Chapter 37

For some people, talking to them with reason is clearly not as effective as using physical force.

The merchants in Yonglefang were such people.

With the precedent set, they all dared not complain and obediently agreed to the demand of fifty taels of silver.

As for Su Xin's promise to severely punish those gang members who extorted money from merchants, the merchants all secretly sneered.

It would be strange if a dog could stop eating its own feces.

After sending these merchants away, Su Xin estimated the amount of silver he could collect, which could reach up to 60,000 taels!

With over a thousand merchants in Yonglefang, even excluding those too small to collect from, the income was still substantial.

In the past, when the Green Bamboo Gang was around, those guys were really ruthless, even extorting a few coins from a breakfast stall.

However, after Su Xin took charge of Yonglefang, he had Huang Bingcheng abolish these rules.

To extort a few coins from hardworking citizens, Su Xin found it beneath him.

"Old Huang, call all the old brothers together. Now that we have more people, it's time to assign some to management."

Su Xin's subordinates had already exceeded a thousand, though not a major leader, he had more people than some major leaders, and it was necessary to promote some grassroots managers.

More than 200 gang members who had been with Su Xin from the beginning gathered, their eyes filled with excitement.

They had clearly received the news that the boss wanted to promote some of his subordinates.

"I told you before we attacked Yonglefang, if you want to eat meat and live a life of luxury, you have to fight for it with your life!

You did well in this battle, and now it's time to reap the rewards.

Starting today, I will promote ten people to the rank of Bozhang, each managing a hundred people. Under each Bozhang, there will be ten Shizhang, each managing ten people."

Actually, the terms Bozhang and Shizhang were military titles, with a hundred people forming a Bo and ten people forming a Shi.

As a gang member, using military titles seemed a bit out of place, but there was no other way.

Su Xin's current status was only that of a minor leader. Could he promote his subordinates to minor leaders? That would be chaos.

However, the gang members below didn't care about the titles, as long as they had real power.

According to Su Xin's distribution, at least half of them could be promoted to Bozhang or Shizhang.

Huang Bingcheng looked at Su Xin eagerly, thinking that now that his subordinates had positions, it was his turn, right?

Su Xin indeed continued, "The logistics within the hall and promotions below the rank of Bozhang will be handled by Huang Bingcheng, while Li Hua will be responsible for the punishment."

The rules of Kuaihuolin also apply in Yonglefang. You are all old hands who have been with me, so I don't think you will make such low-level mistakes. With you restraining the new members, I can rest easy."

The gang members below immediately felt a chill. They hadn't forgotten the dozens of whips Su Xin had given them in Kuaihuolin.

Compared to the ten taels of silver Su Xin gave them as monthly pay, a little less profit from the merchants was nothing.

No one is a fool; making a big mistake for a small gain is something even these illiterate gang members wouldn't do.

Moreover, the one in charge of punishment was Li Hua, the black-faced god.

In the past, when they were trained by Li Hua in Kuaihuolin, they all developed psychological trauma.

This man was not easy to deal with; falling into his hands would mean a terrible fate.

"Alright, I've said my piece. Now Old Huang will announce the Bozhangs and Shizhangs." Su Xin waved his hand, and Huang Bingcheng immediately came forward to announce the selections.

The Bozhangs were already decided by Su Xin and Huang Bingcheng.

A real battle can reveal many things, clearly showing who has the strength and talent.

These ten people were the ones who performed the best in that battle.

Among the ten was Li Qing, whom Su Xin intended to cultivate.

Li Qing's strength might not rank in the top three among the gang members, but he was smart and loyal. Su Xin was happy to cultivate such a person.

As for the remaining Shizhangs, Su Xin did not interfere, leaving it entirely to Huang Bingcheng.

Su Xin had never thought about keeping all the grassroots matters in his own hands; doing so would not only make him too busy but also make him seem petty.

Huang Bingcheng had done a great job recently, and these powers were well-deserved.

After the power distribution was completed, Su Xin said loudly, "To celebrate our victory in Yonglefang, I have booked Zuiyue Tower in Kuaihuolin for today. All expenses will be covered by the hall, just enjoy yourselves!"

"Thank you, Boss!"

The gang members below all showed excitement and cheered loudly.

Zuiyue Tower in Kuaihuolin was a place they could only look up to before; they couldn't afford such a high-end pleasure spot.

Even with the ten taels of silver Su Xin gave them as monthly pay, that amount could barely buy a good bottle of wine in Zuiyue Tower, let alone touch a girl's hand.

In the past, some of them who couldn't hold onto their money could only visit a small brothel after receiving their monthly pay. They never imagined they would visit Zuiyue Tower today, making their lives worthwhile.

Huang Bingcheng pulled Su Xin aside and whispered, "Boss, booking Zuiyue Tower for a day costs nearly several thousand taels of silver. Isn't this a bit too wasteful?"

He was now in charge of the hall's finances and, being poor, felt a bit pained seeing Su Xin spend so much.

Su Xin smiled and said, "Don't worry, it won't cost us a penny. This is a voluntary sponsorship by Zuiyue Tower's owner, Mr. Liu."

"Is he that generous?" Huang Bingcheng was puzzled.

These merchants were all miserly, and even collecting fifty taels of silver from them was like killing their whole family. Now they could visit a brothel for free?

"Don't underestimate these merchants. How many of them who built their businesses from scratch are fools? Mr. Liu is a smart man." Su Xin's lips curled into a playful smile.

Yesterday, Mr. Liu personally came to discuss this with Su Xin but didn't ask for any promises.

Both being smart, Su Xin could guess Mr. Liu's intention: he probably wanted to open a branch of Zuiyue Tower in Yonglefang.

Brothels like Zuiyue Tower never compete on quantity but on quality.

Zuiyue Tower was once the largest brothel in Changning Prefecture, and with Su Xin's suggestions, the quality was undoubtedly excellent.

However, opening in Yonglefang would likely draw the enmity of many local competitors, who might even sabotage him.

No one likes someone taking food from their bowl.

At this point, Mr. Liu would rely on Su Xin. With this favor, if Mr. Liu encountered any trouble, it would be just a word from Su Xin.

In the long run, spending a large sum to curry favor with Su Xin was absolutely worth it.

The gang members below were all shouting as they ran towards Kuaihuolin, afraid of being late and missing out on the prettiest girls. Su Xin, however, had no intention of joining them and planned to go home directly.

Su Xin was not averse to women, but he had very high standards.

In his previous life, he was not short of money but had never paid for his physiological needs.

Even if he went to a nightclub to hook up, he would only do so if the girl was attractive enough.

Moreover, now that he was in the gang, Su Xin preferred to invest his time in cultivation.

But just as he turned, he saw that Li Hua also didn't follow.

"Why didn't you go with everyone? If you go to Zuiyue Tower, Mr. Liu will definitely arrange the top girl for you." Su Xin said half-jokingly.

"Sorry, Boss, I'm a bit tired." Li Hua's face was not good, and he turned and left after saying this.

Su Xin frowned, feeling surprised.

Li Hua's current state was strange. Although he was usually cold and silent, that was just his personality. Now, Li Hua clearly had a bad mood.

Pulling Huang Bingcheng, who was about to rush to Zuiyue Tower, Su Xin asked, "What's wrong with Li Hua recently? Has anything happened? He seems to have a lot on his mind."

Huang Bingcheng scratched his head, puzzled, and said, "No, he's been normal these past few days."

Then Huang Bingcheng suddenly thought of something and whispered, "I think I know the reason. Today's event probably hit a sore spot for Li Hua."

"What sore spot? Don't keep me in suspense."

Huang Bingcheng pulled Su Xin to a corner and said, "I heard from others that Li Hua was once injured in a battle, which left him unable to... you know.

In the past, although he was also reclusive, he wasn't like this, fighting like a madman, bloodthirsty and warlike.

After that incident, he became like this. Although he wasn't particularly interested in women, as a man, encountering such a situation would drive anyone mad. Li Hua is already doing well."

"Alright, go and have fun." Su Xin said.

"Boss, you're not going?"

Su Xin shook his head, and Huang Bingcheng's eyes subtly glanced down, wondering if the boss was also like that.

"What are you looking at? Get lost!" Su Xin laughed and kicked Huang Bingcheng, sending him away, but he suddenly thought of something.

Pushing open the door to the hall's private room, Li Hua was sitting on the bed meditating.

Seeing Su Xin enter, Li Hua said, "Boss, go and have fun. I'm not interested in women. I'd rather spend my time here cultivating. I feel I'm about to open my thirtieth acupoint."

Su Xin didn't say anything but handed a book to Li Hua.

"This sword technique is more suitable for you."

The book had only four large characters: "Piyexianpu" (Sword of Exorcism)!

Su Xin didn't say anything more and turned to leave.

Although being injured in that way was a heavy blow to Li Hua, it didn't destroy him, so Su Xin didn't try to console him. Besides, such things can't be consoled.

Li Hua could turn this pain into a desire for martial arts and a fierce fighting spirit, proving that he was not a weak person.

Compared to Lin Pingzhi, Li Hua was more suitable to possess the Sword of Exorcism.

PS: Thanks to the reader "Wanlaijuji Daitianming" for the tip.

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