Chapter Nineteenth I won't let you guys bully Meixiang

  From the mouths of the patrol team officers and soldiers, Kang Fan and his men learned that this place where they fought against the bandits belonged to the Yunzhong Mountain area. Therefore, Kang Fan named this battle the Battle of Yunzhong Mountain. In this battle, the two weapons that made outstanding contributions to the victory of the cavalry regiment were wooden-handled grenades and Maxim water-cooled heavy machine guns. The wooden-handled grenade was a new single-soldier weapon secretly produced by the Ma Fang Xiang Industrial Park in reference to the wooden-handled grenade brought back by Kang Fan from that era. When these grenades flew out of the hands of the cavalry regiment officers and soldiers, emitting blue smoke, and fell into the hiding places of the bandits, the bandits had no idea what they were, staring blankly as the grenades exploded one after another... Meanwhile, when two Maxim water-cooled heavy machine guns fired simultaneously, more than 1,200 scorching bullets would fly out of the flashing gun mouths every minute. The killing power of this on the swarming bandits was imaginable! Despite this, more than 20 cavalry regiment officers and soldiers were injured, with two of them seriously wounded. After emergency treatment by Mei Xiang, the injured officers and soldiers were escorted back to the Ningwu military camp for recuperation by the patrol team, while the rest continued to follow the convoy forward.

  The crowd of people who sent off the relatives witnessed this bloody annihilation battle with their own eyes, and they were all shocked to the point of being out of breath! In the subsequent journey, no one talked or laughed anymore, but instead walked silently with their heads down. He Shuishou was always protected by He Shuikuo in the carriage and never got a chance to look outside from start to finish. Kang Fan stayed with his soldiers all the time, guarding the convoy even more vigilantly, and Mei Xiang's repeated invitations for him to take a good rest in her own carriage were all rejected.

  The wedding procession arrived outside the capital city, and He Shui Kuo went ahead to enter the city to inform the welcoming party. Kang Fan and the others waited in the crisp spring breeze. He Shui Xiu opened the car window and took off a bright white jade bracelet from her wrist, handing it to Kang Fan.

  Kang Da-ge, don't forget about me. He Shui-xiu's words came out through the red veil, trembling.

  Because of the red hat covering her face, Kang Fan didn't know what expression she had. The bangle was cool to the touch and had a faint fragrance. Kang Fan held it tightly in his hand and subconsciously turned his head to look at Mei Xiang's car behind him. One of Mei Xiang's hands stretched out from the car window and made a shooting gesture. Kang Fan walked over, grabbed her hand, and lifted the curtain on the car window. Inside the car, Mei Xiang was smiling with pursed lips.

  Want to kill me? Kang Fan pinched her chin.

  Mei Xiang glared at him, "If you're promiscuous, I'll kill you."

  Kang Fan smiled and said: "Now is the Qing Dynasty, it's a polygamous society, you have to adapt slowly."

  Then you try! Mei Xiang said viciously.

  Kang Fan had just climbed into the car when suddenly firecrackers burst forth and drums filled the air, knowing that the wedding procession had arrived, he wanted to get out of the car. Mei Xiang, however, tightly hugged his head in her arms, not letting him go.

  "What's wrong with you?" Kang Fan shouted.

  Plum fragrance hehe smiled, this is for your own good, don't see others get married and cry out of heartache. You are now a national official, pay attention to your image oh.

  Kang Fan didn't struggle anymore, and instead remained still. He stuck to Mei Xiang's soft chest, smelling her intoxicating body fragrance, which made him feel wonderful, at peace, and drunk with pleasure.

  There's still a hint of gunpowder on you. Mei Xiang said with a heavy tone, after this, I'm afraid we won't be able to calm down anymore. You're quite belligerent, Kang Fan.

  Kang Fan didn't say a word, Mei Xiang's warm embrace was slowly melting him.

  Is it true that all excellent men have a strong desire for battle? Mei Xiang asked.

  Kang Fan said in his heart: It's not that I'm eager for battle, it's just that they're asking for death!

  Outside, the noise of people's voices was deafening, and the sound of firecrackers and gongs grew even louder. The sound of horse hooves echoed out, and the carriage began to move forward. Mei Xiang took a glance out the window.

  We've arrived in the city, Kang Fan. Mei Xiang said excitedly, you should get up. Mei Xiang pushed him.

  Kang Fan didn't move. The car continued to drive, swaying gently. Kang Fan lay flat on his back, burying his head in Mei Xiang's bosom and refusing to budge. In front of him, the image of He Shui Xiu's wet body floated up, making him think of Mei Xiang's beauty, a certain something was slowly growing and rapidly expanding in his mind, his hands became restless.

  What's wrong? Mei Xiang's face turned red as she asked anxiously.

  Kang Fan's unnatural smile, what's wrong? His voice was trembling slightly.

  Mei Xiang dodged, laughing, her body shaking constantly. You're in a hurry when you see others getting married, huh? Where did you go early?

  Kang Fan suddenly sat up with a look of desperation, and I became anxious - what's wrong with you?

  Mei Xiang couldn't stop laughing, I thought you weren't interested in women at all! Always so cold and indifferent.

  Kang Fan suddenly didn't know what to do, pointing at Mei Xiang and scolding: "This official is asking you, are you going or not?"

  Mei Xiang laughed even more violently, and the carriage shook along with her.

  Kang Fan only found out that the team was in a narrow alley, facing off against another team from across the way, and both sides were arguing heatedly. Just as he was about to go see what was going on, Mei Xiang grabbed his hand from behind. He roughly shook her off. Mei Xiang grabbed his hand again, still smiling, possibly afraid that people nearby would hear, covering her mouth, her voice much softer. The opposing team was also there for a wedding, with official military guards, and should also be an official family. Although both sides were arguing fiercely, they were evenly matched, and neither dared to make the first move, so they stood there in a stalemate. Because it was a wedding procession, Kang Fan didn't intervene. These things should be handled by the welcoming family, it's their responsibility. Mei Xiang pulled Kang Fan's hand, following him as he unknowingly walked to the front of the team.

  Kang Fan wasn't wearing his official uniform, but the same outfit he had on when he first arrived. He just put his cotton-padded jacket in Mei Xiang's carriage, and now felt a bit chilly. Mei Xiang was wearing a bright red silk padded jacket with a white fox fur trim around the collar, which set off her pretty face even more, making it look pale with a hint of red, delicate and charming. The two stood out among the crowd like cranes among chickens, and the noise immediately died down. People from both sides looked at Kang Fan or Mei Xiang or both of them, all with shocked expressions.

  "Huh? That's strange, why is it quiet all of a sudden?" Mei Xiang asked Kang Fan.

  Kang Fan shook his head, you ask me, I ask who?

  When she found that the eyes of the crowd around her were focused on the two, Mei Xiang was a little scared. She clenched Kang Fan's hand and wanted to hide behind him. Kang Fan pulled her, indicating that she should not be afraid. Mei Xiang stuck close to Kang Fan, wrapping his arm with both hands, and didn't dare to move. Kang Fan stood tall with his hands in his pockets, his breathing was inches away, warm and fragrant.

  Kang Fan's heart itched, and that feeling from his consciousness just now came back. He turned around, holding up Mei Xiang's face.

  Cold? He asked gently.

  Plum fragrance smiled gently, not cold.

  Kang Fan's lips stuck to Mei Xiang's ear, whispering: You don't know how beautiful you are!

  Mei Xiang's face was flushed with a crimson glow as she looked at him, but she didn't say a word.

  The crowd was quiet for a while, then a man who looked like an official came down from the sedan chair opposite, waving his hands. The soldiers on either side of him immediately charged over with a fierce expression, punching and kicking, sending the people from He's family who had come to welcome the bride scattering in all directions. The scene suddenly became chaotic. One soldier who was blinded by his own ferocity rushed at Kang Fan, raising his fist, but was kicked in the face by Kang Fan and sent flying backwards, crashing into the official-looking man. The two of them fell to the ground together, struggling for a while before they managed to get up.

  As soon as Kang Fan made a move, several skilled officers and soldiers from the cavalry regiment immediately joined the fight, dispersing the group of officers surrounding Kang Fan and Mei Xiang, then forming a circle around them to protect them.

  As the bugle sounded, about 200 or more imperial soldiers with real bullets surrounded the alley. Just as Kang Fan was about to make a move, an officer from the cavalry regiment hastily pressed down on his hand.

  Sir, this is the personal guard of Ronglu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Peking Infantry. Do not act rashly. The officer whispered a reminder.

  Kang Fan was shocked in his heart: Rong Lu, from a military officer's family, a Manchu of the Zhengbai Banner. He has held various important positions such as Minister of the Imperial Household Department, Minister of Works, Commander-in-Chief of the Infantry in Beijing, Grand Minister of the Supreme Council, Minister of War, Associate Grand Secretary, and Grand Councilor, and is currently a heavyweight figure in the capital. This person cannot be trifled with.

  The civil official who was knocked to the ground by his own soldiers came to his senses, called over the military officer and whispered something in his ear. The military officer immediately smiled awkwardly and looked over at Kang Fan, his gaze wandering before stopping on Mei Xiang. Mei Xiang's body trembled slightly as she leaned closer to Kang Fan.

  Don't be afraid. I'm here. Kang Fan said.

  The officer walked over to the crowd, stood in front of Mei Xiang, cleared his throat, and bowed: "As I guessed, Miss, you and your party are from another province, aren't you?"

  Mei Xiang didn't dare respond. Kang Fan took over and said: Yes. We're from Shanxi.

  The officer glanced at Kang Fan with disdain, then turned his face to Mei Xiang and said: Just now, Officer Zhang ordered that as long as this young lady is willing to return to the residence of Lord Rong with me for a chat, today's matter will be settled. If not, when Lord Rong blames us, it will not be something we can bear. I hope the young lady will think thrice, it will be convenient for both me and the young lady as well as these people who came together. After finishing speaking, he gave a signal to those on his left and right.

  He brought those subordinates to hold up the Mauser M1888 rifle in their hands, and the sound of pulling the bolt immediately echoed through the quiet alley, like a dense forest of guns, which was really daunting!

  Mei Xiang was so frightened that her face turned pale, and she looked at Kang Fan helplessly.

  Kang Fan understood: This is relying on being a Beijing official to bully people from other provinces! At this time, he smiled and said: This military officer has a unique vision, my younger sister is indeed a famous beauty in our hometown.

  The officer was pleased: That's it, that's it.

  As soon as the words were spoken, Kang Fan suddenly made a swift and decisive move to grab the officer who had lost his vigilance. The officer tried to struggle, but Kang Fan used force and he immediately stopped breathing, his hands clawing futilely in the air, unable to make a sound. The sudden turn of events left everyone present stunned! The nearest row of soldiers was about to act when Kang Fan quickly pulled out the 92-style pistol from his waist and fired, the deafening gunshot echoing through the sky above Beijing, bullets densely hitting the ground less than half a foot away from these soldiers' feet, sending dust and rocks flying everywhere. These soldiers were so frightened that they fled in disarray, even dropping their guns. Kang Fan retracted his hand, using the gun handle to knock out the officer in his arms, his fierce gaze sweeping across the crowd.

  Rong Gong is the commander of the Imperial Guard in Beijing. As you are under Rong Gong's command, you should be loyal and dedicated to serving the country. But today, you dared to impersonate Rong Gong's name and force a commoner girl into prostitution right under the Emperor's nose! How can I just sit back and watch?! Kang Fan finished speaking and raised his hand, shooting an arrow that hit Zhang Da, also known as the military officer, in the leg.

  Mr. Zhang fell to the ground with a thud, wailing in agony, rolling around in pain as bright red blood gushed out immediately. The people around him scattered in all directions, hiding far away, and not one of them dared to come over and rescue him.

  "Lower your guns!" Commander Kong Fan ordered.

  The cavalry officers and men mounted their horses, drew their swords, and formed a battle array, surrounding them. The blades shone brightly, and the atmosphere was tense! Everyone present couldn't help but touch their own necks. The soldiers brought by the officer obediently surrendered their arms and retreated with their heads hung low in shame.

  Kang Fan pointed his gun at the soldiers and said: "You have assisted in evil, your crime is unforgivable. Follow me, wait for my judgment." After finishing speaking, he used the officer's queue to strangle the officer's neck, dragging him on the ground like a small chicken. The officer had just woken up, his eyes rolled back, and saliva flowed from his mouth. His crotch area was steaming hot, and he urinated.

  The opposing wedding procession voluntarily gave way, watching as Kang Fan and the others walked by, each of them trembling with fear, afraid they wouldn't be able to dodge in time.

  Mei Xiang followed up, grasped Kang Fan's sleeve and walked along with him, her face still pale.

  Kang Fan shook his head and sighed: Beauty is a calamity, indeed it's true.

  Tears welled up in Mei Xiang's eyes as she said dejectedly: This isn't my fault again...

  Kang Fan smiled bitterly. The trouble has been stirred up, and there's nothing that can be said about it now.