Chapter 4, Guan Yu's Brothers

After arranging for Li Qiang, the two returned to their respective rooms, performed a simple wash-up, and changed into clean clothes. Noticing that there was still some time before the hour of You, they sat down to chat for a while

Ah, one must still accumulate strength

Given the current situation, since Zhou Long did not die due to my arrival, Guan Yu would not kill Ma Zong. Thus, he would not flee into the rivers and lakes during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and would not form a brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei.

As Wenhan was just stepping out the door, he suddenly heard a sound from behind and fell to the ground abruptly

Human life is of utmost importance, especially when it concerns one's own husband at the brink of life and death. Lin did not hesitate at all and immediately agreed.

Guan Yu, is that not the renowned 'Martial Saint', Guan Er Ge? I did not expect it to be Zhou Long, that sworn brother, who is indeed the one who passed through five passes and slaughtered six generals, traveled a thousand miles alone, and was deeply favored by the future Wei Emperor 'Cao Cao', yet could not attain the status of the super general—Guan Yu!

I have always heard Brother Zhou speak of this life-and-death brother, yet I have never heard his name. Is the name of this person, whom Brother Zhou praises as a rare true hero in the world, truly unfit to be revealed

After returning to the Zhou residence, Zhou Long instructed Lin to arrange accommodations for Li Qiang. Zhou Long was aware that Wen Han valued Li Qiang and treated him exceptionally well, regardless of Li Qiang's past identity.

Having received such significant benefits from others, Yang Hong also promised Lin that in the future, Zhou Long and Wen Han would be under his protection, and that no one in Jie County was permitted to harm a single hair on their heads

You, woman, how can you be so unreasonable? The horse harness was invented by my virtuous brother; how can you take it upon yourself to make decisions!

Dear brother! You! Ah, forget it! Forget it! You hold a 30% stake in the gambling house

If this is the case, then I would have a chance

After hearing this, Zhou Long pointed at Lin's nose and began to scold her

"Alright, let's set off."

Alright! I will follow your words, elder brother. However, we are not strangers; let my sister-in-law keep my share of the income, is that acceptable? Normally, I need to spend money for food and other necessities at your home. Elder brother, please do not delay; otherwise, I will pack my things and leave Jie County immediately.

Brother Zhou, just now on the way back, you seemed deep in thought. Could it be that you are worried about your sworn brother?

Brother Zhou, do not be anxious. Follow my lead later and do not act rashly, lest you ruin the situation

Including in later times, the relatively well-known Yang Feng and Yang Xiu also originated from this gentry class

However, who can guarantee in the future that Zhou Long will maintain inner balance and not run away? Wouldn't that cut off his own source of income? He, Yang Hong, also finds it inappropriate to operate a gambling house, which is not suitable for respectable society.

Since County Magistrate Yang is now on good terms with us, why not wait until after the third round of drinks at the banquet, and then Brother Zhou can bring up the matter of borrowing troops from County Magistrate Yang? We can then lead the troops to deal with those mere mountain bandits without any fear

Dear brother, what is the matter with you? Could it be that you have enmity with that individual, to react so strongly? Your complexion has changed.

Therefore, if you, my dear brother, delay, I will close the gambling house and leave it to Yang Hong to handle

What a coincidence, it is truly too coincidental

On an unexpected occasion, Lin noticed that her husband's arch-rival, Ma Zong, frequently visited the Yang residence. Moreover, he always brought substantial sums of money with him. Lin discreetly took note of this and gathered some information from Huang, although it was incomplete. However, at the very least, Lin understood that Ma Zong intended to target Zhou Long.

Indeed, I have heard that the leader of Black Wind Mountain, Pei Yuanshao, possesses remarkable skills and is supported by eight hundred bandits in the mountains. I am concerned that my brother may encounter some misfortune

It turns out that, half a month ago, a relatively high-ranking steward in the office of County Magistrate Yang fell in love with the game of "ma diao" at the Zhou Long gambling house. He often played "ma diao" there. Upon returning to the Yang residence, he introduced this novel game to his younger sister, who happened to be the concubine "Huang" of Yang Hongxin.

This means that, apart from Yang Hong himself, Zhou Long and Wen Han can almost walk with impunity

Wen Han did not give Zhou Long a chance to respond, laughing heartily and patting Zhou Long on the shoulder. The two men exchanged glances, their bond needing no words. Li Qiang, who followed behind Wen Han, looked at the two men's backs with great envy

With a bang

Wenhan hurriedly advised, "Brother Zhou, this statement is incorrect. No amount of wealth can buy back a life, and a 50% share is not excessive. Even if County Magistrate Yang takes it all, your sister-in-law should still give it to him. Brother Zhou, do not blame your sister-in-law; doing so makes it seem as if you cannot distinguish right from wrong"

Lin immediately brought up Wenhan's thoughts at that time. After pondering for a while, Yang Hong modified the terms as if a lion and tiger were fighting over food; he demanded 50% of the gambling house's shares

"Alright, alright. I will listen to you." Zhou Long nodded repeatedly, and before he knew it, he realized that he had become dependent on the young man before him, almost completely acquiescing to the young man's words.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Wenhan's mind. He vaguely recalled that during Guan Yu's escape in the rivers and lakes, the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out. At that time, he was about to enlist in the army when he happened to encounter Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, which led to the oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden

In recent days, Lin has been experiencing frequent eyelid twitches and a restless mind. Today, she resolved to visit Yang Hong to seek clarification. However, on her way, she noticed Ma Zong's people frequently entering and exiting the Yang residence, which made Lin realize that something was amiss. In a hurry, she took out all the savings from her home.

Zhou Long spoke in an unequivocal tone. Lin, who was beside him, was about to say a few words, but was sharply silenced by Zhou Long's stern gaze.

After the two reached an agreement, Yang Hong immediately led his troops to rescue Wen Han and Zhou Long. This resulted in the earlier scene, allowing Wen Han and Zhou Long to escape from the jaws of the tiger in the Ma clan.

Wen Han secretly muttered to himself, then interrupted his thoughts, stood up, and said to Zhou Long: "I am not acquainted with Brother Guan; I was just a bit distracted earlier. Brother Zhou, saving people is of utmost importance. Let us hurry to the Yang residence for the banquet and discuss the matter of borrowing troops with County Magistrate Yang."

Later, even Yang Hong was drawn in, sending away the Lin sisters and joining in himself. As a result, the Lin family became familiar with the Yang household.

Then, through the Huang family, an opportunity was obtained for Lin to meet Yang Hong alone. From the very beginning, Lin straightforwardly presented five hundred taels of silver to Yang Hong under a suitable pretext. After learning of Ma Zong's plan, Lin hurriedly sought Yang Hong's assistance.

In the "Records of the Three Kingdoms," it is recorded that Guan Yu, in a fit of rage after his friend was murdered by a powerful figure, took the life of the perpetrator, thus embroiling himself in legal troubles and fleeing into the rivers and lakes.

Yang Hong unabashedly displayed his avaricious nature in front of Lin. He was unafraid, as the Yang clan behind him was renowned throughout the Sili Prefecture. The most formidable among them was the Grand Commandant "Confucius of Guanshi" Yang Zhen, who wielded immense power. Ordinary people were merely like ants in the presence of the Yang clan.

Due to the esteemed status of the Huang family, the Lin family dared not refuse and thus brought a sister along to the Yang residence with a horse-drawn carriage, where they set up a table with Huang and her brother, totaling four people. This turned out to be quite an affair; the allure of the horse-drawn carriage was indeed powerful, and once Huang started playing, she became quite enthusiastic. Subsequently, she almost sought out the Lin family daily to enjoy their company.

Wen Han changed into a white diagonal-collared robe and, seeing Zhou Long in a distracted state, could not help but ask.

Zhou Long slapped his forehead and said: "Look at how confused I am. Originally, I wanted to formally introduce you two after you met. However, it doesn't matter to say it now. My sworn brother's surname is Guan, given name is Yu, and his courtesy name is Changsheng"

If the horse-drawn carriage becomes widespread, fifty percent of the income from the gambling house would multiply his wealth several times over

Do not be misled by Lin's usual carefree demeanor; her inner world is quite delicate. Once, she overheard a conversation between Wenhan and Zhou Long. In it, Wenhan suggested that Zhou Long find a powerful individual to invest in his gambling house. With the introduction of novel gambling tools like the horse-drawn carriage, as long as they are vigorously promoted, once they become popular, the income from the gambling house will undoubtedly be astonishing.

However, at that time, Yang Hong refused the Lin family on the grounds of jeopardizing his own financial interests. This was because Ma Zong had known Yang Hong for a long time, and sometimes Ma Zong would ask Yang Hong, the county magistrate, to provide some conveniences. Therefore, Ma Zong contributed a considerable amount of silver to Yang Hong every month

In that case, wouldn't Zhou Long be the friend of Guan Yu who was killed out of anger? And that Ma Zong must be the powerful figure.

Zhou Long was overjoyed, stood up, and took Wen Han's hand, intending to walk outside

On the way back to the residence, Lin informed Wenhan and Zhou Long of the details of the matter one by one

However, if one were to resort to underhanded tactics, and combine them with one's own proficiency in throwing knives, it would indeed be possible to take advantage of openings to eliminate some second-rate generals. Furthermore, given that I currently possess neither wealth nor power, what grounds do I have to think that I could bring Guan Yu under my command

Wen Han felt a wave of dizziness wash over him as he stared at Zhou Long, who looked anxious in front of him. His mouth opened and closed, but he was at a loss for words.

Dear brother, your words have truly awakened me from my slumber! Let us hasten to the Yang residence and discuss the matter of borrowing troops with the county magistrate

Due to the peculiar nature of gambling establishments, the Huang family found it inappropriate to visit. However, she was very eager to try the novel item introduced by her brother. She devised a plan and had her biological brother locate the Lin family, requesting them to bring the horse to their residence.

Dear brother, do not delay. The reason I was saved this time is entirely due to your horse-drawing game. Originally, my gambling house could not have lasted much longer; had it not been for your introduction of this novel gambling device, my gambling house would have long since closed its doors.

This sincere bond is truly moving. Although the two individuals do not share the same bloodline, they are even closer than blood relatives.

Yang Hong is a greedy person, but he also believes that there is a way to greed. Therefore, he does not exhaust everything in one go when he undertakes tasks. Originally, in such circumstances, he would demand 80% or even all of the shares, and the Lin family would give them to him without hesitation

No wonder Ma Zong and Cheng Dong are so afraid of Zhou Long's brother. They are simply no match for this super powerhouse.

Wen Han's small thoughts just emerged, but he immediately suppressed them. From his earlier encounter with Li Qiang, he realized that in this era of heroes, his martial skills could only be considered third-rate

If Zhou Long wishes to be saved, it is only if the Lin family can offer him another, more enticing path to wealth

By that time, there will surely be many envious nobles eyeing this large piece of pork. Therefore, at that time, Wenhan suggested that Zhou Long find a powerful and influential person to act as a protective umbrella. That person could receive twenty percent of the net profits from the gambling house

Yang Hong is indeed greedy for wealth, but he still has some considerations. He understands the impact that the horse's bridle will bring, something that Lin's woman has not seen clearly; however, Yang Hong is very much aware of it.

Wen Han smiled contentedly and was just about to walk out the door when he instinctively asked Zhou Long.