Shaking Yanggu County!

In a county town with a population of only a little over a hundred thousand, news traveled incredibly fast. By the second day after Jiang Che caused a scene at the Cao Gang's West City pier, almost everyone of importance had heard about it.

Moreover, the story was getting more and more exaggerated.

There were already signs of rumors spreading and evolving.

After all, the identities of both parties involved in the conflict were not simple.

What kind of existence was the Cao Gang?

They were Yanggu County's largest gang, firmly holding the top spot in the West City, and were even expanding their influence into other districts. Their river transport operations had already extended beyond Yanggu County, gaining considerable fame in several surrounding counties.

Established for over a decade, few dared to provoke them.

Even officials, unless they were the county magistrate or the County Lieutenant, were hesitant to openly oppose the Cao Gang. Their intricate web of interests made them a deeply sensitive matter.

Some people even created nursery rhymes: "Cao Gang, Cao Gang, ruling the Linjiang!"

Their power was evident.

The other party was no less significant.

As Yanggu County's youngest deputy commander, his legendary experiences were also admirable. In just a few short months, he went from a young man who made a living fishing and selling fish on the Qinglin River, transitioning from civilian to official, and kneeling Deng Yan with a single punch.

He was also the favored subordinate of the newly appointed County Lieutenant.

It was hard not to speculate deeply about the clash between these two forces.

Especially since Jiang Che had acted so ruthlessly. Not only did he cause a disturbance and seize a boatload of Cao Gang cargo, but he also directly severed the arm of Wang Chengen, the brother-in-law of Yu Zongping, the Hall Master of Blackwater Hall, and brought him back to the West City Martial Camp.

A few hours later, Wang Chengen had walked in and was carried out.

Bit his tongue and committed suicide?!

Who could believe such a conclusion?

It could be said that Jiang Che's disruption of the Cao Gang had caused his own fame to skyrocket. Many factions were speculating about Zhu Sheng's motives for allowing this, wondering if he was planning to move against the Cao Gang.

If that were the case, how would Zhao Mingcheng, the county magistrate, respond?

Was another subtle confrontation about to begin?!

Some people were excited, some were fearful, and some were preparing to watch from the sidelines with a cold eye.

"I can suppress him for a while, but can I suppress him for a lifetime?"

"When your father loses power, and when he rises, do you know how he will act then?"

"He will repay today's humiliation a hundredfold, a thousandfold!"

"Jiang Che's character is respectable and not to be insulted. Gou Buyi, Wu Changfeng, and those Auxiliary Soldiers who joined forces against Jiang Che – he has eliminated them all.

He even made an mortal enemy of Gou Buren. Such a person is good at enduring, but the longer he endures, the stronger the repressed hatred becomes. Your father can indeed suppress him now.

But have you ever thought about the future?"

"I want you to marry him, to win him over, to recognize his potential, not to force him. Think about it carefully. Until you understand, do not contact him for now."

Several days later, when Zhu Qingqing saw Jiang Che again, her father's words from that day still echoed in her ears. Because of this, she hadn't proactively sought him out.

However, as one of Zhu Sheng's trusted subordinates and his beloved daughter, they were bound to interact. Just like this time, Zhu Qingqing was about to say something but forcefully held back the words on her lips.

She had heard about what Jiang Che had done yesterday. His methods were ruthless, arrogant, and unrestrained, completely different from the polite demeanor he usually displayed. This gradually made her agree with her father's assessment of Jiang Che.

"Miss Zhu."

Jiang Che and Zhu Qingqing met face-to-face. Jiang Che smiled faintly and nodded slightly.

"Commander Jiang."

Zhu Qingqing replied.

After speaking, Zhu Qingqing stopped, but Jiang Che quickly brushed past her, as if it were merely a polite greeting. She looked back at his rapidly receding figure.

Zhu Qingqing felt a mix of emotions.

She was actually still a little unwilling regarding Jiang Che, because he was the only man who had refused her and saved her in so many years. She had initially thought Jiang Che could be worthy of her.

But it seemed she had misjudged. Jiang Che simply didn't want to associate with her.

She also understood implicitly.

The first time she met Jiang Che, she had spoken disparagingly and mockingly, likely leaving a very bad impression on him. But she hadn't known beforehand that Jiang Che was actually quite outstanding.

For some reason, Zhu Qingqing felt a sense of inexplicable loss.

Inside the Zhu Manor.

All the powerful figures loyal to Zhu Sheng were present. Gou Buren, Liu Zhi, and others had already arrived. Jiang Che was the last to arrive, besides Zhu Sheng. As soon as he entered, he greeted Liu Zhi.

Gou Buren, unsurprised, was drinking tea by himself, appearing harmless.

However, Jiang Che had been keeping a close eye on him, knowing that Gou Buren had also swiftly dealt with several troublemakers in just a few days and had now taken control of the South City Martial Camp and the Yanggu County Armament Camp.

His methods and strength were equally impressive.

As for his cultivation realm, Jiang Che had also consulted Liu Zhi. Both of them were in the Bone Forging Realm, with the difference being that Liu Zhi had just entered it, while Gou Buren had been immersed in it for a long time.

Soon, Zhu Sheng made his grand entrance.

The three of them stood up and bowed simultaneously, showing their respect.

Zhu Sheng waved his hand, telling them to dispense with the formalities, and then sat directly in the main seat. He said, "It's been a few days since I took office here, and all of you have done well. You haven't disgraced the reputation of the Wind Camp, nor have you disappointed me. Very good." Zhu Sheng rubbed his teacup with the lid, a smile never leaving his face.

"It's all under your wise command, sir. Your subordinates dare not take credit."

Gou Buren spoke first, adopting a very humble posture.

Jiang Che and Liu Zhi followed suit with their compliments.

"I am not someone who seeks excessive praise. You've done well, so there's no need for false modesty." Zhu Sheng waved his hand. It was impossible to tell if he was happy, but he certainly didn't appear gloomy.

"You've all heard about what Jiang Che did, haven't you? What do you think?" Zhu Sheng's gaze shifted to Liu Zhi and Gou Buren.

"Your subordinate has no objections," Liu Zhi replied immediately.

"Your subordinate not only has no objections but actually feels that Deputy Commander Jiang did an excellent job. When you first take office, sir, you must make a statement. The matter of the previous ambush absolutely cannot be let go lightly; it concerns your dignity." Gou Buren said with a solemn expression, then continued, "As for the bandit suppression, your subordinate is also overseeing it. The old and weak in the Armament Camp have all been dismissed, and we are accelerating troop training. We will make Crouching Tiger Mountain pay a bloody price."

"Buren, I am very confident in your work. I called you all here today to discuss how we can establish ourselves in Yanggu County. In short, if I can have the meat, you will absolutely not even get the bones. But there is one prerequisite: you must cooperate sincerely and not engage in infighting privately, lest you give others an opportunity."

Zhu Sheng admonished them, gazing at the three.

He used Liu Zhi to balance the unstable Gou Buren, and he used Gou Buren to keep the newly promoted Jiang Che in check. As for infighting, he was happy to see it, as long as it didn't happen openly and didn't affect his plans.

"Your subordinate understands."

"Your subordinate understands."

The three said in unison.

"Yes, and within each city…"

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