Xianxia version of Water Margin

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When it comes to the Great Yuan Empire, the most important thing is the survival of the empire.

To be honest, Jiang Hongfei is definitely a model of an emperor of all ages. His civil and military achievements can be said to be far superior to those of previous emperors.

However, we have to admit that Jiang Hongfei is too troublesome.

During the years when Jiang Hongfei was in power, all the people of the Great Yuan Empire followed him to trouble. Even in the years of recuperation, they did not rest well.

If Jiang Hongfei continued to trouble like this, the Great Yuan Empire might be destroyed by Jiang Hongfei.

And Jiang Xiu is very kind to people and things, and he knows when to advance and retreat, and knows how to be powerful, and does not mess around.

Even though Jiang Xiu is the prince who is most likely to become the crown prince of the Great Yuan Empire, he has no sense of existence.

It can be said that many of Jiang Hongfei's sons are more famous than Jiang Xiu.

That's right.

A good emperor should be like this.

Moreover, Jiang Xiu is frugal and pays attention to saving in everything.

It can be said that Jiang Xiu is not like Jiang Hongfei's biological son at all. He has a very good temper and is very stable.

Jiang Hongfei has been in power for so many years and has been so troublesome. The Great Yuan Empire looks prosperous, but in fact it has been riddled with holes and may be just one step away from falling off a cliff.

Only a new emperor like Jiang Xiu who does not make trouble, does not cause trouble, does not show his presence, but just saves money and lives a down-to-earth life can drive the broken car of the Great Yuan Empire farther, longer and more steadily.

And Jiang Hongfei chose to let Jiang Xiu inherit his throne, which further proved his wisdom and bravery.

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In the 27th year of Hongwu, when the autumn wind was refreshing, Jiang Hongfei resolutely took out the edict behind the plaque of "Zhengda Guangming" in front of the Qianqing Palace, announcing that the throne would be passed to Jiang Xiu, and he was determined to lead the army to the Western Regions.

This move shocked the court and the public, and all officials, whether sincere or false, begged His Majesty to think twice.

One of the ministers said bluntly: "You can send generals to do the battle in the Western Regions. Why does Your Majesty have to take risks in person?"

After hearing this, Jiang Hongfei had his own thoughts: if he did not lead the army in person, he would not be able to settle his untitled son, if he did not lead the army in person, he would not be able to expand the railway and connect the Silk Road, and if he did not lead the army in person, he would not be able to eradicate the hidden dangers of the empire.

So, Jiang Hongfei smiled indifferently, waved his sleeves and left, leaving only one sentence "I have made up my mind."

The ministers had no choice but to obey the order and retreat.

…

On August 16, the sky was clear.

After personally presiding over Jiang Xiu's coronation ceremony, Jiang Hongfei did not linger on the peak of imperial power, but led a large entourage - tens of thousands of beauties, thousands of princes including Jiang Zai, and surrounded by 100,000 elite guards, embarked on a train journey to Chang'an, the Western Capital.

This trip was nominally a personal expedition, but in fact it was a carefully planned royal tour and strategic deployment.

Jiang Hongfei no longer had to go to the battlefield in person. His "personal expedition" was more of a spiritual encouragement and strategic guidance for the front line.

Therefore, when the army marched westward and the magnificent scene of conquering the Western Regions slowly unfolded, Jiang Hongfei was arranged to stay in Chang'an, Xijing, for a while, and wait for the soldiers to return triumphantly, and then choose a comfortable place as his temporary palace.

This arrangement not only reflects the careful consideration of Jiang Hongfei's safety, but also reveals his extraordinary pursuit of quality of life.

After all, as an emperor, he knew that his safety was related to the foundation of the country and should not be taken lightly.

At the same time, he also enjoyed the comfort of this journey, turning the imperial expedition into a feast of traveling around the world, appreciating the vastness and prosperity of this world.

This trip was unprecedented in scale, with 200 trains roaring forward, 200,000 war horses galloping non-stop, and 100,000 elite guards following him like a shadow.

Jiang Hongfei not only brought all his beloved things, but also made this trip into a moving feast.

All places along the way were carefully arranged to ensure that he and his entourage had no worries about food and lodging.

This kind of luxury and pomp may seem too extravagant to others, but in fact, Jiang Hongfei's trip did not bring any burden to the national finances.

All the expenses, including the military pay and supplies of the expeditionary army, were borne by Jiang Hongfei personally.

Moreover, under Jiang Hongfei's strict order, the expeditionary army adhered to the principle of "fair trade". Whether at home or abroad, all the needs must be purchased with spiritual stones and the currency issued by the Yuan Empire wherever they passed, and they would never take advantage of the people.

This move not only won the hearts of the people, but also demonstrated his wisdom and foresight as a monarch.

The soldiers of the expeditionary army were in high spirits because of the generous military pay and expedition subsidies. They knew that victory would not only bring glory to the country, but also bring rich rewards to themselves.

Under this incentive mechanism, they all bravely moved forward and vowed to expand the territory for the Yuan Empire.

Jiang Hongfei's entourage was also satisfied with their generous salaries, and they served the emperor wholeheartedly.

It is worth mentioning that although he never went to the battlefield and personally swung his sword to kill the enemy, he pushed his sons who dreamed of fiefdoms and the heart of princes into the torrent of war one by one, interpreting what "real test" means with actions.

In Jiang Hongfei's words, "There is no free feast in the world, fiefdoms and thrones are not things that can be easily obtained. If you want to get them, you must first prove your ability. Otherwise, you will be content with your hometown, be an official or a businessman, or live a dull life. Don't have any more unrealistic thoughts."

These words, like a cold blade, cut off the fantasies in the hearts of the princes, but also inspired their indomitable spirit and fighting spirit deep in their hearts.

No one dared to question Jiang Hongfei's decision, not only because of the glory he created during his reign - the four seas were united, the territory was vast, unprecedented; but also because of his profound wisdom, outstanding military talent and broad mind, which made his rule popular. Under his governance, the empire became increasingly powerful, and he himself, like a wise man, controlled this huge imperial machine with fairness and wisdom.

Looking back at the past, those princes who obtained fiefs and became princes all relied on their real talents, outstanding military exploits or other outstanding contributions.

Jiang Hongfei knew that only real strength and contribution could win the respect and submission of the world.

Therefore, his expectations for his sons were the same.

He warned them: "If you don't have real talent and knowledge, and can't convince the public, even if I grant you fiefdom and throne, it will be short-lived and will eventually be replaced by others. Instead of this, it is better to stay in peace and perhaps enjoy a lifetime of wealth."

In short, Jiang Hongfei's many princes, with their longing for fiefdom and throne, will work tirelessly on the journey to prove their own strength.

This is not only a contest of wisdom and courage, but also an interweaving of fate and effort.

Jiang Hongfei knows that glory that comes easily is difficult to inspire the heart of true cherishment and protection.

Therefore, he set a challenging path, so that each prince must go through untold hardships, even life and death tests, before they can touch the key to the coveted fiefdom.

It is worth mentioning that Jiang Hongfei's way of drawing lots to determine the territory shows his fair heart of treating his children equally.

In this world, people's belief in fate is deeply rooted, especially when it comes to the change of imperial power and the existence of princes, they regard it as an irresistible force.

This setting is not only a test of the princes' abilities, but also a warning of possible disputes in the future.

Because, driven by power and desire, there are always people who are unwilling to accept the status quo, desire more, and even kill each other to achieve their ambitions.

As the wheel of history rolls forward, countless precedents have proved that the feudal states under the feudal system will eventually move towards the fate of integration or division.

The feudal system implemented by Jiang Hongfei outside the Yuan Empire cannot escape this law.

However, the scale and territory of his feudal system are far beyond the Zhou Dynasty, which makes the future pattern more complex and changeable.

Perhaps, these vassal states will not eventually be unified into one country, but will form dozens or even hundreds of spheres of influence of varying sizes, among which there are many tragic scenes of brothers fighting and family disputes.

Jiang Hongfei is clear about all this, but he also understands that he cannot control everything forever.

During his lifetime, he will use iron-fisted means to maintain the stability of the feudal system and ensure that no challenger can shake his will.

However, once he passed away, how these vassal states would evolve would no longer be something he could control.

He could only hope that his descendants could maintain a relatively balanced state so that the bloodline and foundation of the Jiang family could continue.

However, Jiang Hongfei also knew that greed and ambition in human nature were difficult to curb.

He foresaw that as time went on, the princes and their descendants who had endless desires for power and fiefdoms would eventually embark on the path of mutual conquest.

At that time, whether he knew it or not, he could only watch it all happen silently.

All he could do was perhaps just pray silently in his heart, hoping that the bloodline of the Jiang family could maintain unity and tenacity in this chaos, so that the meat could continue to rot in the pot.

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In the early autumn of the 27th year of Hongwu, when the sky was high and the air was refreshing in August, half a month after Jiang Hongfei personally led the expedition, Yue Fei and other generals had led an elite army, crossed the Yumen Pass in a mighty manner, and set foot on the vast land of the Western Regions.

Wherever this expeditionary army passed, whether in prosperous cities or remote villages, the people were terrified. They had long been familiar with the reputation of the Yuan Empire's conquests and invincibility, and no one dared to challenge it.

However, the people in the Western Regions had another complex emotion in their hearts.

For many years, many of their tribes were forced to submit to the power of the Gaochang Uighurs and lived in dire straits.

Now, hearing that the Yuan army was coming to conquer the Gaochang Uighurs, these tribes were not afraid, but instead had hope, eager to use the powerful force of the Yuan army to overthrow the tyranny of the Gaochang Uighurs and regain freedom and independence.

This mentality originated from the cultural disunity within the Gaochang Uighurs. Although the tribes surrendered on the surface, they actually had different intentions, and the integration of civilizations was far away.

Therefore, when the news of the Yuan army's entry into the Western Regions spread, the leaders of many small tribes and small forces took the initiative to volunteer, or lead the way, or ask for battle, and even asked to join the Yuan army at all costs to fight against the Gaochang Uighurs.

In their view, this is not only an opportunity to break free from the shackles, but also a feat of participating in historical change.

In the territory of Gaochang Uighur, there are many ethnic groups such as Han, Turks, Dazhongyun, Xiaozhongyun, Yangmo (also known as Yanmian), Gelulu, and Geduo (a branch of Tubo). There are many contradictions and endless struggles among them, which also provides convenience for the Yuan army's expedition.

For the Yuan army, this is undoubtedly a godsend.

The Western Regions are vast and the terrain is complex. Without a guide familiar with the terrain, it will be an extremely difficult task to find Gaochang City, the capital of Gaochang Uighurs.

Yue Fei and others are well aware of this, so they gladly accepted the surrender of these small tribes and small forces and let them become guides for the Yuan army.

The Uighurs use Gaochang City as their winter capital and Beiting City as their summer capital. Between the two cities, the Tianshan Mountains lie. The nomadic people in the north and the farming people in the south work independently. Most of their beliefs are based on Buddhism. There are many Buddhist temples in Gaochang City. , witnessed the cultural blending and conflict on this land.

Historically, the Gaochang Uighurs had good relations with the Zhao, Song, Daliao and other dynasties. However, with the rise of the Yuan Empire, these dynasties fell one by one, and the Gaochang Uighurs were not spared.

Especially after the Yuan Empire conquered Xixia and Tubo, the Gaochang Uyghur King Bilego sent many missions to pay tribute to the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, carrying rare and rare treasures, including Buddha's tooth, amber lamp, glassware and other rare treasures.

Jiang Hongfei was even more impressed by the falcon beauties sent by Billego. Those women with different styles and extraordinary beauty made him sigh that the ancients' motives for conquering the Western Regions might go far beyond material gain.

However, in the face of the strong rise of the Yuan Empire, Biluo's attitude seemed hesitant.

Until the Yuan army came to the city, he was still reluctant to make a decision.

Bilego stood at the top of Gaochang City, looking at the neatly arranged red cannons under the city, his heart full of bitterness and helplessness. He knew that these powerful red cannons had wiped out countless powerful empires, but the Gaochang Uighurs under his rule were only a small country in the Western Regions, so how could they compete with them?

After careful consideration, Bilego finally made a decision. He understood that continued resistance would only plunge the Gaochang Uighurs into a situation beyond redemption. Therefore, before the Yuan army opened fire, he wisely chose to surrender in Kaicheng.

Yue Fei was known for his strict military management. His Yuan army did not harm the people in Gaochang City. After Bi Lege led the people in the city to surrender, he just "invited" all members of the royal family and clan members of the Gaochang Uighurs there as usual. In Chang'an City, Xijing of the Yuan Dynasty, he met Jiang Hongfei and accepted Jiang Hongfei's advice.

With the destruction of the Gaochang Uighurs, the Dayuan Army began a full-scale offensive in the Western Regions.

At the same time, the civil servants of the Yuan Empire took over Gaochang City and jointly governed the ancient city with local officials who were willing to submit to the Yuan Empire.

They organized the people of the Western Regions to work with the people who came all the way from the Yuan Empire to build a railway from Yumen Pass to Gaochang City.

This is not only a symbol of the military expansion of the Yuan Empire, but also an important link to promote economic and cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

The success of Jiang Hongfei's personal expedition in the first battle marked the official beginning of the Han people's expedition to Asia, Europe and Africa...

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Jiang Hongfei led his army to begin the Western Expedition, and the Yuan Army began to sweep across the Western Regions, Central Asia, Europe, Africa, and the world.

Jiang Hongfei not only did not restrain himself during this trip, but also intensified his efforts, going all the way and accepting all the way. He was so happy.

It should be noted that after Jiang Hongfei left Congling, he drew a line there and announced that everything east of Congling would belong to the mainland of the Yuan Empire; the west would begin to be enfeoffed to his other sons, eliminating the hidden dangers of the mainland of the Yuan Empire. , all eliminated.

It is worth mentioning that although Jiang Hongfei passed the throne to Jiang Xiu, he did not completely cut off contact with the mainland of the Yuan Empire.

Every year, Jiang Hongfei would send a large amount of financial revenue to the Yuan Dynasty. At the same time, Jiang Hongfei would also take a large number of war horses, weapons and equipment, grain and grass baggage, as well as trains, rails, various materials, etc. from the Yuan Empire. .

This builds an invisible military-industrial network.

Although this was not an overt transaction, it quietly weaved into a huge economic and security network, which not only increased a large amount of fiscal revenue for the empire's finances, but also created countless job opportunities and promoted local prosperity and development.

Jiang Hongfei's generosity made the people of the Yuan Dynasty less complaining about the feat of the Western Expedition, and more understanding and support.

It is worth mentioning that Jiang Hongfei's road of conquest was not only the expansion of territory, but also the sowing of culture and the circulation of currency.

He forcibly promoted Chinese characters, allowing foreign lands to bathe in the glory of Chinese culture, and enhanced the national identity and sense of belonging; and the paper currency system he promoted deeply imprinted the economic influence of the Yuan Dynasty on everyone in the world. A corner whose far-reaching significance is comparable to the international hegemony of a certain great country's currency in later generations, bringing unprecedented economic control to the empire.

When railways traverse the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe like giant dragons, the Yuan Empire's commodities flooded the world like a tide, and the empire's merchant ships set sail, spreading wealth and dreams to every corner of the world.

Jiang Hongfei's western expedition not only laid a solid foundation for his descendants, but also brought unprecedented development opportunities to the Yuan Empire.

This honor and pride are deeply rooted in the hearts of the Han people and have become a source of praise and support for them.

Jiang Xiu often meditated on this. His father's great achievements were as bright as the stars. From crushing the Liao Dynasty and destroying the Song Dynasty to conquering the Jin Dynasty and practicing the Xia Dynasty, all the territories in the four directions were under his control. Millions of troops marched across the world, as if nothing in the world could stop him.

He was filled with emotion, knowing that he and his father's extraordinary brilliance were hard to compare with.

Jiang Xiu knew very well that his father's achievements were unprecedented and would be difficult to come by in the future.

But that's no reason for him to stand still.

He had a burning fighting spirit in his heart and vowed to leave his own unique mark on the glorious stage left by his father.

He understands that it is unrealistic to directly copy the glory of his father, but inheriting and carrying forward his father's ideas is his unshirkable responsibility.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Jiang Xiu decided to incorporate his own innovations and insights on the basis of following his father's national policy.

When Jiang Xiu first came into power, he promoted the promotion method of "merits first", abandoned the prejudice of family background, and vowed to select talents based on ability as the only criterion.

This move was like spring breeze and rain, nourishing every corner of the Yuan Empire, allowing talents to emerge in large numbers and not being left behind due to changes in imperial power.

What is particularly remarkable is that those bright stars that were once hidden in the dust finally bloomed brightly under Jiang Xiu's wise eyes.

However, Jiang Xiu's brilliant achievements go far beyond that.

His most commendable feat was to solve a problem that even the previous emperor Jiang Hongfei was daunted by.

This matter begins with an accidental discovery made by Jiang Xiu when he was young.

At that time, in the Royal Academy, a scholar who focused on the study of stone lacquer excitedly held a pile of powder as white as snow and reported an astonishing discovery to Jiang Xiu's father: this mysterious substance derived from petroleum. , can actually give crops incredible growth speed.

At that moment, Jiang Hongfei's face was filled with complex emotions, surprise and worry coexisting.

Then, Jiang Hongfei issued a strict prohibition - the research results must be strictly kept secret and must not be spread to the outside world.

Jiang Xiu was puzzled and asked Jiang Hongfei the reason.

Jiang Hongfei looked at the powder carrying hope and slowly revealed the double-edged sword characteristics of chemical fertilizers.

"This thing is called chemical fertilizer, and it is actually a miracle of agriculture. It can double crop yields, even dozens or hundreds of times. However, beneath the miracle, there are deep worries hidden."

"Although chemical fertilizers are powerful, they are not a long-term solution. Petroleum resources are limited. Once exhausted, chemical fertilizers will become water without a source, and agriculture will face an unprecedented crisis. What's more, under the abuse of chemical fertilizers, the fertility of the land is declining, and agricultural residues The problem is getting worse and worse, ultimately threatening people’s health and survival.”

Jiang Xiu was shocked when he heard this. He realized that this was not just a technical issue, but also a strategic choice related to the rise and fall of the country and the future of the nation.

Jiang Hongfei said: "Food is the foundation of the country and the cornerstone of people's livelihood. Without food, how can we talk about development? Although chemical fertilizers can relieve temporary difficulties, they are not a long-term solution. However, facing the future of population surge, we also need to prepare for rainy days. , leaving a way out for future generations.”

Speaking of this, Jiang Hongfei's eyes flashed with helplessness and determination: "My son, please know that everything in the world is impermanent. Only the foundation of food cannot be shaken. The use of chemical fertilizers is actually a temporary measure. When it is absolutely necessary, it may be possible. Give it a try. But before that, we must find a more sustainable food solution to ensure the longevity of Dayuan.”

Jiang Hongfei once again patiently analyzed the seriousness of the current situation to him: "I, Dayuan, are fortunate to be blessed with high-yield crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, and I have spared no effort to promote their research and development. However, the current population surge cannot be solved overnight. . Just imagine that in thirty or fifty years, our country may have a population of one billion. If there is no new way to follow, chemical fertilizers may be the last resort. Even if we drink poison to quench our thirst, it will be better than losing our country."

When Jiang Xiu heard this, he felt worried and asked eagerly: "My father is wise and powerful. Is there any good strategy to solve this problem?"

Jiang Hongfei smiled slightly, his eyes shining with wisdom: "There is a good strategy. This strategy is called ecological agriculture. It aims to reduce dependence on external resources, return to the way of nature, and nourish all things with the power of the land itself."

He elaborated: "The core of ecological agriculture is to reduce dependence on petrochemical products and instead rely on the cycle laws of nature. For example, when livestock are raised in farmland, the livestock eat weeds and leave excrement, which is natural Fertilizer is used to nourish crops, saving manpower and protecting soil. This model is also called the integration of planting and breeding, harmonious symbiosis, and endless prosperity.”

After hearing this, Jiang Xiu felt that this method was very wonderful, but he still had doubts: "If this is the case, why didn't my father implement it as soon as possible?"

Jiang Hongfei sighed softly and explained: "This method has been around since ancient times. It uses the remains of animals and plants as fertilizer. Although the fertilizer effect is long-lasting, it is not as fast as chemical fertilizers. People in the world are eager for quick success and quick benefits, and it is difficult to overcome the effects of chemical fertilizers, so this method is difficult to implement."

He changed the topic and continued: "But I, Dayuan, have been good at using organic fertilizers since ancient times. The ashes left by farmers burning wasteland and the manure collected in the city are all used as good fertilizer. There are also sugarcane bagasse, food residues, hay, etc., which can be used Compost is used in fields to increase production and cultivate the land. In addition, remember not to plant a single field in one field to avoid frequent pests. Intercropping, that is, planting multiple crops alternately, such as beans and corn, can prevent pests and increase production. "

Jiang Hongfei's eyes were bright, and he seemed to have expectations: "Although I am determined to promote it, I am impatient and difficult to maintain. I hope that my son can take on this important task and carry it forward. I have ordered people to develop biofertilizers and pesticides, and strive to get rid of petrochemical dependence, but this road is long. "No one can achieve it without perseverance."

When Jiang Xiu heard this, his blood boiled in his chest and he vowed to fulfill his father's wish.

Therefore, after Jiang Xiu succeeded to the throne, he resolutely took over Jiang Hongfei's responsibilities and fully promoted the development of ecological agriculture.

Twenty years pass by in a blink of an eye.

Driven by Jiang Xiu, the local grain production of the Yuan Empire increased by more than five times.

In particular, the output of root crops such as sweet potatoes and potatoes has increased tenfold.

This feat not only provided a solid material foundation for Jiang Hongfei to expand his territory, but also made the Yuan Empire a global granary.

All these achievements are due to Jiang Xiu's unremitting efforts to promote ecological agriculture and avoid the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other petroleum products.

This is undoubtedly an extremely great initiative, and Jiang Xiu has won high praise for it.

In short, Jiang Xiu tirelessly drove the Yuan Empire, which had adapted to peace, to the fast-growing pasture again.

Jiang Xiu's passion was surprising. He even showed a bit of idealism belonging to a poet, which made people have to admit that he was indeed not a mediocre monarch. His ability and talent were truly blossomed at this moment.

Jiang Xiu inherited all the fine traditions created by Jiang Hongfei. He also reused new people and started reforms. He was resolute but not conservative, steady but daring to innovate.

Although it was impossible to complete the modernization process in Jiang Xiu's hands, the road to modernization was broadened by Jiang Xiu.

People often use words such as "a tiger father will have a dog son" to describe Jiang Xiu.

Jiang Xiu was the emperor for 20 years. He died of old age and was posthumously named Taizong. He passed the throne to his son Jiang Qi.

Jiang Qi was also an outstanding monarch who maintained the status quo. He reigned for 17 years and passed the throne to his son.

And until this time, Jiang Hongfei was still alive.

Not only was he alive, Jiang Hongfei actually unified the world, and his descendants were all over the world.

Even when Jiang Qi passed on the throne, Jiang Qi's only son died suddenly, and the Yuan Empire was facing turmoil, Jiang Hongfei returned to Yuan Dadu, and then he personally presided over the overall situation and passed the throne to Jiang Xiu, Jiang Hongfei's most virtuous grandson at the time.

At that time, Jiang Hongfei was still in his twenties, and he could still control dozens of women at night.

Later, after the Yuan Empire stabilized again, Jiang Hongfei disappeared from the palace out of thin air.

Not long after, Jiang Hongfei appeared in Penglai, and lived with the world's number one Qigong practitioner, Penglai Witch Liu Fangfang, and fought in the rivers and lakes.

After that, there were more and more gossips about Jiang Hongfei.

It was not until a hundred years later that there was no news about Jiang Hongfei.

Some people said that Jiang Hongfei ascended.

Some people said that Jiang Hongfei retired.

Some people said that Jiang Hongfei died.

Some people said that Jiang Hongfei continued to sow seeds all over the world under an assumed name.

Some people also say that when the world is in turmoil again, Jiang Hongfei will appear again.

In short, the legend about Jiang Hongfei has always been there.

Even a thousand years later, there are still women who claim that they have had the honor of having sex with Jiang Hongfei, and even claim that the children they gave birth to are Jiang Hongfei's.

In later generations, there are even more literary works about Jiang Hongfei.

For example, a work called "Xianxia Version of Water Margin" fully records Jiang Hongfei's brilliant and splendid life.

The end of the play.

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