#353 - Chapter 353 Situation
The next morning, Su Qing also felt something poking her uncomfortably. She opened her eyes groggily and immediately felt a strong masculine aura surrounding her face.
Remembering what happened yesterday, a blush still lingered on her face.
Master, this is… too much.
Just as she was about to shift a little, she touched Cheng Feng's firm muscles and couldn't help but curiously reach out to feel them.
Suddenly, a large hand grabbed the mischievous little hand.
Su Qing quickly met Cheng Feng's lazy gaze.
Cheng Feng grinned, "Little lady, what do you want to do?"
Looking at Cheng Feng's playful yet gentle smile,
Su Qing's cheeks flushed even more. She hurriedly withdrew her hand and scolded, "No, nothing, just… just still sleepy."
Cheng Feng chuckled softly and sat up. The morning light shone through the window lattices, falling on his chiseled face, adding a touch of gentleness and warmth to him.
Cheng Feng reached out and gently stroked Su Qing's nose, saying dotingly, "You little sleepyhead, you were so proactive last night, but now you're shy this morning."
Hearing this, Su Qing was so ashamed that she almost wanted to shrink into the quilt. The madness and indulgence of last night still made her heart race when she thought about it now.
She whispered in defense, "Master, I… I just…" Before she could finish speaking, Cheng Feng silenced her with a finger to her lips.
"Alright, no need to say more. I still have important matters to attend to today. You should rest well in the manor. When I return, I will tell you everything in detail." Cheng Feng said as he tidied his clothes, looking as if he was about to leave.
Su Qing looked at him, her heart filled with mixed feelings, both reluctance and confusion about the future.
She softly asked, "Master, where are you going today? When will you return?"
Cheng Feng turned around, his gaze deep as he looked at her. After a long while, he slowly said, "I'm going to handle some small matters, concerning the future of our Cheng family.
As for the return date, perhaps this evening, perhaps later, but rest assured, I will definitely return."
Su Qing nodded. Although she was worried, she couldn't bear to ask any more questions.
She knew that Cheng Feng, as the head of the family, carried a heavy burden on his shoulders. All she could do was wait obediently and support him silently.
After Cheng Feng left, Su Qing sat alone by the window, looking at the quiet and deserted courtyard, her mind filled with thoughts.
She recalled the bits and pieces of her acquaintance with Cheng Feng, from the initial unfamiliarity to the current intimacy, and could only sigh at the impermanence of the world.
After Cheng Feng arrived at the rendezvous point for the Hongmen disciples, he began to discuss important matters with the Black Ear disciples there.
The most important thing, of course, was the development of Hongmen here.
Buying servants and concubines was only a personal matter, but the development of disciples and followers was far more than that.
Cheng Feng needed to find a way to support the Hongmen disciples' relocation. This might involve robbery, negotiation, or cooperation, and all of this required sufficient intelligence support.
The Black Ear disciples were responsible for collecting and transmitting information.
After all, they couldn't go to Jinxi Tower every time they encountered a problem. Silver didn't come from nowhere, and the disciples also needed to maintain their livelihoods.
Therefore, this meeting was crucial for the future development of Hongmen.
Cheng Feng entered the secret room at the rendezvous point. The candlelight flickered in the room, illuminating the solemn faces of several Black Ear disciples.
They were dressed in dark, close-fitting attire, exuding an unspeakable sense of calmness and alertness.
Cheng Feng went straight to the point: "How is the investigation into the canal transport business that I asked you to do?"
Seeing Cheng Feng's arrival, the leading Black Ear disciple quickly got up and saluted, his voice low and forceful: "Reporting to the hall master, the investigation into the canal transport business has yielded preliminary results.
The canal transport here is divided among several forces, the most powerful of which are the Jiangshui Gang and the Northern Iron Boat Gang.
They not only control the main waterways, but also are involved in the trade of goods along the route, and their forces are deeply rooted."
Cheng Feng nodded slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: "Continue."
"Yes." The Black Ear disciple continued, "The Jiangshui Gang has a long history and a deep foundation. They have deep-rooted relationships with the local government and are not easy to shake.
The Iron Boat Gang, on the other hand, is a new force that has risen in recent years. They are more ruthless in their actions, but compared to the Jiangshui Gang, their foundation in the officialdom is slightly weaker."
"In addition, there are some small-scale canal transport teams. They either depend on large gangs or fight alone, and their living space is increasingly squeezed."
Cheng Feng pondered for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "What we need is a business that can stably support the relocation of Hongmen disciples, not to rob those already stable spheres of influence. In your opinion, where should we start?"
The Black Ear disciple thought for a while and replied: "Perhaps we can start with those small-scale canal transport teams. Although they are weak, they are flexible.
We can first establish contact with them, understand the various aspects of canal transport, and then gradually look for breakthroughs."
"At the same time, we can also try to establish good relations with some local officials and obtain their support. After all, canal transport cannot be separated from the government's permission and protection."
Cheng Feng nodded with satisfaction: "Your idea is good. Remember, what Hongmen wants is long-term development, not unnecessary fighting. Being kind to others is the way to last."
Speaking of this, he changed the subject: "However, we must never be soft on those forces that hinder our development. We should rob when we need to rob, negotiate when we need to negotiate, and cooperate when we need to cooperate. Everything is for the benefit of Hongmen."
Hearing this, the Black Ear disciples' eyes flashed with a hint of determination and excitement.
The leading Leng Feng was even more enthusiastic.
Cheng Feng's words were not only instructions to them, but also affirmation and expectation of their abilities.
"Yes, sect master. We will live up to your expectations and do our best for the development of Hongmen."
As the Black Ear disciples echoed in unison, the candlelight in the room seemed to brighten a bit.
"The second thing, how is the investigation into the Silver Body Skill going?"
Cheng Feng's gaze swept over the Black Ear disciples, his tone with an unquestionable majesty: "Silver Body Skill, if we can retrieve it, it will greatly enhance the strength of our Hongmen."
The Silver Body Skill was an advanced version of the Bronze Statue Skill. Cheng Feng could practice it himself because he had a panel.
But the disciples of the Horizontal Training Hall didn't have panels, so they could only take it one step at a time.
Ever since Wei Zhuang brought back the news of the advanced Bronze Statue Skill, the Silver Body Skill,
Cheng Feng had been very concerned about it.
Among the Black Ear disciples, one stepped forward and bowed, answering: "Reporting to the sect master, regarding the Silver Body Skill, we have inquired from many sources, but have not been able to obtain any definite clues.
However, we recently received word that among those scattered canal transport teams, there seems to be someone who has practiced a similar skill."
Cheng Feng frowned slightly and said after a moment of thought: "Although this clue is vague, we cannot let it go. You must immediately arrange for manpower, remember, be careful and do not alert the enemy."
"Yes, sect master." The Black Ear disciple accepted the order and left.
