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As night falls, the walls of Taierzhuang cast long shadows in the afterglow of the setting sun.

The garrison on the city wall watched the north with tension. The terrifying legends about "demon soldiers" and "heavenly thunder" that had been circulating for days had already brought the morale of this 3,000-strong garrison to the brink of collapse.

"Everyone, perk up!" Garrison Commander Wang Delu, forcing a calm expression, surveyed the city's defenses. "They're just some bandits putting on airs."

Before the words were finished, several plumes of white smoke suddenly rose from the distant horizon.

What is that?

The loud explosion drowned out his scream.

The shells from the 75mm mountain gun landed precisely near the city gate, sending rubble and bricks flying like raindrops.

Immediately following, a second salvo followed, this time the shells seemed to have eyes and concentrated their fire on the same section of the city wall.

"Boom——!"

A section of the city wall, three zhang wide, collapsed amidst the smoke of battle, revealing a huge gap.

Before the defenders could react, the third round of artillery fire had already descended, this time with extended fire, accurately covering the military camps and granaries inside the city.

"Divine punishment! This is divine punishment!" An old soldier dropped his weapon, knelt down, and wept bitterly.

011 held up his binoculars and calmly observed the effects of the artillery fire.

He raised his hand to signal a halt to the artillery fire.

A deathly silence fell over the front lines, with only the wailing echoing from the breach in the city wall in the twilight.

"Pass on the order," 011 said in a deep voice, "Special Forces Company, prepare to advance. Remember Marshal Su's instructions: focus on deterrence."

Thirty special forces soldiers, wearing steel helmets and carrying MP40 submachine guns, leaped out of the position like cheetahs.

They worked in groups of three, taking turns providing cover as they rapidly advanced toward the breach in the city wall.

At the same time, the light and heavy machine guns on the position opened fire simultaneously, and the dense rain of bullets wove a fire net on the city wall, suppressing the defenders and preventing them from showing their faces.

"They're here! They're here!" The garrison looked at the strangely equipped soldiers in terror.

What made them even more desperate was that the tactics of these "demon soldiers" were completely unheard of...

Sometimes they would charge forward quickly, sometimes they would suddenly lie down, and every shot they fired was terrifyingly accurate.

After the special forces rushed into the breach, they immediately split into three combat teams.

One group cleared out the remaining enemy along the city wall, the second group rushed straight to the city gate, and the third group penetrated deep into the city.

The entire process was seamless, and the teamwork was breathtaking.

"Put down your weapons! Kneel down and you'll be spared!"

"The Red Flag Army treats prisoners of war well!"

Amidst the deafening shouts, the defenders' will to resist completely collapsed.

When the special forces rushed to the city gate, the surviving defenders had already opened it.

"Five days?" 011 glanced at his pocket watch, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Send a message to Commander Su: the first battle on the western front was a resounding victory, achieved in just three hours."

The next morning, the main force of the Red Flag Army marched into Taierzhuang.

To the residents' surprise, this "demon army" was disciplined and did not commit any offenses.

Even more shockingly, they immediately began organizing laborers to repair the city walls and distributing relief grain.

Meanwhile, a mechanized unit sped south along the canal.

Five armored trucks carrying soldiers and light and heavy machine guns moved rapidly along the canal.

At every strategic pass, all it took was to demonstrate its power, and the defending troops surrendered without resistance.

At noon on the fifth day, a red dragon flag was raised at the highest point of Hanzhuang Gate.

From Taierzhuang to Hanzhuang Sluice Gate, the entire 80-mile-long canal was under the control of the Red Flag Army.

This waterway, which once sustained the empire's lifeline, has now become an iron chain imprisoning the Qing court.

On the canal, the last cargo ship attempting to head north was stopped.

The ship owner looked tremblingly at the well-equipped soldiers, but the leading officer said kindly, "Old man, don't be afraid. From today onwards, this canal is under the jurisdiction of the Red Flag Army. You can continue doing business as usual, and your taxes will be halved."

The news sent shockwaves through the communities along the canal.

Meanwhile, an urgent message was flying towards the capital: "The red-clad demon soldiers have seized control of key points on the Grand Canal, and their firearms are beyond human resistance. With the canal transport cut off, Shandong is in grave danger!"

……

At dusk, Weishan Lake shimmered with light, and the reeds rustled in the evening breeze.

Several figures silently slipped into the small island in the middle of the lake. The middle-aged scholar in the lead adjusted his glasses, his gaze behind the lenses as calm as ice. This was none other than the intelligence chief 051, who was using the alias "Su Wen".

"Mr. Su, it's an honor to meet you." A rough voice came from the reeds, and three figures appeared one after another.

They were Zhang Tiedan, leader of the remnants of the Nian Rebellion; Chen Mingyuan, head of the Peixian militia; and Langlijiao, a bandit leader in the lake region.

Su Wen returned the greeting with a cupped hand and got straight to the point: "You are all wise men, and the Qing Dynasty's fate is sealed. Our Red Flag Army is determined to restore China, and we have come here to discuss important matters."

Chen Mingyuan squinted at the newcomers: "I heard you caused quite a stir in Shandong? But Pei County isn't in Shandong."

Before the words were finished, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from afar.

"Oh no! It's a Green Standard Army patrol!" Lang Lijiao's expression changed drastically.

Su Wen, however, remained calm and composed: "It's a good opportunity for you all to see the capabilities of our army."

He made a gesture, and the scout beside him immediately took out a Mauser rifle.

Before Zhang Tiedan could finish speaking, "So far away," a "bang" was heard, and the cavalryman three hundred paces away fell from his horse.

Two more shots followed, and two more cavalrymen fell from their horses.

The three of them were dumbfounded.

Such precise archery skills far exceeded their comprehension.

“That’s nothing.” Su Wen gestured to his men to take out grenades and throw them into the lake.

"Boom!" A huge column of water shot into the sky, startling a flock of water birds.

Lang Lijiao gasped in shock: "This...this is a palm lightning strike?"

"This item is called a hand grenade, and all ordinary soldiers in our army can be equipped with it," Su Wen said casually, then ordered two boxes of supplies to be brought out. "This is a gift: ten dan of refined salt and five boxes of medicine."

Chen Mingyuan grabbed a handful of snow-white refined salt, his fingers trembling slightly.

Such high-quality official salt was a rare sight even for wealthy families in the county town.

"What does Mr. Su want us to do?" Zhang Tiedan asked in a deep voice.

“No need to rush to express your opinion.” Su Wen took out a scroll of documents. “This is the ‘Proclamation to All Sides to Expel the Tartars’ personally drafted by Commander Su. Within three months, you only need to do three things: First, find out the deployment of the garrison in Xuzhou; second, create disturbances along the Grand Canal; and third, protect the Red Flag Army messengers traveling to and from the Grand Canal.”

He paused, then looked around at the three men: "In return, our army can provide weapons and training. After the mission is accomplished, you will all be founding heroes."

Suddenly, Lang Lijiao asked, "What if we refuse?"

Su Wen smiled slightly. Suddenly, several points of light appeared in the distance, followed by a violent explosion. It was from the granary in the direction of Xuzhou.

"The Qing court is too busy to even take care of itself. Do you all want to be buried with the dying?"

Chen Mingyuan sighed deeply and knelt down on one knee first: "I, Chen, am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

The other two exchanged a glance and then knelt down as well.

As the moonlight gradually brightens, light boats float on Weishan Lake.

Su Wen stood at the bow of the ship, looking at the secret report he had just received: "The western front is secured, and the eastern front has been victorious. The southern network is initially established, and we can proceed with the next step of the plan."

He gently adjusted his glasses, and a cold smile was reflected on the lake.

This dark web is beginning to tighten.

……

On the city wall of Linyi, Lieutenant General Duolonga leaned against the crenellations, gazing at the faintly visible military formations on the northern plains.

The deputy general of Hartai had his palms covered in cold sweat.

"My lord, the rebel army has already set up camp ten miles away," the scout reported breathlessly. "Judging from the banners, it's...it's that chieftain Su Ning himself who has come!" Duolong Aqiang tried to remain calm: "What's the panic! Linyi is a well-fortified city with ample supplies. As long as we hold out for half a month, the imperial reinforcements will surely arrive!"

Even so, when he saw those long-barreled cannons he had never seen before in the distance, his heart still tightened.

Meanwhile, inside the Red Flag Army's forward command post, Su Ning was making final arrangements with the regimental commanders.

"Reporting to Marshal Su!" The artillery regimental commander stood at attention and saluted. "All artillery pieces have completed firing calibration, a total of twenty-four, including six 105mm howitzers."

Su Ning nodded and turned to the crowd: "Remember, this is not just a siege, but also a performance. We must let the whole world see what the consequences of stubborn resistance are!"

He walked to the sand table and pointed emphatically at the east gate of Linyi: "The first salvo should take down the city gate tower. Assault teams, get ready, and advance immediately after the artillery fire extends. I want the red flag planted on the walls of Linyi within three hours!"

"Yes!"

As dawn broke, the garrison in Linyi suddenly heard a sharp whistle coming from afar.

Just as Dorona was about to ask, he heard a chilling howl coming from the sky.

"Fire! Take cover—!"

"boom!!!"

The first 105mm howitzer shell hit the city gate tower accurately, and the huge explosion blew the entire roof off.

Immediately afterwards, a barrage of shells rained down, and the city walls cracked and collapsed amidst the violent tremors.

"The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" The defenders fled in panic.

Dorgon was escorted down the city wall by his personal guards, his ears ringing.

He had never seen such intense artillery fire; it was completely beyond his comprehension.

The shelling lasted for a full half hour.

When the smoke cleared, the defenders were horrified to find that the city walls around the East Gate had been reduced to ruins.

"Assault team, charge!"

At a command, dozens of light and heavy machine guns opened fire simultaneously, the dense barrage suppressing the remaining defenders and preventing them from raising their heads. Commandos armed with MP40 submachine guns leaped out of their positions like cheetahs, advancing rapidly in groups of three along the ruins.

"Sorcery! Sorcery!" A garrison commander, seeing his comrade fall from a hundred meters away, was so frightened that he dropped his weapon.

After the assault team rushed into the breach, they immediately split into several groups. Some cleared out the remaining enemy along the city wall, some rushed straight for the government office, and others seized high ground. Their tactical movements were clean and efficient, and their coordination was excellent.

Dorgona fought his way back, escorted by his personal guards, when suddenly a cold voice came from behind him:
"General Duolonga, are you still going to put up a stubborn resistance?"

He turned around abruptly and saw a young man who had appeared not far away, holding a strangely shaped pistol in his hand.

"You...you're Su Ning?"

"Surrender," Su Ning said calmly. "Your family is on their way."

Dorona's expression changed drastically: "You!"

"I'll give you three numbers to consider." Su Ning held up three fingers.

Looking at the retreating defenders all around, Dorona sighed and threw away his sword.

At noon, the red dragon flag slowly rose over the city walls of Linyi. From the first cannon shot to the end of the battle, exactly three hours had passed.

At the city gate, Su Ning addressed the surrendered garrison: "Those who wish to stay can join the Red Flag Army. Those who want to go home will be given travel expenses. From today onwards, Linyi will be exempt from taxes for three years!"

The news spread like wildfire, causing a city-wide uproar. At the same time, a swift horse galloped out of the city gates, carrying a personal letter from Su Ning, speeding south: "Linyi has fallen, southern Shandong is in turmoil. Next step: the Yangtze River!"

As the sun set, Su Ning stood atop the city wall, gazing southward. His chief of staff approached him: "Commander Su, urgent report from the southern front: the Weishan Lake alliance has been concluded."

Suning smiled slightly: "Tell 051, it's time to liven up Xuzhou."

Three-pronged attack, and a complete victory!
Lock down the canal on the west, weave a secret network on the south, and seize key towns on the east!
With astonishing speed and power, the Red Flag Army expanded its controlled area several times over in just over ten days, truly becoming a powerful force that dominated southern Shandong and intimidated the Jianghuai region!

While envoys from various factions were still trekking through the mountains, Suning had already given the world an even stronger answer with its swift and decisive actions.

……

The Red Flag Army won a series of victories, especially after its swift capture of Linyi, a key town in southern Shandong, which brought it immense prestige.

This force, which suddenly rose in the north, wielded "thunderous firearms," ​​and openly opposed the Qing dynasty, finally attracted the close attention of the established anti-Qing forces in the south.

On this day, outside the former Qing Dynasty prefectural government office in Linyi, now the headquarters of the Red Flag Army, two groups of envoys arrived almost one after the other, looking travel-worn yet carrying a hint of arrogance.

A group claiming to be representatives of the Mu Prince's Mansion in Yunnan, surnamed Mu, and nephews of Mu Tianbo, spoke and acted with the arrogance accumulated from noble families. They regarded the former Ming Gui Prince, Zhu Youlang, the Yongli Emperor, as the legitimate ruler. Although he had been killed, his descendants or lineages were still respected.

Another group came from the Prince Yanping's Mansion in Taiwan. The leader was a military advisor surnamed Zheng, whose brows and eyes carried the sharpness of islanders and confidence in the strength of the sea frontier. They followed the lineage of the former Ming Tang Prince, Emperor Longwu Zhu Yujian, and Zheng Chenggong and his son had long adhered to the Longwu calendar.

The two met in a side hall where they were waiting to be summoned. At first, they maintained a superficial politeness, exchanging pleasantries such as "we are both righteous men against the Qing Dynasty."

However, when the topic inevitably touched on the core issue of "who should we support as the ruler of the world in the current resistance against the Qing Dynasty," the atmosphere instantly became tense.

The envoy from the Mu family was the first to launch an attack. He stroked his non-existent beard and adopted the air of a noble family: "Your esteemed family is located in a remote overseas region and may not know this. When Guilin fell, His Majesty (referring to Yongli) suffered a calamity, but the Crown Prince is still alive, and the bloodline has not been extinguished. The Prince of Gui is the direct descendant of Emperor Shenzong, and his succession to the throne is legitimate and rightful. All loyal and righteous men in the world eagerly await his arrival! Although the Prince of Tang is also wise, he is ultimately a distant relative. How can he overstep his bounds?"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jia, the military advisor, immediately retorted, his tone carrying the straightforwardness of the coastal frontier: "Lord Mu, you are mistaken! When His Majesty Longwu was in power, he worked diligently to govern the country, and the people were all loyal to him! Moreover, my family's Lord Guoxing (Zheng Chenggong) personally supported him, bestowing upon him the surname and the title of King. This is a model of harmonious relations between ruler and subject! The Prince of Gui, who only cared for a corner of the country, ultimately met his defeat and death. How could he be worthy of being the ruler of the world again? Furthermore, the overseas people now remember the old kindness of Longwu and follow the Tang Dynasty's legitimate calendar. This is the will of the people!"

"Absurd! There is a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, and an order of seniority; this is the law established by our ancestors!"

"Hmph! When the nation is in peril, we should appoint the virtuous and capable! How can we be bound by the views of pedantic scholars!"

Both sides quoted extensively from classical texts, from the struggles of the Wanli Emperor's reign to the past events of the Southern Ming Dynasty, from debates about blood ties to the great principles of loyalty between ruler and subject. The more they spoke, the more excited they became, their faces turning red and their spittle flying.

The temperature in the side hall seemed to rise a few degrees. The Red Flag Army guards standing to the side were expressionless, but a hint of disdain flashed in their eyes.

It's like starting to divide the spoils and fight for power before anything has even been accomplished, or even before anything has been accomplished at all.

The Mu family envoy slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Are you going to betray the fundamental principles of morality and do something rebellious?"

Zheng Jia, the military advisor, stood up without backing down, his hand resting on the sword at his waist: "It is you who are stubborn and incorrigible, clinging to outdated ideas!"

Seeing that a "literary dispute" was about to escalate into a "physical fight," the guard had no choice but to step forward and say in a deep voice, "Commander Su is already waiting in the main hall. Please be mindful of your manners, esteemed envoys!"

The two groups barely managed to suppress their anger, glared at each other, straightened their clothes, and followed the guards to the main hall.

But the unyielding hostility in the air was so thick it couldn't be dispelled.

In the main hall, Su Ning sat upright in the main seat, listening calmly to both sides passionately stating their "legitimacy" and their demands that the Red Flag Army "obey the calendar" and "follow orders."

After they finished speaking, Su Ning did not ask for details or express any inclination as they expected. Instead, he slowly stood up, his gaze like a cold blade, sweeping over every envoy present.

"Finished?" His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable air of authority. "You've traveled thousands of miles just to argue with me about who is more qualified to sit on that dragon throne now occupied by the Tartars: an emperor who's been dead for decades, or his descendants who are probably lingering in some unknown corner?"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole hall was shocked!

The envoys from both Mu and Zheng were stunned. They hadn't expected the renowned "Commander Su" to speak so directly, even to the point of being... disrespectful!

"You... what do you mean by that, Commander Su? If the name is not correct, the words will not be proper, this is..." The Mu family envoy tried to explain.

"Bullshit!" Su Ning interrupted without hesitation, his tone filled with disdain and anger at their incompetence. "The one sitting on the dragon throne in the capital is a descendant of a wild boar! He's Ao Bai! He's a Manchu Tartar! They are ruling over hundreds of millions of Han people with swords, spears, and whips! In Jiangbei, the Central Plains, and Huguang, how many people are groaning under the iron hooves of the Tartars? How many patriots have stained the land with their blood?"

He slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room: "And what about you?! The Tartars haven't even been driven out yet, and nearly half the country has been lost, and you're all here arguing heatedly, practically ready to draw your swords, over some vague claim of 'legitimacy'! Do you want the founding emperor, now in the afterlife, to see how 'wise and mighty' his descendants and his ministers are?!"

Zheng Jia, the military advisor, turned pale and forced a smile, saying, "Commander Su, it's not that we want to fight for it, it's just that..."

"What do you mean by 'truly stupid'? You're utterly foolish!" Su Ning said mercilessly. "You keep talking about overthrowing the Qing and restoring the Ming, but all you're really thinking about is using the banner of 'Ming' to fight for power and profit! You're thinking about who will get the credit for supporting the emperor and who will occupy a high position in the court! Have you ever cared about the lives of the people? Have you ever cared about who can truly lead everyone to drive out the Tartars?!"

He waved his arm and pointed outside the hall: "Look at my Red Flag Army soldiers! Why do they fight to the death? It's not for some Zhu family emperor, but for 'driving out the Tartars and rebuilding China'! It's so that all Han people can stand tall again! Not to kowtow and kneel before you pedantic scholars who cling to their memorial tablets, and continue to suffer under a different master!"

"Commander Su..."

"Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together!" Su Ning said resolutely. "Guards! Show them out! Get these fools who are still dreaming of fighting for power out of Linyi! My Red Flag Army has no need for such 'allies'!"

The guards immediately stepped forward and firmly gestured for them to leave.

The envoys from Mu and Zheng were rendered speechless by the insults, their faces turning red and blue with shame and anger.

The Mu family envoy muttered to himself, "Vulgar! Rude! They disregard both honor and righteousness; how are they any different from bandits..."

Zheng Jia, the military advisor, snorted coldly and left, clearly feeling greatly insulted.

Watching their departing figures, Su Ning's eyes were filled with nothing but cold disappointment.

It is clear that cooperating with these forces, who are tightly bound by the shackles of the old era and are experts in internal strife but incompetent in external warfare, is tantamount to tying one's own hands and feet.

The road is destined to be lonely, but it will also be a completely new and defying path that shatters all old frameworks!

...(End of chapter)