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Since we are preparing for a tough battle, all deployments must be made in advance. As the saying goes, "food comes before troops move." The deployment and coordination of logistics is also a necessary part, and it must be presided over by professionals. In the Red Flag Gang, it is obvious who this person is.
Setting foot on Luoling Island again, even though Tian Yu was well prepared, he was still shocked by the scene before him.
The entire dock became a ship repair yard, with piles of wood piled up in one place and countless craftsmen busy around the broken ships.
This is the mark left by a bitter victory, and they will face another big battle.
If the fleet suffered such severe losses, could the leader really be unscathed? The worry that had been weighing on his heart suddenly surged up, and he urged, "Hurry and get to the camp!"
Without caring about his face anymore, Tian Yu asked his personal attendants to carry him off the boat and directly put him into the car. They entered the camp unimpeded and only got out of the car and changed to a wheelchair in front of the meeting hall.
However, before he could tidy up his appearance, he saw a man walking out quickly.
"Danhui, you're here." Seeing Tian Yu, Cheng Xi couldn't help but show joy on his face, "Did the journey go smoothly?"
Before Tian Yu could answer, his eyes involuntarily moved up to look at the other person's forehead.
There was a scar there. Although it had already scabbed over, it was still deep and long, very eye-catching. He couldn't help but choke up: "You are injured? Why didn't you mention it before!"
This focus is a bit off. Cheng Xi raised an eyebrow: "It's just a minor injury, it's nothing serious."
A woman's facial injury, how could it be a minor injury?! The next moment, Tian Yu himself realized the absurdity of this idea. For a girl, a facial injury was indeed a serious matter, but for a military commander, let alone a scratch on the forehead, even being hit by an arrow would not be a big deal.
And after three fierce battles, he still led his troops to avoid the hurricane. The injury was minimal and could be considered a blessing from heaven.
For this reason, Tian Yu shut his mouth and stopped looking at the hands still wrapped in white cloth.
Cheng Xi didn't care what this weird guy was thinking and directly brought him into the house.
There was still a lobby without a threshold, and there were still empty spaces for wheelchairs. After sitting down in his seat, Tian Yu's mood gradually calmed down.
Cheng Xi didn't bother to be polite and asked directly, "What's the situation in Dongning now?"
"County Magistrate Cao personally sent people to convey the message and also monitored the powerful people in the county. He was quite dedicated. Those merchants were relatively well-behaved and did not run on the bank. Instead, the Tang family sent some food, wine and meat, saying it was a reward for the troops. Now that Dongning is united, even if there are people with ill intentions, they dare not be the first to act." Tian Yu explained the current situation of Dongning in a few words.
Cheng Xi breathed a sigh of relief. This was exactly what she had thought. "Then arrange for the transfer of personnel as soon as possible. Move the elderly, weak, women, children, and wounded to the Dongning camp."
This meant that Luoling Island was being treated as the front line. Tian Yu nodded in understanding and then said, "Now that we have enough money and food in the treasury, do you want to reward the soldiers in advance?"
Even if it was a pyrrhic victory, it was still a victory, and rewards should be given according to merit. Unfortunately, there were no spoils of war, so we could only take some money and food from the treasury to boost morale.
Cheng Xi shook his head and said, "We should arrange compensation first. All those who died in this battle are called 'martyrs' and should be buried with honor and be well cared for. Rewards for merit can be delayed. The war is not over yet, so this is not the time to collect money."
If they come down, they will fight to the death. If they are pirates who live on the edge of a knife, they will naturally care more about money and property. However, the training model of the Red Flag Gang is different from other places. These men who come from fishermen and regard the gang as their home probably care more about whether the reward money can fall into the hands of their relatives and how to take care of themselves after their death.
Tian Yu immediately understood what she meant. This was somewhat similar to General Qiu's way of leading the troops. He did not give rewards or punishments indiscriminately, and valued the soldiers more. However, General Qiu could not show too much favor for fear of arousing the court's suspicion. Cheng Xi was the master of this army, so he could naturally use better methods to win people's hearts.
However, in order to completely stabilize the army's morale, there was still one thing to consider. Tian Yu asked, "How does the leader plan to deal with this 'rumor'? The news about General Qiu's remaining troops has both advantages and disadvantages, and we must not let it go unchecked."
They can use these rumors to distinguish between friends and foes, and find those with ill intentions or those who are hesitant and fence-sitters, but as long as the news is not confirmed, people's hearts will also be uncertain.
"Of course we have to admit it." Cheng Xi smiled coldly, "We will eventually become enemies of the imperial court, so it's a good thing to let everyone give up their luck in advance."
The words "being an enemy of the imperial court" made Tian Yu's heart skip a beat and he couldn't help but clench his fists.
This is what he wants! If it weren't for those pigs and dogs in the court, how could he and his mother have fallen into such a state? However, the next moment, the blazing hatred was forcibly suppressed by him. Tian Yu took a deep breath: "If so, we might be able to instigate some government troops to rebel. Even if they are plowed by the court, there are still people in the navy who respect the general."
As soldiers, they were all paid by the emperor, and they knew the formidable qualities of General Qiu the most, admiring his character. It was precisely for this reason that the imperial court's persecution of such a renowned and loyal general would inevitably fill the soldiers with grief and indignation, making them empathize with his suffering. If they could capitalize on the general's prestige, they might even persuade some of the soldiers to defect, potentially disrupting the enemy's morale.
Cheng Xi pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Do you know Xu Xianrong?"
Tian Yu had a good memory, and after a moment's thought, he said, "But what about that young General Xu? I heard he once served under the general and was highly regarded, but he was transferred to the border a few years ago."
It seems that Tian Yu has never seen Xu Xianrong before. Cheng Xi sighed softly: "The one who led the troops to ambush us this time is this man."
Tian Yu couldn't help but be shocked: "Is it really him? He was transferred to Panyu? This..."
This was too much of a coincidence! If it was as the rumors said, this man must be General Qiu's favorite general. He actually fought a life-and-death battle with the general's daughter, nearly killing both of them. It was too much of a coincidence.
"He was transferred here through Lu's connections. Now he has been accused of collaborating with bandits and has been sent to prison." She has been paying attention to the intelligence in Panyu these days, so naturally she heard the news.
Tian Yu's expression changed drastically: "The navy camp is different from other places, we must not take the risk to save people!"
Almost instantly, he thought of how he escaped. However, the situation was different now, and the navy's camp was different from the Panyu prison. Cheng Xi could risk his life to rescue him, but he might not be able to save Xu Xianrong.
Cheng Xi knew exactly what Tian Yu was worried about, but she didn't answer directly. She turned to the people around her and said, "Go and invite Master Lu."
These words immediately made Tian Yu prick up his ears. He had heard of the name of Mr. Lu Jian, and he also knew that this person had come before him to report the news and stayed on the island.
But I didn’t expect that after such a big battle, he still hadn’t left. Could he have some plan?
A guy who hates to harm his stepmother, bring disaster to the clan, and is only one step away from killing his father, what else can he not do? Tian Yu doesn't think this is a person he can keep by his side without worry.
My mind was full of thoughts, but fortunately, I didn't have to wait too long before Lu Jian hurried over.
As soon as he saw the man, Tian Yu felt an alarm bell ringing in his heart and he sat up straight.
If nothing else, this Lu guy really has a good appearance, and what's even more rare is his demeanor, gentleness and elegance, a typical aristocratic family style, and he doesn't seem sinister or vicious at all. People like him are more worthy of vigilance.
After entering the lobby, Lu Jian's eyes fell on the figure sitting on the strange chair, and an idea immediately came to his mind that this person might be the rumored "Mr. Tian".
General Qiu's finance officer, the man who made Miss Qiu risk her life to save him, was unexpectedly so young.
That's right, the man was only about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, without a beard, and his face was a little thin, but his eyes were sharp and angular. If he changed into an official uniform, he could almost stand in the court and become a loyal minister who dared to advise the emperor.
But now, he is in a gang, his legs are diseased, and he has almost become a disabled person.
In his eyes, there was the burning fire that Lu Jian was familiar with, the smell of hatred, but he suppressed this hatred. Was it because of Miss Qiu?
The moment they looked at each other, they were both alert, but they hid themselves at the same time. Cheng Xi played the role of a good host and introduced them, "Brother Lu, this is my trusted aide, Mr. Tian Yutian. Danhui, this is Mr. Lu."
She also called him by his courtesy name. Lu Jian smiled slightly and said, "I've heard of Mr. Tian's great name for a long time. It's true that hearing about him is worse than meeting him in person."
Tian Yu's face darkened instantly. "It's better to see than to hear about it." Was this a mockery of his leg disease? Fortunately, knowing that Cheng Xi had called this guy here for something, Tian Yu resisted the urge to get angry. He simply bowed and considered it a formality.
He can be so rude in front of Miss Qiu. Either he is not cunning enough or he is too sensitive. He should not be difficult to deal with. The smile on Lu Jian's face deepened a little.
Cheng Xi didn't give him the chance to continue his mischief and asked directly, "Brother Lu, do you think Minister Lu will still protect Xu Xianrong?"
Lu Jian's expression suddenly became serious. After thinking for a moment, he slowly said, "Of course he will. If he loses his job, he will be kicked out of the court. He might even be used against him by others and he will never be able to turn over a new leaf."
As he was also concerned about the situation of the navy, Lu Jian naturally knew about Xu Xianrong's recent situation and had mentioned it to Cheng Xi.
It is probably known to everyone that there are remnants of General Qiu in the Red Flag Gang. Even the commander of Panyu has begun to gather troops, obviously planning to launch an expedition.
At this time, if Lord Lu was involved, he would lose the emperor's favor, which would be more fatal than killing him.
Therefore, he not only had to protect Xu Xianrong, but also had to find a way to clear his name and allow him to continue to fight against the Red Flag Gang.
Although he didn't say this directly, the two people in front of him clearly understood. Tian Yu frowned and said, "If that's the case, it will be troublesome. Do we have to surrender on the battlefield?"
Cheng Xi shook his head slightly: "Maybe not."
The biggest problem now is that no one knows Xu Xianrong's character. Tian Yu has only heard of his name. If it was Yan Yuan, he might be more familiar with him, but he is not here.
In this situation, it is difficult to infer a person's thoughts and even more difficult to find a strategy to deal with it.
Lu Jian also understood what they were talking about and suddenly interrupted: "If you can persuade the imperial soldiers to surrender, I'm afraid no one will be able to save the Xu family."
Tian Yu turned his head and looked directly at Lu Jian: "Master Lu, are you planning to use General Xu to deal with your father?"
If Minister Lu tried hard to protect Xu Xianrong, but a rebel suddenly appeared in the army, then even a god would be unable to save him.
If General Xu is accused of collaborating with bandits, it will not be a good thing for Minister Lu, and it will probably play into Lu Jian's hands.
The words were so blunt that they bordered on offensive, but Lu Jian smiled faintly: "Although I am not talented, I will not go back on my words. General Xu has nothing to do with me, but he means something different to Gang Leader Cheng, so I will naturally not take action."
Tian Yu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized that Lu Jian knew Cheng Xi's background and that she was a woman! Somehow, Tian Yu suddenly felt a little uncomfortable in his heart, and the look he gave Lu Jian became increasingly unfriendly.
Cheng Xi naturally believed what Lu Jian said, and the situation was indeed as he said. If someone in the navy really defected, Xu Xianrong would probably be the first to be sacrificed. But if he was not rescued, there might be another battle.
After a moment's silence, Cheng Xi said, "Let's talk about this after Yan Yuan returns. There's a big battle ahead, Brother Lu, do you want to go to the Dongning camp first?"
This was also one of the reasons why she went to find Lu Jian. Now that the enemy was numerous and we were few, it was almost inevitable that Luoling Island would become the front line, so it was natural to reduce the number of non-combat personnel.
Lu Jian didn't agree. "I have some friendship with Shen Feng, so I might be of some use if I stay. At worst, I can leave when a war breaks out." After a pause, he reminded, "General Qiu has some old grudges with the Qingfeng Gang, so you have to be careful."
With such careful instructions and tying his life and property to the Red Flag Gang, one should be moved. Unexpectedly, Cheng Xi just nodded decisively: "Alright, I'll trouble you, Brother Lu."
The punch hit nothing, and even someone as shrewd as Lu Jian couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
Even if he wanted to take a step back, he didn't want their relationship to remain unchanged.
She is already seventeen or eighteen years old now. Doesn't she know the difference between men and women and what admiration and care are?
After a moment of distraction, Lu Jian smiled and said, "There's no need for us to say more. I will do my best."
This was said frankly, but Tian Yu frowned when he heard it.
No, this guy definitely has bad intentions! But this wasn't the time to say that, so he suppressed his anger. He waited until he had sent the person away before he couldn't help but say, "Boss, that Lu guy might have ulterior motives. We have to be on guard."
Cheng Xi smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
It is not difficult to guess what Lu Jian is thinking. Now that they are facing a powerful enemy, they must make good use of everything they can.
As for the old grudge between the Qingfeng Gang and General Qiu, it is a bit troublesome. It depends on what Shen Sandao plans to do...
Of course, the current plan is to stabilize the military morale as soon as possible.
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