Chapter 44: Chen Jinnan

In the rear garden of the manor, Ma Jun paced back and forth, cigarette dangling from his lips, sighing and occasionally stopping to toss food to the fish in the pond. He had originally devised a brilliant plan: by slaying Ao Bai, he hoped to connect with the Heaven and Earth Society and be received as a hero, treated as a distinguished guest.

Unexpectedly, things did not go as planned. Once the men of the Green Wood Hall took Ao Bai’s head, they paid him no further heed. Perhaps Li Shili and Guan Shiji were preoccupied with vying for the position of Incense Master, unable to spare the time. After all, the seat of Incense Master was coveted by all, and those two held the highest prestige in the hall, making them the most likely candidates. None dared to neglect such an opportunity.

Mao Shiba rushed back in haste. Upon hearing the news, he was eager to witness the heroes of the Heaven and Earth Society, hoping to have tales to boast of in the future as he wandered the martial world. Unfortunately, by the time he returned, everyone had already departed.

He incessantly questioned Ma Jun about the course of events. Ma Jun, distracted, responded perfunctorily. Qian Moduo had also returned, but he was in no hurry; seeing nothing required of him, he prepared to leave for other matters.

Just as Ma Jun was fretting over his next steps, suddenly Guan Shiji and Li Shili appeared once more.

"Brother Ma, our Society’s Chen Jinnan, the Chief Helmsman, has arrived. Upon hearing of your exploits, he invites you to meet him. Please honor the invitation!"

"Chief Helmsman Chen!" Mao Shiba exclaimed, even more delighted than Ma Jun, repeating, "It’s truly wonderful that the Chief Helmsman has asked for us!"

Ma Jun looked at the two with suspicion, then introduced Qian Moduo and Mao Shiba to them. "As Brother Shiba says, with the Chief Helmsman’s invitation, how could we refuse? It’s said in the martial world that if one does not know Chen Jinnan, then even heroes are in vain. To meet the Chief Helmsman is an honor—I, Ma Jun, may finally claim to be a hero!"

They chatted and laughed for a while longer. Guan Shiji said, "Brother Qian and Brother Mao also joined in the attack against Ao Bai yesterday. All of us are united in restoring the Ming; since that is so, let’s go together!"

Thus, the five set out, wandering through alleys and streets, finally entering a narrow lane. Along this path, several men sat or walked about, patrolling and keeping watch.

Li Shili extended his middle, ring, and little fingers, pointing to the ground—a secret sign to the guards, who nodded and returned the gesture.

After a short walk, they arrived before a manor. A guard at the door shouted, "Guests have arrived!"

The gate swung open, and a group emerged, cupping their hands in salute. "Master Ma, Master Mao, Master Qian—we are honored by your presence. Our Chief Helmsman awaits."

They entered the main hall, where servants brought tea and refreshments. Another man emerged from the rear hall. "Master Mao, Master Qian, please enjoy your tea here. The Chief Helmsman wishes to speak with Master Ma first."

Ma Jun nodded inwardly, secretly approving the caution—such circumspection was fitting for those plotting rebellion. Following his guide, he stopped before a private chamber.

At the doorway stood an elderly man with a grizzled beard, who lifted the curtain and announced, "Soul-Stealing Dart, Master Ma Jun has arrived!"

"Heh, looks like that old nickname finally comes in handy," Ma Jun muttered to himself as he entered.

Inside, a middle-aged scholar rose to greet him, his face bright with a smile. "Young brother, please take a seat!"

This scholar was none other than the renowned Chen Jinnan. Ma Jun was unimpressed, sizing him up without timidity.

Chen Jinnan’s attire was simple, his build upright, standing close to six feet tall. His temples were flecked with grey, his face not handsome yet distinguished, his eyes shining with intelligence.

Ma Jun smiled and stepped forward, saluting with cupped hands. "Chief Helmsman Chen, meeting you surpasses your reputation. I have long admired your name. It is my great fortune to be invited by you!"

Chen Jinnan returned the smile. "You are too courteous, young brother. Please, sit!"

Once they were seated, Chen Jinnan continued, "Young brother Ma, you captured and killed Ao Bai, the greatest Manchu warrior, avenging countless Han compatriots who died at his hands. Within days, your name has shaken the world."

Ma Jun chuckled. He was no naive youth—such praise hardly fazed him, though he allowed a hint of pride to show. "Chief Helmsman, you flatter me! As a Han, it was my duty!"

Chen Jinnan nodded. He had not summoned Ma Jun merely to flatter him, but to discuss weightier matters. Yet, courtesy must come first. He continued, "I’ve heard from Wu Dapeng and Wang Tan of our Honghua Hall that outside Yangzhou, you displayed extraordinary prowess, slaying over ten soldiers in a single stroke, among them the Black Dragon Whip, Shi Song!"

"Those were trifling matters, not worth mentioning," Ma Jun waved dismissively. "If we wish to restore the Ming, killing minor soldiers is of little consequence. Yet, when they came for me, I did not hold back against the Manchus."

"Well said!" Chen Jinnan nodded approvingly. "Your devotion to restoring the Ming is a blessing for the Han. The slaying of Ao Bai greatly advances our cause. But may I ask, how did you manage to kill him?"

After this round of formalities, Ma Jun guessed at Chen Jinnan’s intentions. He began to embellish his tale, recounting how a year ago he rushed to the capital, and how he had spent his time gathering information on Ao Bai.

Everything revolved around a single theme: the difficulty of slaying Ao Bai, yet his unwavering resolve. In the end, it was only with the help of the brothers from Green Wood Hall that he managed to escape unscathed.

Chen Jinnan praised him again. "Young brother Ma, your martial skills are extraordinary. May I ask who your master was?"

Ma Jun put on a sorrowful expression and recounted the story he had prepared. He said he was orphaned as a child, but was fortunate to have been adopted by his master, a Ming soldier who imparted all his battlefield skills and even entrusted him with the family’s secret Soul-Stealing Dart technique.

Sadly, his master passed away when he was twelve, leaving only himself and his senior brother, Qian Moduo, to rely on each other.

Chen Jinnan offered his condolences, then asked, "What do you think of our Heaven and Earth Society?"

"The Heaven and Earth Society is the great hero and savior of the Han people! Everyone in the martial world knows its name!" Ma Jun’s expression grew fervent. "To be honest, Chief Helmsman, I have dreamed of joining your Society!"

Chen Jinnan nodded with satisfaction. "You are upright and devoted to restoring the Ming. Without your request, I invited you here today precisely to ask if you would be willing to join us?"

"Truly?" Ma Jun exclaimed in delight.

"My invitation is sincere," Chen Jinnan replied with a smile. "Not only you, but your senior brother and Brother Mao may join as well!"

With the matter spoken plainly, both sides were pleased—mutual understanding and great joy all around.