From a slave to the Great Qian Martial Saint

Wanxing Restaurant, second floor private seating.

"Why haven't the second and third brothers arrived yet?"

Chen Shi glanced at the stairwell, frowned slightly, picked up the wine jug and filled Wu Gang's cup, then smiled and said...

"Perhaps something has temporarily held me back, please forgive me, Commander Wu."

"We've known each other for a long time, Brother Chen, you're being too polite."

Wu Gang smiled, drinking and waiting without any hurry, casually chatting with Chen Shi.

After the Wolf Poison Gang and the Flying Eagle Gang joined forces, there were no rivals left on the streets of Yongqiu City. It is estimated that in a few more days, they will be able to completely wipe out the other small gangs and dominate Yongqiu City.

But since it's a street business, it's natural to maintain good relations with the government. As the saying goes, a local official is more powerful than a distant one. Although he has Xiao Fengxiao as a powerful backer and Prefect Zhao Qiancheng to look after him, Wu Gang, as the head constable, is directly responsible for the city's security, so he also needs to be won over.

"Oh right, I haven't congratulated Brother Chen on successfully placing his order yet."

"Just a ninth-rank martial artist, not worth mentioning."

"That's not right. Although the ninth rank is low, it is the beginning of martial arts. From then on, one will be different from ordinary people."

Wu Gang smiled and then continued.

"Moreover, the imperial court treats ninth-rank military officers quite well. They are not required to kneel before officials and are not subject to punishment. If they are short of money, they can come to the yamen to work as bodyguards and earn some rewards."

"A bodyguard? Heh, I can't do that."

Chen Shi smiled and shook his head, then poured Wu Gang another cup.

The so-called "镖人" (bodyguards) were actually bounty hunters. Knights-errant used their martial skills to break the law, and the Great Qian Dynasty valued martial prowess, resulting in a large number of criminals. When the imperial court lacked manpower, it would recruit镖人 to assist in the capture of criminals through bounties.

However, not just anyone can become a bodyguard; first and foremost, one must be a martial artist certified by the imperial court.

"I was just saying. With your status, Brother Chen, you wouldn't care about such a small reward."

Wu Gang said casually, and then changed the subject to other topics.

"Chief Du, Chief Zhang, please come upstairs quickly."

As we were talking, we suddenly heard the shopkeeper shouting downstairs.

They've finally arrived.

But then, upon seeing Du Yueming and Zhang Xiaotian coming upstairs, Chen Shi and Wu Gang's expressions changed.

"What happened?"

The two men limped over, and Chen Shi frowned and asked a question.

Both of them were injured.

Not only were his legs and face injured, but Zhang Xiaotian also lost an arm.

"I was just about to tell you about this, brother."

The two sat down, both with serious expressions.

With their combined strength and the support of the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion, the two were as expected to be invincible. In just a short period of time, they had already wiped out more than a dozen small and medium-sized gangs and occupied most of Yongqiu City.

Just when they were about to realize their grand ambition of dominating Yongqiu, a fierce tiger gang suddenly appeared. Not only did they defeat the flying eagle gang and the wolf poison gang in the struggle for territory, but this time they also directly injured Du Yueming and Zhang Xiaotian.

"The Fierce Tiger Gang? How come such a formidable opponent has suddenly appeared?"

Chen Shi frowned, looking at the two of them with a puzzled expression.

"We also found it strange, and after several investigations, we finally figured it out."

Du Yueming snorted lightly, a look of disdain on his face.

"What fierce tiger? They used to be called the Big Rat Gang, a group of petty thieves."

"A rat turns into a tiger... but someone is supporting it from behind."

"As expected of the eldest brother, he saw the key point immediately!"

Du Yueming and Zhang Xiaotian nodded, their expressions becoming increasingly serious.

"We've learned that the Jing'an Marquis's mansion is the one supporting the Fierce Tiger Gang!"

"A member of the Marquis's household!"

Chen Shi looked surprised; he was indeed somewhat taken aback.

After a slight pause, he asked another question.

"Do you know who this person is from the Marquis's residence?"

"I don't know that."

The two shook their heads, feeling dejected once again.

"The one who fought us this time was a young man, also at the eighth rank of cultivation. But he easily injured us all by himself. He is from the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion."

"What's that person's name? Does he have any distinctive features?"

"I don't know his name, but he has a large blue birthmark on his face, which makes him easy to recognize."

"Okay, I'll go back and inquire about it."

Chen Shi nodded, then pondered for a moment in his heart.

Originally, they wanted to build a relationship with Wu Gang and ask him for a few small favors, but after this incident, everyone's enthusiasm waned.

After having a few drinks, everyone went their separate ways.

"Who is it...?"

Upon returning to the Marquis's residence, Chen Shi immediately went to see Xiao Fengxiao.

She should know who is supporting the Fierce Tiger Gang.

Moreover, the Flying Eagle Gang and the Wolf Poison Gang are now under her control, so it is only right that she should step in to resolve the situation.

But to his surprise, Yun'er stopped him at the second gate.

"You wait here."

After giving Chen Shi a word of advice, Yun'er turned and went back.

He came out a moment later.

"How is it!"

"It's from the eldest son's side."

"The first wife?"

Chen Shi frowned and then asked another question.

"Who exactly is it?"

"The young man with the bruise on his face that you mentioned is named A Qing, and he is Master Lie's personal servant."

"Third Master Lie..."

Chen Shi frowned even more deeply; this was indeed a bit troublesome.

The Jing'an Marquis's mansion is divided into three branches. The eldest branch inherited the title and also holds the title of the eldest legitimate son, so it is already very powerful.

If the second branch of the family were still alive, they could have competed with the first branch, relying on the old lady's favor. But now, with so few members left, only the adopted Gu Chengze, they have no chance to contend with the first branch.

In reality, if it weren't for Xiao Fengxiao's domineering nature, the widows and orphans in this household would probably have been bullied to death long ago.

If it were one of the concubines from the main wife's side, it would be easier to deal with, but Gu Chenglie is the eldest son of the master and is deeply favored, so he is not easy to deal with.

"What did Second Madam say?"

Chen Shi suddenly realized why Xiao Fengxiao wouldn't see him.

Although Xiao Fengxiao spoke toughly, he couldn't possibly ignore the interests of the eldest son's family.

As for why Gu Chenglie would have someone support a Fierce Tiger Gang to undermine this side, it's easy to understand.

After all, the Wolf Poison Gang had originally planned to join Gu Chenglie, but Xiao Fengxiao intercepted their plans. Given Gu Chenglie's arrogant personality, how could he possibly let it go?

"Second Madam said that if it were a direct confrontation, she wouldn't be afraid of the eldest son's side. But now, they've only sent a servant. If she makes a big fuss, it would make her seem petty."

Yun'er sighed softly, then offered some guidance.

"What appears to be a street gang fight is actually a battle of wits between the eldest son's family and us. The other side has sent Ah Qing, and since you are the second master's personal servant, it's natural that we're sending you."

"So, you're saying I'm representing the second wife's family?"

Chen Shi opened his mouth, a bitter smile on his face.

"Aqing is an eighth-rank martial artist."

"It's truly unexpected. Ah Qing is usually quiet and has never done product testing before. I never imagined she would have such abilities."

Yun'er frowned as well, and then continued.

"Don't worry, let me talk to them again. When it really comes down to it, they can't just ignore us."

"Then we'll have Sister Lao Yun'er."

"Why are you telling me this?"

Yun'er smiled, then turned and went back.

She should go and have a proper talk with Xiao Fengxiao about this matter.

After Yun'er went back, Chen Shi also left.

His expression suddenly turned serious. Although he was a rank lower, he wondered if he could defeat A Qing with his strength of two thousand jin.