20demayo Chapter 183 They really gave out gold bars
Chapter 183 They really gave out gold bars
Chapter 183 They really gave out gold bars
"Pfft—" Someone in Chen Wen's guards couldn't help but chuckle.
"You!" Ou Xinhu's men behind him were furious and stepped forward, glaring at him angrily.
Ou Xinhu's face instantly turned extremely ugly, and he raised his hand to stop his subordinates.
The other party actually compared him to toilet paper? Or excrement?
That's an insult to him!
But he restrained himself from lashing out, knowing that the consequences of attacking the knight would be dire.
But the anger of being publicly humiliated made his eyes flash with a fierce light.
Chen Wen seemed oblivious to his anger and continued, "That was just a joke. Ou Xinhu, the fact that you can act like a local tyrant in Xihuan is a skill in itself."
"But the world is a narrow place, and the storms are fierce. Can your little corner of the world truly remain safe forever?"
"Foreigners oppress you, the government reaps the benefits, and your competitors covet your spoils—how long can your glory last?"
Ou Xinhu was deeply shaken.
He had been a part of the underworld for a long time, and had seen plenty of oppression, contempt, and exploitation, but he rarely heard such a direct affirmation of his abilities.
Especially coming from someone of Chen Wen's status.
The feeling of being valued stirred something within him.
But soon, his inherent arrogance and the sense of freedom he had gained from years of risking his life on the line took over.
He shook his head vigorously: "Sir Chen, you flatter me. But I'm just a stray dog in this world, used to being wild."
"Let me find a master—even one as esteemed as you, Sir, I'd find it too stifling. I'd rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond!"
"Besides, didn't you become a knight because of foreigners?"
The way he used the word "sir" in his words was subtle, carrying a hint of disdain.
A Chinese man became a knight of a Westerner and then still dared to oppress them? This is simply a betrayal of one's ancestors!
"Insolence!" Liang Kuan could no longer hold back, took a step forward, and glared angrily at Ou Xinhu.
He knew Chen Wen's true identity and ambitions, and was shocked to hear the other party compare Chen Wen to those scoundrels who coveted fame and relied on foreigners.
A surge of anger welled up inside him.
However, he couldn't reveal Chen Wen's true identity in public, so he could only shout angrily, "Ou Xinhu! What do you know! How dare you spout nonsense here and slander Mr. Chen?!"
Actually, it wasn't just Ou Xinhu.
Even Ma Rulong, as well as the newly joined He Zhijing, Xiao Sa, and others, were not entirely without reservations about Chen Wen accepting a foreign title.
It's just that Chen Wen's position is too high, and he uses both kindness and severity, so they dare not reveal it.
Now that Ou Xinhu had pointed it out, many people had mixed feelings.
Chen Wen, however, seemed completely unconcerned. He raised his hand to stop Liang Kuan, and instead, a smile of interest appeared on his face as he looked at Ou Xinhu: "Oh? Better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond? Sounds quite principled. Ou Xinhu, you're quite principled, aren't you?"
Ou Xinhu was taken aback by the sudden question, and instinctively stiffened his neck, saying, "I—of course!"
"Alright." Chen Wen nodded. "Since you have backbone, do you hate that foreigners occupy Hong Kong and oppress our compatriots?"
"Hmph!" Ou Xinhu snorted heavily. Although he did not answer directly, the resentment on his face said it all.
He suffered a lot of mistreatment from foreign sailors and compradors in Sai Wan.
"Then why don't you go fight the foreigners?" Chen Wen pressed. "Are you lacking connections? Or courage? If you really want to do something big, I can introduce you to a place—"
"The Blood Flag Army!"
These three words were like a thunderclap, instantly exploding throughout Paul's Inn!
Everyone was stunned, including Zhen Sanhuan, Ma Rulong, and even Ou Xinhu and his men!
"What! The Blood Flag Army!"
Hong Kong and Guangzhou are separated by only a river, so the news spread very quickly.
Who doesn't know the Blood Flag Army's formidable reputation?
Killing foreigners not only destroys mite nests, but also eliminates major mite generals.
The capture of Guangcheng and the killing of the Nine Gates Admiral just a few days ago has shaken Lingnan!
Rumor has it that they are known for their strict military discipline, formidable fighting power, and their devotion to opposing the Qing government and foreigners. They are currently the most powerful resistance force in the south!
It's a common topic of conversation among ordinary people, and many even admire and yearn for it.
But why would Sir Chen suddenly bring this up?
Still using this strange tone?
Zhen Sanhuan looked at Chen Wen with suspicion and disbelief, his heart filled with turmoil.
Ou Xinhu was also stunned, then his face revealed undisguised mockery: "Sir Chen, what are you saying—the Blood Flag Army? Those are heroes who dare to challenge the imperial court and foreigners! You're introducing them to me? You—are you worthy?"
He looked Chen Wen up and down.
"If you really have such connections, I'd love to see for myself! To follow a hero like that and accomplish great things would make my life worthwhile!"
Chen Wen seemed oblivious to the sarcasm in his words, calmly looking at him and nodding: "If you really want to go, I can arrange for someone to take you today, how about that?"
Everyone was stunned and stared blankly at Chen Wen.
play for real?
But—he was a nobleman named Chen, who had been knighted by foreigners and seemed to have close ties with them.
How could they possibly have connections with the Blood Flag Army?
Ou Xinhu was completely stunned, his mouth agape, unable to utter a word for a long time.
He wasn't some lofty patriot, but who in the underworld doesn't have some backbone, and who doesn't admire those daring and daring heroes who stir up trouble?
The Blood Flag Army has captured Guangcheng and is gaining momentum. If we can join them as soon as possible, we can make a difference in the success of their rise to power.
Perhaps he can really turn his life around in the future and no longer be just a shady gang leader!
This temptation is immense!
But—rebellion could cost you your head at any moment!
Isn't it good to be a local tyrant? You can live a carefree life, with money and power. Why risk your life in danger?
Chen Wen took in the changing expressions on his face, sighed softly, and directly saw through his thoughts: "You see, you're not really that patriotic, or that you really want to be a hero."
"You only see the opportunity and the potential benefits. You shout it the loudest, but when it comes to actually doing it, you're afraid of dying."
"You're talking nonsense!" Ou Xinhu was caught off guard, especially in front of his subordinates, and immediately became furious and retorted with a red face and thick neck.
"Who's afraid?! Do you think I'm the kind of person who's afraid of death?! I just—I just don't trust you!"
"I'm not blaming you." Chen Wen's tone remained calm, even carrying a hint of understanding.
"Most people do this; it's human nature to weigh the pros and cons. I used to do it too."
"To be a hero, you don't necessarily have to go to the battlefield to kill enemies."
"Being able to manage your own affairs well and do things that are within your conscience when you have the ability is a kind of responsibility. It all depends on your own choice."
Ma Rulong seemed to be deep in thought when he heard this.
He Zhijing, Xiao Sa, and the others mostly looked confused, as if they were puzzled by what he had just said.
Ou Xinhu was both ashamed and angry by Chen Wen's words, which were both dismissive and pointed, and he was unable to refute them effectively.
He felt that all his little thoughts were exposed in front of the other person.
This feeling of powerlessness and the frustration of being seen through made him completely irritable.
"Enough!" Ou Xinhu slammed his hand on the table, his face dark and his eyes flashing with malice.
"Sir Chen, stop spouting your high-sounding platitudes at me!"
"You want me to be your lackey? Fine!"
"But it's not that simple! You brought your men here, thinking you can make me bow down with just a few words? Show me what you've got!"
His men behind him also started to clamor, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Chen Wen smiled.
He didn't say anything more, and walked directly to the sofa and sat down calmly.
Then, to everyone's astonishment, he casually pulled out gold bars and stacked them on the coffee table.
Under the sunlight, the gold bars reflected an alluring light.
Chen Wen waved his hand gently.
"Take them down."
"These are yours."