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Although he spoke with great difficulty, Tian Yu did not expect to see the person immediately. After all, he didn't know how many schemes and tricks were hidden behind these "good intentions", so it would not be easy for him to get what he wanted.
However, unexpectedly, Cheng Xi came to the door in person that afternoon.
Tian Yu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her, but his tone changed as soon as he spoke: "Miss Qiu avoided me, but she thought I was useless and didn't need to pay attention to me?"
Most people who hear this will be stunned. How can someone be so ungrateful?
Cheng Xi said, "Injuries can be treated, diseases can be cured. Even if you are born with defects, you can still be a useful person. I never think that people will be useless because of injuries. I just hope that Brother Tian can rest in peace and recover soon."
People with too much self-esteem will more or less become sharp and withdrawn after being injured, not to mention that Tian Yu also has the troublesome problem of post-traumatic stress. How could Cheng Xi care about the tone of his voice?
Besides, these arrangements were really a piece of cake for her. Accessible design sounds complicated, but it was actually just a matter of putting herself in other people's shoes and paying attention to details. The hospital in her army did a good job, so she was not unfamiliar with these things.
Of course, some things were a bit difficult to implement in ancient times and required more thought, but after they were made, they could be used elsewhere, so it was not a waste.
These straightforward yet soothing words made Tian Yu feel a little at a loss.
He had imagined more than one answer, but at this moment all of them fell into the void, because this was not a pretentious lie.
How could someone willing to build a hospital for wounded soldiers discriminate against the disabled? It's like being covered in spikes and facing pure kindness—it's inevitable that you feel like you're stepping on empty air.
But the next moment, his lips twitched nervously again: "So, you're ignoring me, are you trying to play hard to get?"
Cheng Xi said, "I've said before that whether to stay or go is entirely up to Brother Tian. But for something as important as this, hearsay alone is unreliable; seeing is believing. What have you seen on the island these past few days, Brother Tian?"
Tian Yu pursed his lips: "It's pretty stable."
This statement was somewhat against his will. After all, Tian Yu had been an official and had been in charge of money and food for the army. Naturally, he knew what ordinary soldiers and ordinary farmers were like.
Although the island is in ruins, the soldiers are fighting bravely and the people are living in peace, which is already a rare sight.
Cheng Xi said, "Three months ago, this place was occupied by bandits. They robbed merchant ships and harassed people ashore all day long."
Tian Yu had heard Yan Yuan talk about this before. He didn't believe it at first, but now he believed it about 80%. After all, there were hundreds of people on the island, and it was impossible to hide it.
To be able to manage a small island to this point in just three months, no matter what Miss Qiu's character is, her ability is not bad.
Seeing that he didn't answer, Cheng Xi continued, "The Red Flag Gang has another camp on the shore. They are now controlling the grain route, stabilizing grain prices, and using credit to control seafood from the two nearby counties, transporting it to Panyu for sale."
Yan Yuan never mentioned these things, and Tian Yu couldn't help but become more silent. These business methods were not bad, but they were different from what he expected. They were more like the ways of big sea merchants.
Cheng Xi continued, "More than half a year ago, I fled to the sea and encountered bandits. At that time, I only saved the lives of one boatload of people. Now I have over thirty large and small ships under my command, more than six hundred soldiers, and can influence more than ten villages. I also led a team to clear out the bandits on several islands. In the future, I will definitely continue to expand my territory and occupy a large area of the sea."
Tian Yu finally couldn't help it: "You are not plotting rebellion!"
Cheng Xi raised his eyebrows. "What does Brother Tian want? Lead the troops to attack the capital, kill all the civil and military officials, and take the emperor's life? And then what? There will still be many aristocratic families and officials who are rampant. If the throne is passed on, they will inevitably kill a few meritorious officials to make way for their children and grandchildren. You want revenge, but who is your enemy?"
Tian Yu felt a buzzing in his head, and even his eyes began to turn red.
Earlier, she'd asked him who the thief was, and he'd answered swiftly and clearly. But who was the enemy who'd forced his mother to death? Was it his high-ranking father-in-law? The powerful minister who'd murdered General Qiu? The aging and benighted emperor who only wanted to pass the throne to his beloved son? Or perhaps the wealthy and powerful who'd resorted to ruthless tactics to enforce the maritime ban?
If these were all his enemies, he would have to destroy the world to seek revenge! But what would happen after the world turned upside down?
A soft sigh came from the ear, and Cheng Xi shook her head gently: "I founded the Red Flag Gang. I am the daughter of General Qiu. I will repeatedly break the law and raise troops to cause chaos in the future. I am an out-and-out traitor. But I can also wipe out the bandits, open up the sea route, and let the people live in peace. I can't guarantee what will happen in the future, but if you only think about rebellion and don't care about other people's lives, I can't use such people."
Tian Yu clenched his fists, suppressing the strange ringing in his head. He stared at Cheng Xi, "What about your father's reputation? If he doesn't kill the tyrant, how can he clear his name?"
In this world, "the winner is the king and the loser is the bandit". How can a big merchant or a big pirate clear the wrongs done to General Qiu, clear his name and avenge him?
Looking back at those crazed eyes, Cheng Xi said calmly, "My father was loyal and brave, and history will bear witness to his deeds. What I want to change is this world of cannibalism. As long as the people can benefit and live in peace, someone will naturally remember his name for thousands of years."
This doesn't sound like the answer of a "filial son," nor does it sound like something someone with a blood feud would say.
However, the look in his eyes was so determined, and his voice was so frank, without any affectation or fear, that it made people feel dazed.
She wasn't lying to herself, nor did she mean to hide anything, she was just... different from him.
All the hatred and anger in his heart were thrown into the air, as if there was a void in his heart. Tian Yu was trembling all over, but his lips seemed to be stuck together and he couldn't squeeze out a word.
He did not agree with what Miss Qiu did, but he was not sure whether he was right.
If she really did something unscrupulous for revenge, even if she killed the tyrant emperor and asked the new emperor to posthumously confer a title on her mother, would her soul in heaven rest in peace?
After a long while, Tian Yu whispered, "What you're thinking is too absurd. It may not come true. I also have my mother's revenge to avenge. Maybe I can find a more suitable person to rely on in the future..."
Cheng Xi understood his implication: "What about now? The Red Flag Gang has suddenly expanded, and I'm extremely short of talent. I need someone to take care of the finances and supplies. I wonder if Brother Tian would be willing to take on this position?"
Tian Yu moved his lips and suddenly said, "What if I want to leave one day?"
Being in charge of money and food was like holding the lifeblood of the army. Who would want to employ a man with such a fickle mind and a rebellious streak? He might say nice things now, but they might cost him his life in the future.
Cheng Xi sighed softly, "Even so many tortures couldn't take away Brother Tian's integrity. What else do I have to worry about?"
Tian Yu's eyes suddenly became hot and he almost shed tears.
He had gone through so much torture, lived a life worse than death, and even became disabled and caused the death of his mother. However, despite this, he did not go against his conscience and wrote a single word on the false accusation petition.
If he could treat General Qiu like this back then, he would naturally be able to treat Miss Qiu like this in the future. Even if he leaves one day, no one would be able to get a single word out of him.
Taking a deep breath, Tian Yu bowed his head and said, "If it's Miss Qiu..."
He was interrupted by Cheng Xi: "My last name is Cheng Xi now, you can call me the leader or the boss."
Tian Yu was stunned for a moment, looking at the girl in men's clothing who was almost flawless, and finally changed his words: "If Boss Cheng doesn't abandon me, I am willing to do my best here."
He still held back on his words, but he had indeed made a promise. Cheng Xi smiled, "I'll recruit people tomorrow to let Danhui know the details of the gang."
This courtesy name really brought the two closer together. Tian Yu's heart trembled slightly and he bowed in response.
However, before it got dark, Yan Yuan rushed over and asked, "Dan Hui really wants to stay in the Red Flag Gang?"
He couldn't believe that this stubborn, stubborn and slightly crazy guy could be conquered so easily.
The gang leader won’t be deceived by him and led astray, right?
Tian Yu said with a cold face: "I still have my mother's revenge to deal with, so I might leave at any time."
Yan Yuan was stunned: "The gang leader agreed?"
Is this a joke? Anyone can manage the finances and grain. How can someone like this, who is so unstable and always thinking about leaving, do this?
Tian Yu raised his chin and said, "Of course I agreed. Even if I can't do anything else, I still have some credibility."
Yan Yuan finally realized that, apart from anything else, Tian Danhui was a tough guy with a sense of morality. He would never do anything to betray his master for personal gain. Even if he really left in the future, he would definitely not cause trouble for them.
And think about it the other way around, this might not be a bad idea. They really are short of people right now, and they would be happy to have a helper. After a period of subtle influence, maybe they can really win the person over?
At least he has full confidence in the gang leader's ability to control people.
Yan Yuan immediately became excited when he thought of this, and hurriedly said, "Since Dan Hui is staying, let me first tell you about the gang leaders..."
Even the smallest government office had a complex and chaotic personnel system, filled with people close to and distant from each other. As a former colleague, Yan Yuan naturally wanted to help his old friend.
Unexpectedly, before he could even open his mouth, Tian Yu stopped him with his hand: "I am the finance officer, I am in charge of finances, what do others have to do with me?"
Yan Yuan was stunned: "But..."
Tian Yu interrupted him again: "Besides, you and I have no personal relationship. As a leader of the troops, Chief Yan should not try to establish a relationship with me."
Yan Yuan: “…”
This is really the original taste.
Yan Yuan just felt confused and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
With this bad temper, I don’t know how many people he offended in the past. Now that he tries it again, doesn’t it feel familiar?
However, seeing him like this, Yan Yuan felt relieved. After thinking for a moment, he said solemnly, "Things are different now than they were back then. Since I have been entrusted by the military, I will definitely protect the leader. Brother Tian, please take care of yourself and don't let this trust down."
That stern face also made Tian Yusheng feel a little dazed. Then, he nodded: "Of course it should be so."
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