Chapter 193: Jiang Lan

Swish!

Bai Xiangjin's words caused the expressions of Jiang Lan and Jiang Kui to change, and Long Jiu and Long Yi immediately moved to shield the siblings.

Bai Xiangjin's bodyguard, Wen Meng, also assumed a stance, glaring fiercely at Long Jiu and Long Yi.

As True Qi was released, the atmosphere inside the funeral home gradually became oppressive.

Jiang Lan and Bai Xiangjin stared at each other, both of them expressionless.

"Two against one; today, President Bai cannot make us pay with our lives."

Jiang Lan spoke first, smiling.

Bai Xiangjin snorted, his eyes cold and sinister: "How do you know I don't have other preparations?"

Jiang Kui was startled and immediately hid behind Long Yi, looking around.

"This is Bai Shao's memorial hall. You have always doted on Bai Fengye; you wouldn't want him to be restless even in death."

Jiang Lan's expression did not change at all. "Besides, with Gu Lao here, you don't have the guts to touch me."

Bai Xiangjin stared at Jiang Lan for a moment, then said viciously: "Jiang Lan, do you think there is anything I wouldn't do for my son?!"

"I certainly believe you would do it, but I also believe you won't make a move against me right now, not to mention whether your people can beat mine.

Currently, the Inspection Bureau is investigating the Scorpion Society. If I were to die at a time like this, it would just prove that the Scorpion Society has something to hide. The Inspection Bureau would directly Seal the entire Scorpion Society, and you would be under twenty-four-hour surveillance and investigation; that is not something a scapegoat can resolve.

Furthermore, as long as Gu Lao is still here, if anything happens to me, don't think you'll survive either. And while we both suffer, Chen Che will still be living happily and freely. As for your son's revenge, don't even think about it for the rest of your life."

Jiang Lan spoke clearly and logically, her tone without a ripple of emotion.

"Heh... hehe..."

Bai Xiangjin let out a shrill laugh, making Jiang Kui's skin crawl.

"The President is right to reprimand me; I was the one who offended."

Bai Xiangjin suppressed his laughter and waved at Wen Meng.

Wen Meng nodded, withdrew his True Qi, and stood by Bai Xiangjin's side.

Long Jiu and Long Yi also relaxed their vigilance, standing to the sides of the Jiang siblings.

Jiang Lan stepped forward and said: "I came here because there is something I must tell you."

Bai Xiangjin did not turn his head and said: "I am listening."

Jiang Lan said: "After I finish handling the matters with the Inspection Bureau, I will recruit the Qibao Association to join the Scorpion Society. By then, Chen Che will be a member of the Scorpion Society, so there is no need to avenge your son."

"Clang!"

Bai Xiangjin's expression froze; he smashed a wine bottle, his gaze fixed on Jiang Lan like a venomous snake eyeing its prey.

He had guessed that Jiang Lan would take the opportunity to make him behave; after all, once the Inspection Bureau found problems, everyone in the entire Scorpion Society would suffer.

By then, without Jiang Lan needing to act, the other Elders of the Scorpion Society would hate him to death and would not spare him!

But he had not expected that Jiang Lan would actually order him not to seek revenge and, furthermore, to recruit Chen Che!

This was clearly an insult! A naked, blatant insult!

Bai Xiangjin's breathing was heavy as he said word by word: "Chen Che killed my son, and now you tell me you want to recruit him and won't let me take revenge?! Jiang Lan, are you joking with me?"

"I am not joking, nor am I discussing it with you; it is both a warning and an order."

Jiang Lan said: "Chen Che will be my most honored friend, and you have already witnessed his abilities. If you insist on setting yourself against him, you will only follow in your son's footsteps."

Bai Xiangjin's face turned livid, his breathing rapid, and he said: "Jiang Lan, I have loyally followed your man for half my life to build this empire, and I am an Elder and meritorious official of the Scorpion Society. No matter how great the conflict between us is, it is an internal conflict of the Scorpion Society.

Yet now, for the sake of an outsider, a mere brat, you humiliate me so ruthlessly. Do you really think that with Gu Zongzhao around, I wouldn't dare to do anything?!"

Jiang Lan snorted with disdain: "It's not that I look down on you, but you really wouldn't dare."

Bai Xiangjin's fists clenched until they creaked; he glared with wide eyes, like a wild beast ready to devour someone at any moment.

"Bai Xiangjin, don't act as if you are so aggrieved. The Scorpion treated you well back then, but what did you do?

When I had a miscarriage and the Scorpion passed away unexpectedly, do you dare say you had no hand in it? Our grievances have long been impossible to untangle."

Jiang Lan's tone was beyond doubt as she said: "I will say it again: if you can stay put and behave, I can consider your past contributions and ensure you enjoy your old age in peace. But if you are still unsatisfied, then naturally someone will deal with you!"

After finishing, Jiang Lan left without looking back, and Jiang Kui and the others followed quickly.

"Damn it!"

Bai Xiangjin punched the wall and roared hysterically: "Why doesn't this bitch die?! Why doesn't Chen Che die?! Why doesn't that old immortal Gu Zongzhao die?! I want to kill them all! Kill them all!!!"

Wen Meng looked terrified and comforted him: "Sir, they will all die, they will all die!"

"Die, what do you mean die?!"

Bai Xiangjin, like a maddened beast, roared angrily:

"When Gu Zongzhao was young, he could summon wind and rain in the government and the public; he was a figure who existed like a Regional Governor of Jinling and even the entire Jiangnan!

Even after so many years have passed, his students and former subordinates are still spread throughout the Jiangnan government and public. As long as this old immortal is still alive, let alone me, Bai Xiangjin, even that person from the Gu Family wouldn't dare to touch Jiang Lan!

You tell me, how could they die? How could they?!"

Wen Meng said: "Sir, you are very sad that the young master is gone, but you must keep your composure at a time like this!

Gu Zongzhao is already nearly ninety, and on top of that, he has heart disease; his time will not be far off.

As soon as Gu Zongzhao dies, we won't even need to act; those playboys from the noble families who have long been drooling over Jiang Lan will devour her whole.

By then, the Scorpion Society will be yours, Sir. When that time comes, who will be able to stop you from avenging the young master!"

Bai Xiangjin took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, turned to hug Bai Fengye's coffin, and said in a low voice: "Son, Wen Meng makes sense. You wait a little longer; once Gu Zongzhao is dead, Dad will personally cut off the heads of Jiang Lan and Chen Che to sacrifice to you!"

The next day, Jiang Lan arrived at a small courtyard by the lake.

An emaciated old man wearing a Tang suit was lying on a lounge chair in the courtyard, basking in the sun.

"Godfather!"

Jiang Lan walked over with light steps and called out crisply.

The old man opened his bright, piercing eyes, looked at Jiang Lan, and revealed a kind and gentle smile.

"I originally intended to come keep you company for a meal yesterday, but I went to handle some matters and ended up being delayed."

Jiang Lan sat down on a small stool beside the old man and hugged her lower legs in a very down-to-earth manner.

"I am fine; your important matters are what matter."

Gu Zongzhao shook his head and spoke.

Jiang Lan pondered for a moment and went straight to the point: "Godfather, someone has recently emerged in the Jinling underworld..."

Gu Zongzhao interrupted and said, "I already know. Jiang Kui called to tell me, and he even complained that you made him apologize to Bai Xiangjin."

Jiang Lan laughed and scolded: "That brat is already twenty years old, yet he never seems to grow up."

Gu Zongzhao said: "Still having a childish air is not necessarily a bad thing for him."

The old man sat up, gazed at Jiang Lan, and said: "Let's talk about Chen Che instead. What are your thoughts?"

"I want to secure a path to an ordinary life for Xiao Guo, for Jiang Kui, and for myself."

Jiang Lan's eyes were clear, like a pool of fresh water.

Gu Zongzhao nodded, thought for a moment, and said: "That Chen Che has such schemes and depth of character at such a young age, and his talent in Martial Dao is also extraordinary.

To be honest, I have seen too many talented young people in my youth, but this is truly the first time in my life I have seen one so monstrous.

However, having ability and talent does not mean his character is good. Moreover, this kind of person is almost impossible to control.

Jiang Kui said you wanted him to help you deal with Bai Xiangjin, but in reality, that is not what you are thinking, is it?"

Jiang Lan nodded and said candidly: "I did originally have that intention, but what happened later made me change my mind."

Jiang Lan met the old man's wise gaze and said firmly: "I want to hand the Scorpion Society over to him!"

The old man patted Jiang Lan's head, his smile kind yet pained: "Child, it has been hard on you."

Jiang Lan did not reply, instead forcing a bitter smile; at this moment, she had none of the domineering aura of the Beauty Scorpion, only the fragility of a young woman.

The old man thought seriously for a moment and said: "That boy's ability is qualified, but the most important thing is his character.

Do not be in a rush to make a decision; observe him further, especially his attitude toward the people around him—this point is very important!

This is also the guarantee that he will treat you well after you hand over the Scorpion Society."

The old man smiled warmly: "If you can confirm that the boy's character is truly without issue, remember to bring him to see me."

"Okay."

Jiang Lan nodded and gave a bright smile.