HK Composite: Starting from Shenghe Leading

Chapter 595 Thistle Medal
"Speak, I'm listening."

Charles wanted to refuse, but the current situation was no longer within his control.

Although he didn't believe these people would dare to cause him any real harm, he figured it was best not to waste time in order to get back to London as soon as possible and clean up the mess.

After taking Charles aside, Chen Guoqiang had his men form a circle around him to ensure he was out of sight before speaking.

"Brother Hao told me to tell you not to think about causing him trouble in the future, and not to try to disrupt the social order of Hong Kong by any means, or to try to make a fortune here."

"Hong Kong belongs to the people of Hong Kong, not to the British Empire, nor to certain individuals who abuse their power."

"This is just an appetizer; there's still a lot of exciting stuff to come. I hope you can feel Brother Hao's enthusiasm and hard work."

After Chen Guoqiang finished speaking at length, he whispered in Charles's ear, "If you don't know what's good for you, we won't be so polite next time."

"Anyway, your mother has more than one son, don't you think?"

Upon hearing this, Charles's face turned extremely pale, devoid of any color, as white as a vampire.

He's not stupid. Chen Guoqiang has made things so clear. How could he not understand what really happened from beginning to end?

It was obvious that Lin Zehao had seen through every single move that Charles, who considered himself clever, made from beginning to end.

Before he could even carry out his plan, Lin Zehao's counterattack had already begun.

Judging from the three phone calls just now, the results were undoubtedly beyond expectations.

Charles couldn't understand how Lin Zehao knew about these private matters.

Could it be that he has spies within the royal family?!

Charles, who was completely baffled, suddenly had a flash of inspiration and thought of this somewhat outlandish but logically correct possibility.

In an instant, Charles's expression, like the weather in London for the next few days, was overcast and filled with fear.

A businessman who possesses such methods can no longer be called a businessman.

Especially for someone like Charles, it's absolutely crucial not to offend someone like Lin Zehao.

First of all, the UK is a capitalist country, and the value of a businessman there is self-evident.

Secondly, Charles had always wanted to rise to power as soon as possible, which meant he needed to put on a facade to win the Queen's favor.

If Lin Zehao were to release more damaging information about him at a crucial moment, all our efforts would be in vain.

Having figured out the crux of the matter, the usually arrogant Charles forced a smile, but it looked worse than a grimace.

"Sir, please tell Mr. Lin that we will always be friends."

"If Mr. Lin is interested in the British Empire, I can try to get him a Thistle Medal."

Charles tried his best to keep a low profile without losing royal dignity.

Unfortunately, he wasn't sure how many tricks Lin Zehao still had up his sleeve, so it was best not to make an enemy of him for the time being.

"Okay, I'll pass it on to Brother Hao."

"I hope Mr. Charles has a safe journey."

Chen Guoqiang left with his underlings, completely satisfied. Although he wasn't entirely happy with some of his performance just now, he was still excited that the Prince of the British Empire had to behave himself in front of him.

As for the Thistle Medal, he had no idea what it was.

From a purely human perspective, since Prince Charles used this to build relationships, it must have some value, right?
After all, he's the first in line to the throne of the British Empire; surely he wouldn't be stingy with his spending...

Watching Chen Guoqiang's retreating figure, and recalling his calm demeanor throughout, even when the Thistle Medal was mentioned, Charles couldn't help but nod in admiration: "No wonder he's Lin Zehao's subordinate; he possesses such qualities. And look at my men..."

"Ugh……"

After some twists and turns, Charles finally boarded the plane to London at the last minute.

Once on the plane, he began racking his brains trying to figure out how to quell the brewing media storm.

As for Lin Zehao, he didn't have time to deal with him, and he didn't dare to be his enemy for the time being.

…………

Chen Guoqiang returned to Yau Ma Tei excitedly to report back, only to be told that Brother Hao was watching a play at his villa on Victoria Peak.

"Brother Hao invited a theatrical troupe from the mainland to perform, and it's said that there are two big stars among them!"

Upon receiving this news, Chen Guoqiang immediately went to the Lam family residence at Taipingshan.

"Brother Qiang is here. The big boss is watching the show in the side hall."

The younger brother led Chen Guoqiang to a side hall, where a performance was taking place on stage.

Lin Zehao, dressed in a black Tang suit and holding a folding fan, sat in the first seat of the first row, swaying his head to the rhythm, clearly immersed in the music.

Seeing this, Chen Guoqiang was not in a hurry. He didn't foolishly step forward, but simply found an empty seat to sit down and watch the show.

Although he is known for his recklessness, it doesn't mean he's brainless. It's best not to disturb Brother Hao's enjoyment at a time like this. Anyway, it's not important news, so it won't hurt to wait.

On the stage, there was a man dressed as a scholar with a beard, and another man with a painted face and a copper hammer. Both of them held horsewhips and had swords hanging at their waists.

The band members sat in the corner providing accompaniment, making it look like quite a large ensemble.

Chen Guoqiang doesn't understand opera. He doesn't even know the local Cantonese opera, let alone the so-called Peking opera.

With a single glance, the band began to play, and the two actors on stage started performing.

This play is called "Broken Secret Valley," and it tells a story from the Sui and Tang Dynasties.

Li Mi gradually lost popular support after declaring himself King of Western Wei at Wagangzhai, and Qin Qiong, Xu Ji, and others abandoned him; only Wang Bodang remained with him.

Wang Bodang persuaded Li Mi to surrender to the Tang Dynasty. Li Mi dismissed his soldiers and met Li Shimin on the way. Li Shimin led the two to meet Li Yuan, who accepted their surrender and betrothed his niece, Princess Heyang, to Li Mi, making Li Mi his son-in-law.

Li Mi still wanted to rebel, so he informed Princess Heyang. Princess Heyang rebuked him, and Li Mi angrily killed Princess Heyang and fled with Wang Bodang.

Upon learning of this, Li Yuan quickly dispatched Li Shimin to pursue Wang Bodang to Duanmi Ravine, where they surrounded him and tried to persuade him to surrender. Wang Bodang refused, and both he and Li Mi were killed by a hail of arrows.

The actor who played the painted-face role was Yuan Shihai, who was also the actor who played Li Mi.

The older male lead is Zhang Xuejin, who plays Wang Bodang.

The former was the founder of the Yuan school of Jingju (painted-face male roles) and can be called a contemporary master.

The latter is the son of Peking Opera master Zhang Junqiu, a successor of the Ma school of Peking Opera, and a renowned performer!
The fact that Lin Zehao was able to invite these two people over during this special period demonstrates his resourcefulness.

Li Mi: [Only now can I finally put my mind at ease.]

Brother Wang, why do you look so melancholy?

Wang Bodang: [You killed that princess! Why?]

[What is the reason for this ingratitude?]

Li Mi: [Last night, I drank fine wine in the palace.]

Couples, sit facing each other and share your innermost thoughts.

I spoke kind words to her, but who knew that vile woman would go berserk?

A true man will not tolerate a woman's stubbornness; therefore, he drew his sword and beheaded He Yang.

Wang Bodang: [Upon hearing this, my anger soared to great heights, like the sun itself blazing! Alas, of the thirty-six generals, they fled east and west, each going their own way, leaving only Wang Bodang. I boldly guarantee your surrender to the Tang! The Tang emperor bestowed great favor upon you, yet you instead took the princess as your son-in-law! Greed knows no bounds, and delusions arise! Your only thought is to become emperor! The Princess of Heyang died by your sword! You are a beast in human form!] Li Mi: [My virtuous brother, you have misspoke. Listen carefully to my analogy.]

In the past, Han Xin plotted to build his homeland.

Wang Bodang: [In Weiyang Palace ~ One life lost]

Li Mi: [Wang Mang was responsible for poisoning Emperor Ping]

Wang Bodang: [Even being torn to pieces would have no end]

Li Mi: [Li Yuan was also a minister and strategist]

Wang Bodang: [He was originally a true dragon—descending to heaven]

Li Mi: [What are you saying~ A true dragon descends from heaven~ I, the king, am nothing special~ I'll go and borrow soldiers and generals~ Lead the troops to rebel against the Tang Dynasty~ The Tang Dynasty's empire will belong to you, brother, and I'll bestow upon you the title of "Shoulder King" (a title of honor for a king).]

Wang Bodang: [What are you talking about, being on par with Wang Yong? You're making Wang Yong lose face! You're like a snake trying to swallow an elephant, or a trapped dragon dreaming of heaven! Even if you have a thousand generals, how can frost and snow see the sun?]

Li Mi: [Even if there is a mistake, one must find another way to correct it; the ruler and his ministers can discuss things together.]

Li Mi spurred his horse and charged forward.

Wang Bodang: [Wang Bodang ~ Wrongly guaranteed ~ The unrighteous Wang]

"it is good!"

Lin Zehao was the first to clap and cheer, and the others quickly followed suit, clapping and cheering.

Hao Ge's love for traditional opera is something many people around him know.

The saying goes, "What the superiors like, the inferiors will surely follow."

Many people see Lin Zehao's hobby as an opportunity to try to take it a step further.

Unfortunately, to this day, no one has been able to successfully navigate this path.

This shows that Lin Zehao was not so incompetent as to favor treacherous officials.

Even so, some people still refuse to give up and continue to try to build closer relationships.

For example, with today's play, some people have already started to speculate wildly, wondering if Brother Hao is expressing some kind of thought through this play.

This is the consequence of holding a high position, something beyond human control.

"Masters, this is a small gift from Mr. Lin, nothing more."

After Yuan Shihai and Zhang Xuejin took their bows, they returned backstage to rest as usual and prepare for the next scene.

Suddenly, two men in black suits walked in and presented two wooden boxes with both hands.

Throughout history, these famous performers have always received tips after their performances, which has now become part of the industry's culture, and Lin Zehao is no exception.

Otherwise, once the news gets out, Lin Zehao will definitely be labeled with all sorts of problems.

"Thank you for the reward, Boss Lin."

Yuan Shihai and Zhang Xuejin quickly stood up and took the wooden box with both hands.

After the two younger brothers left, and only their own people remained backstage, the rest of the troupe gathered around, chattering excitedly.

"Mr. Lin's reward must be very generous, right?"

"I've heard that Mr. Lin is quite influential in Hong Kong and has acquired many properties. I wonder if that's true."

"Nonsense! Mr. Lin has invested so much in mainland China, let alone in Hong Kong!"

Hearing the unconventional discussions of these younger generations around him, Yuan Shihai quickly put on a stern face and rebuked them, "Shut up! How dare you criticize Mr. Lin!"

It can only be said that he is a true opera singer. After Yuan Shihai played the good cop, Zhang Xuejin stepped in to play the bad cop. "Alright, alright, don't blame Boss Yuan. This is Hong Kong, not the mainland. Besides, it's not easy for us opera singers to have developed to where we are today."

"Just like my master, didn't he fall just before dawn?"

"As for your questions, I can't say too much, but I can tell you that Mr. Lin's influence is more than ten times greater than you think."

“It’s not just in Hong Kong. When our troupe performed in the United States, the local mafia caused trouble, and they all had to ask Mr. Lin for help.”

"One phone call, and hundreds of foreigners act like they're his grandsons."

Zhang Xuejin revealed a little "insider information," which immediately drew gasps of amazement and admiration from these younger generations.

For these younger generation who had been learning in the opera troupe since childhood, everything was new, and they admired heroes like Lin Zehao immensely.

One day, they also want to become someone like Lin Zehao!

A towering figure, a true hero!

"Alright, I'll broaden your horizons and give you something to know today."

As Zhang Xuejin spoke, he opened the wooden box in front of him, and Yuan Shihai followed suit.

"what?!"

There, a thin check lay quietly in the wooden box.

"One million!!!"

Upon seeing the numbers, everyone's faces were filled with shock, and even their voices rose several octaves.

"Since I started learning opera, this is the first time I've seen such a grand production..."

"Mr. Lin, you're so generous..."

Two checks for one million dollars each were a huge sum of money, even for famous figures like Yuan Shihai and Zhang Xuejin!
He traveled around with his opera troupe, constantly busy, and couldn't earn this much in two years.

As for the younger generation, their eyes shone even brighter, determined to practice hard and strive to earn a million-dollar reward!

……

"The Thistle Medal?"

"Charles does have some guts."

Lin Zehao was somewhat surprised after listening to Chen Guoqiang's report.

The British Empire's medal system was not too complicated, mainly divided into two categories: knightly medals and ordinary medals.

Knightly medals include the Order of the Garter (highest honor), the Order of the Thistle (highest honor in Scotland), and the Order of Bath; ordinary medals are most commonly the Order of the British Empire (GBE/KBE/CBE/OBE/MBE), which is divided into five levels, with only GBE and KBE recipients receiving a knighthood.

The Order of the Garter, England's highest honor, was established in 1348 and is awarded only to members of the Royal Family and foreign heads of state. Recipients are addressed as "Sir/Dame".

The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's highest honor, established in 1687, and awarded to those who have made significant contributions to Scotland. It is considered the oldest and most prestigious order of command.

The Order of the Thistle is awarded to very few people. In general, apart from the monarchs of the United States, there are only sixteen living recipients of this medal. The most important symbol on the medal is the thistle, the national flower of Scotland.

The medal's motto is: "Those who offend me will be punished."

Most importantly, the medal stipulates that the recipient must be born in England.

What would Charles do in such a rigid, dogmatic situation?

“In that case, let’s tell him that I’m interested in this Thistle Medal.”

(End of this chapter)