Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

With the Shahe Gang destroyed and Jishan expelled, the people of Foshan rejoiced, calling Magistrate Zhao Guodong "Zhao Qingtian" (a paragon of justice). Baozhilin, Huang Feihong, and Wang Huanbo also reached the pinnacle of their prestige. However, the aftermath of the victory remained a complex and multifaceted task.

The dozens of rescued "coolies" needed resettlement. They were traumatized, both physically and mentally, and unable to return to their homes. Po Chi Lam became a temporary shelter. Aunt Thirteen and the women of the village meticulously cared for their injuries, while Wong Fei-hung and Wong Huan-bo tirelessly contacted charitable organizations and hometown associations to find them relatives or arrange livelihoods. Wong Huan-bo even used some of the gold and silver from his own pocket (using some of the system's storage space) to give each person a resettlement allowance. These survivors were deeply grateful to Wong Fei-hung and Wong Huan-bo, especially to the decisive and meticulous "Mr. Wong," whom they revered as a god.

The large quantity of seized weapons became a hot potato. Zhao Guodong dared not act rashly and reported it to the provincial capital. However, the government was inefficient, and there were differing opinions within the government regarding the disposal of the weapons. Some advocated absorbing them into the army, while others advocated destroying them to avoid trouble. Wang Huanbo knew the importance of these weapons. He secretly approached Zhao Guodong and explained the situation: "Sir, foreigners are eyeing us covetously, and the region is unstable. Rather than letting these weapons rust in the warehouse or fall into the hands of incompetent people, it would be better for you to take the lead in forming a reliable militia, equipping them with these weapons, and assisting in maintaining local security and resisting foreign aggression. This will not only bring peace to the people but also strengthen your power."

Zhao Guodong was tempted. If he could control an armed force, his position in the officialdom would be more secure. But he also had concerns: "Forming a militia requires funding and instructors, and it's easy to arouse suspicion."

Wang Huanbo pressed his advantage: "Funding can be provided by donations from local gentry, and instructors can be temporarily appointed by disciples of Baozhilin. As for the name, it can be called the 'Protecting Merchants and People's Corps,' specializing in apprehending bandits and preventing theft. I'm sure the higher-ups will understand. I am willing to do my utmost to assist you, sir."

Persuaded by Wang Huanbo and supported by Huang Feihong's reputation, Zhao Guodong finally agreed. A well-equipped civilian armed force, with Baozhilin disciples as its backbone, was quietly being established, and Wang Huanbo secretly incorporated modern military training methods and discipline into it.

However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. Although Ji Shan and Jackson were expelled, the influence of Jardine Matheson & Co. behind them remained, and the British Consulate was also resentful about the matter, only temporarily refraining from taking action due to public pressure. At the same time, the power vacuum left by the destruction of the Shahe Gang attracted the covetousness of other gangs, and undercurrents surged in Foshan's underworld.

What worried Wang Huanbo even more was that, from Zhao Tianba's confession and conversations with some of the more knowledgeable "coolies" who had been rescued, he learned that the tragic fate of overseas Chinese laborers was merely a microcosm of the suffering of the Chinese nation during this era. The economic aggression, cultural infiltration, and territorial encroachment of the great powers were ongoing constantly. The victory in Foshan was, in comparison to the overall decline of the nation, a drop in the ocean.

That evening, Wang Huanbo and Huang Feihong were taking a walk in the courtyard.

"Huanbo, if it weren't for you this time, Foshan would have been ravaged by these jackals for who knows how much longer," Huang Feihong sighed. "After this incident, I feel even more strongly that individual martial prowess is ultimately limited. To save the world, one needs a great path."

"Master is absolutely right." Wang Huanbo nodded. "I have been thinking about this recently. The reason why foreigners are strong is not only because of their guns and cannons, but also because of their scientific knowledge and their advanced technology of ships and cannons. If China wants to become strong, in addition to strengthening our bodies and minds, we also need to learn from the barbarians, develop practical knowledge, establish industries, and enrich the country and strengthen the military."

Wong Fei-hung seemed to be deep in thought: "Learning from the barbarians to control them... that makes sense. But how easy is it to do?"

"Man proposes, God disposes." Wang Huanbo's gaze was firm. "Master, now that the matter in Foshan is settled, I wish to travel around. On the one hand, I want to continue to hone my skills, and on the other hand, I also want to see if I can find some truly powerful 'techniques' for our China." He planned to use this as an excuse to gradually take out some basic technical data from the system space under the guise of "gains from my travels."

Wong Fei-hung looked at his beloved disciple, his eyes filled with satisfaction and expectation: "A true man's ambition lies in all corners of the world! Go forth! With your master at Po Chi Lam, you can rest assured. Be careful in everything!"

"Thank you, Master!" Wang Huanbo bowed solemnly. He knew a new journey was about to begin. His goal was no longer merely to complete system tasks or perform acts of chivalry, but to use this opportunity of time travel to find a path to light for this long-suffering nation and people. The road ahead was long, but he was determined to go.

When Aunt Thirteen learned that Wang Huanbo was about to embark on a long journey, she specially sent him an exquisite compass and a handwritten English-Chinese dictionary: "Junior Brother Wang, may your journey be long and arduous. I hope that one day you will return after completing your studies, so that our country will no longer suffer the humiliation it has today." Her eyes held reluctance, but even more so, deep expectations.

Wang Huanbo accepted the gifts, his heart warmed. Amidst the farewells of the crowd, he left Foshan, his figure disappearing on the road leading to a wider world. But the story of Foshan, the legend of Huang Feihong, and Wang Huanbo's journey in search of a strong nation were only just beginning to unfold.