Chapter 46: Chief Ma

Ma Jun was full of confidence here, while the group of Qingmu Hall members beside him had mixed feelings in their hearts.

Chen Jinnan, imposing and stern, swept his sharp gaze from left to right across everyone’s faces and spoke slowly, “I’ve heard that the brothers of Qingmu Hall have had some disputes over the succession of the incense master.”

“Though everyone has kept the overall situation in mind, valuing righteousness above all, and no real discord has occurred, if this matter isn’t properly settled, a great hidden danger will remain within Qingmu Hall. Qingmu Hall is a crucial branch of our Heaven and Earth Society, overseeing the provinces and counties of both Jiangnan and Jiangbei, and in recent years, expanding gradually into Shandong and Hebei. This time, we have even broken into the capital itself.”

“Whether the incense master of Qingmu Hall is worthy or not has a huge bearing on the rise and fall of our society, and the success or failure of our anti-Qing enterprise. If the brothers within the hall cannot unite and work together, this great cause cannot be accomplished.”

He paused here and asked, “The traitor Ao Bai was killed by Ma Jun; this is well known among the brothers of Qingmu Hall, isn’t it?”

With the conversation at this point, everything was clear. The men of Qingmu Hall were all seasoned veterans.

Guan Shiji and Li Shili jumped out together, saying, “That’s right!”

Li Shili stepped forward, his face full of loyalty and righteousness. “We all swore before Big Brother Wan Yunlong’s memorial tablet that our words would not be empty. If such an oath were meaningless, how could we ever again make vows or promises before Big Brother Wan Yunlong’s spirit? I, Li Shili, am willing to support Brother Ma Jun as the incense master of our hall!”

Guan Shiji followed, “Big Brother Li speaks true. Brother Ma Jun’s Soul-Snatching Dart is renowned throughout the land, and under the guidance of the Chief Helmsman, he will accomplish even greater deeds in the future. Guan Anji is willing to support Brother Ma Jun as the incense master of Qingmu Hall.”

Ma Jun laughed inwardly, finding the situation highly amusing. He immediately followed suit, rising to his feet with an anxious expression. “How can this be? I am young and have just joined the society; it is truly inappropriate for me to become the incense master of Qingmu Hall!”

The remaining nine incense masters, along with the Qingmu Hall members, all began to persuade Ma Jun, extolling the wisdom of Chen Jinnan’s decision.

Chen Jinnan made a show of yielding, saying that everyone wished to honor the oath made before Chief Incense Master Yin’s memorial, and that it was only out of necessity that Ma Jun was appointed. Having achieved his aim, he began to admonish Ma Jun, speaking words of impartiality before the assembled crowd.

With the matter settled, everyone was delighted. Ma Jun had secured the incense master’s seat, but whether he could hold it long-term would depend on his own abilities in the days to come.

Chen Jinnan kept the ten incense masters behind and began to discuss another matter—seeking to cause trouble for Wu Sangui.

Everyone chimed in, but after half a day, the conversation amounted to nothing but empty talk—seemingly reasonable, but upon closer consideration, nothing substantial was said.

Ma Jun, mindful of his status, sat at the back without uttering a word, only nodding occasionally or expressing approval. In truth, he was already dozing off.

At last, the meeting ended. Chen Jinnan instructed Ma Jun to go ahead with his tasks, promising to arrive in the capital in three days to teach Ma Jun martial arts.

Of all that had happened that day, this was what made Ma Jun happiest.

After leaving the courtyard, Ma Jun arranged with Guan Shiji and the others to gather the brothers of Qingmu Hall at his residence at midnight for a proper celebration. As a new official, he had to familiarize himself with his subordinates.

Guan Shiji and the others, out of respect for Chen Jinnan, readily agreed.

That night, Ma Jun’s mansion hosted a grand banquet, with all the Qingmu Hall brothers who could attend gathered together. Everyone ate and drank heartily, guests satisfied and host delighted.

As the gathering ended, Qian Moduo stepped forward and presented each man with five hundred taels of silver, calling it funds for the future restoration of the Ming dynasty.

This trick, Ma Jun had certainly learned from his crafty son, Wei Xiaobao! Its effectiveness was unparalleled.

Three days later, as promised, Ma Jun went to Sweetwater Alley to seek instruction from his master, Chen Jinnan—something he had long awaited.

Upon meeting, Chen Jinnan said, “Xiao Jun, I originally intended to stay longer and teach you more skills, but yesterday I received word of an urgent matter in Fujian requiring my attention. This time, I can only stay for one day. As your master, I have not fulfilled my duty.”

Ma Jun felt a pang of regret; he had never studied internal martial arts, and without buying manuals from the system shop, even possessing a secret manual would not enable him to practice it alone.

Chen Jinnan took a booklet from his bosom. “This is the basic method for cultivating internal energy in our school. Practice diligently according to its instructions each day.”

Ma Jun accepted it and opened it. Each page was illustrated with figures, accompanied by explanations in classical script. Ma Jun could understand the words and the pictures, but putting them together left him utterly confused.

He spent a whole day with Chen Jinnan, who explained everything in detail and taught him the entire set of martial arts.

Only now did Ma Jun gain a glimpse of Chen Jinnan’s true skills, gaining a new appreciation for his martial prowess. Previously, he believed that with his swallow-tail coat and pistol, Chen Jinnan could never be his equal.

Now, it seemed that if Chen Jinnan mastered the arts from this booklet to perfection, the one outmatched would be himself.

Moreover, this master of convenience had kept something back; his most famous Blood-Congealing Claw was not taught.

Although Ma Jun was disappointed, he understood; he too would not fully trust a disciple he had only just met. To teach martial arts so earnestly was already kindness enough.

As night fell, Chen Jinnan had a meal prepared and served, eating together with Ma Jun. The dishes were quite ordinary, nothing extravagant.

As they ate, Chen Jinnan said, “Xiao Jun, you have accomplished great deeds, but you are still young. Though you now sit as incense master, it is only because everyone respects my position. In future affairs of Qingmu Hall, consult often with Guan Shiji and Li Shili; do not make major decisions lightly.”

Hearing this, Ma Jun thought to himself, This master treats me well—so attentive in teaching martial arts, now giving me advice to prevent the brothers of Qingmu Hall from uniting against me.

“Rest assured, Master!” Ma Jun smiled slightly and nodded. “I understand completely.”

A look of joy appeared in Chen Jinnan’s eyes; he had heard of Ma Jun giving silver to the Qingmu Hall brothers and knew his disciple understood worldly matters. After a moment’s silence, his expression grew depressed.

“Is there something troubling you, Master?”

“Ah,” Chen Jinnan sighed deeply, “The Manchus have firmly established themselves; the great endeavor of restoring the Ming is a difficult one. Our road stretches far ahead. Xiao Jun, you are excellent. In all things, keep the greater good in mind. I initially took you as a disciple to resolve the disputes within Qingmu Hall, but now I am very satisfied. I hope you will one day truly bear the banner of our anti-Qing cause!”

“Though outsiders see the position of Chief Helmsman of Heaven and Earth Society as glorious, in reality, Chen Jinnan himself finds it very exhausting,” Ma Jun thought to himself, responding only with a couple of words, without saying much more.