Chapter 170: with translation of chapter title

Half an hour later, the front hall was deathly silent.

Shen Qingshan had stopped breathing; his corpse lay slumped in a pool of blood, unrecognizable. The face that had once been arrogant now showed only two bloody eye sockets, gruesome and terrifying. His hands were no longer recognizable as human, and there was hardly any part of his body left intact.

A heavy stench of blood permeated the hall, mixed with the smell of urine, making one nauseous. Shen Qingshan's wife and children sat slumped on the floor, already frightened into losing control of their bladders; large wet patches stained their trousers, but no one paid attention anymore. Fear had completely taken hold of them.

Ma San stood by the window, leisurely wiping the blood from his hands. His suit was speckled with blood, but he didn't mind; instead, he seemed to be admiring a work of art.

"Big brother," A Li walked over and said, "Shen Qingshan is already dead."

"Hmm," Ma San nodded, "This good-for-nothing finally shut up."

He turned around, looking at Shen Qingshan's family: "You've seen it—this is what happens when you offend Director Lin. But...," his face bore a sickly smile, "your suffering has only just begun."

Shen Qingshan's wife let out a despairing whimper, her gaze unfocused. The two sons trembled, lacking even the courage to lift their heads to look at Ma San. As for the teenage daughter, she had already fainted from fright.

"A Li," Ma San took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, "have the brothers take this whole family to the dock. Remember, not a single one can be left behind."

"Yes, big brother."

The Axe Head Gang's members sprang into action. They swiftly bound the Shen family and dragged them out like dead dogs. These people had been scared witless; they didn't dare even think of resisting.

Ma San finally glanced at Shen Qingshan's corpse, a satisfied smile on his face. This is the fate of traitors, this is the price of offending Director Lin. He believed that after tonight, no one in Shen City would dare side with foreigners against Director Lin.

"Let's go," he adjusted his hat, "it's time to head to the dock. Tonight's show isn't over yet."

By the dock, the night was deep.

The entire Shen family of ten was held at the shore. Shen Qingshan's eldest son, Shen Ming, was on the verge of collapse, struggling wildly and cursing nonstop.

Ma San leisurely wiped his fingers with a handkerchief, seemingly enjoying this atmosphere of despair.

"I'm a man who keeps his word," Ma San said slowly, "I promised your father I'd wipe out your whole family, and I will. Your father is lonely on the road to the underworld; it's time you joined him."

"You beast!" Shen Ming screamed hysterically, "I curse you to a miserable death!"

Ma San smiled, gave his underlings a look, and several gang members immediately stepped forward to pin Shen Ming down.

"Take him to the middle of the river," Ma San said calmly.

Shen Ming's anguished cries echoed in the night, then faded away on the river surface. The waters of Shen River rippled in a few circles before returning to calm.

Shen Qingshan's wife and the other relatives had completely collapsed, only able to emit despairing sobs.

Ma San lit a cigar, gazing at the black river: "Continue."

As dawn approached, Ma San stood by the dock, watching the last corpse sink into the river.

"A Li," he checked his pocket watch, "send someone right away to deliver a letter to Director Lin, saying the job is done. The Shen family—none left."

"Yes, big brother." A Li immediately turned and left.

Ma San lit a cigar and summoned a few close aides. Tiger, Xiao Jiu, A Li, and several Axe Head Gang leaders gathered around.

"Shen Qingshan is dead," Ma San exhaled a smoke ring, "on the British Concession side, the Green Gang's territory is now a blank slate. Those small gangs that relied on Shen Qingshan for a living are surely terrified and dare not stir up trouble."

The several leaders all nodded. Shen Qingshan's fate is enough to intimidate all petty criminals.

"Within two days," Ma San continued, "I want you to take over all of Shen Qingshan's territory—docks, warehouses, shops—leave none untouched."

"Don't worry, big brother," Tiger thumped his chest, "we'll have it all settled within two days. Those small gangs, upon seeing our Axe Head Gang people, wouldn't dare even fart."

"But remember," Ma San's voice suddenly turned stern, "the Axe Head Gang has three principles, these are the rules set by Director Lin."

Everyone immediately sat up straight, ears perked to listen.

"First, no gambling. Shut down all those gambling houses. Director Lin said gambling harms people deeply; our Axe Head Gang won't do such wicked deeds."

"Second, no drugs. Shut down all opium dens. If I find out anyone is secretly doing this business, I'll personally chop them up!"

"Third..." Ma San looked around, "no bullying the populace. We are a gang, no doubt, but Director Lin said we must stand up for the common people, not act as Shen Qingshan did, aiding tyrants."

"Understood!" the crowd replied in unison.

"Go on," Ma San waved his hand, "I want to see results within two days. Remember, our Axe Head Gang is no ordinary gang—we are Director Lin's people! Conduct yourselves worthy of this status!"

The crowd departed with their orders. Ma San stood by the dock, watching the eastern sky turn pale with dawn.

In the lounge of Lin Gong Guan, Lin Yu lounged lazily on a leather sofa.

Ma San stood before him, head bowed respectfully. The "mad dog" notorious for cruelty in Shen City's underworld now resembled a docile cat. Outwardly, he could torture Shen Qingshan to death and make the whole British Concession tremble, but in Lin Yu's presence he remained forever his most loyal subordinate.

Even if Lin Yu now ordered him to jump into a fire pit, Ma San would not hesitate in the slightest, for he knew everything he had came from Lin Yu.

"Ma San," Lin Yu said softly, "your Axe Head Gang has been making big moves lately."

"It's all for the boss," Ma San said respectfully, "that good-for-nothing Shen Qingshan actually dared to help the British against the boss—he had it coming."

Lin Yu smiled: "After this incident, many people now know you're my man."

"Yes," Ma San lowered his head, "my life belongs to the boss. I do whatever the boss tells me to do, and I firmly refuse anything he forbids. In the British Concession, I've already ordered all gambling houses and opium dens shut down."

Lin Yu took a cigar from the case and gestured for Ma San to take it: "Well done."

Ma San took the cigar with both hands but did not light it; instead he carefully tucked it into his pocket. It was a gift from the boss, and he wanted to bring it back and keep it safe.

"Boss," Ma San hesitated, "you see, the British Concession is pretty much taken care of—should we...?"

"As for the French Concession," Lin Yu picked up his thought, "it's time to clean it up."

"Ma San's eyes lit up: "You mean...?"

"Lei Nuo is already dead; the gangs in the French Concession are now leaderless." Lin Yu said calmly, "It's time to give them a new master."

"Understood!" Ma San replied immediately, "I'll get on it right away. I guarantee it'll be as clean and swift as the Shen Qingshan job!"

"No rush," Lin Yu waved his hand, "the situation in the French Concession is more complicated. First let your men scout it out, then wait for my order."

"Yes!" Ma San said respectfully, "Boss, rest assured I'll do exactly as you say."

Lin Yu looked at Ma San, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. This is his most capable subordinate, an eternally loyal hound. Outwardly he can bite off an enemy's throat, but in his presence he remains forever as docile as a cat.