Chapter 4, Old Du's Strategist

Su Xia turned to Lao Du and said: "Brother, Yang Tai is frivolous and impetuous, and should not be easily trusted. We absolutely must not take action tonight!" Lao Du laughed and replied: "Su Xia, you are undoubtedly my greatest contributor, but you should also mentor the younger generation. You are a young man too; if he has the drive, let him take the risk. When he returns, I will have him apologize to you."

Su Xia's face suddenly changed color: "What did you say?" Yang Tai coldly replied: "We have disrupted Xiao Du's affairs several times, and he has acted as if nothing happened. Even if he is like a loach, without our own people leaking information, I do not believe he could escape so quickly! Xiao Du has not been in Yangzhou for long, and he once publicly praised, 'Among the friends in Yangzhou, you Su Xia are a person of significance!' Later, you secretly met with him; do not think that the elder brother is unaware. Everyone says, if this spy is not you, then who else could it be?" Xiao Du has not been in Yangzhou for long, and he once publicly praised, 'Among the friends in Yangzhou, you Su Xia are a person of significance!' Later, you secretly met with him; do not think that the elder brother is unaware. Everyone says, if this spy is not you, then who else could it be?

Yang Tai's face changed color, and he immediately said: "I wouldn't dare, who doesn't know that Mr. Su is the little strategist of the big brother? Yang Tai certainly does not possess your talents, so Xiao Du wouldn't think highly of me to be this spy!"

Su Xia felt a chill in his heart, knowing that Yang Tai dared to speak to him like this tonight entirely on Old Du's orders. It seemed that tonight's ambush was also Old Du's own idea. He felt a wave of sadness: "With Yang Tai's abilities, if he could take down Du Huangpi, that would truly be a miracle! I won't fight such a battle; I will wait for you at home." Yang Tai replied: "Right, you won't go with us, and then you'll secretly run to inform Xiao Du. Remember to remind Xiao Du to give you credit for it!"

Then several bizarre incidents occurred in succession, yet the formal confrontation had not yet taken place, and one could not openly deal with Xiao Du. Moreover, this fellow could always remain uninvolved during each incident, waiting for Lao Du's people and another group of formidable yet inexplicable individuals to clash, after which he could feign indifference.

Du Feng shook his head and said, "I truly admire you; you are even more blindly loyal than my second brother who has served in the military. I was afraid you would act this way, which is why I haven't dared to kill Old Du immediately. However, I also do not wish to leave him with a single breath; if the roots are not eradicated, it only causes anxiety in my heart. Do you really want me to buy your favor?"

Old Du's ruthless nature is clearer to Su Xia than anyone else. Since the mask has been torn today, if he can defeat Little Du, he will no longer be valued in the future. If he fails, he will absolutely have no face to see himself and will definitely strike first.

Su Xia sighed for a while before saying: "Elder brother has shown me great kindness. To speak honestly, I have a deep admiration for Master Du. If elder brother were still here, I would indeed seek refuge with Master Du. However, now, I can only disappoint Master Du's good intentions. If Master Du feels displeased, then he may as well kill this ungrateful Su Xia!"

Su Xia said: "Brother Fang, although you did not bring shame to the elder brother, you have caused trouble for him. You owe money to others and are in the wrong, and then you smashed their venue. How could Qin Sanchuan let this go?"

Su Xia said: "You caused me to be like this, and you expect me to acknowledge you as my elder brother? Du Ye, you really dare to say that, aren't you afraid I will find a way to deal with you?" Du Fengji replied: "Su Ye, let's speak honestly. I have never harmed you; I merely praised you sincerely a couple of times. As for deliberately showing weakness, you know very well Old Du's temperament, yet you insisted on pushing him, that is something you brought upon yourself. If it were someone else, this situation would never have occurred, and naturally, it wouldn't have been worth the effort for Xiao Du to go to such lengths."

Old Du smiled with satisfaction and said: "When you come out to mix in the world, you must strive for a sense of dignity. I, Old Du, have been in Yangzhou for nearly twenty years, and I have never felt as constrained as I do now! It seems that Du Huangpi is about to ride on my head and relieve himself. Xiao Fang, tell me what you heard yesterday."

At this moment, Su Xia was filled with an inexplicable sense of grief and indignation. He recalled the ten years he had spent with Old Du, rising from a penniless subordinate to a person of authority under Old Du, who had truly shown him favor. Therefore, he had always devoted himself wholeheartedly, helping Old Du transform from a minor leader into a formidable power in Yangzhou, someone whose very stamp could shake the city walls. Unexpectedly, at this moment, he found himself facing the prospect of being placed under house arrest by him.

Su Xia exclaimed, "Has my elder brother already died?" Du Fengji replied, "The last thing he said was to have someone send a message to kill you. I intercepted six of his messengers to stop it. Rest assured, you have nothing to feel guilty about towards him."

Hearing those foolish people still shouting: "Xiao Fang is doing well! Let's go make the Du Huangpi now, and let Kou Kou Kou Qin Sanchuan see who is truly the Du Laoda of Yangzhou!"

At today's gathering, Su Xia had a strong intuition that Old Du would have a significant move. Sure enough, after everyone had reported their matters, Old Du spoke up: "Brothers, how do I treat you?" The crowd immediately erupted in chatter: "Big Brother has always treated us well! If Big Brother has any tasks, just give the orders; those who shrink back are all cowards..."

Su Xia was taken aback; Xiao Du's influence was not yet substantial enough for Qin Sanchuan to utter the word "submit." Moreover, Xiao Fang had been gambling in his territory more than once or twice, and there was absolutely no official who did not recognize him. Su Xia had actually been gradually instigating the underworld friends in Qinzhou and Yancheng to deal with Xiao Du, hoping to reap the benefits as a bystander. However, it now appeared that the cunning Qin Sanchuan had also thought of this tactic and instead instigated the conflict between the two Dus in Yangzhou. It is important to note that Old Du could not stand losing face; if this tactic succeeded, it would be akin to winning a battle without shedding blood.

The quick-witted young man, known for his lean physique and formidable skills, currently had his face wrapped in a bandage. He responded, "I was gambling in Yancheng yesterday, but I owe twenty taels of silver. The gambling official refused to acknowledge it. I said, 'I am a younger brother of Master Du from Yangzhou; with Master Du's golden reputation, how could I possibly lose this twenty taels?' But he replied, 'Master Du? I have seen many brothers under Master Du, and none have ever defaulted on their debts. Unless you are referring to that Old Du from the south of the city, does he still deserve to be called Master?'" Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but bang the table and curse.

In the future, the phrase "This is my brother worth fighting for with all my might" became something Su Xia loved to say. He is only half a month younger than Du Fengji, thus ranking fifth among the nine sworn brothers

As soon as the words left his mouth, Su Xia knew he had misspoken. Sure enough, a newly appointed little leader spoke up: "Mr. Su, are you implying that the boss is narrow-minded?" Looking at Old Du's expression beside him, it was indeed fluctuating between dark and light.

Xiao Fangdao: "Rest assured, Master Qin San happens to be not far from the venue. He said: 'Brother Fang, do not blame my subordinates for their limited insight. I am pleased to see that another hero with the surname Du has emerged in Yangzhou. However, I mentioned at home— I, Qin San, acknowledge Young Master Du from Yangzhou. In fact, the elder is not bad either; the Yangzhou Double Du may not necessarily have a clear leader. In any case, as long as it is for Master Du's sake, regardless of size, I will certainly give it!" In fact, the elder is not bad either; the Yangzhou Double Du may not necessarily have a clear leader. In any case, as long as it is for Master Du's sake, regardless of size, I will certainly give it!

Su Xia's eyes lit up: "Su Xia knows what to do!" He immediately knelt down, "Master Du, if you spare my elder brother's life, Su Xia will dedicate his life to repaying this great kindness!"

Su Xia pointed at the housekeeper and said, "You have now pressed their acupoints. When my elder brother returns, he will be even more convinced that you and I are in collusion. At that time, I will have no way to defend myself, right?" Du Fengji smiled and replied, "If your elder brother can still come back, I would never do such a thing that would give Su Ye a reason to blame me. I want you to be unable to say anything bad about me, wholeheartedly acknowledging me as your elder brother"

The small leader Yang Tai spoke up again, saying: "It seems that Mr. Su holds Du Huangpi in high regard. Perhaps he admires him quite a bit?" Su Xia replied: "I do indeed admire Xiao Du, but I am even more loyal to my elder brother. You should refrain from your sarcastic remarks. I know you possess a bit of cleverness, but you are still too inexperienced to replace me."

The underlings of Old Du hold a gathering once a month, a new reform measure established after Su Xia took on the role of "military advisor." During the gathering, everyone drinks together and discusses recent business and news from the underworld. In the recent few meetings, Old Du has formally declared Little Du, who has never confronted him directly, as his number one enemy in front of everyone.

Su Xia's anger surged, and with a raised hand, she threw a punch. Yang Tai was caught off guard and stumbled from the blow

When mentioning Du Ye from Yangzhou, it refers to the old Du, without distinguishing between the old and the young. However, recently a young Du has arrived in Yangzhou, and this fellow has a yellowish complexion, so the old Du is nicknamed Du Big Mouth, while the young Du is called Du Yellow Skin.

Seeing the look of guilt on Old Du's face, Su Xia couldn't help but call out again, "Elder Brother!" Old Du, fearing he would say more, waved his hand and hurriedly led the group away. In the end, as Yang Tai passed by, he spat at Su Xia.

At the banquet, Old Du patted Su Xia's shoulder and said, "You, my young brother, are indeed my strategist, Old Du!" From then on, the name "Old Du's strategist" was officially established.

Su Xia angrily said: "I only wanted to probe Little Du's background, and I did not act in secret. If you want to frame me, it won't be that easy!" Yang Tai replied: "I have arranged for people to ambush Du Huangpi tonight, and I guarantee we will take him out. If you have nothing to hide, then bring your men along. If Du Huangpi dies today, I will admit that I wronged you and immediately bow to you, Su Ye, to apologize."

Su Xia Dao: "Xiao Du is truly not an ordinary person. It is best to befriend such a person rather than make an enemy of him. Xiao Dayong is quite carefree, but the water in the teaching of Lei Lei is narrow-minded; he certainly cannot tolerate anyone competing with him for the same bowl of rice!"

This is the fifth brother among the ten brothers—known as Su Xia, the clever one. However, his brothers prefer to call him by another name—"Manager of Finances."

Xiao Fang continued, "Of course I couldn't swallow this anger, so I flipped the table and shouted, 'What is that tuberculosis ghost Du Huangpi? How can he be compared to our Master Du?' As a result, a fight broke out. I got a few minor injuries, but over on Qin Sanchuan's side, more than ten were taken down. In the end, I didn't embarrass my big brother!"

Su Xia was alone in the hall, his eyes blurred with tears, and his sister-in-law had not come out to prepare a meal for him. After waiting for two or three hours, still no one had returned, and he felt anxious. He stood up, intending to go out, and when he reached the door, he noticed that the housekeeper did not stop him. Su Xia looked in surprise and found that all the gatekeepers had been incapacitated.

A voice said: "There are no obstacles in front of Master Su, if you want to go, then go." Su Xia replied: "Is it Master Du?" Du Fengji walked in from outside and responded: "Hello, Master Su, it is indeed Little Du."

Su Xia said: "Master Du, I have nothing much to say now, I only ask you one question, when you say you hold me, Su Xia, in high regard outside, is it a scheme to sow discord?" Du Fengji chuckled lightly: "I admit there is a bit of a discordant intention, but this tactic has been used for thousands of years. Anyone with a bit of magnanimity would not fall for it. Not only that, actually the matter at the Qin Sanchuan casino was also a scheme I employed to sow discord. I know that Du Dazui has a narrow mind, and as long as I keep irritating him from a distance, he will become restless. He sees me retreating without advancing, and must think I have no capability. At that time, the two of you will definitely have disagreements, and as these matters accumulate, he will naturally not trust you. If it were just to carve out a territory, I wouldn't have to endure so much, letting Old Du have so many schemes, giving him so many benefits, it is actually all for you. I am speaking the truth, I truly admire Master Su's talents, and I hope you can work with me!" If it were just to carve out a territory, I wouldn't have to endure so much, letting Old Du have so many schemes, giving him so many benefits, it is actually all for you. I am speaking the truth, I truly admire Master Su's talents, and I hope you can work with me!

Xiao Du engages in small business, organizing local beggars and thieves to carry goods and earn a meager living. Su Xia advises Lao Du not to take these small amounts of money too seriously, as money in the world is endless. As long as they do not interfere with Lao Du's gambling den and brothels, he should let them pass. He should focus on managing his own territory and avoid conflicts, as in the future, it will not be difficult to absorb or recruit them, and even if he has to settle matters, he will have the upper hand. However, Lao Du replies, "It is only because he was born with the wrong surname; in my territory, there cannot be a second Du Ye!"

Thinking of this, Su Xia softly said: "No matter what, Su Xia hopes that elder brother can be safe." Yang Tai immediately responded: "What are you saying, are you cursing elder brother..." Old Du stopped him, saying: "Definitely, definitely."

Su Xia said: "Brother, I have followed you for nearly ten years, do you still not trust me? Xiao Du is a formidable opponent, we must not let our guard down!"

In fact, his skills are much better than Su Xia's, but he still does not dare to retaliate, only gazing at Old Du. Old Du's expression became even more unpleasant, and he forced a smile, saying: "It is deserved! Su Xia is my brother of many years, and I absolutely trust him. From now on, anyone who dares to speak nonsense again, I, Old Du, will be the first to not let him off. However, Su Xia, to avoid any suspicion, you should not go home for now, just stay here with your elder brother, and let your sister-in-law prepare a couple of dishes for you. When we return, your elder brother will have a good drink with you."

Su Xia said: "Elder brother, if we compete now, I fear we have no chance of winning. Xiao Du has started relying on water transport for goods, and within two months, he will definitely come into conflict with the Pai Jiao. At that time, we won't need to suffer losses in battle, and we can eliminate this little brat. Isn't that better?" Lao Du replied: "You said the same thing six months ago. As a result, Xiao Dayong and Xiao Du did not fight, and instead, Xiao Du expanded his business to Qinzhou. I have been watching that yellow monkey grow stronger!"

Su Xia was originally a minor leader under Old Du in the southern part of Yangzhou. One time, when Old Du was competing for territory with the local bully Xiao Dayong from Qinzhou and realized he was losing, Su Xia signaled and sank all thirteen boats that Xiao Dayong had brought by drilling holes in their bottoms and sealing them with gelatin. When Xiao Dayong returned victorious, his boats began to take on water in the middle of the river. Su Xia had already prepared several small boats waiting at the entrance and rescued them all. He insisted that Old Du was willing to reconcile with Xiao Dayong. At that time, no one had ever used such a tactic among the simple-minded young thugs, and Su Xia appeared impressive, playing the good guy on both sides. Old Du and Xiao Dayong became friends, further strengthening Old Du's influence.

Du Fengji Xiaoma: "Why don't you simply offer yourself? Is it worth being so loyal to Old Du? If you follow me from now on, I will definitely show you what it means to have an older brother worth fighting for!"

After several attempts, no one could fathom the true nature of this young Du. Gradually, the subordinates of the elder Du began to say that this yellow-skinned young Du might be the Kitchen God descending to the mortal realm, otherwise how could there be so many deities bestowing their protection upon him

For the first time, several of Old Du's subordinates, who were pretending to be drunk and looking for trouble, unexpectedly provoked Xiao Dayong. It was clearly reported beforehand that the one drinking at the restaurant was Du Huangpi, but when Old Du's men arrived, it turned out to be Xiao Dayong who was drinking. A few brothers went over to stir up trouble, but Xiao Dayong could not tolerate this and ended up beating them to a pulp. If it weren't for Su Xia's face, Xiao Dayong would have gone to confront Old Du directly.

Thus, Old Du prepared to take people to challenge Young Du's territory, but Su Xia advised Old Du to be cautious, as he had sensed that this Huang Pi was not simple from the very beginning. It was nearly impossible for Young Du, who had been mingling in Yangzhou for so long, to have never crossed paths with Old Du in any matter. Even Xiao Dayong, who was far away in Qinzhou, could still contend with Old Du for territory, unless he was intentionally avoiding him. Old Du was quite patient with the gentle persuasion of the young strategist and secretly decided to test Young Du without informing Su Xia.