boyutpedia Chapter 172 Different Flags, Same Goal
Chapter 172 Different Flags, Same Goal
Chapter 172 Different Flags, Same Goal
Footsteps echoed outside the dyeing workshop.
Huang Feihong, Yan Zhendong, Liang Kuan, and others strode in, covered in gunpowder and exuding a high-spirited air.
Although their faces showed fatigue, their eyes shone brightly.
Seeing Chen Wen standing calmly in the center of the field, everyone showed excited smiles.
"Brother Chen/Mr. Chen! We have not failed you!" The group clasped their hands in greeting, their voices loud and clear.
Huang Feihong was the first to report: "The enemy forces inside and outside the city have been completely annihilated or suppressed! In this battle, we have captured countless weapons and provisions!"
Yan Zhendong said in a deep voice, "Our army suffered fewer than a hundred casualties, which can be considered a great victory."
Seeing his capable assistants return safely and achieve brilliant results, Chen Wen finally felt relieved.
A genuine smile spread across his face as he nodded and said, "Great! Everyone has worked so hard! Excellent work!"
A complex emotion swept through his mind.
He always knew that he might not be suited to be a true commander.
One of the biggest reasons.
It was because deep down he didn't want to see any casualties among those who followed him.
The number of casualties in each battle report weighed heavily on his mind.
But he understood even more clearly that if one wanted to accomplish something earth-shattering, bloodshed and sacrifice were an unavoidable fate.
That's why he made it clear to everyone from the very beginning.
This is not child's play, nor is it about chivalry; it is a thorny path that must be paved with blood and lives.
In any case, they took this step tonight, and they succeeded.
The blood of the victims will not have been shed in vain, and their names will be remembered.
There's no point in dwelling on it now; the important thing is to look forward.
Suppressing the emotion in his heart, Chen Wen's smile widened as he introduced the two sides: "Brother Huang, Master Yan, these are Mr. Sun, Mr. Lu, and the other patriots who participated in this uprising."
Wong Fei-hung quickly greeted Sun Yat-sen: "Mr. Sun, it's been a long time since we last met. I never expected to run into you here again. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Sun Yat-sen quickly returned the greeting: "Master Huang! If it weren't for everyone's efforts in turning the tide, we would probably—"
Yan Zhendong, Liang Kuanze, and Lu Haodong and others exchanged fist salutes.
The two groups sized each other up, both filled with curiosity.
At this moment, Sun Yat-sen, having calmed down from the joy of victory, looked worried and reminded him, "Brother Chen, with such a commotion tonight, the court will certainly not let this go easily. I'm afraid they will soon mobilize a large army, and may even join forces with foreigners to encircle and annihilate us. We—must prepare as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, Huang Feihong exchanged glances with Yan Zhendong and the others. His face showed no fear; instead, he smiled and said, "Mr. Sun's concerns are quite valid. However, we will meet force with force and water with water."
"With our brothers and firepower, we are not necessarily afraid of the imperial army."
"Moreover, we have a sea route of retreat, allowing us to move forward or backward at will."
Chen Wen nodded.
He had a clearer plan in mind.
The Blood Flag Army now has several thousand core soldiers, along with the naval forces that have joined them and the civilians who have just been inspired to fight.
They are a force to be reckoned with.
More importantly, the knowledge and technology he brought that were ahead of their time were his real trump card.
If all else fails, retreating to Cheung Chau Island or even moving to Southeast Asia to accumulate strength for future plans is entirely feasible.
It can be used for both offense and defense.
But he still reminded everyone: "That's right, but we must not become arrogant and complacent because of this. Pride comes before a fall, as has been the case throughout history."
"The imperial court still possesses considerable strength, but foreigners are eyeing us covetously. Any underestimation of our enemy could lead to annihilation. Please remember this."
'
"Yes! We will remember your teachings, sir!" The crowd's expressions hardened, and they responded in unison.
Chen Wen's expression softened slightly, and he once again affirmed everyone's contributions: "Tonight's victory was earned by all of you brothers with your lives. You all did a great job."
"However, after the victory, we must pay special attention to military discipline. Our ranks include newly recruited pirates and former White Lotus followers who have just joined us. The personnel are mixed and of varying quality."
"We must not allow bad apples to tarnish our reputation. Any acts of harassment against the people will be severely punished once discovered!"
Huang Feihong nodded solemnly: "Brother Chen, rest assured, I have already arranged for people to patrol all over the city, suppress lawbreakers, and appease the people. We will not let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch."
"That's excellent," Chen Wen said with satisfaction.
At this moment, Liang Kuan interjected, "By the way, Lin Shirong stayed on the island and missed all the excitement. He just sent a telegram, saying he's incredibly envious!"
Chen Wen couldn't help but chuckle: "It's just a difference in roles. While some are charging into battle on the front lines, others have to guard the home base and ensure supplies and weaponry. They're all equally important. Next time, it might be your turn, Liang Kuan, to guard the home base."
Upon hearing this, Liang Kuan's face immediately fell, and he waved his hands repeatedly: "Ah? No, Captain! I'd rather go to the front lines and fight; staying home is so boring!"
His funny antics immediately drew a burst of lighthearted laughter from everyone in the dye shop, easing the tense atmosphere considerably.
Seeing this, Sun Yat-sen stepped forward again, cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd, and said, "Brother Chen, everyone! I will never forget your kindness tonight! We cannot express our gratitude in words, but please accept our bow!"
Chen Wen stepped forward to help Sun Wen up and said solemnly, "Mr. Sun, you are too kind. You and I are compatriots. Seeing our country in ruins and people suffering, how can anyone with a heart sit idly by?"
"We may have different methods and different paths, but what we all want is to drive out the Tartars, restore China, and let the people live a good life."
"The paths may differ, but as long as they are for the sake of saving the country and its people, that's enough!"