There are too many gentry and wealthy merchants in Yangzhou. Therefore, in the Fuchun Building, there are more than 30 seats, and each table is a large table of 16 people, which can barely make all the guests who come to participate in the banquet have a place to sit.

Even so, the guests who have the opportunity to enter the Fuchun Building actually only account for about one-fifth of the gentry and wealthy merchants in Yangzhou City. The remaining four-fifths, both in terms of assets and influence, are far inferior. So I am not qualified to enter Fuchun Building at all.

Cheng Li took a seat, and naturally sat in the most honorable place. Li Tingshi played sideways to accompany him. Guan Er and Cheng Weibo sat down in turn. Then there is a former official who resigned and stayed at home, surnamed Wei. There are also several big salt merchants in Yangzhou, several guild presidents, etc. They are all first-class leaders in Yangzhou City.

The cups are staggered, and the wine has passed three rounds. The atmosphere at the banquet became more and more enthusiastic. Everyone rushed to flatter Cheng Li, the Duke of Yan Guo. Although Cheng Li listened a little impatiently, he also knew that this kind of entertainment was indispensable, and he was still reluctant to endure it at the moment.

When it was in the heat of the day, suddenly, I could only hear a loud explosion of "呯~". Immediately after, exclamations rang out again and again. From the direction of the gate of the restaurant to the banquet where Cheng Li was, all the gentry and wealthy merchants along the road stood up one after another, screaming and avoiding left and right, but gave way to a thoroughfare.

Cheng Li's eyes lit up, knowing that something must have happened. Whatever it is, it's a chance to get out of this annoying social scene. He put down his glass and looked up. As far as the eye could see, I saw a tall man striding towards this side.

The man was dressed in a military uniform, with a slender physique and a short beard at his chin. The national character face, thick eyebrows and big eyes, and the eyebrows are awe-inspiring and upright. It looks heroic. But at this moment, he was stained with blood in many places, and there were almost wounds on his cheeks, arms, and thighs. Apparently there was a bloody battle just now. In the crowd, there were people constantly whispering, as if they were calling "Captain Qi" or something.

This "Captain Qi" walked up to Cheng Li's seat, knelt down on one knee, and said in a deep voice: "Subordinate Qi Jiliang, see Lord Thorn Shi." ”

Li Tingshi exclaimed: "Captain Qi, aren't you stationed in Tanjiazhuang? Why did you come back suddenly? Also, how did you make this appearance?"

Qi Jiliang smiled slightly bitterly, and said in a deep voice: "Returning to Lord Shi, it's the Japanese Invaders! The Japanese Invaders landed on a large scale, gathered no less than 30,000 troops, and swarmed towards Yangzhou City. Looking at the appearance, it is an attempt to completely capture Yangzhou City in one go.

The subordinates and Captain Yu Dayou were originally divided into two divisions, left and right, and they were stationed in Tanjiazhuang together. However, the army of Japanese invaders rushed forward, and the attack was extremely crazy. Our army is outnumbered, and we really can't force it.

Therefore, after discussing with Captain Yu, his subordinates decided to immediately withdraw to the west bank of the Xinhe River and retreat to Jiangjiazhuang. Then all the ships were burned. to stall for time. Now our army and the Japanese are facing each other across the new river. But a new river may not be able to stop the Japanese invaders. Please make a decision as soon as possible. ”

"What? The Japanese have gathered tens of thousands of troops, and they have already captured Tanjiazhuang? What should I do? What should I do?"

Before Captain Qi's words fell, a scream erupted in the crowd in the restaurant. Immediately afterward, everyone panicked, and the shouts came and went. This group of well-dressed people who were well-dressed a moment ago suddenly panicked, and they became worse than a group of rats.

It's so annoying. Cheng Li frowned, and slapped heavily on the wine table. In an instant, but I heard a thunderous sound of "bang~", which suppressed the screams and shouts of so many people present.

From a pot of boiling gruel to silence, it only took a few breaths. In an instant, everyone's eyes were focused on Cheng Li. Immediately, all these eyes became eager. It's just because they suddenly remembered. Savior, isn't it just around the corner?

Li Tingshi was the first to struggle out of the state of the six gods without a master, and asked Cheng Li for help as if he had been amnestied: "Yan Guogong, how should I deal with this situation now? Please also ask Yanguo to publicize it. ”

Cheng Li slowly stood up, glanced around, and said calmly: "There is nothing to show or not to show." I came to Yangzhou this time for only one purpose, which was to fight the Japanese invaders. So no matter how many pirates there are and where they have been hit, in short, just do them. ”

After a pause, Cheng Li said categorically again: "You can rest assured, the Great Wei Yulin Army swears to live and die with Yangzhou City." As long as the last soldier of the Yulin Army does not die, Yangzhou City will never fall into the hands of the Japanese Bandits!"

Cheng Weibo, who was next to him, also stood up and added in a condensed voice: "What the general means is that people are in the city, and people are dead in the city." The Yulin Army is by no means alone. ”

The main generals and deputy generals of the Yulin Army expressed their positions one after another, and the Yangzhou gentry and wealthy businessmen present also breathed a sigh of relief, and their eyebrows showed joy. However, some people are still worried: "I heard that this time the Japanese invaders mobilized the strength of the country and mobilized no less than 100,000 troops to cross the sea to fight. Although you are brave and good at fighting, there are only a thousand people after all. ”

Cheng Li waved his hand and said, "So our team is just a pioneer." There were also two Duke of E and Duke Lu, who led 30,000 soldiers and horses respectively as follow-up support. A total of 70,000 elite forbidden troops before and after, enough to deal with the 100,000 troops of the Japanese Invaders. Feel relieved. As long as we work together to keep Yangzhou City, waiting for reinforcements to arrive, it will not be a difficult thing. ”

I heard that the imperial court would send 70,000 troops, and the gentry and wealthy merchants in the restaurant were smiling and the people's hearts were settled. Li Tingshi took the opportunity to say: "With Yan Guogong saying this, everyone can rest assured." However, at the moment, the military situation is urgent, and this official needs to go back immediately to discuss with the Duke of Yan Guo. Guys, why don't you just disperse?"

Everyone said yes and left their seats one after another. And they all said that they would donate money and materials to contribute to the defense of Yangzhou City. Li Tingshi naturally laughed.

Returning to the Assassin's Mansion and sitting down, Li Assassin Shi introduced to Cheng Li: "Yan Guogong." This is Captain Qi Jiliang, and like Captain Yu Dayou, he is an officer of Yangzhou Mansion.

The two of them are not only strong in martial arts, but also use soldiers like gods, and since the appearance of the Japanese Bandits, they are simply invincible. It all relied on Captain Qi and Captain Yu to protect Yangzhou City. There are many people in Yangzhou City who have good deeds, and it is said that the two of them are 'Yu Long Qihu', which can also boost morale. ”

Cheng Li nodded, and bowed his hand to Qi Jiliang: "Captain Qi has worked hard. Captain Yu also worked hard. ”

Qi Jiliang returned the salute with a fist and said with a wry smile: "We are just eating the court and being loyal to the court." Everything is all within the bounds, and I dare not be praised by Yan Guogong. ”