Chapter 55: Advancing Step by Step, Rising to Power in a Single Day

In the Deer and Cauldron universe, the Zheng family of Taiwan once led a great army ashore to attack the Qing forces and restore the Ming dynasty, but was ultimately defeated and withdrew. Due to the hurried retreat, not all troops could evacuate completely, leaving many behind.

Thus, the Heaven and Earth Society was formed.

The Society comprised ten incense halls: the first five were the Lotus Hall, Hongshun Hall, Jiahou Hall, Cantai Hall, and Honghua Hall. The latter five consisted of the Greenwood Hall, Red Fire Hall, West Gold Hall, Profound Water Hall, and Yellow Earth Hall.

Through years of development, the claim in Chen Jinnan’s mouth of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians was no exaggeration. Though in film and television the Society often appeared as little more than a child’s game, that was merely due to production constraints. In truth, it was a formidable organization.

For this grand undertaking—the assassination of the emperor—Chen Jinnan spared no effort, gathering all ten hall masters together.

Nearly ten thousand members came, all strong men capable of fighting!

Such a vast mobilization could not be achieved overnight. Fortunately, the Society’s rules were strict, and entrance was carefully vetted. Under Chen Jinnan’s leadership, everyone shared a common purpose.

They knew a momentous task awaited them. Though the details were unknown, no one dared slack off.

Each hall master, including Ma Jun, mobilized a thousand men. They traveled in shifts toward Mount Wutai.

Luckily, there was still time before Kangxi’s arrival at Wutai, allowing adequate preparations.

When Ma Jun arrived, the vanguard Yellow Earth Hall was already there, led by its master, Yao Bida. He had arranged lodgings for the other halls and designated a place for meetings.

After meeting Yao Bida and exchanging courtesies, with Yao praising Ma Jun repeatedly, he personally led Ma Jun to the Greenwood Hall’s quarters—a spacious house, behind which lay a valley where a thousand brothers could hide temporarily.

Ma Jun left Qian Moduo, Li Shili, and others to welcome the arriving Greenwood Hall brothers, while he followed Yao Bida to the central location—Chen Jinnan’s hideout—to discuss matters.

Entering the room, Ma Jun found the other hall masters already seated. He greeted them warmly, noting that only the masters of Lotus Hall, Hongshun Hall, and Jiahou Hall were absent.

These three halls oversaw Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian—distant provinces—and were still en route.

Others present included Mu Jian Sheng, Liu Dahong, and several members of the Mu Royal Mansion.

Once everyone was seated, Hu Dedi, master of Cantai Hall, smiled and said, "Chief, your discerning eye is truly remarkable! You have taken such a fine disciple. Everyone knows what Brother Ma accomplished in the capital! And now, after arriving here, we hear of another great feat. The brothers are full of admiration!"

"Indeed!" Li Shikai, master of Honghua Hall, nodded. "Since Master Ma began his work, every task has brought satisfaction and justice! His scheme to pit Wu Sangui against the Qing dogs was especially brilliant, earning everyone’s respect!"

Hearing his brothers praise his disciple, Chen Jinnan felt both joy and pride. Seeing Ma Jun remain humble, he was even more pleased and was about to speak when a brother rushed in.

"Chief, urgent news from Taiwan!"

"Speak," Chen Jinnan's brows furrowed, sensing trouble.

"The prince and his mother are at odds; a minister has been killed and it seems internal strife has erupted. You must go to quell it!"

The Zheng family, once granted the title of Prince of Yanping, was addressed as ‘prince.’

Chen Jinnan stood at once, brows knit tightly, and questioned for details. The brother could not clarify matters—he only knew there was turmoil in the royal mansion.

Most of the hall masters, especially those from the first few halls who had served under Zheng Chenggong, also looked troubled at the news.

After a long silence, Chen Jinnan clasped his hands and said, "Brothers, the situation is urgent; it seems I must return at once!"

"Chief, go with peace of mind. We are here; everything will be handled properly," the hall masters assured him.

"Alas," Chen Jinnan sighed deeply. Such a rare opportunity, and yet Taiwan encountered trouble at this critical moment. Zheng Chenggong had done him a great favor, so he could not refuse to return.

"It must be so," Chen Jinnan said. "To be safe, the masters of Lotus Hall, Hongshun Hall, and Jiahou Hall must come with me. The rest of you, send some men here. With brothers from the Mu Mansion present, I trust nothing will go awry."

"In Taiwan, Chief Chen must go," Mu Jian Sheng said. "But once you leave, whom should we obey here?"

With Ma Jun among them, the Mu Mansion and the Society could accept joint leadership under Chen Jinnan. But if Chen Jinnan left, no one else could hold authority.

The hall masters were of equal rank, except for Mu Jian Sheng, who was slightly lower. If Mu Jian Sheng led, the Society’s numerous members would not accept it.

If a hall master took charge, Mu Jian Sheng would not be satisfied.

Ma Jun sat quietly, having anticipated this situation long ago.

Now, among both factions, only Ma Jun could command respect; no one else could do so.

As Chen Jinnan’s disciple, Ma Jun had gained great prestige through recent deeds—especially having orchestrated the plot to assassinate Kangxi. Though younger in age, the hall masters could reluctantly accept him.

The Mu Mansion, moreover, owed him a debt of life-saving gratitude. From Mu Jian Sheng down, all admired Ma Jun; and with the title of brother-in-law, he was naturally accepted.

Chen Jinnan, clearly considering Ma Jun, glanced at him and then swept his gaze over the other hall masters, asking, "Brothers, what are your thoughts?"

Though he had made his decision, he could not say it directly.

Lin Yongchao, master of Profound Water Hall, was first to speak. "I suggest Brother Ma take charge. He is the chief's disciple and has a good relationship with the Mu Mansion. I nominate him!"

Ma Jun gave Lin Yongchao a grateful look.

With the first three halls absent, perhaps Cai Dezhong of Lotus Hall could have overshadowed Ma Jun’s reputation, but now it was not in question.

The other hall masters, seeing someone take the lead, thought for a moment and then all nominated Ma Jun.

"As brother-in-law, I support him as leader!" Mu Jian Sheng smiled. "Though he is young, his strategy surpasses mine!"

"So be it!" Chen Jinnan concluded, looking joyfully at Ma Jun. "Jun, everyone has chosen you. There’s no need to decline. Shoulder this heavy task and handle it well! I believe you are capable!"

Ma Jun, no longer bothering with false modesty, stood and clasped his hands, his expression solemn. "Thank you, master and brothers, for your trust in me. Rest assured, this task—assassinating Kangxi—we shall accomplish!"