Chapter 218: Mao Xiang Returns

Sure enough, since ancient times, no matter their status, everyone loves to listen to gossip.

Upon hearing this secret of the pugilistic world, everyone seemed to perk up a bit.

And at this moment, everyone also understood why Tu Dafu did not agree to hand over Yu Feipeng.

They could not afford to offend the noble from Jingcheng, but they also could not afford to offend Cangjian Villa.

Being people of the pugilistic world, they were crystal clear about what kind of methods Cangjian Villa possessed.

Compared to that distant Little Prince of the imperial court, they understood Cangjian Villa much better.

So even though anyone with eyes knew that the imperial court's strength was clearly much greater.

They still did not want to offend Cangjian Villa in their hearts.

This is also one of the reasons why the imperial court does not look favorably upon pugilistic factions.

Some large sects have prestige that even exceeds that of the imperial court.

Whoever is in charge of the imperial court would not have a pleasant expression toward these pugilistic people either.

Just as the members of the Black Tiger Gang were frowning, thinking of a solution.

Zhu Gaoxu also walked out of the main gate of the Red Rainbow Hall headquarters.

At the entrance, the Embroidered Uniform Guard were distributing porridge to the disaster victims.

From time to time, one could see the Embroidered Uniform Guard pulling aside people in ragged clothes to say something.

Seeing this, Zhu Gaoxu smiled slightly, waved his hand to call Ada, and headed toward the city gate.

Today, Mao Xiang had finally arrived at Huangshan Town with the army, and he had to go and welcome him in a moment.

Moreover, Zhu Gaoxu had previously told A Si to make a trip back to Jingcheng; calculating the time, he should be back soon too.

It would be just right to welcome them together.

Bringing Ada to the city gate, Niu Jiang was already waiting there with a group of county-level officials.

After Zhu Gaoxu arrived, the group followed closely to offer their salutations.

To this, Zhu Gaoxu only nodded, then cast his gaze toward the outside of the city gate.

At this time, outside the city gate, Mao Xiang was riding on horseback at the very front, followed by A Si and several Embroidered Uniform Guard.

As soon as they entered the city gate, the few of them simultaneously dismounted and walked toward Zhu Gaoxu from afar.

Upon reaching him, Mao Xiang and the others knelt on one knee, cupped their fists, and saluted, saying: "This subordinate arrived late, please forgive me, Your Highness."

Looking at Mao Xiang, whom he had not seen for a long time, Zhu Gaoxu appeared very happy.

He opened his arms to help Mao Xiang up and said with a smile: "It is not easy for a large army to march; there is no crime here. This Prince changed the route on a whim, so this is not your fault."

As he spoke, Zhu Gaoxu led Mao Xiang and the others toward the Red Rainbow Hall headquarters.

That place was already his lodging.

Originally, Niu Jiang wanted to invite Zhu Gaoxu to stay in the government office, but he was later refused by Zhu Gaoxu.

When the group returned to the Red Rainbow Hall headquarters, this time only the insiders were present.

Bai Xinghuo was nowhere to be seen, evidently having gone to think of countermeasures.

After the group took their seats, looking at Mao Xiang whom he had not seen for a long time, Zhu Gaoxu spoke first: "Brothers, you have all worked hard on this journey. Did you encounter any trouble on the way?"

These words were, of course, polite, but they had to be said.

Otherwise, it would seem as if he did not value the soldiers below; sometimes, these small things must also be done.

Mao Xiang clearly knew the ropes.

He shook his head and said: "This subordinate thanks Your Highness for your concern on behalf of all the soldiers. The journey was smooth and unimpeded; nothing happened."

Hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu nodded, and then finally began to speak of the real business.

"Now that the brothers have all entered the city, it is time to let them go out and practice their skills."

"Speaking of which, it is a coincidence. Magistrate Niu just happened to find some officials from the vicinity for this Prince. They will arrive this afternoon. When the time comes, we will discuss the bandit situation nearby, so we don't have to busy ourselves in vain."

Hearing Zhu Gaoxu's words, Mao Xiang naturally had no reason to object; he nodded without speaking.

Niu Jiang, however, took this matter to heart.

Afterward, the few of them chatted for a while longer, and Zhu Gaoxu instructed Mao Xiang to go and reorganize the soldiers outside. After all, they had traveled a long distance and were about to go into battle, so they had to prepare regardless.

This kind of thing must be taken seriously; if they wait until they are actually on the battlefield to fall apart, it will be too late.

One must know that before the battle begins, he must go over and say a few words to the soldiers to boost the army's morale.

Seeing Mao Xiang leading the people away, Niu Jiang also very tactfully took his leave.

Only A Si was left standing to one side.

Seeing that everyone had left, Zhu Gaoxu waved his hand and called A Si to his side.

"How is it? Have the matters been handled?"

"Answering Your Highness, the matters have all been settled."

As he spoke, A Si took a stack of silver notes out from his bosom.

Zhu Gaoxu calmly took the silver notes; there were a full 150,000 taels of silver!

To this, Zhu Gaoxu only gave a faint smile, and after silently putting away the silver notes, he asked: "Tell me, what is the situation in Jingcheng... hmm, let's start with this Prince's distillery."

Hearing Zhu Gaoxu's words, A Si did not dare to be negligent, and he told him exactly what he had seen and heard.

"As soon as this subordinate entered Jingcheng, the first thing I did was follow your instructions and go to Xianniangfang first. I saw that there was already a long line at the entrance of Xianniangfang from far away."

"This subordinate knew that this was your property, Your Highness, so I found someone to ask about it."

"It turns out that since the day we left the capital, this Xianniangfang has been sought after by a crowd of high-ranking officials and nobles from the moment it opened, and they have been lining up to buy the wine to drink."

"But this Xianniangfang has started limiting quantities, saying that the wine is difficult to produce and the monthly sales volume is limited."