The summer rain poured relentlessly, the sound of it splashing loudly against the ground. Occasionally, a carriage sped past, scattering water in all directions as hurried pedestrians scurried along the streets. From afar, a shop at the corner had several oil lamps lit. Though the light wasn't particularly bright, the thoughtful arrangement gave it a warm and inviting ambiance, especially in the dim, rainy weather. Anyone passing by would find it hard to resist the urge to step inside and sit for a while.
The rain hung like a curtain, separating the scene from the rest of the world. Inside the shop, a man and a woman were conversing, with a servant standing quietly behind the man. Their conversation was muffled by the rain, rendering it inaudible. At one point, the refined-looking woman shook her head apologetically and bowed. The conversation didn't immediately end but eventually concluded after a while. The gentleman, dressed in a dark blue robe, nodded politely, bade farewell to the woman, and opened his umbrella. Accompanied by his scarred servant, he stepped into the rain.
He didn't look back as the shop's warm glow disappeared behind them. Surrounded by the deafening rain, he turned a corner and finally spoke, "To Haiqing District."
The evening downpour showed no sign of letting up. Haiqing District wasn't far. In earlier years, the area had been a bustling dock for merchant ships, teeming with trade and activity. However, after the construction of a new dock elsewhere, this place fell into disuse. Nowadays, it was a messy, chaotic part of Jiangning City, known for its crime and disorder. Fights and stabbings occurred almost daily, and families would sternly warn their children to stay away.
Despite its rough reputation, Haiqing District was lively in its own way. It was a haven for lower-class merchants, wandering entertainers, impoverished foreign traders, broke scholars, wandering prostitutes, and gang members. When Gu Yanzhen and Lao Liu arrived, the low-lying streets had already turned into pools of water due to the heavy rain. Yet, the shops and taverns lining the streets were brightly lit. The two walked some distance before stopping in front of the largest tavern in the area. Closing their umbrellas, they stepped inside.
Under the flickering light of oil lamps and torches, the tavern was filled with a diverse crowd. Hardened men of the martial world sat with weapons at their sides, drinking and eating as they loudly discussed various matters. Rogues chatted animatedly with their companions, occasionally teasing women scouting for wealthy patrons. Destitute scholars hunched over their bowls, slurping food noisily. Some diners, visibly on edge, ate with darting eyes, as if expecting trouble at any moment. Others, drunk beyond reason, vomited in corners while children played noisily in the chaos.
Gu Yanzhen's refined demeanor made him stand out in such a rowdy place, drawing several glances the moment he stepped inside. However, Lao Liu's sinister gaze, coupled with his scarred face, quickly dissuaded anyone from staring too long. A lone and vulnerable target was easy prey, but a companion like Lao Liu suggested caution. They made their way to a table near the back, scattering a group of destitute scholars with a few coins. After the area was cleared, they called for the waiter to clean the table and bring fresh food and drink.
Amid the noisy environment, they sat quietly, waiting. When the food arrived, Gu Yanzhen spoke, "Uncle Liu, have a seat. We'll likely need to wait a while longer." Lao Liu complied but refrained from eating. After some time, Gu Yanzhen asked, "Uncle Liu, is there something on your mind?"
"I'm merely concerned that, with your appointment approaching, such matters may cause unnecessary complications."
"You supported it last time."
"That's because the last time, it was a matter concerning your future."
"To me, Gu Yanzhen, all matters are small matters," Gu Yanzhen said with a smile, looking at Lao Liu. "The only difference lies in whether to act or not. The previous matter wasn't necessarily significant—it was merely about removing an obstacle. This time's matter isn't insignificant either. My return to Jiangning is largely for this, and even if it's not perfect, it must have a resolution."
He paused. "Uncle Liu, among my friends, how many do you think have set foot in Haiqing District?"
"…Very few, I'd imagine."
"Exactly. They're nothing but bookish scholars. They believe writing a few poems makes them cultured and elegant. They fool around with women on boats, discussing lofty ideals, and think they can bring peace to the world. It's laughable. Three years ago, when we traveled to Bianjing, we encountered bandits. Those who had just been talking grandly about saving the world panicked. Only a few managed to keep their composure in front of the bandits. Yet, when a blade fell and blood spilled, they wailed and begged for mercy."
He raised a hand to eye level. "These so-called intellectuals think the truth of the world lies here." He lowered it to the table. "But the real truth lies here. They mock and taunt each other over trifles in their literary pursuits, as if it brings them some great advantage. What's the point? If I plant no crops this year and someone else also suffers a bad harvest, should I rejoice in their misfortune? Does that fill my belly?"
"I've always determined what matters to me and what doesn't. Once I decide, I pursue it at all costs. Even if I can't achieve perfection, I won't let go. Eight parts are good enough if I can't achieve ten. Seven parts will do if I can't achieve eight. If I were to govern as an official, I'd do the same. If a task isn't perfect, should I simply abandon it?"
He tapped the table. "The current state of the world is chaotic and precarious. The foundation of the Wu dynasty hangs by a thread. Scholars babble about peace, but what use are their words? It's like those storytellers on the streets of Bianjing, spinning tales about humiliating the arrogant envoys of Liao. The listeners cheer, but when they actually encounter someone from Liao, they avoid them. Is our dynasty not still humiliated by the Liao today? Those of us who act must be true to our hearts and know what we want…"
He sighed. "In truth, I'm still young and lacking discipline. This time, I returned with too many preconceived notions and desires. I've long known that *** is heartless, but I never expected Yun Zhu to be so worldly, leaving me disappointed. Perhaps in a few years, I'll be less affected by such emotions. But if I walk away now, this matter will linger in my heart, leaving me unsettled."
Closing his eyes briefly, he recalled the humiliation of being slapped in the street and the ridicule of the onlookers. "A man who stoops for a bowl of rice, marrying into a merchant family, then pens a few poems and thinks himself a famed scholar—how absurd. A woman who runs a small business sees herself as noble and unyielding, forgetting her origins. They're all mere common folk. Uncle Liu, in today's world, what counts as a major event? These are trivial matters, easily handled. When I move on to Le Ping and the northern territories, this will be nothing."
As he finished speaking, his gaze shifted to the doorway. Two figures had emerged from the rain and were heading toward them.
Haiqing District, Yingbin Tavern
Amidst the noisy crowd and the dim yellow light, Lao Liu rose from his seat, stepping to Gu Yanzhen's side. Gu Yanzhen's calm and cold demeanor flickered momentarily before he regained his composure. At the entrance, two figures wearing straw raincoats stepped in. Their arrival silenced the chatter as eyes turned toward them. Many in the tavern recognized the duo. As the waiter approached, the taller of the two loomed over him, making the server seem like a mere child.
The two men were both tall and robust, dressed not in the attire of martial artists but more like fishermen. The leader, towering over two meters, had a well-proportioned and solid physique with a calm gaze. The other man had a face full of coarse features. Slightly shorter than the leader but built like a towering iron wall, his skin was dark, his eyes small and fierce, radiating a menacing aura. Such individuals were the kind most avoided in the martial world. Even Lao Liu, who followed Gu Yanzhen, appeared frail in comparison.
Their eyes swept across the restaurant. The leader brushed aside the waiter and headed toward Gu Yanzhen and Lao Liu. Most people ignored them, except for a few martial artists who seemed to be outsiders, chatting loudly at the entrance. When they turned to look at the two men, the iron-tower-like figure stopped, glaring at them. The martial artists, unwilling to show weakness, met their gaze for a moment but ultimately looked away.
The iron-tower figure followed the taller man. Soon after, he seemed to notice something in the restaurant. Nudging the taller man, he gestured to the side and whispered a few words. The taller man nodded, and the iron-tower man strode in that direction, while the leader approached Gu Yanzhen, flashing a hearty smile and clapping him on the shoulder.
"Young Master Gu, it's been a while."
His voice was steady but low, ensuring no one nearby overheard. The slap on the shoulder made Gu Yanzhen sway slightly. Gritting his teeth, he steadied himself and replied nonchalantly, "I have a task for you."
"What kind of task?"
"Similar to the last time."
"An assassin showed up recently, so the atmosphere has been tense."
"It'll be cleared up by tomorrow."
"Haha, that's why they call you a young master."
The burly man sat down, his massive frame dwarfing Gu Yanzhen. He chuckled, scanning the surroundings. Gu Yanzhen also glanced around and saw a man on one side of the restaurant suddenly push back his chair and bolt. The iron-tower man took a few steps, grabbed a chair, and smashed it over the fleeing man's head, knocking him to the ground.
"Run?" The second blow came down with a crash, breaking the chair. "Old Huang! Not repaying your debt isn't right!"
"Excuse the scene. My brother is settling accounts," the burly man said, raising a wine cup and taking a sip.
"Since when did you and your brother start lending money?"
"Is that your business to ask?" Gu Yanzhen had asked with a grin, but the burly man's sharp glance silenced him, leaving him embarrassed. The man patted his shoulder again. "Young master, know your place. Don't ask about things you shouldn't. It's not much money, and I don't really lend money. But if he wasn't planning to repay me, he shouldn't have borrowed in the first place."
At this moment, Lao Liu lightly tapped Gu Yanzhen's shoulder, signaling him to look toward one side of the restaurant. Outside, two constables were passing by and noticed the commotion inside.
"I'll head upstairs," Gu Yanzhen said, only moving toward the stairs after the burly man nodded. Reaching the top, he stopped and turned back.
Below, the sound of beating and shouting continued. The man being beaten pleaded for mercy and tried to escape. Such scenes were common in Haifang District. The two constables watched from the doorway for a while, seemingly reluctant to intervene. But when the man being beaten began vomiting blood, the leading constable stepped forward. "Stop it! Yang Heng, do you want to kill him?"
The two constables were a head shorter than the iron-tower man, and together they might barely match his size. However, their status as law enforcers warranted some respect. The battered man crawled to the constables, spitting blood as he spoke, "Second Master Yang, I'll repay, I promise! I've joined the Iron River Gang. Our leader is Master Tan. Please, for his sake, give me two more days. I'll repay you!"
"Master Tan? My brother and I don't belong to any gangs, but even your leader would show us respect. Dropping his name... does it mean anything?"
As he spoke, he grabbed another chair and smashed it over the man. He was about to continue when the younger constable suddenly stepped forward, half-drawing his saber. "Stop this!"
Before he could fully unsheathe it, the older constable restrained him. The towering man, Yang Heng, halted his actions, chuckling coldly. "Chief Zheng, is this junior of yours new to the force?"
The older constable glared at him. "If you keep beating him, he'll die!"
"Hmph." Injuring or crippling someone was one thing, but killing someone outright was another matter entirely. Yang Heng sneered and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, I'll give you face today, Chief Zheng. Consider it settled—he owes me money, and I'm in the right. Now I won't pursue it further. But keep an eye on this rookie of yours. Drawing a blade so easily… what if he scares someone to death?"
He tapped the younger constable on the forehead silently. Behind him, the severely injured man gasped out, "I'll repay you, I will..." Yang Heng crouched down, staring at him. "Forget it. Consider the debt your medical expenses. But remember, there are two types of people in this world: punks and desperados. You're a punk. If you want to cheat people, stick to your own kind. Don't mess with us."
With that, he turned and walked toward the taller man.
The younger constable's face flushed red, and the older one dragged him outside. In the rain, after pulling him a few steps away, the younger constable asked, "Who are those men?"
The older constable's face darkened. "Yang Yi and Yang Heng, the Yang brothers. Don't provoke them!"
"Why are they allowed to act so brazenly?"
"Those two are true desperados..." The older constable took a deep breath. "But they don't stir up big trouble. The gangs in Haifang District don't dare cross them. Years ago, Yang Yi stormed into the Iron Sand Gang alone, dragging one of their leaders' intestines through the streets. Covered in blood, he's a real killer."
"Have they committed murder?"
"Everyone knows they must have. But fights between gangs are a murky mess. There's no solid evidence, and they don't bother with petty squabbles. That gambler deserved it. Years ago, he gambled away his own daughter. Borrowing money from those brothers was his mistake. Years back, Chief Lei tried to take them down. He caught Yang Yi, but Yang Heng escaped and threatened Lei's family. In the end… they released him. But they did send gifts to Lei's house as thanks. Since then, no one dares provoke them lightly."
The older constable finished with a shake of his head. "If you act, take them both down at once. If you can't, stay out of their way. They're measured in their actions, which makes them truly dangerous. Haifang District is full of punks. Just deal with them and avoid stirring up major issues."
Lightning flashed across the sky as the constables disappeared into the rain. Back in the restaurant, the Yang brothers ascended to the second floor and entered a private room, where they began discussing business with Gu Yanzhen.
In the ancient city of Jiangning, the rain continued unabated...