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

"Young Master, wake up!" Xiao Yue'er put down what she was holding, walked to the bedside, and nudged Shen Lian.

"Ugh! I'm so sleepy, Yue'er, let me sleep a little longer!" Shen Lian muttered as he turned over, revealing his white, bare bottom.

"Who told you not to go to bed earlier last night!" Xiao Yue'er's pretty face turned red, and she hurriedly pulled the blanket over Shen Lian.

"It's all because you're such a seductive little girl, I can't help it! Come on, lie down with me for a while longer." Shen Lian squinted and pulled Xiao Yue'er onto the bed. This girl was beautiful and gentle, with a soft and fragrant body; Shen Lian liked her very much.

Half an hour later, Xiao Yue'er sat up, her face flushed. While straightening her clothes, she said, "Young Master, get up quickly! Tan Ya came early this morning; it seems he wants to see you about something!"

"Ugh! I'm a young master now, and I still can't sleep in. This is so hard!" Shen Lian reluctantly got out of bed, and Xiao Yue'er hurriedly helped him get dressed.

After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I went to the restaurant and called Tan Ya in.

"Have you eaten? Let's eat something together," Shen Lian asked, taking a bite of his steamed bun.

"I've already eaten, young master!" Tan Ya bowed and nodded, but he couldn't help but swallow when he smelled the aroma of the steamed buns.

"Hmm! Have you thought it through?"

"Yes, young master! I've made up my mind, I'm willing to go to the capital."

"Very good!" Shen Lian nodded. "Aren't you going to ask me why I called you there?"

"Whatever you ask me to do, young master, I'm willing. I'll follow your orders!"

Shen Lian looked up at Tan Ya, whose face was serious, nodded, and said nothing more. After breakfast, Shen Lian led Tan Ya to the study.

"What I need you to do is highly confidential and somewhat dangerous. Have you thought it through?"

"Everything I have now is thanks to you, young master. I'm willing to do anything for you. I just hope you can take care of my mother," Tan Ya said, gritting his teeth and nodding.

"That's no problem. When you get back, bring your mother to the manor. I'll ask Uncle Fu to arrange a room for her, and I guarantee she'll have plenty of food and clothing."

"Thank you, Master!"

"What I need you to do is gather intelligence. What is intelligence? It includes everything from major events happening in the imperial court to the daily habits of officials, the dynamics of the capital, and matters involving foreigners..."

Do you understand?

"I understand, but I'm afraid I won't do it well!"

"Just do it with confidence, take your time, I believe you'll do well. Of all the people around me, you're the most suitable. That's why I entrusted you with the most important task." Shen Lian patted Tan Ya's shoulder encouragingly.

"Don't worry, young master, I'll do my best to help you get things done, even if it costs me my life!" Tan Ya puffed out his chest.

"Hmm! Do you have any other requests?"

"Young Master, may I bring someone with me?" Tan Ya asked, scratching his head.

"Who are you bringing?" "Stone!"

"The stone from the orphanage?"

"Yes, young master! Stone is an educated boy and quite clever."

"Alright, take him with you if he's willing! It'll be good for you to have another helper. You'll have to work hard for now, and I'll send more people to help you in six months at most."

After Tan Ya left, Shen Lian lit a cigarette and gently exhaled a puff of smoke. He hoped the kid could be of some use. Time was too tight, and he had no other options.

An official ship slowly departed from Linqing Wharf. Shen Lian waved and turned to walk into the cabin. He had originally planned to take Shen Xiaohu and the other four, along with Yue'er and Tan Ya, to the capital.

Now there's a burly man in the group, Lu Da, the one who steals business at the docks. Tan Ya said he's highly skilled in martial arts and would be suitable as a bodyguard. Shen Xiaohu and the others also admire his skills, so Shen Lian took him on.

Another one is Shen Lin, the family's second steward, who is Shen Lian's distant uncle. He usually manages the family business and has come to the capital with Shen Lian to help out.

Shen Lian's visit to the Nie family to propose marriage was a major event, and it was originally expected that an elder would accompany him. Unfortunately, the old man in the family was in poor health, and Shen Lian's mother had long since passed away. His stepmother was certainly not qualified, so Shen Lian had to go alone.

After sailing for more than an hour, the ship arrived at Linqing Pass, where many merchant ships were gathered and queuing to pass through customs. A small boat rowed over.

"Young Master, it's General Manager Huang!" Uncle Lin whispered in Shen Lian's ear.

Shen Lian nodded. He knew Huang Sheng; he was one of his father's trusted confidants and favorites. He had been specially sent to guard Linqing Pass, the most lucrative place. He'd heard that Huang Sheng was efficient, honest, and incorruptible, and was highly regarded by his father. This was Shen Lian's first time meeting him.

"Young master, I have prepared some wine and drinks on the shore. Please disembark and rest!" Huang Sheng said with a smile as he boarded the boat.

"Thank you, Uncle Sheng. The weather is perfect, and I'm in a hurry to get going, so I won't bother you any longer!" Since the other party was being so kind, Shen Lian naturally had to be polite in return, after all, he was his father's confidant.

Seeing that Shen Lian refused, Huang Sheng did not insist, and then took out a stack of silver notes from his sleeve and handed them over.

"A little silver to buy you a drink on your journey, young master. May you have a safe trip to the capital, achieve great things, and win the heart of your beloved. Hahaha!"

"Thank you, Uncle Sheng! I'll have a few drinks with you when I get back." Shen Lian gestured for Uncle Lin to take the silver note.

"Hahaha, then I'll be waiting for the young master's wedding feast. I'll clear the way for you." Huang Sheng laughed and turned to board the small boat.

"Young master, one thousand taels. This Huang Sheng was originally just a minor outpost captain, but the master promoted him all the way to the position of garrison commander, and put him in charge of guarding this pass. He is indeed loyal to his job." Uncle Lin said, patting the silver notes in his hand.

"Make way, make way!" Huang Sheng rode his small boat straight towards the lock. Seeing the captain's flag flying on the boat, the waiting civilian boats quickly moved aside. In no time, the waterway was cleared.

Shen Lian didn't stand on ceremony and directed the ship to move forward. The soldiers on the gate quickly let his ship pass.

Shen Lian stood at the bow of the ship, looking at the soldiers by the lock. Most of them were still carrying cold weapons. They wore tattered uniforms with the character "勇" (brave) written on them. The few guns they had were mostly matchlock guns and some old-fashioned rifles; it was unclear whether they could still fire.

They were all laughing and joking, pointing and gesturing. With an army like that, they might not even be able to defeat bandits, let alone foreigners.

After passing through the gate, the journey ahead went smoothly. Shen Lian had Lu Da guard the entrance and called Shen Xiaohu and the other four, along with Tan Ya and Shi Tou, into the cabin. He began teaching them how to gather intelligence, make contact, and pass messages.

Having watched many modern spy dramas, Shen Lian has learned a thing or two. Applying them in the present day is still very effective.

The group of people were stunned, secretly admiring Shen Lian's skill.