Chapter 4, On Meaning (Part 1)

In the Bamboo Flower Gang, the leader is represented by 10 bamboo stalks, the military advisor by 9 bamboo stalks, followed by the hall master with 8 bamboo stalks, the deputy hall master with 7 bamboo stalks, the helmsman with 6 bamboo stalks, and the deputy helmsman with 5 bamboo stalks. The incense master has 4 bamboo stalks, the deputy incense master has 3 bamboo stalks, those with 2 bamboo stalks are considered minor leaders, while 1 bamboo stalk represents formal members of the gang, and there are even those with no bamboo stalks at all who are peripheral members.

Speaking of Sister Zhen, the two nodded in acknowledgment, and Xu Ziling even said with a hint of emotion: "Xiang Zhu, you are truly very good to Sister Zhen"

Zhang Xuanning took the steamed buns and began to eat them immediately. Regarding these two dragons, he showed no signs of disturbance; he treated them as subordinates with complete calmness, neither enthusiastic nor suspicious. He simply said in a very composed manner: "Do your job well. I know you have been sneaking into the Baijia Academy to learn, which is a good thing. I won't say anything about it, but don't let it interfere with your primary duties, otherwise, the rules of assistance will not spare you."

Xu Ziling comfortingly said beside him: "It is already quite good, after all, we have food and drink now. Although practicing martial arts is a bit hard, it is still better than sneaking into the Shijia dojo to learn. After practicing for a few months, I feel that I have improved a lot compared to before. Once we master our skills, we can grab a few more silver coins and then abandon the darkness to join the righteous army."

The two had no choice but to wait outside, unaware of what was being discussed inside. After waiting for half an hour, they still did not see Zhang Xuanning come out

With the backing of the Bamboo Flower Gang and Master Su, perhaps this commotion will attract some attention, but there has yet to be any obvious hostile forces coming to strike. It seems that they want to ascertain the intentions behind this, and time has passed just like that

Rather than waiting for these two individuals, it would be better to anticipate a few others. Currently, among the team that Zhang Xuanning has taken in, there are Gui Xiliang, Xing Rong, Zhou Feng, Wang Chengzhi, and Jiang Feng. Upon first hearing these names, Zhang Xuanning felt a bit familiar, but as someone who has read through them ten times, it didn't take long for her to recall them.

From the perspective of those in higher positions, sometimes, the requirements are essentially just this

"It's nothing, quite normal. My subordinates have made some progress in their training." These were the words spoken by Kou Zhong, surrounded by Xu Ziling, who presented him with a steamer of buns

Therefore, let us first promote them to establish a foundation for success

During this period, Zhang Xuanning only listened to his teacher's lectures in the morning, practiced swordsmanship in the early morning and afternoon, and occasionally patrolled the streets. Although he originally did not know calligraphy and had to start from scratch to practice writing, perhaps due to the fact that this body had learned it before, the residual habits and memories allowed him to progress rapidly. In just about two months, he was already able to write very well.

Damn it, that guy Zhang Xuanning is the same age as us, isn't it just that he has a godfather? Yet he acts so high and mighty, making us wait outside anxiously!

Upon hearing these words, Kou Zhong immediately became excited, clasping Xu Ziling's shoulders and saying: "In a lifetime, two brothers, you truly understand my intentions. Once we have mastered our martial arts, we shall no longer be mere ruffians. With my vision, I will surely be able to select the most promising rebel army. In the future, when we achieve greatness, with our virtues and talents, I, Kou Zhong, could at the very least become a great general, while you will undoubtedly be the chancellor"

What are you two doing standing there? Why aren't you following me? Let's go now; it's just the right time for Old Feng's bun shop to be closed. You two should also go and help Sister Zhen, alright?" As Zhang Xuanning spoke, he stepped forward, and just nearby were a few peach trees, which were currently shedding their blossoms in a flurry, falling onto him. Even the two of them had to admit that there was an indescribable quality about it, seemingly ethereal, yet not entirely so.

Well then, you two wait here for a moment. I will inform Master Bai before leaving. Zhang Xuanning finished the bun, waved his hand, and dismissed the two.

While speaking, he also stole glances at Zhang Xuanning's expression

Zhang Xuanning said casually: "People value gratitude and righteousness. After all, Sister Zhen saved me back then, which is why I asked both of you to specifically manage this matter, to eliminate the protection fees at Old Feng's shop and to prevent any harassment. Moreover, you both received care from Sister Zhen in the past. By allowing you to handle this matter, I am giving you an opportunity to repay your kindness, making it easier for you to do well."

"We certainly have no objections to not letting Sister Zhen suffer any grievances. However, there are some rumors on the street..." Xu Ziling hesitated slightly, "Moreover, regarding matters at home, it is difficult for us outsiders to intervene."

Rest assured, we will not delay the important matters

Gui Xiliang, isn't he just a ruffian of the same generation as Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling? He had clashed with another group of ruffians several times, but all ended in defeat. However, their relationships were quite good, and I remember that three years after Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling left Yangzhou, Gui Xiliang was noticed by the leader of the Bamboo Flower Gang, who took him as a disciple and promoted him to the position of incense master. He was not young at that time, and taking on a disciple indicates that he was at least outstanding in some aspect, perhaps his talent was not inferior to that of Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. At that moment, he gained a bit more attention.

However, our gratitude is still owed to Sister Zhen. In fact, what does Old Feng and his shop have to do with us? I have heard that the eldest wife treats Sister Zhen very poorly, so please keep an eye on her and do not let Sister Zhen suffer any grievances

How is the situation today

Understood, Master Xiang, we will do our best. " Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling exchanged a glance before speaking.

It was indeed a time of excitement and joy, when suddenly a coughing sound was heard. The two immediately fell silent, only to see a figure in the distance turning around, dressed in blue. It was none other than the young master of fragrance, Zhang Xuanning. Both of them couldn't help but glance at his expression, uncertain whether he had heard those rebellious words. However, he appeared completely calm, showing no signs of emotion.

As for Xingrong, I remember that she possesses a certain degree of cunning, which can be cultivated

In the original book, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were merely peripheral ruffians of the Bamboo Flower Gang, and now that they have officially established a stronghold in Yangzhou, they naturally became his subordinates.

This day was also ordinary, and when noon arrived, my subordinates came forward

As long as they understand. Zhang Xuanning is actually clear in his heart that, according to the descriptions in the book, these two individuals, when they were small-time thugs, always dreamed of aligning themselves with the righteous army, aspiring to become great generals and prime ministers, filled with lofty ambitions. However, this has nothing to do with him; as long as they are now under his command and perform their duties well, that is sufficient

Bai Family Academy, where Master Bai lectures and teaches, offers a rather meager salary. Zhang Xuanning spends every morning reading.

Although he became the deputy incense master, he had neither money nor followers, and Zhang Xuanning did not achieve anything significant; he merely gathered a dozen or so ruffians of similar age and brought them to the street

Currently, Zhang Xuanning holds the position of a third-tier bamboo, which is not very high. However, generally speaking, the personnel can expand to over one hundred individuals, and it is also possible to appoint and promote to second-tier bamboo. The second-tier bamboo can manage up to thirty people, with smaller operations managing a street and larger ones managing a market, which can be considered a significant achievement

Within the city, there are five markets, among which the South Gate Market, facing the Yangtze River, is the most prosperous. However, the market comprises several streets, and Zhang Xuanning chose one of these streets, strictly adhering to the boundaries. The ruffians there merely collect a small fee, yet it is more than sufficient to sustain them.

"Well, you all should learn some real skills from Master Su. In June, I plan to conduct an assessment. Those who achieve some results will be promoted and given recognition. " Zhang Xuanning picked up a bun and continued, "Then we can negotiate with Boss Yan to see whether they will submit or prepare to fight us. In any case, in the second half of the year, we will launch an attack on the entire South Gate Market!"

Practice martial arts more; this can lead to more promotions and also help you survive. Do you two understand?" Zhang Xuanning scolded them as if they were children.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, upon hearing this, could not help but nod in agreement