The question troubling Su Wangchuan was one that also puzzled Song Minshu and Lin Xun.
In the past, the Yulong Gang’s protection fees were usually calculated per ship. Even charging one hundred taels of silver per vessel was already considered high.
This ti, the Ouyang Family had directly issued a massive order worth one hundred taels of gold. As a result, every Ranked Martial Artist in the Yulong Gang had to participate in this escort mission.
At the dock in Rongcheng County, Qin Ming and Lin Xun stood side by side, staring at the large cargo ships anchored in the distance upon the river. They had no choice but to dispatch more than a dozen fast boats onto the river to maintain order, preventing any reckless vessel from colliding with the Ouyang Family’s fleet.
“Good heavens.”
“These ships are far too luxurious, aren’t they?”
“They do not even look like cargo ships carrying treasures.”
From afar, the Ouyang Family’s fleet did not seem nurous—only five ships in total.
Four large ships surrounded a central dragon boat.
The outer vessels were engraved with dense fish-scale patterns along their hulls, painted in brilliant reds and greens. The Ouyang Family’s banner fluttered atop the masts. Sturdy, capable n stood upon the decks, each with sharp and vigilant eyes.
The central vessel was even larger. At its bow rose a dragon’s head, its gaze majestic, whiskers flared in lifelike fury, exuding dominance and grandeur. Yet there were only a dozen or so guards stationed at the bow, stern, and along the sides, each standing calmly and at ease.
Compared with this fleet, all other ships were not rely outshone—they were like fireflies before the bright moon.
“Escorting a fleet like this should not be difficult, right?”
“I think so too… Look at the escort ships around them—there must be over a hundred Quasi-Martial Artists and Martial Artists guarding them. A few faces look familiar, probably from Caobang. They must all be strong swimrs.”
Qin Ming gestured as he spoke. “As for the central ship, it is even more impressive. Every guard on it looks like a Ranked Martial Artist. Who knows if they are First Rank or Second Rank… Only a madman would attempt to rob such a fleet.”
Lin Xun agreed wholeheartedly and nodded.
“In my opinion, so powerful noble of the Ouyang Family is simply showing off their prestige. That is fine. A few more orders like this, and the deficit in our Rongcheng County branch will soon be filled.”
At the ntion of the enormous debts incurred during the floods, Qin Ming could not help grinding his teeth.
“No matter what, the Gang Leader’s orders have been issued. Even if it is only for appearances, we must show full respect and arrange for a First-Rank Martial Artist to lead the escort.”
“Lin Xun, I will personally lead this mission. You will remain and oversee the branch.”
“Understood.”
Before long, the Water Stronghold dispatched He Haisheng to lead the escort—twelve fast boats carrying sixty inner disciples to accompany the fleet along the route.
In addition…
Observers were stationed along both riverbanks, following the fleet the entire way.
The Water Stronghold’s forces took the lead.
Rongcheng County’s forces followed behind.
The fleet moved upstream in grand procession, passed near the Water Stronghold, and after several hours entered the waters of Huishui County.
Su Wangchuan had long since led his own fleet to wait at the county boundary.
Orders from above had to be carried out flawlessly.
He deployed sixty inner disciples to accompany the fleet by boat.
On both riverbanks were disciples of Qingfeng Escort Agency, escorting the procession along the way.
All of them carried bows upon their backs and held Hundredfold Steel Sabers in hand, appearing sharp and disciplined.
Su Wangchuan did not bring more n. Aside from Captain Zhao Heiniu at his side, all other First-Rank Martial Artists remained at the branch to cultivate.
With more than a hundred n mobilized from the branch, the effort was worthy of the protection fee paid.
…
Aboard the fleet, cups clinked in lively exchange.
Several officials were drinking and conversing cheerfully with elders of the Ouyang Family aboard the central dragon boat while admiring the scenery along the riverbanks.
“It is said that Rongcheng County suffered floods and had tens of thousands of refugees. Yet from what I see, the weather has been favorable. The counties along the way appear orderly—truly a prosperous age.”
The central official smiled broadly.
At his side were several local magistrates, including the Magistrate of Rongcheng County, the Magistrate of Huishui County, and magistrates from disaster-stricken counties further south.
“Thanks to His Majesty’s blessing, this year’s flood receded sooner than in previous years. The waters withdrew after only a few days. There were no large-scale disturbances, and the number of casualties was small. Spring planting was not delayed.”
“His Majesty’s fortune shines upon us. The common people are faring well this year.”
“And what of local banditry?”
At once, Magistrate Huang of Huishui County stepped forward and reported cautiously.
“Reporting to the Inspector, last year Huishui County twice swept away Blackwind Stronghold and eliminated both Nu Tao Gang and the Earthfiend Sect. Bandit activity has greatly decreased. Escort agencies and river transport operations have grown increasingly safe…”
“Excellent!”
“What a splendid picture of national peace and prosperity, hahaha!”
Aboard the great ship, the official tasked with the southern inspection was in high spirits. The local magistrates all felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from their shoulders.
An elder of the Ouyang Family stepped forward respectfully to remind them:
“My lords, the wind is strong outside. Would you care to sit inside? We have prepared singers and dancers for your enjoynt.”
“Very well.”
The Inspector stroked his beard and departed the deck.
The fleet entered Huishui County smoothly and without incident.
The group of officials lingered upon the river for a ti, gazing from afar at the docks and the bustling prosperity of the county town. No one knew what they discussed. Eventually, the ships slowly resud movent and continued northward.
Su Wangchuan led the escort at the very front, and he was the most tense of all.
The river wind carried their voices.
He had already roughly guessed that the fleet carried an imperial envoy sent from the capital.
No wonder local officials and Caobang alike were so nervous.
No wonder the Ouyang Family had paid a hefty sum to ensure full escort by all gangs along the route.
At this mont, Su Wangchuan only prayed that nothing would happen to the envoy within the waters under his responsibility.
If an imperial envoy t with disaster, how many heads would fall?
The fleet gradually entered the territory of Heilong County.
Yang Feiyue personally arrived to escort them, bringing Song Minshu and Elder Fang Kui.
This was the final stretch of waters under the Yulong Gang’s responsibility.
Once they entered the waters of Sanhe Commandery, controlled by Caobang, the Yulong Gang’s mission would be fully complete.
As Su Wangchuan completed the handover with Yang Feiyue’s fleet and prepared to return, Yang Feiyue’s eyes flashed sharply as he looked him up and down. His next words froze Su Wangchuan in place.
“Su Wangchuan!”
“You have broken through to Second Rank?”
The old fox’s eyes were indeed keen.
“Yes, Gang Leader.”
Su Wangchuan lowered his voice and nodded.
Yang Feiyue smiled.
“Good.”
“Have your n return. You will remain and continue escorting the fleet with .”
“Ah?”
Su Wangchuan’s heart tightened imdiately.
Yang Feiyue reminded him:
“When we enter the waters of Sanhe Commandery, the high-level figures of Caobang at the prefectural governnt will attend. Hall Master Yin will surely appear as well. I will take this opportunity to introduce you to the upper ranks of Caobang.”
“…Very well.”
In truth, Su Wangchuan would have preferred to depart imdiately.
Along the journey, he had felt a faint unease.
But he could not refuse the Gang Leader’s request. He could only nod and remain at Yang Feiyue’s side, continuing the escort mission.
At that mont, aboard Yang Feiyue’s vessel, Su Wangchuan noticed an ordinary-looking boatman.
The man’s limbs were lean and strong. The web between his thumb and forefinger and his knuckles were thick and covered in calluses. His eyes were unusually sharp.
At the sa instant, both Su Wangchuan and Captain Zhao Heiniu felt their hearts jolt with a sudden sense of foreboding.
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