[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-75":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Lord of the Proles",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2290373,4478,"Chapter 75: Jiangxiang Gang","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-75",75,"\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper poured Li Banfeng tea, paused for a long moment, then said: “I can’t say exactly what’s inside that phonograph—it was handed to me by a merchant from Green Water Bay,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he asked eighteen ten-thousand, I inspected the goods, the brand was genuine, craftsmanship excellent, nine-tenths new, worth every copper,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t haggle, took it home, and within three days, something happened,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>after the incident, I went back to find that merchant, but he had already left Medicine King Gully,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green Water Bay is mostly inhabited by wealthy families; tracking one person isn’t too hard. I asked a friend there to investigate his background,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>later I learned he was originally a minor rich man from Green Water Bay, then climbed into the Lu family’s favor, sealed a few big deals, made a fortune, and moved into a grand mansion—only for all Shijikouzi  to die violently the moment they moved in,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suspect this is tied to the phonograph, but I have no proof, and even if I did, it wouldn’t matter: before the deal, if I’d noticed anything odd, I could’ve kicked him out on the spot—but once the transaction was done, it was too late. I only have myself to blame for being blind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “Can you tell me the merchant’s name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper shook his head: “No, I know his name, but I can’t tell you. Just like I took your Snake-Spot Elixir, I won’t reveal your name to buyers—that’s the merchant’s code.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng didn’t press Feng the shopkeeper; on this matter, Feng had done nothing wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve told me quite a bit—I still owe you payment.” Li Banfeng pulled out two thousand and handed it to Feng the shopkeeper, who pushed it back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Li, I swindled you. If I take your money now, I’d be utterly dishonorable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper refused outright, so Li Banfeng moved straight to the next matter: “I need a travel permit to the Outer Province. Do you have connections?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To the Outer Province…” Feng the shopkeeper frowned. “That’s not easy. I’ll need to inquire. You’ll have to wait a couple days—no quick answers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having a lead was enough; Li Banfeng could wait, but he needed to know the price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Feng, how much for a travel permit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper stroked his beard: “Master Li, I won’t lie to you—I won’t profit off you on this, but without two hundred million, it won’t get done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly that sum—Yu Nan had told the truth. But Li Banfeng still wanted to know why: “Why is a travel permit to the Outer Province so expensive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper smiled: “I’m a merchant—I speak only in business. If I could gather two hundred million, I’d head to the Outer Province myself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Outer Province has many things Puro Province lacks, and Puro Province has many things the Outer Province lacks. A round trip can yield a massive profit—two hundred million will surely pay back, and if the deal’s right, it could multiply several times over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—I never thought of this! There’s big money here!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have a Portable Dwelling—I can carry all of Puro Province’s rare treasures to the Outer Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this one job, I’ll never have to haul bricks again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Money—Li Banfeng needed money badly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out a red elixir and handed it to Feng the shopkeeper: “Could you take a look?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper studied it long, then nodded slightly: “This is Xuan Chi Elixir—top grade. Master Li, are you looking to sell it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “If the price is right, I’ll sell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper laid a silk handkerchief on the table, placed the elixir in its center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was his rule: until a deal was settled, goods must remain visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Li, this elixir sells for two hundred thousand on the market, but I can’t buy it outright,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I run a general store—I can’t guarantee a quick sale for something this precious. I can only hold it for consignment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you trust me, leave it here. If I sell it, I take two-tenths. If I don’t, I return it untouched. Is that acceptable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Acceptable!” Li Banfeng agreed immediately, then pulled out his only purple elixir and handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could you examine this one too? What’s its origin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper studied it long, then returned it: “My eyes are dull—I can’t identify this elixir. When I meet an expert, I’ll ask for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “Could I leave it here too? For consignment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper shook his head: “No—I won’t accept anything I can’t price. If something goes wrong, I can’t compensate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng hated arbitrary rules—but Feng the shopkeeper’s rules, he deeply admired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world’s truths were simple: two sentences made it clear, and misunderstandings vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With all urgent matters settled, Li Banfeng prepared to buy fuel and oil for the phonograph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper told Chunsheng to procure the supplies, then invited Li Banfeng to stay a while longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phonograph incident weighed on Feng the shopkeeper—he wanted to make amends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Li, you’ve asked what you needed, I’ve answered what I could. There’s one more thing I know a little about—would you care to hear it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whose matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The conflict between Geng’s Pharmacy and Yu’s Cloth Shop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would Feng the shopkeeper bring this up unprompted?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng showed no reaction, merely nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper ordered Chunsheng to bring the incense burner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A red copper incense burner sat on the table. Feng struck a match, lit the incense. A faint, sweet smoke filled the inner room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s nose was sharp—he carefully analyzed the scent, detected no danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper smiled: “Master Li, don’t take offense—I’m guarding against eavesdroppers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Incense to block eavesdroppers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng learned something new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper refilled the teapot and began speaking of Geng and Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Li, you’ve surely heard the rumors—Geng and Yu are at odds. Some say it started with Boss Qin, but in truth, their feud began two years ago,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng’s Pharmacy has allied with Jiangxiang Gang over the past two years, growing ever more arrogant. They’ve long coveted Yu’s Cloth Shop and wanted to seize its territory,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Yu is a proud woman, refused to surrender her shop. Geng’s men have harassed her constantly—she’s suffered greatly these past two years,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>last year, Geng’s guard Rong Jin’an caused trouble at the cloth shop, killing two of Yu’s clerks,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>last month, Rong Jin’an smashed the shop and injured several people, even harassed two female clerks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Yu had held her rage too long. Using Boss Qin’s incident as cover, she killed Rong Jin’an—this is understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng’s eldest son lured Master Yu to Wangchun Tower and slaughtered over a dozen of her clerks—this too is understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Geng’s Pharmacy was burned, Geng Zhiwei vanished. Now Geng’s family is frantic, hunting Master Yu, vowing to tear her to pieces—this part is strange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “Does Geng’s family blame Master Yu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper nodded: “They do. Logically, it fits her. But I think someone else did it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng sipped tea: “Why say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because it’s too suspicious. Master Yu had a grudge against Rong Jin’an—revenge makes sense,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but she never associated with Boss Qin. After killing Rong, why rescue him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, burning Geng’s Pharmacy—that’s beyond Master Yu’s capability. Not just because she lacks the power, but because she lacks the will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Yu doesn’t act so ruthlessly or so utterly. She always seeks to stop short. If she could truly be that cruel, she wouldn’t have suffered so much these past years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng set down his teacup: “Master Feng, who do you think did it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper looked at Li Banfeng, then shook his head: “I can’t say for sure. But I have something for you to see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out an envelope and handed it to Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng opened it, drew out a sheet of paper with three names written on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Guicheng, Wu Xiu Level Three, Red Stick of Jiangxiang Gang’s Second Division, located at Lu Yuan Inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Desong, Ku Xiu Level Two, Sage of Jiangxiang Gang’s Second Division, located at Qingtang Tea House.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Hongxi, Yan Xiu Level Two, Patrol Wind of Jiangxiang Gang’s Second Division, located at Xianle Dance Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Banfeng read, Feng the shopkeeper continued: “Three top experts from Jiangxiang Gang’s Medicine Hall have been dispatched to handle the Geng’s Pharmacy matter. All three are now lying in wait near Yu’s Cloth Shop, waiting for Master Yu to show herself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Division Chief Shi Boyu and his trusted aide Sun Xiaoan remain at the Division Headquarters, ready to reinforce.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s a Division Headquarters?” Too many new terms—Li Banfeng couldn’t untangle them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper, knowing Li Banfeng was from the Outer Province, patiently explained: “Jiangxiang Gang has twenty-two halls in Puro Province. Medicine Hall is one. It has eight divisions. The main division and the second division are in Li Gou; the other six are in Wai Gou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Division Headquarters is where division leaders gather to deliberate. Each division has one Division Chief, one trusted aide, one Red Stick, one Sage, one Patrol Wind—all are division heads,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>each head commands over twenty disciples. One division totals about one hundred twenty men.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High cultivation, large numbers—Li Banfeng hadn’t expected Jiangxiang Gang to deploy such force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “What cultivation levels do the Division Chief and his trusted aide have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s still unknown.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng studied the descriptions of Sage Zhong Desong and Patrol Wind Du Hongxi: “What are Ku Xiu and Yan Xiu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan Xiu controls ghosts. Patrol Wind Du Hongxi commands over a dozen spirits at all times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ku Xiu is a peculiar path—he endures suffering no one else could bear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng scratched his head—Ku Xiu was hard to grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of skill is enduring pain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper refilled Li Banfeng’s teacup: “Master Li, I know this has nothing to do with you, but I’ve also heard Jiangxiang Gang is searching everywhere for Outer Province people. I don’t know why—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just want to warn you: Medicine King Gully is growing dangerous. Be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng understood Feng the shopkeeper’s meaning: Yu Nan rescued Qin Xiaopang, but Qin Xiaopang had no ties to Yu Nan—he was close to Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with Jiangxiang Gang hunting Outer Province people, Feng the shopkeeper suspected Li Banfeng was involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these were two separate matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire at Geng’s Pharmacy was blamed on Yu Nan—Jiangxiang Gang deployed an entire division over it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hunt for outsiders was ordered by Xiao Zheng—its goal was the Copper Lotus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiangxiang Gang hasn’t realized both acts were committed by the same person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not realizing doesn’t mean they won’t find out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng the shopkeeper spotted clues in Qin Xiaopang—Jiangxiang Gang isn’t stupid. They’ll follow Qin Xiaopang’s trail too. It’s only a matter of time before they uncover my true identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think again about the private detective Daboyens who came to me before—Jiang Xiangbang may already be very close to the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank goodness I didn’t keep hiding in Yujiazhai all along, thank goodness I went back to Ligou once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Jiang Xiangbang discovers that I burned Geng’s Herbal Shop and stole the copper lotus, they will spare no cost to surround Yujiazhai; then I would be trapped with no way to escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Li Banfeng faces two choices:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first choice: buy enough grain, stockpile sufficient water, and hole up inside his portable dwelling without emerging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This choice seems safe—but can it even work?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Dear readers, give Banfeng a like! The like count is almost a thousand—let’s push together!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1950,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","31cbfa07ea0dcdb2fd2a49979d695bd140d4932252df223a228c1ee3f7fcf541","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-76","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-74",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]