Volume One, Chapter 14: The Lion’s Bold Demand

Yan Yu hurriedly waved his hand, his face filled with anxiety, and said solemnly, “Ah, Boss Su, what are you talking about? We serve the court; how could we possibly accept money from others privately? If that were found out, heads would surely roll.”

“Besides, the elders at home have long since passed their seventieth birthday. What kind of gift is that? It would only make people laugh—completely out of the question.”

Su Ming felt a surge of irritation upon hearing the refusal. Who cared if his mother was seventy or older? It was just an excuse to give a gift, yet now they were putting on airs after the fact. Hypocrites.

Just then, Liu Lecheng pushed open the door and leaned close to Su Ming’s ear, whispering, “Boss, the brothers over there are barely holding on. Almost a third of Zhanhua Street has been wrecked. The shopkeepers are already cursing us, saying we take money without doing anything and want to move elsewhere!”

Su Ming took a deep breath. Cutting off their income was like killing their own parents.

That Pang Sandao certainly knew how to play hardball! At this rate, if he wasted more time haggling with Yan Yu, the entire Zhanhua Street would be finished.

His patience finally snapped. He said bluntly, “Lord Yan, please draw the line clearly. Let’s make this quick—I have other matters to attend to.”

Yan Yu’s face immediately twisted into a sly smile. He glanced at Liu Lecheng standing nearby, as if aware of the conversation.

“Since Boss Su has things to handle, I’ll be brief. I have a business associate looking to open a shop. Why not invest a share, Boss Su? Put in a bit.”

Damn it, still about the money, Su Ming cursed inwardly, suppressing his anger. “Then name your figure. I’ll have Liu Lecheng deliver it another day.”

“Five thousand taels.”

—Hiss.

Liu Lecheng drew in a sharp breath, a chill running down his spine.

Not to mention they had no silver on hand, even if they did, there was no way they could hand over five thousand taels to Yan Yu. That sum would be more fitting to bribe the Longkong Domain’s chief; Yan Yu was only a minor captain of the Third Street’s constables—not worth that price.

Even Su Ming, usually so composed, couldn’t help but laugh bitterly in frustration. “Lord Yan, are you joking? Where am I supposed to get five thousand taels?”

“If you have it, Chen Dao’s house was raided—you must have at least ten thousand taels. I only want half. Then we can call it even and spare you prison time. You won’t lose out.” Yan Yu narrowed his eyes, speaking deliberately.

The scheming had reached its peak.

“If I refuse?” Su Ming sneered.

“That’s easy. Starting tomorrow, I’ll bring men to patrol Zhanhua Street every day. Brothels and gambling dens—I’ll arrest every one I find. Let’s see who can hold out longer.” Yan Yu showed no sign of backing down.

This maneuver struck at Su Ming’s very lifeline. Yan Yu had clearly seized the perfect moment to exploit the chaos. The longer they delayed, the worse it would be for Su Ming—Zhanhua Street was still in turmoil.

Half an hour more, and the shopkeepers’ patience would snap. The place would be deserted, and all of Su Ming’s previous efforts would be wasted.

Moreover, if Yan Yu’s matter wasn’t resolved, those shopkeepers would surely grumble that Su Ming was ineffective and lacked capability. They might even seek fortune elsewhere.

A dog that doesn’t bark won’t bite—but when it does, it leaves no escape!

“Fine.” Su Ming replied coldly. “By month’s end, Liu Lecheng will deliver the money.”

“That’s more like it. Boss Su, goodwill breeds wealth. Since you have other things to attend to, I won’t keep you.” Yan Yu rose satisfied, patting Su Ming’s shoulder on the way out. “Be careful in your dealings. The authorities are cracking down hard. There can be no more murders on Zhanhua Street. If there are, you’ll be held accountable. Understand?”

Su Ming forced a smile. “Understood, Lord Yan. Safe travels.”

Once Yan Yu left, Su Ming’s expression instantly turned icy. Liu Lecheng noticed and cautiously asked, “Boss Su, are we really going to pay him?”

“Yes. Not only must we pay, but we must pay properly.”

“Let’s head west, then, to see what Pang Sandao is up to.”

Su Ming smirked as he rose and headed outside, Liu Lecheng following closely.

West of Zhanhua Street, the streets lay deserted. Only a few injured gang members and shopkeepers remained. Most shops had been smashed to ruins, leaving only broken debris and muddy messes.

The wind howled, stirring dry leaves into spirals that rustled softly. The street’s silence and desolation starkly contrasted its former bustling prosperity.

The shopkeepers who had been ransacked stood in the street, coldly eyeing Su Ming and his companion.

“Heh, Boss Su, I thought you’d hide away, too scared to show your face!” one shopkeeper sneered.

“Who knows? Maybe Pang Sandao was too quiet, and Boss Su just didn’t know,” another chimed in, mocking.

Money talks—that’s the rule. Before, they’d given Su Ming their share of the profits, but now that trouble had come, Su Ming couldn’t protect them. That made no sense anywhere.

Pang Sandao had been pillaging Zhanhua Street for nearly half an hour. Su Ming should have received word and arrived sooner. Yet he showed up only after Pang Sandao was gone. No wonder the shopkeepers complained.

Seeing the ruin before him, a flicker of killing intent flashed in Su Ming’s eyes. He first ordered Liu Lecheng to send the injured brothers for treatment, then turned to the shopkeepers with a bow of apology.

“I was delayed by other matters. This is entirely my fault. Please bear with me.”

“No need to bear with you. Pang Sandao just took the money. If you’re capable, bring it back. Otherwise, we won’t say anything more—just afraid you’re scared of Qi Ye behind him. If that’s the case, we’ll find somewhere else.” One shopkeeper sneered.

“Everyone, calm down and hear Boss Su out. He was delayed by other matters and couldn’t get away. Let’s listen first.” The shopkeeper from the Star-Picking Pavilion spoke up.

Seeing the situation about to collapse, he stepped forward as peacemaker.

He knew a little about Su Ming’s affairs at the Star-Picking Pavilion, though not in detail.

“Shopkeeper Tan, you make it sound easy. But it’s not your Star-Picking Pavilion that got smashed. I’ve been working hard for half a month, and over two thousand taels have been stolen. Who’s going to compensate for that?” a shopkeeper who had replaced Chen Dao in running the gambling den shot back.

The sharp retort left Tan speechless. All eyes turned back to Su Ming.

“Seven days,” Su Ming declared. “Seven days, and I will give you all an answer.”

“This matter is far from over.”