Oh no! My grandmother made me shoulder the responsibility for eight households!

Chapter 68 Facing the Gang Leader

Liu Changfeng and Wang Biao also stopped what they were doing and looked at Lin Chen.

"Who are you?" Wang Biao said coldly, "Mind your own business!"

"My name is Lin Fan, from the capital," Lin Chen said with a smile. "I originally didn't want to get involved, but since you spilled my wine, I have no choice but to speak up."

Only then did everyone notice that a pot of wine on Lin Chen's table had been overturned by flying shards, spilling wine all over the floor.

Liu Changfeng frowned: "It's just a pot of wine, I'll compensate you."

"A pot of wine is worthless," Lin Chen shook his head, "but this is fifty-year-old Pear Blossom White wine, which I brought specially from the capital. You can't buy it in Jiangnan."

Wang Biao snapped impatiently, "How much? I'll pay you double!"

"No need for money." Lin Chen closed his folding fan.

"Alright then, you two, give me some face and let's call it a day. If you want to fight or kill each other another day, I won't interfere. How about that?"

That's a polite way of putting it, but the meaning is clear—you can't fight in front of me.

Liu Changfeng and Wang Biao exchanged a glance, both hesitant.

This young master looks ordinary, but his composure is unlike that of an ordinary person.

Moreover, someone who dares to meddle in other people's business in this kind of setting must have some background.

On the high platform, Hong Tianba suddenly spoke:

"Young Master Lin is right. Today is my birthday. How about you two give me face and let it go for now, settling our score another day?"

The two dared not disobey their leader's orders.

"Since Chief Hong has spoken, I will obey." Liu Changfeng cupped his hands in greeting.

Wang Biao snorted coldly, "I'm giving Chief Hong face today."

The commotion subsided, and everyone sat down again.

The servants quickly cleaned up the mess and served fresh wine and dishes.

Qian Youcai looked at Lin Chen with admiration:

"Young Master Lin, you have great courage! Liu Changfeng and Wang Biao are no pushovers. I admire your courage in stepping in to mediate!"

Lin Chen laughed and said, "I'm just worried about that pot of wine."

Xiao Yulou gently kicked him under the table, a smile in her eyes—this guy was clearly doing it on purpose.

After this incident, many people began to pay attention to Lin Chen, the "Young Master Lin from the capital".

He can calmly mediate conflicts in the martial arts world and remain neither humble nor arrogant when facing the leader of the Canal Gang. This young man is no ordinary person.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

Before long, a disciple of the Canal Gang came to Lin Chen's table and respectfully said:

"Young Master Lin, the gang leader requests your presence."

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"

"The gang leader wishes to speak with the young master."

Lin Chen looked at Xiao Yulou, who nodded slightly.

"lead the way."

The two followed the disciple to a private room next to the high platform.

Hong Tianba was already waiting inside, with the four elders standing on either side.

"Young Master Lin, please have a seat," Hong Tianba said with a smile. "Thank you for helping me out of that situation earlier."

"You're too kind, Chief Hong." Lin Chen sat down in the guest seat. "It was nothing at all."

"Young master, you come from the capital. I wonder if you have heard of... Duke Lin Chen, the Duke of Zhenguo?" Hong Tianba suddenly asked.

Lin Chen remained expressionless:

"Of course I've heard of him. The Duke of Zhenguo is a young prodigy, dashing and debonair. He now commands the Tiger Legion and is in charge of the Imperial City Guard. He is a prominent figure in the capital."

Hong Tianba stared at him: "Young master, your surname is also Lin. Could it be that you are related to the Duke of Zhenguo...?"

"There are many people in the world with the surname Lin," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"I am but a small merchant in the capital. How could I possibly have any connection with the Duke of Zhenguo? Chief Hong is joking."

Hong Tianba gave him a deep look, then stopped asking and said instead:

"Young master, what business are you here in Jiangnan for?"

"Silk and tea," Lin Chen said.

"Jiangnan is the land of silk, and its tea is also excellent. I want to buy some to take back to the capital and make some profit from the price difference."

"That would require the use of the Grand Canal," Hong Tianba said meaningfully.

"The river is not peaceful now, young master you must be careful."

"Thank you for the reminder, Chief." Lin Chen smiled.

"I have also heard that the canal transport has been frequently robbed recently. Does the chief have any good solutions?"

Hong Tianba sighed, "I am also investigating this matter. The robbers are elusive and ruthless, and should be the work of scoundrels in the martial arts world."

"If you wish to transport goods, sir, you may contact the canal transport guild. I, Hong, will guarantee the safety of your goods."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Chief." Lin Chen cupped his hands in thanks. "I will certainly repay you handsomely."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Lin Chen and Xiao Yulou took their leave.

Stepping out of the private room, Xiao Yulou whispered, "This Hong Tianba is no simple man; he was testing you just now."

"Let him test us if he wants," Lin Chen said nonchalantly. "We're just merchants now, what can he possibly find out?"

"That's true."

The two returned to their seats; the banquet was nearing its end.

The guests began to leave one after another.

Lin Chen and Xiao Yulou also got up and left.

When they arrived at the gate of the manor, they saw Liu Changfeng waiting at the door.

"Young Master Lin," Liu Changfeng stepped forward and cupped his hands in thanks, "thank you for helping me out earlier."

"Brother Liu, you're too kind," Lin Chen said with a smile. "It was nothing."

Liu Changfeng glanced around and lowered his voice: "Young Master Lin, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

"Brother Liu, please speak."

"The waters of the Grand Canal are deep and treacherous. Young master, you are new to Jiangnan. Doing business is fine, but do not become too close to them." Liu Changfeng said solemnly, "That's all I have to say. Farewell."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Lin Chen watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

The carriage returned to the inn.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Yulou asked, "Eighth Brother, what do you think of Liu Changfeng's words...?"

"Half true, half false." Lin Chen leaned back on the cushion.

"It's normal for him to say that the Changfeng Escort Agency and the Canal Gang are at odds, but... the fact that he specifically reminded us shows that the Canal Gang does indeed have problems."

"So what do we do next?"

"Wait." Lin Chen closed his eyes to rest.

"Let's wait until they slip up on their own. Let's enjoy ourselves for a few days first; we haven't had enough of Suzhou's beautiful scenery yet."

Xiao Yulou laughed: "All you ever do is play around."

"Life is short, so let's enjoy it while we can." Lin Chen opened his eyes and pulled her into his arms.

"Fourth Sister-in-law, how about I take you to visit Taihu Lake tomorrow?"

"Great!" Xiao Yulou's eyes lit up.

"I've heard that Taihu Lake is incredibly beautiful; I've wanted to go for ages!"

"Then it's settled."

The two chatted and laughed as they returned to the inn.

Yuan Tiangang was already waiting in the room. Upon their return, he reported:

"My lord, during the birthday banquet, Zhang Qing kept an eye on several people, one of whom is a distant nephew of Zhou Ming, the Vice Minister of Revenue, who has close ties with the Grand Canal Gang."

"Zhou Ming's nephew?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Keep a close eye on him and see who he associates with."

"Yes," Yuan Tiangang replied.

"In addition, all seven Vajra Warriors are in position and ready to act at any time."

"No rush," Lin Chen waved his hand.

"Let them lie low and gather intelligence first, while we... have some fun for a few days."

Yuan Tiangang understood, bowed, and withdrew.

Xiao Yulou laughed and said, "Eighth Brother, you're not here to investigate a case, you're clearly here to enjoy the scenery."

"Solving cases and having fun don't conflict." Lin Chen stretched. "Come on, Fourth Sister-in-law, let's take a bath and relax."

"Who wants to soak with you..." Xiao Yulou blushed.

"Then I'll make it, and Fourth Sister-in-law will keep me company."

"You...you scoundrel!"

Amidst laughter and chatter, the night deepened.

The night in Suzhou was calm on the surface, but undercurrents were surging beneath.