Chapter 19: Young Master Bai, A True Man!

“Be punished?” Suddenly hearing Cao Zhengchun’s apology, Bai Muge pondered for a moment and decided to let it go, holding no grudge against Cao Zhengchun. If not for his command to his entourage earlier to “capture them alive,” given Cao Zhengchun’s ruthless methods, he would already have disposed of everyone. The process had been perilous, but thankfully, it was now over.

“Enough, you may rise.” Bai Muge waved his sleeve lightly. Only after seeing Cao Zhengchun finally stand upright did he frown and ask, “Where did that fellow Hai Dafu run off to?”

Cao Zhengchun immediately cupped his hands in response, “Young Master, Hai Dafu is currently at the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness in the neighboring alley, dealing with the remnants of the Azure Dragon Gang. That’s why he didn’t come with me this time.”

“The lair of the Azure Dragon Gang has been dealt with?” Bai Muge slowly descended the stairs, continuing his inquiries. He had always trusted Cao Zhengchun’s ability to handle matters, believing he would take care of it. But as for Hai Dafu, that was another story—this man had no sense of restraint.

“I assume by now… it should be… about done?” Cao Zhengchun hesitated briefly, his tone uncertain with little confidence. “However, before coming to the Fragrant Pavilion to report to you, I had already subdued the Azure Dragon Gang’s leader. Hai Dafu is now waiting for you in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.”

Bai Muge’s lips twitched. He could only hope Hai Dafu hadn’t caused any trouble and that the Azure Dragon chief wasn’t crippled. After all, if he could persuade the chief to surrender, that would be the simplest and best outcome. If not, force would always be an option.

Previously, Bai Muge had heard from Prince Li Chen that the Azure Dragon Gang’s chief, Third Master Liu, was known for his loyalty and martial prowess. He had agreed to work secretly for the Prince of Southern Suppression because the prince had once saved his entire family. However, the deputy chief, Xiang Wuji, was a blood-stained villain.

Perhaps Third Master Liu could be turned.

With that thought, Bai Muge glanced at Chen Rushuang, who was bound by the lady official, and ordered, “Bring her along. We’re heading to the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness now.”

“Yes, Young Master,” Cao Zhengchun replied at once, personally moving to escort Chen Rushuang. From their earlier clash, he could sense she was of some significance and might prove useful.

As for the maid Feng Qi, she was guarded by others.

“Brother Mu, I… I want to go with you too, may I?” Just as Bai Muge was about to instruct Li Shixuan, she piped up, her eyes sparkling with hope.

“Alright, in that case, let’s go together.” Bai Muge, both amused and helpless, ruffled her hair. At this moment, he did not feel at ease sending the lady official Ling’er to escort her back to the palace; Ling’er’s skills were too poor for the dangers of the martial world. Who could say if a member of the Azure Dragon Gang might ambush them on the way? That risk was not worth taking. It was safer to keep Li Shixuan by his side under Cao Zhengchun’s protection.

“Young Master Bai…” Just as they were about to leave, the nervous manager of the Fragrant Pavilion forced a smile and said, “Safe travels…”

At a time like this, Bai Muge sparing him from being treated as a rebel or interrogated was already the best possible outcome. As for the business losses and damaged furniture, he would swallow them silently. As a powerless merchant, he dared not provoke these court officials, especially one who was the son of the Minister of Revenue and a close friend of the Young Prince.

Seeing the manager’s unease, Bai Muge understood his worry. Smiling, he produced a gold ingot from his sleeve and handed it over. “Don’t worry, Manager Lin,” he said, “I know you’re not involved with the Azure Dragon Gang. Take this as compensation for today’s losses.”

The manager was stunned and dared not accept. Was such generosity necessary for mere compensation? The gold ingot was far too much.

Regaining his composure, Manager Lin forced a smile and quickly waved his hands, “Young Master Bai, I’m not seeking compensation. I was only afraid you’d mistake me for one of their members…”

“Take it!” Bai Muge pressed the gold into his hand and turned to leave. “If there’s any left over, put it on my tab.”

With that, Bai Muge and his entourage departed the Fragrant Pavilion.

If not for having used the “Turn Steps Into Gold” talisman today and finding the gold heavy and cumbersome, he would hardly be so generous. Now, minus one gold bar, he finally felt at ease.

Bai Muge let out a long breath and proceeded to the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Yet, in the eyes of Manager Lin and the onlookers outside, his actions were astonishing and praiseworthy.

“Young Master Bai is a true man!”

“Indeed! Though he was here to arrest the Azure Dragon Gang, he didn’t leave Manager Lin to bear the loss—he even made such a generous gesture!”

“Our Tang Dynasty’s court still has good officials like Young Master Bai!”

“He’s not only handsome but so magnanimous—I wish fate would bring me a perfect encounter with him…”

“Girl, are you daydreaming? Why not have a fateful encounter with me instead?”

“Please, just leave!”

Little did Bai Muge know that, in the hearts of the common folk, young women, and Manager Lin, his reputation had only grown. Meanwhile, he was already at the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.

The entrance was untouched, but inside, chaos reigned. Corpses lay scattered, unattended, clear evidence of a recent battle.

“How could it be like this…” The maid Feng Qi, upon seeing the carnage, was struck speechless with shock.

Cao Zhengchun remained unmoved, his face expressionless as water.

Bai Muge merely glanced around before stepping inside, calling out, “Hai Dafu!”

“Here, Young Master!” At the familiar voice from outside, Hai Dafu quickly appeared in the doorway, grinning as if seeking praise. “Young Master, the Azure Dragon Gang’s chief is stubborn indeed—he flatly refused to join our Heavenly Dragon Gang. But don’t worry! I’ve already hung that old Liu up and given him a good beating. Please advise me further.”

Bai Muge was left speechless.