Jinmen Runs Deep

The rapid clacking of wooden clappers and the crash of gongs and drums tore through the morning mist.

Near the rear lane of Houjia Alley, flames roared high, visible from several streets away.

This establishment was a three-courtyard compound. Though its grounds were not small, too many things had been piled in after its renovation. The front courtyard had been fitted with a shed and turned into a gambling den, the small rooms in the middle courtyard were packed with flammable materials, and the rear courtyard was even more cramped.

Because it was near the wharf and always crowded inside, small flames were usually doused with a splash of water.

But after Li Yan went on a killing spree, the frightened clients and prostitutes fled in all directions, while the lackeys and enforcers suffered heavy casualties and had no time to deal with the fire. The flames grew fiercer, soon swallowing Cui Xi Hall whole. One-Eyed Lu Ye's corpse was charred black in the blaze.

Fortunately, this was not the only establishment owned by the business.

Fearing that the fire would spread to them, the other establishments sent people to put it out.

Of course, the chaos went far beyond that.

Some clever prostitutes in Cui Xi Hall secretly stuffed the establishment's banknotes into their bosoms. The gamblers who had lost their entire fortunes took advantage of the disorder to rob, fighting the enforcers from the other establishments with weapons. Others used the opportunity to stab their enemies in the back...

In places of wine, women, song, and pleasure, the desires of the human heart were magnified without limit.

Outsiders saw only the lanterns and red wine, never knowing how treacherous the hearts within truly were.

The blaze ignited the chaos along with it.

But Jinmen was a prosperous place,