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

Jiangling, a riverside village on the Yangtze River.

The sky wasn't bright; thick clouds hung low over the river, casting a grayish-white glow. The vast river was tinged with a somber, leaden gray, its surface still, reflecting the imposing camps and forest of masts on both banks.

The air was filled with the distinctive fishy smell of the river, mixed with the smells of tung oil, ropes, and rust, as well as an indescribable sense of grimness and oppression, as if a large army had gathered.

Today is the day Emperor Xiao Xian of Liang inspects his navy.

At the largest pier in the center of the water village, a towering viewing platform had already been erected, with banners waving and yellow parasols fluttering in the river breeze.

Emperor Xiao Xian of Liang sat upright on his dragon throne beneath a parasol. Nearly forty years old, he wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a winged crown. His face still faintly revealed the handsome features of his youth, but now a lingering weariness permeated his features. His eye bags were heavy, and his gaze was somewhat unfocused, as if he were forcing himself to stay awake. He tried to straighten his back, adopting a dignified posture, but the magnificent dragon robe, worn on his somewhat thin frame, gave an impression of emptiness and an unyielding unease.

On the viewing platform, high-ranking civil and military officials stood on both sides.

The most conspicuous figure was, of course, Admiral Lei Shimeng. He was dressed in a brand-new naval admiral's uniform today, a deep blue background embroidered with silver wave patterns, and a helmet adorned with feathers. He strained to keep his plump body ramrod straight, a near-fawning smile plastered on his face as he repeatedly bowed to Xiao Xian, explaining the naval formations. However, upon closer inspection, the fine beads of sweat constantly seeping from his forehead, and the barely concealed stiffness and panic beneath his smile, betrayed his inner unease.

Right next to Xiao Xian on his right was a young man with a warm smile. Dressed in a brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist, and holding a gold-painted folding fan, he was elegant and refined. He was none other than Xiang Yushan, the young master of the Baling Gang, the de facto god of wealth and shadow controller of the Liang Kingdom.

A faint smile played on his lips as his gaze casually swept across the vast fleet of ships on the river, yet deep within his eyes lay the shrewdness of a merchant examining goods and the composure of someone in complete control.

Beside Xiang Yushan stood a graceful woman with a charming face. She wore a well-tailored, close-fitting outfit, over which draped a beautiful, light gauze cloak that accentuated her alluring curves. This was Yun Yuzhen, the leader of the Giant Kun Gang. Her eyes sparkled, her smile captivating. She would occasionally whisper a few words to Xiao Xian, eliciting a slight nod from him, and then exchange a knowing glance with Xiang Yushan. In this tense military formation, she was like a beautiful yet poisonous poppy, incongruous yet impossible to ignore.

Behind them stood more than a dozen generals from both the land and naval forces. Most of the generals from Dong Jingzhen's faction had solemn expressions, their postures upright as pine trees, their sharp eyes scanning the entire water fortress. The generals who were allied with Xiang Yushan and the Baling Gang, however, appeared much more relaxed, even carrying a hint of obsequiousness, their gazes frequently drifting towards Xiang Yushan and Yun Yuzhen. The small viewing platform had become a microcosm of the power struggles within the Liang Kingdom's court.

"Your Majesty, please look!"

Lei Shimeng's voice was deliberately raised with fervor as he pointed to the center of the river: "The main force of our Great Liang navy, three hundred warships and countless fast boats, are all in full formation! Our soldiers are ready to fight to the death and vow to protect our Great Liang's natural barrier of the Yangtze River without a single mishap!"

As he spoke, horns sounded across the river, their deep, resonant sounds echoing across the water, drowning out the sounds of the wind and water.

Hundreds of warships of varying sizes stood in orderly formation, with the colossal flagship at its core. Their massive hulls were draped in a wet, black hull, their sides covered in sheet metal, and their rams menacingly menacing. On the decks, countless sailors in uniform stood solemnly, spears and bows in hand. The sails were not yet raised, but the forest of masts exuded a silent, powerful presence.

"The martial arts demonstration begins!"

The messenger waved the command flag.

The drumbeats suddenly began, dense as raindrops striking the surface of the cowhide drum.

The warships on the river moved at the command. The large, imposing warships, steady as mountains, slowly adjusted their course, their massive rams (devices using leverage to strike enemy ships) rising like the fangs of a giant beast. The nimble smaller vessels, like arrows released from a bow, sliced ​​through the water, leaving white wakes, weaving nimbly between the larger ships, simulating harassment and encirclement tactics. Archers lined up on the decks, aiming at pre-set targets on the river, bows drawn, arrows gleaming coldly in the pale sunlight.

"put!"

At a command, crossbow bolts shot out like locusts, whistling through the air, and densely struck the distant floating targets, splashing water everywhere. Immediately afterwards, the huge battering poles crashed down with a dull thud, simulating the thunderous force of an impact on an enemy ship, stirring up waves several meters high.

"Excellent! Excellent! How magnificent is the Great Liang Navy!"

A flush of excitement finally appeared on Xiao Xian's pale face, and he couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration. The grand scene and the imposing military might temporarily dispelled the gloom in his heart, and in a daze, he seemed to see a glimmer of hope for "revival".

"It is all thanks to His Majesty's great fortune and Admiral Lei's skillful command of the army."

Xiang Yushan smiled and bowed in flattery at the opportune moment, his voice not loud but clearly reaching Xiao Xian's ears.

Yun Yuzhen said in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, protected by all spirits. How can such a petty person be worth mentioning?"

Her eyes sparkled with allure, captivating the hearts of the generals beside her.

Lei Shimeng kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Your Majesty and the Great Liang are willing to give your lives for Your Majesty and for the Great Liang!"

Other generals also bowed and echoed, their voices momentarily drowning out the river breeze.

However, beneath this seemingly glamorous facade of "loyalty and bravery," the generals of Dong Jingzhen's faction, observing the costly "performance" before them, witnessing Lei Shimeng's almost obsequious demeanor, and reflecting on the increasingly strained military rations and the complaints of the lower-ranking soldiers, frowned even more deeply, their eyes filled with worry and disdain. The people of Xiang Yushan's faction, on the other hand, appeared relaxed and smug.

Xiao Xian was immersed in this false illusion of strength, a satisfied yet weak smile on his face.

Only Lei Shimeng, between bows, glanced at the forest of warships on the river, his heart devoid of any heroic spirit. These seemingly powerful warships, in his eyes now, were nothing more than cages floating on an abyss.

The martial arts demonstration on the river was at its most intense, with thunderous drumbeats, towering waves crashing down from the poles, and the sharp whistling of arrows piercing the air. On the viewing platform, Xiao Xian's face flushed with excitement, Xiang Yushan gently waved his folding fan, Yun Yuzhen smiled charmingly, and Lei Shimeng gave a passionate explanation, creating an atmosphere of "power and prosperity."

suddenly!

Woo——!
A completely different bugle call pierced through the clamor of the martial arts exercise, rolling in from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River! This bugle call was desolate, powerful, and carried an unparalleled penetrating force, as if it came from the roar of a giant sea monster.

Everyone on the viewing platform, including Xiao Xian who was in the midst of his excitement, suddenly froze, looking in the direction of the sound with astonishment and uncertainty. Downstream, where the thick, leaden-gray water met the sky, a huge black shadow, like an island rising from the seabed, was hurtling towards them at an alarming speed!

The shadow grew larger and larger, its outline quickly becoming clear.

A giant ship!
A colossal steel warship, several times larger than Liang Jun's largest vessel! Its hull boasted sleek, powerful lines, covered entirely in gleaming black metal armor that shimmered coldly in the greyish-white sunlight. Its sharp, knife-like bow cleaved through the murky river water, creating two massive white walls of waves as it charged straight towards the water fortress!

The bow of the ship is towering, and a peculiar flag is flying—on a blue background, a silvery crescent moon and stars shine together!

"The Dongming Sect?!"

Xiang Yushan's smile froze instantly, his folding fan snapped shut, his eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he gasped in shock. Yun Yuzhen's charming expression vanished, replaced by astonishment and solemnity. Xiao Xian was so shocked that he leaned forward slightly from his dragon throne, his face turning pale.

"Enemy attack! It's an enemy attack! Stop it! Stop it now!"

Xiang Yushan reacted the fastest, or rather, his fear drove him to scream at the top of his lungs, his voice distorted.

However, a scene that chilled everyone on the viewing platform, especially Xiao Xian and Xiang Yushan, occurred!

The Liang army's warships, which were originally arrayed in a solemn and menacing formation on the river, whether they were huge warships or nimble fast boats, seemed to have seen a ghost the moment they heard the unique Dongming horn and saw the giant steel ship!
Without any orders from the general, and without even much hesitation!
Ships approaching the giant ship's path were shoved aside as if by an invisible giant hand, desperately trying to dodge to the sides! Their movements were chaotic and disorganized, with several smaller boats even colliding with each other. The once-orderly military formation crumbled instantly before the impact of this behemoth, scattering like leaves blown by a gale!

The giant ship from the Eastern Sea, amidst the Liang Kingdom's navy's "welcoming" and dodging, cleaved through the river like a king surveying his territory, with unstoppable momentum, and rushed straight to the center of the river, less than fifty feet from the viewing platform dock!

The sheer size of the ship created a palpable sense of oppression, its massive hull churning the waves that crashed against the dock's wooden piers with a dull, resounding roar. The ship seemed deserted, utterly silent, save for a single Dongming flag fluttering in the river wind, a silent mockery.

The entire water village fell into a deathly silence. Only the sound of the river lapping against the shore and the heavy breathing and heartbeats of the people on the viewing platform could be heard.

Xiao Xian's face turned from red to white, then from white to green, his whole body trembling slightly. His finger pointing at the giant ship quivered, his lips moved, but he couldn't utter a single word. This was hardly a naval review.
This was clearly a resounding slap in the face in front of the entire court and tens of thousands of soldiers! The Yangtze River, which he was so proud of, and the mighty navy he had just been praising, had become a huge joke!

Xiang Yushan's face was so dark it was almost dripping with water. He stared intently at the giant ship, seemingly calculating something rapidly. Yun Yuzhen pursed her lips and quietly took a step closer to Xiang Yushan. Lei Shimeng's expression was uncertain, sweat poured down his face, and his obese body trembled uncontrollably.

"Who dares to disturb His Majesty's presence! Where are the naval officers and soldiers? Give them to me..."

A naval commander who was affiliated with Xiangyu Mountain was both shocked and furious. He drew his sword and shouted angrily, trying to save face.

However, before he could finish speaking—

On the towering, castle-like superstructure of the giant ship, several figures appeared out of thin air, clearly visible to everyone on the viewing platform.

The leader, tall and straight as a pine tree, stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in a simple blue robe. The river breeze ruffled his clothes, his face calm and expressionless, except for his deep eyes, like two ancient wells, reflecting the panic and anger of the crowd on the viewing platform below, a chilling indifference. It was Yi Huawei!

Behind him, on his left, stood Lady Dongming, Shan Meixian. This renowned mistress of the martial world was dressed in a moon-white palace gown today, her demeanor both elegant and profound. Her gaze swept across the viewing platform, carrying a hint of barely perceptible pity. Beside her was Shan Wanjing, a spirited young woman with sharp eyes, fearlessly meeting the astonished and uncertain gazes below.

To Yi Huawei's right stood Bai Qing'er, who was dressed in a simple and elegant dress today. She was less alluring than usual and more aloof, with a faint smile on her lips, as if she were watching a play.

However, what caused the viewing platform to erupt in chaos, struck Xiao Xian and Xiang Yushan like lightning, and left all the Liang generals dumbfounded, was the figure standing one step behind Yi Huawei, right next to Shan Meixian!

Dressed in a slightly worn black outfit, with a straight and upright posture like a spear, a square and resolute face, and a complex yet resolute look in his eyes, he was none other than Dong Jingzhen, the commander of the Liang Kingdom's army who had claimed illness and was unable to attend the ceremony!

"Dong... Dong Jingzhen?! You... how did you end up on the Dongming Sect's ship?!"

Xiao Xian suddenly stood up, his finger trembling as he pointed at the ship's deck. His voice was sharp and distorted with extreme shock and anger, filled with the fury of betrayal.

Xiang Yushan's pupils suddenly contracted to their maximum, and the composed mask on his face shattered completely, revealing for the first time an undisguised shock! What did Dong Jingzhen's appearance mean? It meant that one of the biggest pillars on which he relied to control the Liang Kingdom's military power, the army, had changed hands! The situation he had painstakingly built had developed a fatal crack!

Yun Yuzhen turned pale and instinctively grabbed Xiang Yushan's sleeve.

The entire viewing platform erupted in uproar! The generals of Dong Jingzhen's faction were initially shocked, but then their eyes burst with ecstasy and excitement, and their backs straightened even more instantly! The generals of Xiang Yushan's faction, on the other hand, were ashen-faced and their eyes were filled with panic.

Yi Huawei ignored the commotion below and Xiao Xian's roar. He slowly raised his hand, and a thick, well-worn account book and several secret letters appeared out of thin air in his palm.

He spoke, his voice not loud, yet it seemed to possess some strange magic, clearly piercing through the river breeze and the sound of the waves, spreading throughout the entire water village, suppressing all the noise, and directly imprinting itself on everyone's heart:
"The false emperor Xiao Xian, a puppet ruler, was controlled by treacherous officials. He was incompetent and foolish, causing the people to suffer and the country to collapse. This is his first crime: incompetence and moral depravity!"

He paused, his gaze sharp as lightning, shooting towards Xiang Yushan, whose face was deathly pale:
"Xiang Yushan, the young master of the Baling Gang, a lackey of the Tianlian Sect! He uses the guise of a merchant to run a den of demons! He colludes with those from beyond the borders to sell his own people! He uses human flesh as military rations and the wealth from prostitutes to support soldiers who rot the country! Furthermore, he uses evil magic to manipulate a false emperor, seize power, and wreak havoc on the court! These are his two crimes, which have brought disaster to the country and its people, and are abhorrent to both gods and men!"

He waved the ledger in his hand: "Here are the ledgers of the Baling Gang over the years. The blood debts are too numerous to count!"

Xiang Yushan felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer. His body swayed, all the color drained from his face, and for the first time, true fear appeared in his eyes!
(End of this chapter)