48

The crying Wang also stopped, with a confused look in her eyes.

They were seeking justice for them, and even a share of the thieves' private property? How could a boat gang behave this way? Even if they took the case to the government, they would still be exploited by the officials. Who would bother to seek justice for them?

Wang's eyes reddened and she burst into tears again. However, this time she did not cry out loud. Instead, she knelt on the ground and bowed deeply: "Thank you, boss, for your help!"

This bow was done with the utmost respect, just like worshipping gods and Buddhas in a temple.

Looking at the woman kneeling on the ground to express her gratitude, Yan Yuan felt his heart in turmoil.

He had heard of this, just like those honest county magistrates and diligent censors who would eliminate rural tyrants and seek justice for the people.

But he had never heard of a boat gang leader using such tactics.

Even the smartest bandits and pirates would just use the slogan of "rob the rich to help the poor", open the warehouses to distribute food, and win people's hearts.

If he could even administer justice, how could those villages that had benefited from him dare to disobey? Perhaps the village elders would have to rein in the villagers, not giving the Red Flag Gang an excuse to confiscate their homes and exterminate their families.

But with such actions, what use is there for the county magistrate? Can the Red Flag Gang really replace the imperial court in pacifying the people?

Just as he was struggling, those black eyes suddenly looked over. Cheng Xi said, "Ayuan, you will lead the troops to Erwang Village this time."

Yan Yuan was startled and said hurriedly: "I... I am just a soldier, how dare I..."

Cheng Xi stopped him and asked firmly, "I just want to ask you, are you willing or not?"

Being stared at by that person, Yan Yuan's forehead was covered with sweat. After a long while, he nodded seriously: "I am willing to go, and I will definitely live up to the trust of the gang leader."

He had seen the young lady's methods of controlling her subordinates countless times. Wasn't this order a test for him? As a military subordinate, he had never in his life trespassed into a village and killed innocent people to claim credit.

But now, he is the leader of a boat gang, and he should obey the gang leader like everyone else and put the interests of the Red Flag Gang first.

This was certainly different from the morality he upheld and even offended the authority of the court.

But even Yan Yuan couldn't say that this was wrong, because he knew that this was the best option available now. As a subordinate, how could he not obey orders?

Cheng Xi then nodded: "With your character, you should be able to act fairly. Remember to keep everything you have seen and heard firmly in your heart. Don't be soft-hearted, and don't kill too many people."

In fact, solving the problems in Erwang Village was not too difficult for Cheng Xi.

There are too many similar things recorded in military history. If you want to win the hearts of the people, killing the local tyrants and equalizing the rich and the poor is the easiest way.

But in the feudal dynasty, land reform has always been the biggest taboo, and she could only use it slightly in a small village that had offended her.

And Yan Yuan is the best executor of this plan.

Because he is a typical soldier, he emphasizes clear rewards and punishments and protecting the country and the people.

What's even more rare is that he still has compassion and doesn't lose his bottom line just because he has fallen into a den of thieves.

Such a person is certainly good to use, but he is inevitably incompatible with Li Niu, Sun Erlang and others. Now we might as well use the events of Erwang Village as a breakthrough point to allow him to truly integrate into the Red Flag Gang and become a member of the boat gang.

More importantly, no matter how loyal Yan Yuan appears, he is ultimately an ancient general who possesses all the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues. He can kill pirates, but he may not have the determination to resist the government.

In that case, why not let him experience what it's like to "rule for the people"? Although the dosage is a bit mild, it might still bring some enlightenment.

Li Lai, who was standing aside, did not notice this brief confrontation. Instead, he looked at "Chief Yan" with some curiosity.

This must be the "newcomer" the captain was talking about, right? He doesn't look like a sycophant, does he? Besides, he's quite tall, well-proportioned, and has a very imposing air.

Oh, and he calls himself a "military man." Maybe he's even been a soldier? He must be a capable fighter, otherwise how could he be so valued by the gang leader?

But it would be a good idea to assign him the task of Erwang Village. After they leave, wouldn't the work of training the surrendered soldiers fall on him? The captain has already instructed that they also want to grab some of the soldiers trained this time.

Expanding our combat capabilities and adding more ships in the future will depend on this!

While Li Lai was still thinking secretly, Cheng Xi had already ordered people to send Wang back and told Yan Yuan to pick a few suitable men and prepare to set off.

The sailors on the ship can be members of the Red Flag Gang, but if they want to kill people and divide the land, it is better to use surrendered soldiers.

The murderous aura and banditry were enough to intimidate the villagers. As long as Yan Yuan's vision and command skills were up to par, this matter could be accomplished beautifully.

Yan Yuan knew very well what Cheng Xi was thinking, so he took the order and left without saying anything.

The matter of Erwang Village was resolved here. After sending Li Lai away, Cheng Xi turned his attention to another difficult matter: the women's camp.

Calling He Ling over again, Cheng Xi said, "Ah Ling, the women on the ship have moved into the women's camp. What do you think the reaction is in the camp?"

Although He Ling had previously focused his attention on Wang, he still observed the environment on the island.

After thinking for a moment, she said, "The women here are different from those in our camp. They look lifeless and somewhat defensive, making it hard to get close to them."

"Because they were all kidnapped and bullied." Cheng Xi whispered.

She didn't explain it clearly, but He Ling, who came from Pinfang Pavilion, understood it immediately and her eyes suddenly turned red.

She had only seen the female camp of the Red Flag Gang and knew that the women there were all the gang members' families, and some were sold maids, but she had never imagined that there was such a horrible place!

They were all captured, so they must be from decent families. Imprisoned on an island, surrounded by pirates, they've endured countless humiliations. No wonder they look so creepy!

"Master, we have to save them!" He Ling clenched his fists and shouted through gritted teeth.

"I called you here for this matter. Go back and ask carefully. If any of these women want to go home, you can arrange for them to leave with the servants. If they refuse to leave, they must know the rules of the Red Flag Gang and understand that no one will force them anymore. Those who want to get married can choose someone to marry, and those who don't want to get married can stay in the camp to work, cook, wash clothes, and do needlework. In the future, the women on the island will also be assigned servants. Whether they are weaving, farming, raising chickens, or fishing, they will always have something to eat." Cheng Xi explained the arrangements in an orderly manner.

It is far from enough to just say these words. Only with another group of women accompanying them and setting an example themselves can they gradually understand that the Red Flag Gang is different from ordinary pirates, and then they can rest assured and recuperate on the island until one day they can walk out of the shadows and return to normal life.

Having this group of marriageable women on the island is also beneficial. In the future, the Red Flag Gang will inevitably face more and more fighting. It is better to let these men understand in advance that women are also human beings who need to be treated equally and can form partners than to let them think that women are just tools for satisfying sexual desires.

When more people get married, the village will naturally become a town and a home that needs to be protected, and the island will have the possibility of long-term development.

He Ling didn't think so deeply, but she knew that the young master's arrangements were always the best, and only her young master could understand the hardships of women in the world.

Nodding vigorously, He Ling said softly, "Don't worry, sir. I will let them know."

Let them understand that as a woman they can live like a human being, they can have food to eat by working, they don’t have to be beaten, they don’t have to be humiliated, and they don’t have to be sold like goods.

This is something that only the young master can give them. Of course, she wants more women to know the goodness of the young master and the goodness of the Red Flag Gang!

Looking at the determined little girl, Cheng Xi breathed a sigh of relief.

I just hope that her wish can be fulfilled and these people on the island who are the most innocent and who deserve to be treated the best can be properly resettled.

…

The gate of the women's camp, which had been closed for a long time, creaked open. However, the people who came in were not the servants who were carrying food, but a dozen women of all ages, some young and some with babies.

Suddenly there were so many people, and they started to clean up the house quickly, as if they were going to move in and live there permanently.

Even though they had been tortured to the point of silence and numbness, some people would still look up and secretly watch.

This group of people didn't seem to be captured.

In just a moment, those who were peeping had a plan in mind.

Even though they were dressed simply, their clothes were spotless, and some even wore earrings and copper hairpins. They didn't look afraid, and although they were a little nervous, they acted confidently and occasionally laughed and joked.

Why would such a group of women live in the women's camp?

The silent ones became even more silent.

A pair of eyes filled with inquiry, even with unconcealable jealousy, staring at people so hard that their backs feel numb and uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the person in charge came back quickly.

"Miss He, the women in this camp don't seem to like us. Will there be any trouble?" A maid saw her return and hurried forward to ask.

"No!" He Ling said firmly, "Go and call everyone to the courtyard. I have something to say to everyone."

On the way back, He Ling had already figured out how to comfort these poor people.

Everyone is here, it's a good opportunity to talk it out, but we have to hurry!

The old woman also knew Miss He's straightforward personality, so she didn't dare to delay and went to call for help immediately.

Not only the women on the island, but even those from the camp came out of their houses and stood in the yard.

He Ling had already found a box and stepped onto it. Seeing that everyone had arrived, she shouted, "My name is He Ling. I'm the gang leader's personal maid and also in charge of the women's camp. As everyone should know, our Red Flag Gang defeated the bandits and occupied this island. From now on, we will all live on the island, so we must work together."

Her eyes swept over the still expressionless faces of the women, and she raised her voice: "The gang leader said that you were all abducted by bandits. If any of you want to go home, the Red Flag Gang can send you back to shore!"

These words caused a commotion among the women from the camp, and they all felt happy for these poor people. However, the women on the island did not move or even say a word, as if they had not heard these words.

He Ling was stunned for a moment. She had thought that these women would be ecstatic and grateful when they heard about returning home, so why were they like this? However, the next moment, she understood.

Well, after being kidnapped for months, what would happen if he returned home? Being despised was the least of his worries. He might have already lost his family.

He Ling's heart sank, but he remained undeterred. He continued, "If you don't want to leave, you can settle down here. Our Red Flag Gang has rules. You can't rape other people's wives and daughters, and you can't forcibly take women. Violators will be killed without mercy! From now on, no one will bully you anymore. Those who want to get married can find someone to marry, and those who don't want to get married can just focus on their work..."

Before she finished her words, a laugh came from the audience, and a woman said with a mocking look on her face: "Girl, do you believe everything those people say? Did you get tricked into coming here?"

He Ling had already seen the woman. Unlike the others who were dull and reserved, she was a fashionista. Although her clothes were a little old, they were very fancy.

Her face was pretty, but her age was hard to tell. She looked lazy and worldly, somewhat similar to the women in Pinhua Pavilion.

She knew how difficult it was to deal with this kind of person, so she immediately put on a stern face and said, "We all came here voluntarily, and the gang leader wouldn't lie!"

Hearing this, the other party chuckled again: "How can a group of murderers and arsonists survive without women? Sooner or later, this women's camp will have to open for business. Gang rules and regulations are all used to deceive fools like you. Now that so many people have come, it can help us share our worries."

Her voice was sharp and piercing, filled with venom.

As soon as the words came out, the light in the eyes of the women on the island immediately went out, and even some of the women from the camp began to panic.

This won’t do!

He Ling was just about to tell everyone to calm down when a woman started cursing, "Bullshit! My husband is from the Red Flag Gang, and even Chief Lin's sister is here with us! Our leader is a man of integrity, and what he says is what he means. He said no one should bully women, and no one dared to mess around!"

Several old women from the village started shouting, and even Lin Mo, who usually kept silent, took a step forward and stood firmly beside He Ling.

Unexpectedly, the prostitute was a little flustered when she saw her family coming with her. However, the next moment, she sneered, "You have backers, so of course you don't have to be afraid. In the end, won't we be the ones who suffer?"

She wanted to say something, but a woman holding a baby and crying with red eyes stood up.

"I was also sold to the Red Flag Gang, and I have a child. No one has bullied me in the past two months. As long as I work hard, I can eat. The Red Flag Gang is really not a bad group. The leader can make decisions for us..." Wang couldn't help but shed tears as she thought of the conversation just now. The leader not only saved them, but also avenged them and killed the evil man like Wang Laowu! Even if she was on an isolated island with a baby in her arms, she was not afraid now. As long as the leader was there, what else was there to be afraid of?

Seeing her mother crying, the little girl became anxious and hurried to wipe her mother's tears.

The crisp sound of "mother" made everyone's heart soften. The prostitute was stunned for a moment, as if she had forgotten what she wanted to say.

He Ling raised her hand hastily upon seeing this. "Everyone, please stop arguing. I know this doesn't sound believable, but that's how the Red Flag Gang is. We were all rescued by the leader. From now on, the leader will arrange work for us, whether it's sewing, cooking, farming, or fishing. As long as you're diligent, you'll always have enough to eat. If you're thinking of getting married, the aunts will help you find someone. Maybe you can find someone hardworking and reliable..."

"What if I don't want to?" The sharp voice sounded again.

This time He Ling couldn't help it anymore and looked up angrily: "What don't you want?"

"I don't want to work. I just want to trade in sex. Isn't it easier to make money? Why work myself to death?" The prostitute stroked her hair and gave a fake smile. "Would your gang leader allow it?"

He Ling felt a buzzing in his head and even clenched his fists: "If you want to do this, why don't you go ashore?"

"Once we get to the shore, we might be sold or robbed. It's not as good as being on the island. Using your body to make money is a mutual agreement, isn't it? It's better to have someone to protect you!" The woman giggled again, as if she was provoking him, but also as if she was sincere and wanted to take advantage of the "gang leader".

He Ling felt her voice had pierced her: "What will you do when you get older? What if you accidentally get pregnant? Haven't you ever thought about the future?"

"future?"

As if she had heard a new word, the woman raised her eyebrows. "I went to great lengths to marry a merchant, but when I meet a thief, I'll be the first to be pushed out. I might as well live happily and earn more money while I'm still young."

She looked so relaxed, as if she was saying something that was natural and self-evident.

Those who came from the camp had never seen anything like this before. They were all furious and started cursing.

However, all the cursing and scolding did not move the woman at all. She just smiled and listened coldly, as if she heard what she wanted from the scolding.

Looking at the motionless figure, He Ling felt a pang of pain in his heart.

"You actually said such words. Such a bitch should be sold to a brothel..."

"Aunt! She was kidnapped by thieves!"

A hand was placed on the cursing old woman, causing her to pause.

"But, but she has bad intentions..." The old woman muttered unwillingly twice, but her voice lowered involuntarily.

Yes, no matter how hateful she was, she did not come to the island on her own, but was abducted by a robber.

Turning around again, facing the arrogant woman, He Ling was silent for a while, then suddenly said, "I don't know what you think, but I know how desperate it is to be pinned to the ground, beaten and scolded, unable to break free. I also know how painful it is to be forced, the pain that drives you crazy..."