In a restaurant’s VIP room, only Xu Jingming, Zhang Ke, and Qian Yan sat at a table.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” said Qian Yan.
An elder immediately pushed open the door and bowed to the three of them enthusiastically. “My lord is rather happy about Lord Jing’s appointment. I’m here to deliver a congratulatory gift.”
As he spoke, he placed a brocade sachet on the table.
“Captain, this is the butler of Nansheng Street’s Lord Yu,” Qian Yan introduced.
Xu Jingming came to a realization. “So it’s from Lord Yu! I appreciate Lord Yu’s thoughtfulness.”
There were only three officials with some status in the area under his jurisdiction. Of course, the ‘officials’ he was referring to here were at least at Rank-5! In the imperial capital, officials below Rank-5… were insignificant officials that weren’t worth mentioning. The Blood Rain Guard couldn’t be bothered to monitor them.
“I’ll take my leave.” The elder immediately left after delivering the congratulatory gift.
Xu Jingming picked up the brocade sachet and saw a stack of golden leaves. He weighed it in his hand and estimated it to be about 50 grams.
Ten gold. Xu Jingming was a little surprised as he took out a roll of paper from his sleeve—the paper detailed the annual offerings of officials, large clans, wealthy merchants, and gangs in the area under his jurisdiction.
“Lord Yu gave too much,” Xu Jingming said.
“Lord Yu gave 50 taels of silver to the former captain. He doubled it this time.” Zhang Ke nodded. “It looks like he wants to befriend you.”
Qian Yan also flattered, “The congratulatory gift this time is ten gold. Logically speaking, Lord Yu should deliver this amount every year in the future! Lord Yu is really generous with you, Captain.”
The three of them ate and drank while waiting for people to send gifts. At the same time, they checked the list to see who had given less!
After feasting for a long time, everyone in their jurisdiction had delivered their gifts.
Money given to the Blood Rain Guard couldn’t be skipped! Not one less!
“A total of 2,350 taels of silver.” Xu Jingming looked at the final tally and was in a good mood. He smiled at the two captains. “I’ll have to wait until next year before the next round, right?”
“Yes, once a year! This is the old rule.” Zhang Ke nodded.
But Qian Yan said in a low voice, “Actually, we can still squeeze further. Some rich merchants can still be squeezed a little more.”
“However, that would foul the rules,” retorted Zhang Ke. “If word gets out, our reputation in the Blood Rain Guard won’t be good. Furthermore, which rich merchant in the imperial capital doesn’t have some connections? If they get pushed into a corner, there might be trouble. They might even send assassins to our residences at night. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered.”
“A bunch of b*stards? What can they do?” Qian Yan sneered. “Captain, we can totally target a single businessman and suck him dry!”
“Remember.” Xu Jingming’s voice turned colder as he gazed at Qian Yan coldly. “Our Blood Rain Guard needs to follow the stipulated rules when doing things! If we violate the rules… Hmph, Deputy Captain Qian, don’t blame me for turning hostile!”
Qian Yan’s heart skipped a beat. He originally thought that this captain might have a huge backer and background, so he could pull off a few rounds with the captain’s aid! However, it was obvious that this captain cherished his reputation.
“I understand, I understand.” Qian Yan smiled obsequiously. “Captain’s future is more important.”
“Good.” After interacting with them for some time, Xu Jingming understood his two deputy captains. Zhang Ke, who looked stocky, was actually tactful and rule-abiding. Qian Yan—who looked plump and jolly—was actually ruthless and defiant of the rules.
There were many people in the Blood Rain Guard who ignored the rules.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Someone knocked on the door again.
“Captain, the broker has arrived.” A Blood Rain Guard led a broker.
The broker immediately kneeled down respectfully. “Greetings, my lords.”
“Captain, the broker knows all the houses sold and rented in our jurisdiction,” the Blood Rain Guard said.
Xu Jingming nodded.
Since he had taken office, he couldn’t stay in the Fei residence forever. He had to move out.
…
He didn’t know how long he could live with his identity. Naturally, he wouldn’t buy a house but rent it.
The residence he rented was in the area under his jurisdiction, and it was relatively quiet. It was about a 500-meter walk from restaurants, teahouses, and other bustling places.
Just renting this residence costs 50 taels of silver a year. It will cost 2,000 taels of silver to buy it. It’s not easy living in the capital! The rent is much higher than in Lanyue City. Xu Jingming looked at the ordinary residence. There were only a few rooms, and there was a small martial arts arena behind it. This was also the reason why Xu Jingming rented this residence.
Blood Rain Guards and auxiliary guards carried furniture, blankets, and other daily necessities as they quickly set up everything.
“Captain, everything is in place.” Zhang Ke had overseen everything, “Captain, do you really not need two maidservants to serve you?”
“There’s no need. Remember to buy some good alcohol for the brothers.” Xu Jingming threw out a piece of silver.
“Thank you, Captain.” The Blood Rain Guards responded in unison, revealing looks of delight. They weren’t happy because of the alcohol but because they felt that their boss thought highly of them. He wasn’t stingy!
Some cold captains… wouldn’t spend a single coin on their subordinates! They could only complain when working under such a captain.
The auxiliary guards had long left obediently; they didn’t have any alcohol to drink. The Blood Rain Guard and the auxiliary guards were on completely different levels; how could the Blood Rain Guard captain buy alcohol for the auxiliary guards? Even if Xu Jingming treated them, it wouldn’t be right for the auxiliary guards to drink it.
Soon, only Xu Jingming was left in the residence.
There were five Blood Rain Guards waiting outside the residence! They guarded the street and awaited Xu Jingming’s orders at all times.