Chapter 45: Master Qian, Such Refined Taste~

After Liu Shen stepped out, he glanced back at the Song residence before turning away without a trace of emotion and heading into the city.

The Green Sand Gang now reigned supreme in Heyang County's underworld. Aside from the authorities, it would not be an exaggeration to call them the local overlords.

As the vice hall master of the Green Sand Gang—and the "steed's bone" that Ning Hongwu set up as a model for those who had surrendered from the Red Water Gang—Liu Shen possessed considerable power.

By comparison, the Pei family were mere merchants from neighboring Xiyang County. Their business was modest, and their assets paled in comparison even to local landowners like Old Master Song, let alone the Green Sand Gang.

If he wished, Liu Shen could easily bring a few men, drag out the Pei family members from the Song residence, and kick them back to Xiyang County.

Yet he had to consider Pei Xueyan's feelings.

After all, those from the Pei clan were her own kin—her birth parents and blood brother, bound by ties that even broken bones could not sever.

Moreover, they had come under the pretense of “visiting relatives” and “lending a hand,” making their presence seem legitimate.

Without solid evidence, to expel them simply on suspicion would not only be unreasonable, but would also be a public humiliation for Pei Xueyan.

Liu Shen and Old Master Song could see the Pei clan harbored ulterior motives, but Pei Xueyan herself, caught in the midst of things, remained oblivious.

Nor did Liu Shen intend to enlighten her.

Pei Xueyan was already drowning in grief over Old Master Song's passing. If she were to learn that her own parents and brother had come to the Song residence in the guise of help, only to plot for her inheritance, the blow would be too great.

So, he decided to handle things in his own way and send the Pei family packing.

Outside the Green Sand Gang’s banking hall—

Two gatekeepers noticed someone approaching. At once, one of them broke into a broad grin, cupped his fists, and strode forward. “Hall Master Liu, what brings you here today?”

Liu Shen regarded him with a curious look. “You know me?”

The man chuckled. “Why, of course! Just two days ago, I saw you at the banquet. Besides, these days, not only everyone in our gang, but even the whole of Heyang’s underworld knows about you.”

“After all, who else but Hall Master Liu would dare chop down Zhang Wannian’s only son right before his eyes? Turn Heyang County upside down and you won’t find a second.”

“Zhang Shichen was notorious, but you took him out—what a relief for everyone. The brothers in the gang all admire you.”

The second gatekeeper chimed in with a laugh, “And word has it, Hall Master Liu, that at the banquet you drank our own Treasurer Qian under the table. That’s become quite the legend at the hall!”

“Haha, you flatter me,” Liu Shen replied, a bit abashed, returning the gesture. Then he asked, “Is Treasurer Qian in?”

“He is, he is! Hall Master Liu, this way please!”

One of them quickly led the way, explaining as he walked, “Treasurer Qian has been busy lately. All the gambling stalls and dens that used to belong to the Red Water Gang have come under our hall, so he’s probably tallying accounts with the bookkeepers right now.”

“Oh?” Liu Shen gave a knowing smile and muttered, “Then I’ve come at just the right time…”

Inside the accounting room—

Qian Yousheng sat alone at the table, sipping his wine. Around him, several elderly accountants and clerks were busy settling various accounts.

He took a sip, grimaced, and said, “Old Li, you’d better work that abacus well. Those little beads may look small, but they represent the reputation of our hall.”

Popping a bit of pickled vegetable into his mouth, he shook his head and went on, “I made a fool of myself at the banquet the other day, and plenty of my peers had a good laugh. If our hall’s accounts end up with mistakes or losses, my own face wouldn’t be worth a penny.”

“Don’t worry, Treasurer Qian,” one of the bookkeepers replied cheerily. “I’ve been at this for over twenty years and haven’t lost a single tooth yet. By tomorrow, these accounts will be clear as day.”

“Just pay close attention and nothing will go wrong.” Qian Yousheng instructed, raising his cup for another sip—when a teasing voice came from outside, “Treasurer Qian, enjoying yourself, are you?”

Qian Yousheng was startled, coughed as the wine caught in his throat, and looked up to see Liu Shen entering with a smile and a cupped fist.

Wiping the wine from his mouth, Qian glanced at the table, then with a sweep of his sleeve, hid his wine cup away and asked with faint annoyance, “What brings you here?”

“Now, Treasurer Qian, that’s hardly a warm welcome.” Liu Shen put on a show of hurt feelings. “The chief always says we brothers should get to know one another. Since I’m new here and know only Master Feng and yourself, naturally I’ve come to share a drink with you.”

“Share a drink?” Qian Yousheng’s temples throbbed as he heard this. “If you want to drink, go find someone else! I’m not drinking with you!”

“Oh, come now…” Liu Shen sat himself down across from him, grinning. “Still holding a grudge against me?”

He paused, then added with mock humility, “It was just youthful recklessness. You’re a seasoned man of the jianghu—surely you won’t hold it against a junior?”

“Don’t give me that smooth talk,” Qian Yousheng snorted, though he was clearly pleased. “In the jianghu, age doesn’t matter. We’re all equals in the Green Sand Gang. Besides, you embarrassed me in front of everyone the other night—I’ve no reason to be friendly.”

“Oh, what embarrassment…”

Liu Shen just laughed it off. “I felt so awful after our drinking contest that my head ached for days. Now that I’ve recovered, I’m here to apologize in person.”

“Apologize?” Qian Yousheng’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Are you here for a favor?”

“Treasurer Qian, nothing escapes you.” Liu Shen smiled, no longer beating around the bush. “I do have a small matter for which I need your help.”

“My help?” Qian Yousheng leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs with a smirk. “You humiliated me just days ago. Why should I help you?”

“Consider it a gesture of friendship,” Liu Shen said, picking up a peanut with his chopsticks. Glancing at the bookkeepers, he added casually, “You help me out, and I’ll clear up these accounts for you. How’s that?”

“That’s hardly a favor. I’ve got my own bookkeepers for that—no need to trouble you, Hall Master Liu.”

“They’re not as fast or as accurate as I am.”

A stunned silence followed. Qian Yousheng stared at him, as did the accountants and clerks, their expressions incredulous.

A cold laugh escaped Qian Yousheng. “You may be clever, but are you saying none of my accountants or clerks can match you? That’s hardly showing any respect for my men.”

“Treasurer Qian, you misunderstand,” Liu Shen replied, tossing another peanut into his mouth. “What I mean is, all of them together couldn’t match my speed or accuracy.”

The cold laugh froze on Qian Yousheng’s lips.

The bookkeepers, evidently offended, exchanged glances, set down their work, and turned to Qian Yousheng, their eyes plainly saying: Treasurer Qian, we’re your men. If you let this slide, how are we supposed to do our jobs?