Chapter 666: Bully Blocking the Door

"Greed is endless; what kind of Dao are you practicing?!"

Hearing Thousand-Household Tian's introduction of the Jinghai Gang leader, Li Yan sneered: "I don't believe Lu Jinghai doesn't know about these messes in Jinmen. No matter what connections he has, the Jinghai Gang must be eradicated, not a single one left!"

Thousand-Household Tian was clearly surprised. "Li Li Shaoxia, these people can't be killed off. We should just clear out Jianmu. If you want to avenge Master Wu, killing Yu Wenhai is enough. If you really pull the Jinghai Gang out by the roots, I'm afraid you'll offend Prince Ying, which will be disadvantageous to you..."

After hearing this, Li Yan's expression immediately turned ugly.

"Li Li Shaoxia, don't misunderstand."

Thousand-Household Tian hurriedly shook his head. "I have no ill intent in saying this."

"To be honest, I've been tracking Zhao Changsheng, and although I've long since put life and death aside, I'm truly powerless. Only you, Li Li Shaoxia, have repeatedly seen through his conspiracies. This concerns the fate of the Shenzhou; we cannot be careless."

As he spoke, he sighed. "I serve in the Commandant's Office and have seen too much of this mess at court. The interests are intertwined and mutually linked. Many times, even the Emperor has to compromise. There are too many villains in the world; don't let them ruin the big picture."

These words could be described as earnest and well-meaning.

Li Yan's expression softened slightly, and he bowed. "Thank you for your kindness, Master, but this matter cannot be compromised."

Thousand-Household Tian's expression became solemn. "Li Li Shaoxia is so insistent; is there another reason?"

Li Yan nodded and said in a deep voice: "Opium!"

"Opium?"

Thousand-Household Tian was stunned and shook his head. "I've heard of this substance; physicians used it to treat illnesses in the past, which is nothing strange. Although the Jinghai Gang sells this substance, most of those who smoke it are evildoers, greedy for gambling and lustful; they deserve to die."

"Master Tian, that is where you are wrong."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and explained the harm caused by the large-scale circulation of opium one by one.

"The people do not engage in production, humans and ghosts become indistinguishable... The court has no soldiers to use, the national treasury is empty... Foreign enemies invade..."

Li Yan had tried his best to explain in detail, but seeing Thousand-Household Tian's expression, he stopped.

People can never imagine things they haven't seen.

Even if he said more, others would probably think it was too exaggerated.

At this moment, Li Yan suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness in his heart.

However, Thousand-Household Tian clearly noticed another thing, narrowed his eyes, and said in a deep voice: "In your opinion, Li Li Shaoxia, is it those red-haired foreigners who are playing tricks by letting opium flow into the Shenzhou?"

Li Yan nodded. "It's very likely."

Thousand-Household Tian stroked his chin and thought thoughtfully: "I am willing to believe Li Li Shaoxia's worries, but now the Great Xuan Dynasty is at its peak. Whether it's the high officials at court or the common people, they will probably think it's alarmist."

"To be honest, this matter is very difficult to handle. But if it involves red-haired foreigners, perhaps there is a way to break it."

"Oh, Master, please speak."

Li Yan hurriedly asked.

At this time, he could understand that many diseases are only understood when they are terminal.

Even if he eradicated the Jinghai Gang today, it would be difficult to root out the future trouble.

"Those red-haired foreigners truly have wolfish ambitions!"

Thousand-Household Tian's expression turned gloomy. "Although I went to Jiangnan this time to investigate a case, I also learned many things."

"Those red-haired foreigners come from overseas continents. They have long since invaded the countries of the Nanyang, pretending to be tributaries of our Great Xuan, bribing Jiangnan officials to smuggle, and even colluding with Japanese pirates to plunder passing ships, going ashore to burn, kill, and loot."

"They seem greedy for money, but their ambition is by no means just that. Several shipping lanes and islands have already been controlled by them, pinching the vital points of the Nanyang sea routes. It is hateful that some scum in Jiangnan, for the sake of monopolizing maritime interests, actually collude with these foreign tribes."

"Returning this time, I was originally going to report this to the Emperor. His Majesty has the heart to manage the four seas. If he learns that opium is a conspiracy of these foreign tribes, he will inevitably be on guard and might strictly prohibit it."

"That would be good too!"

Li Yan nodded in agreement after hearing this.

This was also a clever way.

After all, killing is easy, but breaking greed is difficult.

"Good!"

Thousand-Household Tian said in a deep voice: "In that case, I will immediately go to the capital and report this to His Majesty."

"At most three days, at least two, I will bring people back."

As he spoke, he turned his head to look to the side. "Hundred-Household Wang."

"This subordinate is here!"

Behind him, a capable middle-aged man immediately stepped forward and bowed.

Thousand-Household Tian looked at Li Yan again and said: "Although I am leaving the Jinmen Garrison, the current Garrison Commander, Thousand-Household Luo, will also give me face. This is Hundred-Household Wang of the Jinmen Garrison. After I leave, if Li Li Shaoxia has anything, just mention it to him. This is the court's hand-order; you can mobilize the Jinmen Garrison when necessary."

As he spoke, he took a heavy black iron token from his bosom.

"Li Li Shaoxia must be careful, wait for my return!"

After Li Yan took the token, Thousand-Household Tian bowed and left.

Li Yan didn't find it abrupt; this Thousand-Household Tian acted decisively, which he had already seen in Shu.

Soon, only Li Yan and that Hundred-Household Wang remained in the eatery.

Seeing this Hundred-Household Wang standing to the side like a door god, Li Yan shook his head speechlessly. "Master Wang, please sit. No need to be constrained. I came in a hurry and didn't have time to collect some information. Please tell me about the situation in Jinmen."

"Hmm."

After Hundred-Household Wang sat down, he lowered his head and said in a deep voice: "Jinmen is not big, and the forces are mixed. But in the final analysis, they are all inseparable from the capital, so our Commandant's Office acts as low-key as possible."

"During the Great Xing Dynasty, Jinmen was a place where the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom stationed troops. After our dynasty was founded, Tianjin Wei was established. Fifty years ago, Tianjin Left Wei and Tianjin Right Wei were added, collectively called the 'Tianjin Three Wei,' located north of the city, directly under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, with a total of 9,000 soldiers."

"So, Jinmen is actually controlled by the military. Later, because of the canal hub, it became prosperous, and there were yamen such as the Ministry of Revenue's Customs Office, Audit Office, and Salt Transport Commissioner's Office. His Majesty even specifically ordered that without the mobilization of the tiger tally, the garrison troops must not leave the camp..."

Li Yan understood immediately. "Civil officials controlling military generals?"

He pointed it out directly, but Hundred-Household Wang didn't dare to answer, just nodded and continued: "The Tianjin Three Wei must not leave the camp; they know it in their hearts and don't dare to mess around. But the naval camp is responsible for the safety of the canal, so they can come and go freely at the docks."

Recalling what he saw at the docks that day, Li Yan said in a deep voice: "I know, they are also deeply involved with the Jinghai Gang."

Hundred-Household Wang nodded and continued: "Besides that, there are the Eight Great Families of Jinmen, all grain and salt merchants who made their fortunes because of the canal. They are closer to the civil officials of Jinmen, and behind them are many ministers at court. Many martial arts schools and escort agencies in Jinmen rely on the Eight Great Families to make a living."

White gloves!

Li Yan immediately understood the background of these people.

Speaking of this, Hundred-Household Wang looked toward the Sanchahe mouth and shook his head: "Their days are not easy now. Since the opening of the seas, because Jinmen has the benefit of going to sea and is close to the capital, workshops have sprung up, and chambers of commerce from various states have swarmed in."

"They are all fierce dragons crossing the river, and it is inevitable that they will suppress the Eight Great Families."

"A few years ago, the martial arts world of Jinmen was fighting, and behind it were the struggles of these two sides. Only the Jinghai Gang dominated, wiping out all the large and small gangs in the city in one fell swoop, and the thugs and gangs of the east, west, south, and north cities were all brought under their command."

"The two sides can be considered as minding their own business."

"So that's how it is..."

Li Yan pondered for a moment. "Who is actually in charge of this Jinghai Gang?"

Hundred-Household Wang replied: "Originally, Lu Jinghai called the shots, but now it's mostly the third-in-command, Yu Wenhai, who is in charge."

Li Yan narrowed his eyes. "What about the second-in-command? Is he willing to be under others?"

Hundred-Household Wang curled his lips. "Li Li Shaoxia is indeed formidable. The second-in-command is indeed at odds with Yu Wenhai."

"The Second Master, named Zhang Tiankui, nicknamed 'Iron-Armed Dragon King,' was originally the son of a comrade-in-arms of Lu Jinghai. Because his father died saving Lu Jinghai on the Northern Frontier battlefield, he was adopted from a young age and treated as his own."

"This person is also not simple. His ancestors were the heads of the 'foot-porters' in Jinmen. He practiced martial arts since childhood and wrestled in the dock wrestling arenas all day. At twelve, he could wrestle down adult men. Because he was born with great strength and his spine was different from ordinary people, he was taken as a closed-door disciple by the Cangzhou Wrestling King, Liu Tieshan, and learned the 'Seventy-Two Dragon-Capturing Wrestling,' which is very fierce."

"At eighteen, he single-handedly overturned the three major wrestling arenas in Nanshi, using a move called 'Dragon King Flicking Tail' to nail his opponent, along with his wrestling clothes, into an earthen wall. He also had amazing water skills, so he got the nickname 'Iron-Armed Dragon King'."

"And this person is also a sorcerer. He was invited by Lu Jinghai to learn the method of 'Divine Striking' from an outsider, and he created his own martial arts technique, 'Haihe Eighteen Ties,' making him a ruthless character in Jinmen, whether in the martial world or the Mystic Sect."

"But this person has a flaw: he is addicted to alcohol and irritable, making it difficult for him to shoulder heavy responsibilities."

"The third-in-command, Yu Wenhai, was originally a failed scholar in the capital. Later, he joined the Jinghai Gang and was reused because of his superior intelligence. After Lu Jinghai retired to practice, he directly presided over the gang's affairs, so much so that people in the gang only recognize the name 'Third Master'."

"Zhang Tiankui originally thought he could obtain the position of gang leader, so he naturally harbored resentment..."

Listening to the other party's explanation, Li Yan secretly noted it down, then asked: "The red-haired foreign merchants in Jinmen seem to be very close to the naval camp. Do you know who is supporting them?"

Hundred-Household Wang thought for a while and shook his head: "It is also our dereliction of duty. After those red-haired foreign merchants arrived at the Jinmen docks, they were quite honest, just making friends and doing business everywhere, so we didn't pay attention."

"As for the naval camp, there are the Sea Transport Commander and the Grain Transport Commander. One is named Zheng Guoxi, and the other is Zhou Kang, respectively responsible for patrolling the Haihe River estuary and inspecting the canal. The Sea Transport Commander has a close relationship with the 'Open Sea' faction, while the Grain Transport Commander is deeply involved with the Jinghai Gang..."

As expected of someone from the Commandant's Office, he easily analyzed the situation in Jinmen clearly.

Li Yan nodded and was about to speak, but frowned and looked outside the door.

He saw the falcon Lidong whistling down from the sky, holding a bamboo tube in its claws.

Li Yan's expression was solemn, and he immediately took it down to check.

The falcon Lidong was responsible for communicating with Lu San's side, and just now it was supposed to check the target of Yu Wenhai's letter.

Coming in such a hurry, something must have happened.

In short, since then, human sacrifices and the Great Luo Dharma Realm had changed.

"Nothing."

Li Yan looked at the Jade Emperor Pavilion in the distance and sneered: "It seems our whereabouts have been leaked, and people have already come to our door..."

…………

North of the city, the Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce, the gate was tightly closed.

Jinzhou belongs to the Loess Plateau, with deep ravines and long roads. Because there are many bandits, the wealthy mostly build houses with high gates and small courtyards. Once the gate is blocked, it is like a fortress.

At this moment, many people were peeking through the small windows of the "fortress."

But outside the gate below, more than a hundred burly men were gathered.

They were all tall and sturdy, fat and strong, shirtless, tattooed with dragons and tigers, with large cowhide belts around their waists, copper tiger buckles, black trousers, and cowhide boots, blowing their noses and staring, with a fierce momentum.

At a glance, these people were wrestlers from the wrestling arena.

But the people of Jinmen knew that these sturdy men were all subordinates of the Jinghai Gang's second-in-command, nicknamed "Haihe Vajra."

At this moment, these men were all carrying grain bags for transport, filled with yellow mud, moving them one by one, and then slamming them onto the ground, quickly raising dust, paving the bluestone road in front of the Jinzhou Guild Hall into a yellow mud wrestling arena.

Not only that, they were also carrying dock levers as thick as a bowl.

"The Ninth River is the biggest!"

Following the arrogant and domineering voices of the men, they actually brandished them with their bare hands, using the "Thousand-Jin Drop" technique to ram the levers into the soil like hammers.

*Thud! Thud! Thud! *

With each massive shock, the screen wall of the guild hall cracked with spiderweb patterns.

"Haihe Dragon Gate Array?"

The old manager of the Jinzhou Guild Hall had an ugly expression and bowed toward the bottom: "Second Master Zhang, you and my Jinzhou Guild Hall have always minded our own business. I don't know how we offended you to cause such a big battle?"

On the street in the distance, a man was leaning on a grandmaster chair, splayed out, with his left foot on the chair.

He wore sunglasses and was also bare-chested, his entire body covered in knotted muscles, with bronze wrestling rings clinking on his neck. The Green Dragon Swallowing Water pattern on his chest rose and fell with his muscles, appearing as if it were churning in muddy waves; he was none other than Zhang Tiankui, the Second Master of the Jinghai Gang.

Listening to the guild hall manager's question, he sneered and suddenly raised his hand.

*Whoosh! *

The iron ball in his hand whistled out, and a corner of the stone lion's head at the guild hall entrance was directly broken off.

After throwing out the iron ball, Zhang Tiankui picked his ear and glanced sideways:

"You Jin merchants can put on airs in Taiyuan; I can't control that. But once you reach this Sanchahe mouth..."

"If you're a dragon, you have to coil up; if you're a tiger, you have to nest for me!"

This bastard...

The old manager of the guild hall was helpless. "Can Second Master Zhang clarify?"

"There's someone named Li Yan..."

Zhang Tiankui said lazily, "I heard it's some Twelve Yuan Chen. Yesterday, they trashed my Jinghai Gang's venue. I won't make things difficult for you either; hand him over, and then I'll set up a banquet for your Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce to apologize."

After hearing this, the old manager of the guild hall felt a thud in his heart.

He naturally knew about the fire last night, but he hadn't expected it to be Li Yan's doing.

But handing over the person was absolutely impossible.

Li Yan was a VIP on the secret register; handing him over would be smashing the guild hall's signboard.

Thinking of this, the old manager hurriedly bowed: "This must be a misunderstanding..."

"Who the hell is misunderstanding with you!"

Zhang Tiankui took off his sunglasses and widened his round eyes, "The old thing refuses a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."

The old manager's expression also turned gloomy. "Second Master Zhang, does the Jinghai Gang really want to make things difficult for my Chamber of Commerce?"

The Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce was also a behemoth and naturally wasn't afraid of a local gang in Jinmen.

"Ouch, my mother..."

Zhang Tiankui raised his eyebrows, "Fine, don't bother drinking the forfeit either!"

With that, he ordered his men to bring ten baskets of moldy grain, set up a pot on the street, and started boiling "Zheluo Rice."

So-called "Zheluo Rice" is leftover rice and dishes mixed together, heated, and eaten again.

If there are weddings, funerals, or festive banquets, because the dishes are rich, there are often leftovers. To avoid waste, the host often distributes the leftovers to relatives, friends, or the poor, which is considered frugal and cherishing things.

But this stuff isn't all good.

Disciples of the Beggar Gang in various places specifically wait outside restaurants and eateries to collect leftovers, making it like swill.

The "Zheluo Rice" made by the Jinghai Gang was this kind.

Not long after, the area outside the guild hall stank to high heaven, attracting green-headed flies to buzz and dart around.

Zhang Tiankui scooped up half a ladle of stinking porridge and splashed it directly onto the vermilion gate of the guild hall, laughing loudly:

"I heard that Li Yan is a Guanzhong blade-wielder?"

"Tell him, the Jinghai Gang has plenty of potstickers at noon!"

"Hahaha..."

The burly men around all let out a strange laugh, each with a reckless expression on their faces.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 667 =====