Chapter 136: Sun Fu
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Moreover, it was precisely because Zhang Desen and his companions had such an uncanny knack for selecting jade stones that revealed their green veins, that all the others involved in the jade gambling began to harbor various underhanded intentions.
At that moment, from a private room to the right of Zhang Desen’s box, a loud shout suddenly echoed:
“Hey, you lot in that room over there! Hand over your jade immediately, or I guarantee you won’t leave Hezhou City alive!”
Li Longfang and Zhao Chengming both turned their heads to look at Zhang Desen. Zhang Desen smiled and replied:
“To our friends across the way, all of this depends on skill. If you can’t snatch the stones that reveal green veins, blaming others won’t help. If we followed your logic, why don’t you just go dig at the original source yourselves? It’s just a bit more effort, and if you don’t find any green, at least you won’t waste money, right?”
The voice from the opposite box retorted:
“Alright then, if you’re courting death, don’t blame us. You still have some time to reconsider.”
Thus, this brief commotion temporarily subsided, and the jade gambling event continued.
Zhang Desen then turned and asked Li Longfang:
“Who are the people in that box opposite?”
Li Longfang looked somewhat confused and replied:
“I’m sorry, but the guests within the Liu Trading Company might be better known by Brother Zhao Chengming.”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Desen gave a polite smile and turned to Zhao Chengming, who quickly answered:
“If I heard correctly and remember the records, that box belongs to the Sun family, a local powerful clan here in Hezhou.”
Zhang Desen said:
“They’re so overbearing, yet I actually quite like people with that surname. In my original universe, there were many heroes with that surname. How come here there’s such a domineering one?”
Zhao Chengming replied:
“Captain, you needn’t dwell on that. Maybe you admire some notable figures with that surname in your original universe, but that doesn’t mean everyone with that surname is good or bad. Let’s just focus on the people here and now.”
Zhang Desen asked:
“How influential is the Sun family in Hezhou City?”
Zhao Chengming answered:
“From what I know, the Sun family has deep roots here. It is said their power surpasses even the city governor of Hezhou. The governor relies on their strength to maintain order, and their private militia numbers around 20,000.”
Zhang Desen pondered and said:
“So, they’re basically the local overlords. How many people does our Liu Trading Company have here?”
Zhao Chengming replied:
“This area wasn’t originally our main commercial focus. We have just over 1,000 retainers stationed here. Including those we brought from Burenai and other places, the total is about 3,000.”
Zhang Desen asked:
“Are those 1,000 or so usually armed with cold weapons?”
Zhao Chengming answered:
“Yes, that’s correct. That’s why recently the patron brought in a batch of firearms for the first time, starting to upgrade the equipment of our retainers here.”
Zhang Desen said:
“No worries. If they push us too hard, I have my own ways to deal with them.”
Zhao Chengming suddenly asked:
“Captain, should we contact the Prime Minister and the patron, and ask Captain Gao Rouhang to bring the air squad here? If we can get those eight fighter planes, no matter how many people they have, we won’t have to fear.”
Mentioning Gao Rouhang, Zhang Desen still remembered him vividly. Long ago, when Zhang Desen discovered four “Red Baron” fighters and four “Camel” fighters left by the ancient humans—besides their space fighters—at the Tycho Crater base, he immediately selected eight pilots to form the first joint retainer air squad. Li Longfang had mentioned Gao Rouhang, who had been a retainer of the Zhang household for generations.
In fact, Gao Rouhang had been fascinated with flying like a bird since childhood, often telling his mother he wanted to take her flying. His playmates laughed at him for his fanciful dreams.
Yet he never gave up. Although human civilization here was in an ancient stage, somewhat like the Song Dynasty in Zhang Desen’s original universe, and there was no aerospace technology, Gao continued to collect materials and imitate bird wings. Every attempt ended in failure, bringing more ridicule and frequent injuries. His mother was deeply concerned and often kept him locked indoors, but nothing could quell his longing to fly.
She had hoped he’d grow out of it, but instead, his obsession only deepened. He even developed theories on the advantages of different wing movements, earning more laughter.
However, Zhang Desen was surprised to find that Gao Rouhang’s theories closely aligned with modern aeronautics. Zhang Desen felt a pang of emotion—Gao was simply born in the wrong place and time. Had he been born in the right era and location, his achievements might have astonished many.
Eventually, Zhang Desen personally sought him out, confirmed his talent for aviation, trained him as a pilot, and appointed him as air squadron captain.
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In the end, Gao Rouhang did not disappoint Zhang Desen, rapidly mastering aviation. During the crucial battle repelling Gu Dai’s command of 800,000 troops from the Liao Ancient Kingdom, Gao’s performance was outstanding, delivering severe blows to the enemy and effectively supporting Zhang Desen’s frontal defense.
Speaking of which, it’s worth introducing the “Red Baron” and “Camel” fighters currently used by the joint retainer forces of the Zhang and Liu families.
Though slightly different from those in Zhang Desen’s original universe, they are broadly similar. The “Red Baron” fighter is the Fokker Dr.I triplane.
This distinctive triplane was flown by nearly every German airman during World War I. Most famously, it was the last aircraft of Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen—the “Red Baron”—who achieved 80 aerial victories and became the war’s top ace.
With its relatively narrow wingspan and triple wings, it offered exceptional maneuverability, ideal for close dogfights, making it favored by skilled and daring pilots.
Particularly, the Fokker Dr.I excelled in “dogfighting,” allowing pilots to catch and hold on to their adversary’s tail. Richthofen piloted this plane to down 80 British and French aircraft, setting a record for the war’s “air ace.”
On April 20, 1918, Richthofen was shot down and killed by Canadian pilot Brown, flying a “Camel” biplane. The British unusually held a solemn funeral for their fallen opponent—a first in warfare history.
The Fokker’s dominance led to the period being dubbed the “Fokker Scourge,” highlighting the impact of science and technology on military affairs.
As for the “Camel” fighter, it combined good maneuverability with powerful firepower. Over the last year of the war, it downed 1,294 enemy aircraft, becoming the best fighter of its time.
Designed by the British Sopwith company, the military designation was Sopwith F.1 biplane, with a maximum speed of 195 km/h and a ceiling of 5,800 meters. It featured two machine guns mounted side-by-side above the engine, synchronized to fire through the propeller arc. The raised gun covers resembled two humps, hence the name “Camel.”
It was a single-seat fighter, armed with two machine guns and capable of carrying a 45.4 kg bomb.
Aces such as Captains Trollop and Urlett achieved remarkable feats, including shooting down six enemy planes in one day. Both the British Royal Air Force and Naval Air Service utilized over 3,000 of these planes. In total, 5,490 Camels were produced and used not only by Britain but also Belgium, Canada, Greece, and the United States.
This famed aircraft, leveraging agile turning and strong forward firepower, participated for 16 months from July 1917 to November 1918, achieving the highest single-model kill record of the war.
Of course, these figures come from Zhang Desen’s original universe, but the “Red Baron” and “Camel” fighters left by the ancient humans here are quite similar, though their development histories may differ.
Still, these differences need not be dwelled upon—performance is what truly matters.
Just as Zhang Desen was lost in thought, Zhao Chengming quietly called out:
“Captain, Captain...”
Zhang Desen suddenly realized he had drifted into contemplation and replied:
“Oh, no need. Since we already have the ‘Crater’ here, everything is under control.”
Zhao Chengming immediately responded:
“Yes, sir!”
Meanwhile, in the Sun family’s private room, the eldest son Sun Fu spoke to the steward Sun Jia:
“Quickly send someone to find out who those people in that room opposite are. How dare they snatch from me? They don’t want to live. Just wait, I’ll make sure they regret what they’ve done today.”
Sun Jia worriedly said:
“Young master, usually those in private rooms are either very rich or noble. If we accidentally offend the wrong people, things won’t end well.”
But Sun Fu retorted:
“No matter who they are, find out immediately. To oppose the Sun family in Hezhou City is just asking for death. Besides, Earl Wang Wangdan is visiting our mansion now. With him here, who are you afraid of?”
Sun Jia still expressed concern:
“Shall I take some men to intercept them and secretly gather information to ensure safety?”
Sun Fu impatiently said:
“You’re always meddlesome. Just go stop them and tell them the young master has taken a liking to their jade. They must hand it over immediately, or they won’t leave Hezhou City alive.”
Sun Jia had no choice but to agree:
“Yes, young master.”
Sun Fu continued:
“Also, immediately book a private room in the restaurant run by Liu Trading Company opposite. Then send someone back to the manor to invite Earl Wang to that room, saying I have obtained a batch of jade for appraisal. Usually, after the jade gambling ends, participants book rooms or tables there. You know what to do next.”
Sun Jia excitedly replied:
“Very well, young master. Rest assured, I will soon have all their jade brought before you.”
…
Meanwhile, the jade gambling event carried on as usual. However, for Zhang Desen, today seemed to have lost its original meaning. They had intended to meet the powerful clans, but suddenly all those clans backed off.
As for the jade gambling itself, it had become meaningless for Zhang Desen, especially with the super-miniature detectors left by the ancient humans. Every stone that revealed green veins fell into Zhang Desen’s hands.
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At this moment, Li Longfang exclaimed:
“Excellent, Captain! We really hit the jackpot today.”
Zhao Chengming also said excitedly:
“Yes! Usually jade gambling is hard to win—it’s almost all luck. Even the experts can’t guarantee consistent success. But with the ancient humans’ detector, the stones we opened today equal the past three years’ earnings of our Hezhou branch.”
However, Zhao Chengming added:
“But Captain, I think the Sun family will definitely send people to cause trouble.”
Zhang Desen replied:
“Enough. No need to bother with them. If they want trouble, let them come. Now, let’s not worry about it. It’s noon—let’s go eat.”
Before they could leave, the jade gambling event suddenly ended. Aside from Zhang Desen’s group, the others had mostly spent all their money, so they all left early to eat.
Zhang Desen looked at the scene and smiled, then led Li Longfang and Zhao Chengming to the second floor of the restaurant opposite.
Naturally, it was a private room. After all, it was operated by the Liu family’s enterprise, and the Hezhou branch manager, He Youcai, had surely arranged everything meticulously.
Upon entering, He Youcai immediately greeted Zhang Desen:
“Young Master, you truly have great skill—earning such a fortune in just half a day. Under your leadership, the Zhang and Liu families will surely flourish more than ever.”
He Youcai was indeed a man who understood timing and opportunity. Analyzing the current situation within the Zhang and Liu households, it was clear Zhang Desen would become the head of both families. He Youcai seized this chance to secure his own future.
Just as Zhang Desen was about to reply, the door suddenly burst open. Over twenty people rushed in.
Li Longfang and Zhao Chengming wanted to block them, but Zhang Desen waved them off.
One of the newcomers, stepping forward, introduced himself:
“I am Sun Jia, steward of the Sun family. Are you the one who won all that jade today?”
Zhang Desen looked at him and said:
“It was pure luck that I obtained some jade. May I ask what this has to do with you?”
Sun Jia replied:
“My master took a liking to that batch of jade and wishes you to hand them over. Of course, you will be rewarded.”
Zhang Desen asked:
“What kind of reward? Why should I give away jade I won myself? Who do you think you are? The emperor?”
Sun Jia and the others froze. Honestly, Hezhou City was virtually the Sun family’s domain. No one dared disrespect them, not even the city governor.
Yet now, someone openly spoke to them with such insolence. They wondered if he was mad or fearless.
Still, Sun Jia said:
“Perhaps you’re new to Hezhou and unaware of the situation. To be frank, in this city, the Sun family is like royalty. Our head is the city’s emperor. Even the governor has to show us respect, and we maintain the city’s security.”
He paused, then continued:
“At court, Earl Wang Wangdan is a family friend, currently visiting our mansion. Soon, he will inspect this jade batch, which our eldest son intends to present. Please be mindful of the situation—when Earl Wang arrives, things will be much harder to handle for you.”
Zhang Desen smiled and said:
“You’re quite the joker. When he arrives, the ones in trouble will likely be your Sun family. I suggest you leave quickly.”
At that moment, a contemptuous voice echoed:
“Oh? Which brat dares disrespect the Sun family?”
A handsome young man entered, but his arrogance and roguish air were unmistakable.
Zhang Desen needed no guess who this was. Still, he invited him to identify himself formally:
“May I ask who you are and what business you have in our room?”
The young man arrogantly introduced himself:
“I am Sun Fu, eldest son of the Sun family. Do you now understand who I am?”