Sun Er Gou was speaking rapidly, detailing the power dynamics in Jia Yuan City. He listed the major gangs and their control over different districts, giving Han Li a clearer picture of the city's complex structure.
"The three biggest gangs are Brothers' Alliance, Jing Jiao Society, and Tian Ba Gate," Sun Er Gou said. "Then there are some smaller ones like Tie Qiang Society, Brotherhood, Qing Yi Gang, Spring Rain Tower, Golden Sword Sect, Cang He Ship Gang, Diamond Gate, and The Sunset Sect. Together, they divide the city into different territories."
Sun Er Gou went on to explain that Tian Ba Gate was the most powerful of the three major gangs, controlling the wealthy East District with its allies Golden Sword Sect and Qing Yi Gang. The second strongest was Brothers' Alliance, allied with Tie Qiang Society, Cang He Ship Gang, and Brotherhood, and controlling the North District. The weakest of the three, Jing Jiao Society, controlled the South District, in alliance with Spring Rain Tower, Golden Gate Sect, and Sunset Sect. The West District was more chaotic, with many smaller gangs sharing the power, and they united only when a larger force attempted to enter.
Han Li listened carefully, then asked, "I've heard that Jing Jiao Society used to be one of the three greatest powers in Lianzhao Province, with Jia Yuan City as its main base. How did it become the weakest of the three?"
Sun Er Gou immediately responded, "Ah, that's old news. A few years ago, Jing Jiao Society was indeed very powerful, almost ruling the entire province. It was unchallenged in Jia Yuan City, with no other gangs daring to even show their faces. But then, for some unknown reason, Jing Jiao Society suddenly collapsed. It lost its territories, and even in Jia Yuan City, its power diminished rapidly. Other gangs took the opportunity to rise, and after several bloody conflicts, we're left with the current situation."
Han Li's brow furrowed slightly. "Do you know the reason for their decline?"
Sun Er Gou hesitated, then spoke carefully, "To be honest, my status in the gang isn't high, so I don't know much. But I've heard it's because of internal divisions and infighting, and there were also rumors that other major forces were involved in suppressing them."
Han Li paused, a cold smile curling on his lips. He had already suspected something like this. "So, who's in charge of Jing Jiao Society now?"
Sun Er Gou quickly replied, "It's the widow of the former leader, Mo Ju Ren, the founder of Jing Jiao Society, who's been leading it."
"His widow?" Han Li's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes, the late Mo Ju Ren's wife is now in charge. She's been running things since his death," Sun Er Gou answered, slightly confused by Han Li's reaction.
Han Li's eyes grew colder. "Who says Mo Ju Ren is dead?"
Sun Er Gou blinked, taken aback by Han Li's sudden shift in tone. "Well, everyone in Jia Yuan City knows! A year ago, Mo Ju Ren's disciple brought his will and personal belongings to Mo Manor and announced his death."
"A disciple? What's his name?" Han Li's voice was low and tense.
"His name is Wu Jianming, a young man in his twenties. He's said to have inherited Mo Ju Ren's secret teachings and possesses remarkable martial skills," Sun Er Gou replied cautiously.
"And…" Sun Er Gou hesitated, clearly holding back more information.
Han Li's eyes narrowed. "What else? Don't hesitate. If it's true, I will reward you handsomely."
Sun Er Gou seemed to sense that this piece of information was important, and he quickly added, "I've heard that Wu Jianming is betrothed to the young miss of Mo Manor, Mo Yuzhu. They are supposed to be married soon."
Han Li's lips curled into a cold smile. He rose suddenly, pacing the room in agitation.
Mo Yuzhu, the daughter of the late Mo Ju Ren, was the key to his plans. If Wu Jianming married her, the Warm Sun Jade would likely be part of the wedding dowry. That was something Han Li could not afford to let slip through his fingers.
"You've done well," Han Li said, his voice taking on a commanding tone. "From now on, your job is simple. Keep gathering intelligence on Mo Manor, especially on Wu Jianming. I want every detail you can get. The more, the better."
Han Li tossed a pouch of silver to Sun Er Gou, who quickly caught it with a smile. "Take this for now. If you do well, there will be more rewards. Go, and don't waste any time."
"Yes, my lord! I'll get right to it!" Sun Er Gou replied, eager to please. He bowed and quickly exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Han Li sat back down, a slight frown forming on his face. He couldn't help but feel some discomfort at spending so much silver so quickly. But it was necessary. The money was just an investment, and it would all come back to him in the end, along with interest, when the Warm Sun Jade was in his hands.
"That Wu Jianming… seems like an interesting character," Han Li mused to himself. "He's already managed to gain a foothold in Mo Manor by using his relationship with the Mo family, and now he seems intent on gaining both wealth and power. His ambition is impressive, though his methods… could be his downfall."
Han Li's eyes narrowed. "I must pay a visit to Mo Manor soon. If that Warm Sun Jade falls into Wu Jianming's hands, it will be too late."
With this resolve, Han Li knew that his next steps were crucial. The game was now set, and the stakes were higher than ever.