Chapter 24: The First Unleashing

Jiang the Elder, full name Jiang Yong, nicknamed the Blade of Courage, was a man true to his name. In his youth, he rose through the ranks of the Canal Brotherhood thanks to his boldness, ferocity, and quick wit. After marrying the only daughter of the former leader, he eventually succeeded him as the head of the brotherhood.

Though the title "Elder Jiang" sounded impressive, in the eyes of the authorities he was little more than a petty gang leader, and most members of the Canal Brotherhood were destitute men scraping by on fishing and manual labor—a hard life by any measure.

Yet one should not underestimate these rough men of the riverbanks. United by the brotherhood, ruthless and fearless, they fought with abandon, and even the criminal underworld of Bianliang City kept their distance out of respect.

A man without foresight is bound for trouble, and Jiang the Elder was no fool. He understood that, despite the brotherhood's current appearance of strength, they were squeezed from above by official greed and corruption, while below, thousands of mouths waited to be fed. Their situation was precarious. What worried him most was that the influence of the southern Canal Brotherhood was already stretching toward Bianliang.

The wealthy south was home to powerful canal and salt gangs, flush with riches. Should they gain a foothold in Bianliang, the days of the local brotherhood would be numbered.

It was just at this moment that Little Yu appeared like a bolt from the blue. As a seasoned man of the lakes and rivers, Jiang the Elder instantly sensed the immense potential in this newcomer. After a few days of quiet observation and inquiry, he personally delivered a letter of respect.

He was like a gambler, this time choosing to wager everything. If Little Yu was worthy of his bet, he would stake his very life and fortune.

Following Zhao Yu’s instructions, the meeting was to be held once more at the small tavern. This time, Zhao Yu was not alone; Yang Xu accompanied him.

Zhao Yu and Yang Xu had spent the entire day at the newly acquired field of the All-Under-Heaven Football Club—inspecting players, setting rules, planning the grounds—there was much to arrange.

Previously, Zhao Yu’s men were all hot-blooded youths, brave but lacking in learning. The arrival of Yang Xu filled this void. Matters that once troubled Zhao Yu now fell into order under Yang Xu’s careful management. Zhao Yu felt fortunate in his choice and could not help but admit that ignorance was truly a curse.

Next, Zhao Yu planned to make the football grounds the headquarters of his group, bringing along his brothers from the streets, including Fat Tiger and Song Zhong.

As it was mealtime—and also because he had much to discuss with Yang Xu—he brought him along.

The tavern had been reserved in its entirety. Apart from the proprietor and a single waiter, not a soul was inside.

To show sincerity, Jiang the Elder brought only two subordinates, leaving them outside.

The moment Zhao Yu entered, Jiang the Elder recognized him at once, without any introduction. To be honest, he felt a tinge of disappointment—Little Yu was even younger than the rumors suggested.

A boy with no beard is not to be trusted with important tasks—could this youngster really be entrusted with great matters?

Still, Jiang the Elder quickly rose and clasped his fists in greeting. “Jiang Yong pays his respects to Brother Yu.”

His eyes shone with resolve; he was short and sturdy, his skin dark, his hands calloused and powerful, his feet broad—rumor had it they grew so wide to give him a steady stance on the boat’s planks.

With a single glance, Zhao Yu took in every detail of Jiang the Elder’s appearance and even guessed, with near certainty, his innermost thoughts.

With a slight smile, Zhao Yu said, “Master Jiang, you are too polite. Please, have a seat—let us speak as we sit.”

A clever man indeed; although he clearly knew Zhao Yu’s true identity, he pretended ignorance, which was just as well, sparing everyone embarrassment.

Though young, Zhao Yu’s environment and associates had shaped his bearing subtly yet unmistakably. Even a casual glance from him made Jiang the Elder put away any hint of condescension.

He thought to himself, no wonder this youth’s name resounds through Bianliang—he truly is extraordinary.

As Zhao Yu and Yang Xu took their seats, food and wine were brought forth. Jiang the Elder personally filled their cups, eager to show his courtesy. He lifted his own cup, ready to speak, but Zhao Yu stopped him with a gesture.

“No need for wine just yet. I already know something of your brotherhood—you are all straightforward men. I will be direct as well: there are two matters for this meeting. First, what do I stand to gain? Second, what do you want?”

All the bustle in the world is for profit. If the terms do not move him, words are pointless.

Hearing such frankness, Jiang the Elder paused before replying, “The Bianliang Canal Brotherhood is my father-in-law’s legacy. I do not wish to see it destroyed in my hands. But if Brother Yu can see to it that our thousands of mouths are fed, I am willing to yield the seat of leader, the seat of—”

He stopped short, remembering Zhao Yu’s true status. Was he joking? What would a prince want with a gang leader’s seat?

Nevertheless, Jiang the Elder’s words made his sincerity plain; it was clear he was truly out of options.

Zhao Yu nodded in apparent satisfaction and glanced at Yang Xu, signaling him to state their terms.

Yang Xu nodded, withdrew a small crimson flag emblazoned with a black eagle spreading its wings, and laid it out.

“Master Jiang, my lord’s conditions are simple: fly this banner on your brotherhood’s boats, and from then on, your Canal Brotherhood belongs under my lord’s banner. From now on, you will remit twenty percent of your income to us, but my lord will not interfere in your affairs.”

Even before Yang Xu joined, Zhao Yu had decided to give his men a common emblem. The spread-winged eagle was a good omen and easily recognized. From now on, wherever that banner flew, Little Yu’s presence would be known.

Seeing Jiang the Elder’s lingering hesitation, Yang Xu continued, “Once you hang this flag, starting tomorrow, the authorities will no longer extort a single coin from you. You may seek out cargo contracts as you wish. Any trouble from other gangs—do as you please. If problems arise, someone will step in on your behalf.”

Jiang the Elder could hardly believe his ears. He hesitated, “That… that’s all?”

“A man is nothing without his word. My lord’s reputation is not for nothing.”

In just one day with Zhao Yu, Yang Xu’s outlook had been utterly transformed. So life could be lived thus? If even a prince could set aside his airs, what right had he to stand on ceremony? The trust and authority he now felt—it was intoxicating.

Jiang the Elder looked at Yang Xu, then at Zhao Yu, who was smiling at him. Gritting his teeth, he rose abruptly, knelt on one knee before Zhao Yu, and pressed his fists to the floor.

“I am willing to pledge my life in loyalty to my lord!”

Simple words, but heavy with meaning—especially in an age when promises were sacred.

“Excellent. I welcome you to our ranks. Now, we may drink.”

Jiang the Elder did not know that starting tomorrow, not only his brotherhood but all the territories taken under Zhao Yu’s command in the capital would fly this very banner.

All things are feared only by their spread; soon, the constables and officials of every office in the capital would understand what this banner meant.

The capital’s officials were not fools—the empress’s backing, the emperor’s indifference, even a grand marshal like Gao had to swallow his words in front of this Prince of Yi. Who would dare meddle in this young prince’s affairs?