Brian Zane smiled and spoke, pointing at the pastries on the table, and said, “Sit down, have something to eat. I still have some matters to discuss with Old Mr. White.”

Old White Butler paused for a moment, then suddenly gave a wry smile and said, “Young master has always been farsighted. It seems this old servant was overthinking.”

Brian Zane just chuckled softly, then said, “Take a look at this.”

Old White Butler took the booklet, surprised. “A work by the divine doctor Li He?”

Brian Zane said, “Inside, there’s a miraculous medicine called the Jade Spirit Flower, which is said to have the wondrous effect of reattaching severed limbs.”

Old White Butler was stunned at once, then showed a look of astonishment. His gaze fell on Brian Zane’s legs, then looked at Brian Zane’s face, and said with delight, “Young master thinks this flower can cure you?”

Brian Zane said slowly, “If what’s recorded is true, it should be able to heal my crippled legs. Of course, it’s possible the ancient texts exaggerate. But at least it’s a hope. In these six years, I’ve searched all over the Dongsheng Dynasty, spread countless rumors, sought rare medicines, invited famous doctors, but none could cure me. Now that there’s hope, I’ll do my best to find it.”

Old White Butler hurriedly nodded and said solemnly, “I’ll pass this matter down at once, and have everyone pay extra attention. If there’s any trace of such a rare flower, it will be reported immediately.”

Brian Zane waved his hand and said, “According to the records, this flower is extraordinary. Throughout history, it has only appeared a handful of times, and is even shrouded in myth. Whether I can find it depends on my fate.”

Old White Butler quickly said, “Precious medicines are rare, and that is the law of nature.”

As he spoke, Old Mr. White added seriously, “But the rarer it is, the more precious it becomes. It also proves that if this medicine is real, its effects must be extraordinary. Young master, rest assured—our family’s business spans all sixteen prefectures of Huai’an, and even north of Huai’an, we have our people.”

The old man’s expression carried a hint of pride as he said, “In the entire Dongsheng Dynasty, when it comes to trade and commerce, the widest network is, of course, our Zhuang family business.”

……

Afternoon.

Charles White came rushing in to report.

“Young master, something’s happened.”

“What is it?”

“The goods being transported to Guangfu were robbed.”

“Hmm?”

Brian Zane raised an eyebrow, his face darkening slightly. “Who was escorting them?”

Charles White said, “Louis Reed.”

Brian Zane’s gaze sharpened slightly.

Louis Reed’s skills are quite renowned in the martial world, just a notch below Charles White. Among the martial artists he’s recruited, Louis Reed ranks in the top five.

“How is Louis Reed?”

“He and his sixteen men were all killed.”

“And the goods?” Brian Zane’s face turned icy. He took a deep breath before asking.

“All were stolen, with losses totaling nearly eighteen thousand taels, including the treasure worth about a thousand taels that you instructed to be sent to Magistrate Gao of Guangfu.”

“Have the culprits been identified?”

“Still investigating, and the authorities have been notified.”

Charles White paused, then said, “The authorities’ response is that it’s almost certainly bandits from Huaibei. I looked into it—five days ago, a bandit gang in Huaibei had their lair raided by the authorities. They escaped across the Huai River and are likely now within the sixteen prefectures of Huai’an.”

Brian Zane mused, “Bandits from Huaibei?”

Charles White replied, “And the leader of this gang was originally a scholar skilled in both literature and martial arts. Years ago, he tried to steal ancient books from a high official’s residence, failed, and fled to become an outlaw. Rumor has it his martial arts are quite advanced.”

At this point, Charles White gave a self-deprecating, bitter smile. “I don’t know this bandit personally, but I’ve heard of his reputation and deeds. His martial arts are probably above mine. If it really was them, it’s no wonder Louis Reed couldn’t withstand them.”

Brian Zane fell silent.

Charles White didn’t dare say more.

Ethan Frost came in carrying fruit, but sensing the tense atmosphere, she didn’t dare speak, set down the fruit, and quietly withdrew.

“The goods for Guangfu can’t be short. They must be sent again.”

Brian Zane said, “As for Magistrate Gao’s gift, it can be postponed for now. When I visit Guangfu in person, I’ll deliver it myself. But as for who will escort the goods…”

At this, Brian Zane paused and said, “Louis Reed was quite capable, yet he and his sixteen men were all killed. Since the authorities haven’t wiped out this gang yet, we can’t be careless.”

Charles White hesitated, then said, “I’m a bit stronger than Louis Reed, but still limited. However, if my senior brother Eric Lane could go with me, the two of us together would have nothing to fear.”

Brian Zane shook his head and said, “Eric Lane’s situation isn’t settled yet. He can’t get away for now.”

Charles White asked, “What about the others?”

Over the years, the young master has recruited many people, highly valuing those with outstanding talent—both scholars and martial artists.

As for guards, many have also been recruited: guards for various shops, escorts for merchant caravans, and those at Qianlong Manor here—altogether numbering in the thousands.

Of course, in the eyes of a master like Charles White, most of these ordinary guards are just men with basic skills in fists and weapons.

However, among these guards, there are quite a few who have truly mastered their skills and can be considered significant figures in the martial world—about twenty or thirty in total.