Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Vow Made Four Years Ago

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Perhaps due to last night’s incident near Xiao Nanhai in Fuxu Town, a heavy, oppressive haze hung over the entire town today. Word had already spread throughout the city that the two main leaders of the Cao Trading Guild had met with tragedy—one dead, one wounded. Of course, most of this could be attributed to Lu Dachi and Aguda.

Since agreeing with Zhang Mingzhi late last night, the straightforward Lu Dachi no longer tried to remain neutral. Perhaps it was Zhang Mingzhi’s public oath to the Bear God “Wotuo Ge” that solidified his resolve, but Lu Dachi was now willing to risk everything for the Zhang Trading Guild. He conspired with Aguda through the night, and as soon as dawn broke, news of Cao You and Cao Hai’s fate spread from Xiao Nanhai to every corner of the city with astonishing speed.

In the Xiyun Courtyard of the Zhang residence in East City, more than a dozen servants and maids waited outside in anxiety. Though there was still some distance to Lady Zhang Yurou’s chambers, they could still faintly hear the heated argument within.

“No! This is the one thing I absolutely cannot allow! Ali already has a family! Don’t say I object—even Father would never agree to this! Besides, in Father’s eyes, he would never accept someone of Ali’s background!” Zhang Mingzhi’s face was dark with anger as he shook his sleeve. But Zhang Yurou, with her back to him, was no less stubborn. Her beautiful features were set in icy determination, her eyes cold as frost. When she heard only silence behind her, she took a deep breath, her brows tightening as she slowly turned around. She gazed at Zhang Yurou, whose eyes were already brimming with tears. His heart softened, and his tone eased. With a heavy sigh, he patiently tried to explain, “Sister, we’re not children anymore! There are some things we can’t simply act on impulse about. Especially when it concerns your future!”

“It’s precisely because this is my future that I will never compromise!” Zhang Yurou met his gaze unflinchingly, her voice cold and defiant, a hint of hatred flashing in her eyes. “Four years ago, Father was willing to sacrifice everything for the guild and tried to marry me into the Cao family! When I boarded the ship at Fuxu Port, do you remember what you said to me, Zhang Shouyi?”

“I...” At these words, Zhang Mingzhi shuddered. The scene from four years ago came unbidden to his mind. When the siblings parted at Fuxu Port, he had stood there, his young face turned toward the vast South Sea and the dazzling sunrise, vowing with conviction. At that time, Zhang Yurou, about to board the ship, had been moved to tears by his words.

“You swore to me, ‘Sister, in this life, I, Zhang Shouyi, will not only keep faith; I will keep you safe as well! No matter what you choose, no one can stop you!’” Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Zhang Yurou choked out his vow from those years past, her face suddenly filled with despair. Even the warmth in her eyes faded as she looked at Zhang Mingzhi.

“That’s right! I did say that!” Zhang Mingzhi dared not meet her gaze, afraid to see the despair there. He replied softly, then fell silent. The only sound left in the room was Zhang Yurou’s sobbing.

“Sister!” After a long while, Zhang Mingzhi slowly raised his head, no longer conflicted. A faint smile appeared on his face. He softly called out, walked to Zhang Yurou, and embraced her tightly. A flash of determination shone in his eyes as he spoke in a gentle, steady voice, “It was my fault just now. I shouldn’t have let myself overthink! I should have remembered my vow. I will keep faith, and keep you safe too, no matter what you choose! You’re right—even if Ali already has a family, even if he comes from the docks, what does it matter? In my eyes, I’ve never regarded him as an ordinary laborer!”

“Say no more!” Though Zhang Mingzhi’s words warmed her heart, Zhang Yurou shook her head wearily, gently pushing him away. Her voice was tired, “Shouyi, I’m a little tired. Please, go now. I’d like to rest for a while.”

“Uh...” Zhang Mingzhi hesitated at the sudden change in Zhang Yurou, especially when her eyes seemed utterly lifeless. He was afraid she might do something reckless in her agitation, so he stood there, at a loss.

“Don’t worry, I really am just tired. Perhaps too much happened yesterday...” Zhang Yurou saw through his worry at a glance and managed a faint, bitter smile. She stubbornly shook her head to urge him out. Only she knew how much had truly happened yesterday—and that, more importantly, a fierce yearning for someone to rely on had suddenly taken root in her heart.

“All right, then.” Zhang Mingzhi could only nod. He didn’t know what else he could say to comfort her. With concern in his eyes, he gave a final reminder, “Don’t overthink things. Rest well if you’re tired. No matter how big the trouble, I’ll be here to shoulder it for you.”

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“Mm. I know...” Zhang Yurou nodded absentmindedly and turned away. Seeing this, Zhang Mingzhi let out a sigh and quietly left the room.

With his mind full of worries, Zhang Mingzhi barely registered how he left Xiyun Courtyard. In the eyes of the servants, he seemed almost like a soul lost, but no one dared approach or question him. A few of his men followed at a distance.

It was already past noon, but Zhang Mingzhi hadn’t eaten. He walked straight to the front hall of the residence. Before he could enter, Zhang Wu’s shout came from behind, “Second Brother! Something’s wrong! Damn it! That Wang Trading Company—they’ve really got guts!”

“Wang Trading Company? Which Wang Trading Company?” Distracted, Zhang Mingzhi had already forgotten about the events on the pleasure barge last night. He frowned, asking, and only after seeing the sweaty Zhang Wu did he recall. His face darkened. “Was it that one from last night, the one trying to make a move on my sister? What happened?”

“Yes! That’s the one!” Zhang Wu nodded heavily, spat to the side, and then explained through gritted teeth, “That bastard called Ah Hu from the barge set us up! Not only did he let Wang Jie off the hook, he even tipped off Wang Trading Company! All the men I sent this morning got ambushed—now several of them can’t get out of bed!”

“Hmph! Does Wang Trading Company really have such nerve?” Zhang Mingzhi snorted coldly, sneering. “Our Zhang Trading Guild rarely resorts to violence, but when we do, it’s always others who wait with their necks outstretched! That little Wang Trading Company wouldn’t dare fight back unless Ah Hu was behind it!”

“Exactly! That bastard—who knows what tricks he used, but now the Wang family’s boss is nothing but a cripple!” Zhang Wu was furious. After returning last night, he had already made arrangements. Early this morning, more than ten of their men went to Wang Trading Company, but by noon, they came back battered and bloodied, some with knife wounds, a few even carried back unconscious. Had it not been for prompt medical care, they might not have survived.

“What about the original owner of Wang Trading Company? And Wang Jie?” Already angry, Zhang Mingzhi’s voice turned even colder. “Send word to the city branches: search for them! Even if you have to tear Fuxu Town apart, bring me the former owner of Wang Trading Company! They dared provoke us—clearly tired of living! By tomorrow morning, I want them found and fed to the fish in the South Sea!”

“I’ve already sent word; everything’s in motion! As long as they’re still in Fuxu, we’ll have them by tonight—dig up the earth if we have to!” Zhang Wu’s hatred for Wang Jie and his men was palpable, eager to tear them apart for what they’d done to his brothers.

“Send word to Aguda, have him tell Lu Dachi to lend some men,” Zhang Mingzhi ordered decisively, then added, “It’s their first time working for us—make sure they’re well rewarded! Twenty copper coins for each man involved. Three strings of cash for anyone with solid information!”

“Understood! I’ll see to it now!” Zhang Wu nodded without hesitation, then paused and asked, “Second Brother, about the pleasure barge at Xiao Nanhai—what about Brother Li?”

“I spoke to Ali about it before I slept this morning. Once you have news, just let Ali know.” Zhang Mingzhi nodded and reminded him.

“Shouyi! You’re so busy that you don’t even have time to greet an old friend? Hahaha!” A hearty laugh rang out. Zhang Mingzhi and Zhang Wu looked at the gate and were delighted to see Yang Hongwen, clad in military uniform, striding in with several trusted guards.

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“Not at all! It’s just that you, Brother Yang, are really something—showing up out of nowhere!” Zhang Mingzhi laughed as he strode down the steps to greet him, but his curiosity got the better of him, “What brings you to Fuxu Town? Is there official business?”

“What official business? I’m here thanks to you!” Yang Hongwen handed his saber to a guard, his expression helpless as he explained, “News of you being ambushed in Fuxu has spread almost all over Guangzhou! Uncle Zhang, Uncle Li, and my father all heard about it and sent me to check on you!”

“Especially Uncle Li!” Yang Hongwen produced a golden command token with a flourish and showed it to Zhang Mingzhi, smiling meaningfully. “See this? As soon as Uncle Li heard it was the Cao family behind it, he gave me this military governor’s token and told me to use the garrison in Dongying without hesitation if the Caos dared mobilize troops against you!”

“Sigh! Looks like when I get back, I’ll have to pay my respects to Uncle Li in earnest!” Zhang Mingzhi could only smile wryly—he hadn’t expected the commotion to be so great that even the military governor Li Tiao had personally given orders.

“Don’t act so humble! Uncle Li treats you almost like his own son!” Yang Hongwen laughed, punching Zhang Mingzhi on the shoulder. “You’re lucky—he cares more for you than for his real son!”

“Nonsense! If Li You weren’t such a disappointment, Uncle Li would have already found him a position in the army!” Zhang Mingzhi shook his head with a smile, a hint of disdain for the military governor’s son. He returned Yang Hongwen’s punch, refusing to back down. “You’re not one to talk! At your age, who else in Guangzhou holds a command position in the military governor’s office? You’re the one with all the luck!”

“Hahaha! Enough—it’s good to see you unharmed!” Yang Hongwen laughed heartily, waving as he took his leave. “I have to head to Dongying. When I’m done, I’ll come back to visit.”

“What’s this? You say you’re here to see me, but you’re leaving already?” Zhang Mingzhi wasn’t about to let him go easily. He grabbed Yang Hongwen, feigning displeasure. “No way! You’re not leaving! Whatever business you have, deal with it this afternoon—have a drink with me first!”

“No, I really can’t this time!” Yang Hongwen’s expression grew serious as he glanced around, letting Zhang Mingzhi pull him closer before he explained in a low voice, “There’s war in the east. Rebel forces have already infiltrated Lingnan East Circuit. I have urgent military business—there’s no time to lose!”

“Is that so? Sounds serious...” Zhang Mingzhi, seeing the gravity in Yang Hongwen’s eyes, was half-convinced, but he let him go.

“That’s enough—once I’m done, I’ll tell you all about it! I have to go!” Yang Hongwen was indeed in a hurry; as soon as he was released, he turned and strode away, waving without looking back, as if afraid Zhang Mingzhi might try to stop him again.