"Buying a life?"
Xu Jin leaned back in his chair.
"Explain it to me."
"What do you mean by buying a life?"
Cao Wanchun straightened up, utterly devoid of any joking intent. "In reply to my lord, I am buying the lives of Cao's entire family."
"The Remnant Stone was stolen from Cao's hands; the route was leaked from the guild."
"Withered-Bone Guardian died at your hands. Once Red-Browed Old Monster emerged from seclusion, you would be the first person he sought, and Cao would be the second."
"The eye within the guild has yet to be dug out. These past days, Cao has likely had to sleep with one eye open."
"Now, the only one who can protect the Cao Family is you."
Xu Jin tapped a finger on the table. "Then what about repaying a favor?"
"River-Crossing Flood Dragon." Cao Wanchun's voice sank. "Twenty years ago, he colluded with clerks and petty officials, angering my father into an illness that left him bedridden and brought our family business to ruin. Cao clawed his way up from a mere towboat hauler to the position of vice chairman, yet could never personally slay his enemy—my lord has avenged this debt for the Cao Family."
Turning sideways, he pointed outside. "Ten large chests. Six hold silver, two hold medicinal herbs and silk, one holds deed documents—the guild's thirty percent dry shares are inside, awaiting only my lord's signature."
"The final chest contains the lives of Cao's entire family, all handed over to my lord as well."
"As for the rights to manage canal transport, Cao will not beat around the bush." Cao Wanchun struck while the iron was hot. "From this day forth, the guild's ships, docks, and informants will serve at the Patrol Inspectorate's command. Cao asks only for a