The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

Shan Meixian put down the silk, and Shan Wanjing picked up another secret report that had just been delivered through special channels.

"The cargo ships 'Jiangli' and 'Shunbo' under the Baling Gang will set sail for Chongqing in three days with a batch of goods labeled 'Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Porcelain'. However, according to information from dockworkers and lower-ranking members of the gang, the goods were unusually heavy when being loaded onto the ships, and a slight whistling sound could be heard."

A fleet of ships bearing the flag of the "Cui Family Trading Company," originating from Pengcheng (Xuzhou), carrying a large quantity of "Northern Pine Timber," is expected to arrive at the "Wild Boar Ferry" small dock on the west bank of Poyang Lake tomorrow evening. This dock has recently been secretly controlled by members of the Iron Cavalry Society, and officers under Lin Shihong's command have been spotted there.

Yan Ni Chang Zhen's whereabouts are elusive, but through cross-identification by former members of "Miao Feng" and our newly recruited informants, her core stronghold has been pinpointed to "Jing Ci Nunnery" in the south of the city. This nunnery is deserted, and young women are frequently secretly brought there at night. Furthermore, there are unusual incense offerings and unusual energy fluctuations at the City God Temple at midnight on the fifteenth of each month, suspected to be practices or rituals of the "Charming Maiden Technique."

The investigation into the Yuwen Clan's connections is ongoing. Clues point towards Luoyang, involving a cover organization called "Sihai Escort Agency," whose chief escort is suspected to be an external member of the Yuwen Clan. Specific routes and handover methods are still under investigation.

Rong Jiaojiao's confession mentioned that the two demons, 'Water' and 'Fire', might be active in the Jianghuai region recently, with unknown motives. 'Atom' Duan Yucheng's whereabouts remain a mystery…

After listening calmly to Shan Wanjing's report on the summarized intelligence, Yi Huawei stood with his hands behind his back in front of the huge map, his gaze slowly sweeping over key locations such as Baling, the Three Gorges, Poyang Lake, and Luoyang.

The fragments of intelligence revealed by Rong Jiaojiao, the secret conversations overheard by Zuimenglou, the real-time monitoring by the Shadow Guards, and the information rapidly fed back by the intelligence network all converged and were sorted in his vast sea of ​​consciousness, ultimately forming a huge and clear picture of the power struggle in the south.

Baling City, as a hub of the Yangtze River's golden waterway, has become the center of power struggles and illicit transactions among various forces.

The apparent power lies with Xiao Xian (Liang), a puppet emperor, whose real power is controlled by the Xiang family (Baling Gang). He relies on the Xiang family's wealth, the Baling Gang's military strength, and the Jukun Gang's (Yun Yuzhen) intelligence support. His core crimes include: colluding with the Cha Nu Sect (Chang Zhen) to torture women for martial arts training; engaging in the inhumane "human flesh for food" trade with Zhu Can; and participating in human trafficking (prisoners of war) through the Baling Gang.

Lin Shihong entrenched himself in the Poyang Lake basin, outwardly opposing Xiao Xian, but secretly colluding with his subordinate Ren Shaoming. He accepted strategic materials (refined iron and tung oil) from the Iron Cavalry Society to build warships; he tacitly approved and even participated in the sale of prisoners of war to foreign lands (Turks/Da Ming Zunjiao).

The Great Ming Sect has infiltrated deeply. "Miaofeng" Rong Jiaojiao has been eliminated, the traces of the "Five Types of Demons" (water, fire, etc.) have reappeared, and "Yuanzi" Duan Yucheng is in hiding.

The Turks received prisoners of war from the Central Plains through channels provided by the Yuwen clan (Yuwen Zhiji) and the Baling Gang/Iron Cavalry Society carried out the trafficking; they may have funded warlords such as Lin Shihong.

The powerful clans of Guanzhong, residing in Luoyang, remotely controlled the illicit trade in the south. They colluded with the Baling Gang and the Iron Cavalry Society to sell prisoners of war to the Turks; and engaged in massive financial transactions with Anlong of the Tianlian Sect.

The Charming Maidens Sect, affiliated with Xiao Xian/Xiang family, used the "Charming Maidens Great Technique" to harm innocent women and provide Xiao Xian with support for his evil arts.

The Tianlian Sect colluded deeply with Yuwen Zhiji and the Xiang family, providing channels for laundering huge sums of money and transferring benefits.

This vast web woven from greed, betrayal, and brutality revealed its core nodes and chain of evil in perfect detail before Yi Huawei's eyes. Baling, this bustling river and land port, had become a breeding ground for these malignant tumors and a hub for the flow of evil.

"very good."

Yi Huawei's voice broke the silence in the room, his gaze sweeping over Shan Meixian, Shan Wanjing, and Bai Qing'er: "Meixian, you lead the Shadow Guards to monitor the 'Shunfeng' caravan (the entrance to the Iron Cavalry Guild Hall). Record all people entering and leaving, especially the messengers who communicate with the Poyang Lake Navy! Obtain their secret codes and tokens of communication."

Lock down the 'Wild Boar Ferry' dock! Closely monitor the arrival time, unloading process, and receiving personnel of the 'Cui Clan Trading Company' fleet, especially the characteristics of the Iron Cavalry leader and Lin Shihong's military officer identity. Deploy the elite 'Guishui Guard' to lie in ambush around the dock.

Once the unloading and handover of the 'timber' (refined iron and tung oil) begins, and the perpetrators are caught red-handed, the ringleader must be captured alive, and all supplies seized! If any of the young men personally arrive… kill them without mercy!

"Wanjing, you will focus on tracking the 'Jiangli' and 'Shunbo'! Your intelligence network must infiltrate the crew to obtain real-time information on the ships' locations, escort forces, and routes. Assemble the 'Shadow Guards' and Dongming's best fighters, skilled in naval warfare and stealth, and prepare fast boats to ambush and intercept them at strategic points in the Three Gorges! The objective is to rescue the prisoners of war on board! The safety of the survivors must be guaranteed. Search the ships and seize all ledgers and letters, especially evidence of dealings with the Turks! If there is resistance, eliminate the core members of the Baling Gang!"

His gaze swept over the two women and landed on Bai Qing'er:

"You led the team to thoroughly investigate the Xiang family's 'gentle nest' (the network controlling wealthy women) and uncover evidence of their crimes! Collect detailed transaction records and witness testimonies of those involved in Xiao Xian and Zhu Can's 'human flesh for grain' exchange, forming an ironclad chain of evidence!"

"As for Yanni Changzhen,"

Yi Huawei's eyes flashed with a cold light: "Send men to set up surveillance around Jingci Nunnery to confirm whether they are inside. Complete the ambush before midnight on the 15th of this month, and launch a surprise attack when they are performing evil rituals or transferring 'medicine' (young girls)! The primary objective is to rescue the kidnapped women, and the secondary objective is to capture or severely injure Chang Zhen! We must sever this arm of the Charming Maidens Sect!"

"Maintain surveillance on the 'Yuzhen' and Yun Yuzhen herself. Pay attention to the movements of the speedboats it dispatches, and track its secret contacts with Xiao Xian's generals Dong Jingzhen, Lei Shimeng, Zhang Xiu, and others. Focus on investigating possible assassination, bribery, and sowing discord plans. Her intelligence network is Xiao Xian's eyes and ears; collect information on its operating methods and the list of core members, and seize the opportunity to eliminate key nodes or... use them in reverse!"

"Infiltrate the Baling Gang, the lowest-ranking members of the Iron Cavalry Society, the dockworkers, accountants, and managers with all their efforts! Collect all accounts, vouchers, letters, and witnesses related to financial transactions and the transfer of benefits between Yuwen Zhiji and Tianlian Sect Anlong!"

"Investigate the whereabouts of the 'Five Types of Demons' and 'Atom' Duan Yucheng of the Great Ming Sect in Baling and Jianghuai! Activate Rong Jiaojiao's (Miaofeng's) old intelligence network, set up bait, and lure them out!"

"This 'Cleansing' operation must be carried out with lightning speed, simultaneously and severely striking the three key figures: the Baling Gang, Ren Shaoming, and Yan Ni Changzhen!"

"Expose the crimes of the Yuwen Clan in colluding with foreign powers to traffic their compatriots, sever the black gold chain of the Tianlian Sect, and severely damage the infiltration tentacles of the Great Ming Venerable Sect! Expose the true nature of Xiao Xian as a puppet and the treasonous acts of Lin Shihong's subordinates!"

"Remember, our ultimate goal is to imprint the prestige and control of the Yin Kui Sect, with its iron-fisted and righteous spirit, deep into the hearts of all forces in Baling and even the world! To control the Baling section of the Yangtze River waterway will lay an absolute foundation for future disruptions in the south and for clearing the world of chaos!"

"Yes!"

Shan Meixian and the others bowed in unison and agreed!
After giving the order, Yi Huawei walked to the window and opened it.

The night in Baling City remained noisy and enchanting, with the lights of the Emerald Pavilion flickering in the distance, like a huge vortex of temptation and sin. A river breeze, carrying moisture and a hint of blood, brushed against my face.

Yi Huawei's gaze was deep, as if he could see through the city before him and see the turbulent waters of the Three Gorges, the hidden docks of Poyang Lake, the gloomy City God Temple, and further away—the Yuwen Clan of Chang'an, the Tianlian Sect in Sichuan, the Turkic royal court on the grasslands, the headquarters of the Great Ming Zunjiao in the Western Regions... "The pieces have been moved, and the game... should be in my hands now."

Yi Huawei's voice was very soft, and then it dissipated in the night wind.

...............

The night was as dark as ink, so thick it seemed impossible to dissolve. Jiangling City (the capital of Nanjun, the core of Xiao Xian's Liang Kingdom) fell into a tense silence after a day of hustle and bustle.

The curfew gong had already sounded, and apart from the heavy footsteps of the patrolling soldiers and the faint sound of watchtowers from the distant military camp, the entire city seemed like a lurking beast.

In the study of Dong Jingzhen, the commander of the Liang army, a solitary lamp was still lit.

This was an extremely simple room, a stark contrast to the extravagance of Xiao Xian's palace. The floor was paved with blue bricks, the walls whitewashed; the only decorations were a well-worn map of the Yangtze River defenses hanging on the wall and an antique longsword on a weapons rack. A heavy rosewood desk was piled high with military reports, maps, and command tokens. A brass oil lamp flickered with a dim yellow light, casting a long shadow of Dong Jingzhen bent over his work, projected onto the mottled wall, making him appear exceptionally lonely and weary.

Dong Jingzhen was about forty years old, with a square face and a bronze complexion from years of exposure to wind and sun. His eyebrows were tightly furrowed, with deep lines etched between them. His eyes were sharp, but now they were bloodshot, revealing an undisguised heaviness and worry.

He was dressed in a worn-out black outfit, with his outer soft armor still on. His large knuckles were pressing hard on an open military report, which was covered with glaring words such as "unusual activity in Baling," "supply disruptions," and "soldier complaints."

As Xiao Xian's most loyal, brave, and pragmatic commander, he understood better than anyone the true nature of Liang's strength without substance and the imminent crisis.

suddenly!

Without warning, an indescribable chill instantly gripped Dong Jingzhen's heart! It wasn't ordinary cold, but an absolute stillness and oppressive force that seemed to freeze even his soul! The flickering oil lamp flames eerily froze, and even the air seemed to stop flowing. The hairs on his body stood on end instantly; his battle-hardened instincts made him jerk up, his right hand flashing towards the sword at his waist!
However, his movement froze halfway through.

Just three steps in front of his desk, in the shadow that was originally empty, a person had silently appeared.

The man was tall and slender, dressed in a seemingly ordinary dark cloth robe, yet it was spotless. He stood with his hands behind his back, his posture as relaxed as if he were strolling in his own garden, but his deep, star-like eyes shone astonishingly in the dim light, calmly gazing at Dong Jingzhen as if piercing through his skin and looking directly into the turbulent waves within his heart.

There was no murderous intent, but rather an indifference and majesty that transcended all things, making Dong Jingzhen feel like an ant being stared at by an ancient behemoth.

Dong Jingzhen's pupils suddenly contracted to the size of pinpoints! He had never seen this person before, but the other's unfathomable aura and the unpredictable way he appeared instantly reminded him of the most feared assassin of the Yin Kui Sect in the martial arts world! He opened his mouth to call out, wanting to summon his trusted guards outside the study—but something even more terrifying happened!
His throat felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand! No matter how hard he tried, his vocal cords wouldn't vibrate an inch! Not only his voice, but he found himself unable to move even a single finger! The invisible force wasn't a brutal restraint, but an absolute domain that enveloped the entire study, firmly "nailing" him to the spot, making even moving his eyeballs extremely difficult. Cold sweat instantly soaked through his inner shirt.

Yi Huawei's gaze slowly swept over Dong Jingzhen, from his weathered, resolute face to his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, veins bulging from the effort, and then to the mountain of military reports and maps piled on his desk. There was no murderous intent or mockery in Yi Huawei's eyes; instead, there was a barely perceptible... scrutiny and assessment.

After a moment, Yi Huawei nodded slightly, as if confirming something. He didn't speak, but a clear, calm voice resounded directly in Dong Jingzhen's mind like a resounding bell:
"General Dong, there's no need to be nervous. I'm not here to take your life."

As this thought resonated, the invisible force that had been binding Dong Jingzhen's throat quietly dissipated, but her body remained immobile.

Dong Jingzhen took a few quick breaths, her eyes still filled with shock and anger, staring intently at Yi Huawei, and growled hoarsely:

"Who are you?! What are your intentions?! This is the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Liang Kingdom!"

Yi Huawei didn't answer his question, but instead took a small step forward. His step seemed to slightly distort the entire study, causing the oil lamp's flame to flicker. His deep gaze fell on the "Yangtze River Defense Map" on the wall, and his voice, still ringing directly in Dong Jingzhen's mind, carried a chilling, all-knowing indifference:

"General, you are trapped in a city of sorrow, exhausted and heartbroken. You have devoted yourself to the crumbling Liang Kingdom. Have you ever thought about whether it is worth it or not?"

Dong Jingzhen's face turned ashen:
"I am obligated to serve the emperor, and this is my duty! It is my responsibility, and I have no right to ask outsiders for their opinions! So, what is your purpose..."

"Loyalty to the emperor?"

Yi Huawei's voice finally carried a faint hint of mockery as he turned his gaze to Dong Jingzhen: "Which emperor are you loyal to? Is it Xiao Xian, the puppet on the dragon throne whose marrow has been emptied by the Xiang family and whose life force has been drained by the Charming Maidens Sect? Or is it Xiang Yushan, who hides behind the scenes, using the wealth of Baling prostitutes, the crime of exchanging human flesh for grain, and the sin of selling his own compatriots to maintain this false throne, along with the Tianlian Sect and the Yuwen Clan behind him?"

Every word struck Dong Jingzhen's heart like a heavy hammer! The Xiang family's manipulation, the Baling Gang's evil deeds, and even the heinous "human flesh for grain"... these dark secrets that the Liang Kingdom's high-ranking officials knew but kept hidden were so blatantly exposed by this person!

Dong Jingzhen's face turned from pale to white, her lips moved as if she wanted to refute, but she found that any explanation was pale and powerless under this person's all-knowing gaze.

"General, do you know?"

Yi Huawei's voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a tangible sense of oppression: "How many of your soldiers' wives, daughters, and sisters are being used as 'furnaces' for training by that beautiful nun Chang Zhen of Jingci Nunnery? How many orphans of your fallen comrades have been abducted by the Baling Gang and sold to the border, where they suffer a fate worse than death under the whips of the Turks? Are you protecting the people of this city, or a den of demons that feeds on the people's hard-earned money and the flesh and blood of their own compatriots?!"

Dong Jingzhen's body trembled violently, not from the restraints, but from immense anger and... a pierced sense of powerlessness and shame! He wasn't unaware of this darkness, but he was trapped within it, powerless to escape! His eyes were bloodshot, like a wounded beast, as he growled:

"Shut up! What...what are you trying to do?!"

(End of this chapter)