From the Dragon and Tiger Cavalry to Hunting Sins and Becoming Saints

Chapter 35 Fishermen's Mutual Aid Association

A direct confrontation is definitely out of the question. Han Qian knows Fu Que's temper very well. If he tries to force the issue and spoils this guy's mood, his own fate will be dire.

Moreover, having finally managed to accumulate some wealth and with a glimmer of hope to escape this quagmire and live a peaceful life, Han Qian cherished this opportunity and began to use his rusty brain to brainstorm.

"Let me put it this way, we've got a new prison warden, but I can't tell you who he is. However, he doesn't stoop to squeezing money out of us like we did before."

In his words, even if you're making money off the poor, you should still try to achieve some kind of sustainability by exploiting them to the point of exhaustion.

I don't quite understand, but he meant to set up a fishermen's mutual aid association.

For example, after you catch your fish, you have to sell it to fish farms and fishmongers, right? But if you go to each one individually, you'll definitely get a lower price. Everyone understands this; it's a common practice.

If you don't sell, you won't get paid, and you won't have anything to eat.

But if you sell all your fish to us, we will buy them at the market price, and then we will negotiate with the fish buyers ourselves.

But you don't need to worry about that; it will definitely be more cost-effective than selling it yourself.

Of course, if you acquire any rare items, such as spirit herbs or precious fish, you can sell them to us. We will definitely negotiate a price that satisfies you.

You can report your needs for daily necessities, such as firewood, cooking oil, salt, coarse cloth, or fishing gear each month. We will then negotiate with the sellers based on your requirements. Since it involves large sums of money, we will offer some discounts.

Don't worry about us using inferior products or anything like that. As Lao Da said, we need to build trust between both parties so that the business can last.

There are many other things, but I can't explain them clearly in a short time, and you wouldn't believe me anyway. We'll have to see the results.

Otherwise, if after all this effort you're unwilling to talk to us, or continue to treat us like ghosts, then it's all for nothing.

We sent your son because he's a waiter at the inn, knows arithmetic and can keep track of inventory; we need someone like that.

Once you're here, you're one of us, and we can discuss wages.

Fishermen's Mutual Aid Association is dedicated to serving you and protecting you on your fishing journey.

In short, as long as you're willing to follow these rules, anyone who tries to harm you will be dealt with, and we'll ensure they can't harass you.

Han Qian almost had his brains fried, but he finally managed to explain Fu Que's instructions in a long and detailed manner. Despite his fierce appearance and several scars on his bare upper body, he still exuded the air of a scholar. This... is what you call professional.

Han Qian was originally the accountant of the gang. He had to manage the food, drink, and daily needs of dozens of people, as well as the expenses of elite gang members practicing martial arts and visiting brothels. He couldn't be controlled without some education.

It was precisely because of the limited source of income and high expenses that Han Qian used to be under a lot of pressure.

Because the gang, including the original prison guards, is mostly composed of people who have never studied before, and they are good at beating, drinking, and beating. As for accounting, well, that's another story.

This is also the direct reason why Fu Que killed his former prison guard and Han Qian and his men surrendered without much resistance.

Besides Fu Que's overwhelming strength, it was also because he was willing to give money, and he really did.

"...."

Liao Chun's face remained largely unchanged, but his numb eyes flickered. After the initial despair and anger, he began to ponder the intentions of Han Qian and his group.

To steal, to cheat?

That's a joke; these people usually just rob.

However, in the past month or so, there have indeed been no rumors of them bullying their neighbors, and they don't even seem to be interested in accepting "offerings" (offerings).

This time, he helped me repair my fishing boat and patiently explained things to me while squatting down in front of me. Could it be...?

Moreover, Liao Chun is not stupid. Although he is not very educated, he still has survival wisdom. If Han Qian and his group can really do what they say, it will definitely be very beneficial to them, who are poor people who make a living in the water.

"The Fishermen's Gang is not to be trifled with. I heard their leader comes from the Jinghong Martial Arts School and is a legitimate martial artist. Do you really think you can stop them?"

Liao Chun wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and asked in a hoarse voice.

"Whether we can stop it or not isn't something we can just talk about. If I say we can stop it, do you think you'll believe me? You'll know whether we can stop it or not once you sell us the goods."

Hearing Liao Chun speak, Han Qian felt relieved and replied, "Okay."

Once he opens his mouth, Liao Chun is at least 60% willing to fall into the trap. If he then offers him benefits, the matter will be pretty much settled.

He gestured to help the woman, who was sitting on the muddy ground, into the thatched hut to rest, and then had his men pour a bowl of ice water for Liao Chun.

Fishing guilds?

Han Qian sneered, "Your Fishing Gang does have some strength. Before, I could only sit on the sidelines and eat scraps, but now..."

Several leaders of the Green Gang have been chopped off, but the Fishermen's Gang is just a hair on the head.

When the fight begins, the fishing gang has fifty men. Prisoner alone will chop off forty-nine of them, and he and his brothers will gang up on the remaining one.

All done!

After chatting patiently with Liao Chun for a few more minutes, Han Qian knew that the groundwork had been laid and it was time to get down to business.

"No matter how much I say now, you won't believe me. So here's what we'll do: take this ten taels of silver first, call your son back for a good meal, he's worked so hard for so many years, he needs a good rest for a couple of days."

Tell your son what I said, and then spread the word about what I'm going to do.

Your intervention is more likely to gain their acceptance than mine. For each household you persuade, I will give you one qian of silver, and I will give that household one tael of silver.

"Once the fishermen's mutual aid association is established, you will be the fishermen's representative responsible for contacting me. Once it gains momentum, I will guarantee your family's safety and well-being, and you might even have the opportunity to settle down in the inner city in the future."

Han Qian untied the money pouch, revealing lustrous silver coins, all small silver pieces without a single copper coin. He took out four and placed them on Liao Chun's rough, cracked palm.

"Two are your service fees, and the other two are advance payments to other companies that have joined."

Liao Chun felt the cold touch of the silver coins, and his hands were trembling. Only gangsters had ever drained their blood and marrow from them. When did these greedy creatures start spitting out silver?

"Are you telling the truth?"

Liao Chun felt his throat was dry and burning, and an indescribable feeling filled his entire body.

Fear, terror, ecstasy, surprise—it seemed like he felt all of these, yet none of them. He just felt lightheaded, as if it were all unreal.

"We've already given you the money, how could it be fake?"

Han Qian knew that Liao Chun had joined the scheme. Regardless of whether the matter would succeed or not, he had done what Lao Da had ordered.

"However, let me make this clear from the start: you can only take what I give you. If you dare to skim off the top, think about your family."

He said calmly.

Ten minutes later.

The gang members left Watanabe.

"Brother Qian, you're really confused. You gave me twenty taels of silver to go and recruit people, and I did it perfectly well for you. Giving it to some peasant is just a waste of money!"

The trusted followers looked conflicted.