Chapter 214

Yang Feiyue’s words struck Wangchuan deeply.

When it came to taking up the position of deputy helm leader at the Sanjiang Branch Helm, he had indeed prepared himself to give it his all and secure the helm leader’s seat.

But compared to Yang Feiyue, he lacked that ruthless resolve to achieve his goal by any means necessary.

Yang Feiyue’s words had opened another door for him.

“Last time, I briefly mentioned the situation of several Caobang branch helms to you, but I did not go into sufficient detail.”

“Since it is now confirmed that your post will be deputy helm leader of the Sanjiang Branch Helm, I will explain its specific division of duties and the situation you will face.”

Yang Feiyue analyzed the situation of the Sanjiang Branch Helm with great care.

Wangchuan listened attentively.

Before long, he understood the following:

The Sanjiang Branch Helm originally had one helm leader and four deputy helm leaders.

The helm leader oversaw all major and minor affairs of the branch helm, but actual implementation was carried out by the four deputies below him.

Two of the deputy helm leaders were First-Rank Martial Artists. They were responsible for the upper and lower docks, managing nearly a thousand laborers and overseeing cargo unloading and transport.

The other two deputy helm leaders were Second-Rank Martial Artists. They led the Caobang disciples in charge of shipping, escort duties, and coordination with major subordinate gangs along the upper and lower sections of the waterway.

After the helm leader died, one of the deputy helm leaders responsible for shipping and escort duties was transferred to the Leishui Branch Helm to assume the position of helm leader there.

The remaining deputy helm leader in charge of shipping and escorting was now the only Second-Rank Martial Artist left in the branch helm. His reputation was the highest, and he was widely expected to take over as helm leader.

His name was Zhang Cha’er, Second Rank.

Wangchuan pondered silently before saying to Yang Feiyue, “Two First Rank, one Second Rank. That means when I arrive at the Sanjiang Branch Helm, I will only be touching the interests of this Zhang Cha’er. The other two do not require much concern.”

“More or less.”

Yang Feiyue smiled and continued, “But this Zhang Cha’er is no simple figure. He previously oversaw an upstream section of the Sanhe River. It is said that he subdued six or seven docks along the upper reaches, and all the subordinate gangs there are obedient to him.”

“At the same time, he has four First-Rank Martial Artists under him and more than a dozen full-fledged martial artists. They oversee several gambling dens and brothels in Hejiang Town. He has some ability.”

“Thank you, Gang Leader.”

Wangchuan smiled as well.

The intelligence Yang Feiyue provided was extremely crucial.

He now had an increasingly clear understanding of the situation at the Sanjiang Branch Helm.

Hmph.

A handful of First Rank and a dozen formal martial artists would not be enough to stop him.

“However, when you go to assume your post, I cannot accompany you,” Yang Feiyue explained in advance. “Every gang in any region has a sensitive nerve. External forces cannot descend by force. If I go, it may trigger collective resentment from the entire Sanjiang Branch Helm and bring you trouble and resistance instead.”

“I understand.”

Wangchuan nodded.

“When the time comes, I will bring thirty or forty men from the Huishui County hall as my operational backbone. I will first establish a foothold and maintain basic operations there.”

“Good. As long as you secure your footing, with your ability, I believe you will soon take firm control of the Sanjiang Branch Helm.” Yang Feiyue patted his shoulder. “If you encounter any difficulty, contact Lin Xun or Song Minshu directly. Given your relationship, mobilizing men will not be difficult.”

“Many thanks, Gang Leader.”

“We are family. No need for such courtesy. Come, drink!”

Upon returning to the Huishui County hall, Yang Feiyue did not disembark. Instead, he continued downstream toward Rong County to notify Lin Xun to prepare to take over the Huishui County hall.

Wangchuan informed Wang Yuehui and the others to prepare.

Then he logged off and went to see Su Wan.

In the bright and spacious office, Su Wan wore a faint smile of anticipation.

When she saw Wangchuan enter, she smiled radiantly and tilted her head.

“Hall Master Su.”

“You and Yang Feiyue went to the Caobang hall to meet the acting hall master, Lord Seven. I am guessing your entry into the Caobang has already been settled, correct?”

“It has.”

Wangchuan nodded and took a seat across from her.

“Yang Feiyue has gone to Rong County to notify Lin Xun to take over as hall master of the Huishui County hall. Congratulations—your studio has expanded into new business.”

“Likewise. So what position did you get? Deputy helm leader of some Caobang branch helm? Or something else?”

Su Wan stared into his eyes and analyzed calmly. “Although I would like you to directly assume the helm leader’s position, the possibility is negligible. As the hall master of a subordinate gang, you could not be parachuted directly into a Caobang helm leader’s seat—unless you were Yang Feiyue.”

This woman truly was intelligent.

Wangchuan did not bother with suspense and answered frankly.

“The acting hall master of the Caobang, Lord Seven, assigned me the position of deputy helm leader of the Sanjiang Branch Helm.”

“Sanjiang Branch Helm? Not bad at all!”

Su Wan’s eyes lit up, delight flashing across her face.

“The Sanjiang Branch Helm oversees the Sanhe River waterway. It will continue to intersect with the Yulong Gang. It benefits you, the Yulong Gang, and Huishui County. Our personnel along that waterway will also gain advantages. A very good position.”

“The helm leader position at the Sanjiang Branch Helm is vacant. Has Lord Seven arranged for someone to take over?”

“If I can hold the deputy helm leader position for twenty days without issue, I will be promoted to helm leader.”

Wangchuan’s answer caused Su Wan to pause briefly, as if assessing the credibility of his words. Then she broke into a brilliant smile.

“Impressive.”

“I have heard that this Lord Seven is ruthless in both heart and hand. The fact that he personally beheaded a Fifth-Rank Martial Artist shows he is no ordinary Third-Rank Martial Artist.”

“As expected of Hall Master Su—what means you possess to have secured the acting hall master’s favor.”

Her gaze lingered on Wangchuan, clearly astonished.

Wangchuan did not give her much time to speculate. He explained the purpose of his visit.

“When I take up my post at the Caobang, there may be some turbulence. Although I am confident in my ability to secure a foothold there, to avoid unexpected situations, I would like to hire the studio’s Land-Clearing Team to stand behind me. I can pay a commission.”

“No problem.”

Su Wan responded swiftly.

“Your entry into the Caobang greatly benefits our studio. I must help with this. Commission is irrelevant. I have only one condition.”

“What condition?”

Wangchuan looked at her steadily. He knew there was no such thing as a free meal.

Su Wan smiled sweetly and rose lightly from her seat.

“The Sanjiang Branch Helm is an excellent place. Once you are promoted to helm leader, the deputy helm leader position that becomes vacant can be given to someone from the studio. It will create value for us and help you consolidate your position. A win-win.”

She stated her condition.

One deputy helm leader position.

“You are asking for quite a lot.”

Wangchuan met her gaze directly. “If I hire a few First-Rank Martial Artists from the Yulong Gang, it likely would not cost such a price.”

“But the Yulong Gang does not have a Third-Rank Martial Artist.”

Su Wan blinked playfully.

Wangchuan’s expression changed at once.

Was Captain Bai going to personally lend her support?