Grace Bolton went back and softly rebuked, saying, “What are you talking about? There are plenty of people here who can hear you. Don’t embarrass yourself any further. Alright, get to work first. When the next group comes to the table, eat more and push those foolish words back down.”

Seeing George Knight and Thomas Clark lower their heads and agree, Grace Bolton didn’t think much of it and went inside. In the world of the underworld, the Fengzhu Gang’s strength was quite notable. So even though this was just a small incense hall, and in Yangzhou, Shimen was the dominant force, there were still many people who came to offer their congratulations.

With such hospitality, no one could refuse. For this banquet, although it couldn’t be called a feast of rare delicacies, the dishes were prepared by chefs from nearby Yangzhou, and many people praised the food non-stop. For several hours, the aroma of food and wine mingled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, which for Grace Bolton was also a heavy burden.

It wasn’t until the afternoon that the guests gradually dispersed. As a half-host, Grace Bolton had to see the guests off all the way to the main gate, bowing and thanking them repeatedly, not daring to slack off in the slightest. After all, most of these people didn’t meet often, so their impression of him would be formed in this brief period.

Fully aware of this, Grace Bolton didn’t finish seeing off all the guests until at least three in the afternoon. Of course, according to this world’s timekeeping, it was already past the Wei hour and just into the Shen hour.

Entering a small room reserved for him, although his whole body felt sore and weak, he still couldn’t rest. He quickly washed up and changed into a new set of clothes before letting out a long sigh. “From the Si hour until now, and it’s still not over. This is really exhausting…”

The attendant Frank Rivers smiled and said, “Incense Master, the other matters will naturally be handled by the brothers. But as for Mr. Foster, you still need to pay him a visit!”

Grace Bolton stood up, opened the door, and said, “I know. Today is Mr. Foster’s happy day, and he specially invited someone to meet me. How could I not show my respect?”

After leaving the room and closing the door behind him, Grace Bolton walked into another room, calmed himself, and then knocked on the door. “Father!”

“Come in!” came Mr. Foster’s voice.

There weren’t many guests inside. Besides Mr. Foster, there were only two others. One was standing, with two bamboo sticks on his clothes, apparently a guard. The other was a middle-aged man in his forties, with a thin face and piercing eyes that occasionally flashed with a cold light. He wore five bamboo sticks.

Grace Bolton stepped forward and respectfully said, “Greetings to Father, greetings to Captain Lane.”

This man was Brian Lane of the Zhuhua Gang, a branch master with five hundred men under him—a man of real power, and one of the few old associates Mr. Foster could truly count on now.

Brian Lane made a gesture of support and nodded, saying, “No need to be so formal. Just call me Uncle Lane. I saw you at the banquet earlier, and now you look even more spirited. Brother Foster, you’re truly blessed to have such a son.”

Mr. Foster nodded and smiled, while Grace Bolton bowed and said, “Not at all. To receive Father’s favor is my good fortune. This kindness is like being given new life. I’ve always wanted to find a way to show my filial piety.”

“Good, well said.”

Brian Lane laughed heartily, then said, “Learn more from your father and brother. Your father needs no mention, and your brother is truly a hero. I remember five years ago, at Lanhe, he was beset by many enemies, covered in blood and wounds, lost a leg, yet still gritted his teeth and fought to the death, refusing to surrender. Even now, I remember it vividly!”

At this, Mr. Foster’s face darkened, while Grace Bolton respectfully said, “I keep my father’s and brother’s loyalty and righteousness in my heart. Even if I can’t match a tenth of their achievements, I will never disgrace our name.”

Mr. Foster waved his hand and said, “No need for such polite words. I called you here today for your future. My son, tell Uncle Lane about your current situation.”

“Yes, Father.” Grace Bolton replied respectfully and solemnly. He knew those in power had no patience for idle talk, so he briefly and clearly explained the current situation.

“In summary, our incense hall has very few people, and the brothers haven’t seen much of the world. As for Shimen, although compared to our Zhuhua Gang they’re not much, they still have two thousand men and are deeply rooted in Yangzhou. Their visit today was also a warning. So, I think we should first open a salt route, so the brothers can broaden their horizons and gain some experience. What do you think?”

Chapter 7: The Salt Route (Part 2)

Brian Lane listened and was silent for a moment before nodding and saying, “Your idea is sound, and your attitude is cautious. Uncle Lane can give you a salt route, that’s not a problem. But you must understand, the risks of the salt route are great. Not to mention, the Haisha Gang mainly deals in salt, and they’re not on good terms with our gang!”

In this world, there are some of the most powerful and influential organizations. Although the Zhuhua Gang is one of them, even in the south there are several groups that can rival or even surpass it. The Haisha Gang is undoubtedly one of the top martial organizations in the south, with many formidable warriors under its command, and its backer is the Yuwen Clan, one of the Four Great Clans.