Chapter 5: Liu Yu’s Decision! Part 2!

Hai Duong is a very important city in northern Vietnam. In terms of population, it ranks third in North Vietnam, after Hanoi and Ninh Binh. What’s more important is that it is located at the mouth of the Red River, allowing control over all trade along the river. Thus, the joint customs office between France and Vietnam is also situated here, with the governor of Hai Duong residing there as well.
The local customs here are just as Liu Yu had imagined for Vietnam—dense reeds along the riverbank, with young people playing and catching crabs from time to time. Two towns stand to the north of Hai Duong City, surrounded by rolling mountains. Here, one can see the cheerful smiles of Polish merchants as well as the groans of Vietnamese commoners.
However, no one really objected to the presence of a Chinese armed group near Hai Duong. There had already been too much fighting and bloodshed in this land, so another strange armed group wasn’t a big deal. This was a typical Vietnamese city.
Sima Tai, walking at the front, grew increasingly relaxed. “We’re almost there! It’s that house right ahead!”
Perhaps due to his time travel experience, Liu Yu had exceptional eyesight. He immediately spotted the small house adorned with stained glass, filled with Baroque style, with a cross atop it. “Foreigners?”
Jiang Ningxue released her hand from his waist and grabbed the shotgun. “Are they really foreigners?”
Sima Tai became more relaxed. “It’s a half-foreigner. He seems decent. He has quite a few guns—let’s see if we can get one each!” With that, he started running fast, the door creaking open. “Xiao Jin, open the door! Open it! Business is here!”
Liu Yu took this opportunity to make some arrangements. “You all stay outside. Ningxue, take two people with me inside. We don’t need many people for this. Bring in 200 taels of contraband first! Be careful with the rest.”
Although they couldn’t hide their excitement, they followed Liu Yu’s orders. Suddenly, the door opened, and a handsome young man in a priest’s robe appeared before them. “Hallelujah! Good afternoon, Mr. Sima Tai!”
Sima Tai pointed at him. “Lian Jincheng! Another half-foreigner, but he has a kind heart! Liu Yu, he’s one of your boss’s clients!”
“Hallelujah! Mr. Liu Yu! Good afternoon, madam! The boss is inside. Please come in!”
Lian Jincheng was very handsome, dressed in a priest’s robe with an elegant demeanor—truly a typical missionary. Liu Yu couldn’t relate him to an arms dealer at all.
But soon Liu Yu understood that in this country, as long as one had the status of a Catholic, they could do whatever they wanted. With the status of a missionary, one could commit any sin in the world. And an arms dealer, without a status like that of a missionary, would likely die without even a proper burial. Perhaps that was irony!
This small chapel was usually not open, decorated in a distinctly European style. Liu Yu could clearly see the amber-colored stairs and various paintings of saints. Listening to Lian Jincheng’s introduction, he asked, “Do you guys want to buy guns or gunpowder? You’re lucky—our boss just brought in some great goods. Amen!”

In this country, it is extremely difficult to obtain arms. The biggest obstacle is not the corrupt officials but the French. The French clearly do not want to see an armed Vietnam or a militarily strong army; they strictly prohibit any arms from entering Vietnam, and the customs under their control serve as the best tool for enforcing this arms embargo. As a result, the equipment of any army in this land is far behind its time. One statistic is worth noting: the most combat-effective army in northern Vietnam, the famous Black Flag Army, had 3,000 members at the start of the Sino-French War, yet their weapons were not much different from those used by the Liu Army. The only exception was that they possessed 200 American-made rear-loading rifles, which served as their main firepower and caused significant damage to the French. However, the arms embargo inevitably gave rise to arms dealers—typical nouveau riches who pursued only profit and were willing to do anything dangerous. “I am Deng Cunyu. It’s an honor to meet you all!” Deng Cunyu was not like the missionaries in Liancheng City. He had a round face and a cheerful appearance, resembling a local wealthy peasant. “If you support my business, you’re showing respect to me, Deng. Go ahead! Tell me what you want—I have everything, and I guarantee fair prices!” Liu Yu did not dare underestimate this seemingly kind-looking Deng Cunyu. On the way here, Sima Tai had already warned him that this man was extremely cunning. Not to mention his current appearance, he could recite the entire Bible backward, including the English version. He not only spoke English but also French and Spanish. As for his identity, it was almost legendary. He was a fifth-rank official in Vietnam, ran a recruitment agency in Guangxi, had received a blue feather medal, and even held the title of deputy general. Yet he was also a loyal French citizen. When Li Weiyeh captured Hanoi, he played a significant role. Moreover, he had a Spanish passport, and the British consul in Hong Kong recognized him as a loyal subject of His Majesty the King of Britain. He had even sworn loyalty to the Tsar and was a devout Catholic missionary. In Vietnam, he was highly influential, with connections to both the governor of Haiyang and the palace in Hue. The Black Flag Army and the Yellow Flag Army were sworn enemies, but he had friends on both sides. With such a series of identities, not even Vietnamese officials or the French consul in Haiphong dared to trouble him. As long as Deng Cunyu did not go too far and endanger French interests, and continued to pay tribute on time, they could turn a blind eye. Deng Cunyu also knew well what France’s limits were, so the number of firearms that flowed through him was limited, and they were all second-rate goods sourced from Hong Kong. After exchanging polite words, he reverted to his usual self and asked Lian Jincheng to serve the guests. “Jincheng, bring out all the newly arrived goods!” Lian Jincheng quickly placed several long guns and two short guns on the table. “Amen! Please choose carefully what you like!” As for Deng Cunyu himself, he simply sat on the sofa with his eyes half-closed and legs crossed, his gaze filled with disdain.

He had seen a lot of the world; with kids like this, he could handle a pair with just one hand.
Liu Yu stood up.
“I have money; I want something better!”