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In the darkness, birds soared across the night sky. Beneath the half-moon, mountain ranges undulated, and waterways, under the starlight, resembled delicate white ribbons scattered across the land, like hair, or roots, sprawling with the terrain. The only traces of humanity in this darkness were scattered specks of light, sometimes clustered, sometimes isolated.

Early morning on the ninth day. Nearly five days had passed since the fall of Hangzhou, and the initial chaos stemming from this upheaval had finally begun to follow a more discernible course. The points of light at night emanated from Hangzhou, spreading outward after its fall. Initially frantic and dense, these paths gradually coalesced into streams, while the fires within Hangzhou, once blazing, now dwindled towards a state of equilibrium.

Bloodshed, slaughter, death had stained nearly every street of the city crimson during the previous four days. However, after that initial frenzy, everything inevitably calmed down, and it was time to wash away the bloodstains. The amount of blood spilled during those four days of killing and looting was incalculable. Many wealthy merchants, gentry, and officials who hadn't escaped the city were hunted down, tortured, and nearly exterminated. Even commoners weren't spared. Countless were killed under the suspicion of resistance, countless women were violated. After the initial resisters were all killed, the surviving became numb, allowing the "righteous armies" from various locations to occupy one territory after another.

Only a few individuals with resources were exceptions.

Not far from the Hangzhou government office, a large mansion, formerly the residence of the Chang family, one of Hangzhou's four great clans, had suffered some damage in the earthquake but not severely, and had since been repaired. It was shortly after midnight, and the mansion was brightly lit inside and out. A banquet was drawing to a close. At the gate of the courtyard, the host was seeing off a large group of people, bidding farewell to each one individually.

Ordinarily, in the chaotic Hangzhou, anyone capable of hosting a banquet would have to be a leader of the "righteous army" that had taken the city. But the participants were not "righteous army." The guests, one by one, appeared to be dressed modestly, and were obsequious. The middle-aged host and his attendants displayed an air of composure. This middle-aged man was none other than Fang Qifo, known as the Buddha General, a brother whom Fang La greatly valued. The people he was seeing off were mostly wealthy merchants and gentry from Hangzhou, as well as officials who had aligned themselves with Fang La. Among them was Lou Jinlin, the head of the Lou family.

As one of Hangzhou's great families, the Lou family had not previously had contact with Fang La. Fang Qifo had only found him the night before the city fell. Because the Lou family's business was diverse and it dealt with all sorts of people, Fang used some connections, and appealed to him. Lou's answer at the time wasn't firm, but because he had previously been harassed by Qian Haiping's people, he felt resentful and didn't refuse.

Therefore, when the city fell the next day, he assisted Fang La's troops, who were unfamiliar with the situation, in taking stock of Hangzhou's various resources. He subsequently became a welcome guest in Fang La's army. Now that the Qian, Mu, Tang, and Chang families had all left, if Fang La could truly secure Hangzhou, the Lou family would retain almost all of its capital and would subtly become the leading family in Hangzhou.

Of course, Fang La's hold on Hangzhou was uncertain, and the future wasn't optimistic. But at the moment, they could only comfort themselves with that thought.

The surviving people were, in fact, acquainted with each other, or at least knew each other's names, in Hangzhou. Some had secretly colluded with Fang La from the beginning, while others had been persuaded to join later. In Fang La's new regime, they would become the first native nobles. But unless they had firmly joined Fang La's camp from the start, the others were somewhat uneasy. They didn't speak much to each other, avoiding casual conversation, and simply bid Fang Qifo farewell respectfully before departing.

Fang Qifo's attitude toward these people was gentle and amiable. He was nearly forty years old, tall, and an extremely skilled fighter, having killed countless enemies as a general. But as a strategist, he also possessed a calm, reserved side. Within Fang La's army, there were countless headstrong individuals. Shi Bao was insane, Deng Yuanjue had a touch of madness, Li Tianrun was calm but arrogant, and Si Xingfang was vindictive and vicious. Each of these people was skilled in their own way, but they were all extremely respectful towards Fang Qifo. Even the moody girl who called herself Liu Dabiao, or Wang Yin, who was equally skilled in both martial arts and strategy, would usually obey his orders without much argument.

After seeing off the guests, he turned to walk back. A young man who was a attendant followed him: "Master, you value them so much, but in my opinion, they might not like it. Many of them are unhappy. They are afraid that our business won't last long. In my opinion, those who weren't truly loyal to us from the beginning should just be killed... then we could make a fortune."

Perhaps accustomed to his disciple's tone, Fang Qifo merely glanced at him, not particularly angry, and smiled slightly: "Chen Fan, we've already taken Hangzhou. You need to change those bandit habits. What 'business' are you talking about? And 'make a fortune'? The Holy Duke will declare himself emperor, and you'll be at least a great general in the future. Don't always be greedy for small gains."

"Tsk, Master, small gains are always more interesting. Those emperors and generals... just thinking about them makes my head hurt..."

The young man named Chen Fan appeared somewhat lazy. Fang Qifo didn't mind, and continued walking as he spoke: "Hangzhou is a vital area in Jiangnan. When the Holy Duke declares himself emperor, Hangzhou will be the capital. Such an important place can't be completely destroyed. The autumn harvest is coming. The rice needs to be harvested, and we need manpower. This city needs to be rebuilt, there need to be rules, there needs to be business. And to declare oneself emperor, there need to be people to support the occasion. Those of us who entered the city aren't good at those things. All they know is burning and looting. This is our home now, so we should restrain ourselves a little."

Fang Qifo sighed: "They understand things we don't. It doesn't matter if they're unhappy now. As long as they're willing to work, I'll give them status, I'll give them power, and they'll like it... Since we've taken Hangzhou, I'll be setting off to attack Jiaxing in a few days. Before that, I need to arrange these matters. After I leave in a few days, you'll be here to protect them from being harassed. Remember that?"

"Master, I want to go with you to attack Jiaxing. I don't understand these things. Otherwise, you can leave General Wang or An Xifu behind and send me out. Going to Huzhou is fine too..."

"It's not that you don't understand, it's that you're too lazy to think. Otherwise, why would you speak about them like that... Wang Yin needs to control the situation in the south, and An Xifu is going north to Huzhou. You're best off staying here. You're my disciple, and you're unreasonable enough."

"I'm not unreasonable. I think I can bring An Xifu back. Or, the girl from the Ba Dao family is even more unreasonable than me. I can bring her back."

"Those who went north to Huzhou are a disorganized bunch, a mix of good and bad. Sending them there is partly to disrupt Huzhou, and partly just to give them an opportunity to loot. Xifu is going to be able to command them when necessary. Do you know that Lu Qiao and Yao Yi almost fought at noon today? Fortunately, An Xifu arrived in time with the Black Feather Guards to quell the situation. If it had been you, you probably would have made things even more chaotic... As for Ba Dao, where has she been these past few days?"

Chen Fan tilted his head and scratched his eyebrow: "A few days ago... when the city was in chaos, she was out on the streets doing neighborhood relations, giving out steamed buns to people and not allowing us to kill people. She also went north yesterday. I heard she and her men are looking for someone named Ning Liheng, the one who tricked her and General Shi and killed Gou Zheng and the others? Anyway, I think that girl has too much free time..."

Fang Qifo frowned and thought: "The most people fled north when the city fell. I heard that Ning Liheng contacted many people beforehand to flee north together. Today, Yao Yi and the others seem to have targeted a group of refugees. Could he be among them?"

"Master, should I chase after them and warn them? That Ning Liheng is obviously very powerful. By the way, can I bring Liu Dabiao and her people back?"

"What's there to warn? There are soldiers among those refugees, but they're already demoralized and exhausted. Ning Liheng only succeeded temporarily. What can one person do in such a situation... As for bringing Liu Dabiao back, go talk to her yourself. If you can persuade her to come back and maintain order in the city, then I'll let you go north."

"Master, you have to give her an order..." Chen Fan said, tilting his head. But Fang Qifo waved his hand, not stopping. After waiting for a long time, he angrily shouted, "But I can't maintain order in the city! You... Master, you're making things difficult for me! I want to fight!"

*****************

Piles of bonfires were burning dimly, the camp has entered a resting phase.

The small camp located on the hilltop was not well-organized. There were no fences, not much security patrols, there were few tents. Tired soldiers holding a variety of weapons of varying quality fell asleep around the bonfire in the wilderness, at this time, although there were various mosquitoes and insects biting, they were all drowsy.

Lu Qiao was sleeping in the tent - actually, he hadn't fallen asleep. He was lying on the bed gnawing at half a roast chicken, looking at the top of the tent, occasionally spitting out bones.

"Damn it..."

What he was unhappy about was the nameless anger he had suffered at noon during the day. Several of his brothers were beaten, ambushed in the valley. Yao Yi actually insisted that he ambushed him!

It's too uncomfortable...

Although their main responsibility for this north trip was to disrupt Huzhou, making Huzhou unable to take care of Jiaxing and Hangzhou, the main task was not heavy. At this time, on the northwest side, the one who could really rescue Huzhou or Jiaxing was the Wu Zhou camp that originally belonged to Kang Fangting, but since Fang La took Hangzhou, Fang La's sister Fang Baihua had already contained the Wu Zhou camp in the northwest. As long as Fang Baihua was not defeated, the little force in Huzhou could not do anything on both sides.

He originally thought that he would fight back no matter what when he encountered such an unexpected disaster in such a easy task of killing and robbery, but he naturally failed to succeed later. After the black military law team arrived, both sides were shut up.

In Fang La's army, although most of them were troops composed of homeless disaster victims, some of them couldn't even get weapons. For example, Lu Qiao, he was the one who pulled the team from his hometown of Tongxian, and then joined the Sheng Gong army, and then gave him the mountain and the establishment. But there were still some truly excellent armies.

Not to mention the army under Fang Qifo and others, in order to avoid too serious a situation of defeat on the battlefield, the military law team established by Fang Baihua was indeed an out-and-out elite, and the members were dressed in black, all of them were ruthless people who killed people like hemp, in several battles, once the front row collapsed, the heads of the rear row would fall one by one. Now the person in charge of this team is a young man named An Xifu, who has a taciturn scholarly spirit, but it must be said that Lu Qiao was a little guilty when he saw him.

It has to be said that the participants in the current rebel army basically still feel like mixing on the mountain, whoever's fist is bigger, others will be afraid, Lu Qiao is naturally not able to provoke Deng Yuanjue Shi Bao Si Xingfang, nor can he provoke the Black Feather Guard, but Yao Yi under Si Xingfang can still be provoked. He was naturally unhappy today, and couldn't sleep at this time, and cursed in his heart for a while.

While he was venting in his heart, he suddenly heard a slight commotion outside the camp. He was startled, wondering if Yao Yi was here to make trouble again? He quickly picked up a big knife and lifted the curtain to go out, but as soon as he left the tent, he saw a group of people passing through the camp and coming towards him. The first one was petite, but she was a girl in a skirt and a black veil hat. One of the people behind her was tall and carrying a box. Then, there was a team of people whose outlines could be vaguely seen were coming. The footsteps of these people disturbed the bonfires on the way, and the light was rolling up in the air in spots. Lu Qiao thought about what was the origin of the group in front of him, and he was stunned when he reacted.

The girl took out a token and shook it. Lu Qiao quickly saluted. Before he could speak, the middle-aged man carrying the box behind him spoke first: "General Lu, you don't need to be too polite. We are here to look for a scholar named Ning Liheng, who may be in the fleeing team to the north. Has General Lu heard of him?"

Lu Qiao was stunned: "N-No, I don't know..."

"You must have captured a few people who were alone on the way. Where are they being held? Take us to ask them, okay?"

The fleeing crowds came from all directions. On the way, he must have captured some people. Some were killed casually and their belongings robbed, and some were caught for interrogation. Lu Qiao quickly nodded, and then led the team over. Looking from a distance, there were shadows of mountains in the mountains, and it seemed that more people were ambushed. After he brought the people there, he didn't need to guard by the side, so he turned back and sat by the bonfire and looked over there.

He had never been familiar with the team in front of him before, but he had heard of it. It was the Ba Dao Camp led by the famous Liu Dabiaozi in the southwest martial arts world. This Liu Dabiaozi was originally a hero in the martial arts world, not a mountain bandit, but he had friendship with Fang La. When Fang La revolted, he responded and echoed, and was an elite of the rebel army along with the Black Feather Guard.

Of course, compared to the reputation of the Black Feather Guard, which was always earned by killing people, the Ba Dao Camp was attributed to Liu Dabiaozi's own reputation. It is said that this man is a rare enemy in the Jiangnan martial arts world with a domineering knife in his hand. He is a hero and a good man with a height of eight feet and a waist circumference of eight feet, and few people in the rebel army can compare with him.

When Lu Qiao joined the rebel army, he admired Liu Dabiaozi very much. But as his status grew in the rebel army, he realized that although the soldiers in the Ba Dao Camp could be seen occasionally, Liu Dabiaozi himself had never been seen. This person seemed not to participate in the various power struggles and mountain grabbing activities in the rebel army. He was mysterious and domineering. But later, Lu Qiao vaguely heard that Liu Dabiao had died a few years ago, and now the person who gave orders in his place was Liu Dabiao's daughter, but she insisted on people calling her Liu Dabiaozi, as if she wanted to pass on her father's name. He was a little funny when he first heard it, but later he found that the atmosphere was a bit wrong.

It is said that although Liu Dabiao's daughter has a strange personality, her martial arts are extremely high. This is the high-level of the rebel army. Few people dare to use the words Liu Dabiaozi to make fun of her, because she has fought many battles with the people in the high-level for this. The woman has a thin body, but she used the fierce domineering knife of the family in a different way. It is said that even Shi Bao and Wang Yin, who have the highest martial arts in the army, may not be able to beat her. Chen Fan, a disciple of Fang Qifo, is said to have the power to pull up willow trees upside down, and is like a Shura on the battlefield, but he is said to have fought a tie with this Liu Dabiao.

Lu Qiao was not sure whether there were other reasons for this, but those who drew a tie could live, but in the army, many people were said to have been really killed by Liu Dabiao. Since then, although others rarely saw the woman, they did not dare to call her anything other than Liu Dabiao. Over time, it became even more magical. He saw it for the first time today, and he didn't feel much domineering, but at least he didn't show any disrespect.

After a while, it was probably over after the interrogation, so they came here again. The girl nodded slightly to him to thank him, and he quickly returned the salute. The middle-aged man behind him said, "I've asked about the matter, but there's nothing to report. We just came from General Xue Dounan's side. General Yao should also be nearby. Have you seen him?"

This team was actually quite polite. Lu Qiao knew that the girl and her team had been asking people from team to team who were going north. He quickly nodded: "Of course I saw him, Yao Yi. Their team should be on the other side of the mountain. Just go west. Oh, and the Black Feather Guard, led by Mr. An, should have already gone ahead."

"Thank you." After hearing this, these people turned and left, walking into the darkness. After a few steps, Lu Qiao saw the girl turn her head and speak. It was the first time he heard her voice. It was a little cold, but it was also pleasant to hear: "We are looking for a person named Ning Liheng. If General Lu encounters any refugees tomorrow, please help us ask. Thank you."

"Uh... of course, of course, no problem."

After Lu Qiao finished speaking, he watched those people disappear into the darkness and breathed a sigh of relief. He felt that these people were quite easy to get along with. Then he thought that this might be the aura of powerful people. It would be best if they went crazy at Yao Yi's side and cleaned up Yao Yi and the others...

*******************

At the same time, let us push our sight further north. Among the valley where many refugees are camping, some bonfires are burning. In the darkness here, Chan'er was sitting on the grass with her knees hugged, looking sadly at the figure by the distant bonfire, while another female figure was walking towards there with a cup of water.

She didn't understand some things, even if she understood a little, it became a little incomprehensible at this time.

In the morning, the master's hand injury was diagnosed as critical, and the doctor gave emergency treatment. When she and Juan'er, Sister Xing'er and others were forcibly driven into the departure team by the young lady, she was so sad that she almost burst into tears, but it was not the time to cry at that time, so she held back.

In the afternoon, the master and the young lady caught up, so she was also very happy. But on the way, she inquired that the master's injury was very serious. But as soon as she arrived here, the master began to do things, all kinds of things, running around to persuade the wealthy businessmen to take out gold and jewelry as bait, summoning veterans and hunters to ask about various situations, until night, these things did not stop, the master has been asking questions by the bonfire, occasionally thinking about it, walking around, and most of the time writing and drawing on paper with the map.

The injury will slow down people's thinking, and the master's situation does not seem to be ideal, but from beginning to end, he has not stopped, occasionally asking the young lady's opinion, until those who were asked have already fallen asleep, he is still writing and thinking.

She can't completely understand the master's intentions in doing these things, but some things have been knocking in her heart: the master's injury is too serious, the master will not be able to hold on...

She wanted to go over and persuade him a few words, but she couldn't muster the courage to do so. The young lady didn't persuade the master this time either. She followed by the side, watching by the side. Most of the time, she was quiet and didn't speak, which was probably what it meant for the wife to follow the husband. She envied the close relationship between the young lady and the master, but... the master will not be able to hold on...

Just now, she wanted to take a cup of water and go over, almost wanting to muster the courage, and overstep the duties of a maid, and speak to persuade the master to stop for a while, but the young lady who passed by took the water cup. Perhaps seeing the expression on her face, the young lady also shook her head slightly and hugged her, and then took the water cup over for her. She came back here, and couldn't sleep. Seeing the way the young lady and the master were sitting side by side over there, she hugged her knees and pressed her lips on her knees, and cried in a low, suppressed voice...

The firelight burst and rose a piece of light dust. In the light, Ning Yi raised his face and thought carefully, and then lowered his head again, continuing to write and draw on the paper. The night may be very long...

*****************

That night, Ning Yi finally slept for a while. When he woke up the next day, he continued yesterday's plan and deduction. The refugees moved out and turned around. He continued to think on the horse, sometimes discussing with Su Tan'er and giving what he thought to Su Tan'er to look over. Along the way, he asked various questions. Until the evening, he handed a rough idea to Chen Xingdou. Some of the details still need to be revised by people who really know the soldiers, and it may not be accepted in the end, but at the moment, he can only do this.

While some people were discussing in the newly built camp, Ning Yi and Su Tan'er rode a horse towards the nearby hillside. The hillside was a winding waterway. The setting sun shone golden light on the mountains and water. The bottom of the mountain was sparkling, and beautiful wildflowers were blooming on the hillside.

Ning Yi got off the horse and reached out to help Su Tan'er down. Then, although he saved his wife, he staggered back a few steps. The two fell into the grass slope. Ning Yi still had some strength at this time, so even if he fell, it would not cause too much vibration to Su Tan'er. Then the two lay there and laughed softly.

Looking up, on the evening of the ninth day, a flock of geese flew across the sky. The clouds were very good this day, like pure white cotton wool. Ning Yi opened his arms, and Su Tan'er gently put her hand on her stomach, like two children.

The two children lay there for a while before someone spoke...

**************

Another six thousand words, I hate myself a little bit. It would have been great if I had sent it a few days earlier, but it doesn't matter. I don't know if everyone has a new chapter of monthly tickets today. There will be no double this month anyway... Please give me monthly tickets! ! !

Also recommend a book, Shengzhe Chenlei's "Ming Dynasty Storm", I read it yesterday, it is very good. I have always trusted this author's books, and this one is really good, a very good girl-picking and farming article. I have always wanted to learn that kind of farming atmosphere. Those who are interested can go and take a look^_^

(To be continued.) Vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation.)

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