Chapter Fifteen: Negotiation

Page (1/3)

After hearing Luo Laoying’s words, Wang Qing’s chest heaved with turmoil, filled with intense anger. As Luo Laoying had said, besides the Wang family, the only other one dealing in arms in Gao City was the Cheng family. It was said that two tigers could not share one mountain, so despite the Cheng and Ma families exchanging blows only on the surface, behind the scenes they were locked in endless strife.

And who was Marshal Zhang? He was a figure who could command the winds and rains in Jizhou City. In such chaotic times, whoever held the guns was a person of power—and Marshal Zhang was just such a man.

The Wang family, where Wang Qing belonged, and the Cheng family both had business dealings with Marshal Zhang. Initially, the two families maintained a hands-off stance, as their interests did not conflict. But as Marshal Zhang’s sphere of influence grew ever larger, the number of those flocking around him swelled accordingly.

Both the Wang and Cheng families saw their enterprises flourish, which stirred up ill intentions—some sought to swallow up the other’s business. Yet, with their strengths roughly equal, neither side could gain the upper hand after many years.

Gradually, the younger generations of the two families became hereditary enemies, engaging in brawls at the slightest provocation, utterly unrestrained.

Thus, when Wang Qing heard Luo Laoying say the Cheng family was playing dirty tricks, he trembled with rage.

“Second Master Wang, on Mount Eight Tigers, it’s always the one who pays more that we help. There are no eternal friends in this world—only money is the truest loyalist!” Luo Laoying chuckled slyly, his face full of the shrewdness of a businessman.

Wang Qing, a man seasoned by great storms, quickly shook off his earlier fury.

“Boss Luo, this matter has its rightful cause and consequence. The Wang family has no intention of making an enemy of you. We shall take this grievance directly to the Cheng family.”

“And as you said, cooperating with the Wang family is the wisest choice. The Chengs are a disgraceful lot; working with them is akin to bargaining with a tiger’s skin.”

“The Wang family is willing to pay this portion of money as a token of our goodwill to you. But I wonder, regarding this batch of arms, Boss Luo, will you still—”

Before Wang Qing could finish, Luo Laoying waved his hand and laughed heartily.

“Second Master Wang, I was thinking the same thing. The Cheng family is indeed petty, attempting to use Mount Eight Tigers to probe your Wang family’s strength.”

“But fortunately, here you are, Second Master Wang; that makes things easier. Later, I’ll invite everyone to dine together. Since you’ve come from afar, you must taste the hospitality of Mount Eight Tigers.”

Wang Qing’s expression shifted slightly. This fellow was indeed an old fox—he deliberately avoided the subject of the arms, unwilling to discuss it further.

Page (2/3)

After a moment’s thought, Wang Qing cupped his hands and said, “Since Boss Luo extends such warm hospitality, we shall trouble you to host us for a night.”

Luo Laoying, a notable figure at Camel Ridge, naturally knew Wang Qing had come to reclaim the arms. Yet he had no intention of returning them outright; he also hoped to exploit the rivalry between the Wang and Cheng families for his own gain.

Wang Qing was well aware of Luo Laoying’s intentions but dared not press too hard. If Luo Laoying were to side with the Cheng family, it would be a severe blow to the Wang family’s future business.

Time passed swiftly, and soon night blanketed Mount Eight Tigers.

The mountain itself was thick with dense forests, yet this bandit haven was brightly lit, as if day, with bustling crowds coming and going, a lively scene.

Wang Qing and his party only emerged when the banquet began. Especially Wang Xian, Ma Yuan, and Hou Xinjie—they had never seen such a spectacle and were utterly stunned.

“These past years, Mount Eight Tigers has drained countless resources from the common folk,” Wang Qing whispered to Wang Xian and the others. “Their strength alone would hold its own even in Jizhou City.”

“Then why don’t they establish a banner, become a marshal properly? That would be more legitimate than being bandits!” Wang Xian asked, puzzled.

Wang Qing chuckled softly. “You foolish boy, do you really think being a marshal is easy?”

“In these chaotic times, battles rage endlessly. Every day, you must consider the food, the weapons, and supplies for tens of thousands of men. That’s the marshal’s burden. And if you occupy a city, you must always watch your back. You might be marshal of Jizhou today, and tomorrow your corpse could lie exposed in the wilderness.”

The others listened, their hearts trembling. They had rarely ventured out and knew nothing of such matters.

“So… so… is it better just to be bandits then?” Wang Xian was at a loss for words.

Everyone laughed at this; Wang Xian was still just a child.

The banquet was held in the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall—a name an old gentleman the bandits invited down the mountain had given, inspired by the gathering place of the 108 heroes in the classic Water Margin.

When Wang Qing and his group arrived, many guests were already inside.

Upon seeing one man, Wang Qing’s gaze sharpened. He never expected this person to be here.

Page (3/3)

Ma Yuan, more perceptive, noticed the change in Wang Qing’s expression. Following his sight, Ma Yuan saw Wang Qing fixating on a middle-aged man with a thick beard. Strikingly, Ma Yuan found that the man bore a certain resemblance to Wang Qing himself.

But given the occasion, Ma Yuan refrained from asking, though he formed his own suspicions.

“Haha, Second Master Wang has arrived! Please, please, take a seat! Today is an auspicious day!” Luo Laoying, busy giving instructions to his men, rose with a broad smile to greet Wang Qing and his party warmly.

Wang Qing masked his shifting thoughts and returned the greeting with a respectful bow.

The bearded middle-aged man followed closely behind Luo Laoying. Upon seeing Wang Qing, his eyes flickered with subtle change before quickly concealing it.

“Second Master Wang, allow me to introduce Mr. Wang Han from Jizhou City. He is Marshal Liu’s most trusted subordinate. He’s come to Mount Eight Tigers to discuss arms business. Heh heh,” Luo Laoying said with a beaming face, clearly pleased by Wang Han’s presence.

Wang Qing narrowed his eyes. “Greetings, Mr. Wang. It’s clear that working under the marshal, you must be a prominent figure in Jizhou.”

“Indeed, Mr. Wang is Marshal Liu’s most favored aide. And who is Marshal Liu? He’s someone who can shake the heavens with a single stomp in Jizhou, a figure equal in rank to Marshal Zhang.”

“Second Master Wang, you and Mr. Wang here share the same noble lineage. I, Luo Laoying, am but a common man focused on profit. I hoped this occasion would let you two meet. The more money you make, the more Mount Eight Tigers will profit!”

One must admit, Luo Laoying had a masterful scheme—flattering both sides, gaining benefits all around, and never once mentioning the Cheng family or Marshal Zhang. If successful, Luo Laoying would profit from every angle.

Wang Han, standing behind Luo Laoying, smiled faintly and nodded slightly toward Wang Qing.

Yet the subtle shift in his eyes did not escape Wang Qing’s notice. In an instant, he understood the truth.