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Since it was a celebration banquet, drinking was inevitable. Shen Feng and other outsiders immediately became the target of everyone's attack.
As a hero in this battle, Lu Jian had fewer people around him. After all, he was from an aristocratic family. How many people would not feel awkward in his presence? Besides, he was also the head of a bank. It was not appropriate for someone who managed money to be too close to someone who led troops. They were all smart people and would not make mistakes in such an occasion.
However, the more this happened, the more Lu Jian couldn't just sit there and do nothing. Instead, he toasted everyone generously and was especially polite to "colleagues" such as Tian Yu and Wang Cai.
Of course, Tian Yu didn't look happy, but Wang Cai smiled and gave him enough face, without any intention of being arrogant because of Minsheng Bank.
After a few rounds, Lu Jian, with a slightly tipsy look on his face, sat at the side with his usual faint smile, watching the lively jubilation from the audience. Given Cheng Xi's current status, no one dared to force her to drink, but with tens of thousands of soldiers around, there were bound to be shouts and toasts, frequent from afar.
And every time, amidst the thunderous cheers, Cheng Xi would raise his glass, smile, and drink it all in one gulp. He didn't seem aloof or unkind, but he also didn't try to be pretentious. He blended in with these roughnecks, which only made them more awed. His balance was truly brilliant. Watching from the side, Lu Jian felt even more emotional, and something in his heart became even more unbearable.
The celebration continued until the lights came on. Countless people rolled under the tables, and countless cups and glasses were overturned, all in a state of drunkenness. Lu Jian just sat there and waited for Cheng Xi to announce the end of the banquet and then stood up to leave before following him.
He drank quite a bit, but was far from being drunk, and some things could only be said at times like this.
Unexpectedly, just after taking a few steps, a hand blocked in front of him: "Mr. Lu is drunk, do you want someone to take you back to the house?"
Lu Jian turned around and saw Yan Yuan, reeking of alcohol, with a cold expression on his face, not even a hint of a smile. Today was a celebration banquet, and he, a big boss surrounded by people, didn't expect to notice this.
Lu Jian smiled: "Brother Yan, you worry too much. I just want to talk to Gang Leader Cheng about something."
"Today's a celebration banquet, why bother discussing business? Why not have a couple more drinks and get drunk?" Although Yan Yuan spoke appropriately, he had no intention of taking her back to the bar. Instead, he let out a warning. Perhaps he was truly drunk, revealing his true nature.
This was different from what Lu Jian had imagined. However, with someone blocking him like this, he really couldn't catch up. So he turned around, looked at Yan Yuan thoughtfully, and nodded with a smile: "Brother Yan, you are right. We can talk about that tomorrow. Let's drink together today."
As if sensing the provocation in the other party's words, Yan Yuan smiled: "Then I have to toast Mr. Lu a few more cups."
There wasn't much more to say at this point; it was just another round of drinking contests. Even though Lu Jian could hold his liquor well, he was still drunk by Yan Yuan, the soldier who'd been a bit of a slacker, and Li Niu and the others who'd come along to cause trouble later in the day. The next day, when he arrived in front of Cheng Xi, fully clothed, he was no longer alone.
Seeing that the lame Mr. Tian sat still, clearly showing no intention of retreating, Lu Jian was helpless. This man was now Cheng Xi's trusted advisor, and he had no reason or right to ask him to withdraw. So he just said businesslike, "I was drunk yesterday and almost delayed the work. From what Gang Leader Cheng said, is the Red Flag Army forming a plan to attack Qiongzhou?"
It is said that the Changjing Gang was driven away, but Qiongzhou Island has not yet fallen into the hands of the Chiqi Gang, so this question is not surprising.
Cheng Xi said: "Whether it is Qiongzhou or the more distant Nanyang, we have to take it step by step. However, we need to train the soldiers in advance, which can also save some food and money."
Since ancient times, maintaining an army has always been the most expensive thing. Especially when the power has grown to such a level, it is no longer possible to use the previous method of universal military service. It is necessary to reduce the number of off-duty combatants and make a clear division of labor.
However, such a principle was somewhat out of place when applied to a boat gang. Lu Jian said, "Since there's no rush to fight, the matter of establishing an army is worth discussing. If Gang Leader Cheng does this, those on the shore will probably become wary and cause trouble."
Last night, countless people shouted "Zhenhai General." Lu Jian knew they were mistaken. This wasn't about becoming a general, but rather about establishing a kingdom. This was clearly a rebellious move. Would such a radical move cause further unrest in Panyu? And yet, he was completely unaware of such an important matter during the negotiations. Was this an attempt to harass the enemy, or was it a deliberate attempt to exclude him?
His question was direct, and Cheng Xi answered simply: "Even if they are unhappy, what can they do to me? Can the imperial court still spare troops? Or are there still people in Panyu who want to use force?"
Lu Jian frowned: "That being said, there's no need to act rashly..."
"When others are distracted, it's the best time to reorganize the army." Cheng Xi smiled. "Or does Mingde think that if I change the system, others will be frightened and attack me?"
Lu Jian was stunned when these words left his mouth. He had overlooked this point. Yes, if anyone else had established an army, their rebelliousness would have been etched on their face. However, Cheng Xi was different. She was a woman, the daughter of General Zhenhai, Qiu Sheng. Establishing the Red Banner Army was like vindicating her father's reputation. While she might be aggressive, she didn't seem to harbor any ambitions for dominance. Had she anticipated this?
After a moment of silence, Lu Jian suddenly asked, "What does Gang Leader Cheng plan to do with this Red Flag Army?"
This was something he had never directly asked, but now, he had to ask. She had already conquered the South China Sea. If she simply wanted to further control the Southeast Asia, she could simply proceed with steady progress as before. Why go to all this trouble? It could be said that the emergence of the Red Flag Army signaled a change in her purpose.
"Of course it's to consolidate the foundation. Now that the territory is large, we can't follow the old ways. We have to get rid of the dross and keep the good." Cheng Xi's tone was neither salty nor bland. There was no arrogance at all, and he didn't look like someone with big ambitions.
Lu Jian turned his head and looked at Tian Yu: "Some deep hatreds must be avenged. The world is in chaos, and there are countless people who want to take advantage of the situation. But the boat gangs on the sea are no different from others after all."
This was addressed to Cheng Xi, as well as Tian Yu, for Mr. Tian had also suffered the wrath of the imperial court, his family destroyed and even left him disabled. He didn't think Tian Yu could endure this calmly. Could this be the key to convincing Cheng Xi to reform? But the boat gangs were unlike other factions; they couldn't leave the sea. If they went ashore, not only would their fighting power be reduced to a tenth, but their morale would also be severely damaged. Why take such a risk?
Tian Yu smiled coldly: "Mr. Lu's ability to seek revenge is naturally unmatched by others. It's a pity that I am too dull to learn these methods."
This was a mocking rebellion, a betrayal that had grown on him, not only against his own brother but also against his own father. Lu Jian didn't care about other people's opinions, simply shaking his head: "These messes are simply family matters, not something to be made public. However, the Red Flag Gang still dominates the South China Sea, and their influence is considerable. Whatever they intend to do, they need to be well-planned..."
Cheng Xi gently waved his hand to stop Lu Jian: "Mingde, you're overthinking it. I have no intention of opposing the imperial court right now. The four seas are in turmoil, so how can I spare the energy to take care of other things?"
Lu Jian breathed a sigh of relief, but then his mind perked up again. Unrest in the four seas? Could it be that she was planning to expand into the East China Sea through the Qingfeng Gang? There were countless forces along the coast, but no one could swallow them all in one go.
As if guessing what Lu Jian was thinking, Cheng Xi spoke first: "Just like Jiangdong, if we can open a bank there, wouldn't it also allow the Red Flag Gang to expand its influence? I want more than just territory, but I don't know if Mingde can help me."
These words shocked Lu Jian, and he suddenly understood many things. Maritime trade was ultimately about trading with other countries. She wasn't trying to control the four seas, but rather these trade routes. If they occupied the South China Sea, the road to Southeast Asia would fall under the control of the Red Flag Gang. The Green Phoenix Gang had always done business with Japan. What if they could use their help to monopolize another shipping route?
In this way, I'm afraid he can really rule the world. But for a person who doesn't care about money and pleasure at all, what's the point of occupying these?
Lu Jian couldn't understand, but he had to answer the question. It was no longer a collaboration, no longer an alliance, but a "helper." This was a frank question as he established himself in Panyu and solidified his foundation.
"If we can open a bank in Jiangdong, all the hard work will be worth it." Lu Jian finally answered.
His goal had never changed, and now the Red Flag Gang was the force closest to achieving that goal. He was already on board, so he didn't mind bowing his head again.
Cheng Xi smiled and nodded: "In that case, Mingde should also attend the meetings over the next few days. If there is a real disturbance in Panyu, we should also be prepared to deal with it."
Her casual answer made Lu Jian smile. There was no sarcasm or loss, just a natural smile: "Thank you, Boss."
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