Chapter 176 The Thorough Understanding of Chu Zhqing

Some people are born in Rome.Some people, unwilling to settle for mediocrity, can make their way to Rome even with humble beginnings.

What kind of person was Chu Xiaotian in his youth? He can be summed up in four words: ruthless and merciless. In that era of tumultuous business dealings, without such traits, it was impossible to make a mark.

As Chu's business grew, the Chu family gradually established itself in Jiangcheng. While enjoying their success, they naturally drew the attention of criminal forces. Initially, the Tianji Society sought to recruit Chu Xiaotian and offered him a high position.

Chu Xiaotian was well aware of the Tianji Society's activities. Although he could tolerate some things, the smuggling of cultural relics abroad was something he found particularly repugnant. He resolutely declined the offer.

In fact, the Tianji Society was interested in Chu Xiaotian not only because of the Chu family's wealth but also because of their control over major docks. If they could seize control of these docks, smuggling relics and illicit goods would become much easier. After Chu Xiaotian's refusal, the Tianji Society resorted to sinister tactics and kidnapped his beloved wife to coerce him. However, on the second day after her kidnapping, she managed to escape, but in her desperate attempt to evade capture, she tragically drowned.

Upon hearing the news of his wife's death, Chu Xiaotian was furious and quickly began retaliating against the Tianji Society. His military background meant that most of his subordinates were former soldiers, so their combat effectiveness was considerable. In just one night, he eliminated nearly ten key members of the Tianji Society. Furthermore, he spared none of their family members, regardless of age or gender.

Coincidentally, during that period, the government began a crackdown on corruption and organized crime, sending special inspection teams to Jiangcheng. Chu Xiaotian took advantage of this opportunity to launch his plan to eradicate the Tianji Society.

It is said that after years of investigation, more than twenty people were arrested and confirmed to have connections with the Tianji Society. This indicates the terrifying extent to which the Tianji Society had developed at that time. The extent of their influence and support was alarming.

After eliminating the Tianji Society, the Chu family solidified its position as the leading family in Jiangcheng. However, time marches on and the world changes. Today, while the Chu family remains prominent on the surface, the hidden dark forces in the shadows may not necessarily be deterred.

They say that the times create heroes, but in different situations, the heroes that emerge are varied and complex. Jiangcheng might appear peaceful on the surface, but in reality, it is simply more advanced in its darkness.

Hearing about these past events from his father, Chu Yuxuan felt a mix of emotions.

"It seems that Grandpa didn't completely eradicate them back then," Chu Yuxuan remarked.

Chu Zhqing, with a serious expression, nodded in agreement. "These scoundrels! Who knows what they've become now? After all these years, I haven't noticed a thing!"

"We'll have to gamble on Liu Jun," Chu Yuxuan said, stroking his chin. "I found a vulture last night, but by the time I got there, the person had already been killed. Liu Jun wasn't killed back then. From this, it's clear that he must have held a certain position in the Tianji Society, as the biggest smuggler in Jiangcheng at the time. He must know a lot! I bet they will come to confirm Liu Jun's fate."

Chu Zhqing's face hardened. "If Grandpa could handle it, I can too! Why do these trashy guys have to go against the Chu family?"

"My grandmother's death was because the Chu family was too prominent. But my mother's death was due to a secret she was guarding."

Chu Zhqing looked at his son and gently shook his head. "Your mother's work was always mysterious, and I don't know what secret was worth protecting with her life. If only she had foreseen the danger and told me in advance…"

Thinking of his mother, Chu Yuxuan couldn't help but feel sorrowful, his eyes growing red.

After a moment of silence, he asked Chu Zhqing, "Should we inform Grandpa about the revival of the Tianji Society?"

Chu Zhqing pondered for a while before replying, "Forget it. He is old and frail now, and there's little he can do about family matters. Even if we told him, it wouldn't make much difference. We'll avenge your mother ourselves!"

"I'm afraid the Tianji Society might have involved a lot more officials, making things difficult…" Chu Yuxuan sighed. "Even with just the Xue family, you are a bit cautious."

"Sometimes, it's necessary to be cautious, but sometimes, I can be fearless!" Chu Zhqing said. "Son, remember, in every country in the world, there is one truth—power only serves its source. When dealing with power, caution is for leverage, but fearlessness doesn't necessarily mean one will be reckless. To be honest, I could clean myself up completely and send Xue Can's father to join Ye Yongsheng, but that's not necessary for now. Besides, I might still need him. If it comes to it, I'll make sure he understands who's the boss."

Chu Yuxuan said coldly, "Based on my temperament, it's better to deal with it decisively. The priority is to deal with the Tianji Society. I don't have time to deal with them. Xue Can will definitely cause trouble for me, no doubt."

Chu Zhqing smiled lightly. "Son, power can be manipulated in many ways, but never should it be overthrown. That's a big taboo. Killing officials will only bring greater trouble. Often, being the grandson is not a bad thing; it requires careful planning and precaution. If you don't want to be the grandson, those grandpas won't even get a chance to kneel."

Chu Yuxuan laughed and shook his head. "You're just like Grandpa."

Chu Zhqing laughed. "If Grandpa weren't like this, how would there be the Chu family today? Over the years, how many times have the authorities investigated the Chu family? But has there ever been any evidence found? I need to learn more; otherwise, I wouldn't have let the big and small houses cause such a stir. By the way, you need to be cautious of Chu Haoran. That kid is more scheming than his father and hard to deal with. Grandpa values him highly now!"

Chu Yuxuan said, "Since I returned to the Chu family, he has been very quiet. We'll take it step by step."

After chatting for a while, Chu Yuxuan got up to leave. Back in the car, he checked the bite marks on his lips in the rearview mirror. They were still quite noticeable, so he applied the medicine patches he had bought earlier, and then excitedly went to find Zhao Yanan.