Chapter 5: Expelling the External Threats from Within

Liu Nanguang stated: "He is a person with the alias Han Chong, who stands on equal footing with Zheng Gong and four others, specifically responsible for the security of the fleet. When issues arise, I take the lead in negotiations to resolve them, and there have been several instances of physical confrontation."

Long Ying said with delight: "Then it is settled! I will reorganize the troops that once accompanied me on the western expedition. The number may be significantly reduced, but they will all be trusted brothers, true experts capable of fighting tough battles, well-coordinated, and equipped with excellent weapons. Each one can stand against a hundred. In order to cope with the fierce momentum of the Northern Gang, I will integrate this group of brothers into our ... ... ... ... hey!" In order to cope with the fierce momentum of the Northern Gang, I will integrate this group of brothers into our ... ... ... ... hey!

Long Ying tightened his grip on Fang Jun for a moment, then released it. He said: "I am the 'Fan Qingzhou' of the North, while Nan Guang is the 'Fan Qingzhou' of the South, do you understand?"

The Dragon Eagle's well-prepared strategy: "If proposed by the 'Dragon Eagle', it would definitely fall through immediately. Fortunately, I still hold good cards in hand; if all goes well, the General can receive formal appointment within three months"

Fang Jundao: "There is nothing that Lord Eagle cannot resolve. Let us discuss while we eat, and I will report the chaotic situation at Shanhaiguan one by one."

Liu Nanguang expressed his concern by asking, "Is there anything I can do?"

In the past, the old man had repeatedly reminded him that in political struggles, there is neither humanity nor justice. Although he listened, it always felt somewhat superficial, as if he were scratching an itch that he could not reach. However, upon meeting Fang Jun and Liu Nanguang this time, he found himself contemplating matters he had never considered before, and he deeply felt the brutality of political conflict.

Long Ying took a deep breath, focused his mind, and said in a deep voice: "Are you aware of the current situation?"

Liu Nanguang was taken aback and said: "Eagle Master truly cares about Nanguang. Alas! This matter is difficult to explain in a few words; I hope to have the opportunity to repay it in the future."

He secretly scolded himself again; in fact, he had never truly cared about Liu Nanguang, nor understood his thoughts, but merely regarded him as a reliable person, somewhat treating him as a tool

Fang Jun's gaze turned towards the cabin window, his eyes reflecting a sense of nostalgia as he slowly spoke: "That was the situation when the first fleet set sail, and it was also the largest fleet, with nearly fifty ships. The first to board were a group of children. Seeing their innocent faces and their joyful rush onto the ships, I forgot that they were foreigners and felt an overwhelming urge to cry. It was so moving! At that moment, I sincerely admired Master Eagle. What kind of heart does he possess? It is to act despite knowing it may be futile. Yet, under Master Eagle's brilliant strategy, what seemed nearly impossible became a reality. Moreover, every action taken by Master Eagle is nothing short of miraculous, as was the case in the Battle of Sun Wanrong and the Western Expedition. Master Eagle! Fang Jun vowed to follow Master Eagle to the death."

At this moment, breakfast arrived, with two large steaming plates of steamed buns, their aroma wafting through the air, making Long Ying's fingers itch with desire

The fleet has appeared

Fang Jun explained: "Other routes require climbing mountains and crossing ridges, making it difficult to transport livestock and baggage, which is absolutely unsuitable for the elderly, the weak, women, and children. The only feasible option is to exit the pass from Shanhaiguan, as it is convenient and swift; otherwise, most people will not be able to travel far before perishing on the way."

The two individuals waited with solemn expressions for his instructions

Fang Jun further stated: "The Turkic women and children who arrived in Youzhou were arranged to be settled in the vast farmland near Shanhaiguan, close to the Great Wall, where the population is sparse. Whether there are many people or few, no one pays attention, no one cares, it is just a matter of how to send them beyond the pass"

Long Ying smiled and said: "It is I who should be thanking you. When not acting as 'Fan Qingzhou', who are you?"

Liu Nanguang said: "Of course, being 'Fan Qingzhou' is exhilarating and thrilling, bringing endless joy. More importantly, it allows me to be a brother of Eagle Ye and to work alongside his other brothers. We share our hearts and minds, gathering together to drink from large bowls and feast on big pieces of meat, discussing the world and talking business. It is truly a delightful experience!"

Fang Jundao: "The strong bandits residing in Shanhaiguan number as many as 30,000, divided among more than a hundred gangs of various sizes. Even with the strength of Kuan Yu, it may not be possible to win their favor; even if victorious, it would be a pyrrhic victory. The issue at hand is that the military in Youzhou must remain uninvolved in this matter, and King Linzi has also given this considerable thought."

Long Ying clearly understood that Fang Jun had no opportunity to contact Kuan Yu, and he was astonished, asking: "How does the General know this?"

Fang Jun smiled at Long Ying and said, "There are still times to visit the brothel for fun. When I was in Yangzhou, they insisted on dragging me along for the excitement. Ha! I truly don't know how those two days passed."

Long Ying was taken aback and said, "Jiang Zhou Long?"

Long Ying felt a sense of shame and particularly remembered this matter because he was deeply impressed by the outstanding beauty. When the ship arrived in Chengdu, Zhai Yancui, though still young, had become the highest leader of the Bashu Alliance, and her graceful demeanor was still fresh in memory. However, Liu Nanguang seemed to have unspoken concerns and did not pursue the matter further. Fang Jun looked over without needing him to speak, and Fang Jun said: "Eagle Master, you need not worry about me. Anyone who has spent some time on the frontier understands what you have done for us. Moreover, I have been deeply moved recently."

Long Ying felt completely relaxed, having set aside his terrifying worries. Under the guidance of the goddess Min Tian, they both expressed their thoughts openly. Alas! Min Tian.

Liu Nanguang said: "In this regard, they kept their mouths shut, but how could they hide it from us? All the salt goods are concentrated in Shanhaiguan."

Fang Jun lowered his voice and said: "Kuan Yu has already made a name for himself at Shanhaiguan, establishing a gang called 'Brotherhood', in preparation for sending people to the frontier."

Liu Nanguang continued: "If you were to take away my current life, I would feel like a person who once had a fortune of one million, suddenly reduced to a penniless beggar. My previous life was both dull and meaningless, a day felt like an eternity."

Fang Jun lowered his voice and said: "Due to General Guo's busy military affairs, the work of 'Southern People Moving North' is personally overseen by King of Linzi. Regarding the matter of Kuan Yu, it was the King of Linzi who informed his subordinates."

Liu Nanguang sighed, "The heavens are unpredictable with their winds and clouds, and people face fortunes and misfortunes that can change overnight"

Shanhaiguan is a place where dragons and snakes are mixed. After the defeat at Xieshigu, the court lost control over Shanhaiguan. Now, with Guo Yuanzhen stationed in Youzhou, the situation has improved somewhat. However, due to the established chaos, many matters are beyond the jurisdiction of the government, rendering this perilous place almost devoid of imperial law, becoming a stronghold for gangs and clans.

The decisive battle with Mo Chuo is only a matter of time. I need to place someone who is as knowledgeable in military affairs as a great general and understands how to interact with the various tribes beyond the Great Wall in the position that can closely monitor Mo Chuo. In addition to the regular military forces, I have also selected about ten brothers from my Western Expedition Corps who are both familiar with the local situation and possess formidable martial skills to serve as your elder brother's personal entourage. Particularly noteworthy is the one known as the 'First Warrior of Bayegu,' Xie Zhilue. If there is anyone beyond the Great Wall who can bring down the Turks, it would be this person.

Fang Jun and Liu Nanguang, as agreed, were on the flagship, accompanied by five brothers from the Eighteen Iron Guards, who provided cover for them to board the ship without the knowledge of the Dragon Eagle God or any other presence.

The first thing Long Ying did after boarding the ship was to groom his beard, transforming into the appearance of "Fan Qingzhou." The divine weapons and extraordinary artifacts that could reveal Long Ying's identity had already been entrusted to Tian Guidao and sent to Youzhou for safekeeping by Guo Yuanzhen. Long Ying felt a strange emotion, as if at the moment he transformed into "Fan Qingzhou," everything was starting anew

Long Eagle Path: "Ha! Jiang Zhoulong, it sounds more like a personal name than a gang title"

Long Ying was unfamiliar with the local situation and asked, "Is Shanhaiguan the only route out of the pass?"

In the darkness before dawn, the Dragon Eagle sat on a large rock by the shore, quietly awaiting the arrival of the fleet

Fang Jundao: "Shanhaiguan is located in a remote border area, with its defenses in disrepair, making it a lawless place."

The Dragon Eagle did not explain, stating: "The General has extensive experience in dealing with foreign tribes, it would be a waste to let it go to waste."

Politics is like this: the victor is king, and the vanquished is a criminal; there is no room for the compassion of women. The Empress often wished to kill Shangguan Wan'er precisely because she knew many things that she should not know, which could influence the success or failure of Longying. Fortunately, Longying never told her about Li Longji; otherwise, the one who should be eliminated the most now would be her

Long Ying picked up a steamed bun, took two bites, and said indistinctly: "Matters of the North will be handled by me! You obediently roll back to the South."

The efforts of Long Ying now involve first consolidating internal strength before addressing external threats, ensuring that there are no flaws or vulnerabilities within their own camp. Liu Nanguang and Fang are both core figures, yet they differ from Feng Guoting, Wan Renyu, Mi Nantian, and Fu Tai, as they do not harbor any doubts like Feng Guoting does. Therefore, understanding their intentions is crucial. To discern a person's sincerity, Long Ying has his own methods to gauge the fluctuations of their inner thoughts, much like how he has a grasp on Li Feng. Once he detects any issues with the other party, regardless of their reluctance, for the sake of the greater good, he must take the initiative to strike first, eliminating any potential threats. Just a moment ago, this thought caused him to tremble with fear.

Long Yingdao: "Brothers, let's skip the pleasantries. Brother Fang's issue is rather complex, but if Nanguang wishes to extricate himself unscathed, now is an excellent opportunity."

Liu Nanguang sighed, "It is too late! Since the very first day of becoming 'Fan Qingzhou', it has already been too late"

Liu Nanguang joyfully said: "Thank you, Master Eagle!"

Liu Nanguang spoke in a hushed voice: "Is there still imperial law?"

Liu Nanguang awkwardly said: "Is it really necessary! It confuses people and makes it clear that Fang Jun can be bought."

Fang Jun sighed, "When Lord Eagle arrives at Shanhaiguan, of course all evildoers will retreat." Once Lord Eagle departed, the scene immediately reverted to chaos among the bandits. Among the Turkic women and children, there were not a few young women of exquisite beauty, becoming the coveted prize for the various factions, leading to inevitable competition and strife.

Long Ying asked: "Where is the Northern Gang sending the salt goods?"

Liu Nanguang questioned, "What is the difference between the present and the future?"

The dragon and eagle said: "With a broad-shouldered person and a strong horse, of course, one is not afraid to take action, but taking action will expose the matter, leading to endless future troubles"

Long Ying replied: "A storm is approaching, and I must respond in the capacity of 'Fan Qingzhou'. Therefore, if Nan Guang wishes to withdraw, this is the opportune moment."

Liu Nanguang said: "Jiang Zhoulong."

Long Eagle Path: "There are internal conflicts within, and external conflicts without. The rise of the Northern Gang is an ominous sign, supported by Wu Sansi and Zong Chuke. The first to bear the brunt is the Yellow River Gang, followed by an expansion of power towards the Yangtze River, stirring up a bloody storm in the martial world. We are powerless against the North, but we must defend the line along the Yangtze River; otherwise, Tian Shangyuan will sweep through the North and South."

Long Ying inquired: "What notorious gangs are there in Shanhaiguan? What activities do they engage in?"

Liu Nanguang said proudly: "Jiangzhou refers to the great river and Fan Qingzhou, which was conceived by the six of us. In the great river, it has become a well-known organization. Our main focus is on business, and many matters require the Zhu Hua Gang to intervene and resolve. Of course! The military also takes great care of us."

Fang Jundao: "Jiang Zhoulong is indeed the most distinctive gang with a personal touch"

Fang Jun asked: "Does the storm refer to the struggles within the court?"

Fang Jun stated the reason, saying: "The situation is still under the control of Master Eagle"

Fang Jun and Liu Nanguang stared at each other in astonishment, unable to comprehend Long Ying's last two sentences

Fang Jundao: "Hearing what Lord Ying said fills me with immense ambition and excitement. However... sigh! This requires a formal mandate from the court!"

Long Ying recalled something and casually asked, "Didn’t Nan Guang mention that he is infatuated with the female leader of the Bashu Alliance, Zhai Yancui? What progress have you made with her?"

Liu Nanguang was taken aback and said, "How could this kid possibly have the qualifications to command this group of veterans and older brothers who have fought in numerous battles and campaigns?"

The fleet consists of twenty-five ships, representing the last batch of the "Southern Migration to the North". Among them, twenty-two are three-masted large vessels, and three are escorting warships of the gunboat class

Long Ying felt a sense of relief, knowing that the two individuals had not "changed their hearts" or wavered, allowing him to set aside his worries. He asked Liu Nanguang, "Was the delivery of the salt goods smooth?"

At dawn, Long Ying's "Fan Qingzhou" along with Fang Jun and Liu Nanguang went to the cabin hall to speak, the latter reverted to his original self, completing the transfer of identity

The Dragon Eagle extended his hand and shook it firmly with him, a surge of excitement welled up in his heart, leaving him at a loss for words

This sudden thought filled him with a sense of dread

Long Ying pondered that this was indeed something he had not considered, and asked: "Is there a problem with passing through Shanhaiguan?"

Liu Nanguang stated: "Although I am charming, I truly engage in fleeting pleasures without leaving a trace."

In the divine capital, a coup d'état occurred, resulting in the downfall of Zhang Er.

Liu Nanguang stated: "Each time, we first unload the personnel, then the goods. After leaving Youzhou, we conduct the settlement with the Northern Gang. In this way, if any issues arise, the Grand General can be exempted from responsibility. This time is no exception."

Long Ying suddenly felt that he could no longer trust the two brothers he had cooperated with for many years without reservation, as he once did. The reason was clear to him: the Empress was gone. Offending him in the past was equivalent to offending the Empress; now, offending him could lead to a shift towards Li Xian. Li Feng was a cautionary tale in this regard

Fang Jundao: "Nan Guang is certainly enjoying his life as 'Fan Qingzhou'."

Long Eagle Path: "However, none of them are familiar with the situation of the Yangtze River, and they are not leading troops in battle. Your responsibility is to oversee the overall task, placing personnel into the organization and arranging for them to integrate into the local society as much as possible. This group of big brothers is used to enjoying life, each of them is quite wealthy."

Liu Nanguang exclaimed, "Is the Northern Gang really that formidable?"

King of Linzi is Li Longji

Long Ying Dao: "You have yet to share your thoughts with me"

Liu Nanguang exclaimed: "Master Eagle possesses extraordinary abilities"

Liu Nanguang exclaimed, "I thought the Holy Emperor was merely gravely ill, but it turns out... I never expected this."

Long Ying felt a sense of relief, as Li Longji's attentive care was thorough and meticulous, clearly demonstrating that he was a person of both talent and intelligence. He did not disappoint Long Ying, and one could not help but admire Wan Renyu's insight in recognizing his worth.

Fang Jun said with a smile: "Eagle Master understands me. Interacting with outsiders often feels more congenial than with one's own people, perhaps because they are straightforward and keep their promises, unlike when I was the Grand Commander in the Divine Capital, where I was always afraid that my words would bring trouble. In what capacity does Eagle Master need me?"

Continuing to briefly outline the situation, upon finishing, Fang Jun and Liu Nanguang both displayed expressions of relief. Long Ying quickly pondered the reason behind this.

The relationship with Wu Xia is ambiguous and unclear, leaving everyone puzzled. However, for a long time in the future, he need not worry about this matter, as he must engage with the enemy in the identity of "Fan Qingzhou". Wu Xia will only face Fan Qingzhou, not Long Ying. In the struggle with Wu Xia, is it beneficial or harmful for Long Ying?

Long Ying and Fang Jun exchanged glances with each other.

Fang Jun joyfully remarked: "It can still be this fast."

After a long separation, one should be overjoyed; however, it is not the case. Long Ying certainly understands this, for the world is no longer the realm of Wu Zhou, but rather the realm of Li Tang.

The rise and fall of thoughts

Liu Nanguang stated: "The news has been blocked, and it is said that those in the know are tight-lipped. The only clear fact is that Li Xian has been restored to power"

Long Yingdao: "I am now preparing to arm Jiang Zhoulong to adequately respond to the southern invasion of the Northern Gang, with Nang Guang responsible for this aspect of the work"

Fang Jun expressed his feelings: "When I left the capital, His Majesty was still in high spirits. Alas! I truly did not expect this"

What Long Ying fears the most now is being reported and betrayed by someone within his own ranks who is in the know. The first to suffer as a result will be Li Longji

Long Ying expressed surprise: "What has moved you?"

The weight of success and failure is gradually falling onto the shoulders of Li Longji

Before Long Ying went undercover at the Dajiang Union, he had heard him mention it. At that time, Long Ying did not take his words seriously, but now, due to his understanding of him, it has become an urgent matter. Liu Nanguang spoke with sincere words, which made a profound impression on Long Ying.

Liu Nanguang excitedly said, "Can I accompany Lord Eagle to Shanhaiguan?"