Chen Jie and the others all bowed and followed in offering their respects.
Qimu Ge said, "No need to fuss, my business here is complete, so I wonât stay any longer."
Peng Shizhong said, "A banquet is already prepared."
Qimu Ge said, "Itâs not necessary, my Lord is waiting for my report, I must take my leave now."
Watching the people from Darugachi Mansion depart, Peng Shizhong breathed a sigh of relief, and the entire family of Zheng Chuan did the same, their lives having been spared.
Next came the normal funeral procession.
Once all the busywork was over, the feast began.
Once the dishes were all served, Peng Shizhong stood up and said, "Gentlemen, I have an announcement to make, since Zheng Chuan is dead, but Yongchang Street still needs someone in charge, Jiu Si."
"Present."
"For this action in capturing Zheng Chuan, you played the primary role. From now on, Yongchang Street will be under your control. The hall will not inquire about all business affairs there; you need only pay a tax of one thousand silver taels each month."
"Additionally, all those previously allied with Yongchang Street and their men are now under your command."
Boom!
Upon hearing this, almost everyone was shocked. At this moment, they all turned to look at Chen Jie.
Peng Shizhongâs intention was for Chen Jie to fully take over Zheng Chuanâs foundation and replace Zheng Chuanâs position.
Donât look at how Peng Shizhong already appointed Chen Jie to fully take over the management of White Tiger Hall yesterday. However, that was just a title. In actuality, there was little he could do.
Because Peng Shizhong hadnât stripped the authority from either the First or the Second Brother, especially their men, for Chen Jie.
In other words, there were very few people Chen Jie could use.
Looking splendid on the surface, it was as if he was actually an empty shell. But now it was different; Chen Jie truly took over the legacy left by Zheng Chuan.
That is to say, Chen Jie could now fully manage all business on Yongchang Street. How much he earned, the hall wouldnât care, as long as he paid the taxes on time. What is this? This is financial power.
Then there were the more than two hundred underlings that were under Zheng Chuan.
These underlings were also directly given to Chen Jie. True, Chen Jie couldnât accept all of them as-is, but after some manipulative grooming, having a hundred and fifty or sixty loyal followers was no problem.
This was a legitimate power, not something vague and insubstantial.
One could say that previously, Chen Jie had only surfaced.
But with todayâs decision, Chen Jie truly became a player in this chess game.
He could now directly contend with Feng Xuan.
At this moment, Feng Xuanâs face turned ashen. He had not expected his foster father to give all of Zheng Chuanâs entire inheritance to Chen Jie.
He had thought at least his foster father would divide it fairly, letting him inherit some of Zheng Chuanâs men or all of his businesses.
But now, Chen Jie had inherited all of Zheng Chuanâs businesses, and on top of that, he nominally managed the entire White Tiger Hall. It was like being completely suppressed under his own head.
Truly, one Zheng Chuan was gone, and another Chen Jiusi had arrived.
One vicious wolf had gone, only to be replaced by a fierce tiger.
Feng Xuan felt pitiful, questioning how he ended up with such a biased foster father.
Having made his announcement, Peng Shizhong turned to Chen Jie and said, "Jiu Si, with your current status, living in the Big Vegetable Market seems a bit improper. The Second Masterâs mansion is now empty; you should move there. In addition, Peng Fu has gone to the slave market and chosen a batch of maids and servants for you."
"At that time, ensure that your household trains them well. Also, if thereâs anything your home lacks or needs, just inform Peng Fu; the hall will provide the silver for the acquisitions."
"Ah, foster father, this will be costly."
Chen Jie spoke, and Peng Shizhong said, "Accept it. Your status now is different from before. The manager of White Tiger Hall canât possibly live in a cramped yard, how would the guild members look upon this?"
Chen Jie understood Peng Shizhongâs intention.
Sometimes a higher-upâs better living conditions serve as a guiding example, meant for the subordinates to see.
Take Chen Jie, for instance.
You are now second only to me in White Tiger Hall, above hundreds. You canât continue living in a small house.
Otherwise, how will the guild members view it? Look, even if you sell your life for the guild, thereâs no use upon promotion; you still lead a poor life, no different from us.
Thatâs not right.
Itâs important for the guild members to see that once youâre promoted, youâre treated differently. You get to live in a big house and have countless maids and servants to serve you, living a life of wealth and luxury. Thatâs what they must aspire to, thatâs what will drive them to die for the guild!
Chen Jie knew Peng Shizhongâs meaning and didnât refuse, saying, "Yes, foster father, I understand."
Peng Shizhong continued, "You all continue to eat and drink; Iâm feeling a bit unwell and will rest now."
Peng Shizhong left, Peng Fu also following. A bunch of people immediately came up to toast Chen Jie. Chen Jie was now the hottest figure in White Tiger Hall; even the Second Master never enjoyed such favor.
As a result, guild members promptly came forward with toasts, including former underlings of Zheng Chuan, to pledge their loyalty.
At this moment, Chen Jie toasted them in return.
Feng Xuan watched this scene, his face smiling, showing no displeasure, and even proactively stood up to toast Chen Jie with a cup of wine, saying, "Little brother, come, your brother toasts you."
"Ah, elder brother, youâre too courteous, it should be I who toasts you."
Chen Jie also hypocritically responded. The two shared a laugh, clinked cups, and drained them in one go.
"Cough, cough..."
After drinking the wine, Feng Xuan pretended to cough twice and said, "Little brother, my injury hasnât healed, so I wonât stay much longer. Please continue the drink, I will take my leave now."
"Ah, elder brother, have a couple more drinks, the brothers all want to get closer to you."
"Cough, cough, no, no, Iâm not well."
Feng Xuan said and quickly turned to leave. Chen Jie said, "Elder brother, let me see you out."
"No need, no need."
Feng Xuan waved his hand and left White Tiger Hall.