In a county town with barely over a hundred thousand residents, news traveled very quickly. Jiang Che's upheaval at the Cao Gang's West City Dock had happened that day, and by the next, nearly every person of standing had heard of it.
What was more, the tale grew more outrageous with every retelling.
It was already showing signs of spreading from mouth to mouth.
After all, neither side in the conflict was ordinary.
What kind of presence was the Cao Gang?
It was Yanggu County's foremost gang, firmly seated as the dominant force of West City and still expanding its influence into the other districts. Its water transport business had even extended beyond Yanggu County, earning some renown in several neighboring counties.
It had stood tall for over a decade, with few daring to provoke it.
Even officials dared not openly oppose the Cao Gang unless they were the county magistrate or county commandant, the two great powers. Their web of interests was something people deeply feared to touch.
Someone had even made up a nursery rhyme: "Cao Gang, Cao Gang, ruling the Qinglin River!"
Its might was plain to see.
The other side was no simple matter either.
As Yanggu County's youngest deputy commander, Jiang Che's legendary rise was equally admirable. In barely a few weeks, he had gone from a lowly youth making a living by fishing and selling fish on the Qinglin River to an official, knocking Deng Yan to his knees with a single punch.
He was also the new county commandant's most favored man.
A clash between these two forces made it hard for people not to read deeply into it.
Especially since Jiang Che had acted so ruthlessly. Not only had he caused a huge disturbance and detained a shipload of Cao Gang goods, he had directly severed one of Wang Chengen's arms. Wang Chengen was the brother-in-law of Yu Zongping, master of Blackwater Hall. Jiang Che then brought him back to the West City Martial Camp.
Several hours later, Wang Chengen had entered standing and left lying down.
He had bitten off his tongue and killed himself?!
Who could believe such a conclusion?
It could be said that after Jiang Che's rampage through the Cao Gang, his fame had soared. Many forces were speculating over Zhu Sheng's purpose in doing this. Was he planning to move against the Cao Gang?
If so, how would Zhao Mingcheng, the county magistrate, respond?
Was another covert confrontation about to begin?!
Some anticipated it, some feared it, and some prepared to watch coldly from the sidelines.
"Can I suppress him for a time? Can I suppress him for a lifetime?"
"When your father loses power and he rises to power, do you know what he will do then?"
"He will repay today's humiliation upon you a hundredfold, a thousandfold!"
"Jiang Che's temperament demands respect and brooks no insult. Gou Buyi, Wu Changfeng, and that auxiliary soldier who joined hands against Jiang Che—every one of those who offended him was slaughtered by him.
"He even did not hesitate to forge a mortal enmity with Gou Buren. Such a man is skilled at enduring in silence, but the longer he endures, the stronger the hatred he suppresses becomes. Your father can indeed keep him down now.
"But have you ever considered what comes later?"
"I wanted you to marry him to win him over because I thought highly of him, not to force him. Go back and think it over carefully. Until you have thought it through, do not approach him for the time being."
Several days had passed since Zhu Qingqing last saw Jiang Che, yet her father's words of rebuke still echoed endlessly in her ears. For that reason, she had not taken the initiative to seek him out again.
Yet one was Zhu Sheng's trusted subordinate, while the other was Zhu Sheng's beloved daughter. They were bound to encounter each other. Just like this time, Zhu Qingqing had just wanted to say something, only to forcibly swallow the words at her lips.
She had heard about what Jiang Che did yesterday. He had been ruthless, arrogant, and utterly unrestrained, completely unlike the courteous and refined manner he usually displayed. It gradually made her agree with her father's assessment of Jiang Che.
"Miss Zhu."
Jiang Che stood facing Zhu Qingqing, a faint smile on his face as he gave a slight nod.
"Commander Jiang."
Zhu Qingqing replied.
After speaking, Zhu Qingqing stopped in place, while Jiang Che swiftly brushed past her shoulder. It seemed to have been nothing more than a polite greeting. Watching his rapidly departing back, Zhu Qingqing felt a jumble of emotions.
She was actually still somewhat unwilling to accept things with Jiang Che. He was the only man in all these years who had rejected her, and he had even saved her. She had originally thought Jiang Che could be worthy of her.
But it seemed she had been mistaken. Jiang Che simply had no desire to spend time with her.
Deep down, she vaguely understood why.
The first time she met Jiang Che, she had belittled and mocked him. Her impression in his mind was probably terrible. But she had not known beforehand that Jiang Che was actually rather outstanding.
For some reason, Zhu Qingqing felt an inexplicable sense of loss.
The inner hall of Zhu Manor.
All of Zhu Sheng's key powerholders were gathered there. Gou Buren, Liu Zhi, and the others had arrived long ago. Jiang Che was the last to arrive aside from Zhu Sheng himself. The moment he entered, he greeted Liu Zhi.
Gou Buren, meanwhile, showed no surprise. He simply drank his tea, looking harmless to man and beast.
But in truth, Jiang Che had been keeping his eye on him. He knew that within just a few days, Gou Buren had acted with thunderous speed to deal with several troublemakers. He now controlled both the South City Martial Camp and the Yanggu County Armament Camp.
His methods and strength were equally formidable.
As for his realm, Jiang Che had once asked Liu Zhi about it. Both men were in the Bone Forging Realm. The difference was that Liu Zhi had only recently entered it, while Gou Buren had been immersed in it for a long time.
Before long, Zhu Sheng made his final entrance.
The three men rose at once and saluted, showing their respect.
Zhu Sheng waved a hand, telling them to dispense with formalities. He then sat directly in the seat of honor and said,
"You have been here for several days now, and all of you have done well. You have not tarnished the name of my Wind Camp, nor have you disappointed me. Very good." Zhu Sheng rubbed the lid of his teacup against its rim, the smile on his face unchanged.
"It is all due to Your Excellency's wise command. This subordinate dares not claim any credit."
Gou Buren was the first to speak, adopting an exceedingly humble posture.
Jiang Che and Liu Zhi promptly followed with their own flattering words.
"I am not one to crave glory. Since you have done well, there is no need to be modest." Zhu Sheng waved his hand. He did not appear delighted, but he was certainly not gloomy either.
"You have likely all heard about what Jiang Che did. What do you think?" Zhu Sheng turned his gaze toward Liu Zhi and Gou Buren.
"This subordinate has no objections."
Liu Zhi immediately replied.
"Not only does this subordinate have no objections, I believe Deputy Commander Jiang handled it very well. Since Your Excellency has only just taken office, you must show your stance. The matter of the previous ambush absolutely cannot be allowed to pass lightly. It concerns Your Excellency's dignity."
Gou Buren wore a grave expression as he continued,
"As for the bandit suppression, this subordinate has also been overseeing it. Those old, weak soldiers at the Armament Camp have already been dismissed, and training is being intensified. We must make Crouching Tiger Mountain pay in blood."
"When you handle matters, Buren, I am quite at ease. I called you here today to discuss how we should gain a foothold in Yanggu County. In short—
"If I can eat meat, then you will never be left gnawing bones. But there is one condition. You must cooperate with one heart and one purpose. Do not fight among yourselves in private, lest you give others an opening."
Zhu Sheng gazed at the three men as he warned them.
He used Liu Zhi to restrain the unstable-minded Gou Buren, and Gou Buren to restrain the newly promoted Jiang Che. As for internal strife, he was happy to see it, so long as it did not come into the open or affect his plans.
"This subordinate understands."
"This subordinate understands."
They answered in unison.
"Mm. Also, within the various districts—"
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