Chapter 232: Washing Hands in a Golden Basin

Tsim Sha Tsui, Nathan Road.

The Shangri-La Hotel was already packed to the point of being impenetrable, yet even so, luxury car after luxury car continued to arrive in an endless stream, looking almost like an international motor show.

Li Wenbin, an Inspector from the Hong Kong Police Force's Anti-Triad Unit, was driving an unmarked car. He said to Chief Superintendent Hu Zhuoren of the Anti-Triad Unit in the passenger seat, "Boss, Sir Chen Jiajun has been in the game for so long, and he's only been the Hongxing Dragon Head for two years. Is he really washing his hands in a golden basin and retiring from the underworld?"

"Washing his hands in a golden basin? Retiring from the underworld? Heh, if you enter the game, you'll have to pay it back sooner or later."

Hu Zhuoren held a White Marlboro between his fingers, shook his head, and sneered.

"Boss, do you mean Dalao Jun can't get out? Can't clear his record?" Li Wenbin looked behind him.

"He is the Big Water Pipe for both Hung Hing and the Dajiajie of the Macau Number Gang; Hung Hing has long since been deeply branded with his mark.

Even if he is no longer in the underworld after tonight, as long as he is willing to raise his arms and call out, tens of thousands of Hung Hing Big Dippers and countless underworld figures would be willing to shed their blood and sacrifice their lives for him."

"Most importantly, he has money."

Hu Zhuoren pointed out the key issue.

"Then why does he still want to wash his hands in a golden basin and retire from the underworld? Isn't this just an unnecessary move?"

Li Wenbin was even more puzzled and asked curiously.

Hu Zhuoren flicked his cigarette ash and said, "What he is retiring from is low-level underworld conflict. After exiting this quagmire, he will naturally move toward a much broader world."

"The scene is so big tonight, can our Anti-Triad Unit round everyone up?" Li Wenbin said with a smile.

"You little punk." Hu Zhuoren slapped him: "Dalao Jun wants to retire from the underworld, so we must ensure he does it smoothly!

If you really invite the people inside to go back and have tea, even Jesus couldn't save you!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a magnificent motorcade slowly pulled up to the Shangri-La Hotel. Hung Hing Elders and uncles—Baohua and Xing Shu—were the first to get out of the cars. The Hong Kong "Charity Opera King" Xin Ma Shizeng, dressed in a Tang suit, stepped out of a Mercedes-Benz Pullman, laughing and chatting with Chen Jiajun.

Chen Jiajun had booked the two largest halls in the Shangri-La Hotel for tonight.

By the time their group walked into the Shangri-La Hotel, there were already forty or fifty tables of guests seated inside. Aside from the Hung Hing Big Dippers, they were all underworld figures, artists, celebrities, businessmen, and legislators who were relatively close to him.

His hand-washing ceremony was naturally extraordinary, so he had invited figures from all walks of life in Hong Kong to come and bear witness.

In fact, he didn't even need to invite them; many big shots wanted to come and bear witness. It even alarmed the Governor. If it weren't for the fact that some people found it inconvenient to show their faces, he probably would have had to book the entire Shangri-La Hotel to seat everyone.

The corridor between the two halls was also filled with chairs, and on the stage against the wall, a golden basin filled with clear water was set up.

Behind it were several plaques, hung in sequence on the stage's background wall.

The plaques were inscribed with "Different from the Vulgar," "Let Bygones Be Bygones," "High Mountains and Noble Conduct," "Promote Good and Punish Evil," and so on—inscriptions that, to Chen Jiajun, were absolutely high-level sarcasm.

Up to this point, Chen Jiajun considered himself to have committed countless evils.

These plaques were all gifts from underworld figures to Chen Jiajun for his hand-washing ceremony tonight.

"Different from the Vulgar" and "Promote Good and Punish Evil" were sent by the Hung Hing Big Dippers. Before he had washed his hands in the golden basin, he was still the Hung Hing Dragon Head, so it was understandable for them to flatter him.

"Let Bygones Be Bygones" was sent by the Dongxing and Wo Luen Shing, meaning that past grievances should be wiped clean.

Some low-ranking Hung Hing brothers were busy serving tea and water, while other young demon slaves with bulging waistbands wandered around the hall to maintain order.

Washing hands in a golden basin signifies a formal retirement from the underworld, and all past grievances in the underworld are wiped clean.

Therefore, if anyone had a deep-seated hatred for Chen Jiajun, they had to resolve it before he washed his hands in the golden basin; otherwise, once those hands were placed into the basin, they could never seek revenge on Chen Jiajun again.

As the hall's grandfather clock struck six, more and more people arrived outside the hotel.

Lei Gong of the Taiwan Sanlian Gang also arrived. He brought Xiao Hei of the Sanlian Gang's Black Panther Hall, Zhongyong Bo, the Hall Master of the Sanlian Gang's Zhongyi Hall, and others, walking quickly toward him: "Sir Chen."

"Boss Lei, it was hard on you to come all the way from Taiwan." Chen Jiajun was slightly surprised.

"I heard that Sir Chen was going to wash your hands in a golden basin, so I immediately had Xiao Hei book a flight.

Damn it, I haven't seen you in a year or two. I didn't expect you to make such a big splash in Hong Kong. Not only did you become a Sir, but you even took down the Hong Kong ICAC. I heard about it over there; you've really boosted the prestige of us Chinese!"

Lei Gong and Chen Jiajun said as they walked inside.

Just after greeting the Sanlian Gang group and having them seated, the Dongxing, Wo Luen Shing, Number Gang, Hung Lok, Hung Tai, Sun Yee On, Wo Hing Shing, and other societies arrived one after another.

And the Dragon Heads and Zha FIT Rens of these societies, regardless of their usual relationship with Hung Hing, and regardless of whether they had deep grudges against Chen Jiajun, were all humble, gentle, and respectful.

Some called out: Sir Chen.

Some addressed him as: Mr. Chen.

Others called out: Dalao Jun.

Before Chen Jiajun washed his hands in the golden basin, they might have relied on their seniority, relied on the fact that they were all underworld figures, or perhaps they were unconvinced or had other emotions, unwilling to acknowledge the achievements Chen Jiajun had made.

Now that Chen Jiajun was retiring from the underworld, his identity was only that of the Chairman of the Tesla Group, Guojun Garment Factory, and Guojun Group, the School Manager of Guojun Academy, the behind-the-scenes controller of the Zhongba Group and Bar Group, and the Sir Chen praised by everyone in Hong Kong.

Such a Big Boss, even if he just scraped a little from his fingernails, would be enough for these underworld gangs to eat, drink, and have fun.

How could they dare not be humble, gentle, and respectful?

At this moment, a distant and ethereal sound of a chime rang out. Xing Shu, the retired Hung Hing Elder, walked onto the stage holding a small bronze chime: "The auspicious time has arrived. Will all the guests please take your seats."

The big brothers of the prominent underworld societies took their seats in the chairs arranged in advance in the middle of the corridor.

According to the rules, the Hung Hing uncles should have come up to say a few words first, talking about Chen Jiajun's contributions and faults over the years to Hung Hing.

However, who in Hung Hing would dare to judge Sir Chen's merits and faults now? Therefore, this process was omitted.

After Xing Shu finished speaking, Chen Jiajun walked onto the stage, looked at the crowd below, and said:

"Today is the day I, Chen Jiajun, wash my hands in the golden basin. Before I do, I would like to announce a few important pieces of news.

First, to retire, one must retire cleanly. Hung Hing Second Route Marshal Dumu, Central Zha FIT Ren Lao Yu, and Macau Zha FIT Ren Lao E, step forward."

A muscle tank over two meters and three centimeters tall, along with three other burly men over one meter and ninety centimeters tall, carrying an aura of bloodlust, walked to the front of the stage and shouted in unison:

"Dalao!"

Chen Jiajun nodded: "After I wash my hands in the golden basin, I should resign from the position of Hung Hing Dragon Head. Today, I am reorganizing Hung Hing into a three-Headman system.

From now on, Hung Hing is handed over to the three of you. You three will all be Headmen. I hope you will live up to the expectations of the 120,000 Hung Hing brothers, abide by the law, and carry Hung Hing forward."

"Yes."

The three shouted in unison.

The crowd below suddenly became restless.

Before they could react, even more shocking news arrived.

Chen Jiajun immediately shouted: "Chai Wan Zha FIT Ren 【Shanjie】 Zhao Shanhe, Causeway Bay Zha FIT Ren 【Good Fighter】 Yang Tian, Kowloon Zha FIT Ren 【Xiyan】 Han Chen, Kwai Tsing Zha FIT Ren 【Binni Zai】 Han Bin, Portland Street Zha FIT Ren 【Shisimei】 Cui Xiaoxiao, Yuen Long Zha FIT Ren Ya Qi... step forward."

The Zha FIT Ren of each Hung Hing district stepped forward in turn, knelt on one knee, and shouted in unison:

"Ada."

Chen Jiajun nodded and said: "Today, I am reorganizing the Hung Hing fifteen-district Zha FIT Ren system into a branch-leader system.

Each district's branch leader will be elected every three years and may serve one consecutive term; each district's branch leader is eligible to run for Hung Hing Headman.

Those with voting rights are the current and former branch leaders of each district. Those eligible to run for district branch leader are Red Poles, Straw Sandals, and White Paper Fans; candidates must not engage in infighting. Does anyone have any objections?"

"We respectfully follow the Dragon Head's teachings." The Zha FIT Ren of the fifteen Hung Hing districts shouted in unison.

"Wow."

A wave of commotion broke out in the audience again.

For Hung Hing, a society with a hereditary system, to make such a change was clearly intended to revitalize each district and give the brothers below more hope.

It is imaginable that after the reorganization, Hung Hing will be more vibrant.

"The three Headmen and all Hung Hing branch leaders, return to your positions."

After announcing this major resolution, Chen Jiajun waved his hand.

After the audience quieted down, Xing Shu shouted: "The golden basin washes away grievances, the smoke clears and the clouds disperse, never looking back; from now on, the underworld is not my land, I shall roam free like a wild crane."

Chen Jiajun said loudly: "If anyone present here still holds a grudge against me, you may speak up now. Otherwise, once my hands enter the water, past grievances will be dissolved."

When people in the underworld wash their hands in a golden basin, they must not only invite friends to witness the ceremony but also their enemies.

The Hung Hing Big Dippers stood up one after another, looking around with tiger-like vigilance.

Xing Shu also shouted with full vigor: "Everyone, I will count to ten. After ten counts, all grievances will be cleared.

One, two, three..."

Xing Shu did not count quickly; it took about seven or eight seconds to call out each number.

And with his voice, the crowd remained solemn and silent.

Who would dare to seek revenge? If someone were to actually stand up, wouldn't they just be looking for trouble?

"Nine."

After Xing Shu called out the last number, Chen Jiajun slowly stepped forward, placed both hands into the clear water, and then let out a heavy breath.

The sound of a chime rang out, and Xing Shu spoke: "The golden basin washes away the underworld spirit, from now on only the name of loyalty and righteousness remains; Hung Hing Dragon Head Chen Jiajun, golden basin hand-washing ceremony complete!"

Chen Jiajun took his hands out of the basin, and Xin Ma Shizeng took a white towel to dry them for him. From this moment on, he and the Hong Kong underworld, at least on the surface, had no more entanglements.

When the golden basin hand-washing ceremony is completed, one must invite a highly respected senior to wipe their hands, which also serves as a form of notarization.

Since the ceremony was over, the rest was merely Chen Jiajun leading the Hung Hing branch leaders and Headmen to toast in turn.

Listening to the clinking of glasses inside the Shangri-La Hotel, Anti-Triad Unit Inspector Li Wenbin was still puzzled: "Boss, why do we have to ensure that Sir Chen's golden basin hand-washing ceremony goes smoothly?"

"A Bin, I joined the force at nineteen, and I am fifty-three this year. I have been a Police Officer for thirty-four years, having lived through the four great drug lords, the four great Chinese detectives, the establishment of the ICAC, and the police-ICAC conflict...

For thirty of those years, I have been working in the Anti-Triad Unit. Working in the Anti-Triad Unit, as your senior, there is one thing I must teach you: when dealing with those underworld figures, always leave yourself some leeway. As long as an underworld person is willing to announce their retirement and turn over a new leaf, we should give them a path to walk."

Hu Zhuoren smoked a Cigar, lowered the car window, and looked at the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui.

Li Wenbin asked: "What if someone breaks their word?"

"Most people who break their word don't have a good ending; they are either sent to Stanley Prison by us or die on the street."

Hu Zhuoren exhaled a thick cloud of smoke and said slowly.

"What if we in the Anti-Triad Unit stop them from washing their hands and arrest them instead?" Li Wenbin asked again.

Hu Zhuoren smiled and said: "If we arrest Sir Chen now, the judge will only sentence him to three or five years, and we will get promoted and leave. But when he comes out, he will only return to the underworld, and he will be even more dangerous..."

"Hu SIR." At this moment, Ya Qi came over to greet them.

"Ya Qi, congratulate your Big Brother for me on his golden basin hand-washing."

Hu Zhuoren immediately recognized that Ya Qi was the bodyguard who often stayed by Chen Jiajun's side, and he handed him a Cigar.

Ya Qi took the Cigar: "Hu SIR, Mr. Chen originally wanted to invite you up, but he was afraid the ICAC would cause you trouble, so he asked me to come over and tell you a few words."

"Go ahead." Hu Zhuoren nodded.

Ya Qi said: "Mr. Chen would like to invite you and Commissioner Li to the Chen Family Zhuangyuan tonight for a chat."

"Is there something up?" Hu Zhuoren asked.

Ya Qi leaned down and said: "I'm bringing you a big case; don't make it public beforehand to avoid gossip."

"Good, I'll be there."

Hu Zhuoren felt a shiver in his heart; this was the first time Chen Jiajun had taken the initiative to contact the police.

At ten o'clock that night.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Li Shutang and Anti-Triad Unit Chief Superintendent Hu Zhuoren arrived low-key at the Chen Family Zhuangyuan, where they met Chen Jiajun, who was reeking of alcohol, in the tea room.

The two stood up to greet him: "Sir Chen."

"Sorry to have kept you waiting so long, sit, please sit."

Chen Jiajun shook hands with both of them, took out a jar of dried tangerine peel, and said: "Old tree tangerine peel from Xinhui from the 1920s, want to taste it?"

"I'll follow your lead, do as you please." Li Shutang gestured and said with a smile.

"Cigars, it's not working hours now, and the ICAC people don't know."

Chen Jiajun opened the Cigar box again.

After boiling a pot of water, Chen Jiajun put the tangerine peel into the boiling water, soaked it for a while, poured out the first pot, then brewed a second pot, before setting out three tea bowls and pouring the tangerine peel tea into them.

Picking up the tea bowl, Li Shutang was slightly hesitant; he usually drank coffee, and rarely even drank tea, let alone something like tangerine peel.

He took a small sip first, only feeling a distinct bitterness followed by a sweet astringency in his mouth at first. A few seconds later, there was a refreshing sweetness in his mouth, but a cloying kind of sweetness, along with a medicinal fragrance.

He took another large gulp, and the sweet fragrance became even richer, refreshing his mind and stimulating his appetite.

Putting down his teacup, Li Shutang said, "Sir Chen, congratulations on washing your hands of the underworld. I wonder what case you mentioned earlier?"

Chen Jiajun took a puff of his Cigar: "A major case worth 2.5 billion US dollars."

"2.5 billion US dollars?"

This figure exceeded the imagination of Li Shutang and Hu Zhuoren, and the two looked at each other.

"Yes, 2.5 billion US dollars worth of white powder and Ice," Chen Jiajun continued.

"Boom—"

Li Shutang and Hu Zhuoren were instantly covered in cold sweat.

A major case worth 2.5 billion US dollars meant that these drug lords likely possessed heavy weaponry, or even private armed forces.

Was it the Kunsha Group from Myanmar North?

Or was it from South United States?

Hu Zhuoren asked in a deep voice: "You aren't joking?"

"Do you think, given my status and position, there is any need for that?"

"Someone wants to turn Hong Kong into a distribution center for Southeast Asia, and they contacted me."

Chen Jiajun shook his head and looked at Hu Zhuoren mockingly.

As the Anti-Triad Unit's Hu Zhuoren and Assistant Commissioner of Police Li Shutang, both men knew that Hung Hing's long-standing rule was never to touch Ice or powder, and Chen Jiajun was particularly hateful toward such things.

After a moment of silence, Li Shutang spoke up: "Who is the other party?"

"The Asian Ice Queen," Chen Jiajun spat out the four words.

Li Shutang and Hu Zhuoren exchanged a glance; clearly, this name was not unfamiliar to them.

This Asian Ice Queen was quite something; she had started trafficking Ice in the seventies, yet to this day, neither the Police Station nor Customs had any identity information or photos of her, though it was understood she was a major drug lord from North United States.

Chen Jiajun immediately followed up by throwing out a bombshell: "It is very likely that the Asian Ice Queen has already infiltrated the US Navy Anti-Drug Task Force, or rather, the Anti-Drug Task Force is using the Asian Ice Queen to traffic powder and Ice. The person who contacted me is the Commander of the US Navy Anti-Drug Task Force, Vincent, who was previously a member of the Navy SEALs, and is also the person behind Feilao Li."

"Therefore, when the time comes, what your Police Station will be facing should be fully armed retired Navy SEAL members."

"Navy SEALs... The Captain of the Flying Tigers, Wang Dong, is also a former Navy SEAL member. You mean... the other party has already infiltrated the Police Station?"

Li Shutang grasped some of the key points.

(End of this chapter)