Chapter 10: Giving Face, Not Caring for Face

This boss is indeed ruthless in their actions

Everyone is aware of the heritage of Changning Prefecture; there are definitely no more than five merchants with such substantial financial resources. It would be quite remarkable if as much as thirty percent of the entire Changde Lane could successfully imitate them

Su Xin nodded: "More than 1,000 taels, which is even less than I had imagined"

They are now a gang in the underworld. If they harm others and seize their wealth, they will become robbers engaging in burglary, which is fundamentally different from being a gang.

With a thin sheet of iron, one can penetrate a person's bone and a one-inch thick mahogany table as easily as inserting into tofu; such speed and strength are extraordinary

Old... old boss! If we get rid of Boss Huang, we can find someone to take the blame, but if we take the property from the Shunde gambling house, the authorities will definitely intervene. " Huang Bingcheng was taken aback and quickly advised against it

He forcefully pressed Boss Huang's right hand onto the table, and the ridiculous iron blade pierced through, directly impaling Boss Huang's right hand and the table together, penetrating several feet deep, leaving only a sword hilt on Boss Huang's hand

There are various other shops, and even some buildings of the state government office are located there

Every year, they pay thousands of taels in taxes to the government; how could the government stand by and watch them be bullied by gangs

Injuring someone and causing death are not the same; if Boss Huang were truly dead, it would be difficult for the authorities to provide an explanation.

The entire audience erupted in laughter, but some of the followers secretly regretted why they did not step forward

Ji Gang's eyelids twitched; he did not speak, but the smile at the corners of his mouth had already faded, and his eyes were filled with astonishment

Su Xin sighed inwardly, thinking that if he had the strength, he would not need to resort to such petty tricks. These are precisely the kinds of things that Boss Huang and his fellow merchants enjoy playing with

Therefore, the attitude of the various factions towards these big merchants is generally favorable, as long as you abide by the rules, I will not make things difficult for you

At this moment, Su Xin swiftly drew the iron sword from his right hand, then pressed his left hand onto the table and, in the same manner, thrust the sword into it

For these merchants, paying those few dozen taels of fees each month feels as if someone is carving their flesh with a knife, not to mention that they now also have to contribute one-tenth of their dry shares

The area of Changlefang was originally planned by the government, and even the floors are identical. What about Changdefang?

Now, whoever stands up to the authorities and confesses that the person was harmed by him, I will give him three hundred taels of silver, and from then on, I will take care of his family and parents

However, disagreement with Su Xin's conditions does not imply that he will not act according to Su Xin's plan

The covert arrangements will not be lacking, and the insiders have already been secured, so what reason is there to continue opposing Su Xin

Even if one wishes to imitate, it is at most some powerful and wealthy merchants directly acquiring the surrounding stores and transforming them into our model

Su Xin looked around, and none of the bosses present dared to meet his gaze

However, if the people from Changdefang react and imitate our approach, the regional advantages will immediately become apparent, and we will still be unable to compete with them.

Everyone nodded upon hearing this; Su Xin's plan was intricately linked, and he had essentially considered all conceivable possibilities.

You should be more aware than I am about which offices in Changning Prefecture need to be attended to. Do not be frugal; handle them generously, as there will be future dealings.

You took my belongings but do not wish to pay, very well, I will have to come and retrieve them myself

Although Boss Huang holds a somewhat dismissive attitude towards Su Xin, he is still very supportive of Su Xin's plan

In fact, I am a person who values rules. I make plans, you earn money and enjoy the good life, while I just follow along and have a little soup. Is this excessive?

The land value of Changdefang, a central market, is worth its weight in gold; how many merchants can afford such a significant investment

Currently, among the subordinates under Su Xin, only a few are old members of the Flying Eagle Gang, while the majority have been recruited locally from Changlefang.

Well, since we are having a pleasant conversation today, I will not keep you any longer. I believe you all have a clear understanding of the plan. During this period, everyone can begin the decoration.

However, at this moment, Boss Huang could no longer hear any sounds; the instant Su Xin cut off his tongue, he had already fainted from the pain

Rest assured, I do not want your life either. Once you turn yourself in, I will immediately arrange for a lawyer to defend you, and the money will also be sent to your home

All the bosses were pondering in silence when suddenly two cold laughs echoed.

Additionally, seek out the most renowned lawyer in Changning Prefecture to assist in exoneration, ensuring that the sentence must be no more than three years

Everyone present was quite experienced; as soon as Boss Huang spoke, they immediately understood his meaning

Ah!

Li Huai, however, was fixated on the iron sword that had sunk beneath the table, his eyes glimmering with an inscrutable meaning

Currently, many merchants are hesitating only over that 10% equity stake

What you, Su Xin, have done today is truly excessive; we shall see how you plan to conclude this matter

However, now they do not dare to show their teeth to Su Xin, and they all smile and bow to bid farewell

Huang Bingcheng walked out with a sense of doubt, and Su Xin instructed once more: "You might see Ji Gang when you go, do not be surprised, just act as if you haven't seen him."

Even though they knew that rejecting Su Xin's request for dividends would offend him, they did not expect that he would actually resort to violence at the slightest provocation

A 10% stake is too much, he does not want to give it, nor can he give it

No one has ever used it here, not even thought about it, because the gangs here only value strength

However, he believed that his status and position were different from those of the small restaurant owners, so he still forced a smile and said: "What do you mean by that, Boss Su? I don't quite understand."

The leader of the Flying Eagle Gang, Sha Feiying, possesses the strength of postnatal perfection. If he were to handle this matter, not only would he incapacitate Boss Huang, but even if he were to kill him on the spot, the authorities would pretend not to see it

If the gang holds all the power, then who would pay taxes to the government? Wouldn't it be better to hand over all the money to the major gangs as protection fees?

Glancing at the followers below, Su Xin said in a deep voice: "Those who venture into the world of Jianghu are essentially looking to sell their lives at a good price"

"Even if we could take out less, we still cannot manage it," Huang Bingcheng said with a bitter expression. "The only five hundred taels we had were given to Master Hu San by you, and now in the gang, we are left with just a few scattered silver coins."

"It's nothing, just a little trick," Su Xin said dismissively, waving his hand.

"Old Master Su, let us speak calmly and not resort to violence!" Boss Liu of Zuiyue Tower quickly tried to persuade, but in truth, he was also quite frightened

Looking at Boss Huang, who was sweating profusely while lying on the table in pain, Su Xin said calmly: "Do you really think I, Su Xin, can be easily fooled? Stalling for time, using my plan, yet not intending to give me a share of the profits? Huh?"

Now that I think about it, three years in prison in exchange for three hundred taels of silver is simply too worthwhile

However, although no one present spoke up, the boss honestly wrote down the transfer document, while inwardly, he was continuously sneering.

Su Xin is now obediently delivering the criminals to others, thus allowing them to save face

First, delay for a while, as I am currently short on funds. After some time, he can still connect with several bosses and handle matters according to Su Xin's method

As long as the money is sufficient and the strength is formidable, this so-called bottom line may very well shift to an unexpected place

Someone like Su Xin, who immediately resorts to violence over a disagreement, is nothing short of a madman

Su Xin waved his hand, and Huang Bingcheng immediately called for someone to bring the ink, paper, and inkstone, to draft the transfer document for the shares.

At this moment, Su Xin made them feel more terrified than when they had just dealt with Boss Huang.

These individuals hail from the slums, often displaying a fierce and combative nature, yet they struggle to secure even the most basic necessities of life

Is there anyone who agrees with my plan now

Mr. Su, your idea is indeed good, but it is somewhat impractical

Do you not understand? Then I will explain it to you slowly

Everyone else should go down as well, leave Old Huang behind. By the way, carry Boss Huang down for me, take good care of him, and make sure he doesn't die

Strength is the true path

The government also possesses its own power

When the government becomes enraged, the Flying Eagle Gang will be utterly unable to resist, and the first thing they will do is throw him out as a scapegoat to be dealt with by the authorities

Everyone nodded in agreement; Boss Huang's concerns were indeed justified. The people from Changdefang are certainly capable of committing acts of plagiarism.

Such occurrences were quite common in previous lives

Their identities are not the same as that of the crippled Wang Pangzi, who was merely the owner of a small pharmacy; they are well-known merchants in Changning Prefecture.

As he watched Su Xin approach, Boss Huang suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, causing him to shudder violently

Merchants pursue profit and will stop at nothing to achieve it. If we proceed as you suggested, we will indeed attract a considerable number of customers in the initial phase

The Changning Prefecture consists of forty-nine districts, with the central district being Changde Fang. It is divided into twelve districts each in the east, west, south, and north, with each set of twelve districts having a chief constable.

The numerous bosses present immediately lowered their heads, no longer daring to entertain any other thoughts

After a moment of silence, Boss Huang finally spoke: "Old Su, your idea is indeed good, but my Shunde gambling house operates on a small scale, and I am currently short on funds, so I cannot come up with much money. It would be better not to stir things up."

After everyone had left, Huang Bingcheng bent over and said with admiration, "Boss, I truly admire you for coming up with such a method."

Boss Huang let out a mournful howl, causing many of the other bosses present to feel a jolt in their hearts. Boss Huang's two hands could be considered ruined.

Injuring others to seize their wealth is a matter far more serious than ruining Boss Huang; it directly touches upon the bottom line of the authorities

The henchman clasped his hands and said to Su Xin: "Boss Su, I am selling my life to you, and I only hope that the brothers in the gang can keep an eye on me, so that my wife doesn't take my hard-earned money to fool around with others"

Everyone present was taken aback, as no one expected Su Xin to act so suddenly, without any prior indication at all

Su Xin pointed at Boss Huang, who was lying on the ground, and said: "Boss Huang of the Shunde gambling house has now been incapacitated by me, and you all have witnessed it."

Boss Huang let out a piercing wail, and the splattered blood sprayed onto a person beside him, instantly frightening that individual into retreating repeatedly, even knocking over a chair in the process

He wiped the bloodied sword edge on Huang Laoban, and Su Xin gestured to Huang Bingcheng, saying: "Go and call all the brothers in."

The accomplice nodded slightly and turned to leave directly

Boss Huang is now in so much pain that he cannot speak, as a big boss who has enjoyed a life of luxury for many years, when has he ever endured such suffering

That place was rebuilt from the ruins after the court relocated its capital, with shops of various sizes, including a small tavern on one floor and a large gambling house with three floors

Su Xin said lightly: "The gambling house in Shunde is so large, that Huang the Fatty's wealth, if not a hundred thousand, is certainly several tens of thousands. Is this not money?"

The so-called bottom line of the government does not exist at all

Can this be called a pleasant conversation?

However, their silence is implicitly understood as a refusal

Su Xin sighed and slowly walked over to Boss Huang's side

All the brothers present can witness that I, Su Xinyan, am a man of my word. If I were to go back on it, I would no longer have a place in this Changning Prefecture

Then let us proceed to sign the document

However, while he agrees in principle, he cannot consent.

Seeing the stir among these people, Su Xin added fuel to the fire: "Turning yourself in does not necessarily mean you will die. I will make arrangements outside to ensure that you will be released within three years.

Although Huang Bingcheng believes that Su Xin is being modest, in reality, Su Xin's move is merely a small trick

It is true that causing harm to others is a crime, but the authorities will not consider who inflicted the harm; they will only take into account their own political achievements and their own reputation

In this way, they would be unable to achieve an exchange similar to ours

Su Xin whispered in Huang's ear: "Has anyone ever told you that your breath is actually quite foul?"

However, these individuals are engaged in small businesses and cannot dare to openly confront Su Xin.

Su Xin currently has fewer than seventy subordinates, but when all of them enter together, it still makes the hall appear somewhat crowded

Su Xin set down the teacup and shook his head: "They cannot imitate it. Changdefang has a fatal flaw, which is that the sizes of their land plots are all different"

Stay in prison for three years, and when you come out, there will surely be a place for you under my command, Su Xin

Everyone looked up, and it was still Boss Huang who spoke

Huang Bingcheng said: "The relocation fee is three hundred taels, and hiring a lawyer is not expensive; you can find a decent lawyer for just over ten taels. However, at the yamen, it is likely that you won't get away with less than one thousand taels."

All the bosses present were nodding their heads eagerly; in the current situation, how could they dare to disagree? Those who disagreed have already become useless, lying on the ground!

By that time, it would not be so easy for Su Xin to obtain the equity shares in his hands

Therefore, this opening must not be made under any circumstances

Old Huang, in a moment, take three hundred taels to deliver to that brother who is taking the blame, and do so in front of everyone.

The four chief captains each possess strength that surpasses the realm of postnatal perfection, and their subordinates number over one hundred, which enables them to suppress the three gangs and four associations of Changning Prefecture, even if it is merely a show of force

I, Su Xin, am not a good person, nor do I expect you to serve me for nothing. I currently have an opportunity, but I do not know if you dare to take it.

The iron sword was drawn, and Su Xin grabbed Boss Huang's hair, thrusting the iron sword directly into his mouth and violently stirring it. Instantly, a segment of blood-red matter was brought out.

We certainly cannot consume tens of thousands of taels of silver, nor have we ever considered doing so. Go and tally up the assets of the Shunde gambling house, compile a list, and present it to Master Hu San. He will understand my intentions.

The various bosses looked at Su Xin in astonishment, wondering if such a thing could still be played with

Now that Su Xin has been given this, what if the authorities become envious, or if Su Xin's adoptive father, Master Hu San, becomes envious and tries to take a 10% stake?

Now, with three hundred taels of silver placed before them, it is impossible for them not to be moved.

The iron sword, which Su Xin had slung at his waist, had appeared in his hand in an instant

The various bosses glanced at the still lying on the ground, uncertain of his life or death, Boss Huang, and secretly curled their lips.

Nodding slightly, Huang Bingcheng walked out with a pensive expression

As for Boss Huang, no one would care, and even some of the businessmen present were contemplating how to take over his gambling house in Shunde

The many henchmen present suddenly began to breathe rapidly; for them, three hundred taels of silver was simply an astronomical figure

The remaining guests who wish to enjoy this service must come to our Happy Forest

However, this thirty percent absolutely cannot meet the needs of the entire Changning Prefecture

The present bosses, even when facing Sha Feiying, the leader of the Flying Eagle Gang, would not feel afraid, for he is a man who abides by rules

Mr. Huang, sometimes being too shrewd is not necessarily a good thing

He understands the intentions of the government far better than those gang members who are only preoccupied with violence and killing

At this moment, a henchman, approximately twenty-five or twenty-six years old, stepped forward and said fiercely: "I will take this crime upon myself! Three hundred taels of silver is enough for my mother, my wife, and my son to live without worry for the rest of their lives"

They used to engage in petty theft and brawls, and they were incarcerated for a few months; now, isn't it just a longer duration? Why have they become so timid?

However, now they find themselves helpless in the face of such a rule-breaking madman as Su Xin

The henchmen who saw Boss Huang lying on the ground, covered in blood and seemingly lifeless, all shuddered.