Chapter Thirty-Five: In Employing Others, Loyalty Is Paramount

After dealing with the bullying servants of the Tian family outside the city’s old music shop, Ding Li did not return with Saiyijade and the newly recruited Xu Hong. Being followed along the way only strengthened Ding Li’s conviction that an even more formidable force lurked behind the Three Heroes of Duanzhou.

As expected, when Ding Li alone slipped into the shantytown near the docks, he discovered something unexpected. To his surprise, the other side moved swiftly and ruthlessly.

Though the South Sea Gang had clashed with the Three Heroes of Duanzhou, Ding Li knew well that the trio were merely pawns, used and discarded. There was no deep, irreconcilable hatred between them, and Ding Li was not one to pursue vengeance to the bitter end. Without hesitation, Ding Li rushed to the scene and lent a helping hand.

Sadly, his arrival was a step too late, resulting in the tragic deaths of Xu Hong and Jia Jie. Even Wang Ling, whom Ding Li managed to rescue, remained half-mad, half-dazed, unable to escape the nightmare that had just unfolded.

They hurried back without pause, with Wang Ling nearly dragged along by Ding Li. The city was under its usual night curfew, and Ding Li and his companion could not avoid the patrols. But Ding Li’s status had changed drastically—now, even with an injured Wang Ling by his side, a simple declaration of his identity ensured they faced no obstruction or interrogation. Some guards, eager to please, even offered to escort them back to the Zhang residence.

Ding Li declined their kindness, politely refusing and tossing them a heavy purse. The guards grinned knowingly, feigned reluctance, then gladly accepted, assuring Ding Li that nothing had happened.

Upon returning to the Zhang residence, he found that Xu Hong—brought back by Saiyijade—had everything arranged. Zhang Wu, however, sat in the main hall, visibly disgruntled, having consumed countless cups of tea through the night. Whatever grievances he held seemed to have been washed away by time and the bland tea.

As soon as Ding Li arrived, the servants spread word of his return, but Zhang Wu was not the first to know; Saiyijade, who waited outside the hall, intercepted the news and rushed out.

“Brother Li! Where have you been? You said you’d just take a walk nearby, yet you were gone for two whole hours! It’s past midnight now!” Saiyijade, upon seeing Ding Li, voiced his concern and mild annoyance. In the dim courtyard light, he noticed Wang Ling slumped on Ding Li’s shoulder, stared in surprise, then glared fiercely at Wang Ling, pointing at him and questioning, “Brother Li! Why did you bring this kid? He was against us just this afternoon! How could you...”

Saiyijade suddenly paused, a look of sudden realization crossing his face. He nodded repeatedly, full of admiration, and added, “Oh! I get it now! Brother Li, you went alone to catch this kid! Don’t worry, leave the interrogation to me—I’ll make him confess who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes!”

“Enough talk! Find some brothers and help him to rest,” Ding Li said, somewhat helplessly, impressed by Saiyijade’s imagination. Yet his mind was occupied with other matters. He glanced at Wang Ling, still dazed, knowing he couldn’t get any useful information from him for now. He beckoned to Saiyijade and solemnly instructed, “Saiyi! His injuries aren’t serious, but he needs immediate treatment. Go arrange it.”

“Um, Brother Li, why...?” Saiyijade looked at Ding Li in confusion but quickly waved his hand at the others, ordering, “Do as Brother Li says! Hurry!”

They rushed forward, helping Wang Ling away. Ding Li watched his silhouette disappear and sighed softly. Turning to the expectant Saiyijade at his side, Ding Li’s expression grew somber, his voice tinged with sorrow. He forced a smile and explained in a low voice, “Xu Hong and Jia Jie of the Three Heroes of Duanzhou were silenced—they’re dead! I rescued him.”

“What? Silenced? Dead?” The news stunned Saiyijade; he hadn’t expected that two men who had fought with them just hours ago would die so suddenly. Despite their hostilities, Saiyijade felt the abruptness keenly.

“Yes! One had his neck broken, the other’s skull shattered,” Ding Li nodded, describing their fates without emotion, ignoring Saiyijade’s shocked reaction. Shaking his head, he asked, “Is Zhang Wu asleep? I need to speak with him.”

“No, not yet!” Saiyijade shivered, then complained, “Don’t mention it! Since he learned about Xu Hong, he’s been sulking in the hall all night, snapping at everyone. Especially me—like I owe him five hundred taels of gold! I don’t even want to see him, always ready to lash out! So arrogant!”

“Enough! We’re all on the same side; don’t take it too personally, it only breeds discord! Besides, we’re moving out in a few days—just endure a bit longer. Let’s go, I need to see him. There’s something more important.” Ding Li smiled, patting Saiyijade’s shoulder to comfort him. He understood Zhang Wu’s mood—for Zhang Wu, Xu Hong was an outsider who was suddenly favored, stirring suspicion. After all, Zhang Wu belonged to the Zhang Commercial Guild, not directly to Ding Li.

“Fine! If I see that sour face again, I’ll give him a good beating!” Saiyijade shook his fist angrily, grumbling as he followed Ding Li.

Entering the main hall, Ding Li sensed something was amiss. All the servants had been sent away by Zhang Wu, who stood by the table, hands behind his back, filling the room with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. When he heard Ding Li arrive, Zhang Wu slowly turned, revealing an even more exaggeratedly sour expression than Saiyijade had described.

“Brother Wu! Such trivial matters shouldn’t warrant such a temper,” Ding Li said, unconcerned about Zhang Wu’s mood. He walked to the table, picked up a cup of cold tea, and drained it, then reached for the teapot only to find it empty, shaking it in resignation before setting it down.

“Brother Li!” Zhang Wu felt like he was facing an incorrigible rogue, yet Ding Li’s status was unique—he controlled the South Sea Gang and was personally endorsed by Master Zhang Mingzhi. Even as Zhang Mingzhi’s trusted confidant, Zhang Wu dared not act rashly. But Ding Li’s demeanor only fueled Zhang Wu’s frustration, as if he were trying to punch cotton—his anger dissipated before it could be expressed.

“Brother Wu! Why speak standing up? If I’ve done anything amiss, I hope you’ll be generous!” Ding Li smiled. Since both worked for the Zhang Commercial Guild under one roof, Ding Li wouldn’t dwell on such minor matters. However, his casual attitude inflamed Zhang Wu’s irritation until Ding Li’s next words extinguished it entirely: “Brother Wu, let me clarify—whatever I do, it is for the South Sea Gang and the Zhang Commercial Guild. I believe this is also the Young Master’s intention! Please trust that I, Ding Li, will never forget the Young Master’s lifesaving grace—I can never repay it!”

With those words, Zhang Wu, prepared all night for an interrogation, found himself unable to speak. In Ding Li’s deep, shining eyes, he saw sincerity and resolve. Zhang Wu understood—at the very least, Ding Li would never harm the Zhang Commercial Guild.

“Ah, Brother Li, since you’ve said this, forgive my impertinence tonight!” Zhang Wu nodded and sighed, though reluctant, he cupped his hands to Ding Li and sat down. After a pause, he couldn’t help but voice what he’d been holding in all night, hesitantly asking, “Still, Brother Li, there’s something I must say. I truly don’t understand—why recruit a penniless scholar? We’re a guild, a gang, not a private academy! Even if we needed a teacher, must it be such a destitute scholar?”

“Brother Wu! Allow me to ask first, then explain,” Ding Li replied, turning the question around. Zhang Wu nodded readily, and Ding Li asked seriously, “When recruiting, what matters most? I mean for our current situation—is it merely background and ability?”

“Hmm?” Zhang Wu frowned, puzzled, unable to grasp Ding Li’s meaning. He tilted his head, studying Ding Li, “Brother Li, isn’t ability what we look for in people? I don’t get your point.”

“Don’t doubt the question! Ability is needed and essential, but it’s not the only thing,” Ding Li said gravely. Even Saiyijade, who had never seen Ding Li so serious, stepped forward to listen closely, afraid to miss any key point.

“Let me offer an example, Brother Wu,” Ding Li continued. “Why did the Young Master go to such lengths to rescue, support, and elevate me to lead the South Sea Gang? Besides ability, what else? Surely, with your intelligence, you know.”

“Loyalty! Absolute loyalty!” Zhang Wu answered without hesitation, then realized Ding Li’s point, eyes filled with admiration as he cupped his hands and praised, “Brother Li! Impressive! At his lowest, you gave that destitute scholar Xu Hong such a great opportunity! Just as the Young Master once saved you—even if you haven’t given Xu Hong a life-changing favor, it’s not far off! You’re right—loyalty is even more important than ability!”

“Exactly! When recruiting, one must choose loyal, trustworthy people!” Ding Li’s words were just as he expected. He smiled gently and nodded, his gaze filled with sincerity.