"Charlie, you were too impulsive." Evelyn Grant was also a bit flustered. "The clan leader holds a noble status, the stabilizing force of the family..."

If it were a fight with Peter Bennett, they would actually be happy to see it, since the strength gap between the two sides was quite large. But to directly challenge Richard Bennett, that would be too risky with the situation still unclear.

On the side, Richard Bennett secretly wiped a cold sweat. Thank goodness, there were still reasonable people among the Wang clan. Someone should really talk some sense into this young clan leader of the Wang family—what kind of behavior was this?

Since when do the two main generals of opposing armies start with a life-and-death duel? Wouldn’t that throw everything into chaos?

Besides, Richard Bennett had been living a life of comfort for so many years, rarely fighting anyone. A life-and-death duel was no joke.

"Aunt, Sixth Uncle." Charles Warren directly interrupted them. "The clan leader is just another member of the family. As long as you are a member, everyone has the right and duty to shed blood for the family, to sacrifice for its survival. Not to mention Elder Longyan..."

As he spoke, Charles Warren's emotions grew agitated and grief-stricken, as if he was about to explode after holding back for so long. The last three words were almost spoken but then swallowed back abruptly.

"Charles!" David Warren suddenly panicked and hurriedly asked in a low voice, "Could it be that Elder Longyan..."

"Don't worry, she's fine." Charles Warren's face was a bit pale. "It's just that I feel sorry for the elder, who has given so much for the family all her life. It's time for us juniors to step up and bleed a little."

However, no matter how you looked at it, his words seemed like a cover-up.

After speaking, Charles Warren turned and fixed his gaze on Richard Bennett: "Clan Leader Liu, since there are so many conflicts between our two families, why not take this opportunity to settle it once and for all? You and I sign a life-and-death duel contract—the loser withdraws from the Anjiang fishing grounds, and the family will not pursue the matter further." His words carried a sense of determination.

"Good, Clan Leader Wang, you truly have the courage of a young hero."

"Since there are conflicts between the two families, why not have king versus king and settle it once and for all?"

The onlookers, naturally eager for drama, were excited at the rare chance to see two clan leaders personally engage in a life-and-death battle. Immediately, they began to stir things up, fanning the flames.

"Damn! Why does this kid seem like a hungry wolf? The way he dodges questions—could the rumors be true? If that's the case, the situation has changed." Richard Bennett shivered, his brows furrowing deeply. After a moment's thought, he came up with a plan, changed the subject, and put on a friendly, businesslike smile. "Nephew, you know, your father and I have been old friends for many years. Calling you 'nephew' isn't too much, is it? Our three great families have been rooted in Ping'an Town for generations. We're all neighbors and should support and look out for each other. Such a small conflict—does it really have to come to this?"

"So, according to Clan Leader Liu, you're prepared to compensate my Sixth Uncle's medical expenses?" Charles Warren narrowed his eyes, a cold smile on his lips.

Compensate medical expenses?

Richard Bennett's face darkened, but he was always good at hiding his true feelings behind a smile. At this moment, he smiled even more kindly: "Conflicts between neighbors are inevitable, but since it was Yongzhou's fault this time, we naturally have to admit it. Here are thirty qianjin, as an apology to Brother David."

With that, Richard Bennett took out three gold notes, each worth ten qianjin, and cheerfully stuffed them into Charles Warren's hand. "Everyone says nephew is a dragon among men, with potential no less than Elder Longyan in her prime. In the future, you'll surely be a pillar of Ping'an Town."

Thirty qianjin?

With his merged memories, Charles Warren knew this was already a huge sum. He decided to quit while he was ahead and smiled as well: "Clan Leader Liu, you are the true stabilizing force of Ping'an. Charles has just taken up the position of clan leader, and will need your guidance in the future."

Absolutely, absolutely!

After laughing twice, Richard Bennett left the deep-water dock area with his retainers and Peter Bennett.

The onlookers, seeing that there wasn't going to be a real fight, let out sighs of regret and disappointment, as if they'd missed a great show, and dispersed in small groups.

"It's still my nephew who has the skills," David Warren said, as if letting out a long-held breath, his face lighting up with joy. "With just a few words, you turned the situation around and even made that old fox Richard Bennett willingly apologize and pay compensation."

But Evelyn Grant showed no sign of happiness. Instead, her brows were furrowed with worry.

"Sixth Uncle, Aunt, since we're here, why don't we go up on your boat and have a look?" Charles Warren smiled. "I've never been out on a boat with you since I was a child."

"Good, good! Then Sixth Uncle will show you a good time," David Warren said happily. "I'll even show you my fishing skills later."

Just before boarding, Charles Warren called a few retainers over and whispered some instructions. The retainers understood, saluted, and then scattered to carry out their tasks.

Only then did Charles Warren and Evelyn Grant follow David Warren toward the deep-water berth.

At the same time—

Outside Dingpu Ferry, the young and hot-blooded Peter Bennett looked very upset. "Clan leader, we agreed to take a bite out of the Wang family, so how did it end up with us apologizing?"

"Everton, you're still too young." Richard Bennett said calmly, hands behind his back and smiling. "As the saying goes, times change. In the current situation, not only should we avoid provoking the Wang family, we should be extra careful to avoid any conflict with them."