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The Panyu area is now in a state of turmoil, with warships crisscrossing and armies passing through. The merchants passing by are so frightened that they keep their tails between their legs, fearing that they will be swept up in this hurricane-like situation.
In such a situation, there was still a speedboat sailing alone, which was really courageous. However, the people on the boat hated the wrong weather, the headwinds everywhere, and the boat was not going fast enough.
Who could have thought that so many big things would happen in just a short time away?
Before Yan Yuan led his troops on the expedition, he was worried that Ning Fu would secretly interfere and cause trouble, so he decided to fight a quick battle early on.
Fortunately, the Qingfeng Gang had the same idea. Although Shen Feng was a slippery person, he was very capable of leading troops in battle. With the cooperation of the two sides and the fact that the Lin family was too busy to take care of themselves, the progress was really smooth.
However, the Lin family was a powerful family that controlled a certain area. Although they had attacked and seized some strongholds, they could not really hurt the foundation. It was thanks to a passing hurricane that they had the opportunity to launch a decisive encirclement and suppression.
This was a great victory. According to the agreement, they would get a lot of ships and a large share of profits. It was a happy event no matter how you looked at it. However, before everyone had time to celebrate, news came back from Luoling Island that the Red Flag Gang was in trouble.
Ning Fu led his army to fight, but soldiers set an ambush nearby. That was not the end, as they encountered a hurricane head-on during the battle. After they had finally escaped from danger, news of the remnants of General Qiu came out, which attracted the imperial army.
The series of bad news made even a veteran like Yan Yuan tremble with fear and wish he could fly back immediately.
But he was in a foreign place, and had the Qingfeng Gang, a standard gangster gang, as an ally. How could he lose his composure at the moment of great victory?
After enduring for a few more days and cleaning up the mess completely, Yan Yuan finally extended an invitation to Shen Feng.
This is also the most subtle point in Cheng Xi's order. She did not directly say that the Red Flag Gang was about to face the imperial army and urgently needed people to come to help. She only invited Shen Feng to visit Luoling Island.
This was a bit strange, but after thinking it over again and again, Yan Yuan still followed her instructions exactly. Unexpectedly, Shen Sandao agreed straightforwardly and even ordered his troops to go with Yan Yuan.
Yan Yuan naturally would not refuse, but at this time, some things could no longer be concealed. The court's mobilization of troops was too loud, and the coastal areas had already been in turmoil.
Fortunately, Shen Feng knew this but did not change his mind. He chose a longer route and suggested avoiding the government troops.
This was wise advice, so Yan Yuan naturally agreed to it happily. However, when the fleet really set out to sea, he immediately handed over the army to his deputy and took a shortcut back in a speedboat.
This is not dereliction of duty, nor does it mean to underestimate the Qingfeng Gang. On the contrary, the route chosen by Shen Feng is safe, but it takes too long, and time waits for no one. The war is imminent, and he must get back as soon as possible.
After such a sleepless journey, it only took a few days for Yan Yuan to return to Luoling Island. The first time he saw Cheng Xi, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Great, she wasn't hurt!
Although there was a scar on his forehead and a bandage on his hand, after having experienced several major battles and escaped a hurricane, this minor injury was nothing.
The heart that had been hanging in my throat for the past few days finally settled down peacefully.
Seeing Yan Yuan, Cheng Xi was also a little surprised: "Why did you come back alone? How is the situation in Fujian?"
Yan Yuan immediately said, "Don't worry, Boss. The Qingfeng Gang has been dealt with. Shen Sandao has also brought his men and horses and is coming with the army. But I think that man is aware of our situation, and his thoughts are a bit hard to say."
It must be no small matter to make Yan Yuan leave his post. Cheng Xi immediately asked, "What do you mean?"
Yan Yuan had been thinking for a long time along the way. Without even a single hesitation, he spoke directly, "We're in trouble this time, in part because our army has come out to help the Qingfeng Gang. Shen Feng owes us a favor, and now he's sending troops, seemingly with the intention of helping, but he hasn't put forward any conditions. Shen Sandao isn't the type to rush for justice. He's coming, but whether to send troops or how to fight is a question."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Xi understood. How could an opportunist like Shen Feng help others for no reason?
He came here without asking any questions, probably intending to raise the price. After all, the Red Flag Gang is in danger now, and although the Green Phoenix Gang fought a tough battle, they may not be without spare energy. Isn't this a good time to raise the price?
However, Yan Yuan hadn't finished speaking yet: "There's another thing we must be on guard against. The Qingfeng Gang has fought against the military before, and even Shen Feng himself suffered some hardships. Gangs like the Qingfeng Gang, although the leaders, both big and small, obey the gang leader's control, but there are many factions, and some may even have grudges against the military. Gang leader, you only said that you invited Shen Feng to come as a guest. Do you have the same concerns?"
This is exactly what he said. Cheng Xi nodded slightly: "If we speak directly about this matter, there will be a quarrel within the Qingfeng Gang, and Shen Feng might find an excuse to push it away. Now that he's here, it means there is still room for discussion."
Yan Yuan said solemnly, "This is also the second strange thing. Some of the people he chose can't be considered his confidants."
When going to lend a hand, the first thing to understand is not only the enemy, but also the allies. Years of military career naturally taught Yan Yuan these things.
In addition to fighting with the Lin family, he carefully sorted out the personnel relationships of the Qingfeng Gang and roughly figured out the gang's structure.
This is a typical gang. In addition to absorbing exiled criminals and tough fishermen, it has also eaten up many gangs by consuming small fish.
These are all desperate criminals. Although some of them obey orders obediently, there are also unruly ones who even deliberately want to become powerful.
During the previous attack on the Lin family, Shen Fengzhen treated many people as cannon fodder. Now that the war is over, he must do some cleaning up. Unexpectedly, he brought people to Luoling Island openly. This is a bit strange.
Yan Yuan recounted everything he had heard and seen in detail, causing Cheng Xi to frown: "Could it be that the Qingfeng Gang is unstable after the war, and he needs to bring someone out?"
"Not likely." Yan Yuan shook his head. "Now that Shen Feng has already grasped the power, no one can shake the foundation of the Qingfeng Gang. He chose these people, probably with the intention of targeting General Qiu. If they come to the island and start a quarrel, it will be difficult to deal with. Should we suppress the news and say it's all rumors?"
This is also what Yan Yuan is most worried about. If the Qingfeng Gang comes and instead of helping, they cause more trouble, then even gods cannot save them.
Therefore, he had to let Cheng Xi prepare in advance, and he could even consider severing ties with General Qiu first.
However, to Yan Yuan's surprise, Cheng Xi shook his head and said, "It's too late. I have already admitted that there is a great general in the Red Flag Gang. Now everyone in the gang knows it."
The word "bone and blood" made Yan Yuan's throat choke and his eyes turned slightly red.
This represented more than just the "remnants"; it also meant she had admitted her identity. She really had no intention of concealing the matter, or rather, admitting it openly was the only way to dispel everyone's doubts and rally the military's morale.
But once this matter is admitted, it will be even more difficult for the Qingfeng Gang.
Seeing Yan Yuan's expression, Cheng Xi knew what he was thinking and said comfortingly, "Since Shen Feng can come, there must be a possibility of forming an alliance. Moreover, with the Changjing Gang as a ruthless enemy, he won't be able to do it for too long." After a pause, Cheng Xi smiled and said, "Besides, I may not be without a way to counter it."
What method? Yan Yuan's expression brightened, and he wanted to listen carefully, but Cheng Xi suddenly changed the subject and said, "There is one more thing that I am a little unsure about, and I want to ask your opinion."
Yan Yuan immediately said, "Master, please speak."
"Do you think Xu Zixin will vote for us?" Cheng Xi asked.
Why did they suddenly mention him? Yan Yuan was startled, then shook his head: "No, General Xu has a temperament very much like a military leader, and he would never follow the bandits."
If this is true, Cheng Xi sighed in his heart.
General Qiu would rather be unjustly killed than rebel. It seems that the person he chose has the same temperament as him.
Yan Yuan suddenly became alert: "Boss, are you planning to ask General Xu to come out of retirement?"
It would be fine if others didn’t know, but he knew General Qiu’s last words.
Could it be that, faced with this crisis, Cheng Xi was planning to take advantage of Xu Xianrong? It was possible, it was possible… Several “could be”s raced through Yan Yuan’s mind, and he couldn’t make sense of it. This was all within reason. After all, Xu Xianrong was the military commander’s designated person to take care of the orphan. Who knew there could even be an engagement?
Now that the Red Flag Gang is in danger, it's not surprising that she would have some thoughts.
But even so, the moment this thought came to mind, he felt uncomfortable all over. Not to mention Xu Xianrong's stubborn temper, distant water can't quench immediate thirst...
Unexpectedly, all his thoughts were shattered the next moment. Cheng Xi said, "The one who led the troops to ambush me was Xu Zixin."
Yan Yuan's eyes widened. "Did he lead that formidable government army? Did you fight against the hurricane?"
Cheng Xi nodded. "It's a good thing the hurricane arrived early, otherwise it would be hard to say whether we could win. But he managed to escape, and after returning to Panyu, he was convicted and imprisoned."
Yan Yuan felt his head buzzing. This was just too much of a coincidence. Two people who were supposed to be together for life ended up fighting by accident and almost took each other's life.
So, asking...
Yan Yuan clenched his fists and asked, "You want to rescue him?"
Yes, otherwise why would you ask such a question?
But he didn't lie just now. Xu Xianrong is really not the kind of person who would surrender to a thief. He probably wouldn't believe that Miss Qiu had become the leader of such a big shipping gang.
If you want to rescue him, you will not only take the risk of jailbreaking, but you might be turned against him and captured in one fell swoop.
But he was Cheng Xi's fiancé, the one the military had entrusted with his orphan...
Cheng Xi was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "As a general, you must not act on your emotions."
Xu Xianrong's relationship with General Qiu and even Miss Qiu is close enough, but with a powerful enemy at the door, how could he waver for personal reasons?
She didn't choose the method given by Lu Jian before, more because of insufficient conditions rather than Xu Xianrong himself, and she thought it would be the same in the future.
But even after confirming it with Yan Yuan, the real insider, it still makes people feel a little regretful.
Yan Yuan felt relieved all over, but the next moment, he felt a deep regret in his heart.
He shouldn't have asked that, after all, it was General Xu...
Cheng Xi didn't dwell on this anymore and ordered, "Shen Feng's situation is more important right now. We need to prepare well..."
Although we took a detour, the time spent on sea voyage was not much different after all.
Two days later, the huge fleet docked at Luoling Island and welcomed new guests.
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