Chapter 42 – This Prince Will Punish Him

Chapter 42 - This Prince Will Punish Him

"Quick, someone! There's been a murder—"

Following the doorman's heart-wrenching cry, Huo Xuning strode in with Wen Ruan, kicking open several doors as they made their way into the main hall.

Jiang Dalong was sprawled on the chaise, still passed out from last night's binge drinking. Hearing the commotion, he stuffed his ears and turned over—

He had forgotten that after drinking heavily the previous night, he refused to return to his room, insisting on sleeping on the chaise, which barely accommodated his large frame. With no more space left, this flip would inevitably send him tumbling down.

"Damn!"

His forehead throbbed in pain as Jiang Dalong spat out a clear and articulate curse, wiped his face, and glared outwardly. "Which blind fool is causing a ruckus so early in the morning? If Grandpa catches you—"

Huo Er pressed his foot firmly onto Jiang Dalong's chest. "Your ancestor! Open your dog eyes and see who has arrived. Behave yourself!"

"F*ck, you Huo bastard, how dare you step on Old—"

Seeing the person behind Huo Er, Jiang Dalong jumped up abruptly, hastily pulling together his clothes that had come undone during sleep, stuffing them haphazardly into his belt. He ran a hand through his hair, attempting to tame the mess that resembled a dog's chewed-up strands. Suddenly, the burly man became self-conscious. "Young Master, how did you arrive so quickly? I only received the message at noon yesterday. I thought you wouldn't be here until tomorrow evening at the earliest. Look at this mess I'm in…"

As he chuckled nervously, his eyes were sharp, beckoning his underlings to clean up. They cleared away the clutter on the table, swept up the debris on the floor, and opened the windows for ventilation…

The commotion from the doorman who had cried out was now silent.

"Come, Young Master, take a seat!" With the hall tidied up, Jiang Dalong straightened his back, presenting himself as a rugged, uncouth sailor, broad-shouldered and full of masculine vigor. "Have you eaten breakfast yet? It's inconvenient in this godforsaken place. Someone—serve our Young Master a feast!"

As for Huo Er, he simply pushed him aside with a nudge of his hip, leaving him to find his own spot. Why bother with such scoundrels?

Wen Ruan: …

"Thank you, Brother Long."

"Don't call me Brother Long, it's too formal. Just call me Xiaojiang!"

Huo Er rubbed his forehead. "Dog Long, tone it down. Don't scare the Young Master."

Jiang Dalong bared his white teeth in a grin, shooting Huo Er a glare before turning back to Wen Ruan. "Ignore him, Young Master. He's just jealous of our close relationship."

Wen Ruan: …

When Jiang Dalong said a feast, it truly was one, prepared swiftly. Perhaps due to time constraints, the dishes weren't particularly refined. There were stews, cold dishes, spicy braised meats, steamed buns, porridge, and pancakes. Only two stir-fried dishes were served, but they were plentiful and filling, and smelled delicious.

Cold dishes were easy to prepare. The stews and spicy braised meats were likely readied the day before, intended for lunch or dinner today. As for the steamed buns, porridge, and pancakes, those were understandable breakfast items, even though it was nearly noon by now…

After all, the boss was still recovering from his hangover and hadn't had a chance to eat.

"Young Master, please don't mind," Jiang Dalong didn't dare use his own chopsticks to serve Wen Ruan, instead pushing the dishes closer to him enthusiastically. "There's not much good food in this remote area. It's a bit chaotic, but I assure you, it's delicious! My chef was snatched from the state capital—"

Huo Er slammed down his bowl of porridge. "It is indeed chaotic. How have you been guarding this section of the canal? What kind of underling did you leave outside? They dared to neglect the Young Master?"

"Impossible!"

Jiang Dalong beckoned an underling over with his finger. The man bowed respectfully to Wen Ruan and Huo Er before whispering something into Jiang Dalong's ear.

"Well, turns out he's a new recruit, still green. He hasn't been properly trained yet. We put him at the door to see how he'd fare. He didn't even recognize Huo Er, let alone you, Young Master. But ultimately, it's my fault as the leader. Please don't hold it against me, Young Master. Xiaojiang apologizes to you!"

Jiang Dalong was about to punish himself with three cups of alcohol.

Wen Ruan quickly intervened. "Brother Long, there's no need for that. I haven't taken offense. Meeting Brother Long today has already made me very happy."

"How can it be that when you speak, Young Master, it's so comforting?" Jiang Dalong put down his cup. "Rest assured, Young Master. That person won't be around anymore. He'll be sent packing today."

Wen Ruan, however, noticed another point. "Has Brother Long been having trouble recruiting people recently?"

River transport gangs had their unique requirements; not just anyone could join. The doorman earlier seemed to embody stupidity, and generally, a manager wouldn't make such mistakes.

"As expected of the Young Master, hitting the nail on the head with just one question!"

Jiang Dalong sighed. "Indeed, recruitment has been difficult. Although running boats can provide a decent income to support a family, it's hard work and exhausting, and it's looked down upon. Who wouldn't prefer an easy life? Everyone's joining the Empress Sect now!"

Wen Ruan narrowed his eyes. "Empress Sect?"

"I forgot that the Young Master has just arrived and wouldn't know," Jiang Dalong leaned in, his expression animated as he explained. "They claim to be followers of the Eastern Lotus Holy Mother. No one knows where this wind blew in from, but suddenly, it's everywhere. In other places, it's not as noticeable, but in our Sizhou, especially in remote towns and villages, you can always find traces. Nearby towns have it in abundance. They've built up this Eastern Lotus Holy Mother to be incredibly divine, saying she understands the suffering of the common people, can dispel misfortunes, and ensure food and clothing for everyone. She can fulfill any wish you have, as long as you believe. The Holy Mother will give you everything!"

Huo Er scoffed. "The more divine they claim to be, the less I believe it. And they say they can give you anything? If a gambler went there and professed belief, would the Holy Mother also wipe away his gambling debts?"

Jiang Dalong: "You wouldn't believe it, but they actually can! At the Holy Mother's side, there's a Venerable Envoy of the Pure Altar, with great abilities. As long as you truly decide to reform and start anew, sign a contract with them, and follow their arrangements, doing whatever they tell you to do, they can guarantee you food and clothing, a happy life, and smooth sailing ahead. They can even ensure that those gambling debts will have nothing to do with you from now on!"

Huo Er: …

"So generous, where does the money come from? Could it be that they're exploiting these people who signed contracts to make profits?"

"Living happily and ensuring food and clothing…are they sending people to work in gambling dens?" Wen Ruan thought further. "Selling off the people in front, getting money, couldn't they then support the newcomers who joined the sect?"

Jiang Dalong clapped his hands. "How smart, Young Master! That's exactly what they do! Scoundrels like gamblers, who are at the end of their ropes, run over professing belief in the sect, thinking they can gain some advantage. Instead, they get their bones crushed and blood sucked dry. They never receive wages again in their lives. Everything belongs to the sect. If they perform well, they earn money for the sect. If they don't, they deserve to die. After all, they were rotten gamblers to begin with. Want to report it to the authorities? Ha, what do you think that contract you signed is?"

Huo Er: "Since you know this, why haven't you come forward to warn others?"

Jiang Dalong: "I'd like to, but people won't listen. In the eyes of ordinary folks, compared to the benevolent Eastern Lotus Holy Mother, we sailors seem more like villains. No one believes us, and they blame us for blocking their bright futures."

He admitted that gamblers and street ruffians were a minority among the sect's followers. The Empress Sect primarily absorbed ordinary, good-natured people. Their words were sweet, lulling people into a trance. They spoke of how good people would be rewarded, and that the death of evildoers was deserved. The sect was also clearly stratified, with over a dozen levels from top to bottom, higher ranks overseeing lower ones…

Wen Ruan listened for a while before frowning. "From the sound of it…does one have to be introduced to join the sect?"

Jiang Dalong: "That's exactly right! No one can join on their own initiative. The Holy Mother hasn't opened any channels for accepting followers. It's all done through existing members developing and bringing in new recruits. Those you bring in become your subordinates. Once you have ten people under you, you can advance in rank. When your subordinates bring in new people, the number counts toward your total. The more heads you have under your command, the higher your level becomes…"

Huo Er understood. "So it's a system of using new recruits to support the old. As long as new members develop fast enough, the costs of the old can be completely covered?"

Or was it the other way around? Wasn't this what Young Master Huo had once mentioned—pyramid schemes? He had even ordered him not to engage in such activities because although the profits were substantial, the foundation was fragile. If the capital chain broke, it would collapse like an avalanche or a mountain falling apart, and there would be no saving it.

Wen Ruan: "Aren't you afraid of being investigated by the authorities for doing this?"

"Have they done anything wrong? They're only doing good deeds; how can that be considered illegal?" Jiang Dalong said. "The common people will even spontaneously protect them; it's something that cannot be controlled."

Young Master Huo: "What have they given that makes the common people so... uh, obsessed?"

"What do ordinary people worry about the most?" Jiang Dalong sighed. "Especially in these remote towns and villages, it all boils down to having food to eat and a chance to survive. The believers ask, and the sect provides rice, flour, clothes, and can even help arrange accommodation and means of making a living. If there's a daughter in the family..."

Yes, daughters.

Young Master Huo narrowed his eyes. "Are they to be offered up?"

Jiang Dalong: "They say that because the Holy Mother is a woman herself, she has particular compassion for women. She claims she can educate the girls, bestow upon them the title of Holy Maidens, allowing them to grow up with clear understanding, free from any bullying, and even attain immortality through enlightenment..."

Wen Ruan: "Is it not forced? Where have these girls gone, and do their families know?"

"It's not forced, but since the Holy Mother is so powerful, parents who truly care for their daughters will always consider this future prospect. Even if they are initially unwilling, after being in the sect for a long time, they become willing," Jiang Dalong said. "The sect says that the Holy Maidens, in pursuit of the great path, have very busy schedules due to extensive studies. It's impossible for them to return within three to five years. If their minds are clear and enlightened, they might directly ascend to immortality and never return. No one knows where they are—not even their families or other sect members. Only the Holy Mother and the Venerable Messenger of Purity know."

Wen Ruan: "None have returned?"

Jiang Dalong: "There have been one or two cases. When they returned, they did indeed become more beautiful, attractive, and possessed a noble demeanor. Their speech and actions were different from ordinary people. However, they wouldn't stay long in the sect before leaving again because the 'immortal arts' are vast, and they still have much to learn."

Young Master Huo looked at Wen Ruan. "Intentionally groomed?"

Wen Ruan: "Probably."

One's environment shapes their character, and upbringing influences their physique. Girls born into poor families, without systematic education in grooming and etiquette, naturally appear simple and rustic. If carefully guided and nurtured for several years, isn't it easy to cultivate a 'lady of high birth'? Even if just in appearance.

How many ordinary people have truly seen ladies of high birth? Wouldn't they be easily deceived?

There's no such thing as a free lunch. With such grooming, it's unlikely they have good intentions. Or is it merely grooming?

Comparing the information he had gathered about the Moon God Temple and Feng Guzi, it was hard for Wen Ruan not to suspect that she was a member of the East Lotus Sect, perhaps even a person of considerable standing. What were her methods and directions? The Moon God Temple, marriage fortunes, coercion, and various underhanded tactics were used to force girls into submission, achieving her reputation for successfully matching marriages. Many girls didn't end up in proper marriages but were secretly sent to influential figures like Pan Qiantian as concubines, subjected to abuse and torment...

These 'Holy Maidens' the sect sought might not be groomed into 'ladies of high birth' to eventually become immortals. Instead, they might be educated in different directions and sent to places where the sect could earn more wealth and benefits.

As for the Holy Maidens who could return to 'visit their families,' they must have paid a high price and had weaknesses that were being exploited, things they desperately didn't want exposed.

Perhaps these branches developed in various directions were the main sources of income for the so-called sect.

Young Master Huo clicked his tongue. "By doing this, aren't they stealing your business?"

"Get lost. Don't say such things recklessly," Jiang Dalong said seriously. "We are a legitimate branch of the canal transportation industry, working hard on the waterways, earning our blood and sweat money. We have to guard against thieves and bandits and pay taxes to the government officials. We are completely legitimate. These bastards are the ones engaging in secret deals, playing with human lives! But then again..."

He looked at Wen Ruan. "In our line of work, we have to deal with everyone from government officials and clerks to the lowest of the low. We can be considered well-informed. If Young Master wants to know something, feel free to ask. I have plenty of smart and capable people under me."

Wen Ruan pondered. This time, he might really need the help of these friends. "Then I'll thank Brother Long in advance."

"No, no, no need for that," Jiang Dalong rubbed his hands, somewhat embarrassed. "It's just that... my canal grain, Young Master, please take care of it?"

Young Master Huo spat at him. "Your Canal Gang is your own business. Don't put Young Master in a difficult position!"

Jiang Dalong cried out in injustice. "I wouldn't dare. It's just that I respect Young Master. Since four or five years ago, Young Master has been the benefactor of our entire Canal Gang. Everyone knows that. I just don't want Young Master to forget little Jiang!"

Wen Ruan: ...

"Brother Long, rest assured, I've taken note."

"You're saying that, Sir," Jiang Dalong was embarrassed again. "Anyway, I've overstepped my bounds. Young Master, please don't tell Master Ang. He gave a strict order not to bother Young Master with these matters."

Wen Ruan: "Speaking of Master Ang, where is he now? I remember that the person in charge here wasn't Brother Long."

Jiang Dalong: "Master Ang is in the state capital. There was some trouble, all caused by that damn East Lotus Sect. Their reach was too far, causing a stir in the government office. They're planning a banquet with hidden intentions, and Master Ang has to keep a close watch. If it weren't for my mistake and punishment, sending me here, I would have followed him."

Young Master Huo: "You can't move now?"

Jiang Dalong gritted his teeth. "Master Ang said that this stretch of water is extremely critical and cannot be left unattended. He ordered me not to slack off and to suppress any unusual movements immediately. There must be no failure. Even if I receive news that something happened to him at the government office, I can't leave. I must hold this place down!"

Wen Ruan: "You mentioned earlier... a banquet with hidden intentions?"

It seemed that there was friction between the Canal Gang and the East Lotus Sect, and it wasn't a recent issue.

Jiang Dalong: "Our Canal Gang's business relies on the government. The government doesn't have enough troops to transport grain, which is why the Canal Gang exists. However, accepting this immense wealth also means accepting potential dangers. Bandits wouldn't dare target the government, but they do target the Canal Gang. Every batch of grain we transport is backed by the government. If there's a loss, it's not just a matter of double compensation. To make this business successful, we have to work hard ourselves. If someone wants to rob our grain, our brothers have to fight for their lives. Master Ang is capable, and over the years, he's led us to better times, with fewer people daring to bully us. But in the past one or two years, there have been some blind fools coming after us. Our grain has been stolen, and so has our silver. I don't understand why Master Ang gives them face, maybe because the amounts were small and not worth the trouble, but clearly, he doesn't want to give face this time. They're using the hand of Governor Yang to try to discipline us, and Master Ang might play big this time."

Young Master Huo: "How big?"

In front of them, Jiang Dalong didn't sugarcoat anything. "Although we were told to keep a low profile and not cause a big scene, if others continue to bully us, killing a corrupt official isn't out of the question..."

Wen Ruan lowered his eyes. "A corrupt official."

Jiang Dalong couldn't resist complaining again. "Young Master, you don't know. This Governor Yang is a master at exploiting the people. He does nothing productive but is skilled at making money. In the two years he's been in the state capital, he's squeezed the wealthy gentry and merchants countless times, and the common people are suffering. If you don't believe me, ask Old Master Huo. This black-skinned second dog is no good, always causing trouble outside and neglecting family affairs..."

Young Master Huo: "Who are you cursing!"

Jiang Dalong pushed away the hand pointing at his nose. "Last year, a new official named Yi Songxue arrived, and he was pretty decent. Two officials fighting each other, we were all worried for Governor Yi. As expected, how could a straightforward approach compete with evil and cunning ways? Recently, Governor Yi has encountered difficulties. His position might be lost. I heard that his wife and children went to the capital to visit relatives. It's probably not just a visit; they're likely avoiding trouble..."

Wen Ruan felt that this meal was truly worth it.

When asking for information, Jiang Dalong was genuinely dedicated, even providing many directions he hadn't anticipated.

"Brother Long, how much more do you know about the East Lotus Sect?"

"What does Young Master want to know?"

"Half a month ago, there was a woman in the capital named Feng Guzi. I suspect she's a member of the East Lotus Sect and might have escaped to the south. Can she be found?"

"It's not certain yet; I'll make some inquiries."

After the meal, Jiang Dalong went out to inspect the river, while Wen Ruan and Huo Xuning had new ideas.

"This matter doesn't seem simple," Young Master Huo frowned. "Evil cult believers causing harm to young women, seizing grain and plundering wealth, even daring to provoke the Canal Gang—where does their audacity come from? And what happened to those girls? We must find out where they are now..."

Wen Ruan: "We should set off immediately for the Prefecture City."

They had stayed here with the intention of gathering information before making a decision, but now they couldn't afford any delays.

Young Master Huo smiled. "How does my lord wish to go?"

Wen Ruan: "Naturally, we should go quietly, without alarming the snakes. It would be best to borrow the identities of one or two of our brothers here."

First, see what kind of play it is, then decide how to act.

"Why go quietly? It should be done with great fanfare." In the capital, the newly minted Prince Jian looked at the map indifferently. "My good elder brothers all find me annoying; since I'm being so sensible, I naturally have to leave the capital with a bang, so they can rest easy."

Lan Tian: ...

Dare you say directly that you want to catch the young master?

Zhu Yan's slender fingers lightly traced lines on the map. "In the case involving Chen Yongan previously, there's still one person at large. Do you remember who?"

Lan Tian thought for a moment. "The Moon God Temple, Sister Feng?"

His lord's meaning was that the young master had gone after this Sister Feng?

"My lord is pure-hearted and compassionate, with the heart of a celestial being, truly rare."

He was far better than those hypocrites who spoke of caring for the country and its people but indulged in delicacies and luxuries as soon as they returned home.

Zhu Yan spoke slowly and deliberately. "He's also bold."

Lan Tian: "But how will we find him if the young master travels by boat and his whereabouts are hard to track?"

Zhu Yan's finger slid over the map and firmly landed on one spot. "Of course, it's here, Sizhou."

The child wasn't old and hadn't seen much of the world; although he was quite shrewd, all his cunning was used in farming, and he didn't really understand the outside world. The place he knew best was where he had grown up for so many years, Sizhou. Sister Feng's escape timing and route were subtle, seemingly following a pattern...it wasn't hard to guess. He could easily see it, and Ah Ruan wouldn't have overlooked it either. So the only place he would go was here.

Moreover, he remembered hearing news from Sizhou around the New Year, about a corrupt official.

He loved corrupt officials.

"Let's go, let's visit the Prefecture Office in Sizhou." Zhu Yan took long strides out, walking with an air of disregard for kinship.

Lan Tian: ...

"Weren't you saying to cool down..."

"Presumptuous! Note twenty lashes, to be punished upon return!"

Zhu Yan mounted his horse, thinking that two days had already passed. What if Ah Ruan was truly scared? Of course, he couldn't continue to ignore him.

Lan Tian gently slapped his own mouth, blaming himself for being too hasty. The young master's temperament was gentle; how could he forget the rules? How could the princess be casually mentioned by a servant?

...

Inside the inner courtyard of the Sizhou Prefecture Office, all servants were dismissed today to receive a special guest.

A gentle face, a graceful figure, a woman who appeared kind-hearted—it could only be Sister Feng.

She seemed to have talked with Yang Su for a long time, unafraid of him and confident that he wouldn't refuse her. "…Sir Yang, don't forget where your hat came from. Why could I, the Holy Mother of Donglian, manage such a large operation? Others might not understand, but Sir Yang knows."

Yang Su sat upright, barely able to hide the sharpness in his eyes. "Auntie only asks for help but doesn't mention any benefits. Isn't that stingy?"

"Don't worry, don't you trust the connections of my sect? This Grand Secretary Yuan in the capital—"

"You can get me close to Grand Secretary Yuan?"

"Of course not the man himself, but his in-laws can," Sister Feng glanced at him subtly, hinting at something. "The rest is up to your own efforts. Can't you make it happen then?"

Yang Su: "Just in-laws..."

Sister Feng: "I can also give you a big piece of news from the capital. You seem to be due for a report to the capital at the end of this year? In the capital, there's a noble person who just returned. They have no real foundation but have managed to meet several nobles, even princes fighting over him...as long as you help this time, I'll give you this connection."

...

Two days later.

Wen Ruan and Young Master Huo had finished gathering information. Some was obtained smoothly, while others faced obstacles that required clever tactics to obtain. They needed an opportunity.

And tomorrow was the day Sir Yang Su of the Prefecture Office held a banquet.

Wen Ruan came out from behind the screen after changing clothes. "How is this outfit?"

"Wonderful, absolutely wonderful! It will definitely work!"

Young Master Huo wasn't worried at all that the young master would fail. Few truly understood the young master's intelligence except him. He was only concerned about one thing. "I won't be by your side tomorrow night. You must be cautious in everything you do, understand?"

Wen Ruan: "It's just a banquet. Could there be a life-threatening situation? Rather, you should take advantage of the fact that the Empress Sect wants to suppress Master Ang using Sir Yang's men tomorrow. Their attention will be here, and they'll send more people. You need to seize this opportunity to thoroughly investigate every detail of the lines we've drawn, understand?"

Young Master Huo grinned, showing his white teeth. "I guarantee I'll get everything!"

When the two left the shop, the lanterns were dim, and they didn't notice someone staring straight at them, specifically at Wen Ruan.

Zhu Yan hadn't chosen the waterway because once on a boat, communication wouldn't be convenient. He took the land route, which had relay stations along the way, making it easy to send messages. He rode horses without stopping, changing horses but not riders, so the speed wasn't slow. Arriving here, he saw Wen Ruan first thing.

Lan Tian looked at his lord's dark under-eyes. "Don't you want to...greet the young master?"

His Highness Prince Jian was extremely arrogant: "This prince will punish him."

Lan Tian: ...What?

His Highness Prince Jian: "He saw this prince, but could not see this prince, it must be very painful for him."

Lan Tian: ...

Have you considered this carefully? Is this really punishing the young master, or are you punishing yourself?