Chapter Seven, The Great Passes of the World

The inner area adjacent to the border gate naturally forms an irregular shape that is long from north to south and short from northwest to southeast, with hundreds of houses scattered chaotically according to the terrain. The buildings are diverse in style, fully showcasing the lifestyle of the mixed Han and non-Han communities. The most notable feature is the three intersecting streets in the center of the county town, which are also the focal point for inns and shops. Those gangs and factions that fail to secure a position here have no right to speak at all.

Ming Handao: "The only challenge is how to expedite sending people out of the borders; everyone is becoming impatient"

Sister Miao and Xiao Yuan were startled, but fortunately, they were still in a semi-sleep state, making it not easy to truly wake them up. Long Ying carefully extricated himself from the fragrant array, hurriedly got dressed, and lifted the tent to step outside, just in time to see the magnificent silhouette of Kuan Yu, as his voice echoed in his ears: "Follow me!"

However, if Kuan Yu and his clan, with whom one has a good relationship, can take root here, then our common enemy is Tai Le Xu Yun, and we are in the most remote area of the north, striving to secure a solid position

How many people are estimated to return to Shanhai County for development

Fearing that he would continue to inquire about this matter, I diverted the conversation: "The events that have occurred within Shanhaiguan cannot be hidden from you. Do you know where the contraband I smuggled has been delivered?"

Qiang Chi replied: "I just arrived at this camp from Yushui the day before yesterday. To avoid attracting attention, I can only send them in small batches."

Long Ying glanced over and felt a surge of joy in his heart, quickly leaving the eatery and walking over, laughing as he said: "How have you two brothers been lately?"

Long Ying said with a bitter smile: "Kuan Gong has guessed it!"

The dragon eagle chose a nearby stone to sit down on

Sitting on the ground, after drinking goat milk tea, Minghan casually remarked: "I can breathe in the air from beyond the borders! My entire spirit feels different. Fan Ye's abilities are vast and beyond imagination. To be honest, I was initially opposed to the 'southerners moving north' because it seemed too bizarre, but now I cannot help but believe it, as it has proceeded in a way that has surprised everyone. The last group has finally arrived! Everyone can take a breath of relief."

Then he asked: "Once we exit the pass, there will be no more issues. But what will happen after we return to the vast grasslands? With such a large group returning, it cannot be concealed from the Great Khan."

Light boat

Kuan Gong arrived at Yushui to welcome the last group of clansmen, and he still thought he would be able to see Master Fan, but little did he know that Master Fan had come here instead

Today's Shanhaiguan, in terms of the scale of its defenses, bears little difference from the Shanhaiguan during the campaign against Sun Wanrong. This indicates that although Guo Yuanzhen had the ambition to renovate and strengthen the defensive capabilities of the fortress, he ultimately failed to accomplish it

Long Ying Dao: "Will he listen?"

The Dragon Eagle openly enters the county, intending to test the strength of Kuan Yu's faction. If they take root here, his entry into the county will surely not escape their notice. Compared to other local gangs, Kuan Yu and his three thousand Turkic brothers are like a well-trained elite force, which the rabble cannot compare to

The temporary camp is located on the outskirts of the outer perimeter, established in three locations to avoid drawing attention. Over the past six months, more than half of the people have stealthily moved from Yushui to the camp, with nearly four thousand women and children successfully arriving at the camp beyond the pass. They are a small group sent to what is referred to as the "Safe Zone" camp, situated less than one hundred miles from Shanhaiguan, established on elevated ground with mountain spring water. Five hundred brothers are responsible for its defense, among whom are skilled fighters. Even if the enemy were to attack in full force, they would still possess the capability to resist. Once the people are gathered, they will promptly migrate north in large numbers to accomplish the grand feat of returning home.

Dragon Eagle Path: "Are you ready to expand your territory?"

With over 300 individuals, all of whom are top-tier experts, they would undoubtedly be able to sweep through the various gangs in Shanhai County.

Ming Han took "Fan Qingzhou" back from Sister Miao and Xiao Yuan, and went into the tent to speak privately.

It is said that a large-scale border defense military exercise will be held here. If Fan has a way to bribe the officials in charge, while everyone is staying indoors and before the troops are stationed at the checkpoint, we can send away the remaining people all at once

Shanhaiguan is located by the Bohai Sea, in a remote position, making the transportation of materials and food extremely challenging. Coupled with years of warfare against the Khitan people, the border regions have suffered greatly from plunder and conflict, resulting in significant depletion of resources. Although the rebellion led by Sun Wanrong was eventually quelled by Long Ying, providing an opportunity for the border areas to recuperate, Guo Yuanzhen's primary focus shifted to addressing the issue of food supply through large-scale land reclamation, leaving little time to attend to Shanhaiguan

Long Ying let out a sigh, with a thousand words and ten thousand phrases, not knowing where to begin

The county town can be roughly divided into the inner and outer areas

Long Ying felt a stir in his heart and conceived an idea

It is said that Fan Ye must have spent an astonishing amount of money

Long Ying asked Fu Zhen Dao: "Where is your Cui Cui?"

After learning of the collusion between the Northern Gang and the most powerful force at Shanhaiguan, the Shanhaishang Society, Long Ying realized that in the north, the influence of the Northern Gang had reached far and wide. This indicates that the true strength of the Northern Gang is much greater than he had originally estimated

Minghan offered him a bowl of goat milk tea and said leisurely: "We have been keeping an eye on the situation; the contraband is being delivered to the Shanhai Commercial Society by the Northern Gang. The so-called Shanhai Commercial Society is an alliance of the three largest gangs in Shanhai County, along with more than a dozen smaller gangs. They hold the greatest power within the county town. When we first established ourselves here, they had intervened forcefully, and with a single sword, Kuan Gong attended the meeting to demonstrate strength and settle matters with them. The rules here are like this: harmony brings wealth, and everyone has their own business to attend to." The so-called Shanhai Commercial Society is an alliance of the three largest gangs in Shanhai County, along with more than a dozen smaller gangs. They hold the greatest power within the county town. When we first established ourselves here, they had intervened forcefully, and with a single sword, Kuan Gong attended the meeting to demonstrate strength and settle matters with them. The rules here are like this: harmony brings wealth, and everyone has their own business to attend to.

They asked: "Where are they?"

Upon entering the camp, a commotion immediately ensued. Whether they had known him before or were just meeting him now, everyone came to welcome him with great enthusiasm. Among the Turkic beauties associated with him, besides Sister Miao and Xiao Yuan, Kui Mi and the four daughters of "Minzhai Xiangju" were all present in the camp. However, the latter five had already married into other families, making it difficult to rekindle their past connections with Long Ying

Ming Hanhu said: "What is Master Fan's opinion on the place of Shanhai County?"

Kuan Yu and his elite Turkic forces are a formidable power that should not be underestimated

Ming Handao: "Others can return to the vast grasslands without issue, but warriors like Xiong Ge and myself, who are well-known, will not be treated the same. If the Khan does not execute us, he will not allow us to live idly either. We will certainly not be given any significant roles, and due to our long-standing association with Lord Kuan, we are viewed with suspicion by the Khan, which means we will not have good days ahead. Given this situation, why not establish our own path and achieve something great?"

How strange! The soldiers guarding the Shuishui River seem indifferent to the number of people in the farming area, whether there are more or fewer. Everyone is puzzled except for Kuan Gong, who is asked about it. He smiles but does not answer, only implying that those soldiers have been bribed by Master Fan

Long Ying, hearing the excitement in his tone, exclaimed: "I just arrived today and what I see is merely the surface; it is indeed very prosperous"

After finally leaving the main street, Long Ying chose an outdoor eatery, tied up his horse nearby, and then went to the well beside the eatery to fetch water for the horse. After feeding it the prepared fodder, he finally squeezed into the eatery to find a seat. He had to raise his voice to attract the attention of the busy staff in order to order some noodles. Halfway through his meal, he noticed two people across from him pointing at his mount, seemingly plotting something.

The two women, having tamed him, embraced him deeply into the realm of sleep, where he slumbered sweetly, his face still bearing the tranquility and contentment of a calm after the storm. Exhausted, the dragon eagle dared not make any sudden movements, fearing that it might awaken them.

Upon mentioning the two women, Long Ying immediately returned to the rain-soaked South City, where Sister Miao's voluptuous figure pressed against him from behind, a sensation that felt as if it had just occurred. At the same time, a sense of fulfillment surged within him, having finally fulfilled his promise to her

Long Ying, with a complicated mood, chased after him, one in front and one behind, quickly leaving the camp

Minghandao: "Life in Shanhai County is most suitable for us, as both sides are so familiar, and we understand Chinese. We can engage in business both domestically and internationally, and it would allow us to conceal the identity of our clan."

With a heart as sweet as honey, she said: "She and Sister Miao and the others have safely arrived."

He lowered his voice again and said: "Master Fan has great power and has even bribed the border defense general"

Qiang Chi sighed, "Master Fan is truly remarkable; what seemed utterly impossible, you have managed to accomplish."

Long Ying ambiguously agreed

Finally, there are the arrangements for Kuan Yu and his clan. They share an irreconcilable deep enmity with Tai Le Xu Yun, one that cannot be washed away even with the waters of the three rivers and four seas. However, due to their identity as Turks, any misstep could implicate "Fan Qing Zhou". If Tai Le Xu Yun's side were to discover the connection between "Fan Qing Zhou" and Kuan Yu, the situation would spiral out of control, with unpredictable consequences. If Kuan Yu and his clan could infiltrate Shanhaiguan in the guise of a gang, even if discovered by Tai Le Xu Yun's side, "Fan Qing Zhou" could still distance himself completely. Moreover, even if it is known that Tai Le Xu Yun intends to deal with Kuan Yu, it would not be an easy task, as Kuan Yu could retaliate at any moment.

Time is fleeting

Fu Zhen grasped Long Ying's arm and said with a smile, "Sister Miao and Xiao Yuan have been waiting for Master Fan so long that their necks have grown long. They keep asking me when Master Fan will arrive. How should I respond to them?"

For him, the greatest gains from the journey to Northern Xinjiang can be divided into four aspects, which together form his overall development. First and foremost, and most critically, is that Li Longji has matured and learned to make decisions: he is now proactive in everything, striving for the future, no longer the insecure young man who was once plagued by doubts. He has a clear understanding and a broad vision. Particularly important is that, in political matters, he can compensate for the shortcomings of Long Ying and others. Previously, they relied on the corpulent eunuch, but now Li Longji can step up to take on that role. Particularly important is that, in political matters, he can compensate for the shortcomings of Long Ying and others. Previously, they relied on the corpulent eunuch, but now Li Longji can step up to take on that role

Seeing everyone so joyful, Long Ying set aside the last concern of "Southern People Moving North," which was that although they longed for life on the vast grasslands, having grown accustomed to the climate and soil of the Central Plains, thinking about it was one thing, but putting it into practice was another. However, now seeing them thriving in this barren land of Shanhaiguan, it was as if they were fish in water, and one can only imagine how they would flourish in the beautiful grasslands. The blood flowing in their veins is, after all, that of the free-spirited people from the frontier. Aside from the children born in the main temple, everyone else had journeyed thousands of mountains and rivers from the vast grasslands into the Central Plains, and now! They are finally ready to go home!

The overall commander of the three camps is Minghan, who, along with another Turkic leader, Xionggu, serves as one of the two major deputies to Kuan Yu. Minghan is stationed here, while Xionggu is managing the camp outside the pass. All arrangements have been meticulously planned; although they are receiving tens of thousands of tribesmen, everything operates smoothly. For Kuan Yu, this is merely a small test of skill. The Turkic people are highly obedient and regard their leaders as divine, so as long as the instructions are clear and feasible, everything proceeds in an orderly manner

Qiang Chi smiled and said: "On the surface, what we are doing is indeed the business of human trafficking, so sending some people out of the country does not raise any eyebrows. It all depends on Master Fan's financial support for us, buying donkeys and horses, purchasing food. It is not easy to have money, let alone to be without it"

He speaks lightly and easily, but having heard what Fu Zhen just said, one knows that to secure a position in Shanhai County, one must pay the price of hard work and sweat

The defenses are thus, yet in terms of population, due to the absence of warfare in the north and the tranquility of the roads, it has increased exponentially. At this time, as spring gives way to summer, the flow of merchants and travelers is unceasing, with relay stations along the routes, and the bustling prosperity of the mountain and sea counties is hard to believe without witnessing it.

Kuan Yu ran up a nearby hill and then stopped, saying to him: "Sit!"

He recalled his earlier question to himself about his impression of Shanhaiguan and slapped his thigh, saying: "It must be related to this place"

Minghan said with a hint of disdain: "That is simply seeking one's own demise, of course it will not happen, Lord Kuan has his ways. The Great Khan never admits to making mistakes, and will inevitably shift all blame onto us."

Riding through the streets, Long Ying, filled with enthusiasm, looked around eagerly. When he squeezed into the bustling main street, he almost forgot the purpose of his visit here

The dragon eagle rose up and transmitted a message back, saying: "Lord Kuan! I will come out immediately"

It was none other than Fu Zhen and Qiang Chi, two brothers who had formed a bond at the Grand Forum of the Yangtze River. They employed this method to summon Long Ying for a conversation.

Long Ying felt a surge of fear and trepidation, silently exclaiming that it was a disaster

Long Eagle Path: "Everyone is one of us, no matter how much is spent, it is worth it"

Long Ying casually asked, "Are there any questions now?"

Long Ying and Li Longji acted separately, with Long Ying taking the lead and entering the city alone. As he made his way, he did not encounter a single Tang soldier, and naturally, there was no tax to be paid. The city of Shanhai not only has high mountains and a distant emperor, but it is also a place lacking governance, where the outcome depends on whose blade is sharper and whose fist is stronger. Nevertheless, on the surface, it appeared no different from any other city in the Central Plains, with everyone adhering to the rules, which naturally referred to the rules of the jianghu.

At this moment, the impatient Sister Miao and Xiao Yuan arrived, and Ming Han could not withstand them any longer, so he had no choice but to let them take Long Ying away

Various headaches have at least been temporarily resolved

The Dragon Eagle patted his chest and assured, "Leave it to me"

After sending off the Turkic women and children, he returned to Youzhou to meet with Guo Yuanzhen and Ding Fumin to discuss future actions

Fu Zhen proudly declared: "Our brotherhood is the most formidable gang that has recently risen in Shanhai County. Other gangs with thousands of followers are already quite impressive, but we exceed three thousand. In terms of martial prowess, we can casually send a few individuals out to walk unimpeded. Hmph! We have fought more than ten hard battles, and not once have we suffered losses or casualties when provoked; they always end up with their noses in the dirt. Our principle is simple: if you do not provoke me, I will not concern myself with your affairs."

Ming Handao: "There are approximately 300 men, all of whom are our most capable individuals, as they are unwilling to serve under Mo Che. There are over 100 women, who are our own women"

Kuan Yu sighed, "I had already guessed it when I was in Yangzhou"

Although the state of Chu has only three households, it will inevitably lead to the downfall of Qin

Kuan Yu still had no intention of sitting down, and casually said to him: "Why are you willing to help us like this?"

Secondly, it is to understand how to deal with the layout of the Northern Gang, to arm Jiang Zhoulong, and to make preparations for engaging in tough battles

Li Longji is no longer a burden, but rather a leading general and elite soldier, capable of breaking through the enemy's inner defense line and standing toe to toe with Yang Qingren

Thirdly, a suitable candidate, Fang Jun, has been found to unite the friendly nations beyond the borders. The decisive battle with Mo Chuo is inevitable, and the outcome will significantly affect the prosperity and decline of Middle-earth and the friendly tribes beyond the borders. The earlier preparations are made, the more assured we will be.

The outer area is three to four times larger than the inner area, consisting of groups made up of different types of buildings. The structures do not seek grandeur but rather practicality, widely distributed across the hills and plains along the official road leading to the county town. The groups are separated from one another, reminiscent of the boundary between the Chu and Han states, clearly belonging to different ethnic groups or factions, each governing themselves. In the open spaces, tents are erected; although they are temporary accommodations, they greatly enhance the atmosphere of freedom and openness of the county town, as if bringing the scenery of the frontier into the heart of the land.

Long Ying inquired: "More than 4,000 people is not a small number, and it has lasted for several months. Did it not attract the attention of others?"

The dragon eagle remained silent in contemplation

Shanhaiguan

When Long Ying awoke, the night was deep and quiet, and the sounds of donkeys and horses braying could be heard from outside the tent

Long Ying expressed his concern: "Will Kuan Gong meet with the Khan?"

The current situation makes Long Ying unable to associate it with the Shanhaiguan of the past when he fought against Sun Wanrong, thus illustrating the devastating impact of war on the lives of the people and the martial world

Thinking that they will eventually have their wishes fulfilled brings comfort to my heart

The three individuals embraced tightly together, filled with excitement

Qiang Chidao: "It is not suitable to talk here, let us go to the camp."

Hearing him directly call out the name of Mo Chuo, it was clear that he no longer regarded him as the Great Khan, and his resentment was evident in his words

Some matters are indistinguishable between knowing and not knowing. For instance, he is well aware that the Yellow River Gang is the first to bear the brunt, followed by the Luoyang Gang, yet he is powerless to act; being able to safeguard the area along the Yangtze River is already quite ideal. If the county seat of Shanhai is so devoid of imperial law, Guo Yuanzhen cannot exert control, unless he dispatches a large force to garrison the area, which would certainly be unwise

As the sun sets behind the western mountains, the dragon eagle and two women take refuge inside the tent, indulging in their passionate love, oblivious to the world collapsing around them, reveling in utmost pleasure

Minghan's expression darkened as he said: "I never intended to deceive him, nor could I, but I also do not wish to be at his mercy. The Great Khan is unpredictable in his moods; if he happens to be in a bad mood, it could spell disaster for us. Therefore, Lord Kuan has first entrusted someone to explain the situation to the Great Khan and clarify the reasons for our departure."

Ming Hanmen said: "Whether he listens or not is his own business, and we have no way to intervene. If blame is to be assigned, it should be directed at the misguided faith in Tai Le and Xu Yun. Lord Kuan will shift his attention to himself, taking all the blame upon his shoulders. After reaching the grasslands, the returning tribesmen will disperse, each returning to their own clan, where they will find protection from their kin. The Great Khan has suffered significant losses in the battle against the Dragon Eagle and has yet to recover his strength. Unity is of utmost importance; it is not the time to seek revenge on others."