Chapter Seventeen: Barbarity (Part 2)

The cathedral in the west of the city.
Ruan Youming, who had just returned from the governor’s residence, was almost pushed out by the crowd.
People everywhere—this cathedral, capable of holding four hundred worshippers, was now packed with those seeking refuge.
Ruan Youming had served France’s colonial cause for nearly a decade, yet this was the first time he had seen such glory beneath the cross.
Even five years earlier, when Captain An Ye led less than two hundred soldiers to capture Hanoi and four provinces along the northern coast, nearly completing the colonization of entire northern Vietnam, there were not so many people in the cathedral.
Along the way, everything was deserted; the usually bustling streets were empty. Upon hearing gunshots, people either ran back to their homes or fled the city for refuge.
But the cathedral was different—it was already crowded. Even at the entrance, many wealthy people carrying gold, silver, and valuables could be seen negotiating, trying to find a place inside.
Inside the cathedral, there were all kinds of people: Vietnamese soldiers with shotguns, arrogant parishioners, busy clergy, and Vietnamese officials in civilian clothes. Even a few opium dealers had taken shelter there.
“Father!” Everyone stood up in reverence, which filled Ruan Youming with satisfaction.
This was the Lord’s blessing!
This was the Lord’s gospel!
It was the most glorious day in his service to colonization.
Father Ruan Youming announced orders with a solemn expression.
“Raise the tricolor flag!”
“God save France!”
Praises rang out as choir children sang hymns like angels. The cathedral soon became quiet, with worshippers crossing themselves and praying before the sacred image. The soldiers, covered in mud and dust, gradually gained courage.
A good opportunity!
Without needing to be told, clergy members went over to them, urging them to spread the Lord’s gospel and bring the lost sheep back to the Lord’s embrace. Soon, two soldiers put down their shotguns and accepted the blessings of the worshippers. Holy water was poured over them, and after baptism, they became faithful followers of the Lord.
Father Ruan Youming turned to the opium dealers. Clutching the Bible, he read a passage to them: “Offer gifts to the Lord from among you. Anyone who wishes may bring offerings to the Lord…”
“We are willing to be baptized!” The opium dealers were eager to accept Ruan Youming’s protection, along with other wealthy merchants.
They had previously discussed baptism with Ruan Youming, but after considering his protection, they had refused. Yet in the face of force, they yielded.
Ruan Youming smiled.
Today was also a day for Catholicism and France. No matter who won this rebellion, the ultimate winners would be France and the Lord.
The tricolor flag was raised.
The cross hung above the cathedral.
Behind him were the Lord, France, the small fleet of Cochinchina, and two companies of Marines stationed in northern Vietnam. There were also tens of millions of French people and hundreds of thousands of French troops.
He provided protection to the colonists, who in turn remained loyal to the Lord and France.
Today was a day of harvest, as well as a day of sowing.

Father Nguyen Vu Minh stepped out of the church, full of confidence. The sun was shining brightly, gunshots could be heard, and God loved all people. “Mark off a protected area!” He directed a few clergy members to draw white lines on the ground with lime: “Anyone who crosses this line is considered to be challenging France!” The white lines covered a wide area, almost including the entire vicinity: “Those who enter this area, regardless of their status, have their lives and property protected by God and France!” … “There are a large number of Vietnamese remnants gathered at the church in the west of the city. What do you think, Sima?” Cai Yunnan, the leader of the Tiandihui, could be considered the local boss in Haiyang City, and he got the news immediately. Sima Tai couldn’t afford to be careless. Now that they had entered Haiyang City, they were even more cautious than before capturing it. At most, they had only about 200 people, plus dozens of prisoners who had to pull cannons—no more than 300 in total! So far, despite sweeping through the area, they hadn’t found the main force of the Vietnamese army and had only captured a few prisoners. Who knew if the official troops might retreat to the church to regroup and then strike hard when they were unprepared? Controlling a large city with just two or three hundred people, anyone would face a situation where they had the desire but not the strength. “Gather immediately at the church! Order the Vietnamese troops there to surrender immediately!” But Sima Tai’s orders were not easy to carry out. As soon as they arrived at the church, Father Nguyen Vu Minh stepped out to intervene. The moment they showed up, Father Nguyen Vu Minh stood right in front of the drawn white lines: “Barbarians, you have already violated the dignity of God! Back off!” The sharp-eyed Cai Yunnan saw Vietnamese troops carrying shotguns and immediately shouted, “Sima, Sima, it’s Vietnamese troops!” Sima Tai also saw many troops among the refugees who still hadn’t taken off their military uniforms. He solemnly declared to Father Nguyen Vu Minh, “I have no intention of offending you or God, but please note that we are in the midst of battle. There are defeated Vietnamese troops hiding here—please make them come out!” He pointed out several of them, but Father Nguyen Vu Minh sneered. God above! Could there be anything more glorious for God? He crossed himself on his chest, ignoring Sima Tai completely: “Amen! No matter what kind of sinners they are, once they cross this line, they are under God’s protection!” “Remember, once you cross this line, you will surely face punishment from France and God!” Sima Tai didn’t want to cause trouble by entering the church, but he had to respond properly: “Father, are you trying to protect these defeated soldiers?” Bandits would never dare to violate the authority of God and France, which made Father Nguyen Vu Minh even more confident. He firmly believed that after driving the bandits outside the line, the tricolor flag and the cross would hold absolute authority over this land. Father Nguyen Vu Minh clenched his fists, carefully observing the bandit group led by Liu Yu and Cai Yunnan. Compared to France’s elite Marine Corps, they were nothing but weaklings!

They didn’t even have uniform military attire; they wore mixed-colored clothes and carried all sorts of firearms, from old flintlock guns to muzzle-loading rifles. However, only a few of the leaders carried three or four muzzle-loading rifles. Their military order was in disarray, and it took great effort for the bandit leaders to manage their subordinates.

Thinking of the French army, which had worn red breeches since Napoleon’s time, he felt no fear at all. He pointed at Sima Tai and said, “Get out, barbarians! You have already violated the authority of France, the land of peace. This place is under French protection. If you take any hostile actions, you will surely face the harshest punishment!”

“Barbarians, get out!”

Under such threats, Sima Tai had no choice but to stop. He quickly sought help from Liu Yu while confronting Father Ruan Youming.

All believers and non-believers immediately placed their trust in Father Ruan Youming. Seeing the fierce bandits, they dared not take a step beyond the line. The soldiers who had taken refuge were determined to be baptized as soon as things settled down.

Father Ruan Youming pressed forward step by step, saying, “The majesty of the Lord must not be violated, barbarians! This is your final warning! Leave immediately to avoid divine punishment!”

Under such threats, Sima Tai became furious. He was someone who valued reputation greatly and could tolerate no such situation. Yet he couldn’t afford to offend the French priest either. He immediately asked Cai Yunnan, “What should we do? Charge in?”

“Charge in!” It was Liu Yu who spoke. “That’s the order I gave!”

“Kill anyone who resists!”