Chapter Eighteen I'll Take You Along When I Send Off My Relatives

  After the New Year, Kang Fan should consider developing local agriculture. After discussing with Yu Hao, they decided to provide the wheat and corn harvested from the Fenhe camp as seeds free of charge to farmers in the jurisdiction for planting. In addition to these two grain crops, Zhong Hanqiang also brought cotton, sugar beets, sesame, and other economic crop seeds. However, these seeds had not undergone a new period of cultivation, and the quantity was still small. They needed to increase the quantity first, and after this year's harvest, they would start promoting planting in the jurisdiction from next year. As for those vegetable seeds and fruit tree saplings, they also began to be promoted. In this way, the total of over 3 million mu of farmland in the jurisdiction only needs half of the area to plant these excellent crops, and the jurisdiction's food supply will be self-sufficient. If the grain planting area is slightly expanded, there will be surplus grain for storage as a strategic reserve. This was something Yu Hao dared not imagine: since he came of age, Ningwu Prefecture had always been short of grain, with a large number of permanent residents migrating out. If they could really achieve grain and cotton abundance, it would be an unprecedented good thing!

  Younger brother says so, how can older brother not be overjoyed?! However, having never seen it before, in his heart he is actually apprehensive. Yu Hao is half believing and half doubting.

  He Shuichang said beside him: "Lord Yu, this matter is absolutely true."

  Yu Haoxi said: In this way, Kang Xian can be called a heavenly man!

  Kang Fan said: The forest and grassland area within the jurisdiction of Ningwu Prefecture is even more vast, with rivers crisscrossing, making it extremely suitable for developing forestry, animal husbandry, and aquaculture. If the government can provide preferential policies to support the people, it will prosper in a few years.

  Yu nodded in agreement, stood up and bowed to He Shuichang: "Mr. He is a learned and talented person, and as a prominent local family, he can take charge of one side. I sincerely ask Mr. He to consider the well-being of the people in his jurisdiction, and do his best to manage the development of local agriculture, sharing some worries for the government."

  Kang Fan also thought so, with He Shui Chang's prestige and knowledge, doing this thing was the most appropriate. And Yu Hao, since the last time the bandit event, did not trust anyone in the county government, but his power was limited, and he could not handle these complex personnel issues. His uncle was well-versed in officialdom, although he had ambitions, but his heart was like a clear mirror, understanding that his position was small and weak, and would not easily offend people in officialdom unless absolutely necessary. Moreover, the web of relationships in officialdom was complicated, often involving trouble that would affect the entire body. The officials who were caught in the last bandit event, because of their crime of colluding with the enemy, were detained and sought to be released, with many people coming to plead for them every day, so far unable to conclude the case, making Yu Hao very frustrated. Therefore, he could only advise Yu Hao: his uncle had spent half his life in officialdom, but was also powerless to respond, so he brought his nephew to his side to help with official duties, to alleviate his worries. The nephew did his best to help, in order to strengthen himself. As for other matters, if possible, just let them pass.

  Yu Hao knew that his uncle was in a difficult situation and wanted to make a comeback, but it's hard to do it alone. The move to recruit local talents is the most urgent one now. Fortunately, there are people like Kang Fan and the He brothers who can be relied upon, making him feel lucky at heart.

  He Shuichang listened to Yu Hao's words and readily agreed without hesitation. Coincidentally, Zhong Hanqiang had just finished sorting out the financial work of the industrial park and was ready to join He Shuichang in contributing to the development of local agriculture. With these two people on board, Kang Fan felt at ease. As for industrial development, there were Duonuo Wan, the He brothers, and the students to take care of it, so Kang Fan didn't need to worry about it either. In this way, Kang Fan was able to leave without any worries.

  Whether it's developing industry or agriculture, the local original infrastructure is a bottleneck that hinders development. There are no railways locally, and even the hard-surfaced official roads are scarce, let alone other facilities such as water conservancy and power plants, which are all blank. Kang Fan and his team face the reality of drafting an article on a blank sheet of paper, and the enormity of the project can be imagined. But this also has its advantages: on a clean sheet of paper, you can freely express yourself according to your own thinking, writing whatever you want without the hassle of revisions. However, doing all this requires money, a huge amount of money! So, Kang Fan's purpose for leaving this time is to find money, to find back a lot of money! But so far, no one knows what he's thinking in his mind, and only sensitive Mei Xiang has sensed some clues. Therefore, during this period, Mei Xiang pays extra attention to Kang Fan's actions.

  Can you stop staring at me like that? I won't go find a servant girl again. Kang Fan was somewhat dissatisfied.

  Mei Xiang smiled and said, "You'd better find it. Your recent absent-minded state worries me even more."

  "What's wrong with me?" Kang Fan asked.

  Mei Xiang smiled and said, "You've been talking about money in your sleep lately. You keep saying the same thing over and over again - just one word: 'money'. But I know you're not a greedy person. If you were, you would have become a billionaire by now."

  Kang Fan was taken aback for a moment, then said: From tonight on, you go sleep in that house across the way, don't sleep in the same house as me anymore.

  Forget it! Mei Xiang pouted.

  Kang Fan said seriously: You're a girl, always staying with me is not good. If I can't find a wife or a girlfriend, it's okay, but if you can't get married in the future, that's a problem.

  Mei Xiang suddenly became teary-eyed, no wonder you've been distracted lately. Are you trying to get rid of me because I'm in your way?

  Kang Fan burst out laughing, pulled Mei Xiang into his arms and said: "I was just joking with you, did you really believe it? I'll let you understand when the time comes, but I can't tell you now."

  Mei Xiang stopped making noise, looked up at Kang Fan with tears still shining in her eyes, and said "Then can you take me to see Shui Xiu when you go to send her off?"

  Kang Fan hadn't planned to bring Mei Xiang along, but seeing her pitiful and lovely appearance at this moment, he couldn't bear not to agree. However, his mouth didn't immediately assent, still making excuses: The journey to the capital is fraught with unpredictable dangers. Besides, the capital isn't a good place either; it's full of officials, with all sorts of people mixed together, and you can't tell the good from the bad. You look so attractive, how can I feel at ease bringing you out?

  Mei Xiang's eyes were filled with tears again.

  Alright. You have to listen to me. Kang Fan compromised.

  He Shui Xiu is going to marry into an official family in the capital, and Kang Fan was designated by He Shui Xiu as the only outsider besides those with the surname He to see her off. This indeed made He Shui Chang feel surprised. But Kang Fan understood it clearly, he just didn't find it convenient to say it out loud.

  The procession of sending relatives is very large, with a lot of money and goods, enough to show the strength of the He family. However, this also provides a great opportunity for the bandits along the way to make a fortune. Kang Fan understands that the bandits operating in Ningwu Prefecture have not been eliminated, but only driven out of Ningwu Prefecture's jurisdiction to do evil elsewhere. Due to the strict division of jurisdictions among local governments, Kang Fan cannot lead troops to other jurisdictions to suppress bandits and can only let them be. These bandits will definitely harbor resentment towards Kang Fan and wait for an opportunity to retaliate. Moreover, since Kang Fan insisted on armed escorting the He family's merchant team, the bandits lurking in northern Shanxi and the Taihang Mountains have lost this piece of fat meat from the He family and lost a large part of their protection money, and they will not let it go easily either. This time, sending relatives, with money, people, and goods, the bandits will definitely not let it go easily, and the road is extremely dangerous, absolutely cannot be taken lightly.

  Kang Fan brought 120 cavalrymen, all of whom were originally members of the Blue Demon Squad. To strengthen their firepower, Kang Fan specially brought two Maxim water-cooled heavy machine guns and sufficient ammunition. The two machine guns were fixedly installed on two new-style four-wheeled horse-drawn carriages with canopies, each pulled by two horses. During peacetime, the gunners waited inside the carriage, and during battle, they could open the canopy to fire, boasting both perfect firepower and mobility.

  When Kang Fan rode the Red Hare past He Shui's carriage, He Shui stuck her head out from inside and asked Kang Fan through the red curtain: "Are you very happy that I'm getting married?"

  Yes. Kang Fan replied without hesitation.

  He Shui Xiu continued: "Then take a few more glances at me on this journey, or else you won't be able to see me again." As soon as she finished speaking, she lifted her red veil. Only then did Kang Fan discover that she was already tearfully crying, and his heart couldn't help but feel sorrowful.

  Isn't it really invisible? Shui Xiu, this is a good thing for you to get married. Kang Fan comforted. Looking at He Shui Xiu's worried and tightly closed face, Kang Fan felt a thread of tenderness passing through his heart, and the expression on his face was no longer natural.

  He Shui Xiu noticed again and another wave of hot tears burst out. Kang Da Ge, I haven't even seen the person I'm going to marry.

  Kang Fan didn't know what to say and could only remain silent.

  It would be better if he were like you. He Shui Xiu said in a low voice, with a pair of bright and clear tearful eyes looking at Kang Fan pitifully.

  Kang Fan tightened the reins of the red rabbit, making it walk more neatly.

  Kang Da-ge, why don't you just walk beside my car? That way, I can see you whenever I want to. He Shui-xiu said.

  Kang Fan smiled and said: This journey is long, Shui Xiu, you have several days to come see me.

  A soldier rode up on horseback and saluted: "Report to the master, we have found signs of bandits' pursuit. Please instruct."

  The front team lined up in two rows, the rear team dispersed and fell back, strengthening their vigilance. After Kang Fan finished giving orders, he turned his head to remind He Shui Xiu that no matter what movements were outside, she must not get off the carriage.

  He Shui Xiu nodded in agreement. Kang Fan loaded the Mosin-Nagant rifle he was holding and rode his horse to the front of the convoy.

  Before long, the soldiers came to report that they had found bandits tracking them. Kang Fan took a dozen or so soldiers and used the official road to ambush the mountain ridge, catching three prisoners cleanly. It wasn't until after interrogation that it was discovered that this was a joint action of several groups of bandits, and there might be those bandits who were active around Ningwu Prefecture, with a large number of people, estimated to be between 300 and 400. This action had been planned for a long time, and the goal was to give the He family a warning, not only to rob money but also to kidnap people in order to extort a large ransom.

  "What shall we do, sir?" a soldier asked.

  Kang Fan made a beheading gesture, and for this kind of disaster that harms the people, he would severely punish them without mercy. The soldiers' knives rose and fell, handling it very professionally. After they finished, several people followed up with the troops. The officers and men all knew the severity of the matter, and for a time, the sound of guns being loaded echoed everywhere.

  If we encounter bandits, kill them all without exception! Kang Fan ordered.

  The officers and soldiers responded in unison, and the crowd was indignant.

  He Shuikuo heard that his face was full of worry, and he had expected this day to come. This time they were likely to be determined to succeed.

  That's perfect. Kang Fan sneered, his eyes filled with a chilling aura of murder.

  He Shui Kuo couldn't help but shudder at the terrifying gaze!

  Mei Xiang became a little scared after seeing Kang Fan's expression in the car, "Kang Fan, what's wrong?" She asked as she got out of the car and walked towards him.

  Get back in the car and don't come down again. Kang Fan's voice was not loud but his tone was icy cold.

  Mei Xiang stood there in a daze, momentarily at a loss for what to do. He Shui Kuo hastily walked over and helped Mei Xiang onto the carriage. Kang Fan watched as she got on before giving orders to the soldiers.

  The front and rear teams formed a semi-circular formation and dispersed, with machine guns guarding both wings. Advance.

  As soon as the words fell, the officers and soldiers quickly and orderly deployed their formation. Two machine gun carts detached from the convoy, one on each side, occupying both wings. The officers and soldiers instinctively surrounded Kang Fan in the middle of the team, protecting him. Kang Fan wanted to walk out, but the officers and soldiers followed him step by step, so he had to give up.

  At this time, the convoy had traveled to a mountainous area outside Ningwu County, over 100 miles away. From a high vantage point, the official road looked like a gray snake winding its way through the mountains, with treacherous terrain. This was already a no-man's land, on the edge of the cavalry regiment's patrol range, but Kang Fan and his men were lucky to encounter a patrol squad of 12 soldiers from the cavalry regiment. The patrol squad was carrying out routine mountain forest patrols and happened to see the convoy resting and cooking food, which is why they followed them. They were very familiar with this area and would be a great help to Kang Fan! From the captured bandits, it was learned that their ambush point was set up in this area, so it was time to take proactive action. Kang Fan then divided 80 soldiers into two teams of 40 each, led by the patrol squad's soldiers, dismounted and searched forward on foot from both sides of the official road. He himself led the remaining soldiers to escort the convoy and follow behind. As a result, their progress was much slower. Kang Fan and his soldiers rode non-stop, without rest, for a whole day and night, passing through this treacherous terrain.

  As Xiang Kangfan had guessed, the bandits were originally ambushing on both sides of the mountain ridge along the official road, preparing to launch a surprise attack. But they didn't expect to be caught off guard by the government soldiers who were searching and advancing along both sides of the mountain ridge! The first batch of hand grenades was thrown over, and before the smoke had dissipated, the Mosin-Nagant rifles in the hands of the government soldiers opened fire fiercely, instantly defeating the ambushing bandits. The bandits' previous fighting spirit had been blown away by the violent explosion of the hand grenades, and now they scattered in all directions, fleeing down the mountain. The government soldiers shot at their backs with ease, and the crisp sound of gunfire echoed densely, like water droplets falling, with occasional cries of pain from bandits who were hit and rolled down the mountain. At the foot of the mountain, two Maxim machine guns were waiting, and with a single order, a storm of bullets poured down, sweeping the bandits to the ground in batches. The sound of gunfire continued intermittently for over ten minutes, with thousands of bullets ravaging the bandits as well as the surrounding rocks and trees, creating a scene of utter devastation!

  The dozens of cavalrymen who had been left behind by the escort troops were already prepared to attack, and as soon as the machine gun stopped, they immediately joined forces with their comrades who were rushing down from the mountain to launch a pincer movement against the remaining bandits. The horses' hooves flew through the air like thunder, and the cries of "Kill!" shook the valley. Under the bright sunlight, the entire mountain was flashing with the cold light of swords! Where had the bandits ever seen such an array? Just those fierce warhorses were enough to make them tremble with fear! They couldn't escape, they couldn't fight back, and all they could do was raise their hands in surrender. But the ruthless and emotionless government cavalrymen, who were sweeping past like a hurricane, killed anyone they saw, even cutting off the bandits' raised hands! The bandits were frightened out of their wits, some urinating in fear, others collapsing to the ground, still others crying hysterically, begging for mercy, or running wildly... Their ugly appearance was exposed, but in the end, they all lost their lives under the swords and Mosin-Nagant rifles of the cavalrymen.

  "This is slaughter! Kang Fan." Mei Xiang's face turned pale, and she trembled as she spoke.

  Kang Fan looked at her expressionlessly and didn't say a word.

  After this battle, more than 300 extremely evil bandits were annihilated by over 100 cavalry officers and soldiers. The official road on both sides was filled with blood, corpses piled up, and the scene was extremely tragic! Afterwards, Kang Fan ordered the officers and soldiers to search for the bandit dens everywhere, killing those who escaped the net, and plundering all the property from the bandit dens, burning everything else to ashes. Many ordinary civilians who were kidnapped were rescued from various dens, their miserable experiences in the bandit dens were unimaginable to Mei Xiang, especially after listening to the testimonies of several female civilians, Mei Xiang was even more horrified!

  These people are already lucky enough, at least they're still alive. How many innocent civilians were killed do you know? If Shui Xiu is kidnapped again, what will be the outcome? Who dares to imagine?

  Mei Xiang clenched her teeth tightly and squeezed out a sentence from between them: Kang Fan, you did the right thing, they deserved to die!

  Kang Fan ordered the officers and soldiers to distribute the captured gold, silver and other goods to these suffering civilians and disperse them back home. After cleaning up the battlefield, they gathered their troops and rushed towards the capital city day and night, not wanting to delay He Shui Xiu's lifelong major event due to the suppression of bandits which had taken up a lot of time.