Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

The afternoon sun, carrying a rare touch of warmth in late autumn, lazily shone on the bluestone slabs of the West Wharf, yet it could not dispel the invisible, increasingly tense atmosphere in the air.

The usual hustle and bustle, the haggling, the shouts and sack-carrying sounds, all seemed to be quieter today. The workers' eyes kept glancing involuntarily at the newly erected shed on the east side of the dock, with a simple "Lin" flag hanging on it.

Under the shed, Lin Feng changed into a slightly worn indigo blue short-sleeved shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong and well-defined forearms.

He didn't sit down, but stood with his hands behind his back at the entrance of the shed, calmly scanning the boats and people coming and going on the dock.

Standing beside him were Liu Sandao and Chen Da, the newly promoted "Sea Dragon" in charge of the dock's affairs. Hou Qi, on the other hand, wandered around the dock like a clever monkey, his ears perked up.

"Master Lin," Chen Da leaned closer and reported in a low voice, his voice a little hoarse, with the roughness unique to people from the waterside.

"As you instructed, all the rules regarding 'water fees,' 'land fees,' and 'safety fees' at the docks have been re-established with clear price tags. All the miscellaneous 'tribute' and 'tea money' that Zhang Biao used to set... no, Zhang Biao's side, have been waived. The brothers have spoken with the boat captains, cargo owners, and guild leaders, and most of them agreed without hesitation to follow the new rules. It's just..."

"What is it?" Lin Feng's gaze fell on a medium-sized cargo ship in the distance that was unloading cargo. The ship was unloading mostly worthless pottery and bamboo ware.

"It's the 'Grand Canal Gang's' western branch; they haven't given us a definite answer yet," Chen Da said in a low voice. "Their ships haven't docked at our western wharf today. Usually, there would be at least three or four ships by now. Also, the owner of 'Yongfa' shipping company sent someone to say today that he'd like to invite you, Master Lin... to Zuixianju for a 'catch-up'."

"Yongfa Shipping Company?" Lin Feng remembered that it was a shipping company in which Zhang Biao secretly held shares. It was neither too big nor too small and used to be a "regular" at the West District Wharf.

"Catch up? It's Zhang Biao who wants to 'catch up' with me, isn't it?"

"Most likely," Liu Sandao sneered from the side. "That old bastard is definitely getting restless. What do you think, Master Lin…?"

"Tell him I'm busy lately and don't have time," Lin Feng said calmly. "The dock has its rules. When a ship comes, the rules apply, and every penny must be paid. If it doesn't come, so be it. The West Wharf doesn't need 'Yongfa's' ship."

His tone was calm, yet it conveyed an undeniable sense of authority.

Chen Da perked up and replied, "Yes! I understand how to reply."

Just then, a commotion arose at the entrance to the dock. Seven or eight men dressed in the uniforms of the canal gangs, their shirts open and revealing messy tattoos on their chests, escorted a tall, thin man in his forties with sallow skin, a mustache, and shrewish eyes. They swaggered in. As they passed, the people on the docks gave way, their eyes filled with fear.

He was Huang San, nicknamed "Weasel," the leader of the western branch of the Canal Gang. This man controlled the Canal Gang's power at the western docks of the city. He was ruthless, cunning, and extremely slippery, making him a tough nut to crack.

Huang San walked straight to Lin Feng's shed, his triangular eyes sizing Lin Feng up and down. He gave a forced smile and cupped his hands in greeting: "Oh, this must be the recently famous 'Third Master Lin'? I've heard so much about you! I am Huang San of the Canal Gang, the leader of the Western Branch. Master Lin has just taken office, and I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet. My apologies!"

Lin Feng looked at him calmly and nodded: "Master Huang, is there something you need?"

"It's nothing, nothing, just came to take a look." Huang San chuckled, glancing at the simple "Lin" flag on the shed, then at the dockworkers who were looking at them with obvious awe. A shadow crossed his eyes, then he laughed, "I heard that Master Lin has set a new rule, waiving all those miscellaneous fees at the dock. That's a great act of kindness! I admire him, brother! But..."

He abruptly changed the subject, drawing out his words, "Our brothers in the canal gang make a living here at the docks by relying on the rules passed down from our ancestors and the regulations that the gang members have jointly established. Master Lin, shouldn't you also discuss your new rules with our canal gang?"

This is a test, and also an attempt to exert pressure. The canal gangs have been entrenched at the docks for many years, and they will never easily let anyone touch their territory.

Lin Feng's face remained expressionless as he calmly stated, "The rules of the docks are to ensure everyone has food to eat and a way to survive. I don't care about the previous regulations. From today onward, the West District docks will operate according to the rules I've established. The same applies to the canal gang's boats. The 'water toll' that must be paid will not be increased by a single coin. The rules that must be followed will still be followed. If Master Huang feels this is inappropriate, he doesn't have to come."

These words were spoken firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.

Huang San's fake smile froze instantly, and anger flashed in his eyes. The men from the canal gang behind him also stepped forward, their hands on their weapons at their waists, their eyes filled with hostility.

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Everyone else on the dock held their breath, watching from a distance, their hearts pounding. The Grand Canal Gang was no match for a vagrant leader like Song Mazi; if things really escalated, this newly arrived Master Lin might…

Liu Sandao and Chen Da stepped forward, blocking Lin Feng's side, their eyes cold and sharp. Hou Qi had also slipped back at some point, toying with two copper coins in his hand, but his eyes were fixed on the group behind Huang San.

Just as tensions were about to rise, a slightly slick voice broke in:

"Oh my! Master Huang! Master Lin! Both of you are here! What are you saying? We're all family, family!"

A middle-aged merchant, dressed in a silk robe, with a beaming smile and a slightly plump figure, strode over with two assistants. He was Qian Youcai, the owner of the "Yongfa" shipping company. He had clearly been watching nearby and, sensing the tense atmosphere, quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

Qian Youcai bowed deeply to Lin Feng, his face beaming, "Master Lin! This humble one, Qian Youcai, pays his respects to Master Lin! I've long wanted to visit you, but haven't had the chance until now. My apologies!" He then turned to Huang San, equally respectful, "Master Huang is here too, what a coincidence!"

Huang San snorted coldly and ignored him.

Lin Feng merely glanced at him indifferently.