Night was alluring, and the autumn breeze was peaceful. After secretly meeting with Lu Qiaoshan, Su Wenfang left the military camp from the side. Looking back, the camp of the Wu Xiang Army was solemn and stretched endlessly, its military might organized and neat, the light of the torches like reflections of the starry sky above.

The situation had become complicated. Of course, this complication had already appeared months ago, and now it was only pushing the situation further.

Although he was prepared, Su Wenfang couldn't help but feel his scalp tingle.

"Lu Qiaoshan's attitude is ambiguous, it seems he's playing for time. If this can drag down the Hua Xia Army, he'll naturally be happy to see it."

The group rode away from the military camp. On the way, Su Wenfang spoke in a low voice with Chen Tuozi, who was accompanying him. This once ruthless hunchbacked swordsman was now in his fifties. He had previously served as Ning Yi's personal guard and later led the military law team within the Hua Xia Army. He held a high position in the Hua Xia Army. Although Su Wenfang was Ning Yi's relative by marriage, he also respected him greatly.

The old man, with half his hair gray, no longer showed the sinister sharpness of the past. His eyes were much gentler than they had been years ago. He reined in his horse, nodded, and his voice was slightly hoarse: "Which of the Wu Dynasty's soldiers doesn't want that?"

"I considered that he would sit back and watch the situation develop, even give it a push. But I thought that Li Xiannong and these scholars were bound to make trouble, and the Wu Xiang Army has been dealing with us for a long time, they might not dare to follow through to the end. But now it seems that Lu Qiaoshan's idea is not necessarily the case. He looks like a smiling tiger, but he may have a strong bottom line."

"Meaning..." Chen Tuozi looked back. The dim light of the camp was already behind the distant mountains, "His current behavior is fake, and he really wants to go hard?"

Su Wenfang nodded: "Naturally, we're not afraid, but after all, it's 100,000 people, Uncle Chen."

"Then the people in the South should see some storms."

"I still hope his attitude can change."

From the South to the North, each place has its own situation. For three years, the Hua Xia Army has been living in a corner of the Southwest. Although life hasn't been too good, it has been calm compared to the bloody battle of Xiaocang River. Especially after the commercial roads were opened, the tentacles of the Hua Xia Army's power extended along the commercial roads, covering the four circuits of Chuanxia. When Su Wenfang and others acted outside, the army and the government turned a blind eye, and it was not considered dangerous.

However, this time, the imperial court finally issued an order, and the Wu Xiang Army followed suit. The nearby government had also begun to implement high-pressure policies against the Black Flag Army. Su Wenfang and others gradually shrank back, turning their activities from overt to covert. The form of struggle has also begun to become clear.

Whether the Wu Xiang Army will take action is the most critical link in the entire situation.

***********

On a sultry night plagued by the autumn tiger, a bean-sized light was still on, and under the light was a letter that was still being written:

"To my virtuous brother Cang:

I have received your letter. Knowing that the situation in Jiangnan is smooth, and everyone is united to resist the Jurchens, and that our dynasty has a virtuous Crown Prince and a virtuous Prime Minister, I am greatly relieved. If this continues, the restoration of our Wu Dynasty can be expected.

Since I came to the Southwest, the people are ignorant, and the situation is difficult. However, with the help of many virtuous people, I have now been able to break the situation. The land of the Southwest all know the evil of the Black Flag, and the public is surging with indignation, and it is expected that they will be conquered. Virtuous brother Cheng Mao enlightened the Yi tribe's chieftains in Liangshan with great righteousness, which was very effective. Now the Yi people also know the great righteousness, great right, and great wrong of the world. Even in the barbarian land, there are righteous men who punish the Black Flag by burning their fields and cutting off their trade routes. The Black Flag villains are trapped in the mountains, in fear and unrest. Virtuous brother Cheng Mao has performed great service and great virtue to the Wu Dynasty and the world, and I am ashamed to be inferior to him.

Although the current situation is clear, hidden dangers still exist. Lu Qiaoshan of the Wu Xiang Army is arrogant, hedging, and ambiguous, and he has also had dealings with the Black Flag bandits in the past. Now, under the heavy orders of the court, Lu only stationed his troops outside the mountains in the name of the general being abroad, refusing to advance an inch. Such people, whether they are slick or crude, cannot be relied upon for great matters. I have discussed with the other virtuous men that we cannot sit and wait. No matter what Lu's intentions are, we must persuade him to advance and fight the Black Flag in a dignified battle.

Fortunately, this time when we came west, there are not only Confucian scholars, but also martial arts heroes who know the great righteousness. What we do is for the prosperity of the Wu Dynasty and the world, and for the peace of all beings. If we encounter misfortune in the future, I hope that my virtuous brother Cang will send silver and property to the families of the following people, so that their sons and brothers will know what their fathers and brothers sacrificed their lives for. Only because the country is in danger, I cannot fulfill my filial piety, and I bow my head here.

Those who are participating in this matter now include: Jiangnan hero Zhan Shao, former Hangzhou constable Lu Xuanzhi, Jiaxing Jian Mingzhi..."

The lamp flickered, and Long Qifei's pen roamed, writing down one name after another. He knew that these names might leave traces in later generations, so that people would remember how many people had followed in the footsteps of others, risking their lives and devoting themselves to the prosperity of the Wu Dynasty.

After writing the letter, he attached some silver notes and sealed the envelope before sending it out. After leaving the study, he saw some people waiting outside. These people included both scholars and warriors, and their eyes were firm.

"...In the Southwest, the Black Flag is powerful, which is not the most important thing. However, since our Wu Dynasty moved south, the army has grown stronger, and the Wu Xiang Army, Lu Qiaoshan, is truly wielding absolute power. Although this matter has the assistance of the prefect of Zizhou,

But the stakes involved, you must be clear. Therefore, Long says one last sentence, if anyone wants to withdraw, I will never hold a grudge..."

The night wind howled past.

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

On the morning of the second day after negotiating with Lu Qiaoshan, Su Wenfang sent members of the Hua Xia Army into the mountains to convey the attitude of the Wu Xiang Army. For the next three days, he was working feverishly to negotiate with Lu Qiaoshan.

There was not much progress in the negotiations. Lu Qiaoshan came every day with a smile to chat with Su Wenfang, but he was unwilling to back down on the Hua Xia Army's conditions. However, he also emphasized that the Wu Xiang Army would absolutely not truly become enemies with the Hua Xia Army. He stationed his troops outside Liangshan, doing nothing every day, which was the evidence.

The outer government's search for the Black Flag Army was getting more and more severe, but this was also carrying out the orders of the imperial court, and Lu Qiaoshan admitted that he did not have many options.

"The most important part of this matter is still in the capital." Lu Qiaoshan said one day during negotiations, "His Majesty has made a decision and issued an order, how can we officials and soldiers disobey? The Hua Xia Army has dealings with many adults in the court. If you mobilize these people and have them abolish this order, the siege of Liangshan can be resolved smoothly. Otherwise, we can only stalemate like this. We can still do business, it's just more difficult than before. Envoy, it's already good that there's no war. Everyone wasn't doing well to begin with... As for the situation in Liangshan, no matter what, Mr. Ning should first take down the Mangshan Tribe. With the strength of the Hua Xia Army, isn't this as easy as turning your hand..."

Lu Qiaoshan was all smiles and difficulties every day, vividly portraying the image of a bureaucratic who didn't want to do anything. Speaking of the situation in Liangshan, since the Mangshan Tribe had broken up into smaller units, the Hua Xia Army, as outsiders, seemed to be helpless against them. Su Wenfang didn't know much about the situation in the mountains, but he had already felt the increasing tension day by day. He had heard Ning Yi tell the story of boiling a frog in warm water.

"Lu Qiaoshan doesn't have good intentions." When discussing the whole matter with Chen Tuozi one day, Chen Tuozi advised him to leave. Su Wenfang shook his head, "However, even if there's a fight, he won't kill the envoy. It's safer to stay here and haggle. There's nothing to do if I go back to the mountains."

When he said this, Chen Tuozi naturally nodded in agreement. The old man with white hair didn't care about being in a dangerous situation. Moreover, in his opinion, what Su Wenfang said made sense.

The next day, it was the staff officer Zhi Junhao who negotiated with Su Wenfang. The two sides discussed various details, but the matter could not be resolved after all. Su Wenfang had clearly felt the other party's procrastination, but he could only talk here. In his opinion, it was not impossible for Lu Qiaoshan to give up his confrontational attitude. As long as there was a sliver of opportunity, it was worth him making an effort here.

Not long after returning that afternoon, as Su Wenfang was considering the new arguments to use tomorrow, there was a sudden sound outside the courtyard where he was living.

The sound of swords clashing rose instantly. Someone was shouting, someone was roaring, and there were also shrill screams. He was only slightly stunned when Chen Tuozi broke through the door. He held a single sword in one hand, the blade still bloody, grabbed Su Wenfang, said "Go—" and dragged Su Wenfang out.

Su Wenfang didn't have much martial arts. He was dragged along the way, stumbling and falling. Inside and outside the courtyard, including Chen Tuozi, there were a total of seven warriors from the Hua Xia Army, most of whom had experienced the battlefield of Xiaocang River. At this time, they had all taken up their weapons. Outside the courtyard, the sound of footsteps and horses had already sounded. Many people rushed into the courtyard. Someone shouted, "I am Li Zhengdao of Jiangnan—" and was beheaded under the blade.

Chen Tuozi dragged Su Wenfang, running and fighting towards the secret passage that had been predetermined as a retreat. Flames were already burning behind them.

At the street entrance outside, the chaos had spread. Long Qifei excitedly watched the encirclement and suppression finally unfold. Knights stormed into the courtyard. War horses galloped densely, and the sound of hissing rang out. This was the first time he had presided over such an operation, and the middle-aged scholar's cheeks were red. Then someone came to report that the resistance inside was fierce and there was a secret passage.

"Catch up with them, catch up with them... The secret passage must not be far away, catch up with them—" Long Qifei shouted in panic.

The secret passage was indeed not far away, but the coordination and fighting of the seven Black Flag Army warriors was daunting. More than a dozen knights who rushed in were almost beheaded on the spot in the courtyard.

The first Black Flag Army warrior died at the entrance of the secret passage. He had already been seriously injured and tried to prevent the others from following, but he did not succeed.

The second Black Flag Army warrior died at the exit of the secret passage, delaying the people who were chasing them for a moment.

The distance crossed by the secret passage was only one street. This was a temporary emergency residence, and large-scale civil engineering could not be carried out. Under the support of the prefect of Zizhou, Long Qifei launched a large number of people. Chen Tuozi was discovered when he dragged Su Wenfang out, and more people surrounded them. Chen Tuozi let go of Su Wenfang and rushed into the nearby narrow alley with his double swords. Although his hair was already gray, the double swords in his hand were experienced and vicious. Almost every step he took, he would cut down one person with a slash and a fold.

"Follow me." Chen Tuozi shouted, and fought forward with four soldiers of the Hua Xia Army. In the blink of an eye, they had broken through one street in the chaotic situation.

Another soldier of the Hua Xia Army fell on the way, and the others were more or less injured.

"Uncle Chen, go back and tell my brother-in-law the news..."

"You go back!" The old man roared.

"I can't go anymore, the news is important." Su Wenfang dragged his leg that had been shot by an arrow. His whole body was shaking, and he didn't know if it was because of the pain or because of fear. He almost repeated in a crying voice, "The news is important..."

There were more people pouncing over in front. The old man glanced back, and cried out in sorrow, "Brothers, kill with me—" and went ahead like a cheetah. As he rushed out of Su Wenfang's sight, Su Wenfang was walking under a tree on the side of the road. Several soldiers of the Hua Xia Army were still fighting. Someone fell on the way forward. Two people were still guarding in front of Su Wenfang. Su Wenfang shouted, "Stop! We surrender!"

One of the soldiers of the Hua Xia Army refused to surrender and rushed forward. He was stabbed to death by a spear in the crowd. Another person watched this scene, slowly raised his hand, and threw away the knife in his hand. Several Jianghu heroes walked over with shackles. This soldier of the Hua Xia Army lunged forward, grabbed a long knife and swung it out. Those knights did not expect that he would risk his life in this situation. Swords and spears were handed over, piercing him on the spears, but this soldier's last knife also slashed into the neck of "Jiangnan Hero" Zhan Shao. He covered his neck, blood splattering, and died after a while.

This last soldier of the Hua Xia Army also had his head chopped off a moment after his death.

Su Wenfang looked at the corpses of the people, trembling and collapsing under the tree. His leg was pierced by an arrow, and it was so painful that he could hardly bear it, and tears flowed out. Not far away in the alley, Long Qifei walked over, looking at the knights and constables who died along the way, his face pale, but soon after seeing that Su Wenfang had been caught, his mood improved slightly.

So Hua Xia Army people can also be scared to cry.

He ordered the people to catch Su Wenfang, and also called a doctor to treat him. After a while, the Wu Xiang Army's team arrived, led by Lu Qiaoshan, who was angry. He came over and surrounded the town, not allowing anyone to leave, and demanded that Long Qifei hand over the people. Even the law enforcement of the Zizhou Prefect should not reach out to places near the military camp.

More scholars also began to flock here, accusing the army of protecting the bandits of the Black Flag Army.

On this day, the confrontation between the two sides lasted for a while. Lu Qiaoshan finally retreated. On the other side, Chen Tuozi, covered in blood, was walking on the road back to Liangshan, with pursuers coming from behind...

Su Wenfang, shackled and locked, was escorted back to Zizhou. Difficult days were just beginning.

Long Qifei sent a letter to the capital:

"...Our side has initially completed the major event. If things go smoothly, then the Wu Xiang Army will have no choice but to turn against the Black Flag rebels. This matter is very gratifying. Dozens of righteous men were sacrificed in it. Although we had to pay the sacrifice, it is still regrettable...

...If this matter is not settled, we will petition General Lu again, so that the Wu Xiang Army cannot delay and perfunctory. For the sake of the country, this matter can no longer be delayed. Even if we are sacrificed here, we will not hesitate..."

There were many more generous words after that.

Lu Qiaoshan returned to the military camp and remained silent for a long time, rarely discussing the impact of this matter with Zhi Junhao.

In the mountains of Liangshan, a huge storm had already been brewing and was about to break out...