The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

"Not bad!" Shen Lian patted the iron plate in front of him and nodded in satisfaction.

"Jianwu, it's a waste of your talents to have you command these small boats!" Shen Lian said, turning to the dark-skinned officer beside him.

"Everyone knows what the navy is like now! I am already extremely grateful that you have given me such a high amount of silver!" Zheng Jianwu said excitedly, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

Zheng Jianwu and his men were naval officers and soldiers that Dong Shaohua had recruited from Fuzhou. This time, they returned with ten motorboats.

"Sir, we took it upon ourselves to install two rapid-fire cannons. Please forgive us!" Dong Shaohua and Zheng Jianwu said in unison, bowing their heads.

"It's alright! It was my oversight; the heavy machine guns were still a bit weak. With these two gunboats equipped with cannons, we can quickly sink any enemy ships we encounter."

"Moreover, the ability to attack land has also been strengthened!" Shen Lian nodded. He was an amateur when it came to warships, only considering troop and food transport, and had forgotten to strengthen firepower.

"Jianwu, keep up the good work! Believe me, there will be a day when you can truly show your abilities!" Shen Lian patted Zheng Jianwu on the shoulder.

It's a waste of talent to have someone like him, a captain on a warship, in charge of this small motorboat.

With the arrival of the motorboat, his logistical support was strengthened.

"Yesterday, Admiral Mosier, commander of the British Far East Fleet, led more than 2,000 Allied troops to land at Tanggu and occupy the Tianjin concession. I expect they will soon head towards Beijing."

Shen Lian spoke expressionlessly to the officers of regimental rank and above present.

"The imperial court dares not refuse the Allied forces entry into the city, and will definitely let the Boxers in to deal with them. This is a plan made by those idiots at the top."

"Chaos is about to break out in the capital, everyone!" Shen Lian banged on the table.

"I command!"

"Click!" All the officers present stood at attention!

"Level One Combat Readiness! All officers and soldiers are hereby canceling all vacations and outings. Arms must be on hand at all times, and horses must be in their saddles. Weapons, ammunition, and supplies must be checked again and are ready to be deployed at any time."

"Yes, sir!" The officers saluted and strode away.

That evening, Shen Lian quietly arrived at the cavalry regiment. "General!" Zhang Da Kui, along with three battalion commanders and officers from the regimental headquarters, were already waiting nearby.

After the army was formed, some officers began to call Shen Lian "Commander-in-Chief" in private. Shen Lian didn't say anything, thinking that the title sounded better than "adult." Gradually, all the officers started calling him "Commander-in-Chief."

"How is it? Is everything ready?" Shen Lian nodded.

"Don't worry, young master, the brothers have been waiting for this day for a long time!" Shen Xiaohu said with a grin.

"You have to be addressed by your rank in the military!" Shen Lian reprimanded sternly.

"Yes, Commander!" Shen Xiaohu immediately stood at attention.

"Da Kui, anyone who dares to disobey military orders and act without authorization will be dealt with according to military law!" Shen Lian turned to Zhang Da Kui and said. Shen Xiaohu stood to the side with a bitter face; he knew that his young master was talking to him.

Zhang Da Kui nodded. The commander-in-chief said that, but he wouldn't dare actually do it. Everyone knew that Shen Xiao Hu was a close follower of the commander-in-chief, having grown up in the Shen family since childhood; his father was even the Shen family's head steward.

Although this kid is a bit impulsive, his military skills and ability to lead troops are quite good. Of the three battalions in the cavalry regiment, Shen Xiaohu's first battalion is the strongest in all aspects.

"I've brought you a powerful weapon this time!" Shen Lian said, waving his hand. Two female soldiers walked in carrying a black box.

“This thing is called a telegraph machine. With it, you can contact me anytime, anywhere,” Shen Lian said, patting the box.

The officers all showed expressions of delight. With this telegraph machine, transmitting messages would be so much more convenient. There would be no need to send cavalry anymore; it would be both fast and safe.

Following Commander Shen is great; not only are the pay and benefits high, but the weapons are also top-notch. They just issued all officers new binoculars, and now they've distributed such useful equipment as radio transmitters.

"Remember, this is top secret. No one is allowed to divulge it! And you must protect them; never let this thing fall into enemy hands."

"Yes, Commander!" the officers immediately replied.

"Alright, I won't keep you any longer! Let's go! Be careful!" Shen Lian nodded.

Soon torches lit up the military camp, and squads of soldiers, gagged and riding horses, quietly entered the night.

They planned to bypass Linqing Prefecture, board a waiting ship in the wilderness at dawn, and travel to Tianjin by night and rest during the day.

Fortunately, all the heavy equipment had been moved away in advance, so despite having several thousand people, there were no major problems.

After all the soldiers had left the camp, Zhang Da Kui saluted Shen Lian, then mounted his horse and followed him at a trot with his guards.

It's finally started! Shen Lian watched the departing team, exhaled a puff of smoke, and felt unusually calm.

Although it was already late at night, the streets of Beijing were still bustling with activity. Every now and then, Boxer soldiers with red headscarves, torches, and swords and spears would run by.

Fires broke out everywhere in the city, and cries and screams could be heard from time to time, with the distant crackling of gunfire.

In a secluded courtyard, the lights were still on inside the room, but the windows had been sealed shut with cloth and blankets. No light could be seen from outside.

"We haven't lost any goods or manpower, have we?" Laifu tossed a roasted soybean into his mouth and chewed it with a crunching sound.

"Master! Young Master had already made arrangements. We evacuated the goods and personnel out of the city before yesterday. It's just that two shops were smashed by the Boxers!" Tan Ya replied in a low voice.

“Tan Ya, we both come from the young master’s family, there’s no need to be so reserved.” Lai Fu shook his head and smiled as he saw his cautious manner.

"Hehe! Rules still need to be followed." Tan grinned.

Lai Fu was originally forming a reconnaissance company, but after Shen Lian reorganized the army, each regiment had a reconnaissance company. The division headquarters even had a special operations battalion.

Lai Fu was transferred by Shen Lian to form a special Military Intelligence Division, responsible for external intelligence gathering. Now, Tan Ya and Shi Tou are also under the jurisdiction of the Military Intelligence Division.

This mission was of great importance, and Lai Fu personally led his men to the capital!

"Are you really going?" Lai Fu stared intently at Tan Ya.

“Yes! We’ve been working on this for so long, and now is the most crucial moment. This is precisely when people are most worried and fearful, and as the saying goes, true friendship is revealed in times of trouble. If I go now, I’ll be more likely to gain his trust!” Tan Ya said in a low voice.

"Okay! Be careful." Laifu nodded.

"Don't worry, Director, I was prepared." Tan Ya smiled.

The back gate opened silently, and Stone peeked out, seeing no one outside. He then turned and grabbed the reins, leading the carriage out.

Tan Ya squeezed the grenade at his waist and nodded to Shi Tou. The two drove the carriage out onto the street.