Chapter 4: Search

Young Master

The crowd merely glanced and then began to vomit incessantly; the scene was truly too tragic. On the shallows and along the shore, there were hundreds of bodies stranded and half-floating, each corpse swollen and unrecognizable, a sight that was shocking to behold

Yue Xiang is considered a prominent figure in Aihun City, having some acquaintance with General Yang Fengxiang, the left-wing commander of the Aihun Vice Governor who fought against the Russians. Although it is still dark and the city gates have not yet opened, it is not too difficult to enter and exit the city with Yue Xiang personally leading the team. As soon as they exit the city gates, they head straight for the downstream area of the Aihun River.

Seeing this situation, Yue Weihua asked with some confusion: "Uncle, we are going to rescue people, not to fight. Why are we all carrying weapons?"

Yue Hu kept murmuring to himself, leaving the onlookers exchanging glances, while only Yue Hai understood what was happening. To be honest, both Yue Hai and Yue Hu were disappointed with Yue Weihua's performance yesterday. Fortunately, Yue Weihua was able to realize his mistakes in time, which meant that the old man did not die in vain.

At dawn, Yue Weihua, accompanied by Yue Xiang and others, finally arrived at the place where they had landed yesterday. Looking at the fortunate door panel, the three of them felt a wave of emotion, especially Yue Hu, who, while touching the door panel, appeared particularly excited

At an unknown time, a group of people emerged from the fishing village, consisting of both villagers and survivors. What brought comfort to Yue Weihua and others was that among the ten or so survivors, there were actually three members of the Yue family, all of whom were young and strong men: cousin Yue Weiyun, and nephews Yue Qingren and Yue Qingjie

Old Yue, if you are angry, just shout it out, do not hold it in at all

Qingren, you are still alive

beard

Weiyun

"Uncle, regardless of the circumstances, the deceased is gone, and you must take care of your health." Yue Weihua also joined in the persuasion, pausing for a moment, but seeing no effect, as Yue Xiang remained silent. He shook his head and emphasized, "Uncle, we rushed into the city overnight in hopes that you would send some personnel to assist in searching for survivors along the banks of the Black Water River. This is truly not the time to be angry."

Due to the late-night visit of Yue Weihua and others, the lobby of the escort agency was filled with cries. Although some news about Hailan Pao on the other side had been received earlier, there was still a glimmer of hope. Now that hope has been shattered, it is only natural that there is a sense of sorrow all around

"Jimin is right; it is Uncle who has lost his senses." Jimin is the courtesy name of Yue Weihua, and Yue Xiang's way of addressing him makes it seem more intimate. After saying this, he turned to his adopted son, Yue Xiaodong, and instructed, "Xiaodong, quickly call everyone from the escort agency, have them bring more provisions, prepare some boats, and gather at the entrance of the escort agency. We will go together to rescue the people."

Of course, while cursing and venting, everyone, under the leadership of Yue Xiang and others, began to recover the bodies. If they encountered the remains of a member of the Yue family, they would place them separately. During the recovery of the bodies, everyone was very silent, their movements were also very subtle, and the expressions on their faces revealed only heaviness and indignation

"Alright, Xiao Hu, we have fulfilled the wishes of our adoptive father. His spirit in heaven will surely not blame us," Yue Hai consoled.

Aihun City, Yue Family Escort Agency

Ugh

Yue Xiang finally spoke, but his tone was filled with self-reproach. This was mainly because he had heard some news about Hailan Pao in the afternoon. He had originally thought that given the Yue family's reputation in Hailan Pao, the Russian Empire would have some reservations. Otherwise, they should have sent personnel to conduct rescue operations downstream, after all, although the Russian Empire had blocked the Aihun River, there was always a glimmer of hope.

Ugh

Surviving a catastrophe, the reunion with family naturally brings forth a deeper sense of reflection and a greater closeness. The more than three hundred members of the Yue family, if nothing unexpected occurs, are truly reduced to just these individuals before me. Henceforth, the revival of the Yue family and the avenging of their grievances will solely depend on them.

... ...

... ...

"Foster father, I am sorry for what I have done, sob, ... ..."

Yue Xiaodong's words are indeed very reasonable. The successful crossing of the river by Yue Weihua and the other two mainly relied on that plank. After all, the current of the river here is quite swift, which is also one of the reasons why the three of them did not encounter a single survivor on their way back to Aihun City last night.

The independent woman Yue Kexin has also lost her former vivacity and willfulness, obediently holding her father's arm, constantly offering comfort and persuasion. It is worth mentioning that the Yue family's direct lineage has not been prosperous in terms of offspring for several generations, and most have only had children in their middle age.

Alas, these days in Aihun City have also been chaotic and tumultuous. Just the other day, we were subjected to bombardment by the Russians. Initially, there were concerns that the Russians would launch an attack on Aihun, causing widespread anxiety among the people. However, it was unexpected that these inhumane beasts would carry out a massacre in Hailanpao. I am filled with hatred

Alright, Jimin, let us set off first. Although our elder brother may no longer be with us, if we can find his remains, it would still be a stroke of luck amidst our misfortune. " Yue Xiang patted Yue Weihua's shoulder and said in a low voice. It was evident that Yue Xiang's mood was still not good, but the most difficult period had already passed.

While Yue Hai was persuading Yue Hu, Yue Weihua also pointed to the door panel and explained it to Yue Xiang. The crowd had basically understood what was going on. Looking at the surging river water, everyone couldn't help but sigh in amazement.

"Foster father, I remember that if we go a few hundred meters further, there is a fishing village, and the current of the Heishui River in that section is relatively gentle, with a shallow area. I think if there are any survivors, they are more likely to be rescued over there." Yue Xiaodong pointed towards the fishing village not far away and reminded.

Indeed, the reasons for Yue Weihua's enthusiasm are threefold. Firstly, Yue Weihua hails from a later era, where the value placed on human life far surpasses that of people in the present time. Secondly, saving lives can accumulate merit for the merit pagoda, and Yue Weihua can also earn corresponding merit points, which are currently in great need for Yue Weiyun. Thirdly, Yue Weihua is acutely aware that the Hailanpao massacre will continue for another four to five days. Historically, the Hailanpao massacre lasted from July 16 to 21, during which at least over 5,000 Chinese citizens were purged, with the majority being driven into the Black Water River.

Uncle Xiang

At this moment, Yue Hai, who had been following Yue Weihua closely, quickly explained: "Elder brother, you do not often operate in the Heishui Province and are not very familiar with the situation here. In fact, carrying weapons is not to guard against the Russians, but to guard against the Huzi."

These are inhumane, damned beasts

Young master, wuwuwu

After gradually stopping the vomiting, there came a chorus of curses and outbursts. At this moment, Yue Weihua's mood was particularly heavy, as the concepts of memory and firsthand experience are entirely different. The original Yue Weihua, who had personally participated in the entire process yesterday, was already dead, while the current Yue Weihua had only crossed over at the end of it all.

In the hall, there were only seven or eight people, some sitting, some standing, some crying, and some sighing; in short, it was a scene of lamentation. At the head of the room sat an elderly man over fifty, with graying hair and a patchy goatee that was also a mix of black and white. He wore a pair of old-fashioned Western reading glasses and remained expressionless and silent, only his body involuntarily trembled slightly, revealing the anger within him. He was Yue's second son, Yue Xiang.

With the participation of the fishermen, the recovery of the bodies became faster, and the members of the Yue family were more meticulous in distinguishing the corpses. In particular, Yue Xiang, Yue Weihua, Yue Hai, and Yue Hu searched repeatedly several times. However, it is regrettable that the bodies of the old man Yue Zhenghui and Xie Min were never found.

Additionally, starting from July 17, the Russian Empire also launched a massacre against the Jiangdong Sixty-Four Villages near Hailanpao, resulting in the deaths of two to three thousand Chinese civilians, who were either killed or driven into the Black Water River. The primary objective of Yue Weihua's rescue efforts was to save the civilians who might survive in the following days

What Yue Weihua said is not something a junior should express, yet at this moment, it must be said. Of course, Yue Weihua holds another identity, that of the young clan leader of the Yue family. Although there are only a few members left in the Yue family now, being of direct descent and legitimate lineage is a symbol of status in this era

One must not assume that Yue Xiang's actions are something that everyone can accomplish. It is important to understand that Yue Weihua is currently in the year 1900, a time of war and turmoil, where human life is as cheap as dirt. Especially considering that Aihun City was bombarded just yesterday, and war is imminent, the entire city is filled with anxiety and fear. Many citizens have already begun to relocate with their families. Furthermore, with the Yue family already suffering calamities, it is truly remarkable that Yue Xiang, despite being in a state of profound grief, is still able to make such a decision.

Yue Xiang's first wife, Shangguan Yun, stopped crying and came to Yue Xiang's side, gently patting his back in comfort. Shangguan Yun understood her husband too well; although he had been removed from the family register over the years, her concern for the family was greater than anyone else's. Especially after the passing of the old master, this concern became even more pronounced. Shangguan Yun was truly worried that Yue Xiang might suffer a serious consequence due to his anger

Regarding Uncle Yue Xiang's performance, Yue Weihua was quite satisfied, especially since it was already early morning on the second day. The Huaxia people who were driven into the Black Water River yesterday had little hope of survival. Even if there were a few lucky ones, they should have already reached the shore, thus requiring minimal rescue efforts. Yue Xiang clearly understood this principle, yet he resolutely decided to mobilize the entire escort agency and set off for rescue immediately, which reflects his character.

Dad, please say something, don't scare Xin'er, okay

"The old bastard, damn it"

Soon, the entire escort agency sprang into action. The three brothers, Yue Weihua, took the opportunity to eat something, and after entrusting their son, Yue Kun, to their aunt, Shangguan Yun, for supervision, they set out. When Yue Weihua arrived at the entrance of the escort agency, he found that more than one hundred young and strong men had already gathered there, most of whom were armed. Some carried swords and knives, others had old-style rifles, Han Yang models, and there were a few water-cooled machine guns.

According to Yue Weihua's thoughts, it would be advisable to bring more provisions, more clothing, to find more bamboo rafts and small boats, and even to gather some door panels, after all, we are going to the Heishui River to rescue people, not to fight against the old Russians. Moreover, even if it were a battle, with this scrap metal, it is likely that we would not be able to contend with the old Russians.

Yue Weihua was taken aback for a moment, but soon understood that "Huzi" referred to bandits. During the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, the country was decaying, the government was ineffective in its oversight, and the heavy burden of taxes and levies led to widespread suffering among the people. As a result, the number of bandits gradually increased, especially at this moment, which coincided with the peak of the Boxer Movement. The banditry in the three eastern provinces had almost reached its zenith, and describing it as numerous as the hairs on an ox would not be an exaggeration.

Thus, a group of people hurried downstream once again, and after a moment, they arrived at the edge of a shallow bank

Brother Hai

Uncle, in light of the current situation, I still hope that we can exert our utmost efforts to conduct a search and rescue operation downstream of the Aihun River. Although the hope may be slim, we must do our best; only in this way can we avoid any regrets, don't you think?" Yue Weihua reminded once again