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Even after the war, there was no peace on Luoling Island. People had to treat the wounded, reorganize the camp, count the spoils of war, and deal with a large number of prisoners.
In addition to several big bosses, logistics officers such as Tian Yu and Wang Cai also returned to the island to further sort out the chaos and handle miscellaneous matters.
Amidst the chaos and bustle, the excitement after the great victory, the fear after escaping death, the anger after the heavy casualties, and the inexplicable depression gradually accumulated in the heart, making the post-war emotions complicated and difficult to understand.
These problems cannot be solved simply by easing them. Just before everyone was in a state of panic, the long-awaited news came.
"The boss is back!"
Like a gust of wind, all inhibitions were swept away, leaving only ecstasy. Countless people gathered at the dock, following the leader and the captain, staring eagerly at where the ship was docking, until the woman in the red dress stepped down the gangway and appeared before them.
In an instant, countless people shouted at the top of their lungs.
"The leader is mighty!"
"Victory to the Red Flag Gang!"
"Long live the leader!"
The sound was chaotic, yet also rolling like thunder and blazing like fire, as if it contained all emotions, devoutly worshipping a god. Some sobbed, some shed tears, some screamed at the top of their lungs, yet everyone wore a smile on their lips and a gleam in their eyes, just like the resounding cheers.
Walking in the frantic procession lining the road to greet them, the red shadow seemed to have split the black sea. Even though the waves of sound were raging, he still walked steadily and firmly as usual.
Following behind Cheng Xi, Lu Jian couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. This battle had earned him more than just prestige in the officialdom and business world. These fanatical followers were truly terrifying. How many people could maintain their integrity in such an environment? Even in terms of magnanimity, such people were rare in the world.
Compared to Lu Jian's surprise, Shen Feng was much calmer. If a great man on the sea didn't have the ability to win over the hearts and minds of his subordinates, how could he have made a name for himself? However, the rapid expansion of power brought about by this great victory had become a hidden danger. In addition to coming here to get close to him, he also wanted to see if Cheng Xi could resolve this crisis.
But it doesn't matter what they think. When Cheng Xi, the leader of the Red Flag Gang, returns, it's time to celebrate.
After a war, people's hearts need to be appeased. Only supreme glory can comfort the dead and reward their merits.
…
Sitting in that strange wooden wheelchair, Shi Hao felt his chest swell and his face flush. She had certainly imagined being rewarded by the gang leader, perhaps even becoming his personal guard, but she had never imagined that someone who couldn't even walk would be pushed to the front and rewarded in front of millions of people.
Yet, she was indeed pushed up, like the select group of survivors who had participated in the night raid, onto the platform. Below were pairs of blazing eyes, while on the stage were a group of high-ranking leaders with solemn expressions. And the person she admired stood before her, speaking loudly.
Shi Hao felt dizzy, even more so than the night she'd been soaking in the sea. Her ears were ringing, making it almost impossible to make out what the other person was saying. Yet, she knew this was a "honoring" ceremony for her, for them. What did it mean? Shi Hao couldn't articulate it, but she knew it was a title higher than "martyr" or "hero," a reward that would bring honor to the family and earn her a place in the ancestral hall. How could a mere girl like her receive such an honor?
In ecstasy, disbelief, and dizzy excitement, Shi Hao watched the dazzling red dress approaching him. His neck felt heavy and a large bronze plate was hung on his chest.
"here you go."
The man smiled at her, patted her shoulder, and walked towards the next person. Shi Hao felt as if her chest and shoulders were on fire, and her whole body began to tremble. Ignoring the gazes of the others, she reached out and grabbed the sign, holding it in front of her. In the center, she saw the three characters "First Class Merit" inscribed, in a handwriting she had learned and recognized.
Tears couldn't be contained, and Shi Hao sobbed, tears streaming down her face. She was on stage, with so many people watching, how could she cry like that? But the next moment, she noticed that her companions, those standing or sitting around her, those with signs around their necks, were also crying, even louder than she was. Somehow, Shi Hao started laughing again, holding down the sign tightly. So what if they were men? They would bleed, get hurt, and cry bitterly, wouldn't they? She hadn't lost to anyone!
The time for commending meritorious individuals was considerable, yet every appearance on stage, every roll call, every gleaming medal, moved the hearts of countless on and off the stage. The rewards for this battle were different from those of previous ones, more solemn and dignified, yet more thrilling. There were no chests of gold or silver laid out before the crowd, only bronze medals on trays. Yet, the weight of those medals was no less than that of real gold and silver.
After the awards ceremony, Cheng Xi stood in front of everyone again and said, "We defeated the bandits and captured Qiongzhou. The South China Sea now belongs to our Red Flag Gang. You are all heroes in this battle. You can defend our territory and expand our borders! However, even if we capture territory, we must be able to protect it. From now on, the gang's fleet will be divided into civilian ships and merchant ships, and a separate Red Flag Army will be established. Only the elite will be recruited in this army, which will be under the command of five major fleets, usually led by Lin Meng, Sun Erlang, Li Niu, Yan Yuan, and Zhong Daliang. Each fleet is equipped with 300 warships. From Panyu to Hepu, all of this is the territory of the Red Flag Gang."
The audience erupted in laughter. Who could have imagined that the Red Flag Gang could also establish an army? Were they trying to compete with the imperial court? Of course, the imperial court banned the sea, so the sea was theirs!
Not only did someone shout loudly: "Long live General Zhenhai!"
Since they have formed an army, their leader is naturally a general, and everyone in the Red Flag Gang knows what the title "General Zhenhai" represents.
This was General Qiu's title, and now that it's been inherited by the Gang Leader, isn't it only natural? This is the only title worthy of the Gang Leader!
The shouts gradually became more orderly, earth-shaking and awe-inspiring. Sitting on the stage, Shen Feng's eyes became more profound. He had experienced the Red Flag Gang's celebration banquet and understood the difference between the two celebrations better than anyone else.
Whether it was the awarding of honors or the restructuring, the Red Flag Gang was no longer a pirate-like group, no longer the rough and tumble of drinking and eating meat. Instead, it had established rules and regulations, becoming a self-contained organization. Cheng Xi hadn't fallen into the trap he'd envisioned, nor had she been dazzled by the prestige and power that had reached the pinnacle. Perhaps this was the difference she'd mentioned before, something neither he nor Xu He could understand.
Once all the systems were perfected, the Red Flag Gang would no longer be a mere boat gang, but a kingdom of its own, a small court independent of the imperial court. What "General Zhenhai"? This was clearly the King of the South Sea.
If her power continued to expand, would she swallow up other people's territories and achieve greater success? At this moment, even Shen Feng couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. The relationship between the Qingfeng Gang and the Red Flag Gang might be different in the future.
Heroes in troubled times are indeed extraordinary.
However, compared to Shen Feng's emotion, Lu Jian's expression was more serious.
Even though he was the spokesperson for the Red Flag Gang in Panyu, he had never really come into contact with the core of the Red Flag Gang, let alone knowing about the restructuring. At this moment, he felt so upset that it was hard to describe in words.
What exactly does Cheng Xi want?
Without a sound, he lowered his eyes.
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