Chapter 38: Visiting Before and After (First Update)

  "But where is General Huang?"

  Mao Feng's face turned pale and he laughed awkwardly three times. He said calmly, "What conflict is there? I am the general's man, didn't you know that?"

  Huang Kui was taken aback and then suddenly said: "I know, I know, I understand, I understand!"

  Mao Feng continued in a serious tone: "The stability of Chaozhou is extremely crucial, you may also know that I won't hide it from you, it won't be long before the commander-in-chief will send troops to Fujian to resist the remnants of Sun's cannon and Xu Chongzhi's division. Chaozhou is the great rear base, and its importance doesn't need to be said. As the commander of the Chaozhou garrison, the safety of Chaozhou is of utmost importance. As the saying goes, 'a single tree cannot support a house alone!' It still needs someone like you, Huang Gong, with high moral character and prestige to lend a hand!"

  "That's it, that's it! I, a humble subject, have no choice but to take responsibility! I will definitely support with all my might!"

  Huang Kui then said: "I wonder if the general has any confidence in this?"

  "Huh?" Maofeng glanced sideways, his face showing displeasure as he said: "What do you mean by this? Are you hoping the General will suffer a defeat? Or is it that you have no confidence in the General?"

  Huang Kui immediately regretted it, he knew as soon as the words left his mouth that he was indeed an old fool. How could such words be spoken? After hearing Mao Feng's words and seeing Mao Feng's behavior, he quickly said: "I misspoke, I misspoke, please don't mind, Commander! Don't mind!"

  Mao Feng coldly snorted and said: "I also know that Huang Gong is a bit anxious, it's all because of concern, so I won't blame you for anything. However, I still want to remind you of one thing here: 'Disaster comes from the mouth'!"

  After Huang Kui came out, he only realized that there was a chill behind him. He only discovered that his back had been soaked long ago. He let out a long sigh of relief. He didn't expect Maofeng to give himself such great pressure today. This has never happened before. What's going on? Is this kid really taking action? Was it all pretence before? Did General and this kid have any instructions?

  Huang Kui returned home and was still thinking about it, no matter how he thought about it, he still believed that there must be a hint from the commander-in-chief, otherwise Mao Feng would not have been so! Thinking of Mao Feng's eyes today, Huang Kui whispered: "From now on, we really can't treat this son like before! He is indeed the commander of the guard! More than 2,000 guns, this is no joke!"

  Dong Hao wore a sable coat, and on his head he also wore a sable hat, looking very rich and luxurious. The round face revealed a faint smile, and people who didn't know him would really think he was a kind person.

  Dong Hao didn't run into Huang Kui, and the two of them were just a step ahead of each other in terms of martial arts. The deputy officer still reported to Mao Fengzi, who hadn't expected that today would be so interesting - one left and another arrived, when did his place become so popular? The news from these big families was indeed well-informed! Before long, he knew that something big had changed!

  Still in his own office, he met with Dong Hao. Dong Hao remained humble and courteous, far surpassing Huang Kui in this regard, and his words were full of flattery without any pretence.

  Although somewhat flattering, it gives people a good feeling! Mao Feng's words are nothing more than those of a young whippersnapper; having just become the commander of the guard not long ago, everything needs a process, a learning process, an adjustment process.

  "Dong Hao only spoke out at this time, saying: 'Commander, did we just find out that we're going to war? Please don't mind me, I'm also thinking about how to support the Grand Marshal. We can't leave the Grand Marshal and you here! Since the Grand Marshal arrived, the people have been living in peace and prosperity, and the atmosphere has recovered quickly! And as for you, Commander, since taking office, the bandits have disappeared, and the people of Chao Mei have regained their peace! This is truly a rare haven in a chaotic world! You are indeed a hero, a model for us all!'"

  Maofeng knew his own affairs, and he also knew how long he had been in office as the commander of the guard. Maofeng knew that this was a flattering remark, not to be believed! However, everyone likes to hear good words, and Maofeng was also smiling silently.

  Seeing Mao Feng not responding, Dong Hao's eyes rolled around and he continued: "I heard that Sun Dapao came with a strong momentum this time! He attacked from both Guangxi and Fujian, it seems he wants to retake Guangdong!"

  Mao Feng nodded and said, "That's right, Sun Dapao is indeed like that. Relying on the Yunnan-Guizhou army to invade Guangdong from Guangxi, Xu Chongzhi's unit in Fujian is also making moves one after another. It won't take long before they will also invade. The first place to be invaded will be the Chaomei area, so Generalissimo is also ensuring the safety of the people's lives and property in the Chaomei area by taking the initiative to attack and burning the flames of war within Fujian! Generalissimo is completely selfless!"

  "Yes, yes, General Lin is a model of loving the people like his own children. We are not as good as him." Dong Hao naturally followed with flattery, and he also knew that Lin Hu was indeed going to take the initiative to attack Xu Chongzhi.

  Dong Hao had no idea how famous Xu Chongzhi was in Guangdong, where he was revered as a hero. Now that he saw Lin Hu, from Guangxi, attack the exemplar of Guangdong, Xu Chongzhi, Dong Hao's emotions can be imagined.

  Looking at Dong Hao's distraction, Mao Fengzhi didn't mind. How many people from the big families in Guangdong are not playing with two or even three boats? At most, they just want to protect their family business. This sentiment can be understood. Getting their support is nothing more than protecting their family business. Whoever comes will do, as long as this point is satisfied. After all, this is an internal struggle, and it's not about loyalty to that extent.

  Mao Feng said with a faint smile: "General naturally so, Mr. Dong doesn't know what brings you here today?"

  "Dong Hao calmly opened his mouth and said: 'Commander, I also came here with a worried heart about the current situation. These troops are in chaos, it's not peaceful at all. I hope to get your approval, of course, every month I will definitely offer a large sum of money to comfort the army.'"

  Mao Feng said with displeasure: "This is bribery, does the commander still need this? In the eyes of the commander, all civilians in the jurisdiction are equal. Mr. Dong, you look down on me?"

  "It's not like that, Commander. You've misunderstood. Seeking peace in this chaotic world is indeed our hope. Your hard work and contributions are high, how can we just sit back and do nothing? I'm also here to help share your worries and contribute a small part of my humble strength."

  "Really!" Maofeng said with a hint of surprise, his tone dragging on slightly longer. Dong Hao stared at Maofeng, and upon seeing him nod in agreement, he continued: "It's rare for Mr. Dong to be so open-minded, so I'll take it then! As long as it's within the jurisdiction of this commander, ensuring the safety of the Dong family is a responsibility that cannot be shirked!"

  "Thank you, thank you so much, Commander!"

  Dong Hao just finished speaking, and Mao Feng continued: "You also know that it's not easy to lead a team now! This soldier eats food for free, and there are expenses for training soldiers, which is really a huge expense!"

  Dong Hao immediately said: "I am willing to donate 1,000 yuan every month!"

  But Mao Feng immediately said: "There are more than 2,000 mouths here! If it's not stable, if dozens of soldiers appear in Chaozhou City, it will disturb the local area!"

  "Dong Hao immediately said: '1,500 big oceans!'"

  Mao Feng calmly said: "I heard that the Dong family also has a guard team, I heard that each person has a long gun and a short gun, and I also heard that the Dong family sells opium."

  "Dong Hao gritted his teeth and said: 'Two thousand big oceans!'"

  Mao Feng's calm face broke into a smile, and he said: "Ah, with Mr. Dong being so understanding, it makes things much easier for me as the commander. I really hope there are more people like you, Mr. Dong. If that were the case, I would truly be at ease! Hehe."

  Dong Hao smiled along with Mao Feng, but he was still a bit uncomfortable in his heart. This was 20,000 yuan, and in a year that would be 240,000 yuan. That's a lot of money! How much tobacco would they have to sell?!

  However, Dong Hao adjusted quickly because this number was also within his own tolerance range. Dong Hao immediately smiled and said to Mao Feng: "Commander, why don't we go to De Yue Lou now? I'll treat you to a drink!"

  Mao Feng shook his head and said, "No, this commander still needs to return to the mansion for a trip, you understand."

  Dong Hao suddenly woke up and apologized, saying: "Forgive me, forgive me. I forgot that the commander is still in his honeymoon period, so I won't disturb him. I'll take my leave, no need to see me off, farewell!"