Chinese martial arts: From being shot and killed by the armed police during a mountain search to bec

Chen Gongzhe stared at Chen Hongwu for a long time, as if trying to find some flaw in his face.

But Chen Hongwu's eyes were clear and his expression was calm, not like he was joking.

"The Central Martial Arts Academy certainly has an imposing presence, encompassing the entire world and everything in between. But the very name 'Central' is like a volcano."

Chen Gongzhe chewed on the words "Central Martial Arts Academy" again, and finally shook his head. "Master Chen, do you know how important the word 'Central' is? Not to mention the distant past, even when Mr. Li Cunyi established the Chinese Martial Arts Association, he only dared to use the word 'Chinese.' But you, you want to bring all the martial artists in the world under your banner as soon as you open your mouth."

He gave a wry smile and poured Chen Hongwu more tea: "A reputation that's too big is like a child wielding a sledgehammer. If you can wield it, you're certainly impressive; if you can't, you'll hurt yourself first."

Although you have made a name for yourself in Shanghai, your foundation is still shallow. In the north, there are Sun Lutang and Shang Yunxiang; in the south, there are Huang Feihong and Du Xinwu—all of them have been established figures for a long time. You are so young, yet you have suddenly risen to the "central" position; I fear this will incur public wrath.

He paused, then said sincerely, "Master Chen, I'm not asking you to show weakness. It's just that the situation is still uncertain, and being too assertive can easily make you enemies on all sides."

We can choose a name that's a bit more conservative, and change it later once we've established a stable foundation.

Chen Hongwu picked up his teacup, blew away the floating leaves, and said calmly, "Only reputation and vessel should not be entrusted to others. A reputation should be loud and clear from the very beginning."

If we call ourselves "Shanghai Martial Arts School" today, then "Southern Martial Arts School" tomorrow, and then "Central Martial Arts School" the day after, in the eyes of the world, it will appear as a lack of confidence and a constant retreat.

A name is a banner. If the banner is not bright, how can people be gathered? If I were to choose a name like "Seeking Perfection" or "Maintaining Harmony" today, it would reveal my cautiousness in every aspect.

It would be better to make a move directly at the "central level," letting everyone know that I, Chen Hongwu, am not fighting for a shop, but for the position of leader of the martial arts world.

He put down his teacup and leaned forward: "President Chen, since we share this ambition, we cannot afford to be weak. It's better to do something excessive than to say something excessive. But we must make sure our reputation is fully established."

In fact, according to the original historical trajectory, the Central Martial Arts Academy was not officially founded until 1928 by Zhang Zhijiang, a general of the Northwest Army.

When three top masters—Sun Lutang, Yang Chengfu, and Li Jinglin—taught at the same institution, it was truly a golden age of "gods battling it out."

It was only the eighth year of the Republic of China, and Chen Hongwu had raised this banner nine years earlier, so naturally there was no response from those historical heroes.

But Chen Hongwu believed that as long as he stayed in Shanghai and managed the business step by step, he could succeed.

In the near future, my Central Martial Arts Academy will surely be able to gather talents from all over the world and truly strengthen the country and the race through martial arts.

Chen Gongzhe frowned: "That's true, but if this martial arts school puts up the word 'Central,' it will be a laughing stock without any evidence."

Without government backing, you might find yourself facing criticism the moment you put up your sign.

Which government in the north, or which military government in the south, would tolerate a commoner like you swaggering around with the name of the "central government"?

"Establishing the Central Martial Arts Academy is a matter for the martial arts community." Chen Hongwu interrupted him, his tone resolute. "Martial arts practitioners practice not only fist techniques but also uphold integrity."

Throughout history, the most taboo thing has been colluding with government officials. If I have to ask a government department for permission to open a martial arts school today, am I running a martial arts school or working for someone else?

Besides, the situation is unclear now. There's one government in Beiping and another in Guangzhou. Which side should I side with? If I side with the South, the North will criticize me; if I side with the North, the South will criticize me. It's all just a matter of criticism anyway, why bother with it?

Chen Gongzhe opened his mouth, but was speechless for a moment.

He knew Chen Hongwu was right, but the word "Central" still felt like a red-hot iron, making his heart clench.

After a long pause, he sighed, "Fine, fine. Since you insist, I can't persuade you any further. But there's one condition: this martial arts school, on a small scale, is a matter for several martial arts companies; on a larger scale, it concerns the security and reputation of Shanghai."

The Japanese have just suffered a great loss, and if they see you putting up signs so openly, they will definitely cause trouble.

"As for the Beiyang Army, if you won't show your face, I'll go and make arrangements. We don't need their endorsement, just make sure they don't cause trouble."

"No rush." ​​Chen Hongwu waved his hand. "Let's get the martial arts school in order first. Lu Yongxiang will naturally make a move in a few days."

Chen Gongzhe was taken aback: "Lu Yongxiang? How did you know he would make a move?"

Chen Hongwu smiled without saying a word. Chen Gongzhe stared at him for a few moments, then suddenly understood.

With Xu Guoliang dead, the police department was leaderless, and Lu Yongxiang was looking for an opportunity to install his own people.

Chen Hongwu has eliminated Lu Yongxiang's thorn in his side, and Lu Yongxiang will inevitably have to make a statement. Whether he will be courted or punished will soon be known.

"Alright, the Jingwu Association can make room here anytime." Chen Gongzhe didn't ask any more questions and finished his tea in one gulp.

---

Sure enough, only three days later, Lu Xiaojia came to visit.

That evening, Chen Hongwu was practicing standing meditation under the wisteria trellis in the side courtyard of the Jingwu Association.

The setting sun, like blood, spilled across the ground.

Chen Hongwen, Li Yi, and Chen Shi were all inside the house, while Chen Gongzhe was in the front yard explaining boxing to his disciples.

Lu Xiaojia was dressed in a suit with a top hat on his head, and was followed by two bodyguards.

He stood outside the moon gate, not daring to speak loudly. He glanced inside, and after seeing Chen Hongwu, he straightened his tie before quickly stepping forward, clasping his hands in greeting, and saying, "Master Chen, Lu Xiaojia has been ordered by my father to invite you to his residence for a chat."

He was bowing low, his face beaming with smiles, a stark contrast to the arrogant and domineering Young Master Lu of the rumors.

Chen Hongwu slowly finished his stance, opened his eyes and looked at him: "Young Master Lu, you've worked hard."

Lu Xiaojia quickly replied, "No trouble at all. The car is parked outside, please, Mr. Chen."

Chen Hongwu glanced into the room. Chen Hongwen peeked out from behind the window, revealing half his face, while Li Yi stood by the door, nodding slightly.

Chen Hongwu then said, "Let's go."

Lu Xiaojia stepped aside to make way for Chen Hongwu, and only caught up after Chen Hongwu had exited the moon gate, trailing behind by half a step, occasionally stealing glances at him.

He had a lot to say during those few dozen steps from the front gate of the Jingwu Association to the car.

"Master Chen, you've really turned Shanghai upside down these days," Lu Xiaojia said in a low voice, unable to hide his excitement.

"To be honest, I've never been impressed by anyone in my life. But I'm truly impressed by your skills. Those Japanese devils ran rampant in the concession for over a decade, oppressing us Chinese."

But you trampled them into the mud with one kick, killing them like pigs and dogs, which was really satisfying.

You wouldn't believe it, the day the news was published, I was drinking at the Paramount Ballroom. Upon seeing the report, I smashed a glass and downed three glasses in one go!

Chen Hongwu glanced at him but didn't say anything.

Lu Xiaojia swallowed hard and said, "And then there's Xu Guoliang, hey, that bastard, he always relies on Qi Xieyuan's influence and doesn't even give my father any face."

"But you went and not only took his head, you hung it on the Sanpailou archway with a line of blood-red words, which terrified all the traitors in Shanghai, making them hide their heads in their crotches."

"That's so satisfying!"

"However, Master Chen, your outburst has actually put the Green Gang at ease. After Huang Jinrong died, Du Yuesheng took over some responsibilities. I think that kid is quite sensible, but he's still not as good as you."

You don't know, but Du Yuesheng asked someone to pass on a message to me yesterday, wanting me to send his regards to you.

Ha, these people, they used to ignore me completely, but now they're trying to curry favor with me.

Chen Hongwu said calmly, "Du Yuesheng is more clear-headed than Huang Jinrong; he knows what he can do and what he cannot do."

"Yes, yes, yes." Lu Xiaojia nodded vigorously. "My old man said the same thing. Huang Jinrong is a greedy old dog, and Du Yuesheng is a cunning eel who knows how to read feng shui. Shanghai is full of people like that."

As they were talking, the car arrived in front of them.

Lu Xiaojia rushed forward, opened the car door himself, and bent down to invite Chen Hongwu into the car.

"etc!"