Chapter 42: The Banquet at Hongmen
Baihua Building, the largest brothel in South City, hailed as one of the top ten money-burning establishments of Linjiang City, was also one of the more mysterious venues in town, surrounded by many legends.
However, what fascinated people most was the background of this Baihua Building. Such a brothel, raking in gold every day, astonishingly didn’t belong to any Martial World gang. Even the most arrogant scions of noble families or Martial World people who came here for pleasure would strictly abide by the rules; there was almost never any trouble started within its walls.
Even if, on rare occasions, there were one or two bone-headed fools who stirred up trouble in Baihua Building, they would come back to apologize respectfully within a couple of days. As for those who were even more stubborn, they were simply never seen again.
Anyone with a discerning eye could guess that, though Baihua Building appeared unattached to any power, there was certainly some big shot shielding it behind the scenes. There was an air of mystery, but to build up to this stage in just two or three years—well, even in the whole of Linjiang City, the number of people capable of that could be counted on two hands.
Gu Zhan was one of the very few who actually knew the true background of Baihua Building.
That was why he arranged the Hongmen Banquet here at Baihua Building.
Because the man backing Baihua Building was none other than the one known as the Nine Hundred Households—Gu Chuan.
...
This night, Baihua Building was still ablaze with light; streams of people came and went, the music of strings and pipes tumbling into the ears, lively beyond belief. Even the swirling snow outside did not so much as dampen the business for a moment.
And outside Baihua Building, a crowd had already gathered. Without exception, these men all exuded a strong smell of the Martial World, and one could vaguely spot weapons concealed upon them. Some eyed each other warily; others appeared companionable, yet everyone held themselves in check.
These people all hailed from the major gangs,
For tonight, within Baihua Building, many prominent Martial World figures of Linjiang City were assembled, though each had left their personal bodyguards waiting outside.
Baihua Building was vast, a large compound with multiple towers,
And right now, in the hall of the innermost building at the very back, the room was packed full. All were well-known figures in South City; every Martial World gang capable of entering the big leagues in South City was represented.
Those who knew each other whispered together in hushed tones; without exception, the topic was the purpose behind this banquet. The atmosphere was somewhat heavy—after all, most neighboring gangs had conflicts and grudges. The only reason they could sit together instead of drawing weapons was that tonight’s host was no ordinary man, forcing them all to restrain themselves.
After a brief exchange, the hall fell into silence.
After a while, footsteps were heard outside,
"Chief Banner Gu arrives!"
As the ceremonial greeting rang from outside, everyone in the hall promptly rose to their feet.
Gu Zhan strode in, clad in black, a Horizontal Saber at his waist.
When those present saw that it was Gu Zhan, whose face was still so tender and youthful, awkwardness flickered across the eyes of the upper echelons.
He was simply too young. To be fair, "young" could barely describe it—just a mere lad, with barely a shadow for a mustache at the corner of his lips.
Everyone felt a trace of discomfort. Some here were old enough that their grandsons surpassed Gu Zhan in age, and even the youngest among them was already into his thirties. Yet, when they recalled Gu Zhan’s reputation and his past feats, it all seemed reasonable once more.
After all, in the Martial World, seniority carried weight, but in the end, everything hinged on true strength.
Two or three dozen men all rose together, cupping their hands, "Greetings, Chief Banner Gu!"
Gu Zhan took his seat at the head, his company of Embroidered Uniform Guards fanning out to stand in silence, solemn and rigid, not a hair out of place.
Gu Zhan cast a slow gaze over everyone present, then beckoned gently with his hand, his voice deep: "Be seated."
The gang leaders all lowered themselves to their seats, fixing their attention on Gu Zhan; soon, self-introductions began in turn.
About the span of one incense stick,
All introduced themselves in turn.
Gu Zhan nodded slowly, then spoke: "Gentlemen, the reason I’ve gathered you here today is for just one matter. No doubt, in your hearts, you already know what it is."
Silence fell once more.
They naturally understood—had they not, they wouldn’t have proactively delivered invitations or posted calling cards earlier.
Just two days ago, South City was thrown into chaos,
And for those present, not a single one was a bystander; everyone had taken part in some way.
Therefore, in attending this banquet tonight,
Most here felt a vague anxiety—that perhaps Gu Zhan meant to settle scores. Yet, none were overly worried: the law doesn’t punish the masses. They were too numerous and, in effect, represented the entirety of South City.
Gu Zhan could kill Wang Bai, could flatten the White Rat Gang,
But none believed he could cut down the whole of South City.
Gu Zhan beckoned a nearby Embroidered Uniform Guard, who handed him a stack of documents. His expression calm, he spoke, "Gentlemen, I’ve had no past feuds nor fresh enmities with any of you, yet you’ve all caused me quite a bit of trouble. For this, should you not give me an explanation?"
With that said, Gu Zhan had the documents distributed one by one.
The Martial World bosses tore open the files and began to read,
Soon, everyone’s expression grew heavy.
These files didn’t just detail the various deeds committed by the major gangs in the chaos two days prior; they also recorded offenses by each gang over the past two years—some with solid evidence, others with only suspicion for now.
These files weren’t enough to destroy their gangs,
But, if the Government Office chose to press the matter, it would bring them endless trouble.
Gu Zhan tapped his finger gently on the table, showing no haste, languidly waiting for them to react.
Finally, after some time, one of the bosses cupped his hand, "Chief Banner Gu, what are your instructions?"
Gu Zhan arched a brow, smiled faintly and said, "Since we’re all clever men here, there’s no need for this official to beat around the bush. I can destroy these files. I won’t pursue your roles in the South City unrest. What’s more, I plan to give you a grand opportunity to get rich."
Gu Zhan took a sip of tea and continued, "You’re all well aware of the feud between my South City Hundred Households Office and the Celestial Water Gang. The Celestial Water Gang is a cancer. South City Hundred Households Office has received the highest order—we are to strike them down. But to take out the Celestial Water Gang will leave many territories and businesses vacant, causing major upheaval for the civilians in the short term.
Yet, none of your gangs alone has the strength to claim it all. So, I’ve decided: everyone gets a share. Just how much each gang can claim depends on how much effort you put in during the purge of Celestial Water Gang. The more you contribute, the bigger your cut. And if you can’t stomach it all, I’ll cover for you!"
As soon as the words fell, it was as if deathly silence gripped the entire hall; even the air felt frozen.
Everyone understood at once,
Gu Zhan was planning to capitalize upon the absence of Celestial Water Gang’s higher-ups and blitz the gang, but he wanted them all to join him.
For a moment, many felt a chill of fear in their hearts,
The Celestial Water Gang—South City’s biggest gang—
To all the other gangs, it had always been a shadow looming over them.
The first reaction for everyone was rejection,
To take on the monster that was Celestial Water Gang—such a move was simply courting disaster; they were hardly in the position for it. Yet, facing Gu Zhan seated at the head, the words of refusal caught in their throats.
This was Gu Zhan, the man called the God of Slaughter!
At this moment, Gu Zhan suddenly smiled slowly, and said, "As I said, this is a fortune. If you want a piece, come and take it. If you don’t, this official won’t force you!"