The Cao Gang's docks were as bustling as ever.
Li Zhong looked relaxed, walking at an unhurried pace.
Yang Ling followed half a step behind him, looking very much like a younger family member taking an old man from the household out for a stroll.
"Constable Yang, do you know how deep the Cao Gang's foundations run?"
"The Cao Gang's foundations? All I know is that the Cao Gang is an indispensable part of our Zhao State."
"When we went to Water Qilin Cave back then, we all traveled aboard the Cao Gang's ships."
"Indeed, that is how important the Cao Gang is. But it isn't a unified gang, not the sort of organization a sect is.
"It was formed by bringing together countless small factions. In terms of foundations, the Cao Gang alone might rival a First-rate Sect."
"Its foundations run deeper than even our Iron Clothes Department's, and its importance far exceeds even the Six Ministries of our Zhao State's court."
As Li Zhong said this, the emotion in his eyes deepened.
Yang Ling paused slightly. He had guessed that the Cao Gang had substantial foundations.
The rate at which it made money might even surpass the Mine Gang and Medicine Gang.
When they went to Water Qilin Cave, a Sixth Rank Cao Gang steward named Cao Junxiong had traded 150 Peiyuan Pills for the Martial Skill Seven Inch Sword, which the Fourth Prince, Zhao Zheng, had bestowed upon him.
Even then, he had guessed that the Cao Gang was immensely wealthy.
But how could its foundations run deeper than those of the court's Six Ministries?
"Of the silver the Cao Gang generates each year, a portion goes into the Zhao State's treasury and is distributed among the prefectures to keep them running."
"A portion goes to His