. However, he knows clearly that her ambition is not just for power, nor is it simply to rebel for revenge for her father. Her gaze is different from that of others.

"Anyone can rebel, but not everyone can rebuild." After a long time, Yan Yuan whispered.

This was said bluntly and hit the nail on the head. Tian Yu couldn't help but laugh: "That's why I wanted to follow her and see."

The smile was small but genuine. Yan Yuan had never seen it before, not even when he was under the military's rule, let alone after being imprisoned.

However, Yan Yuan understood his thoughts. If he could change the world, who wouldn't want to give it a try? This was no longer just the military commander's will, but also his, Tian Yu's, and the hearts of thousands of people in the Red Flag Gang.

People like Shen Feng and Lu Jian will probably never understand this.

After a long sigh, Yan Yuan felt that all the depression in his heart was gone, and he also felt vaguely happy.

Those people are certainly not worthy of being the gang leader, so why should he worry?