In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 743 This is a necessary sacrifice; everyone must die.

As noon approached, the port of Zhuxian Town became particularly lively.

Because so many ships left the port in the morning, many new merchant ships came in to fill the gap.

After hearing numerous rumors about flood prevention and rising water levels in Zhuxian Town,
Just like the ships leaving port in the morning,
They replenish supplies and load/unload cargo at breakneck speed, wishing they could stop and leave on the same day.

However, the canal transport authorities had established rules.

Ships are allowed to remain in port only after being boarded and inspected at night.

Many boatmen waited at the port exit, anxiously looking around.

Although everything is peaceful at present.
But one could sense a subtle restlessness and clamor in the air.

By this time, most of the ships that had been inspected the previous day were fully equipped and ready to leave the port.

On the shore, officials waved flags and directed the boats to pass.

Beside these officials, a middle-aged man in a blue official robe was holding a roster and a writing brush.

Whenever a ship sails away,
He could quickly find the corresponding ships in the roster and then sketch them.

As time passed, it approached the Wei hour, which is around 3 PM.

Eighty percent of the ships on the roster have already left.
Only about twenty ships did not yet have circles drawn behind them.

As the number of ships dwindled,

The official in the green robe could finally breathe a sigh of relief and began to slowly stretch his muscles.

This unwarranted work annoyed and angered him.
However, he could not disobey the orders of his superiors.

Beside him, a middle-aged man dressed in plain robes looked increasingly gloomy.

Looking at the dwindling number of ships on the roster,

The middle-aged man felt extremely anxious.
They wish it would get dark right now so they could start the next round of inspections.

The official in the green robe glanced at him, secretly amused, but his words were perfectly sincere:
"Mr. Tang, I'll take care of things here. Please go and rest."

Mr. Tang's lips twitched slightly, but he ignored him.
He then continued to keep a close eye on the passing ships.

If the person cannot be found, everyone will die.

Compared to life, some fatigue is insignificant.

That's why Tang Xingbang came to the port today and kept a close watch on it.

At the same time, he also sent out the twenty-odd people he had brought with him.

After all, they had stayed in Daning City for quite some time, so perhaps they could find a clue.

Almost a day passed, and Tang Xingbang's thoughts grew increasingly heavy.
Standing on high ground, my gaze followed the endless stream of ships.
Unfortunately, all I could see were withered and emaciated faces.

This greatly surprised Tang Xingbang.
If I remember correctly, even the grassland people of Dusixiu Road have some human-like features.

Some were even burly and strong, and this was a job in the prosperous land within the Great Wall.
They were all emaciated and looked like no one.

Such inconsistency surprised Tang Xingbang, and also made him more wary.

If they can cause such a commotion outside the Great Wall, what would happen if they did it inside the Great Wall?

We must crush them before they even gain momentum.

Just as he was deep in thought,

A similarly simply dressed young man rushed up from behind.

The sound of footsteps climbing the steps was quite loud, a loud "thump thump thump".

Tang Xingbang suddenly turned his head, craning his neck in anticipation.

The young man rushed forward, his eyes filled with strangeness and suspicion, and lowered his voice:
"My lord, I think I saw someone familiar at the entrance, but I can't remember where I've seen them before."

"Can't remember?"

Tang Xingbang frowned slightly, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.
"Did they catch up?"

The young man's expression was slightly serious:
"My lord, I am certain I have seen that person before."
It must have been just a fleeting glimpse; I've already ordered my brothers to follow.

"That's good. We'll never let any possibility slip by."

At this moment, another young man rushed up, looking anxious and overjoyed.

He ran to Tang Xingbang's side and whispered:

"My lord, I saw an acquaintance at the port market. He was a former guard of the commander's office."

"what!"

Tang Xingbang's voice suddenly rose, and he seemed to explode.
My heart was pounding, and my pupils shrank to the size of pinpoints.

"My lord, I cannot be mistaken."

After Lord Lu left the Commandery, the Commandery replaced some of its guards.
The person I met was one of them, but I don't know his name.

"Where are the people?"

Tang Xingbang's breathing became heavy, and his fists clenched tightly.

"We've already sent some men to follow them, sir. Don't worry, they won't get lost."

"Good, good, good!"

Excitement gleamed in Tang Xingbang's eyes.

He had a feeling that he was very close to finding the person.

Just then, someone else ran up, urgently reporting:
"Sir, three people have been spotted behaving suspiciously at the market outside the port."
He looked around nervously as he walked, as if he were wary of something.
Moreover, they had cracked skin, were very robust, and looked like people from beyond the Great Wall.

The series of news reports confirmed Tang Xingbang's suspicions.
The delivery person was at the port; otherwise, how could so many clues suddenly appear!
Tang Xingbang suppressed his excitement and said in a deep voice:

"Instruct all the brothers to keep a close watch on anyone with leads."
Go and report this to Tang Jingye, saying there's news and he should bring his men over as soon as possible!

"Yes!"

The entire port of Zhuxian Town seemed to become tense and serious at this moment, and the atmosphere suddenly intensified.

A quarter of an hour later, Tang Jingye, who had been awakened from his sleep, hurriedly arrived at the port with his men and met Tang Xingbang.

"Any progress?"

Tang Xingbang stood on the high platform, holding a telescope, constantly scanning the harbor.

"We've found their trail. We'll wait for Ma Lingchuan to arrive."

If we stop all the merchant ships entering the port today, we'll definitely be able to find them!

After hearing this, Tang Jingye was stunned for a long time.
He breathed a long sigh of relief, his back instantly soaked with cold sweat.

Thankfully, things went smoothly.

He asked himself honestly, this is the best outcome he could hope for.
Without deploying troops, intercepting people at the port can minimize the impact.

“Then I’ll arrange for the brothers to come over.”

"Yes, remember to keep it secret and don't make a fuss," Tang Xingbang nodded in reply.

After another fifteen minutes, Ma Lingchuan, his eyes bloodshot, rushed over.
He didn't even have time to put on his official robes.
Instead, he came here dressed in his everyday clothes, which were somewhat disheveled.

"Anyone found?"

"My men have already discovered their tracks on the ships that entered the port today!"

"it is good!"

Ma Lingchuan also breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he was one of the chief officials of the Grand Canal Transport Office,

But such harassment of merchants would damage his official reputation.
He was very fortunate that it ended so quickly.

Taking a deep breath, Ma Lingchuan's face showed determination:

"Lord Tang, I will immediately send men to blockade the port!"

"it is good!"

Tang Xingbang nodded emphatically, his face beaming with barely suppressed excitement.
It was as if they had spotted prey that had fallen into a trap.

He looked at Tang Jingye:

"Jingye, let the soldiers in. Once the port is sealed off, arrest them immediately!"

"it is good!"

Tang Jingye turned and left in a hurry, his steps light and quick.

All of this was observed by the official in the blue robe who held the roster.

He shuddered, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes, unsure who was behind him.
After everything quieted down, he took the roster and walked forward.
Looking at the last ten or so ships, he began to call out:
"The vessels inspected yesterday, depart port immediately!"

Upon hearing the order, the clerk beside him waved the command flag even faster.
Upon hearing the noise, Tang Xingbang's eyes flashed with admiration. "They're quite clever; they know to make room for each other."

At the beginning of the You hour, around 5 pm, Zhuxian Town, located in the Central Plains, was not bathed in the early sunset like the border regions.

The sun in the sky is still bright.
It was only slightly dimmer than at noon.

It is now mid-June.

In Henan Province, the sun sets around 7-9 PM.
That is, after 7 p.m.

Even so, the afterglow of the setting sun still generously poured down.

The entire Bian River was reflected in the water, making it sparkle.

When the wind blows, ripples spread across its surface.

It's like drawing arcs on a smooth mirror surface.

At this moment, all of Tang Jingye's soldiers were in position.
All suspicious individuals discovered were also placed under surveillance.

The waterway at the port's exit is already blocked by official boats.
With just a command, they can arrest and surround people, sealing off the entire port of Zhuxian Town.

One inside and one outside, no one can escape.

Tang Xingbang looked intently at the official in blue robes ahead and asked:

How many ships are still standing?

The official in blue robes also realized that this Mr. Tang was no ordinary person, and quickly replied:
"Reporting to your Excellency, there are two more ships: the Bai Du and the Wan Bao."

"okay."

Tang Xingbang waved his hand impatiently:
"Tell them to hurry up and get through. The river will be blocked in 25 minutes. Stop dawdling."

"Yes Yes."

The official in blue felt a pervasive aura of power, cold sweat poured down his forehead, and he hurriedly nodded in response.

He looked at the few officials still waving the command flag and gave the order:
"You don't need to stay here. Go and look at the travel documents for the Wanbao."

Both ships are allowed to pass at the same time; speed up!

"Yes!"

The officials looked at each other in bewilderment, but quickly put down their command flags and rushed over.

Although in principle, both entry into and exit from port require a command flag for mobilization.
But sometimes principles can be broken.

Two quarters of an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
After the last Wanbao merchant ship sailed into the river leaving Zhuxian Town,

The official in blue robes breathed a sigh of relief; finally, they had all been released.

At this moment, Tang Xingbang, who had been standing still, waved his hand:
"Arrests!"

"Yes!"

"Well--"

Zhuxian Town
The once bustling market and port were abruptly calmed by a heavy horn sound.
The arguing, shouting, and relentless haggling ceased at that moment.
All that remains is the desolate and distant sound of the bugle.

The common people and merchants had no time to react.

The heavy, orderly sound of footsteps filled their ears.

The port's three gates

The neatly dressed, orderly armored soldiers swarmed in.

The sunlight shone on their dark armor, adding to the chilling atmosphere!
Especially when they drew their long swords,

That gleaming silver light silenced almost everyone.

Even when the bugle call stopped, no one dared to speak.

They were all suppressed by the countless soldiers who poured in.

"Everyone stay where you are! Anyone who moves will be executed!"

A tall general, holding a megaphone, shouted loudly, his voice echoing through the market.
Suddenly, the frozen crowd became even more hesitant to move.
He just looked around blankly, not knowing what had happened.

At the river crossing, the official boats waiting on both sides also swarmed aboard.

More than ten official boats bearing the markings of the Grand Canal Administration completely blocked the waterway.

On the deck of each official ship, there were more than a dozen constables dressed in yamen uniforms and carrying long knives!
"The river is blocked off; no one is allowed to leave the port!"

Now, even the ships that had stopped at the port were staring blankly at everything in front of them, wondering what was going on.
Just when the port and waterway were completely deserted,
A loud curse rang out in the market, sounding quite abrupt.

Go to hell!

The previously still market seemed to come alive because of this loud shout.
A sudden burst of noise erupted.

Some people didn't move, while others did!
A dozen or so figures darted about in the market, cursing as they ran.
The scene seemed to suddenly descend into chaos!
Tang Jingye, riding on his warhorse, watched these people running around in the market.
Far from being disappointed, they showed great interest.
"Arrest them!!"

"Yes!"

With the arrival of soldiers, the market became even more chaotic.
Goods were scattered everywhere.
Shouts and screams echoed, and could be clearly heard even from the Wanbao merchant ship far away on the river.

The Wanbao is not far from the port.
Looking back, you can see more than a dozen official ships.

Further away, you can see the bustling scene of chickens and dogs in the market.

Chen Jingyi stood at the stern, silently observing the scene before him, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

Beside him, Xu Cheng frowned deeply.

Manager Sun was filled with unease, and all the shop assistants had complicated expressions.

After an unknown amount of time, the noise of the market gradually subsided.
Everything returned to its deathly silence.

Only then did Chen Jingyi let out a soft sigh:
"Let's go, full speed ahead into the Jialu River, and head south downstream."

Chen Jingyi turned around, his back ramrod straight, his clothes fluttering in the wind.

The weather in June was already a bit warmer.
But it's far from being hot and dry.
But Xu Cheng felt an unimaginable heat.

He pursed his lips, straightened his clothes, and hurriedly followed:

"Lord Chen, what's going on?"

Chen Jingyi stopped in his tracks, his expression calm:

"This is a necessary sacrifice."

"But they can."

Xu Cheng was speechless, his gaze sweeping over the group of "crew members" standing on the deck.
I noticed that many familiar faces were missing.
"That's not all, there are other ways."

A flicker of fear crossed Xu Cheng's eyes. Having been captured before, he knew...
Dying on the battlefield is a pleasant thing; being captured is the beginning of suffering.
And behind him.
Clearly, the enemy wouldn't take their lives easily.

"In the army, there can be no hesitation when it is necessary to cover the rear."
"The opportunity to fight is fleeting; a moment's hesitation, and everyone will die."

Chen Jingyi's voice was flat, but carried an icy chill.
Hearing this made Xu Cheng's breathing quicken.

His brow furrowed, and an absurd glint flashed in his eyes:

"Lord Chen, we could have left smoothly, why go through all this trouble?"

"They didn't find us this time, but next time their preparations will be even more meticulous."
From the Bian River to the Jialu River, then to the Shaying River, and finally into the Huai River, it reaches Yingtian.
The journey will take you through at least four major port cities where you must stop.
You may escape this time, but you can't escape the next.

"They will torture us severely, and then they'll reveal our whereabouts!" Xu Cheng's voice suddenly rose, and his expression became somewhat agitated:
"By then it will be too late, and all our efforts will have been in vain!"

Chen Jingyi's expression remained calm, leaving only his back to Xu Cheng:
"They were the ones who went to Zhuxian Town first to scout the way; we haven't even entered Kaifeng yet."

Xu Cheng was taken aback, then understood what he meant.
A moment of hesitation flashed through my mind, but I quickly dismissed the idea:

"Lord Chen, you have never experienced severe torture."
They will continue to press for answers, beating the person until they lose their senses.

If we knock someone's brain into a state of confusion, our whereabouts will definitely be exposed!

We will all die!

Xu Cheng looked around, and something seemed strange.
Apart from Manager Sun collapsing to the ground...
The others remained silent, their expressions unchanged.

Chen Jingyi's attitude remained firm, though his voice was slightly hoarse:
"Lord Xu, everyone will die, but as long as you die a worthy death, it is worthwhile."

We are soldiers, this is a battlefield, and we must fight the enemy at all costs.

"Pass down the order to keep a close watch on the water room."

No one but me may enter.

After speaking, Chen Jingyi walked away.

He raised his hand above his head, clenched his fist, and spoke in a calm voice, yet with an undeniable authority:

"We will win this battle."

"Victory is certain!"

One by one, the men clenched their fists and silently chanted in their hearts,
A solemn atmosphere suddenly rose on the deck, no less so than that of the nearby port.

(End of this chapter)