The Grand Gold Seal

Inside a courtyard house on Shanyuan Road in Lüshui City, Li Banfeng sat on a sofa wearing a fedora, its brim pulled down extremely low. Shen Jinzhong, the second-in-command of Sanying Gate, was forty-eight years old, with a shaved head, a round face, a thick beard, and the cultivation of a tier-seven Martial Cultivator. Looking at Bao Yingchen beside him, Shen Jinzhong felt wave after wave of dread in his heart. He knew this Bao Yingchen was not real, but over all these years, his fear of the man had been etched into his very bones. “Seventh Master, there’s not a single flaw in how this puppet was made, except his complexion is slightly off—he looks a bit green.” Li Banfeng nodded. “Complexion is easy enough to deal with. We’ll apply some makeup when the time comes.” Shen Jinzhong added, “His speech and mannerisms aren't quite the same as our Chief's either. When our Chief speaks, he speaks only three parts and conceals seven. And even those three parts are veiled and indirect. When people hear him talk, they all feel he makes total sense, but what that sense actually is, hardly anyone can say for sure.” Shen Jinzhong had described his impression of Bao Yingchen in vivid detail, but Li Banfeng sank into deep thought. There was no way he could train a cabbage person into a seasoned veteran of the jianghu in such a short time. Since creating a near-identical Bao Yingchen was impossible, he had to find another way. Speaking in roundabout and cryptic ways was particularly tough to handle. He would have to script elaborate, convoluted lines for the decoy; a single misspoken half-phrase could blow his cover. Even if the cabbage person didn't make a single mistake and strictly followed Bao Yingchen’s habit of wrapping everything in dense fog, leaving everyone baffled, the goal still wouldn't be accomplished. The best solution was simply not to let the cabbage person say too much. Shen Jinzhong asked, “Seventh Master, how much do you think is appropriate for him to say?” “I think three sentences will be enough.” Shen Jinzhong was taken aback. “Can three sentences make things clear?” “Add two opening lines and two closing lines. Keep the main point to just three sentences. Seven or eight lines altogether will be plenty.” Seven or eight lines would be enough? Shen Jinzhong felt rather uneasy. Li Banfeng said, “Whether he says much or little doesn't matter. What matters is having witnesses. Invite people from gangs and sects of all sizes to Gold Seal Hall. How many you can bring in depends on your face. I’ll also invite some people from my end. Tonight, you will welcome the Grand Gold Seal home. Make sure not to let word slip out beforehand.” Shen Jinzhong felt put on the spot. “Seventh Master, if you won’t let me leak the news of the Grand Gold Seal’s return, how am I supposed to invite them?” “That depends on your ability. I don't think you need to worry. Those who should come will come in the end, and those who shouldn't come won't be around to stir up trouble.” Li Banfeng produced a sheet of covenant paper. “Let’s draw up a covenant deed first. Everything we agreed on before is written inside.” Shen Jinzhong pricked his finger and pressed a bloody thumbprint onto it. Li Banfeng rewrote the script, and the two rehearsed it carefully several times. …… Shen Jinzhong returned to Gold Seal Hall. Gold Seal Hall was a grand mansion compound where major affairs of Sanying Gate were usually deliberated. Shen Jinzhong sat in the second chair. This was on Li Banfeng's instructions: until matters were settled, the first chair had to be left empty. It was a sign of respect toward Bao Yingchen, as well as a demonstration of loyalty to the sect. He summoned several subordinates and told them to prepare invitation cards. “I bought twenty sheep from Baimuyuan. Go prepare twenty hot pots. We’re hosting a banquet tonight.” A subordinate asked, “Who are we inviting?” “I wrote a list. Go prepare the invitations.” “Chief, at a time like this, holding such a big feast… is it really appropriate?” Shen Jinzhong frowned. “Just eating some hot-pot mutton, how does that count as a big feast? I’m inviting these people so they can help us search for the Chief.” The subordinate looked at the list. Every name belonged to a prominent figure in Lüshui City. Such people were hardly easy to summon on short notice. “Two days ahead is an invite; one day ahead is a call; on the day itself, it’s hauling people by the collar. Chief, if we go hauling them over right now, they might not be willing to show up.” Shen Jinzhong snapped impatiently, “Those who should come will certainly give me face. Those who shouldn’t will be spared from making trouble. Hurry up and go!” By six in the evening, guests began arriving one after another. The earliest to arrive were members of Sanying Gate. Several elders had been invited. Shen Jinzhong seated himself in the second seat, left the head seat empty, and ushered Elder Dong Kaibin to the third seat. Backed by the Chu family, Dong Kaibin had already taken over the duties of Sanying Gate’s third-in-command; the only thing he lacked was the official title. When Shen Jinzhong invited him to sit, Dong Kaibin offered a few polite demurs: “Chief, it’s not appropriate for me to sit here yet. The title isn’t official.” “What's there to fear!” Shen Jinzhong said with a laugh. “Setting up this feast today is precisely to solidify your standing.” “There is still no news of the Grand Chief. My little matter hardly bears mentioning…” “The Chief must still be sought, and your matter must also be handled. Elder brother, just sit yourself down with peace of mind.” Seeing Shen Jinzhong’s attitude, Dong Kaibin understood. *He is backing down. Certainly not to me, but to the Chu family.* The Chu family was in its prime right now. Shen Jinzhong yielding to them was equivalent to yielding to the Garrison Commissioner. The key was to see how far he would yield. If he obediently remained the second-in-command, there was room for leeway; he could be allowed to coast along for a few more years. If he still wanted to contest the first chair, there would be no discussion. He would either be driven out of the sect or pay with his life. Once the notable figures of Sanying Gate had mostly arrived, leaders of other sects and gangs trickled in. Han Yaomen, the head of Qingyun Association, cupped his hands toward Shen Jinzhong. “Gold Seal Shen!” Then he cupped his hands toward Dong Kaibin. “Elder Dong.” Shen Jinzhong smiled. “Brother Han, you can’t call him Elder anymore. He is Gold Seal Dong now.” Han Yaomen gave a thin smile, flipped back his long robe, and sat down in a chair without another word. *What Gold Seal Dong? A lapdog wagging its tail before the Chu family deserves to be called a Gold Seal?* Zhang Xiuling, head of the Baihua Sect, arrived. Bai Wuchuan, head of the White Crane Gang, arrived. Li Haoyun, head of Furong Zhai, arrived. Xie Juncong, head of the Ghost Hand Sect, arrived as well. When these gang and sect heads saw Dong Kaibin, some greeted him as Elder Dong, while others simply ignored him. Not a single one acknowledged him as a Gold Seal. Dong Kaibin’s expression stiffened slightly, but he remained calm inside. Before his position was formally recognized, this was entirely within his expectations. The broth in the pots had come to a boil. Why hadn’t the guests Li the Seventh invited arrived yet? Just as Shen Jinzhong was growing anxious, the guests arrived. The first to enter was Lu Chunying, followed by Tan Fucheng and Lu Yuanxin. The Lu family was also being targeted by the Garrison Commissioner, but their standing in Puluo Province remained formidable. That a simple meal of hot-pot mutton could draw the Lu family surprised the crowd quite a bit. The second to arrive was Shen Rongqing, representing Ling Family Pictures. After so many upheavals in the Ling family, their standing in Puluo Province was no longer what it once was. Yet Shen Rongqing’s fame endured—she was renowned as one of Puluo Province’s great talents. She happened to take a seat beside Zhang Xiuling. With two celebrated women gathered together, Shen Jinzhong gained even more face. The third person to step through the door was He Yuxiu. At the sight of He Yuxiu, the room grew tense. Why had she been invited? Had Shen Jinzhong lost his mind? He Yuxiu had killed Sanying Gate's third-in-command, Yang Xingbo! Of course, that was still a rumor and had not been verified. Perhaps her bold appearance today meant there was another explanation. Yet even if there was an explanation, she shouldn't have been invited out in the open like this. He Yuxiu was currently a thorn in the Garrison Commissioner’s side, liable to lose her life at any moment. Inviting her to feast—was Shen Jinzhong not afraid of being implicated? Surprise aside, as He Yuxiu walked into the hall, everyone stood up. This was the Eldest Sister of the He family, one of the foremost figures in Puluo Province, and the one with the stiffest backbone in the entire land. From the Ma family of former years, to the Lu family at its zenith, to the Garrison Commissioner today—no matter what kind of adversary she faced, no matter what dire circumstances arose, He Yuxiu had never bowed her head, never backed down. Regardless of age, status, or allegiance, anyone present had to greet her respectfully as Sister Xiu! He Yuxiu pulled over a chair, sat down next to Lu Chunying, and smiled at Shen Jinzhong. “Old Shen, coming here to eat won't bring you trouble, will it?” “Sister Xiu, what are you saying? Your coming here does me great honor! It adds luster to my face!” Shen Jinzhong had someone bring over a wine jar and poured wine for He Yuxiu himself. Beside them, Dong Kaibin’s face darkened. “Sister Xiu, our third-in-command… was it really…” “Who are you?” He Yuxiu glanced at Dong Kaibin. “Do I know you?” Dong Kaibin looked toward Shen Jinzhong, expecting him to put in a good word. Shen Jinzhong acted as though he hadn't heard a thing. Having poured He Yuxiu’s wine, he even personally mixed her dipping sauce. “Sister Xiu, have a taste! I learned this recipe from a famous chef.” He Yuxiu said, “Is everyone here? If everyone’s here, I'm picking up my chopsticks!” Shen Jinzhong smiled. “Don’t stand on ceremony. Now that Sister Xiu has arrived, everyone is here. No need to wait for anyone else.” He Yuxiu picked up a slice of mutton with her chopsticks and smiled. “Old Shen, why is the first chair still empty? Aren't you the head of Sanying Gate now?” Shen Jinzhong waved his hand. “The first chair belongs to our Grand Gold Seal. No one is permitted to touch that seat!” The crowd began picking up their chopsticks to eat. Sensing that something was amiss, Dong Kaibin looked for a chance to slip away, when suddenly a voice came from outside the door: “Everyone is here. Quite lively, isn't it?” Everyone turned toward the sound, only to see Bao Yingchen, the Chief of Sanying Gate, walking step by step into the hall with his hands clasped behind his back. All chopsticks were set down at once. Every member of Sanying Gate immediately rose to salute their Grand Gold Seal, and the other guests stood up as well. He Yuxiu gritted her teeth. “Bao Yingchen, I’ve been looking for you. Where the hell is our Old Seven?” It seemed a fight was about to break out, and many Sanying Gate disciples drew their weapons. “Don’t be hasty,” Bao Yingchen said, taking the head seat. Looking at the crowd, he spoke slowly, “I have been away from home for a few days, and only returned today. Seeing you all here eating and drinking, it seems you’ve been doing quite well without me.” Speaking three parts and holding back seven—at least this line captured that essence. Shen Jinzhong hurriedly explained, “Big Brother, I gathered them here so everyone could help search for you. Having no word from you these past few days scared us half to death…” Bao Yingchen waved his hand. “Say no more. Seeing you all well pleases me as well. I have returned to speak of three matters. First, bring me my gold seal.” Shen Jinzhong rushed into the inner room and brought out Bao Yingchen’s gold seal. The opening words were done; now came the main subject. Only three sentences, yet they were the crux of everything. The soup boiled in the pots, and Shen Jinzhong was drenched in sweat. Bao Yingchen said, “The first matter: friends must be embraced. Li the Seventh is my friend, and a friend of our Sanying Gate. This must never be forgotten.” The crowd was startled at first, then their gazes converged onto Zhang Xiuling. Everyone had thought this woman was spouting nonsense, but it turned out the Grand Gold Seal and Li the Seventh truly had become friends. Zhang Xiuling cast a rather smug glance toward Shen Rongqing, who had been staring intently at Bao Yingchen’s face. *His complexion isn't right. It looks like he’s been poisoned.* Bao Yingchen’s face showed a sickly greenish tint beneath the pale skin, truly resembling someone who had taken poison. Bao Yingchen continued, “The second matter: blood debts must be repaid. The Chu family bought off a traitor within our sect to ambush me. I was poisoned, and I clung to my last breath to make it back to this hall just to make you remember: this vengeance must be settled!” The crowd’s eyes shifted away from Zhang Xiuling. Their gazes all fixed onto Elder Dong Kaibin. Backed by the Chu family, Dong Kaibin was about to become the third-in-command, with hopes of contesting the Chief's position. Now that the real Chief was back, wasn't the traitor he spoke of none other than Dong Kaibin? Bao Yingchen’s gaze also turned toward Dong Kaibin. Dong Kaibin paled in sheer horror, completely bewildered by what was happening. The Chu family ambushed Bao Yingchen? Was that even possible? Even if it were, it had nothing to do with him! Dong Kaibin rose, wanting to explain, but Shen Jinzhong pushed him back down into his chair. “Don't move! Wait until Big Brother finishes speaking!” Giving Dong Kaibin no chance to defend himself, Bao Yingchen picked up the gold seal and placed it into Shen Jinzhong’s hands. “The third matter: the sect must be governed. I won't make it. According to the rules of our sect, from now on, the Grand Gold Seal is passed to Second Brother Shen Jinzhong.” “Big Brother!” Tears welled in Shen Jinzhong’s eyes, his voice trembling. “Don't say such disheartening words! I'll have someone cure your poison right away!” “No need!” Bao Yingchen held Shen Jinzhong back, a smile appearing on his face. “I have said what needed to be said. Thank you all for doing me the honor of gathering at my Sanying Gate. Please eat and drink your fill.” With that, Bao Yingchen picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of mutton. Before he could bring it to his mouth, his body went motionless. He Yuxiu looked at Bao Yingchen and nodded. “Old Bao, you’ve got guts!” Han Yaomen, head of the Qingyun Association, shed tears. “Brother Bao, safe journey on the road ahead.” Lu Chunying raised her wine cup. “Old hero, this junior toasts you.” Shen Rongqing still felt that something was amiss—in fact, many things felt off. Yet the disciples of Sanying Gate were all weeping, and the others were teary-eyed as well; raising doubts at such a moment hardly felt appropriate. Shen Jinzhong threw his arms around Bao Yingchen, wailing, “Big Brother! Big Brother! Answer me, Big Brother! You can’t leave us…” He wept bitterly, tears and snot streaming down. Yet he did not forget Li Banfeng’s warning: he must not overdo the performance in this scene. P.S.: Whether the acting was convincing was one matter; if he exerted too much force and broke the cabbage person, that would be real trouble.