“Don’t even mention inviting us—even if you had sent people to drag us here, we’d still be delighted.” The speaker was Tu Ying, the esteemed head manager of Suzhou’s famous silk and satin shop “Old Nine Gates.” Among the over one hundred managers and clerks gathered here, he commanded the highest respect. At eighty years old this year, with white hair and beard, he stood in the banquet hall leaning on a walking stick.

“I’ve been in the silk and satin business my whole life, originally planning to retire at seventy after achieving success. Who could have foreseen the Taiping Rebellion? Alas, just one month short—’Old Nine Gates’ was completely destroyed by war fires. Those precious silks and furs, like sable jackets and golden monkey fur mattresses, were all lost without a trace. A lifetime of hard work, gone just like that. At the time, I was so heartbroken I wanted to jump into the flames myself. Who knew I’d live this long—another ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.” Tu Ying shook his head and sighed, then suddenly patted his forehead. “Look at me being muddle-headed—today isn’t the time to bring up such matters.”

“Master Gu, you’ve gathered all these managers and clerks from the three provinces of Liangjiang, planning to hire them as external branch managers for salt shops, to establish households and manage businesses independently. Ah, this gives them a way to make a living! To speak honestly, many of them are my disciples and grand-disciples—look, this whole table.” Tu Ying pointed to the dozen or so people around him, from steady middle-aged men to sharp-eyed young men, all nodding toward Gu Pingyuan.

“They received this good news and all rushed to tell me. I’m happy for them and even more grateful to Master Gu. You must understand, in these ten years of great calamity, all the Liangjiang region has been a battlefield of killing and war. Business has been extremely difficult, countless shops have closed—who would still hire clerks or managers? But for businessmen, what they think about day and night is that abacus. No matter what else you ask them to do—farming, building houses, raising silkworms, weaving cloth—it’s all like scratching an itch through a boot. They’re always absent-minded. In the end, nothing in this world is as interesting as doing business.”

At these words, not only Tu Ying’s disciples and grand-disciples, but all the managers and clerks present, including Gu Pingyuan himself, nodded repeatedly in deep agreement.

“Some of them would rather go to employment agencies, just hoping to find some business to do. Even if unsatisfactory, even if their families are so poor they lack food and clothing, they still won’t change professions. So Master Gu’s arrival truly helps tremendously. Listen carefully.” Tu Ying adopted a master’s bearing, addressing his disciples around him. “When someone respects you one foot, you must respect them ten feet in return. This time working at the salt shops, even if it means getting up before dawn and working past midnight, even if you cough up blood from exhaustion, you must earn face for Master Gu. Otherwise, don’t go out saying you’re my disciples or grand-disciples.” After speaking, he cupped his hands toward Gu Pingyuan again. “Master Gu, I entrust these disciples and grand-disciples to you. If they don’t perform well, feel free to dismiss them. If they do reasonably well, I hope you’ll show mercy and, considering this old man’s modest reputation, give them a bowl of rice to eat.” Saying this, he tremblingly left his seat to bow deeply to Gu Pingyuan.

“Elder, you absolutely cannot do this.” Gu Pingyuan quickly left his seat to help him, ultimately preventing Tu Ying from completing this bow. The old man was eighty years old, making this long journey specifically to earnestly entrust the next generation’s business prospects to him—Gu Pingyuan was deeply moved.

“Speaking of thanks, I should thank everyone. Thank all you head managers for honoring me by agreeing to listen to Gu Pingyuan’s commands. Rest assured, I absolutely won’t mistreat anyone. Salt shops are naturally profitable businesses. I’ll naturally pay everyone generous wages—you won’t earn less silver than you did at your previous establishments. We can discuss these wages slowly over the next few days. Additionally, there’s something I want to mention first. I hold a ten percent share of pure profit in all salt shops. When salt shops do well, it’s a business that earns gold by the bushel daily—this money is no small amount. Today, I, Gu Pingyuan, make an agreement with all of you here: this ten percent pure profit, I’ll split with everyone present in a ‘reverse three-seven’ arrangement!”

What was “reverse three-seven”? The hundred-plus managers and clerks looked at each other, momentarily puzzled.

“In other words, I, Gu, take thirty percent, and you all take seventy percent.”

People understood now and immediately erupted in astonished exclamations, their faces showing disbelief. No one had ever heard of such a thing. The owner taking thirty percent while employees took seventy percent—wasn’t this turning heaven and earth upside down?

“You can’t be joking, surely?” Tu Ying thought his old ears had misheard.

“Business matters are no joking matter.” Gu Pingyuan said solemnly. “When I say reverse three-seven, it’s reverse three-seven. As long as I, Gu, manage salt shop affairs for one day, this rule is fixed and will never change.”

This was equivalent to saying Gu Pingyuan would make everyone present wealthy within a year. Realizing this, everyone’s faces couldn’t help but show excitement and overwhelming gratitude. “Master Gu, what can we possibly say to this?” Tu Ying nodded repeatedly. “Rest assured, I can vouch for everyone present—they will certainly serve Master Gu with utmost devotion, sparing no effort.”

“You’re being too kind, elder. There’s another matter I just thought of, but once I think of it, I must act, and act magnificently. Manager Tu, I’d like to invite you to serve as a manager as well. Would you be willing?”

“Me?” Tu Ying chuckled. “I’m honored by your regard. Normally I shouldn’t decline, but I’m old and frail, unfit for great responsibilities. Forcing myself to be a manager would only cause trouble for Master Gu. I truly cannot overestimate my abilities.”

“You’ve misunderstood, elder. I want to invite you to be manager for one day.”

“One day?”

“Yes, just one day.” Gu Pingyuan had just heard that Tu Ying had done business his whole life but never had the chance to retire from the position of head manager with dignity, leaving him with regrets. So he planned to name the Suzhou salt shop “Old Nine Gates,” invite Tu Ying to be head manager for one day, then hold a magnificent retirement ceremony for him, and have one of his disciples take over as manager of “Old Nine Gates,” symbolizing the passing of the torch.

When Gu Pingyuan explained this idea, Tu Ying was stunned for a moment, then tears streamed down his face: “Your thoughtfulness is truly… Alas, I’m old. I owe you such a favor—how can I ever repay it?”

“No need to repay.” Gu Pingyuan said earnestly. “You’re a senior merchant in the Liangjiang region. Everyone respects you not because you’ve earned much silver, but because you’ve dealt honestly with young and old alike throughout your life, setting an example for us merchants. Everyone, tell me—doesn’t Manager Tu rightfully deserve this honor?”

He looked around, meeting the gazes from all directions. Besides their previous gratitude, those looks now contained considerable admiration.

“Sir, take a look at this.” Xue Fucheng, while playing an after-dinner game of chess with Zeng Guofan, produced a cloth pouch with writing on both sides. The front was embroidered with “Heaven-Blessed Huai Salt,” the back with “Prosperity for a Hundred Years,” and the opening was tied with red velvet cord.

“Didn’t you ask me to investigate what unusual moves this Gu Pingyuan made after taking half the salt shops? This is his opening gambit.”

Zeng Guofan took the cloth pouch and felt it with his fingers: “This cloth is quite sturdy.”

“Gu Pingyuan had it specially made by silk shops—supposedly using ‘Old Nine Gates’ craftsmanship from Suzhou, with both warp and weft threads doubled in thickness. Not only that, Gu Pingyuan sent people throughout streets, alleys, villages, and towns to spread word that anyone buying salt at his shops could receive a cloth pouch. If the pouch wore out, they could take it to silk shops for mending, with expenses paid by him.”

Only now did Zeng Guofan show interest. After making a chess move, he looked up and asked: “What scheme did he have with these cloth pouches?”

“Yes. Gu Pingyuan said that henceforth, anyone bringing these ‘salt pouches’ to buy salt would not only have amounts rounded down, but also receive an additional ten percent discount. I heard that common people going to collect salt pouches at his shops nearly trampled down the doorsteps.”

Seeing Zeng Guofan smile and nod, Xue Fucheng continued: “There’s more novelty. This Gu Pingyuan also swore solemnly that the ‘salt pouch’ rounding and discount rule would remain unchanged for a hundred years starting this year. A hundred years of vicissitudes—emperors will change who knows how many times. Look at Yangzhou salt merchants or the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs—even if they have century-old establishments, none have century-old unchanging rules. He’s only managed salt shops for a few days and talks about a hundred years. Isn’t this laughable? It can only fool those rural simpletons.”

Xue Fucheng was absorbed in his commentary, but Zeng Guofan’s originally smiling expression grew serious. He held a chess piece but didn’t place it for a long while, finally saying softly: “So it seems even I owe him a favor.”

Xue Fucheng was speaking enthusiastically when these words stunned him.

“Have you heard about the ‘salt pouch’ matter?” Li Wantang had been studying old archives borrowed from the provincial government office for days. These century-old documents, some moldy and stuck together, couldn’t even be separated. Li Wantang found several old men from used bookstores to repair them page by page with needles and medicinal solutions. When Li Qin saw the strong bitter tea on his father’s desk and his bloodshot eyes, he realized that “overseeing salt fields and finding methods to make Lianghuai salt production, transport, and sales flow smoothly” wasn’t just empty words.

“I heard about it—isn’t it just Gu Pingyuan playing tricks again?” Li Qin was dismissive. “What hundred years? By then his bones will have rotted away. When salt shops change their rules, can common people drag him from his coffin to question him? It’s purely fooling those who love petty bargains. Besides, when we returned from Tongqing Restaurant that day, didn’t father promise mother to expel Gu Pingyuan from the salt shops within half a year? Why worry about whether he says a hundred or two hundred years?”

“Expel him in half a year?” Li Wantang snorted coldly. “Easier said than done. Setting aside that Governor Zeng helped him obtain this position, just speaking of the matter itself—Gu Pingyuan manages salt shops like building sea dikes, using steady, systematic methods. Within days he’s established firm footing.”

The sea dike matter was Li Qin’s sore spot. Hearing his father mercilessly bring it up immediately made him stand in the study looking thoroughly unconvinced, though he couldn’t argue back.

“The ‘reverse three-seven’ profit split—needless to say how salt shop managers and clerks support him. This gives him an unassailable position in personnel matters. The ‘salt pouch’ rounding discounts guaranteed for a hundred years naturally makes common people flock to his shops. Don’t underestimate this ‘hundred-year’ promise—Gu Pingyuan painstakingly devised this strategy. For over ten years, Liangjiang people have lived day-to-day in hardship. Now the court hasn’t promised them anything, the governor hasn’t promised them anything, and neither have prefectures and counties large and small. Yet a merchant is first to make a hundred-year promise. Common people will think that if even Lianghuai salt fields can make such promises, then these long-lasting peaceful days can finally be anticipated. Every time they use Gu Pingyuan’s salt henceforth, common people’s hearts grow more settled. This greatly contributes to stabilizing localities and people’s hearts—even Governor Zeng would probably feel indebted to him if he knew.”

“Empty words—can they really be so magical?” Li Qin still didn’t believe.

Seeing his son consistently underestimate Gu Pingyuan, Li Wantang shook his head helplessly. He knew this son had been spoiled since childhood, only knowing that Beijing’s Li family ranked first among capital merchants, thinking success was natural and never considering that Li family ancestors had also started as mere street peddlers selling mixed fruits.

“Forget it. Whatever Gu Pingyuan does, he’s conducting business for our Li family—this isn’t actually bad. I called you here today to ask: while Gu Pingyuan has been at his shops only days yet every move shows method and system, you also now manage half the salt shops—how do you plan to operate them? I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Li Qin was confident about this: “Within a month, I’ll make Gu Pingyuan admit defeat. My salt shops will earn several percent more profit than his.”

Several percent? Gu Pingyuan moved like a master strategist, making consecutive moves both steady and swift—what did Li Qin have to beat him with? Li Wantang not only disbelieved but worried Li Qin would do something outrageous again, so he insisted on clear explanations.

Li Qin had wanted to be sensational, but with his father watching closely, he had to explain: “You needn’t worry—I’m merely following your precedent. I plan to approach the Canal Gang again, offering them benefits to smuggle salt privately. This can both steal Gu Pingyuan’s customers and, since this salt isn’t taxed, though prices are low, it sells quickly. Balancing everything, profits are no less.”

After hearing this, Li Wantang lost all patience and slammed the table with a “bang,” startling Li Qin.

“Following my precedent? How shameless to say such things! Are you suggesting that my painstaking management of Lianghuai was ultimately to sell illegal salt? Then why didn’t I simply partner with the Canal Gang from the beginning! I did that to expel Wang Tiangui—it was a last resort. Gu Pingyuan is currently working for capital merchants. Using such methods against him would only benefit salt smugglers while the Li family suffers losses.”

Li Wantang rarely lost his temper, but now was thoroughly disappointed in his son. He pointed at the large rolls of old archives on his desk: “You look down on Gu Pingyuan’s hundred-year promise, but do you know that these days I’ve also been pondering how to devise a hundred-year strategy to make Lianghuai salt fields the Li family’s perpetual source of profit for generations? He thinks of ‘prosperity for a hundred years’ while you think of petty scheming, yet claim you’ll beat him by several percent. Hah…”

Li Wantang no longer looked at Li Qin and waved dismissively.

Li Qin thought his plan clever but was thoroughly berated by his father. Enraged and pale-faced, he stamped his foot and stormed out. At the door, he ran into Li An and vented his anger mockingly: “Your pipe dream of being head manager should wake up now. After all that hard work, you’ve just made wedding clothes for Gu Pingyuan.”

Li An said nothing, standing respectfully with hands lowered as always, only his brow bone moving imperceptibly.

“Business is fairly decent.” Gu Pingyuan flipped through account books submitted by external branch managers from various locations. Though he said “decent,” his brows unconsciously furrowed and his tone seemed quite forced.

“What’s wrong?” Chang Yu’er watched carefully and noticed her husband’s expression was off.

“It’s considerably worse than I expected.” Gu Pingyuan tossed down the account books, somewhat disappointed. “In business, haste makes waste. Customers are gained one by one as repeat clients. What can you tell from the first month or two? Gradually, popularity naturally gathers.”

“You’re right. But I still feel it shouldn’t be this way.” From the moment Gu Pingyuan began receiving account books from various locations days ago, he knew something must be wrong. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be so consistent—every external branch’s business falling short of expectations. Today the final account book arrived, confirming that something unexpected had occurred. If he didn’t get to the bottom of it, a thousand-li dike might collapse from an ant hole.

As he pondered deeply, considering next steps, a clerk ran in to report that a military officer at the gate requested an audience.

Gu Pingyuan was puzzled and had the visitor brought to his study. Chang Yu’er had often heard Peng family’s maids and servants mention that many idle soldier-ruffians now roamed Liangjiang, using Hunan Army influence to cause trouble everywhere—monopolizing lawsuits, even kidnapping and robbery—while local officials dared not provoke them. Frightened by the Nantong incident, she quickly sent someone to fetch Liu Heita from the rear courtyard where he was practicing martial arts.

When the man entered, Chang Yu’er peeked from behind the screen and immediately felt relieved. It was Oar Master from the Water Forces.

Oar Master brought a young man in his twenties with severely damaged facial features. His face was twisted and distorted as if bones had been broken, and when he spoke, his mouth was pitch black—his teeth had all fallen out and been replaced with ebony dentures.

“Master Gu, I heard you recently got the Lianghuai salt shop business—that’s a path to great wealth. Congratulations!” Oar Master cupped his hands in greeting upon entering.

“Too kind. Last time I owe great thanks to Water Forces brothers for their tremendous help, yet I haven’t properly thanked you—truly shameful.” Last time Gu Pingyuan asked Water Forces to help deal with Master Chen, Oar Master readily agreed. Gu Pingyuan was very grateful and prepared generous gifts afterward, but they absolutely refused payment, leaving Gu Pingyuan feeling very apologetic.

“You’re sworn brother to Brother Deng, so you’re family too. Being polite is being distant.” Oar Master sat while the young man who came with him stood behind, constantly glancing at Gu Pingyuan.

“I came today for two matters.” After tea was served and brief pleasantries exchanged, Oar Master got to business.

“The items you asked me to take to Brother Deng’s family—I’ve delivered them all. His family was naturally moved, and local officials, hearing of such a local hero, reported to superiors and built a special shrine for Brother Deng’s worship. The sword and yellow jacket are displayed in the shrine for people to admire.”

“Ah! Thank you so much. Brother Deng would smile in the afterlife knowing this.” Thinking of his friendship with Deng Tieyi, Gu Pingyuan felt both gratified and melancholy.

“There’s another matter—how should I put this.” Oar Master frowned. “Master Gu, how has business been lately at your external salt shops?”

This question made both Gu Pingyuan and Chang Yu’er behind the screen pay attention. Poor business at various locations was only discovered from account books in recent days. Oar Master’s question must have reasons.

“I’m not asking casually. On Yangtze and canal waterways, there are many government offices, each managing their own territory. For instance, Water Forces handle catching thieves and bandits, while anti-smuggling has always been the Canal Transport Governor’s responsibility. When they lack manpower, they can request Liangjiang Governor’s office to deploy Water Forces assistance.”

Hearing “anti-smuggling,” Gu Pingyuan became alert, his eyes bright and focused intently on Oar Master.

“This past month, Canal Gang boats on the river multiplied several times. With no grain transport season, what’s their hurry? Moreover, they often dock not at piers but at deserted banks. Occasionally questioned, they claim it’s for convenience—damn it, how much waste could there be requiring such frequent stops?”

Chang Yu’er behind the screen blushed at his crude language but knew these were important matters closely related to recent salt shop business.

“Over time, we naturally paid attention and discovered they were trafficking illegal salt in large quantities.” Oar Master shook his head. “Actually, there was another major salt smuggling incident previously. I heard capital merchant Master Li deliberately sold official salt as contraband to deal with someone named Wang Tiangui. This Wang fellow had no dealings or friendship with us, and since the Canal Transport office responsible turned a blind eye, we naturally didn’t bother interfering.”

But this time was different. Gu Pingyuan’s acquisition of half the capital merchants’ salt shops at Tongqing Restaurant, along with Boss Pan’s family scandal, had spread throughout the province. Oar Master greatly admired Gu Pingyuan and worried Li Wantang would use the same trick against him, so he ordered subordinates to watch carefully. “This fellow is Feng Cheng, my disciple from two years ago. He managed to participate in the Jiangning victory and was promoted to ninth-rank inspector for merit. He contributed greatly to this matter.” Oar Master turned. “Tell Master Gu about it.”

“Yes sir.” Though Feng Cheng’s speech was somewhat unclear due to his dental condition, he spoke with clear organization. According to him, this salt batch all came from shops managed by Li Qin, specifically targeting areas under Gu Pingyuan’s salt shops. Their movements were very secretive—he secretly followed several times before figuring out their route of using small boats through waterway branches to transport illegal salt.

“Brother Feng really worked hard. Much appreciated.” Gu Pingyuan was very grateful and repeatedly expressed thanks.

“With the situation clear, your poor business results from people preferring illegal salt, naturally making official salt unpopular. This tactic already destroyed that Wang fellow—now they’re using it against you. Master Gu, do you have countermeasures?” Oar Master asked with concern.

“This is indeed difficult.” Gu Pingyuan frowned.

“How is it difficult? Report to officials and arrest him! That little bastard Li Qin dares play dirty—I’ll squeeze out his gallbladder!” Liu Heita stood up, eyes glaring.

Oar Master shook his head: “We’ve watched several times as Canal Transport office soldiers boarded Canal Gang boats, walked around, then left. They’re clearly forewarned. Reporting to officials is useless.”

Gu Pingyuan nodded. Previously in Zhenjiang negotiating with Jiang Tai, he personally heard Bai Yimei say Canal Transport Governor Wu Tang had agreed that Canal Gang could have convenient access for future smuggling. This was apparently being honored now.

“Last time dealing with Master Chen, didn’t you ask Canal Gang people to frighten away all the boat hands? You seem to have some relationship with Jiang Tai—why not ask him to give you a break?” Oar Master suggested.

“Thinking of Jiang Tai is exactly why I’m troubled. He’s old and ill, no longer able to control subordinates. If I ask him to use gang leader authority to forcibly prevent smuggling, it would greatly damage gang profits, making his leadership difficult. I can’t make others uncomfortable for my own convenience.”

Oar Master slapped his thigh: “Master Gu, you’re truly exceptional—righteous! But you can’t ignore your own situation.”

“Naturally.” After talking awhile, Gu Pingyuan had formulated a strategy. “Oar Master, I still need Water Forces brothers’ help. I plan to use force first, then diplomacy—have Water Forces intercept this illegal salt first, then I’ll apologize to Canal Gang. I’ll definitely provide whatever benefits Canal Gang deserves. Since Jiang Tai wasn’t involved beforehand, no one will blame him afterward. As for brothers’ expedition costs, I’ll pay everyone monthly wages.”

“Heh heh, one expedition earning a month’s wages—Master Gu is helping us get rich. Though Water Forces don’t handle anti-smuggling, we’ll claim we’re searching for weapons, confiscate the illegal salt first, and let them present salt permits to reclaim it—which they surely lack.”

“Then it’s agreed.” Gu Pingyuan rose with a smile. When seeing Oar Master out, he offered a five-hundred-tael note in thanks and gave Feng Cheng one hundred taels. After they left, Liu Heita found a bank note under the door crack—exactly the hundred taels Gu Pingyuan had given Feng Cheng.

“They’re coming.” Oar Master lowered his voice extremely low, pointing at a faint, intermittent light in distant reed marshes.

Without his indication, Gu Pingyuan wouldn’t have noticed. Concentrating carefully, he barely made out this tiny speck.

“The lead boat has one lantern with at least ten boats following.” Oar Master, experienced, gestured left and right. Water Forces boats immediately formed a pocket formation, waiting for Canal Gang boats to enter.

Canal Gang smuggling boats had traveled unimpeded for a month. Canal Transport Governor’s office didn’t interfere, and other offices had no authority. Of course, smuggling salt still gravely violated laws—no one dared operate openly. They still followed the route originally used by Tonghai Gang leader Xu Jicheng: traveling by night, resting by day. Though they remained cautious, having made dozens of trips without incident, their vigilance had long relaxed. They never expected Water Forces to set up checkpoints on such remote waterways.

When over ten boats entered the pocket formation, Oar Master gave a whistle signal. Official boats simultaneously raised lanterns and surrounded them, trapping Canal Gang boats motionless in the center.

Canal Gang boats immediately erupted in chaos, but truly worthy of being the world’s largest gang—though caught suddenly, they showed no disorder. Some protected gunwales against enemy attack, others lowered sails against fire attacks. Each boat quickly clustered together, sailors wielding weapons, with over ten firearms protecting the fleet. However, they faced official troops—specifically the Water Forces personally created by Peng Yulin, known as “Little Zhou Yu.” Not to mention other advantages, just in firearms they surpassed Canal Gang tenfold. Canal Gang had over ten boats with over ten guns, while each Water Forces boat carried over ten breech-loading rifles. This time Oar Master brought a hundred guns total—densely packed black muzzles aimed at Canal Gang members looked heart-stopping.

Canal Gang initially thought they faced robber pirates and prepared for battle. Later discovering they faced official troops, they absolutely couldn’t engage in combat—that would mean rebellion and treason. So their expressions became less tense than before.

“Military officers must be catching water bandits—working hard in the middle of the night.” The spokesman was all smiles, clearly a smooth operator. Canal Gang maintained many such people, almost every boat team had them. Their role on canal boats was to handle relationships and negotiations with local officials wherever they went, ensuring canal boats could pass unobstructed. This person recognized from the uniform colors that these weren’t Canal Transport office anti-smuggling boats but Water Forces.

Of course, regardless of authority over Canal Gang, once encountered, silver was needed for peaceful resolution. The smooth operator handed over a bank note: “Officer sir, we’re Canal Gang—you can tell from the boats. Please be accommodating. This small amount is for the brothers’ tea.”

“Canal Gang?” Oar Master looked sideways at him, asking knowingly, “Grain transport always uses main channels—what are you doing in this godforsaken place?”

“Those who run boats year-round never avoid problems. Some boats have torn sails, others need paint, and some even leak at the bottom, barely held together with canvas and pitch. We’re heading to that town to find craftsmen for repairs.”

This explanation was prepared in advance. Logically, it provided reasons, and with payment offered, they should be released. But Oar Master intentionally sought trouble. Looking at those canal boats illuminated by lanterns, he frowned: “That’s not right. If going for repairs, why do these boats sit so deep in water? They look fully loaded with cargo—could this be smuggling?”

With these words spoken, the smooth operator’s face immediately changed color, but he quickly smiled apologetically: “Sir, there are nine hundred ninety-nine canal waterways—each follows its own route. Anti-smuggling is Canal Transport office business. Why should you trouble yourself?” As he spoke, he added another bank note to his hand and secretly pushed it forward.

Oar Master acted as if he hadn’t seen it, instead growing angry: “You’re saying I’m meddling in others’ affairs. I can’t control other smuggling, but if it involves trafficking weapons and plotting rebellion, that’s Water Forces’ responsibility. Come on, board and search!”

“Stop!” Before official troops could board, a sharp cry rang out as a beautiful woman in a dark cloak emerged from the cabin.

“What? Water Forces won’t be soldiers—you want to be bandits? Without evidence or witnesses, you falsely accuse us of smuggling weapons. Are you planning murder and robbery?” Seeing Water Forces wouldn’t accept silver, Bai Yimei knew things couldn’t end peacefully. When soft tactics failed, she tried hard ones. Her eyebrows raised sharply as she shouted, “Canal Gang isn’t easily bullied. Steward, fire signal rockets—call all nearby canal boats here. Let’s reason properly with this officer.”

Now Oar Master and his subordinates changed color too. Several large market towns nearby usually harbored many canal boats. If they all came at once on command, the momentum would be considerable. With just these few Water Forces boats tonight, they definitely couldn’t suppress it. If things escalated, superiors would surely blame them.

But this thought only flashed through his mind before Oar Master realized that losing face before a woman would make camp brothers laugh him to death forever—this face couldn’t be lost. He steeled himself—no matter how many boats came, as long as they found contraband salt, they’d have evidence and be right in principle. As for Canal Gang—did they really dare rebel? He waved fiercely, cursing his subordinates: “Damn it, did your military rations go to dogs’ bellies? Even afraid of a little woman—might as well go home and hold babies. Search everything! Anyone who dares interfere—open fire!”

Soldiers responded thunderously, about to clash violently with Canal Gang when suddenly someone on a boat beside Oar Master shouted: “Wait!”

The speaker was Gu Pingyuan. Having smuggled salt himself, he knew there were many tricks involved. Oar Master came to search Canal Gang boats at his request—if Canal Gang also played tricks and nothing was found, it would only alert the enemy. So Gu Pingyuan brought Liu Heita along, planning to assist the official troops at crucial moments.

Seeing the canal boats’ leader was actually Bai Yimei, Gu Pingyuan was astonished. Seeing soldiers about to storm the boats with Bai Yimei caught between bullets and blades, he quickly shouted and walked to the bow amid the tense atmosphere.

“So you’re leading this Canal Gang fleet—is this Gang Leader Jiang’s idea?” Gu Pingyuan looked at Bai Yimei’s cloak fluttering in the cold night wind, asking in disbelief.

“I guessed you had soldiers set up this blockade here.” Bai Yimei seemed to have expected Gu Pingyuan’s presence, looking at him with a faint smile.

After Li Qin left in anger that day, he thought it over and still wanted to use smuggling—it could both profit and strike at Gu Pingyuan. Why not? So he secretly approached Su Zixuan behind Li Wantang’s back, and through Su Zixuan contacted Canal Gang. Besides smuggling income, he promised Canal Gang additional benefits with one condition: privately sell official salt from his salt shops within Gu Pingyuan’s territory.

“Steward, tell Master Gu who I am!” Bai Yimei’s eyes were cold as stars, her face grave as water.

“This is Canal Gang’s Big Sister—the new leader of Tonghai Gang!”

While others were merely surprised, Gu Pingyuan was utterly shocked. No wonder Bai Yimei publicly exposed Xu Jicheng’s real killer and sold grain to Wu Tang, earning Canal Transport office permission for Tonghai Gang smuggling. All this was to win Tonghai Gang hearts—once the time ripened, she’d assume the leader position.

“Oar Master, these boats don’t look like salt smuggling vessels. Please have the brothers withdraw.” Looking at Bai Yimei standing proudly at the bow, unyielding, Gu Pingyuan sighed deeply.

“I’m furious!” Liu Heita couldn’t pretend—whatever was in his heart showed on his face. When he and Gu Pingyuan returned to the city, Chang Yu’er quickly noticed something wrong. Under questioning, he couldn’t hold back anymore and told his sister everything.

“How many times is this now? First buying grain from Canal Gang, then last time right here when she asked Brother Gu to repair embankments and save people, and now this! Every time Brother Gu sees that woman, he’s like a mouse seeing a cat—loses all his ideas. That shameless Bai woman has him figured out, always gaining the upper hand. Take this incident—we watched helplessly as she led people away with smuggling salt boats. How frustrating!”

Chang Yu’er listened silently for a while. Liu Heita was absorbed in venting when he looked up and was startled, seeing his sister: “Yu’er, what’s wrong? Your face looks terrible.”

Chang Yu’er took a deep breath and stood: “Big brother, go to the front shop. Tell them I said to withdraw ten thousand taels silver. Have Manager Peng not tell Brother Gu yet.”

“What do you need so much silver for?”

“To pay Water Forces wages.”

“Officer sir, wasn’t I clear enough last time? Canal Transport office doesn’t interfere—what right does Water Forces have to block canal boats?” Bai Yimei was surprised that while transporting salt at night, before even reaching waterway branches, Water Forces intercepted them at the river mouth. Unlike last time, Water Forces deployed ten times more warships. Soldiers on each ship were ready for battle, lined up two rows at gunwales, standing or crouching, all holding foreign rifles—complete combat preparation. Besides rifles, several large ships even carried foreign cannons. Since eliminating the Taipings, Water Forces rarely patrolled rivers with artillery.

Using such force against canal boats was truly using an ox-cleaver for chickens—the display was terrifying. Though Canal Gang brothers were always bold, they couldn’t help feeling tense and confused. But Bai Yimei didn’t care, calling loudly: “This must be Gu Pingyuan’s idea again—have him come see me.”

“My husband isn’t here. You can speak with me.” Before finishing these words, Chang Yu’er emerged from the rear cabin.

Before dozens of boats on the river and thousands of soldiers and gang members wielding firearms and weapons, these two women thus faced each other.

“It’s you?” Bai Yimei truly hadn’t expected this, then sneered coldly: “Has Gu Pingyuan become a coward, letting his woman show her face publicly?”

Chang Yu’er said calmly: “He doesn’t know I came tonight, so you needn’t say such things. Let’s speak plainly. Everything can happen once or twice, but not repeatedly. You’ve been aggressive time and again, and my husband has always yielded—not because he fears you, but considering your father’s teaching kindness to him and your childhood friendship, he doesn’t want conflict with you. But you persist relentlessly, using this very point to pressure him.”

“So what if I pressure him?” Bai Yimei said coldly.

“Bullying my man—that won’t do!” Chang Yu’er suddenly dropped her pleasant expression, showing anger. “Since you dare make the first move, don’t blame me for the fifteenth. Oar Master!”

Though Oar Master had fought many battles, seeing two women engage in verbal warfare between opposing forces was a first. He was watching somewhat dumbfounded when Chang Yu’er called him, quickly responding.

“Please take people over and confiscate all contraband on the boats.” Chang Yu’er stared directly into Bai Yimei’s eyes, speaking word by word: “Henceforth, for every smuggling boat discovered, sink one and collect reward silver for one at my place.”

The new Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner prepared formal invitations and hosted a banquet in Yangzhou, inviting owners and managers of Lianghuai salt fields.

The Salt Transport Commissioner position epitomized “county magistrates can’t match those in direct authority.” The “Great Qing Official Records” clearly stated: Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner, “Third rank, responsible for supervising field workers’ livelihoods, merchant activities, water and land transport, travel routes, regulating prices, and measuring production output.”

In other words, if the Salt Transport Commissioner was displeased, salt merchants couldn’t do business. Receiving the invitation, Gu Pingyuan dared not delay and departed for Yangzhou that day.

The banquet was held in “Ge Garden,” formerly the residence of salt merchant leader Huang Zhijun from the Jiaqing period. Ten years of construction cost countless silver, naturally creating stunning beauty, famous throughout the land for “layered stones forming clouds.” In the first year of Daoguang, Liu Fengao, former Zhejiang Education Commissioner, stayed at Ge Garden while recovering from eye ailments in Yangzhou. He claimed that whenever in the courtyard, seeing the rockery greatly relieved his pain. Whether exaggerated or not, his “Record of Ge Garden” describing the garden’s “precious plants growing in clusters, changing colors with seasons, clear and quiet pavilions, bright water and trees, layered stones forming small mountains, flowing springs creating level pools, green vines curling like smoke and circling around—without leaving home, spring fills this miniature world, all worldly dust and rushing ceased”—was enough to make scholars throughout the realm yearn with fascination.

Unfortunately, when Taipings captured Yangzhou and set fires throughout the city, many famous gardens and historic sites were destroyed at once—Ge Garden naturally couldn’t escape. But in misfortune lay great fortune: only buildings burned while Ge Garden’s most praised rockery couldn’t be consumed by fire, retaining its graceful appearance. The Qingyi Pavilion in the pond, surrounded by green water, also survived.

The banquet was held in the pavilion—a vegetarian feast skillfully prepared by Tianning Temple’s kitchen, most famous being “Diamond Fire Square” made from three mushrooms and six fungus varieties, placed at the table’s center.

Beautiful scenery, excellent food, yet diners found it hard to swallow. Gu Pingyuan stared blankly at the smiling new Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner, too astonished to know how to speak appropriately.

Li Wantang felt similarly, but beyond surprise, he sensed imminent threat. This Salt Transport Commissioner was actually Gu Pingyuan’s close friend—with him controlling Lianghuai salt administration henceforth, it was extremely disadvantageous for the Li family.

Just three days ago, Zeng Guofan’s secret recommendation for Qiao Henian to assume Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner received approval from Jiangning. Originally, Qiao Henian’s public humiliation of court officials caused scholarly uproar, saying he accommodated violent mobs and disgraced refined culture, deserving punishment. Taking thirty “river pirates” from various prefectural prisons regardless of case severity and executing them all as scapegoats for the “foreigner harm” case violated Great Qing legal codes—censors impeached him for unauthorized killings, suggesting dismissal and departmental review.

When Gu Pingyuan and others worried for him, Qiao Henian knew that no matter how fiercely scholars and censors criticized or impeached him, it didn’t matter—as long as Zeng Guofan protected him, all would be peaceful.

Qiao Henian guessed correctly. Zeng Guofan not only didn’t blame his thunderous measures but greatly appreciated them. No wonder—this not only pacified violent mobs into good citizens but also appeased foreigners, dissolving dangerous military confrontation invisibly. This counted as great service to Liangjiang and solved a problem for Zeng Guofan.

Such service naturally deserved heavy reward—otherwise who would wholeheartedly serve Liangjiang offices in future? Zeng Guofan overcame opposition, not only avoiding punishment but strongly recommending promotion from fourth-rank prefect to third-rank Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner. Career advancement always had crucial steps—county to prefect, prefect to commissioner—were all thus. Though fourth to third rank was only one step, it was the necessary path from common clerks to judicial, financial, and provincial positions. Crossing this threshold meant being called a “high official.” So Zeng Guofan’s reward was indeed substantial. Moreover, Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner was famously lucrative—this made all Liangjiang officials envious, deeply regretting not volunteering themselves.

Of course, Zeng Guofan didn’t recommend Qiao Henian for other positions but specifically wanted him as Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner because he saw his friendship with Gu Pingyuan, hoping he could mediate and make Gu and Li cooperate fully. Today’s banquet was specifically for this purpose.

Seeing Gu and Li looking at him but remaining silent, Qiao Henian smiled: “Distinguished owners and managers, though I prepared formal invitations, I actually only invited you three. The Four Great Hengyuan are far away in the capital, contributing money but not effort—I didn’t invite them. For Lianghuai salt field matters, I plus you three are sufficient to make decisions. What do you think?”

“Sir speaks correctly.” Wang Tiangui was first to respond. He hadn’t expected to be invited despite now being in the “contributing money but not effort” category. Perhaps he’s meant to check Li Wantang and Gu Pingyuan? Realizing this possibility, Wang Tiangui was secretly delighted. Connecting with the Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner and being considered a confidant would be extremely beneficial, so he eagerly said: “Sir’s management of Lianghuai is the salt field’s blessing. I don’t know about others, but Wang will definitely obey sir in everything, following sir’s lead.” He raised his cup to toast Qiao Henian’s new appointment.

Unexpectedly, Qiao Henian only glanced at him, neither responding nor raising his cup. Wang Tiangui found it easy to raise his cup but hard to lower it. After a long moment, he laughed awkwardly and drank alone to resolve the embarrassment.

Qiao Henian then addressed Li Wantang, whose expression was changeable: “Master Li, don’t blame me for revealing your thoughts. You must be wondering—this official is Gu Pingyuan’s old acquaintance, having just worked together in Yancheng. Will they unite against the Li family?”

“Oh, I dare not think so. Governor Zeng knows people well—those he recommends to manage salt administration must be completely impartial. In a few days I’ll personally visit Liangjiang offices to thank the Governor.”

Li Wantang’s words were soft but firm, reminding Qiao Henian that he too could meet Zeng Guofan—if Qiao Henian showed favoritism, the Li family might appeal directly to the Governor.

Qiao Henian naturally understood, smiling: “Master Li speaks correctly. I will maintain neutrality and righteousness in salt administration. Lianghuai salt administration has been neglected for years—it’s time for revival. But I hear disagreements arose between salt fields and shops, between Master Li and Manager Gu. Recently, Canal Gang was even used to privately sell official salt—all lost national salt taxes!”

Li Wantang naturally knew Li Qin’s actions. Though angry, he couldn’t avoid defending the Li family in this setting. As he was about to speak, Qiao Henian waved: “I’m not pursuing this but letting bygones be bygones. However, such incidents in future would be opposing me—I’ll definitely impeach by name without mercy.”

He softened his tone: “Manager Gu and the Li family have had business misunderstandings and unpleasantness several times in Shanxi, Beijing, and Huizhou. But since you’re all working in Lianghuai salt fields now, you should abandon past grievances and cooperate, performing ‘Generals and Ministers Reconciled’—wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

He raised a cup, and everyone expected him to mediate between Gu and Li, but unexpectedly he turned to Wang Tiangui: “Manager Wang, you toasted earlier and I didn’t drink—that wasn’t the right time. Now I want to toast you—do you know why?”

“This… Wang doesn’t know. Please enlighten me, sir.”

“It’s always ‘easy to judge others, hard to judge oneself.’ I’m urging Gu and Li to unite efforts, so I must first set an example by drinking a reconciliation cup with Manager Wang.”

“What does this mean?” Wang Tiangui was baffled, Li Wantang equally confused. Only Gu Pingyuan understood but never dreamed Qiao Henian would go this far, only staring dumbly at this scene.

“Manager Wang, do you remember in Taigu there was someone named Qiao Songnian who worked as a servant in Manager Wang’s house with his wife? Later his wife hanged herself, Qiao Songnian went mad, and died in a fire at Wubian Temple outside the city.” Qiao Henian spoke methodically as if discussing something unrelated to himself. Wang Tiangui’s face changed from red to blue to pale, staring in shock at this Salt Transport Commissioner.

“‘Pine and crane for longevity’—Qiao Songnian was my elder brother. I was serving in Beijing then. Master Gu already told me about my brother’s ordeal in Taigu.” Qiao Henian looked at Wang Tiangui’s pale face and laughed heartily. “But that’s all past. I just said to let bygones be bygones. Henceforth I manage salt administration and salt affairs. Manager Wang is a major salt field shareholder—I still need your help. Come, drink this cup and let’s not mention the past.”

“Yes, yes.” Wang Tiangui somehow picked up the cup before him, feeling it weighed a thousand pounds.

“Slowly, slowly.” After watching for a while, Li Wantang had guessed most of it. He smiled and stood, also raising his cup toward Gu Pingyuan: “Master Gu, sir has a magnanimous heart, willing to abandon old grudges for Lianghuai salt fields and Liangjiang people—truly a scholar’s model, pillar of the state. Since so, what are we waiting for? Why not drink this reconciliation cup together and henceforth cooperate wholeheartedly to help Sir Qiao manage Lianghuai salt affairs well?”

Gu Pingyuan hadn’t spoken throughout. He knew whatever he said would seem like prior collusion with Qiao Henian, though he truly didn’t know. Secretary Hao hadn’t appeared—apparently even he didn’t know of Qiao Henian’s promotion. Seeing Qiao Henian toast Wang Tiangui, Gu Pingyuan felt mixed emotions, suddenly remembering in Taiyufeng’s rear courtyard when Qiao’s sister-in-law emerged from Wang Tiangui’s room and spat in his face. Then he felt burning anger filling his chest, but only now did his face burn with shame. Thinking of Qiao’s sister-in-law’s pained expression made him so ashamed he wanted to close his eyes.

“Brother Pingyuan, haven’t you always said merchants should unite regardless of region, exchanging goods mutually, not divided by geography or provincial origins? Now Master Li represents Beijing merchants, you Hui merchants, Manager Wang Jin merchants—exactly the three most powerful provincial merchants of the Great Qing. Joining hands in business is cause for celebration and exactly what I hope for.” Qiao Henian poured a cup and pressed it into Gu Pingyuan’s hand, patting his shoulder.

Seeing everyone at the table looking at him, Gu Pingyuan felt his mouth bitter and astringent with indescribable taste.

“Cheers!” Four cups clinked with the same crisp sound, but four men each harbored different thoughts, unaware whether the wine was bitter or spicy.

“Why did you bring me to this place? There’s not even a soul here.” Li Qin looked around, frowning deeply.

Zhongshan Tuotuo Ridge was Purple Gold Mountain’s highest peak, always deserted. Su Zixuan brought him here because she had words absolutely no outsider could hear.

“Do you know what your father went to Yangzhou for three days ago?”

“I heard it was for a banquet.”

“Right. At that banquet, mediated by the Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner, the Li family and Gu Pingyuan have abandoned past grievances. It seems you surrendering that half of the salt shops isn’t far off.”

“Have you said enough?” Li Qin said impatiently. “Last time you had Wang Tiangui set a trap, using Gu Pingyuan as an excuse for building that dragon pond—I was played by you all. Now you’re bringing up that Gu fellow again, still wanting me to be your gun.”

“So Young Master Li isn’t stupid after all—then how can’t you see the danger ahead?” Su Zixuan smiled mockingly. “That Salt Commissioner Qiao is Gu Pingyuan’s old acquaintance. You saw him in Huizhou too. One in officialdom, one in commerce—they use each other mutually. The higher Qiao’s official position, the more Gu Pingyuan’s business thrives. Now they’ve set their sights on Lianghuai salt fields. Cooperation? Sounds nice, but I fear it’s gradual encroachment followed by complete swallowing. Someday the Li family will be uprooted completely like my former home.”

“Your… your home?” Li Qin was startled. Su Zixuan had never spoken of her past.

“I’m the daughter of Grand Secretary and Grand Councilor Sushun, also Aisin Gioro imperial clan. Back then my father underestimated his opponents and was destroyed by house confiscation and family extinction.” Su Zixuan spoke gloomily amid pine winds. “Now your Li family will repeat the same mistake.”

“Sushun…” Li Qin was shocked. Though several years had passed, the name of powerful minister Sushun remained taboo—at least in Beijing, people spoke of him in whispers. After a long pause, he said hesitantly: “So when I met you in Miyun’s outskirts, you were fleeing?”

“When the nest overturns, no eggs remain whole—of course I had to flee, otherwise it would be sitting and waiting for death.” Su Zixuan glanced at Li Qin. “Do you want to sit waiting for death or learn from me and flee?”

“I… of course I choose neither. Why should the Li family definitely lose to that stinking exile?” Li Qin’s eyebrows slowly rose.

“Young Master Qin, since I’ve revealed my identity to you, I’m entrusting you with my heart—how could I deceive you?” Su Zixuan stepped closer. She’d never been so pleasant with Li Qin before, making him somewhat flattered.

“Since you don’t want to admit defeat, you should recognize the situation clearly. Gu Pingyuan was once an exile, but now he’s your greatest threat! If you don’t take him seriously, you’ll definitely end up like my family. You were personally present at Tongqing Restaurant that day. When Yangzhou salt merchants were the wealthiest under heaven, probably no one was in their eyes—what happened to them? Now they depend on others’ whims and endure humiliation. Would you want such a fate to befall the Li family someday?”

“No!” Li Qin instinctively shouted, his voice echoing endlessly in the empty valley.

“I haven’t not dealt with Gu Pingyuan. When in Shanxi, weren’t you also at Daping Trading House? But several attempts all…” Li Qin turned his gaze to Su Zixuan. “What should I do now?”

“Of course you can’t let Gu Pingyuan truly unite and cooperate with the Li family. Otherwise, he’ll use the opportunity to expand his power. Once he grows strong, no one can control him.”

Su Zixuan wasn’t thinking of the Li family at all. She didn’t want to see Gu Pingyuan truly cooperate with Li Wantang because cooperation meant stability. She knew these two men’s capabilities too well—once Lianghuai salt fields stabilized, it would solidify Jiangnan’s foundation. If people’s hearts settled, the great momentum would be lost.

Su Zixuan chose today to risk revealing her identity to Li Qin because she’d learned something from both Beijing and Liangjiang: Empress Dowager Cixi and the Grand Council, after careful consideration, had approved Zeng Guofan’s memorial and ordered the Rites Minister to personally come to Jiangnan to host the grand ceremony at Jinshan Temple. Everyone assumed the court’s title rewards for Zeng Guofan would definitely be announced at this ceremony. But according to intelligence Su Zixuan obtained at great expense, the court indeed greatly rewarded meritorious officials—Zeng Guoquan received first-class earl, Li Chendian who first attacked the Heavenly King’s palace received first-class viscount, Xiao Fusi who captured Li Xiucheng received first-class baron, and fallen generals also received generous posthumous honors. But one thing—the imperial decree didn’t mention Zeng Guofan at all.

Of course, the court knew this was unreasonable, so they invented a pleasant-sounding explanation, saying this imitated the imperial examination method of reverse announcement, saving the most precious reward for last.

Su Zixuan didn’t believe this explanation could appease those Hunan Army generals. Once they knew, they’d definitely feel indignant for their Commander Zeng. Indignation breeds protest—if Hunan Army and Lianghuai salt fields both became chaotic simultaneously, even Zeng Guofan would find it hard to suppress.

Thinking of coming events, Su Zixuan was also somewhat lost in thought, not noticing Li Qin’s face gradually showing a sinister smile: “I can’t guarantee other things, but making Gu Pingyuan break with the Li family—that’s effortless.”

Gu Pingyuan soon learned of the ceremony news too. He’d long awaited this day, hoping his mother could fulfill decades of wishes. His mood improved accordingly. If he brought his younger siblings to plead for Chang Yu’er, the whole family could again enjoy domestic bliss like before, living in harmony and happiness.

This ceremony hosted by the court-sent Rites Minister was truly an unprecedented water-and-land religious service. Gu Pingyuan heard that this great dharma assembly would worship buddhas of ten directions, universally provide vegetarian food, save beings of six realms, and extensively establish altars. Invited were eminent monks usually hard to see, let alone hear preach. Based on the Shurangama Sutra and Earth Store Sutra, they would lecture for ten full days. So not only people from Liangjiang’s three provinces, but even believers from distant Fujian, Zhejiang, Hubei, and Guangdong rushed here upon hearing, wanting to personally witness this great merit.

With so many people coming, small Jinshan Temple would be packed. If anything went wrong and they missed having his late father Gu Wanzhang’s spirit delivered at this dharma assembly, his mother would consider it a lifelong regret. Gu Pingyuan planned to reach Zhenjiang several days early to personally arrange everything, but salt shop affairs were extremely busy—the more he wanted to leave, the more he couldn’t get away. He had to send word to his second brother Gu Pingwen in Hangzhou, asking him to rush to Zhenjiang and prepare everything needed. He also sent his brother a thousand-tael note for donations, hoping monks would be accommodating. Seeing her husband both overwhelmed with work and worried about family matters, Chang Yu’er decided to go to Zhenjiang first to help her siblings-in-law. Liu Heita accompanied her. With the whole family in Zhenjiang, each handling their duties, especially with Chang Yu’er there, Gu Pingyuan could finally feel at ease.

He calculated the timing—departing the first day, traveling by night, he could definitely reach Jinshan Temple before sunrise to participate in the memorial ceremony. But just as he was about to leave, the gatekeeper brought in an invitation card. It was actually Li Qin asking him to meet at a restaurant at the street corner, claiming important matters to discuss.

Gu Pingyuan initially didn’t want to go, but reconsidering, he had just agreed to resolve past grievances with the Li family. Though Li Qin was worthless, he was now a salt shop head manager on equal footing with himself. Not giving him face would make cooperation impossible. So he hurriedly went to the restaurant, planning to hear what Li Qin had to say, then make excuses to leave.

Li Qin had reserved the innermost private room with no other guests. Only he and Gu Pingyuan were in the room, with surprisingly no wine or food on the table, not even a servant.

“Don’t think that because my father agreed to manage Lianghuai together with you, I’ve agreed. Forget doing business together—you’re not even worthy of eating at the same table as Li family members.” Seeing Gu Pingyuan arrive, Li Qin had no pleasantries, directly throwing out these words.

“Unfortunately, the Li family’s decision-maker is Li Wantang, not you. Whether you agree or not doesn’t matter.” Seeing his attitude, Gu Pingyuan also dropped his pleasant expression and spoke coldly.

In the past, hearing such dismissive tone, Li Qin would have been furious. Today he didn’t get angry, instead showing a strange smile.

“Do you remember the pair of white jade vases I gave you on your wedding day?”

This unexpected question meant Li Qin definitely had something in mind. Gu Pingyuan just nodded.

“Flawless white jade, heh heh.” Li Qin chuckled twice. “Know why I gave such an expensive gift? You were at Tongqing Restaurant that day too—didn’t you hear that phrase: ‘Some debts can’t be owed, like money for whores.'”

He spoke these words lightly, but they struck Gu Pingyuan’s ears like thunder.

“What… what do you mean?” Gu Pingyuan gritted his teeth, pupils contracting, staring deadly at Li Qin.

Li Qin curled his lips mockingly: “Don’t understand? Then go home and ask your wife Chang Yu’er—ask if when she woke up in that mountain god temple outside Taigu County, she discovered she was no longer a virgin.”

“Li Qin!” Gu Pingyuan roared furiously.

“Who told you to kill Uncle Zhang! You dared kill him—I’ll make you regret it forever!” Li Qin also shouted back defiantly.

That day Zhang Guangfa died trying to save Li Qin, falling down a copper mine shaft during his fight with Gu Pingyuan. Though Zhang Guangfa and Li Qin weren’t father and son, they were closer than father and son. Li Qin was mad with rage. His first act returning to the county seat was seeking Gu Pingyuan at Chang family compound, but Gu Pingyuan had already left Taigu. He only saw Ruyi lead Chang Yu’er to that mountain god temple in the remote wilderness. Ruyi jumped off the cliff in suicide—Li Qin couldn’t prevent it and was heartbroken. Entering the temple, he happened to see Chen Laizi about to assault Chang Yu’er. He knocked out Chen Laizi with a bronze incense burner, originally planning to drag Chang Yu’er to the cliff edge too. But at the crucial moment he changed his mind—he wanted Gu Pingyuan to feel regret every time he saw this woman who admired him, for having killed Zhang Guangfa.

Though Li Qin was lustful, he’d always spent lavishly for pleasure, never forcing women. Chang Yu’er was semi-conscious and cried out. Li Qin forgot this was remote wilderness and panicked trying to cover her mouth, but she bit his arm hard. Li Qin left afterward. Chang Yu’er didn’t see his appearance. When Chen Laizi awoke, thinking the mountain god had manifested power, he fled in terror—just as Chang Yu’er regained consciousness and saw Chen Laizi’s retreating figure, thus believing Chen Laizi had violated her purity.

This explained why Chang Yu’er, after killing Chen Laizi with one knife in the Beijing inn and seeing no wounds on his arm, felt bewildered and lost.

“Or you can ask your mother.” Li Qin looked at Gu Pingyuan’s ashen face, feeling all the humiliation he’d suffered over the years was finally repaid. He laughed maniacally with satisfaction. “I also sent that letter. I didn’t sign it, making your mother guess who was asking whether the Gu family’s eldest daughter-in-law has a red birthmark below her left breast!”

Utterly vicious! Gu Pingyuan was so angry his lungs nearly exploded. By the time he recovered from shock, Li Qin had long vanished without trace. Before leaving, he’d said: “That Old Chang killed by Chen Laizi—he never knew until death that I paid silver wanting your life. The old fool jumped out and took the blade instead, otherwise there wouldn’t be all this trouble later.”

“Master Gu, what… what’s wrong with you?” Anyone seeing Gu Pingyuan’s appearance would be startled. Just moments ago when leaving he’d seemed normal, but now his jaw was clenched tight, eyes staring straight ahead filled with fury, as if anyone meeting his gaze would be instantly burned to ash.

Gu Pingyuan ignored others’ questions, going straight to the back bedroom. From the bottom of his luggage book box, he retrieved a cloth bundle. Unwrapped, it revealed a small knife with ebony handle. Looking at the knife, many memories flooded his mind.

Gu Pingyuan had heard Chang Yu’er’s entire conversation with Chen Laizi in the inn’s stable. After Chang Yu’er killed Chen Laizi in emotional turmoil, she’d dropped this knife and couldn’t find it afterward. Gu Pingyuan had picked it up and hidden it—otherwise when officials arrived, Chang Yu’er would face murder charges.

From what he’d heard, Gu Pingyuan knew Chang Yu’er’s purity was lost. But before Fourth Father Chang’s deathbed, he’d still agreed to marry her, immediately deciding to keep this secret forever in his heart, never thinking of it again or mentioning it to anyone.

But the real villain wasn’t Chen Laizi—it was Li Qin!

Gu Pingyuan resolved to use his wife’s knife to end Li Qin’s life, avenging Fourth Father Chang and seeking justice for Chang Yu’er.

After the memorial ceremony delivered his father’s soul from purgatory, he’d entrust his mother and Yu’er to his siblings and Liu Heita, then kill Li Qin and surrender to authorities, claiming business disputes. As for paying life for life, Gu Pingyuan didn’t think much about it—this deep hatred had to be avenged.

At dawn, Gu Pingyuan reached Zhenjiang but found no one. Gu’s mother and others, fearing crowds, had departed at midnight to wait outside Jinshan Temple, leaving word for Gu Pingyuan to hurry there.

Jinshan Temple was originally an island temple suspended in the river. After the Daoguang period, due to sand accumulation it gradually connected to land, with only a narrow passage for access. Today, hearing that the province’s civil and military officials, especially Liangjiang Governor Zeng, would personally attend, the passage was packed tight. Seeing time was short but unable to reach the island, Gu Pingyuan hired a fishing boat, landing at the dock below the temple’s rear mountain. Running and walking, he finally spotted his family about ten zhang from the mountain gate.

His family was delighted to see Gu Pingyuan arrive, but he was stunned—he’d never seen his mother dressed like this: brocade robes with cloud-shoulder design, rainbow ribbons with colored tassels below, and a mandarin duck patch in the center.

Seeing her eldest brother dazed, Gu Yuting pulled him aside and whispered: “This is sister-in-law’s achievement. Didn’t you obtain seventh-rank noble lady status for mother from the Governor? Sister-in-law said for such an important day, she must dress appropriately. She helped me prepare this. Father was also posthumously granted seventh-rank official status—sister-in-law specially had a tailor rush to make seventh-rank official robes to place on the altar during spirit worship.”

If father Gu Wanzhang knew from beyond the grave that his son brought him posthumous honor, he’d be overjoyed. Chang Yu’er’s thoughtfulness was truly comprehensive. Gu Pingyuan nodded: “Where is your sister-in-law?”

“Over there.” Gu Yuting pointed to Chang Yu’er and Liu Heita waiting at a distant tea stall. They also saw Gu Pingyuan. Chang Yu’er smiled and waved, meaning he needn’t come over—just watch over Gu’s mother. Gu Pingyuan’s heart sank: “Mother still won’t see her?”

“Mm.” Gu Yuting looked equally helpless.

Here Gu Pingwen also approached. The three siblings were about to discuss when Gu’s mother called them all over.

“Today is a wonderful day.” Gu’s mother looked devout. “After waiting so many years, finally your father can be delivered at such a grand water-land ceremony. Wherever his soul resides, surely Buddha’s light will reach him.”

“Mother speaks truly. Such Buddhist magnificence hasn’t occurred since the Qianlong reign. With eminent monks from ten directions gathered, merit will surely be complete.”

“There’s something I know you all dislike hearing, but I must say it.” Gu’s mother’s expression was stern. “She cannot participate in worship as the Gu family’s eldest daughter-in-law. The deceased have spirits—they definitely won’t recognize this daughter-in-law.”

This was too serious. All three Gu siblings changed color, especially Gu Pingyuan who now knew the truth and planned to slowly explain to his mother after the ceremony. He never expected such resolute measures. If Chang Yu’er wasn’t allowed to participate in today’s worship, it would publicly announce she was no longer the Gu family’s daughter-in-law. No matter how tolerant Chang Yu’er was, she couldn’t withstand this blow. Seeing Gu’s mother’s inflexible expression, the siblings looked at each other helplessly.

“Pingwen, get mother some tea—don’t let her get heatstroke in this weather. Little sister, bring the oil-paper umbrella to shade mother from the sun. Go quickly!”

Gu Pingyuan waved repeatedly. Gu Pingwen and Gu Yuting saw their eldest brother wanted them away and quickly moved to nearby spots, watching anxiously. Gu Pingyuan gritted his teeth and knelt down, planning to reveal everything here. Whether Gu’s mother could forgive would depend on heaven’s will and human feeling. Just as he was about to speak, sounds of pushing and scolding came from the crowd behind—quite loud. Gu Pingyuan turned slightly and saw two sedan chairs and one horse. The chairs were eight-bearer green felt sedan chairs, the horse was pure white thoroughbred. Twenty to thirty attendants surrounded the chairs and horse, forcibly clearing a path through the crowd for unobstructed passage.

This naturally aroused public anger, but those riding eight-bearer chairs were third-rank or above officials. Though outer provinces weren’t strict about protocol, the chair occupants’ wealth and power were unquestionable—common people dared be angry but not speak out.

Gu Pingyuan immediately recognized the horseman as Li Qin, whom he wanted dead. He stood up instinctively, touching the knife in his chest.

Li Qin rode his horse looking around and immediately spotted Gu Pingyuan glaring at him fiercely. This gave him indescribable satisfaction. Since their acquaintance, though he’d despised Gu Pingyuan, he’d always felt deep down that Gu Pingyuan never respected him—making him angrier. Seeing Gu Pingyuan’s unprecedented hatred, he felt as satisfied as if he’d already won a game.

He smiled leisurely, then dismounted and handed the reins to servants, going to the sedan chairs and lifting the curtains in turn to help the occupants out.

From the chairs emerged Li Wantang and his wife. Li Wantang wore fourth-rank prefect robes. His wife was more conspicuous—she’d purchased second-rank noble lady status and wore complete phoenix crown and rainbow robes, apparently planning to show off at this public Buddhist ceremony.

Gu Pingyuan knew he couldn’t explode now and forcibly suppressed his anger. Just as he was about to continue his interrupted words, he saw his mother’s eyes suddenly staring straight behind him. Not only that, she walked forward stiffly like a wooden puppet in opera, past Gu Pingyuan, continuing toward the Li family’s sedan chairs.

Gu Pingyuan turned back in astonishment. Gu Pingwen and Gu Yuting had been nervously watching and quickly came over seeing their mother’s strange behavior.

“Elder brother, what’s mother doing?”

Gu Pingyuan shook his head puzzledly and followed.

Gu’s mother stopped about three zhang from the sedan chair, staring wide-eyed at the person before her. Her lips trembling, she said softly: “You… you wouldn’t have known we all came and specially manifested to see us once? That’s good. When you left, Pingyuan was only six, Yuting not even half a year old. Let them see your appearance and remember it in their hearts.”

Gu Pingyuan stood beside his mother, hearing every word clearly. With his intelligence, how could he not understand what mother was saying? He looked incredulously along Gu’s mother’s gaze and saw an equally astonished person.

Li Wantang!

“Mother, you’ve mistaken him. This is a Beijing merchant owner, surnamed Li, called Li Wantang.” Gu Pingyuan said.

“Yes, mother, you’re mistaken. Let me help you sit aside.” Gu Yuting supported Gu’s mother’s arm. Suddenly, somehow Gu’s mother found great strength, forcefully shaking Gu Yuting off balance.

“Would I mistake my husband, mistake your father? All these years I’ve thought of him constantly. Though we have no portrait at home, I think of him daily as if seeing him daily. How could I be wrong!” Gu’s mother’s voice grew hoarse toward the end. She walked forward ten more steps to Li Wantang’s presence.

“That shallow scar on your brow—you got it falling from a horse in haste. I personally bandaged it. How could I not recognize it?” Gu’s mother murmured, slightly raising her hand as if wanting to touch the scar, tears flowing like a burst dam.

“Wanzhang, where have you been all these years? Why are you only returning now?”

Everyone present was stunned, many eyes simultaneously turning to Li Wantang to see what he’d say.

Li Wantang was also dazed for a while, shifting his gaze from Gu’s mother to Gu Pingwen and Gu Yuting nearby. His expression seemed to soften momentarily but then resumed the dignity and composure of Beijing’s merchant leader. Li Wantang cleared his throat softly, about to speak, when a cold voice came from beside him.

“Twenty years in a flash—even Qin’er is this grown. Never thought we’d still meet.”

Hearing this voice, Li Qin slowly turned his neck. He heard crackling sounds as if bones were laughing mockingly. He looked at his mother in horror—the usually cold-eyed Mrs. Li—and stammered: “Mother, what are you saying? What does this mean?”

“Mean? It means your father is a son-in-law who married into my Li family. Sons-in-law must change surnames. He simply changed his whole name—Gu Wanzhang became Li Wantang.”

“Madam!” Li Wantang had wanted to deny it, but Mrs. Li suddenly revealed everything. He shouted angrily.

“This matter’s been hidden for so many years. Since we’ve met here, let’s clarify everything. This old hag already called out in front of so many people—if we don’t explain clearly, others might think she’s your legitimate wife and I’m the concubine.” Mrs. Li naturally couldn’t tolerate such suspicion, not even slightly.

The matter began twenty years ago. Beijing’s Li family patriarch—the current Mrs. Li’s father—had built his business to the top position among capital merchants but suffered from having no sons or even brothers. His wealth would be divided among distant clan members after death—an absolutely intolerable thought.

Wealthy merchants often kept advisors—in Beijing called “bamboo-slip gentlemen”—who specialized in various schemes. One offered a brilliant plan: find a man of excellent character among visiting provincial merchants to marry into the Li family, clearly requiring complete severance from all past relatives and friends to wholeheartedly become Li family. After this man’s marriage, Li patriarch would also dismiss relatives, send away all servants, completely replace household staff, gradually creating the illusion that Li Wantang was Li family’s own son, only adopted out since childhood, while Mrs. Li was raised as a niece in the household. Now with blood relations reinforced by marriage, they naturally wed.

This careful work continued over ten years. As old acquaintances gradually died, the Li family’s fabricated story became “truth.” When Li Wantang took control of Li family business, no one raised objections. Now among capital merchants, only extremely few who’d had close dealings with Li family knew this secret.

After Mrs. Li finished revealing these secrets, she looked calmly at the dumbstruck crowd, then at Li Wantang: “Husband, is there anything inaccurate in what I said?” Li Wantang’s face was iron-blue; he didn’t answer a word.

Gu Pingyuan supported his unsteady mother with one hand while pointing ahead with the other, struggling to control himself: “False! Li Wantang, if you want to deal with me, you needn’t use such clumsy methods, joking about my late father.”

“Pingyuan, he… he is your father, he is Gu Wanzhang.” Gu’s mother felt her heart plunge into an ice cavern. Though the blazing sun shone overhead, she shivered with cold.

“No. I have no father.” Gu Pingyuan clenched his teeth, nearly crushing them. He let out a cry: “Pingwen, Yuting, listen to me. From today on, we have no father—only mother.”

Gu Pingwen was already too heartbroken to speak, crouching with his head in his hands. Gu Yuting had long cried herself into a tearful mess. Now she suddenly rushed forward pointing at Li Wantang and shouting: “Liar, you liar! You didn’t want us—fine. Even if you’d given mother a divorce letter, how could you be so cruel, making us wait so many years? Do you know that until this morning I still thought maybe father wasn’t dead? I never imagined you really weren’t dead, but I… I’d rather you had died long ago.”

“He wrote one.” Mrs. Li suddenly said.

“What?” Gu Yuting asked dazedly.

“I said he wrote a divorce letter long ago, on our wedding day, planning to have someone deliver it to Gu family village. But divorcing a wife without cause would invite clan interference. If they traced his whereabouts, ‘Li Wantang’s’ background would be exposed. So my father simply intercepted the divorce letter. He only learned about this years later.” Mrs. Li smiled faintly. “By then he no longer cared, because he already knew that being the mighty, luxuriously-living Li Bancheng was far better than being the poor Huizhou man Gu Wanzhang. The difference was like heaven and earth—even if you whipped him away, he wouldn’t leave Li family, wouldn’t return to that poor backwater.”

“Your Li family, relying on some money, doesn’t treat people as human—simply inhuman beasts.” Gu Yuting was so angry she choked with sobs.

Li Wantang looked at the heartbroken Gu Yuting—this child he’d only seen for half a year, crying with streaming tears yet stubbornly refusing to wipe them away. He involuntarily stepped forward half a step.

“Li Wantang, must I remind you again of the oath you swore?” Mrs. Li looked at him. “You said personally that from the day you married in, you’d consider yourself born in Li manor, raised in Li manor, and when you die, be buried in Li family cemetery.”

“In other words, living as Li family member, dying as Li family ghost.” Gu Pingyuan interrupted. “I’d like to know—using your latter half of life to become Li family master, what does it feel like inside?”

“You’re wrong.” Mrs. Li coldly corrected him. “He’s a son-in-law—there’ll be no place for his name in Li family ancestral hall. No matter how he commands wind and rain now, he merely manages Li family’s vast wealth temporarily. Someday all this business and money will belong to my son Li Qin—he’s the one with Li family bloodline, the true Li family master.”

Gu Pingyuan spoke mockingly to Li Wantang: “Hear that? You really thought you were capital merchants’ leader, but you’re just a dog they’ll discard after using.”

“Gu Pingyuan!” Li Wantang shouted sharply. “Whatever else, I’m still your father. How dare you speak so insolently!”

“Father? Ha ha ha ha ha!” Gu Pingyuan laughed maniacally. “Father…” He repeated this word, grabbing the seventh-rank official robes prepared for his “father,” then looking at the fourth-rank supplementary jacket Li Wantang wore.

“If I’m not mistaken, coming to Jinshan Temple today, you’d still hide it from Li family and secretly visit grandfather’s spirit tablet—the one you personally placed years ago. But I don’t understand—wearing these official robes like returning home in glory, what would you say before grandfather’s spirit? ‘Honored father above, your unfilial son Li Wantang comes to worship you’? Aren’t you afraid grandfather will visit your dreams at midnight, asking exactly who this Li Wantang is? How could he mistake ancestors and enter the wrong door!”

Surrounding people watching this human tragedy and hearing such bitter sarcasm couldn’t help but sweat nervously.

Li Qin was long stunned. He never imagined his father Li Wantang and Gu Pingyuan’s father Gu Wanzhang were the same person—making him and the three Gu siblings half-brothers by the same father. If so, what he’d told Gu Pingyuan yesterday… He looked toward Chang Yu’er slowly approaching and suddenly shivered coldly, closing his eyes hard, wishing he could slap himself hard.

“Wanzhang, I waited for you so many years—can’t I wait for one word from you? Tell me personally, what was all this for?” Gu’s mother felt confused and dizzy, her head splitting with pain, vision blurred. Only one strong thought supported her in walking to Li Wantang’s presence, staring into his eyes. “Is there really something in this world more important than us mother and children, worth your leaving and never looking back?”

Li Wantang had never been like today—opening his mouth several times without uttering a word. Looking at this woman before him, he suddenly found he dared not meet her eyes.

Mrs. Li snorted coldly and stepped forward: “Look clearly—I’m Li Wantang’s legitimately wedded wife. As for you, you’ve been divorced by him. You’re not even a concubine. How dare you compete with me for master?” She suddenly raised her palm toward Gu’s mother.

No one expected Mrs. Li to suddenly strike. Even Gu Pingyuan’s attempt to intercept was half a beat slow. Just then a figure flashed out blocking Gu’s mother. The slap landed heavily on that person’s face, knocking them down.

“Who are you! How dare you hit my Gu family’s eldest daughter-in-law! Is there no law in broad daylight?” Seeing the one who blocked and was hit was Chang Yu’er, Gu’s mother seemed to go mad, crying and shouting, lunging toward Mrs. Li but held back by Gu Pingwen and Gu Yuting.

“You bunch of bastards!” Liu Heita’s eyes were ready to pop out from listening. Even if Mrs. Li hadn’t struck anyone, he wanted to whip them all into fleeing with heads covered. With this excuse, he lashed out, collapsing half of Li Wantang’s sedan chair, frightening the bearers into scattering. But other attendants and guards carried short sticks and knives—dozens of people surrounded Liu Heita.

“The more the better—I’ll whip you bastards to death!” Liu Heita shouted loudly, his whip dancing impenetrably.

“All civil and military officials and common people stand aside!” Just as the fight reached its peak, suddenly from far to near, accompanied by gong sounds, someone shouted loudly. Then a large troop of Hunan Army cavalry on fine horses wielding long spears cleared the way, naturally separating the crowd and dispersing Liu Heita and Li family members to opposite sides.

After Zeng Guofan’s procession passed, people discovered Li family members had vanished completely—whether following the Governor into Jinshan Temple or leaving in embarrassment was unknown.

“Mother fainted from anger—quickly get a doctor.” Gu Yuting said anxiously.

“Pingwen, Yuting, you two help mother back. Brother Heita, you take care of Yu’er.” Gu Pingyuan assigned tasks rapidly.

“Elder brother, what about matters here?”

“What matters are left here!” Gu Pingyuan said sternly. Seeing incense and paper sellers nearby, he borrowed fire and burned the seventh-rank official robes to ash. Without looking back, he left Jinshan Temple and rode like the wind nonstop to Jiangning.

Li Wantang, you dared abandon wife and children for wealth—I’ll make you taste having nothing!

Entering Shunde Tea House, Gu Pingyuan immediately called Manager Peng: “Send people everywhere immediately to summon all external branch managers back—the faster the better!”

His voice carried deadly killing intent: “Beijing Li family—I’ll make these four characters disappear from the world!”

End of Volume Six