Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

Wow——!
In the square of Hangzhou Prefecture, a large number of people knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Chen Jie.

Ximentang will stand up for everyone, avenging wrongs and settling scores!
For this reason alone, it is worthy of everyone kneeling and bowing in worship.

Chen Jie addressed the crowd:

"Fellow villagers, ever since the Green Gang raised its banner and rebelled in eastern Zhejiang, they have committed arson, murder, looting, and all sorts of atrocities, and you have all suffered!"

"But now all of that is over!"

"Starting today, the Hangzhou Prefecture will be guarded by the Ximen Hall, and each household will be given 50 catties of rice as disaster relief grain."

"All the houses that were burned down were rebuilt by the Hangzhou government."

"I assure you all that as long as Simon Tang is here, he will ensure that you live a peaceful life."

His voice has a very strong penetrating power.

Although the tone wasn't passionate, it gave people an indescribable sense of security.

For a while,
All the people in the square knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Chen Jie.

The sound of crying continued, but this time it was tears of joy.

Everyone was filled with gratitude towards Simon.

To be honest, if Ximentang doesn't open the granaries and distribute grain, the entire Hangzhou Prefecture will repeat the situation of the Shandong famine victims.

The granaries of Hangzhou Prefecture were burned down before the rebels left.

They stabilized the people through iron-fisted suppression and the release of grain from granaries.

Order was restored in Hangzhou in the shortest possible time, and as long as the people did not go hungry, there would be no riots.

One day later,
Chen Jie immediately sent a report of victory to Xu Shichang in Jinling, and at the same time ordered Xiong Chao, who was stationed in Songjiang Prefecture, to send a large army to Hangzhou Prefecture.

Simultaneously,

He ordered the grain transport gangs and Tongbeimen to begin transporting large quantities of grain and supplies to Hangzhou Prefecture.

Ximentang quelled the rebellion in eastern Zhejiang in less than a month.

It took only a week from when they sent troops to attack Hangzhou Prefecture to when they completely defeated the rebels.

Xu Shichang was naturally overjoyed upon receiving the good news.

While reporting the battle results to the capital, he requested Chen Jie to press on and wipe out the rebels in the entire eastern Zhejiang region.

in fact,

Chen Jie's purpose in ordering Songjiang Prefecture to mobilize troops was to wipe out the remaining rebel forces in the entire eastern Zhejiang region.

In less than three days,

The Songjiang Prefecture dispatched an army of 50,000 men, who arrived in Hangzhou in a grand procession.

-

News of Ximentang's suppression of the rebellion in eastern Zhejiang and the recapture of Hangzhou Prefecture quickly spread in Nanjing.

All of a sudden.

Officials, gentry, landlords, and common people throughout Jiangnan cheered and celebrated Ximentang's victory.

The recapture of Hangzhou Prefecture meant that the rebellion launched by the Green Gang in eastern Zhejiang had completely failed.

The situation in the Jiangnan region has basically stabilized.

Although there are still some remnants of the rebel army in some parts of eastern Zhejiang.

but,

The main force of the rebels has been completely wiped out, and the remaining remnants are scattered and pose no threat, so they are unlikely to cause any trouble.

With the situation in eastern Zhejiang stabilized, it also meant that the situation in Huzhou Prefecture was stable.

The safety of the southern Jiangsu region can be considered guaranteed.

That evening, the pleasure boats along the Qinhuai River were bustling with business, regaining their former prosperity.

Hundreds of pleasure boats floated on the river, brightly lit.

Many wealthy and gentry people would take advantage of the night to board the pleasure boats to relax.

Not only in Nanjing, but also throughout the entire Jiangnan region, order began to return.

Meanwhile, many restaurants along the streets near the Qinhuai River began to decorate with lanterns and colorful decorations.

The sounds of zithers, songs, and drinking games filled the entire commercial district of Jinling City.

Since the rebellion in eastern Zhejiang intensified, the situation in Nanjing has been very tense.

Many scholars, prominent families, and local gentry stayed at home, afraid to go out easily.

And now,
With the rebels defeated, Nanjing returned to its former prosperity.

In many restaurants, it's so popular that you can't get a seat and you have to book in advance.

Jiangnan truly lives up to its reputation as the wealthiest region in the Great Qian Dynasty; it has never lacked rich people.

As long as the days of singing and dancing return to normalcy, the business atmosphere here will always be much better than in the north.

Tonight, Qingzhufang on the Qinhuai River is bustling with business.

Not only was the entire pleasure boat packed to capacity, but even the pleasure boats next to Qingzhufang were thriving.

Along the banks of the Qinhuai River, tourists flocked in droves; as far as the eye could see, there were people everywhere.

The courtesans of each pleasure boat, dressed in their finest attire, stood at the entrance of the boats, soliciting customers.

The madam and her servant were so busy they were dizzy.

Fortunately, Qingzhufang was very well prepared, and the price was not low, so not many people would be qualified to board the pleasure boat.

Therefore,
No matter how good business is, Qingzhufang can manage.

It must be said that the Green Gang's stronghold in Nanjing was making a fortune every day, providing a large amount of funds for the Green Gang's development.

After 8 p.m., Qingzhufang became increasingly lively, bustling with people singing and dancing.

Even from 500 meters away, you can feel the booming business of Qingzhufang.

but,

Inside the secret stronghold of the Green Gang, not far from the Qinhuai River.

Kou San Niang, the leader of the Green Gang, and several Green Gang elders were in a very bad mood.

They felt no joy at the booming business of Qingzhufang; instead, they were deeply worried about the future of the Green Gang.

Since Ximentang defeated Shi Jingtang's 170,000-strong army near Jiaxing Prefecture.

Kou Sanniang then gave advance orders for the 30,000 troops of Hangzhou Prefecture to retreat.

That's right,

The rebels in Hangzhou did not scatter and flee; rather, Kou San Niang ordered their retreat.

Before Ximen Tang's army arrived in Hangzhou, the rebel troops stationed there began to retreat, thus avoiding greater losses.

have to say,

Kou San Niang's actions finally preserved the vitality of the Green Gang.

If the Green Gang does not withdraw from Hangzhou, it will face a devastating disaster.

but,

After this failed rebellion, the Green Gang suffered heavy losses, damaging its very foundation.

Although the Green Gang's top brass had retreated from the Zhejiang region in an orderly manner, the Green Gang suffered heavy losses due to Shi Jingtang's defeat.

What Kou Sanniang found even more unacceptable was that Shi Jingtang actually led the remaining elites of the Green Gang away from eastern Zhejiang and broke away from the Green Gang.

The rebel army that retreated from Hangzhou numbered 30,000.

However, the number of people who truly belonged to the Green Gang was not large, less than three thousand.

The others were local soldiers from various parts of eastern Zhejiang. Although they had joined the Green Gang, they had no sense of belonging to it and were considered unofficial members.

Once these people had completely withdrawn from Hangzhou, it became extremely difficult for the Green Gang's elite to stop them.

Therefore,
Although many of the Green Gang's elite members were retained, without its military strength, it was no longer possible for them to contend for supremacy once again.

The chaotic struggles and quests for supremacy in the Great Qian Dynasty were completely different from the battles fought in the martial arts world.

This is not a problem that can be solved by individual force; it concerns the overall strength of the team.

The Green Gang had gathered its forces over many years, but unexpectedly, they were utterly defeated by Ximen Tang.

Therefore, the Green Gang had to prepare its next plan.

The question remains: should they seek refuge with local warlords, or leave eastern Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu and head overseas?

Kou San Niang convened a secret meeting with the high-ranking members of the Green Gang to discuss the matter thoroughly.

The Grand Elder was silent for a moment, then looked up and said:
"Boss, the main reason our Green Gang failed in this uprising was because of Chen Jie."

"This man doesn't play by the rules. He actually used a feint to the east and a counterattack to the west, intercepting and killing Shi Jingtang's army halfway."

"Therefore, I suggest that we organize experts to assassinate him in secret, by any means necessary, to kill him and avenge all the disciples of the Green Gang who have sacrificed their lives."

Assassination!

This is a trick of the underworld.

Since Ximen Hall is also a Jianghu (江湖, the martial arts world) force, and is not affiliated with the Ministry of War of the Imperial Court, it can be considered Chen Jie's private armed force.

So, if you want revenge, assassination is definitely the most efficient way.

The Green Gang is full of experts, and once they issue a kill order, it will be the most terrifying thing in the martial arts world.

but,

After listening, the Second Elder shook his head helplessly and said:

“Chief, I don’t recommend doing this. Although Chen Jie’s martial arts are only at the ‘Iron Bone Dark Strength’ level, his Spirit Refinement level is extremely high.”

"If the assassination had been successful, I believe the Japanese Black Dragon Society would have acted long ago."

"Moreover, he is always accompanied by his personal guards, and his protection is very tight."

"According to the information we obtained from our investigation, the repeating muskets carried by Ximen Tang's personal guards are extremely powerful. Even a Blood Pill Realm expert would not be able to get within fifty meters of Chen Jie."

"It would be difficult to assassinate him, and it would be easy to alert him."

"Currently, he is only suppressing the rebellion in eastern Zhejiang and has not yet thought of going all out to deal with our Green Gang. If we anger him and he tries to wipe out our Green Gang, then our Green Gang will be completely finished."

The Grand Elder said unwillingly:
"We are a force in the underworld, always operating in the shadows. What are we afraid of?"

“I don’t believe he can always be under the protection of the Royal Guard. There will always be times when he is careless.”

"As long as we send in skilled people to keep an eye on him and wait for the right opportunity, I believe there will be a day when the assassination will succeed."

Clearly, the Green Gang's Grand Elder intended to assassinate Chen Jie.

Xi Mentang's crackdown on the Green Gang this time caused great losses to the Green Gang.

In particular, the properties under the Grand Elder's command were completely wiped out.

Therefore,
He just couldn't swallow this insult.

Seeing that the two elders disagreed, the Third Elder thought for a moment and said:
"Things have come to this point, the situation in Jiangnan is settled, and even if we assassinate Ximen Tang Chen Jie, it will be difficult for us to make a comeback."

"Moreover, the risks of assassination are too great, and the chances of success are too small."

"Therefore, I suggest that the Green Gang withdraw from the martial arts world and recuperate. As for raising an army, we'll see how things go later."

"This failed uprising was not only due to Ximen Tang, but also to the lack of favorable timing, location, and popular support!"

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder was immediately filled with resentment.

He took a deep breath and said in a low voice:

"Third Elder, are we just going to let this go after such a huge loss?"

The Third Elder shook his head helplessly and said:

"If we don't go with this approach, is there any other way?"

"Elder, now is not the time for a fight of pride. Assassinating Chen Jie of Ximen Hall is definitely not a simple matter."

"Don't forget, he is the son-in-law of the emperor. Behind him is not only Ximen Tang, but also the imperial palace of the Great Qian Dynasty."

"If we anger the 'Sword Master of the Startling Clouds,' we'll be in big trouble!"

"Leaving aside the enormous price we'd have to pay to assassinate Chen Jie, if we fail, none of us here will escape death!"

"As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn. Our Green Gang has been passed down for 600 years, and we absolutely cannot let the Green Gang's legacy be destroyed in our generation."

The elder was taken aback; he wanted to say something more.

but,

Suddenly, he found himself speechless.

The Green Gang was not afraid of offending Ximen Tang, but they had intricate connections with the Imperial Palace.

If the assassination of Ximen Tang's Chen Jie were to anger the "Master of the Startling Cloud Sword," the Green Gang would truly be doomed.

The second elder also advised at this moment:
"Chief, I think the Third Elder is right. It would be best for our Green Gang to go into hiding in the martial world."

"Since Ximentang is currently very powerful, we should avoid their sharp edge for now and wait and see how things develop."

Kou San Niang frowned slightly and remained silent.

to be frank,
At first, she also agreed to assassinate Chen Jie.

but,

After listening to the Third Elder's words, she realized that the risk of assassinating Chen Jie was indeed too great.

She was assessing in her mind how much the Green Gang would benefit if the assassination succeeded.

Just as she was calculating the gains and losses in her mind, Shinobu Nakajima, the special envoy of the Japanese Black Dragon Society, walked in from outside the secret room.

Since cooperating with Kou San Niang, Nakajima Shinobu and Kou San Niang have developed a close relationship.

to be frank,
Even several elders of the Green Gang couldn't understand why Kou San Niang trusted Nakajima Shinobu so much.

Within the Green Gang, Shinobu Nakajima held a very special position, even having the freedom to enter and leave various occasions.

Her head was always covered with a veil, making it impossible to see her face.

After entering the secret room, Shinobu Nakajima said in a deep voice:
"Master, I have good news for you. Hong Yanchuan, the Grand General of the Ministry of War of the Great Qian Dynasty, has been defeated in Xiangyang!"

"The 300,000-strong army of the Great Qian Dynasty was almost completely wiped out in Xiangyang, and now it has retreated to Nanyang."

what! ?

Everyone was completely stunned when they heard the news.

Prior to this, rumors circulated within the Daqian government that Hong Yanchuan had led a large army, advancing rapidly from Suizhou all the way to Xiangyang.

Generals Hong Yanchuan, Li Qiong, and Tang Youwang led a total of 500,000 troops to besiege Xiangyang City, preparing for a decisive battle against Li Mu, the Prince of Ning, of the Northwest Army.

How could Hong Yanchuan have been completely defeated so quickly?

Hong Yanchuan's 300,000-strong army was almost completely wiped out.
How could we have suffered such a crushing defeat?

It turned out that after Hong Yanchuan's army captured Suizhou, they marched on Xiangyang City.

unfortunately,

He misjudged the situation, and when his generals marched into Xiangyang, they were isolated and outnumbered, resulting in Li Qiong and Tang Youwang's troops not keeping up.

The army of Prince Ning, Li Mu, feigned a hasty retreat, which further deceived Hong Yanchuan.

Having been isolated and deep in enemy territory for a hundred miles, Hong Yanchuan's army's logistical supply lines became unsustainable.

The key issue is that the weather didn't cooperate.

The continuous torrential rains caused widespread flooding, leaving Hong Yanchuan's army completely isolated and helpless.

To put it bluntly, of the soldiers who suffered defeat, 60% drowned in the floods.

Prince Ning, Li Mu, would naturally not miss such a good opportunity, and ordered his generals to cut off the retreat of Hong Yanchuan's army.

Suddenly, 80,000 Kwantung Army troops appeared behind Hong Yanchuan's army, blocking the army of Li Mu and Tang Youwang of the Daqian Ministry of War.

Close the door and beat the dog!

Hong Yanchuan's 300,000-strong army was surrounded and annihilated by Prince Ning, Li Mu.

This battle,
Hong Yanchuan had no chance to fight back, his army was thrown into chaos, and the entire front collapsed.

Fortunately, Hong Yanchuan left himself a way out, and after the defeat, he retreated all the way towards Henan.

After retreating to Nanyang, they were able to halt their retreat by utilizing the city's fortifications.

In Nanyang City, another fierce battle broke out between the two sides.

The two sides fought for two days and two nights. Hong Yanchuan's army was unable to withstand the artillery fire of Prince Ning, Li Mu.

The 300,000-strong army was completely routed!
Fortunately, at the last moment, Li Qiong and Tang Youwang's army finally joined forces with the remnants of Hong Yanchuan's troops in Nanyang, causing Prince Ning, Li Mu, to retreat.

The news shocked the entire court! (End of Chapter)