Chapter 78: The Blade
Chapter 78: The Blade
Nie'er, let this child stay with you for a few days. Once she's feeling better, you can take her with you to keep Ku Er company."
Chen Mu, holding a young girl, walked into the backyard and instructed Wang Ni.
"Yes, Brother Mu."
Wang Ni softly acknowledged, glancing at the little girl in Chen Mu's arms with a hint of curiosity, but she didn't inquire about her background.
Chen Yue had taught her not to ask too many questions, and Wang Ni had been diligently following Chen Mu's instructions for years.
The girl was awake but still seemed weak and listless, curling up in Chen Mu's arms, even her half-open eyes appeared weary.
Chen Mu carried the girl into the side hall and placed her on Wang Ni's small bed. "You just rest up these few days. Once your body recovers a bit, I'll tell you about other matters."
The girl weakly nodded her head in agreement.
After Chen Mu left the bedroom and returned to the courtyard, he couldn't help but shake his head. He had promised not to casually pick up people, but in the end, he had brought back several, including Ku Er and this girl.
However, his courtyard did have room for a few more maids and servants, and this girl was even younger than Ku Er.
Thinking about it, he couldn't help but sigh lightly.
A blizzard had left her with nothing, and if it weren't for his rescue, she might have frozen to death in the ruins. At such a young age, she had nowhere to go and would have eventually starved outside.
In reality, the situation in Willow Grove was already much better. On the one hand, Chen Mu, as the new magistrate, didn't take silver from the public treasury to fill his own pockets. Instead, he had even increased the treasury funds, allowing the City Guard to have ample silver for disaster relief during the harsh winter.
On the other hand, before the New Year, he had issued strict orders to several gangs, instructing them to act with restraint while also reducing some of the year-end taxes. He used the confiscated treasury silver from the Zheng family to make up for some of the losses, and Willow Grove itself was already a relatively better-off district. As a result, even during this severe cold disaster, the situation remained under control.
This time, Chen Mu planned to contribute some silver himself, with additional support from the six major gangs and the Nan family, for disaster relief.
Based on the unusual climate, this severe cold spell was expected to last for nearly another month.
Chen Mu's instructions were quickly conveyed.
In no time, the message reached the leaders of the six major gangs, including the Sandflow Gang and the Bandit Gang.
The sudden downfall of the Zheng family was still fresh in everyone's minds, and the gangs held a certain amount of wariness towards Chen Mu, the new magistrate.
"What do you think?"
Sha Xiangtian, the leader of the Sandflow Gang, turned to his deputy.
The deputy pondered, "I heard the blizzard last night caused disasters in many places. The new magistrate summoning the six gangs probably means he wants us to help with disaster relief."
"Hmph! I don't have time to save those commoners. It's the City Guard's responsibility, not ours."
Sha Xiangtian responded with a cold laugh.
However, the deputy fell into deep thought, "You don't seem too keen on going, but I think we should. This time, he's calling all six gangs. If we're the only ones missing, it'll give him an opportunity to cause trouble."
"Besides, I doubt the other gangs will be willing to miss out. With all six of us there, even if this new magistrate is formidable, he won't dare oppress all of us together." The deputy's words made Sha Xiangtian ponder.
He stroked his chin, carefully considering, then said, "That's the logic. If we don't go, it'll seem like we're afraid of him. With all six gangs present, we can at least show some face by offering a hundred or eighty taels."
...
"Tianlai Pavilion? Alright, I understand."
The 'Fifth Lord' of the Bandit Gang smiled, setting down his pipe.
He was also known as the Fifth Lord, but he had no connection to the Fifth Lord of Fifth Street. The Bandit Gang had a large-scale presence in every area, and the leaders were all called 'Fifth Lord'.
"Fifth Lord, are you going? I don't think it's a good idea."
"Of course I'm going. How can we not attend when the new magistrate invites us for a drink? It's not a good thing, but it's not necessarily bad either. The other gangs will be there too. If I don't go, I'll be left out."
The Fifth Lord chuckled, tapping his pipe.
In his opinion, not going would be more troublesome. If they were isolated and targeted, it could be quite problematic, often leading to losses afterward. But with all six gangs present, there wouldn't be any issues.
...
The reactions of the other gangs were similar to those of the Sandflow Gang and the Bandit Gang. After receiving the news, there was initially a calm period, but soon, they all started making their moves.
Many people from various factions gathered, heading towards Willow Grove's main street.
...
The sun passed its zenith.
Tianlai Pavilion, one of the largest taverns in Willow Grove, was bustling even during this harsh winter, attracting many long-robed customers.
However, today, the atmosphere at Tianlai Pavilion was tense. Local gentry and wealthy patrons hurried past the entrance with anxious expressions, avoiding eye contact with the inside.
Inside the tavern, it was packed, but there was no food, only tea. The seated guests all had menacing appearances, and from a distance, it was clear they were a group of ruffians.
Even outside the tavern, there were more people who couldn't fit inside, divided into several groups, all glaring at each other.
"The Sandflow Gang, the Crocodile Gang... Even the Blackwater Gang is here. What's happening today?"
"Even the gang leaders can only sit on the first floor. Are the leaders of those gangs upstairs negotiating something?"
Someone in the distance whispered, looking towards Tianlai Pavilion.
"Shh, I heard the magistrate summoned them to discuss matters."
"No wonder. Besides the magistrate, I don't think anyone else could have such influence."
Upon hearing this, someone nearby showed a look of realization.
Although Chen Mu had only been the magistrate of Willow Grove for a few months, his reputation had already spread far and wide, surpassing that of the previous magistrate, Xu Feng.
It wasn't just about eliminating the Zheng family within days of his arrival; his actions during the harsh winter had shown him to be more than just a greedy official out for money. He was one of the rare officials willing to take action, and people from other areas even envied the residents of Willow Grove for having such a good magistrate.
"Look, the magistrate is here."
Suddenly, someone whispered.
In the distance, Chen Mu appeared on the street, wearing the dark green patrol uniform, accompanied only by Shang Qinglai, one of his patrol officers.
"Patrol Commander Sir!"
Along the way, numerous people greeted Chen Mu with cautious respect, not daring to slack off.
Chen Mu didn't respond much, his expression neutral as he led Shang Qinglai straight to Tianlai Pavilion.
Even before entering the pavilion, countless covetous gazes from various groups inside and outside the bustling first floor were already fixed upon them.
However, Chen Mu seemed impervious to the intimidating presence of these numerous factions. Without a glance, he proceeded directly into the pavilion.
"Patrol Commander Sir, you've arrived. Everyone is waiting upstairs on the second floor..."
The innkeeper of Tianlai Pavilion, the largest in Willow Grove, greeted them and cautiously accompanied Chen Mu, his expression tense.
The real power behind Tianlai Pavilion was the Nan Family, one of the Four Great Families. They were unafraid of troublemakers, but the problem today was the magnitude of the figures present.
Who were these visitors?
Sha Xiangtian, the leader of the Sandflow Gang!
Shen Qi, the Fifth Lord of the Bandit Gang!
Ren Nai Fei, the leader of the Crocodile Gang!
...
And of course, Chen Mu, the newly appointed Patrol Commander of Willow Grove!
Any one of these individuals could cause a stir in Willow Grove with a mere stomp of their foot. The Nan Family had to tread carefully, especially with six of these influential figures gathered together.
The Nan Family had already received word of this gathering and instructed Chen Mu to be cautious. Any mishap, and he would pay with his head.
The innkeeper was understandably nervous.
"You're dismissed. Go now."
Chen Mu didn't make things difficult for the innkeeper. Upon reaching the second floor, he waved his hand, signaling for the innkeeper to leave. Then, he entered a private room in the center.
As soon as he entered, six pairs of eyes converged upon him.
Chen Mu had been in Willow Grove for several months, but he had only met with Sha Xiangtian of the Sandflow Gang and Shen Qi of the Bandit Gang. He hadn't crossed paths with the other families.
"Sir Chen."
"Patrol Commander Sir."
The other four pairs of eyes, excluding Sha Xiangtian and Shen Qi, first sized up Chen Mu before greeting him.
Chen Mu calmly walked forward and took a seat in the only empty main seat. He glanced at the crowd and said indifferently, "I think introductions are unnecessary. We all know each other, and I've called you here today to discuss a matter."
"Patrol Commander Sir, you're too kind. We are all law-abiding citizens of Willow Grove. Of course, we will heed your call."
Shen Qi from the Bandit Gang chuckled and spoke.
The other families remained silent. Sha Xiangtian, seated to Chen Mu's right, maintained a stoic expression as he sipped his tea, "We are simple folk, Sir Chen. Just speak your mind."
Chen Mu's gaze swept across the six individuals in the room. He picked up the teapot and gently poured tea as he spoke in a calm tone, "This year is a harsh one. Last night's blizzard damaged many homes. To overcome this disaster, we need everyone's cooperation."
"Each of you should contribute one thousand taels of silver and provide a hundred strong laborers. In the coming days, work with the City Guard to build temporary shelters. I believe this shouldn't be a problem for any of you."
As he finished speaking, the teacup was perfectly filled.
Chen Mu set down the teapot and scanned the crowd, "I've said my piece. Who agrees, and who disagrees?"
The private room fell silent.
The leaders of the Black Water Gang, the Crocodile Gang, and others narrowed their eyes.
One thousand taels!
What an appetite! They didn't believe in disaster relief or snow removal. This was just an excuse to extort money from them. Demanding one thousand taels from each family, this new Patrol Commander was indeed bold.
Gangs and families were fundamentally different. The He Family could produce tens of thousands of taels during a raid, but gangs, even when stripped bare, might not yield a thousand taels. After all, if they had that much money, they wouldn't be a motley crew; they'd be a noble family.
"Sir Chen, don't treat us like the He Family."
In the midst of the silence, Sha Xiangtian, the leader of the Sandflow Gang, spoke up, his tone cold and unfriendly, "Providing some labor is no issue, but we have no silver to spare."
Chen Mu looked at Sha Xiangtian calmly, "So, the Sandflow Gang refuses?"
Sha Xiangtian glanced at Shen Qi and the others, seeing the unfriendly expressions on the faces of the other gang leaders, he felt emboldened and replied in a cold voice, "We are truly helpless!"
"Good."
Chen Mu nodded slightly and took a sip of tea from the cup on the table.
Then—
Whoosh!
A blade's light flashed, like a sudden thunderbolt, aiming straight for Sha Xiangtian's head.
Sha Xiangtian was startled, never expecting Chen Mu to be so audacious and rash, daring to strike so suddenly in front of the six gang leaders. Fortunately, he was prepared and quickly drew his sword, blocking the attack.
At the same time—
Shen Qi, the Fifth Lord of the Bandit Gang, and Ren Nai Fei, the leader of the Crocodile Gang, and others paled, not expecting Chen Mu to suddenly take action.
It was known that the elite forces of the six gangs were almost all gathered here, and Chen Mu had only brought one subordinate guard. Despite this, he dared to act so boldly, as if he didn't regard the six gangs at all?
But in the next moment, everyone's actions came to an abrupt halt, as if frozen in time.
Clang!
A loud, metallic tearing sound rang out.
Chen Mu's expression remained calm as he sat back down, placing the guard's saber back on the table.
Beside him, Sha Xiangtian, the leader of the Sandflow Gang, remained frozen in his defensive sword stance. On his face, marked by a vicious scar, there was no longer any trace of ferocity, only shock and disbelief.
Clang!
The sword in Sha Xiangtian's hand broke in half, and the broken blade fell to the ground.
At the same time, a line of blood trickled down from his forehead.
Sha Xiangtian staggered and finally collapsed with a loud thud, his blood flowing across the floor.
With a single strike, Sha Xiangtian was killed instantly. Shen Qi, Ren Nai Fei, and the other gang leaders were rooted to the spot, a chill running up their spines. They gasped in shock, their eyes filled with horror.
Chen Mu calmly picked up Sha Xiangtian's broken broadsword, examined the break, and then began to gently rub the two halves together. An ear-grating sound accompanied this action, and the sharp blade edges were gradually worn down until the two pieces became a single iron ball.
"The Sandflow Gang has worked hard, so they will contribute two thousand taels. The other families will contribute one thousand taels each."
Chen Mu looked at the other five in the room, "Any objections?"
(End of Chapter)
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