Jianghu Qimen Lu

"It's been a while since I've seen Xiaobaijin and the other two. I wonder how they're doing now?" Xiangquan suddenly uttered this sentence, whether to herself or to Baishandian.

"The two siblings are very well-behaved and are currently staying at the residence of Governor-General Zhang Kuang of Zhejiang. Don't worry, they'll be fine!" Bai Shandian said this with some difficulty, because the scene of Xiao Baijin fighting with the young master of the Zhang family at the Zhang residence was still vivid in his mind, leaving him with a bitter feeling he could not express and could only suppress it in his heart! He didn't even dare to tell his wife.

"Nothing will happen? I know your precious son's character better than anyone! It would be a miracle if he didn't get into trouble!" Xiang Quan coldly glared at him and scolded him. After a moment of contemplation, she suddenly seemed to have made a great decision and said resolutely, "No, I must go to the Governor's Mansion to see my two precious children before I leave! If I can't go, I will regret it for the rest of my life!" Bai Shandian comforted her, "It's not that serious, it's not like we're facing life and death! Besides, this situation is only temporary! I will communicate with the Emperor and let him gradually dispel his prejudice against you..."

"Enough!" Xiang Quan roared angrily. "Why should I change that tyrant's mind? He's headstrong and arrogant, and has already chilled the hearts of the people! Now the people are suffering, officials are forcing them to rebel, and anti-Qing organizations are springing up like mushrooms after rain! He's oblivious to all this, appointing corrupt officials, instigating literary inquisitions, closing the country off from the outside world, boasting of his perfect military achievements, and vigorously promoting the Kangxi and Qianlong era's prosperity. He's single-mindedly trying to glorify himself, to claim credit, and to make a name for himself for posterity. He's truly laughable, pathetic, and utterly despicable! In the end, he will undoubtedly decline and perish! As the saying goes, 'The people can carry a boat, but they can also capsize it.' How can a country be prosperous and strong, and lasting, if it doesn't prioritize the common people and only considers its own comfort and enjoyment?" Bai Shandian was speechless for a moment. This was indeed the current state of affairs and drawbacks of the Qing Dynasty! But as a favorite of the emperor, how could he dare to make any judgments? He hurriedly whispered, "Be careful, too many people will gossip. If one word gets out, it will cause a lot of trouble!" Xiang Quan knew all too well that during the Qianlong era, the literary inquisition was particularly rampant. A single wrong word or a single wrong character could cost you your head! This was because the social atmosphere at the time was corrupt, especially the infighting and mutual denunciation within the officialdom, creating widespread fear and anxiety. Looking at Chinese history, among the many dynasties, the Qing Dynasty was the most severe in its literary inquisitions! Data shows that during the Qing emperors' reigns: Shunzhi reigned for eighteen years and implemented seven literary inquisitions; Kangxu reigned for sixty-one years and implemented thirteen; Yongzheng reigned for thirteen years and implemented twenty; and Qianlong reigned for sixty years and implemented a staggering one hundred and thirty! These numbers are shocking and chilling, revealing Qianlong's brutal and ruthless nature.

Stinky Feet gathered the Red Flower Society brothers before her and said to Fragrant Fist, "Sister, gather the brothers and sisters of the Southern Fist Sect, let's leave this place together!" Fragrant Fist asked, "What are your plans? Where do we go next?" Stinky Feet pondered for a moment and whispered, "Our journey is fraught with difficulties and dangers, so it's best to keep our destination a secret for now!" Fragrant Fist knew that Stinky Feet was meticulous and didn't even want White Lightning to know, so she didn't ask any more questions and went straight to gather the Southern Fist Sect disciples.

Bai Shandian walked over to Choujiao, patted him on the shoulder, and said sincerely, "Brother, I'm entrusting your sister to you! She has a bad temper and is easily swayed by emotions, so you must make decisions for her and make sure she doesn't do anything foolish! I've experienced the days of wandering the world and licking blood from the wounds of the martial arts world, and there's an indescribable, unbearable pain... I feel sorry for Quan'er!" Choujiao was quite moved by these words and said emotionally, "Brother-in-law, although you and my sister often bicker, I can see that you care about my sister! Based on that alone, I, Choujiao, have already decided that you are my brother-in-law! We martial arts heroes, although we brave the winds and waves, live freely, unrestrained, and carefree lives, unlike your brother-in-law, who, although of noble status and living a luxurious life, is spiritually empty and has a bad reputation." Moreover, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; one wrong move and trouble could erupt within your own ranks, leading to lifelong regret! Therefore, brother, I advise you: see through the illusions of the world as soon as possible. Fame and fortune are locks, money is a pit; only by upholding chivalry, serving the country and its people, and striving for justice can one truly be a person! Bai Shandian remained silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly, tears streaming down his face. He thought to himself, "In truth, I understand the saying 'The government is like an abyss, the gates of noble families are like a deep sea' better than anyone else! But alas, I am the most noble bannerman of the Bordered Yellow Banner among the Eight Banners of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, and I am of the same Aisin Gioro clan as Emperor Qianlong, a true member of the imperial family. How could I possibly harbor any disloyalty?! Although the Emperor has been relentlessly pursuing the Red Flower Society, knowing full well the connection between Xiang Quan and Chou Jue and me, he has turned a blind eye and not held me accountable—this is unprecedented in the history of the Qing Dynasty!"

Before long, Xiangquan led the Southern Fist School members to meet the Red Flower Society heroes. Bai Shandian generously said, "If it really doesn't work, let the Eight Banners soldiers spare some horses to help you." Xiangquan glared at him and scolded, "We're already entangled right now, and you've already violated the Qing Emperor's taboo! How can you continue to act recklessly?" Hong Yueliang said quietly from the side, "Sister, don't worry. These Eight Banners soldiers are all soldiers that Father personally trained. They have a strong bond with our family. There will absolutely be no betrayal or instigation behind our backs!" Seeing Xiangquan let out a long sigh of relief, she bowed again and smiled sweetly, "Thank you, sister, for your righteous act of offering me the book to save me. If you ever need my help in the future, just give the word, and I will go through fire and water for you!" Xiangquan returned the bow and said lightly, "Of course!" and then ignored her.

The Li brothers came to see him off. Xiangquan said, "Fengleisan, you are the eldest of the Shi family, and you should know that you are a descendant of the loyal martyrs of the Ming Dynasty! The old hero Shi Gongke was willing to die to protect Yangzhou City. His merits are as bright as the sun and moon, and his fame will shine for thousands of years. He is a model for us and should be respected for all ages! As descendants of martyrs, I hope that you will continue your efforts, follow in the footsteps of the martyrs, and continue to devote yourselves to the torrent of resisting the Qing and restoring the Ming! I hope that you will become great figures in the martial arts world, not petty people who go against the wishes of the martyrs!" Fengleisan nodded repeatedly like a chicken pecking at food, and said excitedly, "Thank you for the reminder, Master. My brothers and I will definitely listen to your teachings and live up to your expectations! Today, I will have my third uncle move back to my mansion in the village!" Choujiao laughed from the side, "That's perfect, but I don't know what Mr. Shi thinks? Old Shi, come here for a moment." Shi Yanshi heard the summons from the Grand Master and hurriedly ran over.

Stinky Feet asked with a smile, "Your eldest nephew is willing to take you home to live, would you be willing?" Unexpectedly, he looked utterly unwilling, seemingly still haunted by past events, and said tremblingly, "This old man has gotten used to living here, and has developed an attachment to everything. I don't want to move! Thank you all for your kindness." Fragrant Fist couldn't help but scold, "Wind and Thunder Umbrella! How have you treated your own uncle? Why is he so afraid of you!?" Wind and Thunder Umbrella immediately knelt before her with a thud, and the other three brothers, including Bloodthirsty, also quickly knelt down, bowing their heads in confession. Wind and Thunder Umbrella said apologetically, "Sect Leader, it's only my brothers' fault for being too domineering in the village, bullying men and women, committing all sorts of evil deeds, so that even my third uncle suffered greatly and still feels lingering fear. From now on, we brothers will definitely change, repent, and start anew! To live up to the Sect Leader's high expectations!"

Xiang Quan's face turned cold, her almond-shaped eyes wide open. She said sternly, "Since you are descendants of a noble family of martyrs, you should be even more mindful of your family's reputation! If anything similar happens again, don't blame me for turning my back on you! You will be punished according to the rules of the Southern Fist Clan, without exception!" Feng Leisan and his brothers prostrated themselves on the ground, repeatedly agreeing! Xiang Quan said solemnly, "Since your uncle is unwilling to move back to the village, you should visit him more often, bring him daily necessities, and send him more good food, as much as you can to show your filial piety!" The five Shi brothers all agreed. Only then did Xiang Quan let them stand up.