Chapter 8: Rescue

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  Originally, Lao Zhangren was a relatively key part of the Zhu Yinglong plan. Now it's good that Cui Chengxiu has given himself a great opportunity to embezzle and make money, and others can't say anything about it. The money isn't something he manages for others, and if others have money to spend freely, it's not a problem. However, he can't do the same; although he has money, he can't spend it openly and must do so secretly. If he were an ordinary person, that would be fine, but building the Yinglong Villa wouldn't require such secrecy. As long as he bribes these corrupt officials, nothing is impossible. But then again, if he were an ordinary person with some status, that would be good; however, if he had no money or status at all, he'd probably still be worrying about making a living. Alas, having a high starting point isn't necessarily a happy thing; when doing things, there are more considerations than for those who start from scratch.

  In the previous time and space, Zhu Yinglong loved to read good books, but he couldn't afford them because they were too expensive. A few books would cost him a third of his monthly salary, which was barely enough for living expenses such as food, clothing, utilities, internet, rent, and other necessities. As a result, he could only read e-books. In this new time and space, apart from using his own eyes to observe, the only way for him to understand the world was through books. However, he found that ordinary people in this era also couldn't afford to buy books because they were extremely expensive and seemed useless to them. Some enlightening readings were very cheap, but rare and precious books were a different story altogether. In ancient times, authors often didn't benefit from publishing their works; instead, they might even have to pay out of pocket to get their books printed. As a result, many books were only printed in one or two editions and never reprinted, which is why rare books are so valuable today. Zhu Yinglong no longer cared about material wealth and dreamed of building the largest open-style library in the Ming Dynasty. He wanted to change the fact that readers in this era had very limited knowledge and that some book collectors' thresholds were too high, making it impossible for ordinary readers to access precious books.

  Zhu Yinglong summoned Xu Guangqi and Zhao Nanxing to discuss this matter. He planned to adopt a new classification method for the books in his soon-to-be-built library, disrupting the traditional categorization of classics, history, philosophy, and literature. Instead, he would temporarily categorize them into eight categories: history, literature, mathematics, geography, religion, material science, alchemy, and law. He was unsure whether people of this era could accept such a classification method, so naturally, he wanted to gather his trusted advisors to discuss it with him.

  Xu Guangqi came into contact with Western learning, studied under Matteo Ricci, believed in Catholicism, and was exposed to more new things, his thinking was more open, so he still agreed with Zhu Yinglong's book classification method.

  Xiong Tingbi, who had been in the military for many years, was relatively flexible in his thinking and suggested that military affairs also be classified as a major category. Zhu Yinglong secretly blamed himself for being remiss, wondering how he could have forgotten such an important category, and promptly added it to the list.

  Sun Chengzong had some objections. Although he had military talent, he was indeed a serious and upright scholar-official, and in his heart of hearts, he somewhat disagreed with Zhu Yinglong's proposal to put strange skills and clever devices on the same level as classics of moral philosophy, especially when it came to bringing up legal studies, wasn't this clearly deciding whether to govern by virtue or by law?

  Zhao Nanxing's words were still light, and he was indeed clever. From Zhu Yinglong's expression, it seemed that this matter was simply what the prince had in mind, and inviting them over was just a formality. Therefore, his response neither supported nor opposed, but deep down, he still vaguely felt that Zhu Yinglong's actions weren't a big deal, just a classification, nothing more.

  Sun Chengzong used the book classification method in the "Yongle Encyclopedia" revised by his ancestor to refute Zhu Yinglong's method, and simply put Confucianism as the foundation. Only then did Zhu Yinglong realize that this old man was actually very stubborn, and while some things could be compromised on, when it came to the principles he had adhered to all his life, he would absolutely not give in.

  Zhu Yinglong felt for the first time that reform was not an easy thing, he had foreseen that there would be resistance, but he did not expect the resistance to be so great. Sun Chengzong had been familiar with him for a short period of time, and he could accept some of his military theories, but he couldn't accept a small book classification method, which shows how much harm the ban on hundred schools of thought and the sole respect for Confucianism has brought to this ancient Han nation.

  Zhu Yinglong compromised, the fact that he had to compromise, his own internal just a little time has appeared discordant voices, this is absolutely not allowed, when in Rome do as the Romans do, the library is also called "book house" by people in this space-time, but the book classification method remains unchanged for the time being.

  It was Xiong Tingbiao who whispered to Zhu Yinglong before leaving: "Your Highness, you are a bit too hasty in this matter. Although I am on good terms with Old Sun, sometimes I also cannot tolerate his stubborn temper. Don't be angry with him."

  Zhu Yinglong's face didn't look good, but he wasn't angry with Sun Chongzong. He knew he was a bit impatient and that some of his theoretical ideas were hard for people in this time and space to accept all at once. The key point was that the Ming dynasty was already on shaky ground, and it was impossible for him not to be anxious. Now he had no room for choice and needed to review Chairman Mao's "On Protracted War" carefully. It was simply impossible to change anything in such a short period of time in such a large country. He felt that there were too few people around him who could be used, and although he knew many talented individuals, most of them held official positions and couldn't be moved. On the other hand, there were many demoted Donglin Party members, but he was afraid that he would lose control of these people in the future. After all, their political views differed greatly from his own, and they were mostly in their 40s or 50s, lacking vitality and youthful energy, making it difficult to influence and reform them. Sun Chongzong was a good example of this. Unless he could find young talents like Shi Kefa, but people like that were either too small or unknown, hiding somewhere without leaving any clear records in historical books before they became famous. The few people he knew who were still serving as officials in the imperial court couldn't be moved at all. As soon as there was a slight disturbance, it would alert the eunuch party and cause trouble.

  Although the book classification in the library had little impact on Zhu Yinglong's overall plan, he was forced to take a step back from reforming himself, which made him feel uncomfortable. So, it just so happened that County Magistrate Chen Gongzi ran into trouble.

  "What did you say?" After hearing the report from the Divine Machine Battalion soldier, Zhu Yinglong's voice suddenly rose by eight degrees, and a burst of unutterable evil fire instantly erupted. The dignified wife of the King of Letters was actually robbed in broad daylight, which was clearly a provocation to himself! Who in Kaifeng had the guts to do such a thing? That Divine Machine Battalion soldier had been in Kaifeng for less than half a year and mostly stayed at the Yinglong Villa, either working or training, so he naturally didn't know who robbed the king's wife.

  Wang Chengen rushed in, sweating profusely, and glanced at the soldier from the Shenji Camp who was kneeling on the ground. He hastily ran to Zhu Yinglong's ear and whispered a few words in a low voice. Upon hearing this, Zhu Yinglong's expression changed instantly, and he roared at Xu Yingyuan, who was waiting outside: "Xu Yingyuan, which battalion of the Wang Mansion is on duty today?"

  Xu Yingyuan hastily walked in from outside the door, stuttering: "Reporting to Your Highness, it's the Wild Wolf Camp!" He had never seen Zhu Yinglong so angry before, and naturally felt frightened. Wang Chengen, standing beside Zhu Yinglong, although appearing calm on the surface, couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart when he saw his master so enraged. He thought to himself: "Actually daring to rob the princess, this Chen Gongzi of the prefecture is probably doomed!"

  "Have General Xiongsha gather the Wild Wolf Troop and follow me to rescue them!" Zhu Yinglong immediately gave the order.

  Xiong Zhaokun immediately received Zhu Yinglong's order and quickly issued the command for the 300 soldiers of the Wild Wolf Camp to assemble. Due to their usual rigorous training, it only took a short while for all the soldiers of the Wild Wolf Camp to gather. With Zhu Yinglong's single order, he led Wang Chengen and the Wild Wolf Camp swiftly towards the Kaifeng Prefecture Government Office.

  Zhu Yinglong was anxious and furious, knowing that Chen Jiu's son was a scoundrel who had ruined the chastity of countless virtuous women, a complete beast in human clothing. How could he not be anxious?

  More than 300 fully armed soldiers of the Divine Machine Regiment appeared on the main street of Kaifeng Prefecture, naturally attracting the attention of the people in Kaifeng City. The leader seemed to be a prince, and many people recognized the robe worn by Zhu Yinglong as a common attire for princes. They made way, curious onlookers following from afar, wondering what this young man wearing princely robes was going to do with these fierce soldiers.

  When they arrived at the gate of Kaifeng Prefecture, Zhu Yinglong gave an order and the entire Kaifeng Prefecture was surrounded.

  The prefect Chen Jiuchou was not in the yamen, and only one deputy officer, Fan Fuzi, was handling daily affairs. This deputy officer Fan Fuzi was a decent official, honest and self-disciplined, refusing to collude with Chen Jiuchou and others. He had an unpleasant relationship with Chen Jiuchou, but fortunately, Chen Jiuchou did not intend to stay in Kaifeng Prefecture for long, so this deputy officer remained in office. When he saw the yamen runners rushing in to report that Prince Xining was surrounding the yamen with his men and was about to charge inside, Fan Fuzi was shocked beyond measure and hastily followed others out to see what had happened.

  A few yamen runners were no match for the Divine Machinery Camp soldiers, and under three punches and two kicks, they charged into the government office. Fan Fuzi had just come out of the second hall when Zhu Yinglong led Xiong Zhaoxun, Wang Chengen and others in a charge into the main hall.

  Fan Fuzi saw that the face of King Xing, who was walking in front, looked extremely unpleasant and was accompanied by a burning anger. He felt a sudden jolt in his heart and hastily stepped forward to say: "Fan Fuzi, the Push Officer of Kaifeng Prefecture, pays respects to King Xing!"

  Zhu Yinglong was worried about Tian Shuying being humiliated and stepped forward, saying: "Where is Magistrate Chen, Mr. Chen?"

  "Magistrate Chen has gone to the Buzheng Temple gate to attend to some business!" Fan Fuyi replied honestly, not understanding Zhu Yinglong's intention.

  Zhu Yinglong didn't say a word and strode into the inner court.

  "Your Highness, please stop!" Fan Fu's eyes widened in surprise. The backyard was the usual office of Kaifeng Prefecture and the residence of Governor Chen Jiu's family. As the prosecutor of Kaifeng Prefecture, although he was not on good terms with Governor Chen Jiu, he couldn't just watch someone rush into the inner hall of the prefecture, even if it was a noble prince. This was against imperial law, and trespassing in the prefecture was a serious crime.

  Zhu Yinglong's heart was burning with anxiety, and when he saw that someone had blocked his way, he suddenly became enraged. Without considering whether the person in front of him was a good official or not, he said in a deep voice: "Does Magistrate Fan want to block my path?"

  "This humble official dare not, it's just that he hasn't obtained the permission of the prefectural governor, the prefectural government is a place of great importance in the province, and although the prince has a noble status, he also cannot enter casually!" Fan Fuzi's old face turned red as he said.

  "This king has no time to discuss grand theories with you." Zhu Yinglong waved his hand and said, "Someone come! Take this Magistrate away from me!"

  Fan Fuzi didn't know that Zhu Yinglong wasn't listening to him, and just as he was about to speak again, he was dragged away by two soldiers from the Shenji Camp, and his mouth was also stuffed with cotton cloth. The yamen runners saw that even the highest-ranking official in the yamen had been asked to leave, so they naturally didn't dare to provoke Zhu Yinglong and his men as they went smoothly and unimpeded towards the back hall!

  "Who are you to dare..."

  Zhu Yinglong and others were on the street helping Chen He to rob Tian Shuying's house slave, who was guarding the door with several other slaves. Suddenly, a group of people rushed into the courtyard, and he went forward to question them, pointing at the soldiers of the Divine Machinery Battalion. However, he soon saw Zhu Yinglong wearing the attire of a feudal lord, and his eyes widened in fear as he quickly knelt down, his legs trembling with fear!

  "Beautiful girl, don't be afraid, brother will take care of you..."

  "Don't come over here, I'm telling you, I am, I am..." Tian Shuying's voice came from the inner room, sobbing and intermittent.

  "But what, beautiful woman, don't be afraid, just follow me and you'll have the best food and drink, whatever you want, you'll have it. What's not good about that?" Chen's lewd laughter echoed into the ears of everyone in the inner courtyard.

  At this time, Zhu Yinglong's face had turned iron-green, and the Chen family slaves kneeling on the ground were all sweating like rain, despite the cold weather that was unbearable.

  "Your Highness......?" Xiong Zhaojun inquired.

  Before Xiong Cuicui could finish speaking, Zhu Yinglong had already rushed up and kicked open the door of the side room.

  "Ahh..." A shrill cry.

  "Father, this is..." Chen He turned around, but before he could finish his sentence, he realized that the person standing in the doorway was not his father, but someone else. He was startled and said: "Who are you, how dare you barge into my room? Don't you know that this is a place of heavy authority, get out!"

  Tian Shuying, already stripped of her outer garments by Chen and left with only her undergarments, revealing her snow-white skin, disheveled hair, icy white slender neck, and half-exposed firm breasts, with tears still hanging on her face, upon seeing the person enter, regardless of her exposed state and the chilly air, let out a sob and flung herself into Zhu Yinglong's arms, bursting into tears.

  Zhu Yinglong couldn't help but sneer in his heart, he didn't think that Chen Jiu and his son were so lustful. That one sentence "Dad, this is..." although the rest was not said, even a fool could hear what it meant. The son forcibly took the common woman, the father and son enjoyed her together, and it seemed that every time the old man got the first turn. What a pair of turtle eggs!

  Chen and found that the little beauty originally belonged to him had run into someone else's arms, naturally feeling unwilling, just about to go forward to grab the person back. At this time, he suddenly discovered that the opponent was wearing a uniform of a feudal king, his brain suddenly went "boom", scared silly, standing there without even the ability to speak, and then only saw a burst of hot air rising from his pants, a pungent smell spreading out, actually scared to lose bladder control.

  Zhu Yinglong saw that Tian Shuying was unharmed and let out a huge sigh of relief, luckily he had arrived in time, otherwise the consequences would have been unthinkable. As he comforted the trembling Tian Shuying in his arms, he took off the cloak from behind him and wrapped it around her weak body, which was shaking constantly. The smell inside the room was really unbearable, Zhu Yinglong half-carried and half-supported the still sobbing Tian Shuying out of the house.

  Those family slaves now know that the woman they helped their young master rob is actually related to Prince Xing, and now they understand what it means to have severe consequences. Xiong Zhaojun led his men to rescue Shi Kefa and the soldiers of the Divine Machine Battalion from the great prison, where they were beaten beyond recognition. The pushing official Fan Fuyi now knows what's going on, and not only has his dissatisfaction with Zhu Yinglong's attitude earlier disappeared, but he is also secretly delighted. Since taking office, Prefect Chen Jiuchou has been known for embezzling money and imposing excessive taxes, and now this father-son duo is in big trouble! Robbing the princess in broad daylight is enough to behead them several times!

  Zhu Yinglong's heart ached for the beauty in his arms, and he gave Xiong Zhuoqian a glance, then nodded. Xiong Zhuoqian immediately understood, and led people to rush into the room, dragging Chen He out like a dead dog. The yamen of Kaifeng Prefecture, including officials, watched with their eyes wide open as Chen He was dragged out of the prefecture, but no one dared to step forward and speak up.

  Chen He was dragged out of the Kaifeng Prefecture's government office, and all the common people who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the news cheered along the way. The scene was like a festive celebration, but also extremely intense. People picked up whatever they could find in their hands and threw it at him. Before long, Chen He was beaten to the point of being on his last breath. If Zhu Yinglong hadn't wanted to spare his life for future use, Chen He's life would have been taken by the people of Kaifeng Prefecture.

  Immediately, all those involved in the matter were arrested by Zhu Yinglong's order, including several sons of prominent figures in Kaifeng who were not spared. Without exception, they were taken away and sent to Cui Chengxiu's Ministry of Justice for handling, as it was better for him to deal with this matter, but the outcome would still be decided by Zhu Yinglong himself.