Douluo: A Century-old Legend I Am the Second Uncle Chenxin

Chapter 1831 Iron-Fisted Methods, Blood-Soaked Choice
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Today's four chapters (3/4)

……

Chen Xiaojun sat quietly beside Zhu Yanfeng, the hem of his robe hanging to the ground, concealing all his subtle movements.

He lowered his eyelids slightly, seemingly indifferent to the sharp exchange before him, only lifting his eyelids slightly for a fleeting moment when Chen Zhang presented the three options for leaving.

'Second Uncle's methods...' Chen Xiaojun murmured to himself, observing with a hint of cold indifference.

The conditions proposed by Chen Zhang were essentially a blatant attempt to co-opt and control the regime.

Unlike his past attempts to subtly recruit others with more favorable "treatment" and "development prospects," Chen Zhang now displays absolute dominance after experiencing the brutal crushing on the battlefield and with the overall situation settled.

He didn't give Tan Yashuang and Tang Hengyu much room for imagination regarding their "treatment," nor did he specifically describe the bright future after their surrender.

He presented a realistic choice after the living space was locked down: either submit to the new order and become a part of it, or be completely exiled to the edge of survival and left to fend for themselves.

This was far more cruel than the "temptation" Chen Xiaojun had anticipated, but it was also more in line with the Chen family's position as victors and restorers of order.

What you can't get on the battlefield, you can't expect to get more at the negotiating table.

Chen Zhang is clearly drawing a line: once the dust settles, the only ruler of the Huagai District's underworld will be the order represented by the Chen family's allied forces; other forces will either integrate or disappear.

With such skillful maneuvering, it's no wonder the elders of the Chen family chose Chen Zhang as their Minister of External Relations.

Those who play tactics are indeed cunning.

…………

The silence at the negotiating table did not last long. Hahn, who had been silent and invisible all along, finally raised his head.

A smile, seemingly humble but actually probing, appeared on his shrewd face, breaking the deadlock:

"Minister Chen, we understand what you mean. Whether we stay or leave, we will need time... and resources."

“Our ‘transaction’ channels control nearly 70% of the transaction volume in Huagai District, and we also have the most complex money laundering network.”

“These things are like underground rivers; if not handled properly, the new order will also face problems, won’t it? You see…”

He didn't say it explicitly, but his meaning was clear: we possess valuable resources and have leverage in negotiations. Whether we stay or leave, the value of these channels needs to be considered by the Chen family.

Chen Zhang's smile deepened: "Mr. Hahn is right. Underground rivers are better channeled than blocked. If they can be used for our benefit, that's naturally the best. That's the significance of us sitting here and having this detailed discussion."

"Whether they stay to build a new order or choose to leave and start afresh, they all need something to keep things running and support their staff. But..."

His gaze slowly swept over Tang Hengyu, Tan Yashuang, and Hahn: "The size and weight of these chips, and the extent to which they can be exchanged for dignity and the future, depend on which path you choose, and... how much sincerity you are willing to offer in exchange for that path."

Chen Zhang tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a soft tapping sound: "Stay, and you will be 'partners' of the new order. The channels can be incorporated into the new system, with shared benefits, shared risks, and also bound by rules."

Thud!
"Take people with you. The only 'bargaining chips' you can take with you are your last remaining assets. After you leave, the former channel will be taken over and transformed by the Chen family, and you will have nothing to do with it anymore."

Thud!
"If you accept our 'recommendation' to go to a new territory, you may be able to temporarily retain some core channels as 'start-up capital' before you gain a foothold, but that's all, and you will be subject to supervision."

Chen Zhang leaned back slightly in his high-backed chair: "Gentlemen, the path is laid out before you, and the chips are in your own hands. How you choose depends on your expectations for the future, and... how much genuine 'sincerity' you are willing to offer for those expectations." An atmosphere of survival and choice silently permeated the council hall.

Chen Xiaojun sat in the shadows, like a statue silently observing a game of chess.

……

The atmosphere in the hall froze for a moment, with only the occasional soft hissing sound from Zhu Yanfeng and Qin Luguang's pipes, and the subtle swallowing sound of Ma Zhibin sipping his sesame wine.

Time slipped by little by little amidst the oppressive smoke and silent struggle.

Finally, Tang Hengyu's rough fingers stopped rubbing the edge of the teacup.

Without the slightest hesitation, his face, crisscrossed with scars and as hard as rock, raised his eyes to look directly at Chen Zhang in the main seat, and his deep voice rang out:

"Minister Chen."

Chen Zhang sat upright, his gaze calmly meeting Tang's: "Commander Tang, please speak."

"What do you think about what's been happening in the capital lately?" Tang Hengyu's question took an unexpected turn, seemingly unrelated to the underground negotiations in the meantime.

Chen Zhang's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, without any pause, and the corners of his lips even formed a very faint curve as he uttered four words:

"A once-in-a-century event."

The questions were rambling, and the answers were even more unexpectedly brief and concise, carrying an almost cold and precise assessment.

These four seemingly light words, however, were like heavy icicles, precisely piercing the hearts of Tang Hengyu, Tan Yashuang, and Haen.

In Tang Hengyu's cold, hard eyes, the last flicker of light completely disappeared, turning into a deep, still well.

He nodded silently, as if those four words contained all the answers and judgments.

Then, this veteran, who had spent half his life in the military and struggled in the gray areas for decades, suddenly stood up.

His imposing physique carried an air of battle-hardened grime, even indoors.

His gaze was intense as he surveyed Chen Zhang, Chen Xiaojun, and everyone present, and he declared firmly:

"I understand. Since Minister Chen also believes this is a once-in-a-century upheaval..."

He paused briefly, then said decisively, "So, my choice is—the second one: the Rust Brothers, willing to join the Chen family and accept reorganization!"

"Old Tang—?!!" Tan Yashuang exclaimed in shock, her phoenix eyes wide open!
The teacup in her hand even shook from the violent movement, and a few drops of scalding tea splashed onto her luxurious robes, but she was completely unaware.

In her mind, Tang Hengyu, the underground "king of soldiers" known for his iron-bloodedness, toughness, and strong desire for control, would never be willing to be subordinate to anyone and give up the foundation and independence he had built up over half a lifetime!
Joining the Chen family? This was the most unlikely option out of all the possibilities she had considered!

Even Hahn, who had been silent the whole time, twitched his face very slightly.

Her bright, shrewd eyes lifted, revealing genuine and intense surprise for the first time, as she stared intently at Tang Hengyu's expressionless profile.

This is definitely not Tang Hengyu's usual style of doing things!

(End of this chapter)