"Endless greed, what path do you follow?!"
Upon hearing Tian Qianhu introduce the Jinghai Gang leader, Li Yan sneered, "I just don't believe that these broken affairs in Jinn are unknown to Lu Jinghai. Regardless of his connections, the Jinghai Gang must be eradicated, not a single one left!"
Tian Qianhu was visibly surprised by this, "Young Hero Li, these people cannot be entirely killed. It's enough for us to clear out Jianmu. If you wish to avenge Master Wu, killing Yu Wenhai will suffice. To uproot the Jinghai Gang would likely anger Prince Ying, which is disadvantageous for you..."
Li Yan's face imdiately turned grim upon hearing this.
"Young Hero Li, don't misunderstand."
Tian Qianhu quickly shook his head, "In my words, there is not a trace of malice."
"To be honest, I have been investigating Zhao Changsheng, and although I have long disregarded my own life and death, I truly feel powerless. Only you, Young Hero Li, have repeatedly seen through his sches. This concerns the fate of the Divine State and cannot be taken lightly."
With that, he sighed, "I serve in the Captain Bureau and have seen many broken affairs within the court. The interests are entangled, pulling each other in, and many tis even the Emperor must compromise. There are too many villains in the land; don't let them interfere with important matters."
These words were truly earnest and heartfelt.
Li Yan's expression eased slightly, and he cupped his fist, "Thank you for your kindness, sir, but this matter does not allow for compromise."
Tian Qianhu's expression turned serious, "Is there another reason for your persistence, Young Hero?"
Li Yan nodded and said solemnly, "Opium!"
"Opium?"
Tian Qianhu was taken aback, shaking his head, "I have heard of it before; it was used by doctors for treating illnesses, nothing unusual. The Jinghai Gang may sell it, but most of those who consu it are wicked, gambling, and lecherous people, not worth pitying."
"Sir Tian, your words are incorrect."
Li Yan pondered for a mont and then detailed the widespread circulation of opium and the harm it caused.
"People do not engage in production, unable to distinguish between humans and ghosts... The court has no usable soldiers, the national treasury is empty... Foreign invaders..."
Li Yan explained as much as he could, but seeing Tian Qianhu's expression, he still halted his words.
A person can never imagine things they have never experienced.
No matter how much he said, others probably thought it was an exaggeration.
At that mont, Li Yan suddenly felt a sense of helplessness.
However, Tian Qianhu noticed another matter, his eyes slightly narrowing, and he said solemnly, "According to Young Hero Li's view, is it those Red-haired Barbarians who are causing the circulation of opium into the Divine State?"
Li Yan nodded, "Very likely."
Tian Qianhu rubbed his chin, pondering, "I am willing to believe in Young Hero Li's concerns, but now the Great Xuan Dynasty is flourishing, whether it's the nurous officials in the court or the common people, probably all would think it's alarmist talk."
"To be honest, this matter is difficult to handle, but if it involves the Red-haired Barbarians, perhaps there is a solution."
"Oh, please speak, sir."
Li Yan quickly inquired.
At this mont, he could understand that many diseases are only understood when they are terminal.
Even if he eradicates the Jinghai Gang today, it would be difficult to completely eliminate future troubles.
"The Red-haired Barbarians truly have ambitious and wild ambitions!"
Tian Qianhu's face turned somber, "Though I'm investigating cases in Jiangnan, I've also learned much."
"Those Red-haired Barbarians hail from the overseas continent, having long invaded the South Sea Countries, pretending to be vassal states of the Great Xuan Dynasty to offer tribute, bribing Jiangnan officials for smuggling, and even colluding with pirates to plunder passing ships, assaulting and pillaging the shores."
"They appear greedy for wealth, but surely their ambition goes beyond that. Several crucial sea routes and islands have been seized by them, controlling the key points of the South Sea, yet so Jiangnan traitors, for exclusive mariti interests, collaborate with these foreigners."
"Returning this ti, I intended to report this to the Emperor. Your Majesty is intent on strategizing over the Four Seas; if he learns that opium is a conspiracy by these foreigners, he will certainly be on guard, possibly prohibiting it sternly."
"That would be good!"
Li Yan agreed upon hearing this, nodding in approval.
This is also a clever approach.
After all, killing is easy, but stopping greed is hard.
"Good!"
Tian Qianhu said solemnly, "Since that's the case, I will imdiately head to the Capital to report this matter to the Emperor."
"In three days at most, two days at the least, I will return with personnel."
Then, he turned his head to look beside him, "Wang Hundred Households."
"Present!"
From behind him, a competent middle-aged man stepped forward and cupped his fist.
Tian Qianhu turned to Li Yan again and said, "Although I leave the Jinn Garrison, as the Seal-holder Luo Qianhu will also honor my face, this is Wang Hundred Households of the Jinn Garrison. After I depart, if Young Hero Li has any business, feel free to approach him. This is a court's official decree, and if necessary, you may mobilize the Jinn Garrison."
As he spoke, he took out a heavy Mystic Iron Token from his coat.
"Young Hero Li, be cautious until I return!"
After Li Yan took the token, Tian Qianhu got up with a cupped fist and left.
Li Yan found it unsurprising, as he had witnessed Tian Qianhu's decisive actions in Shu.
Soon, only Li Yan and Wang Hundred Households remained in the tavern.
Seeing Wang Hundred Households standing beside him like a Door God, Li Yan shook his head without a word, "Sir Wang, please sit, there's no need for formality. I ca in a rush, and so information couldn't be gathered in ti. Please tell about the situation in Jinn."
"Hmm."
Once Wang Hundred Households sat down, he bowed his head and said solemnly, "Jinn isn't large, and the forces from all sides are diverse, but ultimately, they cannot be untangled from the connections to the Capital, so our Captain Bureau's actions can only be kept low-key."
"During the Great Xing Period of the forr dynasty, Jinn was a military station of the Golden Tent Wolf Country. After this dynasty was established, the Tianjin Guard was set up. Fifty years ago, the Tianjin Left and Right Guards were added, collectively known as the 'Tianjin Three Guards,' stationed in the city's north, directly under the Ministry of War's jurisdiction, with nine thousand troops."
"Thus, Jinn is actually controlled by the military. Later, its prosperity ca from the Canal hub, which led to the establishnt of the Ministry of Revenue Customs Bureau, Auditing Bureau, Salt Transport Departnt, and other governnt offices. Your Majesty also specially ordered that without a Tiger Talisman for mobilization, the garrison soldiers must not leave the camp..."
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