Green Mountain

Li Xuan shook his head, "I haven’t heard of it. Those in the fighting profession can’t show their faces in polite society, and they don’t dare to cause trouble in front of the officials and nobles of the inner city. If they really make a fuss, causing the Five Cities Military Department to suppress them, many people would die."

Chen Ji realized, no wonder the ruffians were stopped in Baishun Alley.

Qi Zhenzhuo asked sneakily, "Master, did you go to the Eight Great Hutongs last night? Why didn’t you call me?"

Chen Ji replied casually, "I went to Tianqiao to watch wrestling yesterday. On my way back, I passed through Zhengyang Gate and happened to see a fight breaking out inside. By the way, have you heard about Heji and Furui Xiang in the outer city? What’s their background?"

Qi Zhenzhuo shook his head, "Who would pay attention to those in the Lower Nine?"

The three crossed Taiping Bridge, and Li Xuan said, "I have heard about it. Heji is an old brand. Under its name, there are some taverns and brothel businesses, but their main income comes from extortion and collecting Peace Money. However, it wasn’t like this in the early years. Initially, they were in the business of guarding homes and escorting caravans."

Turning into West Chang’an Street, Li Xuan continued, "Heji became famous for the word ’loyalty.’ The old boss was unmatched in loyalty, always helping those in trouble within the Jianghu. He despised evil and never mingled with bandits while escorting caravans, relying solely on his skills to go about his business. It’s said that a Jianghu figure he once helped turned into a bandit in Taihang Mountain. In his thirteenth year of escorting through Taihang Mountain, the bandits heard of his passing and waited by the road to offer him a bowl of wine in respect. The old boss didn’t drink the wine; instead, he personally killed the bandit and distributed the booty to the victims of the bandits’ previous plunders."

Qi Zhenzhuo widened his eyes, "They were friends before, and he just killed him like that?"

Li Xuan glanced at him, "What do you think the Taihang Mountain bandits are? Any famous bandit has killed hundreds of people, has taken villages’ women by force, and demands the first night of newlywed brides. Such people, if not killed, what use are they? To me, killing them is right!"

Qi Zhenzhuo smacked his lips, "That’s true."

Chen Ji asked nonchalantly, "How did Heji turn into what it is now?"