But Charles White possessed superior martial arts and a broader perspective; even those who ranked among the top in the martial world might not necessarily catch his eye.

At this moment, aside from the deceased Louis Reed, the only helpers whom Charles White would bother to ask were just George York and Lewis Hill.

Eric Lane, George York, Lewis Hill, Charles White, Louis Reed.

Currently, under Brian Zane, these five had the highest martial skills.

“They’re all very busy.”

Brian Zane said slowly, “In recent years, among the martial artists we’ve recruited, there are fewer than thirty who can truly be called experts. That number may sound like a lot, but with such a large family business, our trade reaches throughout the entire Dongsheng Dynasty, with countless transactions—how could that ever be enough?”

Even if these twenty or thirty people were all made head guards, each leading a team to escort goods, compared to the scale of his current business, it would still be far from sufficient.

What’s more, the recently killed Louis Reed was among the top in martial skill.

“Then…” Charles White bit his lip slightly and said, “Let me go in person.”

“Forget it, I can’t let you take such a risk. Louis Reed has already been killed, and your skills are on par with his. You can’t be sure of defeating that bandit leader—wouldn’t that just be throwing your life away?” Brian Zane waved his hand.

“It’s all my fault for not being skilled enough.” Hearing this, Charles White looked a bit downcast.

“It’s not your fault.” Brian Zane thought for a moment, then said, “How about this: I’ll have Edward Grant go with you. He’s always been taciturn, so you’ll still be in charge on the road.”

“What about your own safety?” Charles White hesitated.

“With Henry Clark by my side as a guard, who could possibly assassinate me?” Brian Zane smiled and said, “In the early years, I often sent Edward Grant and Henry Clark out to escort goods. In fact, when I first started in business, both of them were sent out, and I didn’t even have a guard by my side. It’s only in the past two years, when manpower hasn’t been so tight, and out of pity for their constant toil, that I’ve kept them with me for some rest.”

Actually, the main reason was that when they were too far away, it took tremendous effort to control Edward Grant and Henry Clark, so in the past two years, as long as there were enough people, he hadn’t sent Edward Grant and Henry Clark out to escort goods.

Secondly, keeping Edward Grant and Henry Clark close was the only way to ensure his own safety.

“Since we’re short-handed now, sending Edward Grant out isn’t a big deal.” Brian Zane chuckled, glanced back, and said self-mockingly, “I suppose after sticking so close to me these past two years, he’s probably getting restless.”

“With Lord Edward Grant escorting the goods, I doubt anyone in the martial world could rob this shipment.” Hearing this, Charles White clearly breathed a sigh of relief.

“Once the goods are safely delivered to Guangfu, on the way back, you and Edward Grant can go after those bandits and avenge Louis Reed.”

A cold glint flashed in Brian Zane’s eyes as he said icily, “I’ve been in business for six years. There have been no less than a hundred attempts to rob my goods, but not a single person has ever gotten away with it! This time will be no exception!”

Yet, in his heart, another name flashed by.

Terry Song!

Regarding the robbery and the killing of his men, it was almost certain that this person was involved!

Was this, after turning Henry Clark, an attempt to see if he could lure Edward Grant away from his side?

If so, he would be left with only one martial arts grandmaster at his side.

And that grandmaster had already been turned.

Chapter 011: The Four Ranks of Strategists, A Plan to Decide the Fate of All

The next day.

“Master, the arrangements for compensation have been made.”

“Give the deceased a proper burial, and treat their families generously. Don’t let people lose heart.”

Brian Zane said, “These days, I’ll have to trouble you more, Old Mr. White.”

The steward Old Mr. White replied, “It’s all within this old servant’s duty.”

At this, he paused and said, “News of the Jade Spirit Flower has been released, but this flower is rare and can’t be rushed.”

Brian Zane said slowly, “It will come.”

The steward Old Mr. White assumed the young master was just offering encouragement, so he echoed, “It will surely come.”

Brian Zane’s gaze fell on the booklet on the table, and he said slowly, “In a while, the Jade Spirit Flower will appear.”

Whether or not the Jade Spirit Flower existed in the world—

But Terry Song would surely prepare it for him.

However, this person was quite clever and would not act rashly. He would definitely wait for the right opportunity before letting the Jade Spirit Flower appear before the Zhuang family business.

This was probably the highest level described in Terry Song’s book: creating something out of nothing.

“The Four Ranks of Strategists?”

Old Mr. White looked at the booklet, a bit surprised.

Brian Zane smiled and said, “Terry Song went overseas to study. This is his work from eight years ago, which Old Frank had Eagle White bring back.”

At this, Brian Zane added softly, “Terry Song ranked himself as the very best. I wonder, in his eyes, which rank would he place me?”

...

Xuancheng, the The Song Family.

Terry Song was drinking tea. Watching him brew the tea, his movements were as smooth as flowing clouds and water, quite pleasing to the eye—clearly, he had practiced.

In front of him, the old head of the The Song Family still wore a trace of worry between his brows.

“Why do you fear him so much?”