Chapter Fifty-Three: Rising to the Surface

"Are you sure you're not suspecting the wrong people?"

Magistrate Wen went straight to the point as soon as he found the two of them.

"These men have already confessed. This gambling house used to be their bank, but under pressure, they had no choice but to hand the land over to the Bai family."

It was all clearly documented in black and white.

There were also several land deeds.

The evidence seemed reasonable and well-founded.

"But this doesn't prove anything, because these bankers had already agreed to sign over the deeds at the time. There's no way they could take them back now," Magistrate Wen said truthfully.

Whether it was coercion or bribery, or outright force at the time, since the matter had been settled, there was no chance of restitution.

"That's not the main issue. There was once a family, more than twenty people, who were killed because of the Bai family."

What?

Only now did Magistrate Wen begin to take the matter seriously.

If that was true, the old case would have to be thoroughly reviewed.

But their authority and responsibilities didn't extend that far.

"We understand that the High Court has the power to investigate cases, but when it comes to the Bai family, your authority isn't enough," Han Qing said with an impassive face, as if he had already seen through everything.

"But now we need your cooperation to find those people and the evidence from back then. There's no need for the High Court to get involved afterward."

So that's how it was.

Magistrate Wen nodded.

But inside, he was seething with anger that things had come to this.

It was truly beyond their expectations.

"I will do everything in my power. You have my word."

Han Qing nodded.

The only odd thing was that the Bai family had been keeping a low profile lately.

Could it be they realized their mistakes?

But clearly, that wasn't the case.

That Second Young Master Bai was probably stomping around the house in frustration by now.

"What exactly have you stewards been doing? The Zhao family has taken all the limelight. Do you have any idea how much profit we make from our silk business every year?" Second Young Master Bai snapped viciously.

He had scolded them a thousand times already.

"Young Master, we never expected their exhibition to be so successful. It's really drawn a lot of customers," one of the stewards replied, sweat beading on his forehead, but it was all the explanation he could muster.

They had launched several new products too, but the response was poor.

"I don't want to hear any excuses. I just want to know—do you have any solutions?"

This...

They exchanged helpless glances.

None of them had an answer.

"At first, I thought you all had some ability, but now—just look at the stupid mess you've made!" Second Young Master Bai was beside himself with rage.

He'd already lost the salt business, and now they couldn't even sell a few pieces of clothing?

He cursed them a few more times before kicking them all out.

"It's not entirely the stewards' fault. Who would have thought Han Qing would help the Zhao family and even give them such a clever idea?" a retainer at his side spoke quietly, trying to calm him.

The real opponent wasn't the Zhao family, but Han Qing, who opposed them at every turn.

"I know he's the problem, but why is it always me who suffers? Do you think I'm blind?" he said irritably.

"Young Master, all he has is that salt shop now. The rest isn't worth worrying about."

But last time, they had failed to steal the secret recipe and ended up making a fool of themselves instead.

In the end, their blunder only helped Han Qing accomplish something good.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

"We couldn't steal it, and if we try to sabotage them, Old Master will stop us. What else can we do?" Second Young Master Bai asked furiously.

Why were his retainers so useless at critical moments?

"Master, we don't have to sabotage them ourselves. Don't you think they might have problems within their own ranks?"

Oh?

Now that was a good idea.

"I've also heard that Han Qing has a close friendship with Young Master Zhu. Maybe we could win over Young Master Zhu?"

"You think I haven't tried? I called on him before, but he just politely declined. Clearly, he's not interested in befriending us."

Han Qing shook his head resolutely.

He had already tried, but the outcome was poor.

"Master, these relationships are just for appearances. We don't actually have to become friends with him," the retainer said, his tone inscrutable.

It was all a show for others to see.

Who cared what the truth really was?

"We'll do as you say. As for the salt shop, keep putting pressure on them."

He simply couldn't believe it.

Could the humble Han family really rise above everyone else in North County City?

Sure enough—

Lately, Young Master Zhu had been receiving antique curios sent by Second Young Master Bai.

It was all rather odd.

He considered returning the gifts, but the next day another delivery would arrive.

Back and forth it went, until people began to notice that the Bai family seemed to be growing closer with Young Master Zhu.

"Second Young Master Bai, I hope all is well. May I ask why you keep coming to see me?" Zhu spoke directly.

"Brother Zhu, you make it sound too formal. We both live in North County City, and it's normal to see each other often and exchange gifts," Second Young Master Bai replied calmly, as if Zhu was overthinking things.

"But I don't wish to accept so many gifts. After all, I've never helped the Bai family, have I?" Zhu didn't want to guess what the other man was up to.

He was openly investigating the Bai family, and if they were seen associating, wouldn't that make him look like a traitor?

"I mean nothing by it, just wanted to apologize for any past offenses. After all, I've behaved badly in this city for years, and sometimes I've forgotten whom I may have offended," Second Young Master Bai said with apparent sincerity.

Zhu was completely baffled.

He felt uneasy, but it was hard to flatly refuse.

So he found an excuse and left.

But their meeting soon reached the ears of others.

Second Young Master Bai's goal was achieved.

He had already stationed his people, and preparations at the Han family's salt shop were complete.

As expected, in a few days, the salt shop would likely be no more.

"Fellow citizens, please judge for yourselves!"

At these familiar words, the salt shop's manager knew trouble was brewing again.

Ever since opening, the salt shop had never known peace.

Every few days, a new group would come and stir up trouble, but there were never any consequences afterward.

Though Magistrate Bai had stationed some patrols, it made little difference.

"Look at my husband's arm, it's already rotted beyond recognition..."