Qian Youcai, unfazed, rubbed his hands and laughed, "Gentlemen, it's all for the sake of business at the docks, for everyone's benefit! Why ruin the harmony? Master Lin's new rules are a good thing, showing consideration for the hardships of us sailors and merchants! Master Huang is also thinking about the livelihoods of our brothers, which is perfectly reasonable. In my humble opinion, how about this: tonight, I'll host a dinner at Zuixianju, inviting Master Lin, Master Huang, and Master Biao to sit down, have a drink, and have a good chat. Whatever it is, let's just say it out loud, right? In our docks, harmony is paramount; harmony brings wealth!"

His words, seemingly intended to smooth things over, actually brought up Zhang Biao as well, implying to Lin Feng that Zhang Biao was still nominally the big boss at the docks. Moreover, setting up the banquet at Zuixianju, Zhang Biao's territory, made his intentions clear.

Lin Feng's lips curved almost imperceptibly as his gaze fell on Qian Youcai's seemingly obsequious but actually shrewd little eyes. He slowly said, "I appreciate Boss Qian's kindness. However, there are official matters at the dock, which cannot be settled over drinks. My rules are clear. If you abide by them, you're welcome. If not, that's fine with me."

He paused, his gaze shifting to Huang San, whose face was ashen. His tone remained calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "Master Huang, are the canal gang's boats coming today? If they are, pay the due fees and complete the necessary paperwork according to the new rules. If they are not coming, then please leave. The dock is small; don't block other people's way."

"You!" Huang San roared in fury, pointing at Lin Feng, trembling with rage. He had been working at the docks for over a decade and had never been so publicly humiliated, especially by a newcomer with an unstable background!

The men from the canal gang behind him cursed angrily, their hands already gripping the hilts of their knives.

"What? Master Huang wants to make a move?" Lin Feng took a step forward, seemingly alone yet exuding the aura of a thousand troops. His gaze, icy as a knife, swept over the group of canal gangsters. "If you want to fight, I'm ready. But think it over. Once this happens, the canal gang's ships will never set foot on the West District docks again. Moreover," his voice suddenly turned sharp, like metal clashing, "I, Lin San, don't like to leave loose ends. Anyone who wants to try, come on."

The six words, "dislikes leaving future troubles," sent a chill down Huang San's spine. He suddenly recalled the terrifying rumors about the "fire" and the deaths last night, and then thought of the unpredictable skills and ruthless methods of this ruthless man before him... If a fight really broke out, would his few men even be enough to fill the man's teeth? Moreover, what about the investigation that followed by the Qi Prince's Mansion and those hidden forces...?

Cold sweat instantly soaked Huang San's back. The anger on his face quickly faded, replaced by a sense of surprise, uncertainty, and lingering fear. He stared intently at Lin Feng, as if trying to get to know this man completely new.

A deathly silence fell over the dock; everyone held their breath, watching the two opposing sides. Everyone could sense that Huang San… had chickened out.

After a stalemate lasting for more than ten breaths, Huang San's facial muscles twitched violently a few times. Finally, he stomped his foot angrily and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: "Fine! Fine, Master Lin! Today, I, Huang San, admit defeat! Let's go!"

After saying that, he dared not look at Lin Feng again, turned around and led his men away from the dock in a dejected and hurried manner, looking rather disheveled.

As the members of the canal gang disappeared into the dock entrance, the dock was initially deathly silent, then suddenly erupted into a huge uproar and discussion! Everyone looked at the tall figure standing with his hands behind his back under the shed with incredulous yet fanatical gaze.

They won! Master Lin actually forced the leader of the Canal Gang to retreat! And he did it without a fight! This courage, this domineering spirit, this unfathomable confidence... it's simply exhilarating!

Qian Youcai stood frozen in place, his smile completely gone, his eyes filled with disbelief and terror as he looked at Lin Feng. He had originally intended to use the influence of the Canal Gang and Zhang Biao to suppress this newly rising Lin San and, incidentally, curry favor with him, but he never expected... that Huang San of the Canal Gang would be scared away so easily?

Lin Feng acted as if he had only done something insignificant, his gaze returning to Qian Youcai, his tone still calm: "Boss Qian, are you unloading cargo on your ship today?"

Qian Youcai shuddered and hurriedly nodded and bowed, his fat face trembling: "Unload! Unload! Unload right away! I will definitely abide by Master Lin's rules! I will definitely abide by them!" He dared not mention "reminiscing" again and wished he could disappear immediately.

"Okay." Lin Feng stopped looking at him and said to Chen Dadao, "Take Boss Qian to complete the formalities, follow the new rules."

"Yes, Master Lin!" Chen Da's voice boomed, brimming with a triumphant pride. He gestured to Qian Youcai, who was still standing there dumbfounded, "Boss Qian, please?"

Qian Youcai felt as if he had been granted a pardon and hurriedly followed Chen Da, his back view revealing his panic.

On the dock, order was quickly restored, even more so than before.

The laborers seemed to work with more energy, and the boat captains were exceptionally quick to pay and complete the formalities.

Everyone knows that from this day forward, the western dock area, and indeed the entire western end of "Muddy Hollow," has truly become a new world! And this new world belongs to the Lin family!

Looking at the unprecedented scene at the dock, Liu Sandao's single eye gleamed, and he whispered, "Master Lin, after this incident, we've truly established ourselves at this dock. The canal gang shouldn't dare to openly cause trouble again anytime soon. As for Zhang Biao..."

"Zhang Biao?" Lin Feng's lips curled into a cold smile. "If he's smart, he should know that his 50% stake was a reward from me. If he's not smart..." He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

He looked up, gazing in the direction of Zuixianju. This commotion had completely shattered the fragile cooperative relationship between him and Zhang Biao. Now, it remained to be seen whether this "Master Biao" would choose to obediently accept his shares and live the life of a wealthy man, or... seek his own demise.

"Let's go back to the courtyard." Lin Feng turned around, no longer looking at the commotion on the dock.

The initial goal of establishing authority has been achieved. Next, we need to seize the time to digest the results, integrate our resources, and at the same time, pay close attention to the movements of all parties in the state government.

The calm before the storm is often the most deadly. He must ensure that when the storm truly arrives, his "courtyard house" is a sturdy enough warship to brave the wind and waves, and even... dominate the storm!

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