Moyun Prefecture.
Ping'an Alley.
A courtyard blazed with lamplight. More than a dozen Chai Gang members crowded around a table, gulping wine and devouring meat, their racket filling the night.
Halfway through the feast, Lin San Gou, seated at the head of the table, suddenly set down his cup and clapped his hands. Once he had everyone's attention, he reached beneath his knee and pulled out a cloth sack.
He grinned and said cheerfully:
"Thanks for backing me this month, brothers. The taxes from the territory under my charge have been more than enough, and the gang leader's very pleased."
"If the gang leader's pleased, I'm pleased. And of course, I won't let my brothers go unrewarded."
He pulled out the little packets he'd prepared beforehand and tossed one to everyone present:
"I won't say much more. It's all in the wine, and it's all in the money. Stick with me, and you'll eat and drink well, have money to spend, and women to sleep with..."
After delivering his usual speech, Lin San Gou raised his cup:
"Brothers, I'll drink first!"
With that, he downed his wine in one go.
"Brother Dog, you're a real stand-up guy. I've got nothing more to say—this life of mine is yours!"
"Following Brother Dog sure beats anything! That little wench from Riches Alley used to refuse to even look me in the eye. This time, I had my way with her for three whole days, until she finally gave in. Now I can just slap my backside, and she knows exactly what to do."
The men took their money, overjoyed, and immediately swore their loyalty to Lin San Gou, practically eager to lick his boots.
Though he knew the gang members were only flattering him for the money and had little genuine loyalty,