Chapter 6

The emperor is not so easy to meet. Although Cheng Yu had evidence, what would happen even if he entered the capital? At worst, he would still end up losing his head.

Cheng Yu's family had been scholars for ten generations. His intelligence was unquestionable, and he was well aware of the dangers. He looked ahead silently, clasped his hands, and said to Chen Jinan and Chen Mo:

"I don't know your noble names, but if I have the chance, I will definitely repay this great kindness. However, I still plan to go to the capital. If my life is in danger, I must try."

The hatred of the destruction of his family and clan could not be let go. Chen Mo shook his head and said:

"I and my master are people of the江湖 (jianghu), and saving lives is a matter of righteousness. Mr. Cheng, you don't need to worry. However, if you go to the capital, it's best not to reveal the evidence easily, or you will die sooner or later."

"Brother, I will remember your advice. Thank you, sirs. I will go ahead." Cheng Yu nodded and said.

Cheng Yu rode away on a donkey. Chen Mo then clasped his hands and said to Chen Jinan:

"Chief, I spoke too much just now. I hope you will forgive me for any offense."

Chen Jinan did not expect Chen Mo's reaction when dealing with outsiders. According to his personality, he would have revealed his identity if asked. He knew that although this could enhance his reputation, it would also bring more danger.

Chen Mo's way of avoiding the main issue was the best and most suitable for people of the江湖 (jianghu). Chen Jinan smiled and shook his head, saying:

"You did well. I taught you the Mystic Jade Skill and the Jade-Breaking Hand to take you as a disciple. Calling me Master is appropriate."

Chen Jinan spoke, and Chen Mo was secretly delighted. However, he hesitated before bowing and calling out:

"Master, should we also go to the capital?"

"Ha ha ha... Good, let's go to the capital..."

With Chen Jinan's laughter, the two hurriedly traveled and finally entered the capital before dark. Under Chen Jinan's lead, they soon arrived at the Huichun Hall pharmacy. Chen Jinan pointed inside and whispered:

"This is our base in the capital. I will introduce you to the brothers in a moment."

As they entered, a clerk was about to close up and was about to approach. However, the fat manager behind the counter recognized Chen Jinan, waved the clerk away, and invited Chen Jinan and Chen Mo into the inner hall. He then clasped his hands and said:

"I didn't know the Chief was here. The brothers are all out gathering information."

"No problem. Quickly send someone to call Daoist Xuanzhen, Gao Yanchao, and Old Xu. The Green Wood Hall is leaderless, and we need to make plans."

Chen Mo did not speak much. The next matters were major for the Heaven and Earth Society. Although he was also a member, he was only a disciple of the Chief, and in reality, just Chen Jinan's book boy, with a status lower than a small leader.

However, in about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, a high-crowned Taoist, a man in his early thirties, and a seemingly confused fortune-telling old man walked in. After paying their respects to Chen Jinan, the fortune-telling old man clasped his hands and said:

"Is the Chief here for the Green Wood Hall's chief position?"

Chen Jinan nodded and said:

"Yes, a snake without a head cannot move, and the same goes for the Green Wood Hall. Moreover, the Green Wood Hall spans four provinces with thousands of members. Without a chief, problems will eventually arise, and the great cause of overthrowing the Qing and restoring the Ming cannot be delayed because of this.

However, this matter cannot be handled lightly. I will stay in the capital for some time and wait until a suitable person is chosen for the Green Wood Hall chief position before making plans.

By the way, Xiao Mo, this is Brother Xu, a Green Wood Hall expert. Daoist Xuanzhen and Brother Gao are also pillars of the hall. You should learn from them in the future, understood?"

Chen Mo quickly stood up and clasped his hands to the three, saying:

"Brother Xu, Daoist Xuanzhen, Brother Gao, I am Chen Mo. I hope you will guide me in the future."

"Who is this?" Old Xu curiously looked at Chen Mo, who was under twenty but had a certain presence, and asked.

Chen Jinan had his own plans. He smiled and looked at everyone, saying:

"This is my fourth disciple, Chen Mo, and also a disciple of the Chief. I brought him to the capital to have him stay and learn in the Green Wood Hall. However, I want him to infiltrate the palace. Do you have any ideas?"

Upon hearing that Chen Mo was Chen Jinan's disciple, the three quickly stood up and re-bowed. Chen Mo, not knowing why, hurriedly returned the bow. Later, he learned that Chen Jinan, the Chief of the Heaven and Earth Society, had no children, and his three previous disciples had already died in battle. As the only disciple, Chen Mo was also the successor to the Chief of the Heaven and Earth Society, which explained why the three were so respectful.

"Chief, since the Young Chief is here, why not let him take over Chief Yin's position? This way, the Green Wood Hall can stabilize." Old Xu, seeing Chen Mo's steady and polite demeanor, said to Chen Jinan.

"What do you think, Xiao Mo?" Chen Jinan smiled and looked at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo shook his head and said:

"I have no contributions to the Heaven and Earth Society. Taking the position of Green Wood Hall chief would invite criticism and damage Master's reputation. Master must have a deeper meaning for sending me to the palace. I hope the brothers will not mention this matter for now."

Chen Jinan nodded. Chen Mo did not oppose becoming the chief, but he also did not claim the position without contributions. Chen Jinan, who was in his forties, was very satisfied with Chen Mo, who had followed him for many years, though he did not know that Chen Mo was from the future.

"I agree. Although Xiao Mo will eventually take over my position as Chief, he will invite criticism without contributions. I sent him to the palace to gather information on the Tartar emperor and Ao Bai. If possible, he can assassinate the Tartar emperor and inspire the righteous people to rise up against the Qing." Chen Jinan smiled and said.

Old Xu and the others exchanged glances and nodded. Making Chen Mo the Green Wood Hall chief was not a problem, but without contributions, even with the Young Chief's identity, the subordinates would have opinions. Old Xu said:

"It's not difficult for the Young Chief to enter the palace. The palace's head guard, Duo Long, is recruiting guards these days, but he needs only Manchus. This is easy for us. A few days ago, a penniless young man from the Bordered Yellow Banner, whose family was all dead, died outside the city. Our people happened to bury him. His name is Keluoduo, and he has no Chinese name. His age is about the same as the Young Chief. He can use Keluoduo's identity to apply for the position without any problems.

Moreover, the information comes from our disciple in Duo Long's office, who is responsible for recruitment. This will ensure the Young Chief's safety."

Chen Jinan nodded, and Chen Mo also thought this was an opportunity to get close to Emperor Kangxi and Wei Xiaobao. He did not think Kangxi and Wei Xiaobao were good people. The Tartar emperor was always a foreigner, who only oppressed and exploited the Han people, and even killed them. Wei Xiaobao, frankly, Chen Mo only envied his ability to find wives. Apart from that, he was greedy, lustful, and treacherous. If he followed Wei Xiaobao's path in the江湖 (jianghu), he would be killed many times if his luck was bad.