“Have Dihuai go and notify Zheng Yun — tell him to dispatch people to keep a close watch on these teahouses and taverns. Anyone causing trouble is to be arrested without exception.”

Even so, teahouses and taverns in Shun Cheng were as numerous as ox hairs, and the military police had limited manpower. It would be impossible to bring the situation under control in the shortest possible time.

As Yan Qing had anticipated, the site of the disturbance was not limited to this one teahouse. Every teahouse of any reputation in Shun Cheng had come under attack from a group of so-called Young Marshal supporters.

In an instant, the civilian quarters of Shun Cheng were shrouded in foul and murky air, voices of grievance and discontent rising everywhere. The prestige Shi Ting had built up over time was like a house being buffeted by fierce, crashing gales — teetering on the verge of collapse.

“Yan Qing, what are we to do now.” Early the next morning, Luo Huaimeng had come to the Zhao Lan courtyard. From the deep, dark circles under her eyes, one could tell she had barely slept the entire night.

“Who on earth is behind this? How can they be so vicious, using ordinary common people for their ends?” Luo Huaimeng was so angry her tears began to fall. “Xing Zhi has worked so painstakingly for so many years, and only with great difficulty built up a good reputation. When people there mention him, there is nothing but praise. Now the Commander has met with an incident, and someone has redirected the floodwaters of blame toward him. And then those people who smash up taverns and teahouses every day — they are simply, simply devils…”

Luo Huaimeng was so furious she could no longer find words. She felt her heart clenching repeatedly, something in her throat rising and falling and unable to get out, blocking her with great discomfort.

Seeing this, Yan Qing quickly poured a glass of water for Luo Huaimeng, and as she encouraged her to drink it, she smoothed her hand gently across her chest.

After a while, Luo Huaimeng gradually calmed down.

“Xing Zhi is now far away at Changsheng Bridge, and the Commander’s life hangs in the balance. Separated by a thousand li — how is he to handle what is happening now?”

In truth, after this incident occurred, Shi Ting’s trusted men had already begun to act, and quite a number of troublemakers had been arrested. But the places able to hold prisoners were limited, and the troublemakers were many — it was simply not possible to arrest them all.

Moreover, arresting people alone could not solve the problem at its root. A way to find the source of the matter was needed.

Just then, Dihuai hurried in.

“Second Concubine, Young Mistress.” Dihuai gave a bow before speaking. “You asked me to investigate the background of these people. I’ve found it.”

Yan Qing perked up immediately upon hearing this. “Who are these people?”

“They’re gang members.” Dihuai said. “Young Mistress, do you still remember that in Shun Cheng, aside from the Dragon Cloud Society, there is also a large gang called the Xing Gang?”

“I remember.” Yan Qing filtered through her memory. “I believe that Xing Gang and the Dragon Cloud Society have always been at odds with each other. The last time Wen Yan had that incident, the Xing Gang’s people were behind it.”

Dihuai nodded. “I traced the matter to the root and ended up at a branch hall of this Xing Gang, and all those troublemakers who smashed things are closely connected to this branch hall.”

“Then what do we do?” Luo Huaimeng said worriedly. “It has always been that the local government and the gangs have a very delicate relationship with each other. As long as the gangs don’t go too far, the government usually doesn’t interfere too much. How has the gang suddenly begun meddling in affairs here?”

“They must have been bought off, or some kind of arrangement has been reached.” Yan Qing said with a straight face. “If the gang has stuck its foot in, this will not be easy to resolve.”

She lowered her head, and suddenly caught sight of the watch on her left wrist. She turned her wrist over, revealing the emblem on the back.

If the matter of the gang were handed over to a gang to handle — would the effect be unexpectedly good?

“Dihuai, come with me.”

“Where are you going?” Luo Huaimeng asked with concern. “Will it be dangerous? I hear those gang people kill without blinking an eye — they don’t even put the government in their eyes.”

Yan Qing took Luo Huaimeng’s hand and reassured her. “Mother, rest easy. I’m going to find an old friend to ask for help. There won’t be any danger.”

Luo Huaimeng nodded. “At a time like this, with Xing Zhi away, you’ve been worn thin. Already managing the affairs of the household, and still worrying about what’s happening outside.”

“Shi Ting and I are husband and wife. Husband and wife are one body. Sharing his burdens and helping him through difficulties is what I as his wife ought to do.”

“Good, good child.” Luo Huaimeng’s eyes grew warm. “You be careful yourself, all right?”

Luo Huaimeng sat in the inner quarters, and beyond worrying, she could do nothing at all — she could only watch helplessly as these young ones rushed about exhausting themselves.

Watching Yan Qing go out the door, Luo Huaimeng let out a gratified sigh. No wonder Shi Ting had been so insistent back then. Her son’s discernment had always been this unique and sharp.

A woman like this was rare indeed in this world. And so he had, without hesitation, entrusted his whole heart to her.

~

Dihuai drove the car and made their way to the main Dragon Cloud Society hall in Shun Cheng.

Jing Zhi, unwilling to be at ease, came along as well. But she did not follow the two of them inside — she stayed in the car and waited.

The men at the entrance, seeing a man and a woman approaching, immediately extended their hands to block the way.

“Who are you two? Who are you looking for?”

“We’re looking for Long Yunxiao. Is he in?”

The man let out a scornful laugh. “This young lady has quite a tone — daring to call out Mister Long’s full name directly.”

“We have urgent business. Please trouble yourself to go and announce us.” Dihuai, seeing the man being rather impolite to Yan Qing, couldn’t help but let displeasure seep into his voice.

“First tell me who you are and what business you have with Mister Long. Once you’ve explained clearly and plainly, I’ll consider whether or not to announce you.” The man lifted his chin. “Do you think the Dragon Cloud Society is some place anyone can just walk into, and Mister Long some person just anyone can…”

The man’s gaze suddenly froze. Because Yan Qing had already unclipped the watch from her wrist. She turned the other side of it toward him, her eyes bright and piercing. “Is this clear enough?”

The man blinked hard and rubbed his eyes. He could scarcely believe it — that the emblem which conferred the highest authority of the Dragon Cloud Society had appeared before him.

Everyone knew the Dragon Cloud Society had such an emblem. It had originally been left by the old head, Long Sr., to Long Yunxiao. Because the situation in those days was turbulent and strife between gangs was incessant day and night, Old Head Long, fearing he might meet with some misfortune, had made this emblem. Seeing this emblem was like seeing him in person.

Long Yunxiao, after Old Head Long’s death, had also brought this emblem to the Dragon Cloud Society and ultimately become the new president.

After that, the function of this emblem had remained unchanged. It was common knowledge that it still represented the highest authority. Yet since Long Yunxiao had never married and had no children, this emblem had been of almost no use.

He had never expected the emblem to appear at this moment — and to appear in the hands of a young woman in the prime of her life.

“Clear. Absolutely clear.” The man broke into a cold sweat with fright.

If the holder of this emblem ordered him to take his own life right now, he would have to do it obediently. And it was only now that he realized the woman before him was far from being as simple as her beauty alone suggested. Though she appeared delicate and fragile, she radiated a distinctive presence — especially her eyes, which were tenacious and carried a cold clarity, as if they could see through into people’s hearts.

“It is I who lacked eyes to recognize a person of great standing. Please, both of you, come inside.” The man immediately led Yan Qing and Dihuai into the main hall. “Please wait a moment — Mister Long is not in the hall right now, but he should be back soon.”

Yan Qing had come to ask a favor, and naturally she could not be too pressing about everything. Besides — as long as Long Yunxiao was still in Shun Cheng, that was all she needed.

The man had someone bring tea, and then left.

Yan Qing held her teacup but had no heart for drinking. She worried on one side about Shi Ting’s situation, and on the other thought about the storm of turmoil in Shun Cheng these past two days.

At this moment, all she hoped was that the Commander could safely pass through this crisis. Once the Commander died, the consequences were beyond imagining.

Yan Qing held her teacup the whole time, until the tea inside had gone cold. Only then did she hear footsteps approaching from outside — light, but quick.

When she raised her head, she saw Long Yunxiao, dressed all in black, coming in with long strides.

Long Yunxiao saw her, and swiftly suppressed the joy that rushed to his eyes, working to maintain a surface calm.

When he had just returned, someone had told him that a person bearing the Dragon Cloud Society’s emblem had come looking for him. And his emblem — he had given it to only one person.

Since their last parting, the two had not seen each other for a very long time. Even though he missed her greatly, he could only suppress his longing and guard over her in silence.

Now seeing her sitting right before him, as quietly beautiful as ever, like the finest jade, he felt nothing but joy flooding his heart — a joy so full it felt as though his heart would leap out of his chest.

Yet in Yan Qing’s eyes, Long Yunxiao’s expression was entirely composed — his face bearing only the happiness appropriate for an old friend’s reunion.

“You have something to ask of me?” Long Yunxiao saw Yan Qing about to stand, and quickly waved his hand. “Sit and speak.”

Yan Qing set down the teacup she had been holding for so long, then placed the watch on the table before him. “I used this emblem once, so now I am returning it to its rightful owner. And this watch — consider it part of my thanks.”

The emblem was affixed to the watch and could not be removed, so if she wanted to return the emblem, the watch would have to go back with it.

“You haven’t even said what the matter is, and already you’re in such a hurry to return things.” Long Yunxiao noticed her tea had gone cold and had someone bring a fresh pot.

“I have coffee on this side — would you like some? A foreign friend sent it.”

“Thank you.” Yan Qing smiled at him. “Then I’ll have to try some.”

Long Yunxiao smiled and stood, taking down an iron tin from a shelf nearby. When the tin was opened, a wave of fragrance immediately filled the air.

As he made the coffee he said: “Is it about those troublemakers?”

“So you already know.”

“I’ve heard a bit of it myself.” Long Yunxiao picked up a nearby sugar dish. “How many cubes of sugar?”

“One.” Yan Qing held up one finger.

Long Yunxiao put the sugar in, gently stirred it with a small spoon, and a fragrant, aromatic cup of coffee was set before Yan Qing.

“You must have traced those people and found a connection to the Xing Gang?”

“Yes.” Yan Qing took the coffee he handed over. “Matters involving the gang are not easy for the government side to resolve. So I could only come and find you.”