In a simple and unadorned courtyard in Ankang City, the afternoon sun shone down and a light breeze carried the faint smell of blood. Dai Mengwei slowly narrated the state of the world. At her side, Lv Zhongming's eyes gradually shone with the light of comprehension.
"The Fairness Party … He Wen … says he came from the southwest, but it's hard to say whether He Wen and the southwest are of one mind. Moreover, even if He Wen is somewhat favorable to the southwest and somewhat respectful to Mister Ning, there are five people in the Fairness Party who can keep their word, including He Wen. The people under his command are mixed with good and bad people. This is the flaw and problem …
"Zou Xu of the Central Plains only took in tens of thousands of troops in Xuzhou. When Liu Chengzong led the main force to Liangshan, he became selfish and independent. How could the millions of people in the Fairness Party be of one mind with the Black Flags of the southwest? It's just that after the Black Flags defeated the Jurchens, their fame flourished for a time. The Fairness Party borrowed their fame and openly acknowledged this muddle but didn't expose it …
"In the present world, there is no doubt that the southwest has a strong army and powerful horses. But who among those who can wave the flag and establish themselves doesn't have the slightest bit of ambition? Jindi and the southwest appear to be close, but in reality, could that brothel girl really have become the person sleeping beside the heart demon? It's just a joke of a busybody … In Fuzhou in the southeast, His Majesty is determined to revitalize the country after ascending to the throne. It is said that he has some relations with that Ning Liheng, but if one day he really can revitalize the Wu Dynasty, will there really be people who will take the initiative to give way between him and the Black Flags?
"The Black Flags are first, and the people of the world seek a foothold. After that, they seek second. When they truly become second, they will have to face the problem of fighting the Black Flags. As long as the Fairness Party has the slightest bit of disloyalty, they will not be able to avoid this hurdle. "
"This disciple understands." To the side, Lv Zhongming was completely convinced.
Dai Mengwei continued forward. "If he opens the door and wants to hold a Heroes' Assembly, we should go and support him. No matter how evil the Fairness Party is, they won't randomly slap a smiling person at a time like this. As long as there is a possibility of cooperation in the future, we should meet now and have a chat. Moreover, the matter of the Heroes' Assembly will be laughed at for a time, but as long as we calm our hearts, everyone will know that this is an opportunity. In the territory of the Party of Fairness, you will run into more than just the Party of Fairness. This old man believes that as long as one is farsighted and worried about the southwest, they will not miss this convention. "
Lv Zhongming nodded. "The martial arts competition on the surface is a small matter. Those who go down in secret will be the variables in the future."
"This matter needs to be improvised, and it's not easy to grasp the limits. Thus, I can only be at ease if you lead the team." Dai Mengwei smiled and said, "Let's take a closer look when we get there. Who knows, the Jindi courtesan who has the best relationship with the southwest might have secretly sent people there. That would be interesting."
"This disciple will definitely do his utmost to probe the true strength of the five factions of the Fairness Party. Just like what Teacher said, there are millions of people, each with their own ulterior motives. There are definitely many who can be roped in. " Lu Zhongming said, "It's just that this war is imminent, and the matter of provisions in the rear is the most sensitive. If this disciple leaves now, I'm afraid that there aren't many senior and junior brothers who are good at counting …"
Dai Mengwei had already endured hunger for a year and had finally managed to grow something with great difficulty. Sending troops to the Central Plains could be considered a desperate move. But at the same time, every bit of provisions in the rear had to be dug out. To ensure that the troops on the front lines could be used smoothly, on one hand, they had to put an end to corruption and restrain all parties in the army. On the other hand, they had to be prepared to suppress mutinies in the rear at any time. In addition, the entire system of collecting and transporting provisions was a huge project that tested one's ability to handle affairs. If the person in charge had the slightest bit of selfishness, it could ultimately endanger Dai Mengwei's entire force.
"I will personally oversee the collection of provisions for a period of time. I understand your worries, so it's not a problem, "Dai Mengwei said. "In addition, I have new arrangements for the matters on the front lines. Within a year, we have a seventy to eighty percent chance of entering Bianliang. When you go east and discuss important matters with others, you can use this as a precondition. "
"Has there been a major change in the situation on the front lines?"
"It's not appropriate to say too much about this matter. When you go to Jiangning, I won't tell you too many details for now. You just need to watch quietly … but there is another matter that is related to your trip that I need to tell you first …"
The master and disciple spoke slowly as they passed through the long eaves. At this time, some of the heroes of the Greenwood Forest who had participated in the battle last night and had taken a short break in the morning had already arrived at the main hall of this courtyard and gathered in the hall. Many of these people were originally arrogant and unruly heroes of the Greenwood Forest, but they were gathered under Dai Mengwei's courteous reception. In the past few months, they had been trained by Dai Mengwei's righteous teachings and gotten rid of some of their original selfish thoughts. At this time, they already seemed to be cooperating. Even the few heroes of the Greenwood Forest at the top could greet each other happily and harmoniously when they met. After gathering, everyone formed into a formation and no longer looked like a motley crew from before.
The afternoon sun shone into the courtyard. Not long after, Dai Mengwei and Lv Zhongming also walked in.
The old man, who was known as the sage of today, first picked up his walking stick and kindly cupped his hands to thank everyone. He praised them for their hard work last night and mourned for the dead heroes. Then, he let Wei He, Chen Bian, Qiu Zhangying, and the others who were in the lead take their seats.
"… The recent events reminded me of a hero I met last year. Many of you may have heard of him, or perhaps you know him. This person's name is Xu Yuanzong. He is a master of the spear in Hankou. When he wields his spear, he can stab flies within ten feet with 100% accuracy. Mister Chen has fought with him before and should have a deep impression of him. "
Chen Bian cupped his hands. "Brother Xu … it is a pity that he died in the hands of the devil, but it is also heroic …"
"This matter is actually my fault." Dai Mengwei looked at the people in the hall with pity in his eyes. "At that time, I had just taken over the chaotic situation here and did not have many ways to deal with things. When I heard that there was such a hero in Hankou, I sent someone to invite him over. At that time … I did not know much about the heroes of the Jianghu. I only knew that he was highly skilled in martial arts and coincidentally, there was a meeting in the southwest. So, I invited him to the southwest to assassinate like Hero Zhou … Hero Xu gladly went, but every time I think about this matter, it is this old man's great mistake. "
"Hero Xu sought benevolence and got it. How could it be Master Dai's fault?"
The people in the hall began to talk. "That's right, Hero Xu sacrificed himself for the greater good, just like Hero Zhou back then …"
"Even if there is a mistake, it is in the southwest …"
"The devil will not die a good death …"
As he spoke, Dai Mengwei waved his hand. "Hero Xu sought benevolence and got it. It is the actions of a hero. However, this old man was wrong. I was too narrow-minded back then. Everyone, in the past, you lived in the same place and practiced martial arts. You were either heroes or ordinary people. This is not wrong. But in this year, all of you have worked hard for the country. You are no longer heroes or ordinary people. You should be called a national scholar. "
He said, "Everyone here has cast aside past enmities and sectarian views. We have communicated and interacted with each other. That is how we have today. This old man has studied all his life, but it is only now that I understand the use of a national scholar. Back then, Xu Yuanzong accepted my request and bravely went to fight for justice. He is a national scholar. However, if this old man was not too ignorant and left him here to exchange pointers with all of you, or even to bring out some useful juniors, he would have played a far greater role than going to the southwest to fight for justice. Just like yesterday's jumping clowns and rabble. Even if they were brave for a moment, they would not be able to accomplish anything. Xu Yuanzong is a hero, but this old man is ignorant and stupid. Every time I think about it, I feel ashamed. "
As he said this, he raised his teacup and poured the tea in it on the ground. Everyone looked at each other, their hearts moved. For a moment, they lowered their heads in silence, not knowing what to say.
Putting down the teacup, Dai Mengwei said after a moment of silence, "Everyone is a national scholar. You should be used in the most crucial places. For example, by my side, you should only protect this old man. You really shouldn't …"
Chen Bian wanted to open his mouth to say something, but Dai Mengwei waved his hand in advance. "However, there is an event today that has caused a huge uproar. This old man thinks that it is time for everyone to make a name for themselves in a dignified manner … I believe everyone has heard of this event. It is the Heroes' Assembly that will be held in Jiangning."
As he said this, everyone looked at each other, also a bit hesitant. After a while, Wei He and the others opened their mouths. What they said was also the somewhat laughable words of the Jiangning Heroes Conference. Moreover, the war in Jiangbei was imminent. They were all willing to go to the battlefield to kill the enemy and contribute to this side.
Dai Mengwei smiled and first praised everyone's willpower. Then he said, "… But going to Jiangning, on one hand, is for everyone to be able to represent our side and make a name for themselves. On the other hand, everyone represents this old man's goodwill. I hope to be able to bring a suggestion to the heroes of the world."
The old man said, "Since ancient times, the status of the green forest and grassland has not been high. But every time the country is in danger, it is always ordinary people who rise up with hot blood to protect the country. Since the peace of the Wu dynasty, the world has paid more attention to those who practice martial arts. But in reality, whether it is the Number One Martial Arts Competition in the southwest or the Heroes Conference that will soon be held in Jiangning, they are all just a show for those in power for their own reputation. At most, they are just recruiting some ordinary people to be soldiers. "
"Although this old man is a scholar, but after the incident with Xu Yuanzong, I was quite moved. This kind of martial arts competition where three to five hundred or even three to five thousand people gather together and fight for the title of number one, this old man is not willing to do it. This old man wants to create something for the martial artists of the world that truly belongs to everyone. "
In the hall, the old man looked at the group of heroes and paused slightly. "Now everyone in the world knows that our northern expedition is imminent, and our goal is the old capital, Bianliang. If there is no result from this battle, of course there is no need to talk about it. But if we can really conquer Bianliang, there are many things to do in the future. I will support everyone to organize the largest martial arts competition in Bianliang. "
"This martial arts competition is not for everyone to perform and then stuff into the army. Instead, it hopes to gather all the heroes of the world, communicate, exchange, and improve. Just like everyone here, everyone can improve, and there will be no more sectarian bias. This will allow everyone's skills to be truly used to fight against the Jins, to defeat those who have deviated from the path, so that all the martial artists of the world can turn from ordinary people to scholars of the country, and not lose the original intention of practicing martial arts."
"Therefore, everyone is going to Jiangning this time, not to assassinate anyone, nor is it as simple as fighting fiercely in the arena. Scholars of the country should have their own way of doing things. Everyone is going for a long-term plan, to learn from each other, to show your breadth of mind. As for heroes who have the same breadth of mind, you can invite them to participate in this grand event. Of course, if there are those who are willing to join the army from the Fairness Party, we will not stop them … "
"As for the name of this martial arts competition, this old man has also thought about it. Originally, I wanted to call it the Central Plains Martial Arts Competition, but after thinking about it, it was too narrow. The Chinese Martial Arts Competition is not suitable, it will make people think of the southwest. Later on, I got a name, and it will be called — — Chinese Martial Arts Competition! "
"… More things, I will have to leave it to Zhongming and everyone to handle together."
Dai Mengwei smiled as she finished saying all this.
The afternoon sun was still bright and beautiful. Everyone in the room agreed one after another, their hearts already in turmoil.
In the past, when the Wu dynasty was flourishing, there was the Imperial Boxing School in the capital, but even the so-called number one person in the world, Zhou Dong, in reality, did not receive much attention from those in power. When the Wu dynasty declined, on the one hand, there was great external pressure, on the other hand, Takeshi's wuxia novels spread everywhere, and the status of martial arts practitioners rose, but overall, it still seemed awkward.
The biggest reason for this was, of course, that martial arts practitioners cherished their own things. They could be bandits, but they could not form an army. After the Central Plains fell, the population migrated on a large scale, which led to a wave of the so-called northern martial arts spreading to the south. Back in Lin 'an, some people from the pugilistic world also gathered together to form a few new sects, but there were no real big shots in public to support this kind of thing. In the end, it was because they could not fight on the battlefield. Even as scouts, according to the characters of these martial arts practitioners, there was a mix of good and bad. The truly useful ones could be recruited into the army, why should they form sects?
The Jurchen's fourth expedition to the south forced the world to fall apart. When Dai Mengwei appeared, she used her fame and means to gather this group of people from the Green Forest. Under the pressure of righteousness and reality, these people also put down some of their pride and old customs, and began to obey the rules, listen to orders, and cooperate. In this way, their strength increased, but in reality, of course, it also suppressed their characters.
For the sake of righteousness, some people were willing to become Dai Mengwei's lackeys, or even to die for justice like Xu Yuanzong. But at the same time, who did not want real fame and fortune? The Huaxia army in the southwest said that they would organize the World Number One Martial Arts Competition, but if they really went, wouldn't their final choice be to become a soldier? This was also the case in Jiangning. So they did not want to go.
But if the "Chinese Martial Arts Association" mentioned by Duke Dai was established, with his support and endorsement, wouldn't this martial arts association be equivalent to the Imperial Boxing School when martial arts practitioners were valued? Even if Zhou Dong came back to life, he would probably feel envious. And as the initiators of this matter, they might even leave their names in the history books in the future.
Thinking of this, those who could see the prospect were already boiling in their hearts …
*****
In the same afternoon.
Old Eighth, Jin Chenghu, and the others with hideous scars on their faces confronted the macheteman who had saved them last night in an old house in the south of the city.
The macheteman named You Hongzhuo told them his judgment: Dai Mengwei was not an incompetent person, and he had a good command of the people of the Green Forest under him, so they were not completely a motley crew. And around him, at least in his circle of confidants, there were some people who could do things, and the guards around him were also arranged in an orderly manner, so he was definitely not an ideal assassination target.
"… Moreover, old dog Dai has done many bad things, but he has covered them up … If we kill this Dai now, it will only help him become famous."
After investigating Dai Mengwei's territory for several months, You Hongzhuo had learned a lot of inside stories, and also knew that Old Eighth, Jin Chenghu, and the others were swordsmen who had been framed by Dai Mengwei, so he explained these things one by one, and also told them some of the ideas he had obtained from the Huaxia army. Unexpectedly, when he heard about the Huaxia army, Old Eighth flew into a rage.
"… You saved my Old Eighth, so I can't say that you're a bad person. But speaking of that Huaxia army, they're not good people either … "
"… Back then, when we fought against the Jin, people said that we were righteous, and I also sacrificed all my brothers and sisters for the sake of righteousness! Dai Mengwei had ulterior motives, and we all fell for his evil tricks, so I, Old Eighth, will not live under the same sky as him in this life. But I will always remember that when the Huaxia army defeated the Jurchen Western Army in Hanzhong, he could have killed Dai Mengwei as long as he made a move, but Ning Yi said it in a dignified manner, but he refused to make a move … "
"… Others say that he killed the Emperor in a fit of rage, but in my opinion, Mister Ning is also a coward …"
"… Over the past year, Dai Mengwei has killed many of my brothers here, and you don't know this. But how many people here have died because of him! How sanctimonious he is! Brother, you should be well aware of this. Let me bear with it for a while, but what about these people who have died, and are still dying … "
"… I, Old Eighth, don't know anything about taking things slowly, and I don't know what Mister Ning is talking about. I only know that I want to save people, and killing Dai Mengwei is saving people … "
"… I don't want to wait for some Mister Ning to come and save people. When he comes, many people who shouldn't have died have already died … None of these big shots are good people, because they have never been on the same side as us small people …"
You Hongzhuo tilted his head and looked at the scar-faced man who was growling at the table in front of him, spitting saliva everywhere.
"I'm not saying that Dai Mengwei should not have died, but what if you really can't kill him?"
"Back then, when Zhou Yingxiong assassinated Ni Han, were you sure you could kill him? What I used to do was to kill people for money, and I didn't know that my brothers and sisters were killed by Dai Mengwei, so I failed a few times. But as long as he is alive, I will kill him … "
In the room of the old house, You Hongzhuo looked at the somewhat hysterical man, who was ugly, with hideous scars on his face, tattered clothes, and sparse hair. When speaking of Dai Mengwei and the Huaxia army, his eyes became bloodshot … Finally, You Hongzhuo sighed.
On the side, Jin Chenghu saw him out, "Brother, are you from the Huaxia army?"
"I've sparred with people from the Huaxia army, and I admire and admire them, but I didn't join the army. Speaking of which, I was once confused about what he was thinking … "You Hongzhuo looked back," But he will kill you … "
"He only does this occasionally, and he can't control himself." Jin Chenghu said, "In the past year, Dai Mengwei has been chasing us very closely. In a battle, he was stabbed in the head in order to save his brothers. Although he was lucky to not die, it is difficult to control Dai Mengwei and the Huaxia army. When it comes to assassination arrangements, he can actually be calm, but the people around Dai Mengwei are getting more and more difficult to deal with … "
Speaking of this, he paused, "Brother, your saber technique is excellent, and you know the evil things that Dai Mengwei has done. Why don't you help us and kill Dai Mengwei?"
"… It's difficult, and it may not be beneficial."
"… Beneficial to whom? Some people will die today, and some people will die tomorrow. They will die because of Dai Mengwei. What about them? "
You Hongzhuo looked at Jin Chenghu, who was in front of him. This person should have had a fierce look in the past, but now he only had a thin face covered in dust and scars. At this time, he could also answer, but he opened his mouth, but in the end, he didn't say anything.
Jin Chenghu had already cupped his hands and smiled, "No matter what, thank you for your kindness today, brother. If we meet again in the Pugilistic World in the future, I will repay you."
You Hongzhuo nodded and left the courtyard.
That night, he recalled the scene when he first entered the Pugilistic World from a nearby roof. At that time, he experienced the betrayal of his fourth brother, Kuang Wenbai. He saw his big brother, who was chivalrous and helped the weak, but in fact, it was for Wang Juyun's sake. He also experienced the filth of the Great Radiant Sect. When the famous Huaxia army made arrangements in Jindi and destroyed the Tiger King's regime with a flip of their hand, it actually caused a wave of chaos. He didn't know who was good, and in the end, he could only choose to walk the Pugilistic World alone and stay true to himself.
Now that he had more experience, he could say that it was best for most people to let the Huaxia army handle it, but what about people like Old Eighth and Jin Chenghu who were among them? To them, the "good" of the Huaxia army was indeed meaningless.
In the affairs of the world, only the incomplete was the true meaning.
*****
That night, You Hongzhuo sat on the roof for half the night. The next day, he slightly disguised himself and left Ankang City. He followed the road eastward and embarked on his journey to Jiangning.
He left Jindi last year and only planned to go back after seeing the Southwest for a while. Who knew that he would be recognized by a great expert in the Huaxia army, and after his identity in Jindi was verified, he was arranged to be a sparring partner in the Huaxia army for several months, and his martial arts skills improved greatly. After the training, he left the Southwest and stayed in Dai Mengwei's territory for several months to gather information. It could be considered as an act of repaying a favor.
At this time, the matter was coming to an end, and then the Jiangning Hero Conference was spread. He didn't have any desire to compete in the ring, but when he heard that the world's number one, Lin Zongwu, and his disciple would participate, he was finally moved. A few years ago, he had seen the fat monk from the Great Radiant Sect once when he was seriously injured. At that time, he only felt that the world's number one's martial arts skills were unfathomable. But now, he had been trained by Shi Jin, Lu Hongti, and other grandmasters. He had also experienced the iron-blooded training of the Huaxia army for half a year. He was excited to see the world's number one again.
At the same time, as a member of Jindi, he had to see what would happen in Jiangning when the Fairness Party opened its doors to welcome guests. When he saw the situation in Jiangning, he could go back and see the female minister, Shi Jin, and the others. Just like his investigation in Dai Mengwei's territory, this information was always very useful.
…
Ning Ji stayed in Ankang City for two more days. During this period, he secretly observed the defense situation of some suspicious places in the west of the city. His final conclusion was actually similar to You Hongzhuo's.
It was very difficult to assassinate Dai Mengwei.
On the other hand, he didn't have any evidence of Dai Mengwei's evil deeds. It would be irrational to take such a big risk to kill that old man.
In the end, he could only give up resentfully.
On the 23rd of June, he, the Rotten Scholar's group of five, and Wang Xiuniang's father and daughter boarded a merchant ship heading east and went down the Han River …
…
A few more days passed.
Lv Zhongming and the others set off from Ankang and embarked on their journey to Jiangning. At this time, they had already made a series of plans about the "Chinese Martial Arts Club". They were also in the process of gathering information about the many Jianghu masters.
They even had a few letters written by Dai Mengwei with them. They would try to persuade Great Grandmasters like Lin Zongwu to go to Bianliang to be the first president of the Chinese Martial Arts Club.
…
Ding Songnan, who was preparing for war, also sent a team to Jiangning soon after he returned. At this time, Zou Xu, who had gone to Jindi, had already started to cross the Yellow River south with some military resources.
Xue Guangcheng, who was in Jindi, once saw Zou Xu. Then he went to the Prime Minister's residence to protest and denounce him endlessly. Lou Shuwan was not ambiguous. She didn't give in to Xue Guangcheng and even hit him with an inkstone. Although Lou Shuwan said that "Xue Guangcheng and Hou Wu were in cahoots with each other and were extremely arrogant", in fact, when Hou Wu came to stop them, she still scolded them so valiantly that they ran away.
"Only women and villains are difficult to deal with —"
"Vixen — vixen —"
Xue Guangcheng's roar could almost be heard in half the city.
Lou Shuwan turned her head and complained to Zou Xu, raising the price. Zou Xu could only bitterly smile as he was being cheated. He said something like 'Mister Ning likes … no, he admires you the most' and other such happy words. The two of them got along quite well. When Zou Xu left, Lou Shuwan waved her hand and smiled gently. "Remember to win."
"Yes! I won't embarrass you! "Zou Xu bowed and promised.
After Zou Xu left, Lou Shuwan gave ten percent of the profits to the Chinese army. Since they thought it was too little and suspected that Jindi was falsifying the accounts, the two sides quarreled again.
Everyone in the world had their own choices.
It was the beginning of July. Autumn had arrived.
On this day, there were still many people queuing in front of the Sword Gate Pass.
A thin man with slightly sunken cheeks, wearing the same uniform as the others, was slowly moving forward in the queue. He widened his eyes and looked around. There seemed to be infinite curiosity in his eyes. When he passed by the pass, he looked up at the tall city gate like a child and made a "Wow …" sound.
He held a pen and wrote down his name with difficulty at the registration office at the city gate. The veteran on duty could see the inconvenience of his hands. The flesh and some of the nails on his ten fingers were already twisted. This was the mark of his fingers being forcibly pulled out after being tortured.
Since there were two plain-clothed soldiers following behind him, the veteran did not ask too many questions and only saluted him.
He walked in the queue, but his speed was a little slow. After entering the mountain, he could often see stone tablets by the roadside. The stone tablets either recorded the battle with the Female Zhenren or the names of the martyrs who died in a certain area. Every time he walked, he would stop to take a look. He even wanted to stretch out his hand to touch the words on the stone tablet, but he was stopped by the red armband on duty who scolded him.
"Oh, oh, sorry, sorry …"
He hurriedly apologized. Since he looked thin, weak, and obedient, the red armband did not continue to scold him.
In the mountains in July, the leaves were a little yellow. When the wind blew, they made a rustling sound.
The mountain road was full of people, horses, and people maintaining order. The voices of people cursing and maintaining order were mixed together. There were too many people. Not many people noticed the appearance of this ordinary "returnee" in the crowd …
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