Knife splashing

Chapter 727 Pressing forward step by step

clang!clang!clang!
Chief Constable Zhang pounded his gong with deafening force, shouting at the top of his lungs in the bustling East Market:
"Everyone, keep a close eye on your babies! Flower thieves have sneaked into the capital—"

The sound of gongs and drums drew the attention of everyone.

A street urchin squatted in the corner, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth, and said in a nonchalant tone, half-jokingly, "Hey, Chief Constable Zhang, it's not uncommon for beggars to be in the capital, is it really that big of a deal?"

"You know nothing!"

Constable Zhang glared and roared, "If you don't understand, shut up! Don't you think that if you were just an ordinary beggar, would I be acting like this? If you dare to spout nonsense again, you'll be sorry!"

The scoundrel shrank back, grinning and not daring to say another word.

Constable Zhang's eyes flickered slightly as he stepped forward and said, "Tell your men to keep an eye out and see which areas have a lot of missing children lately. If they catch someone, the reward is five hundred taels of silver!"

"Five hundred taels?"

The scoundrel gasped, then his eyes lit up. "Does Officer Zhang keep his word?"

"The reward issued by the imperial court will not be less than a single penny!"

"Dele~"

Without saying a word, the thug got up, dusted himself off, and disappeared into the dark alley.

Hearing their conversation, the surrounding people looked at each other in bewilderment.

Before long, all sorts of rumors began to circulate among the people...

The sound of the gong in the East Market was still echoing when the iron hooves of the Commandant's fast horse had already stepped into the South City.

The sound of hooves rolled like thunder across the bluestone alley, startling a row of sparrows that were taking shelter from the rain under the eaves.

Just as Zhao Sanshui, a blacksmith apprentice in Boiler Lane, picked out a dark red plowshare, the lantern at the lane entrance was ripped off by the officials, and the sparks from steel knives and iron rulers instantly flooded into the workshop.

"Search! Don't miss any nooks or crannies!"

Commandant Wang Biao roared, sparks flying everywhere. The steam from the steamed bun shop next door, which had just been lifted from its steamer, was violently dispersed, and several yamen runners from Shuntian Prefecture emerged from the white steam, rushing straight to the corner behind the stove where miscellaneous items were piled up. The proprietress was so startled that she stood there frozen, clutching a greasy rag.

Apprentice Zhao Sanshui stared in disbelief as the officials dragged Li Da Niang out of the kitchen by her hair.

Captain Wang Biao slapped him several times across the face and roared, "Black Crow, have you been stealing children lately?"

"Your Honor, you've been wronged..."

Before the cook could finish speaking, she was slapped several more times, and her face immediately became swollen.

Her eyes darted around in fear, and she dared not speak again.

"Take her back for further investigation, then find the next one!"

Wang Biao took the person away and hurriedly rushed to the next location.

Under the overpass, Sun Qi, the "Iron-Armed Ape," was performing his monkey show to the fullest. The golden monkey leaped into the air and did a somersault, drawing cheers from the audience. Two Taoist priests from the Enforcement Hall then descended from the roof above, one pinning down the monkey and the other kicking Sun Qi to the ground...

"Lame Liu," the head beggar of the westbound guild in Shuiche Hutong, was chewing on half a cold pancake when he bumped into a captain carrying a musket. The dark barrel of the musket was pressed against his lower back, and the captain's eyes were as cold as iron.

"Old Liu, get all the brats you've been hiding under that straw mat out! The adults said even those missing limbs need to be investigated!"

"Gentlemen, let's talk this out."

The beggar leader, "Lame Liu," bit into a cold pancake, his heart pounding with fear. He used his dog-beating stick to pull the huddled beggar children out one by one from their moldy straw mats, lining them up for inspection...

Among all sorts of people in the underworld, there are quite a few who abduct children and commit acts of child trafficking and mutilation.

Take this seemingly honest cook, for example. She's actually a ruthless scoundrel from the Yan Clan, and she's done a lot of despicable things in private.

Sun Qi, the monkey performer, even directed his monkeys to steal babies in the middle of the night.

In the past, these matters were handled by people in the government offices.

Now that the imperial court has ordered the Commandery to investigate personally, they have all fallen into trouble.

But the news that kept coming made Luo Mingzi feel uneasy.

These trafficked children were beaten half to death, but no clues were found.

The Japanese demons want to suck the blood of babies who are just a month old. The capital city is neither too big nor too small, and there aren't many that meet the criteria. If too many babies go missing, it will definitely cause quite a commotion.

Therefore, there is only one possibility:
The other party got the baby from somewhere else!
"Let's go, to the Grand Canal Gang!"

…………

Although the canal gangs were rooted in the lifeline of the Grand Canal, their headquarters were not in Tianjin, but near the Tonghui River wharf.

This river is also known as the Tongji River, and it was built more than a hundred years ago under the supervision of Guo Shoujing.

The location of the Caobang headquarters was chosen for a reason.

Just like their relationship with the imperial court.

The two sides cannot be too far apart. The Grand Canal Gang has a long history and has monopolized the northern canal transport for hundreds of years. It holds the lifeline of the canal transport from the capital to Tianjin Port, and transports three million shi of grain to the imperial court every year to maintain the survival of the capital.

When the Xuan Dynasty was founded, he assisted in driving out the Golden Horde and was awarded a gold plaque inscribed "Smooth Transportation" by the emperor, which was hung high in the hall as a sign of imperial favor. His relationships with the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and other government departments were also deeply intertwined.

However, the two sides cannot get too close, after all, the Caobang is a Jianghu gang.

Just like the positions they chose, they survived in the cracks between the imperial court and the martial arts world.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to see Hong Zhenyue."

As Tian Qianhu walked, he said in a low voice, "I heard that this leader of the Canal Gang is already at the half-step Grandmaster level. He is nearly fifty years old and still has one last chance to break through to the Grandmaster level, so he has been in seclusion for several years."

"It doesn't matter if I don't see him."

Luo Mingzi said with a gloomy expression, "Whether it's by water or land, the Canal Gang has the best information network around the capital. They'll definitely be able to find clues about those private matters!"

As they spoke, the two men led a large group of people to the headquarters of the Canal Gang.

The headquarters of the Canal Gang was also quite interesting. Although it was said to be built at the dock, the surrounding area was filled with stacks of cargo boxes that exuded a salty and fishy smell, forming a huge maze. Disciples were stationed at the top and in the corners to guard the area.

This was built to defend against the Golden Horde.

Inside the cargo container, there were piles of yellow sand and stones, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Given their status, the disciples of the Canal Gang naturally dared not obstruct them at will. Leading them around the waterside pavilions and corridors that were blackened by oil stains, a fortress-like building constructed from the keel of a huge sunken ship and rough stone blocks suddenly appeared before their eyes.

This is "Shunfeng Hall," the headquarters of the Canal Gang in the capital.

Even before getting close, the air became murky and stagnant.

The salty, astringent vapor, the smell of silt from the riverbed, the spiciness of cheap tobacco, and a faint, metallic, and bloody odor all blend together to create a unique "scent".

The interior was dimly lit, illuminated only by whale oil lamps hanging from the pillars.

The flickering, dim flames barely illuminated the scene inside the hall:

The main hall was exceptionally spacious, with rough, unpolished wooden beams supporting a towering roof. Spiderweb-like cables, anchors of various sizes, oars, and dismantled rudders hung from the beams, resembling a menacing jungle, giving it a heavy and oppressive feel.

A huge "Nine Veins of the Grand Canal" map hangs on the dark bulkhead.

The water ripples in the picture are scattered with various colored marks, symbolizing the vast network controlled by the canal gangs.

At the base of the walls on both sides stood dozens of shirtless, fierce soldiers of the Canal Gang.

Most of them were shirtless, revealing their bulging, iron-like muscles and crisscrossing scars.

His eyes, sharp as hooks, scanned the crowd warily.

The might of the northern water tyrant was immediately revealed.

Luo Mingzi disregarded formalities and said in a deep voice, "If Chief Hong is not here, does he have any word to back him up?"

Before he finished speaking, a bald man strode out from the side door, beaming and bowing, saying, "Master Luo, it's been a long time. I am Xue Li from the Canal Gang. The gang leader is waiting for you two inside."

Hong Zhenyue wants to see them?
Upon hearing this, Luo Mingzi was quite surprised.

Although he is a member of the orthodox Xuanmen sect and now holds an important position, Hong Zhenyue, the leader of the Caobang, is no ordinary person. He is a half-step grandmaster and is proficient in the Xuanmen techniques of the Caobang, holding a position equivalent to that of the various leaders of the Daoist sects.

From the various government departments of the Three Provinces and Six Ministries to the martial arts gangs, everyone had to treat him with courtesy. To be personally received outside the pass was probably no simple matter.

So they were puzzled, but the two of them remained calm and composed.

Soon, they were led into another side hall at the back.

Unlike the outside, the air inside is much fresher, and there is a sandalwood scent in the air.

In front of a huge pear wood round table, a burly, towering middle-aged man was boiling water to make tea.

With each raise of his hand, every muscle seemed to contain surging power.

His face was etched with deep lines, weathered by time. A centipede-shaped old scar started from his left cheek, slanted down to the depths of his neck, and disappeared beneath the stand-up collar of his black brocade short jacket. He wore a gilded and jade-inlaid belt, and on his thumb was a lustrous, deep green thumb ring.

It was none other than Hong Zhenyue, the leader of the Grand Canal Gang, known as the "Dragon King of the Nine Rivers".

"I've met senior."

Luo Mingzi lightly swept the stone bench with his whisk, then sat down and said, "Senior Hong, you have long resided in Youtan. I have come here today to ask for your help in finding some missing infants..."

As they spoke, they briefly recounted the events.

The canal gang couldn't hide this matter from them even if they wanted to find out, so they might as well be honest with each other.

"Oh?"

Hong Zhenyue remained expressionless upon hearing this. While pouring tea for the two men, he said, "Does Daoist Luo suspect my Canal Gang?"

"This couldn't have been done by us. The first rule of our century-old gang is 'Never touch children's products'! This ironclad rule is engraved on the river-guarding monument at the main headquarters. Anyone who violates it will be stabbed three times and have six holes pierced, and their body will be thrown into the canal!"

As he spoke, he smiled and said, "However, I can help you investigate this matter, Daoist. As long as it enters the capital via the Grand Canal, there will always be clues left behind. Xue Li, go."

"Yes, Grand Master!"

Xue Li, the expert from the Canal Gang who brought them there, immediately took his leave.

"Thank you very much, senior." Luo Mingzi and the other person quickly bowed and expressed their gratitude.

"It should."

Hong Zhenyue nodded and drank a cup of tea, then said, "I've heard that you have a good relationship with Master Yan of the Academy?"

I see…

Luo Mingzi suddenly realized that it was all because of the steam engine.

This thing has now become the focus of attention across China, and everyone wants a piece of the pie.

While they were busy capturing the demon, various banquets were being held in the capital, all in preparation for the event.

Thinking of this, he tentatively asked, "What does Senior Hong mean by this?"

"I would like to ask Lord Luo to help me make a connection."

Hong Zhenyue spoke without beating around the bush, "The number of places in the academy hasn't been decided yet, has it? I've heard there are several master shipbuilders there, and I'd like to send a few people in to become their apprentices and learn the art of shipbuilding."

"And what about that steam engine? I've heard it can drive wooden wheels?"

Luo Mingzi hesitated for a moment, "I can help make the connection, but Lord Yan is busy right now, and I can't guarantee whether he will accept the invitation."

"Haha, that's enough."

Hong Zhenyue was in a good mood. "I heard that this batch of poems will also include a donation of silver to the academy? I'm not a stingy person. When I see Lord Yan, I'll definitely make him satisfied..."

Before he could finish speaking, the bald man named Xue Li rushed over.

"Did you catch him?" Hong Zhenyue asked casually.

However, Xue Li was sweating profusely and bowed, saying, "Reporting to the captain, there are several ships that have been acting strangely lately. Our old shipwright said that he was repairing a ship and vaguely heard the sound of a baby crying inside the cabin."

Hong Zhenyue's face stiffened for a moment, and his expression turned cold. "Who is it?"

"It's Cui Mazi."

The bald man, Xue Li, bowed his head and clasped his hands, saying, "It's Cui Mazi's boat."

"Where is he?" Hong Zhenyue continued to ask.

"They've already run away."

The bald man, Xue Li, knelt down with a thud and replied in a trembling voice, "He took leave to return to his hometown three days ago, but this morning a brother saw him at a gambling den in Shuangqiao Town. His sleeves smelled of incense ash. I heard that he secretly worshipped at the Maitreya Sect's licentious shrine!"

Click!

Hong Zhenyue's face was gloomy, and he crushed the teacup into powder.

"What a fine Maitreya sect! What a fine Cui Mazi!"

As they spoke, a gust of wind suddenly rose around the room, as Hong Zhenyue had inadvertently revealed his presence.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Taoist priest."

He slowly stood up. “Our canal gang has a history of hundreds of years. The first rule is: 'If a child sells goods, your hands will rot and your body will rot.' I never thought that someone would dare to do it. Our century-old reputation has been ruined by a scoundrel.”

"Send the order: everyone go find him! I want to skin him alive myself!"

When the "Nine Rivers Dragon King" got angry, all the martial arts practitioners near the capital city sprang into action.

The canal gangs were numerous, and almost all the porters on the docks obeyed their orders.

For a time, everyone was searching for "Cui Mazi".

Have you ever met Cui Mazi?

"He was at the gambling den the day before yesterday, I don't know where he got the money from."

"go!"

Inside a teahouse outside the city, a short farmer watched the canal gang members leave, then quickly lowered his straw hat. After getting onto the main road and seeing that no one was around, he parted the bushes and went into the mountains.

He was covered in sweat, and he ripped off his straw hat. He was none other than the escaped Japanese spy, "You Er".

It was already dark, and the sun was setting. He hurried for twenty miles before plunging into the mass grave in the western ravine.

The smell of decaying leaves and grave soil filled the air, and the owl's cry was intermittent, like the wailing of ghosts.

Passing through waist-high weeds, a dilapidated villa appears in the mountain valley.

The tiles are broken and the beams are rotten; the door hangs askew, and it is unknown who built it.

He knocked lightly three times long and two times short, then slipped into the courtyard.

Inside the dilapidated main hall, several eerie green phosphorescent lamps flickered, casting the shadows of more than twenty dark figures sitting cross-legged like stone sculptures.

The person in the main seat was none other than Yu Yiyuan, who was attending to the coffin.

Half of his face was hidden in shadow, the scars appearing even more grotesque under the phosphorescence, and the two Japanese swords at his waist exuded a chilling aura.

Several Japanese people nearby were discussing something.

"With Toyotomi Hideyoshi's utter slaughter, there will be no place for me to stand on the land of China..."

"Given that monkey's temperament, I'm afraid none of the family members will survive."

"How much do you think we could sell this 'magical artifact' blueprint for at sea?"

"Lord! The daimyo of Kyushu Island also lack such weapons! Let's fight our way back, why should we be subservient to others?"

As they were talking, they all shut their mouths when they saw "You Er" enter.

"You Er" swallowed hard, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed, saying:

"Lord, Immortal Zhao asked me to ask you, what's your decision...?"

(End of this chapter)