Hearing Qiao Fangzheng speak so highly of An Zhai, Hu Xiaotian could not help taking an interest in the man. The Beggar Gang certainly needed to cultivate some capable assistants. Although Long Xiyue had become its Gang Leader, met the requirements on paper, and been acknowledged by its disciples, many still refused to accept her in their hearts. Worse still, opposition forces led by Shangguan Tianhuo and his son were secretly plotting to overthrow her.
Qiao Fangzheng could not appear openly in the Beggar Gang. Elders such as Xue Zhenhai, Zhao Shenxiong, and Mu Shusheng enjoyed great prestige within it, but most were advanced in years and rarely concerned themselves with its everyday affairs. Thus, the gang urgently needed to develop pillars such as Zhu Ba, Meng Guangxiong, and Xie Tianqiong. Only by swiftly purging dissidents and building up their own strength could they keep this enormous organization firmly in their grasp.
Yet men such as An Zhai generally faced the same problem: they were too young and had no outstanding achievements to prove their abilities. Even if entrusted with important responsibilities at once, they would struggle to win the Beggar Gang's wholehearted acceptance.
While Hu Xiaotian's side actively consolidated its forces and deployed its troops and commanders, reinforcements continued pouring into Yunyang. Among them, the personal arrival of Hong Beimo from the Heavenly Secrets Bureau delighted Su Yuchi immensely.
Hong Beimo's arrival clearly demonstrated the Imperial Court's concern for Yunyang. However, he kept this journey extremely discreet, revealing nothing to anyone except Su Yuchi.
Su Yuchi secretly met at his residence with this man, one of Great Kang's most powerful and mysterious high ministers. Dressed in ordinary clothes, Hong Beimo looked like an unremarkable schoolteacher. Had Qiqi not requested it, he would never have come to Yunyang in person.