Chapter 292: Watch How I, the Young Master, Deal With You

Xiao Ningxun was just about to speak when a voice from outside the door called, "Guests, there is someone downstairs."

"Who?" Tuan Tuan, bored by the sound, leapt up from the stool.

"It's Luo Zhenyue, the elder leader of the Bridgehead Gang."

"Grandpa, are you okay?" Tuan Tuan happily rushed toward the door.

Xiao Er hurriedly followed.

From the railing on the second floor, Tuan Tuan looked down and indeed saw Luo Zhenyue and Luo Hongli standing in the middle of the main hall.

"Sister Luo!" Tuan Tuan shouted loudly, waving arms toward them, "Come up quickly!"

Luo Hongli looked up, smiled, and went upstairs together with her father.

Tuan Tuan ran over, looked up and said, "Grandpa! Are you alright now?"

Luo Zhenyue lowered his head and looked at her: "Much better! Little girl, where are your brothers? Grandpa came especially to thank them."

Xiao Er clasped his fists and said, "Elder gang leader, no need for such courtesy."

Luo Zhenyue returned the gesture: "I have not yet thanked this brave man; that day you gave your all for me, and I am endlessly grateful."

They entered the guest room, exchanged a few pleasantries, and the Luo father and daughter sat down.

Upon hearing that Lu Qi and Xiao Er's internal injuries had already healed, both were startled.

Luo Zhenyue sighed, "Truly, the Jianghu produces talent!"

"That day you both used almost all your inner strength to heal me; I felt guilty and have been worried about it ever since. I didn't expect it to be cured in just a few days. I admire you."

Tuan Tuan proudly lifted her chin, "Because of me!"

Xiao Er smiled, "Indeed, thanks to our miss, otherwise Lu brother and I would have needed months to recover."

Luo Zhenyue looked at Tuan Tuan, his gaze deep; having heard his daughter speak of the miracle Tuan Tuan displayed while healing him that day, he had no doubt:

"Little girl, you are not only the lucky star of my Bridgehead Gang, but also the lucky star of your brothers."

Tuan Tuan, a bit embarrassed by his praise, threw herself into Xiao Ningxun's arms.

Xiao Ningxun hugged the younger sister: "Elder gang leader, do you still remember who injured you?"

Luo Zhenyue's smile gradually faded: "That night, around three quarters past midnight, after finishing some trivial matters, I walked alone back to the headquarters. When I reached a secluded riverside path, a murderous intent suddenly appeared."

"The assailant wore black, masked, wielding a narrow-bladed long sword. The moment we clashed, I knew he was a rare formidable foe."

"I, being stationed within Jiangzhou's territory, have martial skills that rank among the best, yet under this man's hand I could barely hold on."

"We tangled for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, and I saw my life about to be taken by the sword."

"Suddenly a clang rang across the river, flames lit up—it was the patrol boat crew, who had stumbled upon a smuggling boat on the river, sounding the bell to warn and surround the thieves."

"The assassin, hearing the commotion, hurried to escape and then released a hidden weapon. I had no time to dodge, only saw a few cold stars, and then knew nothing else."

He sighed, "If that crew of canal workers hadn't accidentally scared him away, he would have taken my life with a single sword thrust."

Lu Qi asked, "Was it a Jianghu vendetta? Did the elder gang leader offend someone?"

Luo Zhenyue pondered for a moment, "I won't hide from you all: a few days before I was attacked, the head of the Qian Family, the richest salt merchant in Jiangzhou, Qian Guangyuan, personally visited the headquarters, proposing cooperation with the Bridgehead Gang."

"He coveted all the bridges and docks in Jiangzhou that the Bridgehead Gang controls, hoping to use our eyes and territory to give timely warnings and convenience when his family transports bulk cargo."

"At first I didn't understand what kind of cargo required such secretive and thorough warning."

"Until he hinted that the profit would make three generations of the Bridgehead Gang live without worry. Then I realized the bulk cargo he meant was likely the Imperial Court's strictly prohibited private salt."

Xiao Ran suddenly stood up, "He dares such audacity? The salt business is my father's…"

"Sit down first and listen to the elder gang leader finish," Xiao Ningxun promptly interrupted him.

Luo Hongli looked at Xiao Ran, "What's wrong with him? Father—what?"

Xiao Ran's words abruptly halted; he slowly sat down and clasped his fists to Luo Zhenyue, "... my apologies."

"No problem, when I first heard it, I was also extremely shocked."

Luo Zhenyue shook his head, "The Bridgehead Gang has stood in Jiangzhou for over a hundred years, relying on sheer strength and Jianghu loyalty. Though not wealthy, we never engage in such treasonous, disastrous, lineage‑ending deeds. I refused on the spot."

"Qian Guangyuan said little at the time, only left with a sour expression. Looking back now," he lifted his head, scanning everyone present, "just a few days after he left, I was slain by a master assassin. How could such coincidence exist in the world?"

Tuan Tuan clenched her tiny fists, "It's that Qian family again! How can they be so wicked!"

Xiao Ningxun stroked her small hand and asked, "Elder gang leader, in your view, how significant is the Qian Family in Jiangzhou?"

Luo Zhenyue leaned back slightly, "The Qian Family is the official salt monopoly. Nearly thirty percent of the Imperial Court's salt imports in Jiangnan are controlled by Qian Guangyuan."

"In Jiangzhou, you may not know the prefect's surname, but you cannot ignore the Qian Family. When they stamp their foot, the rice price and freight rates in Jiangzhou tremble."

"By the way, what a coincidence. In three days, Jiangzhou's annual Canal Transport Spring Gathering will commence."

"Prominent local officials and salt merchants will attend, and Qian Guangyuan will surely be the most dazzling. Every year he uses this chance to mingle with the powerful, suppress rivals, and revel in his success."

Luo Hongli looked at Xiao Ran, several times trying to speak but stopping; Xiao Ran avoided her gaze, and the two said nothing to each other.

Xiao Ningxun nodded, the group made a few more idle chitchats, and after the Luo father and daughter thanked them again, they left the inn.

As soon as they left, Xiao Ran solemnly said, "This matter is of great importance; we cannot let the Qian Family remain."

Xiao Ningxun thought for a moment, "The arrowhead incident hasn't been fully investigated; you can't appear directly."

"Therefore, write a letter immediately, seal it with your private seal, detail the Qian Family's affairs, and order the Canal Transport Governor to come to Jiangzhou Prefecture at once."

"Xiao Er, ride swiftly and deliver the letter personally to Ning'an Prefecture, into the hands of Canal Transport Governor Han Chengzong, and bring it back with him to see the Ninth Prince."

"Yes!"

Xiao Ran understood, "You mean have the Canal Transport Governor handle the Qian Family?"

Xiao Ningxun nodded, "Exactly. The illicit salt affects his official record; it's his most detested matter. Therefore, he will certainly intervene."

"Good! Isn't the Canal Transport Spring Gathering in three days? Once we arrange it, on that day we will uproot the Qian Family completely!"

Xiao Ran ruffled the stray hair on Tuan Tuan's head and said, "Xiao San, no wonder Tuan Tuan gave you a fox mask that day; you really have many tricks!"

Tuan Tuan gave him a sidelong glance, "Of course, Third Brother is clever! Why aren't you writing the letter yet? Uncle Xiao Er is waiting!"

Xiao Ran snorted, "I'll go right now! Hmph, salt merchant tycoon, see how I, the young master, will deal with you!"