The restaurant’s patrons turned to look at him, their faces a mix of curiosity and amusement. They knew his identity as the undisputed master. Some of them nodded in respect, while others snickered, sensing that he was seeking solace in their company. The air was thick with the smell of tea and the sound of laughter.
When Jian sat down, he removed his cowl. Two men from opposite tables stopped everything and stood up. One of them was Liang Jin, the leader of the red dragon sons, while the other was Qing Cang, the leader of the white phoenix clan.
They approached his table, their faces stern but respectful, as they bowed. "Master Yang," Liang Jin said, his voice low, "We didn't expect to see you here tonight. Everything going well at the palace?"
Qing Cang nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the room before focusing on Jian. "We’ve kept the blades in the sheaths, just like you ordered, Master. The streets are quiet... too quiet. It’s boring work, being good." They both chuckled, and the rest of the patrons in the room joined in, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Jian noticed that the atmosphere in the room had changed; the tension and aggression that usually accompanied the gang members' interactions were gone, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and respect. The two gang leaders took seats on his right and left, waiting for him to speak.
Jian was relieved by the words "Master Yang," “at least I still have a place that still preserves my respect and my dignity.”
Liang Jin and Qing Cang exchanged a knowing glance, their faces sympathetic. Liang Jin said, his voice low, “We heard about the changes at the palace, Master Yang... That bastard Xian Shang must be making things hard for you. We will teach him a lesson one day. I promise you that". Qing Cang continued, “We're here for you, Master Yang. If you need any... assistance, just point at it, and we will charge on your orders. We'll take care of any problems that arise. You're still our Master, and we'll always have your back.”
Jian chuckled, feeling heaviness in his chest, “I was brushed off by two servants today.... Can you imagine?”
Liang Jin's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Servants?" he repeated, his voice low and menacing. "Who was it? I'll take care of them." The two gang leaders exchanged a look, and Jian could tell that they were already planning their next move, ready to take on anyone who dared to disrespect him.
Jian waved his hand. “Just let them be... They are just servants, and they are acting per Xian Shang's orders.”
Qing Cang’s face softened slightly, and he nodded. “You're right, Master Yang. We shouldn't waste our time on them.”
They both started to praise him; their voices filled with admiration and respect. "You've sacrificed so much for the good of the empire, and we're grateful for your selflessness, Master Yang." Liang Jin nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with appreciation. "You're a true leader, Master Yang. You put the needs of others before your own, and we're honoured to call you our Master."
The other patrons in the restaurant started to murmur in agreement, their voices filled with respect and admiration for him. Jian felt a sense of pride and gratitude, knowing that he had the loyalty and support of these men, despite the challenges he was facing at the palace.
Jian stood up, and they both followed. "I am practically stripped of my influence over the imperial guard. If Xian Shang wanted to plan something against me, I would probably be defenseless. Choose some of your people to guard my palace.”
Liang Jin and Qing Cang bowed, their faces serious. "Your wish is our command, Master Yang," They proceeded to choose 30 of their most skilled fighters. Although Jian wasn’t short himself, those 30 were dwarfing him. Liang Jin pointed at them, "These are the strongest and most skilled of our group. You'll be safe with them."
The giant fighters bowed in unison, their eyes down. “Master Yang” Jian couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief and security with these giants by his side. He took a deep breath, his voice sincere, “Now I can rest assured. Thank you both. I appreciate your loyalty and your willingness to protect me. I know I can count on you." He covered his head with the cowl. “I should probably go before anyone notices I am gone. Qing Cang, the new mansion of the director of the treasury, is in your territory. It is the sixth mansion in the Great Dragon District. The dear treasurer is the one behind some financial issues with the government. He adores his gardens and flowers. I am sure that the mansion's garden can use a special.... Trim.” He grinned, then left.
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Qing Cang's eyes lit up with understanding, and he chuckled. "I'll make sure to... tend to the treasurer's garden. Personally. Don't worry, Master Yang. We'll take care of it. The treasurer won't know what hit him."
Jian returned to the palace; the 30 warriors surrounded him like a wall of muscles. Once they approached, the front gate guards blocked their path, their faces stern and unyielding. "Halt! You're not cleared to enter the palace grounds," one of them said, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Jian’s bodyguards tensed; their eyes fixed on the guards.
Jian cleared his throat, and his bodyguards parted into two groups as he emerged from between them, removing his cowl. “It's me. These are my men. Open the gates.”
The guards exchanged a look, their expressions unyielding. "I'm afraid that's not possible," their leader said, his voice firm. "You're not cleared to enter the palace grounds, Steward Jian. You're to report to Prime Minister Xian Shang's mansion immediately. He is the only one who can approve it."
Jian’s eyes narrowed. “Since when has Xian Shang mustered up the courage to keep me out of my own house?”
The guards exchanged a nervous glance, their faces faltering for a moment. The leader stumered "I-I apologize, Steward Jian. It's just that Prime Minister Xian Shang has...ordered that you are not to enter the palace grounds without his permission. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding. If you would like, I can escort you to the Prime Minister's mansion myself and... arrange a meeting."
The bodyguards took another step forward, their eyes fixed on the guards, their presence intimidating as they reached for their weapons. The air was tense, and the situation was on the verge of escalating into a confrontation.
Before things escalated, Yang Lei arrived on time, his voice thunderous with anger as he walked to the guards’ leader. "What is the meaning of this? Steward Jian is a member of the imperial family and a trusted advisor to his majesty. You will not deny him entry to the palace grounds!"
The guards took a step back, their faces pale, as Yang Lei's anger radiated towards them like a palpable force. "Open the gates, now!" he ordered, his voice brooking no argument. The guards quickly scrambled to obey, their movements hurried and apologetic.
As the gates swung open, Yang Lei turned to Jian, his expression softening slightly. "Steward Jian, I apologize for this inconvenience." He glanced at the bodyguards, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And who are these...gentlemen?"
Jian sighed “Advisor Yang. Can we please... Talk somewhere else?” Yang Lei took them all inside as they walked through the gardens. His face was still flushed with anger, his eyes scanning the surroundings to ensure they were alone. "Eldest Brother, I'm so sorry about what just happened. Xian Shang is getting bolder by the day. I will take care of him, I promise. I won't let him humiliate you like that again."
Jian shook his head. “Don't bother, second brother. You aren't fit to take him on by yourself.”
Yang Lei's eyes narrowed slightly at Jian’s words, nodding, "I understand, Eldest Brother. You're right, I'm not strong enough to take on Xian Shang alone. But I will make him pay dearly one day." He looked back at the wall of muscle trailing them. "And these men? They carry themselves like wolves, not soldiers. Where did you find such... formidable shadows?"
Jian gestured to one of them, and he exposed his forearm, showing his gang tattoo. Yang Lei took a step back, his eyes widening in surprise. "The Red Dragon Sons?" he whispered, his voice laced with a mix of shock and alarm. "They are one of the most notorious wanted criminals in the empire. Have you allied yourself with them? What's going on, Eldest Brother? What's happening that's made you seek out the protection of such people?”
Jian gestured to another one from the opposite gang, and he did the same, exposing his tattoo. Yang Lei's face turned pale as he took in the sight of the second gang tattoo. "The White Phoenix Clan?" he stammered, his eyes darting back and forth. "This can't be. The Red Dragon Sons and the White Phoenix Clan are sworn enemies. They've been fighting each other for years, and now they're...they're standing together?" He looked at Jian, his eyes searching for answers. "Eldest Brother, what's going on? What's happening here? You're not just seeking protection; you're allying with two of the most feared gangs in the land. This... This changes everything. Xian Shang will stop at nothing to crush this alliance. Eldest Brother, you're playing with fire. And how can you trust such lowly lives?"
Jian snapped his finger, and they all bowed before him, their voices united. “Master Yang,” Yang Lei's eyes widened in shock, and he looked at his brother, his expression a mix of awe and trepidation. "Master Yang? What do they mean by that? "Are the rumours... real? The Ghost of Lijiang... the one the constables whisper about in the barracks. I thought it was a myth meant to frighten recruits. It was you all along?" "
Jian smiled widely, spreading his arms, his hair swinging in the wind. “That is right, second brother. I am not seeking alliances with anyone. The rumours are real. There is a mastermind behind every single action these two gangs take. No one moves a muscle without his command, and you are looking at him now.”