Chapter 5, Little Battle (Part 1)

After a period of consideration, Zhang Xuanning, within the scope of her authority, categorized her subordinates into three types

Zhang Xuanning finished his meal and gazed outside. The wind grew stronger, and the rain became more torrential. He looked solemnly into the distance, as the wind and heavy rain splashed against his face, yet he remained unmoved.

However, my son, why did you not seek to win him over, but instead took direct action? Although you did send someone to contact Yan Kuan, your conditions were too harsh. Master Su glanced at him: "After all, Yan Kuan has no intention of opposing our gang; he has always been relatively close to us."

No, my son, this young man is absolutely not like ordinary people. If he had no martial arts skills before, then no matter how much potential he has, it would only take a word from me. However, he already possessed martial arts skills and has been patient in the shop. Looking at his actions over the past few months, he knows when to advance and retreat, understands the art of power. Although he still appears somewhat immature, do you really think he is just an ordinary person? I have been in this world for decades, and what I have gained is merely this. I suspect he is a side branch of some prominent family; otherwise, it is hard to explain his literary talent, martial skills, and insight." Master Su continued, "Moreover, this young man has exceptional talent. Without me, relying on his martial arts and abilities, he could still rise to prominence, albeit with a few more twists and turns. Since this is the case, why not establish a good relationship with him? After all, he still comes from my school, and there will always be some connection in the future. Unless he no longer wishes to work, there is absolutely no reason to burn bridges and earn a reputation for being heartless and ungrateful.

"Is he really worth such importance from his father, being just a mere servant?" Su Ling said somewhat dismissively.

Indeed, in the underworld, regardless of the era or the world, the real income primarily comes from bonuses and power; salaries are merely a safety net. Once a life-and-death struggle occurs, those who emerge victorious and survive will certainly receive bonuses that are several times, or even ten times, greater.

The reason is quite simple. At the beginning, what I gathered were merely small-time delinquents. Those who previously lived in uncertainty and could barely afford a meal are naturally easy to satisfy. There was no need to pay a monthly salary for the time being, nor to consider rewards.

After all, I am an old hand in this field; although I do not directly manage affairs, I keep everything in my heart.

This is not a reproach, but merely an inquiry into the reason

Although there were only thirty small-time thugs, organizing them proved to be quite troublesome. After a month of restructuring, three groups were finally formed. Gui Xiliang served as the acting leader of the first group, Zhou Feng as the acting leader of the second group, and Wang Chengzhi as the acting leader of the third group. Meanwhile, Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong, despite receiving treatment equivalent to that of the acting leaders and holding a temporary title of street patrol heads, were excluded from the power structure.

Who do you think is available?" After pondering for a moment, Master Su felt there was no need to continue the conversation with Yan Kuan, as he was merely an outsider. Thus, he changed the subject and was quite well-informed about the recent activities of Xiang Kou.

Training originally incurs a significant expense, however, at present, living temporarily in a house and practicing martial arts under Master Su, there is no need to bear the costs of weapons and medical treatment, thus it is manageable. Those who can endure the hardships of training will naturally be rewarded, while those who cannot will be abandoned.

After listening to her father, Su Ling lowered her head and pondered for a moment: "Father, I understand now, but even so, there is no need to treat Zhang Xuanning this way, right? I see that he is somewhat arbitrary in certain matters, and it seems he is not sufficiently respectful towards you! For instance, in this matter, he did not seek your approval."

In fact, you have a great chance of becoming the disciple of the leader. However, during the battle years ago, you were injured and fell into a trap, thus severing that path. The leader is actually aware of some of this, which is why he has taken extra care of my family over the years. However, such care is very precarious; human feelings will eventually fade, especially after being away from the gang for so many years. Therefore, it is essential for someone from my family to rise within the gang.

However, this is ultimately not a sustainable solution

"Do not speak any further, as I, as your father, have my own arrangements and considerations." Turning around, Master Su interrupted his son's words, his gaze fixed upon his son, his heart filled with pain and regret

Fixing his gaze on Zhang Xuanning, Master Su's eyes held a hint of a smile: "Having been in this line of work for several decades, I possess a certain level of discernment. The moment you officially assign your brothers, I knew you were about to take action"

Zhang Xuanning pondered for a moment before saying: "Father, to speak frankly, Yan Kuan has indeed shown signs of softening, but in reality, I have rejected him. The reason is quite simple: our new fragrance line is still unstable, and many matters have yet to be put on track. If we suddenly introduce outsiders, especially those with seniority, how should we treat both the newcomers and the old-timers? After all, there are only a few positions available, and we can only choose one side. This choice, without sufficient prestige and strength, would be more harmful than beneficial."

"Returning to my esteemed father, it is indeed so. I wonder how my esteemed father was able to discern this, as I was just about to report it to you!" Zhang Xuanning seemed to change color instantly, and her expression suggested that she was quite surprised

"My son carries a murderous aura, his spirit is imposing. Is he preparing to take action?" Master Su suddenly inquired while seated.

Watching the young man disappear into the wind and rain, a flash of lightning suddenly split the sky. For a moment, the room was very quiet. After a while, Su Ye's true son, the disabled Su Ling, emerged from the inner room. He spoke softly, "Father?"

Father, indeed your thoughts are admirable, and I, your child, hold great respect for you

With a laugh, Master Su said: "At present, he is still far from being able to accomplish anything. Even if he manages to achieve something, when necessary, I can act with righteousness and eliminate my own kin. I believe the leader will place greater importance on my family. Moreover, if he is able to rise to prominence, you will also have the opportunity to avenge your grievances"

Thirdly, there is a minor leader of two bamboo poles who manages a street, receiving a monthly payment of five guan, and 20% of the revenue from the street is at his discretion

Furthermore, in consideration of maintaining our reputation, we must establish a foothold in Yangzhou. The decision to resort to violence is inevitable; while defeating the enemy without battle is indeed a superior strategy, it is contingent upon timing. At this moment, however, it is absolutely inadvisable. I ask for your wise judgment, esteemed father. Zhang Xuan's eyes sparkled: "Moreover, among us brothers, it is still unclear who can be utilized and who cannot. However, when it comes to taking up arms against others, it will become crystal clear."

At this point, a glimmer of murderous intent flashed in Master Su's eyes: "If it weren't for this, why would I go to such lengths to speak to the leader and produce a Yangzhou fragrant mouth?"

This season, there are winds and rain

Such a distribution, in order to uphold the organization's prestige and Zhang Xuanning's own status, certainly cannot be disregarded or abandoned. To ensure clear rewards and punishments, the first matter at hand is naturally the resources that have been seized

Secondly, it is a formal assistant of the bamboo, allocated a long knife each year, two sets of changeable clothing each season, preparing to establish a uniform, and a monthly allowance of one currency unit

Regarding talent and intelligence, both Xing Rong and Jiang Feng have potential to be tapped into, and I am already prepared to have them read more books. In terms of martial arts, Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong have the best innate abilities and are likely to achieve the most in the future. Zhang Xuan said slowly: "However, the requirements for selecting a team leader are to be brave in spirit, resolute in will, and obedient to orders. Among these three, they are currently the most suitable."

Oh, Zhang Xuanning, this child, has a certain disregard for hierarchy ingrained in his bones, I am aware of this. However, at least on the surface, he still manages to maintain some decorum. My son, you must understand that our family currently lacks strength; it is no longer possible for you to hold a position in the gang. There are no relatives within the family who possess the talent to rise to prominence. What we rely on is influence. For now, it is merely a matter of mutual benefit, preserving a bit of goodwill, so that future discussions may be more amicable.

After four months, the expenses on a single street have already become unbearable

Well, you have made a good choice. Go ahead, my child. What I can do for you now has come to an end. As for whether you can stand out in the future, that will depend on your own abilities

First, those who are being tested, such as the small-time thugs or the informants on the streets, receive very simple rewards. The thugs can earn five steamed buns each day, while the street informants can enjoy protection