Shi Tong followed at a distance, often glancing back to check if the Imperial Guards were in pursuit. I could no longer contain myself and said to him, "Master Shi, don't bother looking anymore. They're too busy bickering among themselves. Let's hurry before we go our separate ways. When we return to the outer city later, we'll call you."

I knew instantly that I couldn't offend Shi Tong at this moment, since Xiao Sa, the third leader of Sha Gou Bang, was still recuperating in his household. Even if I could disregard his safety, He Yuqing certainly couldn't. Today's unexpected development with He Yuqing left me filled with tender concern for her. After all, doing things that made her unhappy was out of question.

Shi Tong quickened his pace to catch up, saying, "No need to part ways. I'd rather follow you both. Why don't we go eat first? You can scout information and then return to inform us."

He Yuqing now harbored an inexplicable dislike for Shi Tong, questioning how she had ever endured his sycophantic advances in the past. Compared with a quiet and hardworking man like myself, she found Shi's empty flattery unappealing. What was he, her future partner? Just a common factory guard, while she certainly wouldn't settle for mediocrity.

The three of us walked on in silence until soon Shi Tong regained his usual demeanor. Though none of the servants followed him, he still acted as though he were a master and began annoying He Yuqing with trivial, flirtatious remarks from her side.

I clenched my teeth in anger at the sight until I noticed He Yuqing catching my expression. As we turned a corner, she suddenly grabbed my hand, gently tracing circles on my palm as if to reassure me not to mind their nonsense.

He Yuqing's touch made my heart race and somehow lessened my resentment toward Shi Tong. Soon enough, we arrived at the front of a rice shop only to find it completely empty - with hidden sentries patrolling outside ready to arrest anyone approaching. The informant sent by Shi Kehei in the morning must have been captured this way.

He Yuqing wiped her eyes and said, "They've definitely raided us. I don't know who did it, but I'll surely take revenge!"

Shi Tong replied, "Right! Let's gather a more powerful force to return to central city and avenge our fallen brothers. Don't worry, Qinglei - I'll beg my father to give his utmost support. With our current relationship, can he still treat you as an outsider? Just trust me. With the Shi family backing us, Sha Gou Bang will surely rebuild all its chapters in central city."

Once discussing Sha Gou Bang affairs, He Yuqing seemed to forget about my existence entirely. Their conversation grew increasingly warm until they finally clasped hands like sworn comrades. I rolled my eyes in irritation at their display - after all, we had barely spent any time together. If this were one of my other wives, such behavior would be utterly unthinkable: first they'd always prioritize me over their careers and second, they wouldn't give even a glance to another man. It seemed He Yuqing thought her afternoon's events were enough to secure loyalty - clearly overestimating herself.

I cut in angrily, "I'll go find someone for information. You two stay put."

Slipping away quietly, I crept toward the rice shop from the shadows. Peering through the street at its interior revealed everything seemed unchanged though an air of desolation was obvious to any discerning observer. As I peered around cautiously, a hand suddenly touched my back and I leaped up in shock.

"Lord General, it's Gu Qi!" the figure behind me whispered urgently.

I stopped mid-punch recognizing indeed the armored Gu Qi - now transferred back to Rear Guards Command as its leader. But this wasn't the same man from before; none of the four existing Guard Command leaders dared slight him. Not only because he had backing from both the Imperial Horse Office and East Factory, but also due to his extensive military experience in training troops and leading battles. With Rear Guards now ranked first among all five guard commands, who would dare look down on him?

"Why are you here?" I asked.

Gu Qi replied, "I overheard what happened at the city gate earlier. When I considered who could be a friend of General Wudi, later meeting Linglong she told me you'd disguised yourself into Sha Gou Bang and instructed me to assist in case of emergency."

Only now did it dawn on me that my disguise had been recognized by Gu Qi through someone's orders. Fortunately this spared us various troubles along the way, since East Factory wasn't entirely in control here - especially with Peng Hu's Imperial Guards also present.

"How are the recent developments among the Imperial Guards?" I asked Gu Qi again.

He answered, "Lord General need not worry - all 20,000 soldiers under Rear Guards Command are fully loyal to me. As for the remaining four commands, I'm already working on infiltration. The 15,000 troops we brought back have proven extremely useful. They're distributed across each command and show deep loyalty toward Lord General. With their combat experience they've all been promoted at least to squad leader positions in their respective units. Using the old organizational pretext, my subordinates frequently socialize with them. As long as Lord General gives the order, I can guarantee no fewer than 40,000 Imperial Guards will obey."

I was surprised by how rapidly things had progressed - this very morning a certain Corporal Dong gave me special treatment simply because he considered me a friend of General Wudi. Clearly Gu Qi's words weren't exaggerated. Still we needed to replace the high-ranking officers controlling these forces as well, since they were still loyal to Peng Hu. We didn't want rebellion but rather to reestablish control in favor of the Crown Prince.

Praising him I said, "Well done! The Crown Prince would be very pleased upon learning this."

Gu Qi replied, "Lord General, today the Crown Prince summoned me for private discussion."

"Oh? Has no one noticed your movements?" I worried about potential exposure endangering Ma Xiaoda and Gu Qi.

"No," he assured me. "I've been especially cautious. The Crown Prince instructed me to obey Lord General's commands directly, saying you have a way to eliminate the villains' faction."

"I'm afraid this won't be accomplished in one or two days," I replied. "Let me first settle the Sha Gou Bang matter before dealing with these meddlers who cause trouble without delivering results and might disrupt our plans at critical moments."

"Lord General is wise, but should we really take action against factions whose chapters have already been destroyed? Especially considering Lord General's own safety - since Grand Minister Peng has become involved. He controls many capable subordinates so please be extremely cautious. I strongly recommend having Lady Linglong accompany you for protection."

"I'll manage it," I said. "While Sha Gou Bang's central city forces may indeed have been uprooted by East Factory, their presence across the Twin Cities still numbers in tens of thousands - people we cannot ignore. Moreover my friend has inexplicably become their leader so naturally I must take responsibility."

Gu Qi gave an amused smile and said, "It's Miss He, isn't it? Lady Linglong ordered me to report immediately if any Imperial Guards captured her. I've already instructed my men that if this fugitive is found they must first inform me before taking action."

"If she gets caught won't I automatically be arrested too?" I asked. "No need for further conversation - I have to continue my undercover mission. By the way, what happened at the city gate commotion earlier?"

Gu Qi replied, "I quickly suppressed it with my men. Those Imperial Guards loyal to Peng were no match for us - not only poorly trained but also lacking teamwork skills. They were beaten badly and covered in bruises. I've already informed Left Guards Command to report it as a common soldier dispute."

Peering back stealthily from the shadows, I saw Shi Tong still arguing endlessly with He Yuqing near the darkened street corner. Whatever story he was telling, she appeared amused despite the dim lighting. Gu Qi noticing my fluctuating expression said, "Lord General dislikes that man, yes?"

I chuckled and replied, "He's the son of Sha Gou Bang's elder. For now I can't afford to offend him, though his constant presence is really annoying. He Yuqing was chosen by me Zhao Qian as my girlfriend - dare he get in between..."

"He's not worth your anger," Gu Qi said with an odd smile. "Daring to pursue Lord General's girlfriend? Surely he will suffer consequences. Rest assured it definitely will happen."

I knew there were hidden meanings behind his words and laughed along, then casually added, "That kid can't die just yet - if I had a blade I'd have killed him already. The third leader of Sha Gou Bang is still recuperating at his home and we need to utilize the father's influence temporarily."

Gu Qi nodded, "Understood, understood. Is there anything else Lord General would like me to do? If not, I'll take my leave now."

"I'm fine," I said. "I didn't bring money today so another time I'll treat you all to tea."

"Lord General is too modest," Gu Qi replied. "We've already made profits following your anti-bandit operations and other guards are envious of us. We should be the ones treating you instead."

Walking away, I said, "Brothers don't need formalities between us. Farewell."

Returning to our hiding spot, He Yuqing immediately asked anxiously, "Hua Qian, what's going on?"

"Everyone was captured and taken to East Factory..." I replied.

"What!" she exclaimed angrily. "I should have assassinated that dog official earlier! Never thought he'd take advantage of the chaos to destroy Sha Gou Bang in central city."

"Calm down," I said. "It's East Factory's duty to capture Sha Gou Bang members."

She seemed unwilling to listen, "What duty? He's already helping Peng Hu commit atrocities - that's standard enabling tyranny! You still want me to seek his alliance? Tonight I'll kill him!"

I thought silently, "Since I'm right here, can you actually do it?" but said out loud, "Madam Leader, your perspective is flawed."

"How is it flawed!" she demanded. "Ask Shi Tong - he captured our people and destroyed Sha Gou Bang! Don't I have every right to kill him?"

Shi Tong eagerly agreed, "Right! Qinglei's completely correct! Let's go home and have my father arrange for someone to assassinate that dog official! No need for gratitude from you, this is what I should do."

Listening to such nauseating flattery made me shiver, though He Yu

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"Ugh..." The crowd heaved and vomited. I knew these people were definitely hired by Guqi to teach Shitong a lesson, but I hadn't realized things could get so out of hand. Probably Guqi thought He Yuxing was still infatuated with Shitong, so he sent this woman here to disgust her into staying away from him. Thinking about it, what kind of lowlife would be worth following? If you spent a lifetime with such a man, you must have been blind.

Though Shitong had been beaten bloody and swollen, when he saw this "beauty" he still couldn't help crawling on the ground to vomit. That imperial guard pointed at the fallen Shitong and said, "Sister-in-law, it's him. Come closer and take a look - my older brother is already dead anyway. If you really want to remarry, I'll make the decision for you."

Ruhua didn't even glance in their direction and declared coldly, "It's definitely him! That night he lost his gambling bets and got drunk, somehow he sneaked into my room... I clearly remember all sorts of positions he tried. Old man pushing a cart, withered tree entwined roots, anal intercourse... I can't live anymore, it's so embarrassing!"

He Yuxing pulled me and said, "I can't take this anymore! How could Young Master Shitong even touch such a woman? Is he still human? Let's go."

I remarked, "Just think about how he dared to plot against you. This kid is surely suffering from sexual deprivation. On that night when he couldn't find anyone else, any hole would do for him."

He Yuxing scolded me with narrowed eyes before suggesting we check other guild halls immediately. If we stayed here too long the imperial guards might spot something suspicious.

"Good idea," I agreed as we prepared to leave. "Before going though, let's say goodbye to Young Master Shitong so he can't make up stories about us later."

Ruhua being both plump and strong, stepped forward and grabbed Shitong by the collar. With a loud thud she pushed him against her chest for an extended fondling session. "Save me! Save me!" Shitong screamed frantically while crying out my name.

"Impossible!" Ruhua declared triumphantly as she sniffed his neck. "I can smell your scent and I know exactly how you're built - don't think I won't verify it with a little touch."

He Yuxing fled to the side in embarrassment, her face red from the shame of recalling that afternoon's events in the secret chamber when this same scent and massive organ had made her heart pound.

The imperial guard suggested, "Sister-in-law, if you truly like him we could have our marriage ceremony right now. Let's go to the temple for a proper wedding - then his desecration of your body will be properly cleansed."

Ruhua embraced Shitong with glee and declared, "Wonderful! Thank my brother so much. Tonight I want him to pleasure me exactly as he did before. It was such an experience, I've never felt so good!"

"Brothers," the imperial guard called out to his men, "let's go get married. After the ceremony we'll return this bastard to Shitong's mansion where he belongs instead of letting this shameless brat meddle in affairs."

I realized these imperial guards were giving me a warning - Shitong would be unharmed in their hands and after this spectacle they'd return him to his family estate, distancing him from us to prevent further interference with He Yuxing and I.

Approaching the groaning Shitong I said, "Young Master Shitong, since Miss Ruhua has clearly developed feelings for you we won't disturb your wedding night. Enjoy it well."

Shitong was incoherent now, shouting out my name while sobbing for help from He Yuxing.

The imperial guard slapped him again and ordered his mouth be stuffed with a stinking sock to prevent further loose talk before Ruhua carried the man away flanked by her guards. Whether they actually went through with the wedding I didn't know but this time Shitong would get to experience being publicly humiliated firsthand.

He Yuxing hesitated, "Do you think he'll be alright?"

"I'm sure," I assured her. "They said after the ceremony they'd return him."

"He really will marry that woman?" she asked suddenly.

"Perhaps," I shrugged. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - maybe deep down he's secretly been smitten with her all along. Now they're getting married while we should be investigating other guild chapters."

"investigating?"

"Checking on the other sect headquarters' situations."

We walked for a long time without speaking, until approaching the main base He Yuxing finally asked,

"Huaxian, you-you have a wife already?"

I shook my head. "No... but I do have a girlfriend."

She looked disappointed.

"Oh... does she look down on me?"

"Never," I assured her. "If by some chance fate allows me to marry you, your sister-in-law will become our good friend."

He Yuxing's face darkened again as we stopped before another temple with hidden guards outside. Without entering we knew the headquarters had fallen.

"There's no need to check further," He Yuxing suggested. "We should contact the Chief Clerk of Eastern Depot instead."

"Let's eat first," I countered. "There's a seafood restaurant in Central City, we can discuss this while dining - after all he isn't my actual little brother so I don't have full authority over him."

The street was more crowded here with every seat at the popular seafood restaurant occupied. Behind the bar Mrs. Jin Meili counted accounts under bright lights - her prime tables were now auctioned for ten iron coins each since patrons wanted to appreciate the exotic black beauty's presence.

After a long wait we finally found an empty table when another customer stood up shouting, "Waiter! My bill!"

I gestured He Yuxing to sit but as soon as she lowered herself halfway her chair vanished. A young man then took over our table declaring with smugness, "We claimed this seat first, find another spot."

Crashing onto the floor I looked up to see four strangers - an older man with shifty eyes checking surroundings constantly, two servants dressed in housekeeping uniforms and a self-satisfied youth who had taken our seat.

"Uncle Yu!" He Yuxing suddenly exclaimed happily at recognizing someone.

The older man's head snapped up as he examined her face. After smoothing her disheveled hair post-arrival she turned into the beautiful woman from their reunion, prompting him to respond with equal joy, "Little Yuxing! We thought you were dead!"

The youth standing beside them also stood abruptly, "Yuxing! I searched everywhere for you. Father feared you'd be killed at Qingyun Tower!"

Uncle Yu waved a hand to silence further discussion and suggested they all sit down first.

Still sprawled on the floor this unexpected development made me feel awkward - not only was my fall wasted but now another contender had appeared. I cursed mentally, why must pursuing He Yuxing require such effort? First the carefree Third Leader who was currently incapacitated, then Shitong who'd gone off to get married, and now this new rival.

He Yuxing came over to pull me up with an apologetic smile toward "the pack lord" as she introduced him.

"Wolf?" I muttered under my breath - the name itself implied danger. His eyes were already glaring at He Yuxing while watching my every move, clearly jealous of her touch on my arm.

I seized He Yuxing's hand to steady myself and sat down with a sigh, dragging over an empty chair as we formed a group rather than find new seats separately.

The restaurant's loud chatter drowned out any secret conversations. People here were either curious about the novel seafood cuisine or more interested in gawking at Mrs. Jin Meili herself - her perfect posture, occasional smiles showing pearly teeth and glimpses of toned legs while assisting waiters all drew appreciative stares from men.

He Yuxing whispered introductions as she leaned toward me, which I found oddly respectful despite the circumstances. Uncle Yu was an elder member of Kill Dog Gang with formidable martial arts skills who had retired to Wolf Clan's estate after a failed assassination attempt.

Each of four clan elders were wealthy individuals - whether the original leader intended this for financial protection or other reasons remained unclear. Only high-ranking members knew their identities, keeping ordinary gang members safe from threats.

The first elder was Shitong's father Shi Kehui and second was Wolf Clan's patriarch Wolang Tian. His son sitting across from us was Wolang Xiao - quite the apt name for a wolf-dog indeed! His lecherous gaze toward He Yuxing matched Shitong perfectly, revealing all four elders' descendants were similarly despicable.

Since entering I'd noticed Mrs. Jin Meili's unusual glances at me, especially when my back faced her. She should never have recognized me from the cellar encounter where torchlight had only briefly illuminated my face. Her allure was undeniably magnetic which explained why so many customers came here just to see her.

Assuming only I found her suspicious I turned around and saw Wolang Xiao staring at both He Yuxing and Mrs. Jin Meili with equal lecherous intensity - proving indeed all men were the same when it came to lust.

After ordering our meals He Yuxing conversed softly with Uncle Yu about how Wolf Clan had been trying to trace the fire incident that killed three leaders, ultimately deciding to cut all ties after realizing they couldn't reverse the damage. They believed the blaze had killed the leaders but now knew both Head and Third Leader had escaped - good news for Kill Dog Gang's survival.

While He Yuxing and Uncle Yu discussed strategy Wolang Xiao showed no interest in anything beyond ogling their beautiful female leader. To him even a powerful man like Pang Hu's death meant nothing that would affect his comfortable life, making such people seem foolishly shortsighted.

"Yuxing," Wolang Xiao finally blurted out, "with all this happening why not abandon Kill Dog Gang and come back to Wolf Clan for safety? Watching you hide constantly is causing me anxiety."

Uncle Yu reprimanded him, "Master, don't say such things with Lord's presence - he'll be angry. Kill Dog Gang is our legacy. Even if one dog thief is eliminated there will always be more corrupt officials in need of killing as long as the world remains unjust!"

"C'mon," Wolang Xiao scoffed, "You're all too naive to think a single gang can clean up official corruption. As long as people exist there will always be injustice. How do you plan to maintain this forever? Do you live just to chase death sentences?"

A tense silence followed before He Yuxing tried again to explain their mission - that despite Wolang Xiao's indifference she still believed in uniting forces with other elders to rebuild the guild for good.

"Yuxing," Uncle Yu said touched, "you've proven our old leader chose correctly. With your leadership Kill Dog Gang can rise again."

Wolang Xiao remained unconvinced as did I - had He Yuxing truly lost sight of her personal life to become some religious zealot? Her current dedication was causing me serious concerns.

Behind me the two servants and Wolang Xiao were gaping openly, while a familiar voice announced my order.

"Sir, your dry-fried squid with side dish is ready," Jin Meili's sultry voice reached us as she approached from behind with platters in hand - her bold presence made even Wolang Xiao look like an amateur.

My pants tightened instantly at the memory of how I'd felt against her thigh that night. Her curves were just as fiery as Yun Yao and equally daring as Ou Yang Qian, especially given local fashion trends showing off bare legs...

Jin Meili placed the dishes between us before turning to address me directly while facing my side. She looked genuinely interested in me rather than Wolang Xiao who had already turned away disappointedly.

"Sir," she asked with a playful tilt of her head as she paused near my chair, "What's your name?"

"I?" I feigned innocence, "Haha, Mrs. Jin, why would you care about an unknown nobody like me? No need to mention it."

But Wolang Xiao immediately offered his own introduction which went completely unacknowledged by Jin Meili who continued questioning me.

"Deeply hidden indeed," she teased with a laugh that made the three men at our table stare in stunned silence. Her exposed thigh as she turned showed off healthy tan skin while the two servants' obvious erections became impossible to conceal.

"Incidentally, I'm Jin Meili," she said as I tried to avoid further conversation given He Yuxing's presence nearby. "Huaxian seems familiar - are we really only sharing similar names?"

I cleared my throat and gave a fake name as requested earlier at that night in the cellar when I'd told her who I was before meeting He Yuxing again.

"Jin Meili," I said with feigned composure, "we haven't met before but it's indeed an honor to be recognized by such a beauty."

He Yuxing turned away unhappily while I inwardly cheered - she was showing jealousy which proved my position in her heart was strengthening.

"You want to talk privately for a moment?" Jin Meili asked.

I declined politely, "My apologies but I'm just a farmhand with no choice in the matter. You must have mistaken me for someone else. Please bring us some wine - we'd like to celebrate New Year."

She reluctantly paid for our meal before leaving behind intoxicating perfume and lingering memories of her healthy curves. Wolang Xiao finally recovered from his shock, glaring at my "luck" with a muttered insult.

I wasn't concerned about Jin Meili's suspicions since she couldn't possibly recognize me as the same man who had saved her life that night - unless she suddenly demanded compensation for damages which would be catastrophic.

Our table now felt heavy and awkward compared to other celebratory groups. Each of us four sat lost in our own thoughts: I wondered what Jin Meili might suspect, He Yuxing glared at her suspiciously, Uncle Yu contemplated the guild's future while Wolang Xiao kept shifting his gaze between me, Jin Meili and He Yuxing - his lustful intentions obvious to all.

Finally it was Uncle Yu who broke the silence by asking He Yuxing about her plans for rescuing captured members. She explained the priority of saving Third Leader first before focusing on freeing prisoners from Eastern Depot prison which Uncle Yu warned might be a death trap.

"Impossible!" he exclaimed when hearing suggestions of contacting Chief Clerk Zhao Qian directly, "The Head can't possibly meet with him!"

"But it's already discussed," I interjected. "Rather than confront Zhao Qian we should offer cooperation. With his help in the bureaucracy our operations will become much easier and he could assist in rescuing our members too."

"Easy for you to say," Uncle Yu replied, "but do you understand what that man really means?"

"What if our attempts to reason with him fail and he uses this opportunity to imprison the leader? Will the Dog-Killers Guild be wiped out then? All the old leader's life work would have been in vain."

Before I could protest, Hé Yǔqíng interjected firmly, "Master Yu, things aren't as grave as you claim. My personal safety means nothing to the guild, but I'll do my utmost to fulfill Father's final wish. Even if something happens to me, the Dog-Killers Guild can still elect a new capable leader. I trust whoever it is will lead better."

Master Yu protested with a sigh, "Child, you don't understand. We founded this guild out of loyalty to our late leader's virtue, swearing by fire and incense that only his bloodline would inherit the position as long as the guild exists. Though officially your adopted daughter, everyone knows you're actually the old leader's illegitimate child - otherwise why would they let a woman hold such power?"

"What?" Hé Yǔqíng blanched.

"Would I dare lie to you now? I witnessed firsthand when you underwent the blood-mixing test with the late leader. Your blood truly merged, but fearing your anger over abandoning his wife and child, he invented this story about finding you in the mountains."

The blood-mixing test had long been abandoned by modern science for its high error rates. Hé Yǔqíng likely accidentally assumed her father's legitimate daughter's identity through some mix-up.

Hé Yǔqíng's expression shifted multiple times before she finally steeled herself, "Master Yu, regardless of whether I'm his biological daughter or not, let me assure you I'll uphold Father's legacy."

"Because the old leader had no other children, tradition demands your succession for the guild to continue," Master Yu insisted. "Unless you have progeny, your safety must be guaranteed! That's why I must stop you from meeting Zhao."

Hé Yǔqíng winced, "But how else can we rescue our brothers in distress? Will we just let them suffer?"

"Surely there are alternative solutions," Master Yu countered. "Such reckless moves are unacceptable!"

"You're being too cautious!" I declared. "Great achievements demand calculated risks. Let me stake my life on it - the leader meeting Zhao will face no danger whatsoever."

Master Yu exploded in anger,

"What are you? A mere nobody daring to manipulate our leader?"

Láng Xiào finally found his voice, shouting in agreement, "Indeed! Who gives you authority here - you or our leader?"

His outburst drew immediate attention. Master Yu signaled caution, and the group fell silent as diners resumed their meals. Seething with frustration I nearly smashed my table before storming away, though keeping my thoughts private made explanation impossible.

Láng Xiào whispered to me, "Who are you anyway? I've never seen you in the guild."

Hé Yǔqíng explained, "Huá Qián is our friend from last night's assassination attempt on Dīng Kuí at Qingyun Tower. He was originally an Eunuch Factory guard who saved my life and Third Leader's. After healing Third Leader's wounds, I appointed him as the guild's senior strategist."

Master Yu paled, "What! An Eunuch Factory agent!" His hand instinctively reached for his belt.

"This is madness," he gasped. "You trust such a man? Don't let him leave - we'll eliminate him outside once we leave."

"No!" Hé Yǔqíng stepped protectively before me,

"Nobody harms him! I trust his integrity. He saved my life and Third Leader's. I know he'd never betray me."

I bowed gratefully to Hé Yǔqíng, "Thank you for your faith in me, Leader. As promised, even if you don't meet Zhao, I'll devise a plan to prove our innocence."

Hé Yǔqíng smiled warmly, "Huá Qián, rest assured - what I've vowed will be fulfilled. Your strategy is sound. We'd be wiser co-opting Zhao rather than opposing him. That would greatly strengthen the guild's power and outmatch Páng Hǔ entirely."

"Folly!" Master Yu slammed his fist in frustration before turning away.

Láng Xiào gestured to two attendants who stealthily circled behind me, suddenly grabbing my arms and pinning me onto the table with a thud as fried squid splattered across my face.

Láng Xiào stood proudly, "The Eunuch Factory is our sworn enemy. Though our leader controls life-and-death authority, if your decisions have strayed from righteousness, we must intervene. Master Yu, bind him and eliminate him discreetly."

Typically impetuous, Láng Xiào shouldn't have acted in the public house where diners had already noticed. The attendants' attack had alerted the street's imperial guards as well as Eunuch Factory informants. But since the deed was done, there was no turning back.

How dare they humiliate me like this! With superpowers I'd launch Láng Xiào into orbit. Their combined strength overpowered my arms completely, leaving only rage to vent through curses: "Dead dog brat! You dare touch a single hair on your master? I'll kill you before you exit the seafood house!"

I knew someone was watching from afar - surely Líng Lóng would be furious enough to toss him into wolf dens. If my hands were free, I'd have already shot this mongrel instead of waiting for rescue.

Jīn Měilì had been monitoring our table and rushed over immediately with a serving tray in hand. With a sharp slap she slammed it down,

"Outrageous! Who dares cause trouble here? Release him at once or face consequences!"

Láng Xiào's impatience stemmed not just from my Eunuch Factory background but his resentment seeing Hé Yǔqíng defend me while Jīn Měilì clearly favored me. For a privileged young lord, this was intolerable - especially with an unassuming new guild member like me.

As for Jīn Měilì's intervention, Láng Xiào fumed at her favoritism toward someone he considered beneath him. The man across from him must have burned incense to the wrong deity if all the beautiful women today showed interest in this nobody.

Láng Xiào coldly addressed Jīn Měilì, "This is my matter to resolve, Madam Jin. Why defend a man who isn't your lover or mistress?"

Hé Yǔqíng nearly wept at their antics. How could such insignificant elders hinder the guild's revival? That Láng Xiào openly accused Jīn Měilì of being my mistress after my afternoon betrothal promise to him was particularly galling.

Two bricks suddenly whizzed through the air, cracking against the attendants' skulls with sickening thuds. They collapsed shrieking as blood seeped between their fingers and shattered tiles littered the floor.

Jīn Měilì sighed, "I warned about consequences." She turned to Láng Xiào's fury, "It's been too long since anyone dared cause trouble here. Thought I'd relieve the boredom."

Master Yu and Láng Xiào both jumped up - Láng Xiào in indignation while Master Yu feared for his subordinate's safety.

Two figures emerged from a corner: one with thunderous visage, another as small as a monkey. The former grunted, "Shorty, does this count as our first brick of the new year?"

The latter replied, "Brother, it's still old year until midnight. This remains your last brick."

I hadn't expected to meet Sūn Dàshèng and his diminutive companion here. Their intervention was preferable to Líng Lóng since I couldn't explain their presence to Hé Yǔqíng easily. Though they didn't recognize me, Jīn Měilì's suspicions about my identity plus their contract with the seafood house ensured my safety. With squid already plastering my face, I might as well eat while waiting for resolution.