Chapter Nine, The First Objective

Luoyang has always been the territory of the Luoyang Gang. If these individuals were from the Luoyang Gang, they would never be so ostentatious and conspicuous, each one bearing the appearance of seeking revenge and causing trouble

Li Longji said: "This is a beauty scheme, but unfortunately, the one at the pond is not born at the right time, encountering Lord Eagle."

The more I think about it, the more inappropriate it seems. I truly want to seize someone and interrogate them, yet I am aware that "a small lack of patience can disrupt a grand plan." I must adhere to the established principle of not interfering in any matters occurring north of the Yangtze River, lest I jeopardize his "long-term strategy"

Long Yingdao: "According to the words of King Linzi, Wu Sansi should be unable to control Zong Chuke"

Li Longji stated: "Tai Le Xuyun did not make a mistake in this regard. He began by adopting infiltration methods, gradually encroaching upon the various gangs under the banner of the Grand River. The only issue was that the chaos he anticipated did not materialize. Under the reign of the Holy Emperor, the world was at peace, which forced him to alter his strategy"

Li Longji said: "This is the situation within; on the surface, the two are like water and milk, perfectly blended. As long as Wu Sansi still has value, Zong Chuke will certainly comply with everything."

I truly miss the days of galloping across the vast mountains and wilderness beyond the Great Wall, seizing the opportunity to relive old dreams

In contemplation, he arrived at the open area where the canal flowed through the alley, filled with drifting white snow, creating a scene of confusion. A stone bridge spanned the river, with this end still clearly visible, while the other end had already vanished into the rain and snow, faintly discernible.

When Wu Sansi spoke of his relationship with Zong Chuke, he did not mention their familial ties at all, indicating a private agenda despite the public facade. It is evident that there was already collusion between the two. Wu Sansi is truly a person to be wary of; even while maintaining a good relationship with Long Ying, he continues to speak lies, and I cannot help but wish to see him suffer greatly.

Long Ying once again experienced Tai Le Xu Yun's far-sightedness, which was the primary reason for him selling a large number of ships that could be armed at any time to "Fan Qingzhou"; all other factors were secondary

The original plan was to find a place to stay at Ri'anju after retrieving the items, while also inquiring about the situation regarding Yi Tiannan. The owner of Ri'anju is a close friend of Yi Tiannan, which others may not know, but he should be well aware of it

With a contemplative expression, he pondered and said: "Wu Sansi's trust in Zong Chuke should not be inferior to that of Dong Xuanzai"

The fate of the leader of the Luoyang Gang, Yi Tiannan, remains uncertain, deeply affecting Long Ying's state of mind. The remaining relationship between Wan Renyu and Yi Tiannan makes it difficult for him to stand by idly, plunging him into a dilemma.

The number of pedestrians and vehicles on the street has significantly decreased, with passersby hurrying along, filled with trepidation, not daring to glance around or linger, revealing a sense of tension and unease

Long Ying was certain that something significant had occurred. If he could ask Lu Shifu as he had in the past, he would immediately understand. He could only lament that Lu Shifu had likely already moved to the Western Capital with Li Xian, leaving him with no way to inquire.

Guo Yuanzhen was not idle; based on the troops engaged in battle with Sun Wanrong, he further selected and trained a rapid response force of 5,000 men, skilled in combat in the harsh conditions beyond the Great Wall, particularly adept at night operations, to counter the elusive and swift wolf army.

Ding Fumin and Tian Guidao smiled at each other, seeing the two of them joking freely, which made them feel at ease. It should be noted that within Longying's "long-term plan," Li Longji is the true destined emperor. What kind of person he is will influence their future life and death, as well as their honor and disgrace.

If the Great Han were to appear in Luoyang at this moment, representing the people from the Northern Gang, it would signify that the Northern Gang, having gained influence in Chang'an, has now also obtained the power to speak in Luoyang, indicating the defeat of the Luoyang Gang. Assuming this strategy originates from the mind of Tian Shangyuan, this individual should not be underestimated in terms of ambition and strategy. Securing Luoyang is far more significant than obtaining Chang'an, as it would mean removing the strong support of the Luoyang Gang for the Yellow River Gang, while also severing the connection between the Yellow River Gang and the Zhuhua Gang. In the future, if the Zhuhua Gang wishes to expand northward for business, they will still have to seek the approval of Tian Shangyuan.

Upon entering the city, an unusual atmosphere was already palpable. On Dingding Street, there were more and more groups of martial artists, gathering in threes and fives, traversing the streets and alleys as if searching for a specific target. After passing through five blocks from Dingding Gate, I encountered seven or eight such groups. Indeed, there was a significant number of people, yet the patrols had drastically decreased, seemingly ignoring the armed men who were openly active. It appeared as if the imperial laws had ceased to exist, and the once strict military presence in the capital had completely vanished.

After returning to the Central Plains, he hurried to Youzhou. Li Longji set off for Xijing ten days ago, while Guo Yuanzhen had just returned from the border. He learned from others that Fang Jun had received an appointment from the court and was heading to the Anxi Protectorate to take office, which relieved him of a great burden. Mo Chuo has always been a significant threat to the Central Plains. Although not an immediate danger, his buildup of power poses a latent risk; once he takes action, the brothers and sisters of the tribes beyond the Great Wall will face calamity. The vengeful Turkic wolf army leaves no tent unscathed in their path, causing immense suffering to the people. Mo Chuo has always been a significant threat to the Central Plains. Although not an immediate danger, his buildup of power poses a latent risk; once he takes action, the brothers and sisters of the tribes beyond the Great Wall will face calamity. The vengeful Turkic wolf army leaves no tent unscathed in their path, causing immense suffering to the people.

How did this person rise to prominence

The matter of Wu Zhao's demise cannot be delayed for too long; it must be thoroughly resolved within the year, allowing the new dynasty to embark on its journey without burdens.

More than three months ago, Long Ying returned to Shanhaiguan from the border. Knowing his own circumstances, upon seeing Sister Miao, Xiao Yuan, Kui Mi, and his beautiful women from Xiangju, he immediately felt soft-hearted. Unable to bear not accompanying them for a while to ensure they reached a safe place, he felt restless and guilty.

Does the Northern Gang possess such formidable strength

Long Ying nodded and said, "It is reasonable to say so"

Ding Fumin slapped his thigh and said: "Understood! The third option is to win over our Fan Ye, using Fan Ye to suppress and restrain the Northern Gang"

Long Yingxi said: "This is truly remarkable! It suddenly elevates the importance of 'Fan Qingzhou', allowing for a situation of favorable opportunities. The King of Linzi is formidable, as he is able to discern the subtle position of 'Fan Qingzhou', which is why he makes a special comparison between Zong Chuke and Dong Xuanzi."

It is also pleasing to hear that Ding Fumin has selected fifteen skilled individuals, all of whom are members of the elite troops that once accompanied him on the expedition to Xisai, to serve as his close aides.

Guo Yuanzhen specifically pointed out that there are many matters from which it is difficult to retrace one's steps. Luoyang is located at the center of the Central Plains, and with the sudden shift of focus to the west, a situation where the tail cannot catch up will emerge; it is only a matter of when this will occur

His viewpoint is difficult to refute. The Weiwu Group holds immense power, and with Zong Chuke as their backing, it is inevitable that strong figures from the north will rise and align themselves with the Northern faction

Everyone smiled

The rain and snow gradually shifted from dense to sparse, eventually coming to a stop

Li Longji said: "Wonderful, wonderful, Tai Le Xuyun is definitely trying every possible means to win over our Master Fan, be careful of their beauty trap!"

Li Longji exchanged a glance with him, conveying a mutual appreciation for each other's talents.

Guo Yuanzhen examines the issue of relocating the capital from a military perspective, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of both options

Long Eagle Path: "This precisely reflects the situation anticipated by Tai Le Xu Yun. As Lao Fan struggles to survive under pressure, Tai Le Xu Yun takes advantage of the opportunity to provide support in various aspects, possibly bringing Jiang Zhou Long under his wing."

Long Ying chuckled and said, "Then we shall meet in Guanzhong!"

Li Longji stated: "Without considering the extraordinary tactics of Lord Ying, with the current strength of Jiang Zhoulong, it is impossible to achieve this. Even if Lord Fan and the Bamboo Flower Gang join forces, managing to hold onto the territory along the great river would be a miracle"

Li Longji calmly remarked: "To say one has no interest is to speak insincerely; of course, one is also aware that it is akin to playing with fire. Alas! It is regrettable that the thrill of playing with fire is, in itself, a source of pleasure, a common flaw among men"

Long Ying laughed and said: "Your brother's flattery and sycophancy must be no less than that of Zong Chuke, hearing this brings great comfort to me, haha!"

Li Longji stated: "This possibility is extremely high, no wonder Fan Ye can thrive in all circumstances, like a fish in water"

Standing tall, he said: "It is time! Subjects and followers of the Way, come with me!"

The only thing that Tai Le Xu Yun can do is to incite the Yellow River Gang and the Northern Gang to fight each other to the point of mutual destruction. Even if this does not go as planned, it can still severely weaken the Northern Gang's vitality, after which Lao Fan can step in to deal with the Northern Gang

This is the place agreed upon by Long Ying and Fu Tai for the concealment of the records. Before arriving here, he employed his footwork to make a large detour, ensuring that no one was following him, and only then did he begin to retrieve the concealed items.

Li Longji's frankness and easygoing nature evoke a sense of goodwill

Returning to the main topic, it is said: "To make a fortune and have influence in the community, the first priority is to control the underworld. This cannot be achieved by an individual; it must be an organized gang that has the support of the authorities. The Great River Alliance has always been unable to control the Great River precisely because it is in opposition to the authorities. Tai Le Xuyun, recognizing this, changed his approach and adopted a strategy of infiltration, with the example of Chishang Lou in relation to the Wujang Gang being a good case in point"

Before the publication of the "Chronicles", he had no confidence that Fu Taiken truly recorded his words and actions when he was a notorious quack doctor. He was willing to seriously document some important matters, and the mention of Long Ying's divine blessings piqued his curiosity. He thought it necessary to find a secluded and suitable place to read it carefully.

Rianju spans the entire neighborhood. On that day, I stayed at Rianshe, and since it is close to the back door on the east side, I had become accustomed to entering and exiting through the back door. Now, as I head to Rianju, I naturally walk towards the back door.

Luoyang is situated at a well-connected water and land hub, strategically located at the northern end of the Grand Canal, which links various rivers across the world. It is adjacent to the Yangtze River to the south and connects to the Yellow River to the north, resonating with both Yangzhou and Chang'an. Additionally, it is close to the important border stronghold of Youzhou, giving it an unparalleled advantageous position in terms of politics, economy, and military affairs, making it a prime choice for any sovereign. In contrast, Chang'an is located in the remote Guanzhong region, far from the Grand Canal, and has suffered from overdevelopment due to the reigns of Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Taizong, and Emperor Gaozong. As the capital of the realm, it has already faded into obsolescence.

Li Longji said with pleasure: "Without some basic skills of the court, how can one navigate within the palace?"

In his capacity as "Fan Qingzhou," whom can he inquire? Given his ostentatious entry into the city, he should have been noticed by someone from the Jiang faction. Who will Tai Le Xuyun send to make contact with him? Is Tai Le Xuyun still at Cuiqiao Tower?

Li Longji said: "There was none before, but now there is."

Li Longji escorted them to the door and said: "When Lord Ying returns to Youzhou, Longji should have already gone to Xijing."

Although those ruffians cast their eyes upon Long Ying, they only glanced a few times. It is evident that they have a clear objective and do not approach Long Ying, as he is not the person they are seeking. It can also be seen that they have a certain tacit understanding with the authorities, refraining from causing trouble and striving to minimize the impact on civilians. Of course, the impact is an inevitable consequence; however, the presence of a large number of fierce and menacing men parading through the streets has already instilled fear in the hearts of the people

The comparison made by Longying corroborates Li Longji's words, demonstrating fairness and thoroughness, which earns my admiration. Li Longji's "exertion of influence" instantly empowers him, making him feel as if he has been given wings like a tiger.

Li Longji was taken aback and said: "The extraordinary troops of Shanhaiguan?"

Li Longji still referred to Wu Zhao as the Holy Divine Emperor, not by her posthumous title "Zetian," which was a way to save face for himself, demonstrating considerable restraint. When Li Longji spoke of the details regarding Zong Chuke, he recounted them as if they were his own treasured possessions, with clarity and precision, revealing just how ignorant he was of the situation within the court.

The gang that currently dominates the great river is still the Yellow River Gang, although it is gradually being eroded by the Northern Gang in the struggle for profit. However, "a centipede with a hundred legs does not die easily," and truly destroying the Yellow River Gang is not something that can be accomplished in a short period of time. One can imagine that in the present and in the days to come, the conflicts and violent clashes between the two gangs will become increasingly intense, with a bloody storm enveloping the great river

Li Longji said: "It is now the turn of Lord Eagle!"

Seeing Li Longji's envious expression, he said: "The King of Linzi is interested in the beautiful women of the Jade Maiden Sect!"

There are still two street corners from the back door of the residence. It is immediately apparent that the situation is dire, as a large number of armed men and officials are gathered outside the back door, effectively sealing off this section of the street. Unless one forces their way through, it is impossible to approach the residence.

Long Ying said to Ding Fumin and Tian Guidao: "Therefore, our first objective is the Northern Gang, and we must be prepared for battle. When the Northern Gang unifies the north and seeks to expand towards the Yangtze River, we will deliver a decisive blow to them. After securing the south, our elite troops will move towards Youzhou, coordinating with another elite force at Shanhaiguan to launch a counterattack against the Northern Gang from the north, causing them to suffer the pain of being attacked from both sides. At that time, our victory will not be far off"

Yet, there was a dilemma in his heart. It seemed that Yi Tiannan was in a critical situation; saving a person was akin to extinguishing a fire. Should he set aside the "Chronicle" for the time being and first clarify Yi Tiannan's circumstances? With this thought, he sighed softly and changed direction towards the residence of Chao Ri Anju.

Long Ying provided a detailed explanation regarding Kuan Yu and his Turkic brothers, concluding with the statement: "The King of Linzi should not meet them; Fu Min and Gui Dao may greet them and establish a relationship. I will escort them for a journey that will take approximately two to three months round trip, after which I will return to Youzhou to assess the situation regarding the relocation of the capital, and then decide whether to go to the Divine Capital or the Western Capital"

The Long Eagle Path: "It must start from the beginning. The method by which Tai Le Xu Yun has consistently expanded his influence can be broadly summarized by the four characters 'without bloodshed.' This does not mean that he does not kill, but rather that he only targets the most critical figures of the opponent. First, he infiltrates and occupies advantageous positions; then, he seizes power, achieving the greatest benefits at the lowest cost. The disciples of Dong Xuan Zi, such as Chi Shang Lou, employed this model back in the day, first becoming the favored son-in-law of the leader of the Wujiang Gang. When the leader was assassinated, he rightfully took over the Wujiang Gang, subsequently eliminating dissenters and placing his own people within the gang, following this very approach."

The allure of the "Chronicles" is too great

Long Ying sighed, "You are most welcome!"

In the first month of the second year of the Shenlong era, amidst the drifting snow, Long Ying returned to the "Shendu" which had reverted to its original name, Luoyang, under the identity of "Fan Qingzhou"

It is precisely because of this thought that, at this moment in Luoyang, witnessing the rampant behavior of the villains, although I have not clarified the identity of the other party, I am aware that the situation is dire

Li Longji said: "Zong Chuke is from Puzhou, and his mother is a cousin of the Holy Divine Emperor, which is how the relationship with Wu Sansi came about. Zong Chuke has two brothers, the elder being Zong Qinke and the younger Zong Jinqing. Zong Qinke died young, and Zong Jinqing is also a martial artist, reputed to have good martial skills, but his intelligence and cunning do not match those of his elder brother, hence his fame lags far behind. However, times have changed; Zong Chuke, now esteemed as the Minister of War, has helped his younger brother Zong Jinqing secure the position of Chief Craftsman. Zong Qinke died young, and Zong Jinqing is also a martial artist, reputed to have good martial skills, but his intelligence and cunning do not match those of his elder brother, hence his fame lags far behind. However, times have changed; Zong Chuke, now esteemed as the Minister of War, has helped his younger brother Zong Jinqing secure the position of Chief Craftsman. The two brothers can now conspire together and create disturbances.

Long Ying's intuition suggests that Yi Tiannan is in trouble

Regarding the relocation of the capital back to Chang'an by the Xin Dynasty, Guo Yuanzhen expressed his disapproval. Consequently, he erupted in fury before Longying, berating both Li Xian and Empress Wei, demonstrating his profound dissatisfaction

Li Longji stated: "Zong Chuke has immense ambition and is a person who is insatiable in his greed. He flatters those in power, runs around to curry favor, and serves anyone who can bring him benefits in every matter. The difference between Zong Chuke and Wu Sansi is that Zong possesses practical knowledge and is well-versed in external affairs. The wise and divine Emperor once summoned him for consultation on strategies when he was serving as the Deputy Minister of War, and he was heavily relied upon due to the effectiveness of his proposals."

Long Ying nodded in agreement and said: "The rise of the Northern Gang was also beyond Tai Le Xu Yun's expectations. In his grand plan to move north, his target was the largest and historically significant gang in the north, the Yellow River Gang, which was his main focus. Now, with Wu San Si and Zong Chu Ke in power, the influence of the Northern Gang has risen sharply, creating an irreconcilable conflict with the Yellow River Gang. In this situation, Tai Le Xu Yun has two choices: one is to allow the Northern Gang to swallow the increasingly decrepit Yellow River Gang, and the other is to assist the Yellow River Gang in fighting against the Northern Gang. Clearly, neither of these choices is what Tai Le Xu Yun would prefer."

Ding Fumin and Tian Guidao were both at a loss, with the latter being somewhat better off, as he had lived in the palace for a long time and was more aware of the relationship between Wu Sansi and the two of them

Supplies sent to Guanzhong must first pass through Luoyang, the secondary capital transit station, which is both time-consuming and prone to accidents, making it an unnecessary step. The Yellow River has become the main artery for transportation; if flooding or man-made obstacles occur, it will lead to famine in Chang'an

But at this moment, he changed his mind

Long Ying recalled Fu Tai's "The True Records of the Ugly Doctor" and thought that he must first go to the capital to read Fu Tai's notes in order to better understand the situation both inside and outside the court

Long Ying held the heavy, waterproof oilcloth-wrapped "Chronicle" in his hands, and despite his patience, he still felt an impulse to take a quick glance at it

The Dragon Eagle then thought that whoever could control the great river would be equivalent to controlling Chang'an. Given the current situation, military occupation is not feasible, but it is possible to dominate the great river through the guild while simultaneously controlling the cities along the river.

Li Longji calculated: "The process of relocating the capital is grand and arduous. Fortunately, the Western Capital was originally the capital, and everything is in place. However, it will not be possible to return to the Western Capital from the Divine Capital in less than two years. Nevertheless, the Emperor should set out for the Western Capital within this year, so that the Holy and Divine Emperor can be laid to rest in peace."

Perhaps Fu Tai is playing tricks on him; although there are several thick volumes, only a few pages contain writing. This fellow acts in an eccentric and willful manner, making him difficult to gauge

Ling Dingfum and Tian Guidao both went.

Ding Fumin said: "Does Wu Sansi trust Zong Chuke a bit more, or Dong Xuanzi a bit more? Why is this important?"