Chapter 57: First the Engagement, Then the Great Endeavor

When Ma Jun revealed Li Xihua’s background, everyone present wore an expression of astonishment. They were both puzzled by Ma Jun’s far-reaching sources of information and amazed by Li Xihua’s true identity. The tales of the Red Lady and Li Yan were not unknown to them; they had all heard of their deeds, but never imagined their descendants still remained.

Li Xihua was left dumbfounded, having never expected that the origins he had so carefully concealed would be laid bare so easily by this incense master, who was even a few years his junior. He wanted to ask Ma Jun how he had discovered his identity, but after a moment’s hesitation, guessed the other would not divulge his sources, so he fell silent in contemplation.

After a long pause, Ma Jun asked again, “Well?”

“Since the Incense Master requests it, how could I refuse? To work alongside a brother of such strategy is my honor!” Li Xihua replied.

Ma Jun let out a hearty laugh. He had already guessed that Li Xihua would agree—not only because of the earlier coercion, but also because the appeal to Han patriotism was certain to sway him. This man had some skills and excelled in martial arts; having him as an ally would be a great asset in the future.

“Chief, do you have any objections?” Li Xihua turned to look at Chen Jinnan.

Chen Jinnan smiled and said, “With such a good brother joining us, how could our Society refuse? I think it’s best to have you join the Hall of Greenwood as well, so you can work with Xiao Jun!”

“That would be excellent!” Li Xihua replied with a smile.

Liu Dahong hurriedly asked, “Xiao Jun, earlier you said there was an even greater matter—can you tell us now?”

Seeing all eyes once again focused on him, Ma Jun was extremely satisfied. He furrowed his brow and said, “This matter is extremely confidential, and it was a great surprise to me. If it spreads, it could plunge the world into chaos! However, I’ve come up with some initial ideas. If we succeed, then driving out the Tartars will be all the more hopeful!”

“Don’t keep us in suspense any longer—speak!” Liu Dahong urged.

Ma Jun chuckled to himself, then moved mysteriously to the door to peer outside, finally closing it before returning.

“Did you know,” Ma Jun lowered his voice, “before I joined the Society, I managed to carve out a little fortune by my own means, all in preparation for restoring the Ming. During that time, by chance, I befriended a eunuch from the palace—one who serves Kangxi himself. After much effort, I learned from his lips a piece of news that would shake the world!”

“What is it?”

As he spoke, he dangled the information tantalizingly, making everyone itch with curiosity, yet they had no choice but to play along.

“It turns out,” Ma Jun widened his eyes, “that Emperor Shunzhi did not die! Because of the death of Consort Dong’e, he was overcome with grief and became a monk!”

“What?”

Everyone was dumbstruck. Who could have imagined that an emperor would fake his own death for the sake of a consort and become a monk?

“This is absolutely reliable. Kangxi himself mentioned it while speaking with his mother. That day, the little eunuch got drunk, and in his drunken ramblings let it slip to me!” Ma Jun affirmed.

It took everyone quite a while to recover. Mu Jiansheng then asked, “But brother-in-law, how does this help our cause against the Qing? Are we to assassinate Shunzhi? Yet if he has become a monk, even a successful assassination would only make the Qing hate us more!”

“It’s true we must assassinate Shunzhi, but that’s not the main point,” Ma Jun explained. “Shunzhi has already abdicated and is of little use. If we are to strike, it’s best to kill Kangxi. If the reigning emperor were to die, the Qing would surely be thrown into chaos! Wu Sangui would learn of it and surely rise in rebellion! That would be our chance!”

“But assassinating Kangxi is no easy feat. The palace is not a place ordinary men can come and go freely,” Mu Jiansheng said gravely.

“If it must be done, then let me go!” Chen Jinnan said resolutely. “For the sake of the Han people, to trade my life for Kangxi’s is worth it!”

Plainly, Chen Jinnan also understood that even with his martial arts, infiltrating the Forbidden City to assassinate the emperor would be extremely perilous. Perhaps there was a chance of success, but once surrounded by tens of thousands of guards, escaping would be all but impossible.

“Master, you must not risk yourself!” Ma Jun said. “You lead the Society’s hundreds of thousands of brothers—your safety is vital. Assassination in the palace is difficult, but Kangxi will soon leave the palace to visit Shunzhi! If we set our plans in advance and fight to the death, we may well be able to kill both Tartar emperors!”

“If so, that would be ideal!” Mu Jiansheng exclaimed, slapping the table in excitement.

Ma Jun then informed everyone of Kangxi’s departure date and the location where Shunzhi was hiding.

That day’s discussion, aside from the marriage proposal, was all part of Ma Jun’s plan. As the leader, he had proposed a thorough plan for resisting the Qing, and naturally took center stage. As for his nominal son Wei Xiaobao, he was at best a minor character, still busy running his brothel business—after three years, he had only just opened a third branch in all of Yangzhou! He collected trivial information and corresponded with Ma Jun by letter.

After the plans were refined, they first sent letters inviting their brothers to assemble at Mount Qingliang, while Chen Jinnan and Mu Jiansheng intended to stay for three days to settle Ma Jun’s marriage before leaving.

Ma Jun had thought to discuss his marriage after these matters, but his master and Mu Jiansheng were impatient. It seemed both families were eager to use this alliance to join forces for the coming war.

So, the next day, Chen Jinnan ordered his men to prepare various betrothal gifts, contributing some treasures himself. A matchmaker was invited to formally propose.

After another day, with the gifts prepared, they proceeded to the residence of the Mu family. Several tables were set, and both Ma Jun and Mu Jiansheng were present. As people of the martial world, they dispensed with the custom that the bride and groom must not meet.

Everyone gathered joyously, and the marriage was agreed upon. The date was set for the third day of the third month the following spring—a most auspicious day.

At the banquet, everyone was delighted, and Ma Jun was plied with wine by his brothers from the Hall of Greenwood and the Mu family’s men. Ancient wine may have been weaker, but dozens of bowls still overwhelmed him.

Everything was ready save for the east wind.

After the betrothal was set, Chen Jinnan and Mu Jiansheng left first. Ma Jun stayed behind to settle his previous affairs, arranged for a few brothers to remain in the capital, and then, with Qian Moduo and other key members—including the now loyal Li Xihua—set out together.

They traveled by day and night, breaking into smaller groups to avoid attracting the attention of officials. In a few days, they finally reached the vicinity of Mount Qingliang.