Chapter 183: The Sea Takes in All Rivers

In the night, a convoy slowly entered the former French Concession's territory.

Ma San sat in the lead black sedan, twirling a silver coin in his hand. Behind the car followed more than twenty vehicles, all elite members of the Axe Head Gang.

"Brother, ahead is the Red Flower Society's territory," Lao Wu said from the front seat.

Ma San sneered, "Let's go pay a visit to Li Laosan."

The Red Flower Society's headquarters was in a tea house. When Ma San and his men burst in, Li Laosan was clasping a girl while drinking. The moment he saw Ma San, his complexion changed.

"Ma… Ma‑ge," Li Laosan stood up, his face full of a contrite smile.

"Heard you're still running gambling stalls here?" Ma San said leisurely, "Forgot Lord Lin's rules?"

"N‑no, we…," Li Laosan wiped cold sweat, "We shut them down long ago…"

"Is that so?" Ma San suddenly drew his pistol and fired at Li Laosan's thigh. "Lao Wu, take him to the basement for a look."

A moment later, a wail echoed from the underground casino. Ma San stood upstairs, leisurely puffing a cigar, "Remember, Lord Lin said: on Shen City's surface, three prohibitions—no gambling, no drugs, no oppression of the people."

"Those who violate," he said, looking at the leg‑broken Li Laosan, "this is the fate. Isn't Shen Qingshan's example enough?"

The news quickly spread throughout Shen City's Underground World. The next day, Ma San led his men to the British Concession's Yihe Hall.

The hall master Xu Lao Ba was already waiting at the door, offering a ledger with both hands: "Ma‑ge, here are our territory and monthly earnings for your review."

"Heard you still collect Protection Fees?"

"We dare not," Xu Lao Ba waved his hands repeatedly, "We've renamed them 'Security Fees', solely to maintain surface order, and will never oppress merchants again."

Ma San nodded, "Remember, fees must be moderate. When merchants are in trouble, we must support them. That's Lord Lin's intention."

For three consecutive days, Ma San led his men to "visit" over a dozen gangs. Wherever they went, thunderous force was used. Anyone found violating the Three Prohibitions was executed on the spot.

By the fourth day, the remaining gang leaders came forward, each expressing willingness to merge into the Axe Head Gang under Lord Lin's control.

"Brother," Lao Wu said excitedly, "Now the whole surface of Shen City is under our rule."

Ma San shook his head, "No, it's Lord Lin who decides. Remember, we merely oversee the venues for Lord Lin."

He stood by the window, watching Shen City in the night, "From today, new rules govern this surface. Anyone who dares defy Lord Lin's will shall go meet Shen Qingshan."

A week later, Shen City's Underground World was completely transformed. All gambling stalls shut, drugs vanished, and each district established a new order. Merchants were astonished to find the once‑raucous gang members now protecting them.

This is Lord Lin's new rule—gangs may collect money, but they must truly "protect" the populace. Violators are to be killed without mercy.

Late night, Huang Mansion.

Huang Genrong was about to retire when the steward rushed in panicked, "Sir, Lord Lin… Lord Lin is here!"

"What?" Huang Genrong startled, quickly changing into a long robe, "Invite him quickly! Invite him quickly!"

Lin Yu entered the living room with four bodyguards and sat down. Huang Genrong personally poured him tea, his hands trembling slightly.

"Boss Huang," Lin Yu sipped his tea lightly, "Sorry to disturb you so late."

"No offense," Huang Genrong waved his hands repeatedly, "Lord Lin's grand arrival is an honor for us humble folk."

"Heard you shut down all the casinos?"

"Yes, yes, yes," Huang Genrong hurriedly replied, "Following Lord Lin's orders, all casinos and smoking houses have been closed. The monthly tribute has also been delivered on time…"

Lin Yu nodded, "Very good, Boss Huang truly knows the times."

As soon as he finished speaking, the steward rushed back, "Sir, Du Laoye and Zhang Laoye have arrived."

Du Yusheng and Zhang Tianlin hurried into the living room; upon seeing Lin Yu, both bowed deeply, "We have seen Lord Lin."

"Oh?" Lin Yu smiled faintly, "You both came as well?"

"We heard Lord Lin graced us with his presence," Du Yusheng said respectfully, "How could we dare not come to pay our respects."

"Indeed," Zhang Tianlin added quickly, "The enterprises of our three families have already been restructured according to Lord Lin's directives. What must close, has closed; what must stop, has stopped."

Lin Yu stood and paced the living room, "You three are wise, knowing what should be done and what should not. That's good."

The three nodded repeatedly, cold sweat beading on their foreheads. They all understood that Lin Yu was no longer the former police chief but the actual ruler of the entire Shen City.

"However," Lin Yu suddenly halted, "In the future we may still need the three of you to cooperate in certain matters…"

"Lord Lin, please speak," Huang Genrong immediately responded, "As long as Lord Lin commands, we will give our all."

"Yes, yes, yes," Du Yusheng and Zhang Tianlin quickly echoed, "Lord Lin's wishes are our wishes."

Lin Yu smiled with satisfaction, "Very good. Remember, keep to your own affairs and manage your own venues. As for other matters… you will learn in due time."

The three saw Lin Yu off, their legs feeling weak. When his convoy departed, Du Yusheng finally exhaled, "Lord Lin is far scarier than the British."

"Indeed," Zhang Tianlin wiped cold sweat, "I heard at Johnson's manor, those foreigners…"

"Shh!" Huang Genrong quickly hushed him, "Such matters are best left unsaid. All we need to remember is that Lord Lin is supreme; whatever he says becomes reality."

The night breeze by the river was cool as Lin Yu stood on the Bund, watching the twinkling lights on the Shen River.

"Bureau Chief," Zhou Wei respectfully lit a cigarette for Lin Yu, speaking cautiously, "I have an immature idea…"

"Speak."

"Huang Genrong, Du Yusheng, and the others have blood on their hands. Since we are to reform Shen City, why not…" Zhou Wei made a wiping gesture.

Lin Yu gently exhaled a smoke ring, watching the vapor drift slowly in the night breeze.

"Zhou Wei, look at this river."

"Yes."

"The river water is murky yet nurtures countless lives," Lin Yu said slowly, "Shen City is the same. The myriad schools and streams, dragons and snakes intermix, forming the city's vitality."

He turned, looking at Zhou Wei, "When water is too clear, there are no fish. One must act decisively and ruthlessly, yet also be tolerant. People like Huang Genrong, in the right positions, can actually provide stability."

"But…"

"What I want is an orderly Shen City, not a dead city," Lin Yu flicked ash, "Kill those who must die, keep those who must stay. That is the way of governance."

Zhou Wei nodded thoughtfully.

In the distance, a cargo ship drifted by, its horn echoing long and far into the night.