End of text
On the return trip this time, Cheng Xi and his companions did not encounter bandits again. One reason was that there were not many people as brave as the Tianding Army, and the other was that someone had already led a team to meet them.
He personally led the troops and fleet to the scene. Seeing Cheng Xi safe and sound, Yan Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and said hastily, "I heard that the Tianding Army was planning to harm the leader, so I led the army here."
The news seemed to have come back. Cheng Xi smiled slightly: "It doesn't matter. The gang of thieves has been dealt with, and Ning Fu's head has been sent to Jiujiang. The Tianding Army should be honest recently."
This was good news. With the venomous snake Ning Fu dead, they had one less thing to worry about. However, even more surprising was the old man standing next to Cheng Xi. Yan Yuan asked tentatively, "Mr. Fang has also come along, but is there something else going on with the Minotaur Gang?"
Fang Tianxi snorted: "From now on, I will be hanging out with Gang Leader Cheng. Do you have any objections?"
He did have one. This old man had abandoned the military back then. Who knows if he would betray the gang leader again? However, before he could answer, Cheng Xi said, "Mr. Fang will be my chief of staff from now on. He will be the chief of staff. You must not lose your manners."
The current General Staff had no chief, so they were waiting here. Seeing Cheng Xi's expression, Yan Yuan knew the situation was settled. Although he didn't like the old man, Yan Yuan had to admit that he was an excellent military advisor, and had been highly regarded by General Qiu. Now that he had abandoned Sun Yuanrang and joined the gang leader, did this mean that he was more optimistic about the gang leader?
After a few thoughts, Yan Yuan saluted politely: "Staff Officer, you are joking. I will naturally listen to the leader."
These words were really a needle hidden in a cotton ball. However, Fang Tianxi had no interest in arguing with him. Instead, he looked at the boy carefully for a few times, then snorted coldly and twirled his beard, not knowing what he was thinking.
Cheng Xi had no intention of acting as a middleman, so he boarded the boat brought by Yan Yuan and sailed down the Beijiang River. After the battle, they had to spread the word about their achievements and inspect the new territory so that Fang Tianxi could see the talents.
However, Fang Tianxi was obviously more concerned with other things than recognizing people. As soon as he got on the boat, he found an opportunity to stop Cheng Xi and whispered, "You know that kid surnamed Yan is interested in you, right?"
Cheng Xi raised an eyebrow, but did not deny it. She just asked, "Why, you want to be my matchmaker again?"
Fang Tianxi shook his head: "Since you have chosen this path, it is not appropriate for you to get married. But you must have a child to settle people's hearts. Yan Yuan is strong and healthy, good-looking, and he doesn't look stupid. He is a good choice."
This is really like a stallion, Cheng Xi laughed: "Then Shen Feng and Lu Jian, who I have had scandals with, are also quite suitable, right?"
The word "scandal" sounded a bit strange, but Fang Tianxi still understood it and immediately shook his head: "They can't do it. They have too many thoughts and will cause chaos among the in-laws, unless you refuse to acknowledge the identity of the child's biological father."
As he spoke, he became a little worried again: "But childbirth is also a difficult hurdle. We have to wait until the situation stabilizes and then find a few experts in gynecology and obstetrics before we can make preparations."
How long did this take? Cheng Xi found it more and more funny: "That is to say, it doesn't matter who I sleep with, as long as I can have a child. If that's the case, why are you worrying about it? Even if I have a peerless beauty by my side, the child will be mine."
Such a crude statement left Fang Tianxi speechless, because Cheng Xi was right, and it was indeed the truth. Compared to men, women in charge of the family did not have to worry about whether they were legitimate or illegitimate, or about relatives by marriage. After all, no matter how much favor they received, it could not surpass the bond between mother and son.
After being speechless for a while, Fang Tianxi sighed, "Well, I was overthinking it. But if the gang leader has children in the future, it would be best if one of them has the surname Qiu and inherits the incense of General Qiu."
"A family's ancestral hall will eventually be cut off, but as long as the general's temple is there, my father will never lack incense offerings. Besides, a child may not know his father, but how can he not know his mother? In this case, why should I care about incense offerings?" Cheng Xi answered frankly.
Do women appreciate incense and worship? The very question seems absurd, but why do men need incense and worship? Because they cannot produce children, and the only way to continue their bloodline is through marriage and the passing of a surname. So, what's so surprising about a woman not caring about incense and worship?
This is not surprising, but it is very awkward for Fang Tianxi. It is awkward everywhere. After a long silence, he said: "Now I understand the source of your thoughts."
She was a woman, and the things women cared about were simply incomprehensible to men. But the things men cared about, the things they constantly thought about, were natural to women. She had left the boudoir, transcending the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues, so naturally, what she saw and thought was different from the norm.
"Then do you still want to be my matchmaker?" Cheng Xi asked back.
Fang Tianxi laughed: "I am just an advisor, not your elder."
For a lord like this, why bother with the secrets behind the curtain? Just doing official business is actually relaxing.
Cheng Xi also smiled: "Then I'll have to trouble you, sir, to plan something big for me."
Clearly, securing the strait was more important than sleeping with someone. How could such a major undertaking be without a consultant?
As Cheng Xi traveled south, news gradually reached Panyu. Over the past year, the Red Flag Gang had accomplished many significant things, from opening up shipping routes to the East China Sea to occupying the Yue River and conquering cities. This truly enriched Panyu's people.
Now, they are finally going to send troops to open up the strait and seize those businesses that are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver. Who in Panyu would not be tempted?
For a time, those who were preparing food supplies, placing large orders in the trading market, and those who had full warehouses of goods and were just waiting to dump them, all had countless eyes fixed on the Red Flag Gang. Even the provincial governors and high-ranking officials were silent and had no intention of uttering a word of opposition.
This is what the general trend is.
When everyone returned to Luoling Island, all war preparations had been completed, waiting for the order.
And Cheng Xi was the one who gave the order.
"You all know that the remnants of the Changjing are still there, as are the Xisai barbarians who have killed countless of our brothers. Now the Red Banner Army has swept the rear and captured Qiongzhou, and all we need is to march out with the full force."
After a year of operation, Qiongzhou has begun to take shape. In the future, it will become the bridgehead for the Red Flag Gang to Southeast Asia, and will be taken into its possession together with Hepu.
Sweeping his gaze over those faces, some excited, some calm, Cheng Xi spoke again: "We seized the strait for pepper, for those huge trades worth thousands of gold, but it's not just for these. Beyond the strait, there is still a vast world, a world we have never known, and that strait is the gate to this territory. From now on, I will make this gate in my own hands, and make all those who long for the forbidden sea understand the importance of the ocean."
This description was incredibly simple, yet incredibly accurate, causing many people to breathe faster. At that moment, everyone understood the significance of this battle; it wasn't simply about wiping out bandits and trading pepper. Her ambition was so clear it was almost undeniable, leaving everyone mesmerized.
Looking at those people with different expressions, Cheng Xi smiled proudly: "And all those who follow me will not only have countless wealth, but also their names will be recorded in history. I also want to let the world know that it is not only emperors and generals who rule the world. As long as you have courage, vision and determination, anyone can create a new world for themselves!"
Is this the end of the strait? Of course not, otherwise she wouldn't be plotting to reach the shore and take Yuhang. Few people might understand her true intentions, but everyone present knew that she was an unwavering overlord. Following such a person, countless renowned ministers and generals would naturally emerge.
And they are standing at the forefront. How lucky they are!
Standing closest to Cheng Xi, Yan Yuan felt his breath catch. Speaking of pre-battle pledges, nothing could be more stirring and stirring, even the pledges of family, country, and the world at the gates of the army couldn't compare. Yet, beyond admiration, a shudder emanated from within. He loved this kind of Cheng Xi, not just the gentleness of her frown, not just the radiant smile, but also the sight of her standing before the crowd, speaking so boldly and eloquently.
This breadth of mind, this courageous vision, are also a part of her, which makes him unable to extricate himself and admire her wholeheartedly.
His throat rolled several times before Yan Yuan managed to suppress his turbulent emotions. This was nothing but wishful thinking. How could he be worthy of her?
No one cared about that little emotional ups and downs, nor did anyone care about trivial matters other than this great battle. Soon, all arrangements were ready.
Ships, new and old, spread their sails and furled their anchors. All the warships, merchant ships, and cargo ships gathered together and sailed southward along the monsoon.
Standing at the bow, smelling the familiar sea breeze, Cheng Xi narrowed her eyes slightly. All she could see was her ship, the power that carried out her will. And behind her, as always, stood a person, as if he was guarding her own flagship tightly, never leaving.
So Cheng Xi smiled and asked with a chuckle, "Yan Yuan, if one day I want to set sail to a foreign country, will you follow me?"
Yan Yuan was startled by these words. His heart felt like it was being pulled at something, clenched tightly, and nearly leapt out of his chest. His voice trembled, but he answered without hesitation, "Of course, anywhere."
He wasn't sure if his answer was right, but he saw the woman in front of him turn her head. Her red hairpin reflected the radiance of the sky, and her red dress was a fiery, bright color, but neither could compare to the faint smile on her lips.
He couldn't help but take a step forward, paused, and moved forward again until he was standing very close behind her.
So what he saw was no longer her back, but the scene in her eyes.
Thousands of sails are flying and the blue sea is boundless.
In this sea area, she is unstoppable and unstoppable.
(End of text)
Overthrowing an old era and building a new era has never been a one-person job, nor is it a career that can be accomplished in a lifetime. If I continue writing, I will have to jump timelines and change perspectives. After thinking about it, I decided to end the main text here. There will be a few chapters of other people's extra stories later, and you can choose to read them or not.
As for this article, the main idea seems to be quite clear and complete. This is not a "stock buying article", but quite the opposite. It presents a group of guys who are good enough to be the male protagonists of a romance novel, and then makes them delist one by one. Perhaps it can be named "crash article"
Without the blessing of romance, "pursuit" is actually a transaction with a clear purpose, and "love" may just be self-satisfaction. But these are unimportant. As I said, the choice is always in Sister Cheng's hands. Not only is there profit, but even true love may not necessarily win favor. Your efforts may be meaningless to me. I only choose what I like. This is the essence of competition, and it is the power that women should firmly grasp.
Each male character in the article actually represents a different path.
Lu Jian is "supportive," Xu Xianrong is "guardian," Shen Feng is "indulgent," Sun Yuanrang is "respectful," Ning Fu is "conquering," and there's even General Qiu's "pampering," as well as the "persuasion" of Cheng Xi's father and Old Man Fang. Following each of these lines could create a novel of complementary relationships, marriage before love, a carefree and unrestrained life, sharing hardships, and even love-hate relationships. However, all of these choices ultimately make women "the ones behind the scenes," slaves to the name of "love." This isn't the case. This is Cheng Xi's story, and all the men are supporting characters, those who hide in her shadow.
This is the difference in perspective, and it's also the intention behind my design. Love isn't the most precious thing in the world, not a treasure to be renounced upon. It's simply a spice of life; if I have it, I'm lucky; if I lose it, I'm doomed. Not everyone needs a soulmate, and not every soulmate, confidant, or companion is coined in the name of "love." This is the norm for men. No man's lifelong ideal is to marry his "Mr. Right." In their minds, "beauty" is merely an afterthought to power and wealth, and they don't necessarily need a wife who "matches" them to achieve soul resonance.
The strong desire for the "true love" and the strong fear of "marrying the wrong man" are the imprints of women's thinking before they have the right to personal freedom. Only by abandoning this and not being tripped by the idea of "longing for love" can we pursue more, such as ambition, power, and dreams.
Don't give up the power of choice. Fear and rejection are never a sign of inner strength. Only self-identification, self-respect, and empathy and compassion based on ability can make you truly strong.
In this increasingly chaotic world, I hope Sister Cheng can bring some strength to everyone, encourage everyone to strengthen their beliefs and make better choices.
Finally, thanks to everyone who has followed me here. This book actually didn't bring in any revenue, and I couldn't even reach the threshold for cash withdrawal. I'm very busy now, and my friends all said I should put this novel aside.
But I persisted in the end, not for anything else, but because I like to have a beginning and an end. I also hope that if there is a rating option for this book, everyone will help me rate it.
After this book is finished, it seems that I will not write any more books and will focus on my present life.
Thank you for your company.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
