King of Gamblers: Growing from a Student to a Jade King

Ma Qing's words, delivered with startling abruptness, silenced everyone. Ma Lan, in particular, remained speechless for a protracted period before stammering, "Yes, it's... it's very lucrative..."

Ma Qing chuckled, "Sister, while you claim it's highly profitable, I genuinely question it. Father's teahouse, restaurant, onsen, and tourism company—four ventures combined—yield a mere two hundred-odd wen in monthly net profit. Yet, in less than a year of business, your dividends alone exceed ten million. How is that even remotely possible?"

Ma Lan's composure faltered. She had indeed amassed considerable wealth, though not as much as Ma Qing claimed. Moreover, the sum paid to Shouhou was not a dividend; a fact tacitly understood, yet unspoken.

Ma Qing glanced at me, a flicker of displeasure crossing her features. "Sister, what's the meaning of this? Are you envious of my earnings?"

Ma Qing laughed, her demeanor nonchalant and generous. "Sister, I merely inquired. Your substantial gains are nothing to begrudge; I congratulate you. However, I must caution you: Father disapproves of illicit activities. Profit is acceptable, but not at the expense of ethical boundaries. The consequences of transgression are dire; regret will follow only after the loss of freedom."

"Sister, are you cursing me? My wealth is earned honestly, through sweat and toil. My conscience is clear. Is jade gambling illegal? Is there a law prohibiting it? Sister, I know I've earned a great deal recently, and it displeases you. I've shared my earnings with the people of Dawax Village; they speak highly of me, causing you embarrassment, is that it? But I also sought to alleviate Father's burden. He's the last 'Da Guotou' of the Ma Bang; even in death, he'd ensure the Ma Bang are fed. Seeing his hardship, assisting him—what's wrong with that?" Ma Lan retorted angrily.

Ma Lan's words left Ma Qing visibly disconcerted. I observed Qian Guang's furrowed brow as well. I was perplexed by Ma Lan's statement, and quietly asked Qian Guang, "What does 'Da Guotou' mean?"

Qian Guang glared at me. "Da Guotou is the leader of the Ma Bang. The Ma Bang had its customs regarding meals. After the Ma Bang rested, the horses were fed first, then the men, demonstrating respect and care for the animals. The cooking fire faced the direction of the caravan's travel, the firewood meticulously arranged; burning firewood from both ends—symbolizing internal strife—was strictly forbidden. During meals, the Da Guotou sat opposite the cooking pot, facing the direction of travel. He served the first bowl of rice, evenly distributing the top layer to symbolize fairness, and ate first. He bore the responsibility of ensuring everyone was fed. Now you understand?"

Qian Guang's explanation enlightened me. I finally understood why the Seventh Master supported the Dawax people; it was a matter of obligation. As the Da Guotou, he was responsible for the Ma Bang, even after its dissolution. This revealed the Seventh Master's loyalty and integrity. I also understood why the Seventh Master forbade violence within the Ma Bang; it was like burning a stick from both ends, rapidly consuming one's lifespan.

My understanding of the Ma Bang, even as a Kunming native, was superficial. Only through deeper involvement could one truly grasp its essence. Yet, the more I learned, the more I recognized the Ma Bang as a legend. Even after its disbandment, its traditions persisted, upheld by the Seventh Master.

The confrontation between Ma Qing and Ma Lan was brief. Ma Qing offered an awkward smile. "If jade gambling is so lucrative, are there still poor people? Sister, let me advise you: Injustice will inevitably lead to self-destruction. Reflect on your actions."

Ma Lan attempted to respond, but I intervened, countering sharply, "Miss Ma, I find your words deeply offensive to my elder sister. What do you mean by 'injustice will inevitably lead to self-destruction'? Your words are nothing short of a curse. We gamble jade based on luck; we steal from no one, earning our living through traditional methods. How can that be considered 'injustice'? It's nothing but naked envy."

Ma Qing met my gaze, her disdain palpable. But I stood firm. This was my chance to belittle her. I wouldn't hesitate simply because she was beautiful. To elevate Ma Lan's standing in the Seventh Master's eyes, I had to confront Ma Qing.

"Qian Guang, your subordinate is exceedingly rude. Is this how he speaks to me?" Ma Qing said coldly.

Witnessing Ma Qing's anger for the first time, her chilling aloofness was unbearable. She didn't deign to address me directly, instead turning to Qian Guang. She felt I was beneath her notice.

It was deeply insulting.

Qian Guang looked at me. "Zhao Fei, be quiet..."

I was disheartened. Qian Guang was my elder; defying him would create internal discord and provide fodder for gossip, especially from Shouhou.

I retreated, my gaze fixed on Ma Qing. One day, I would make her look at me with respect.

The Seventh Master declared, "Ah Xin, jade gambling isn't illegal. The Ma Bang once traded in raw jade. Jade gambling depends on luck and skill. Your sister possesses luck; Zhao Fei, skill. Have no doubts. Henceforth, I entrust all my businesses to your management. Don't concern yourself with your sister's affairs."

The Seventh Master's words sent ripples through the room. Ma Lan's face contorted, tears welling up, her distress evident.

"Father, is this fair?" Ma Lan exclaimed, her voice laced with resentment.

Ma Qing observed her sister, her expression grim. "Father, Sister has a share in your businesses..."

The Seventh Master waved his hand dismissively. "Your sister has her own pursuits. If she wishes to forge her own path, I welcome it. She's spirited; she doesn't need my businesses."

Ma Lan fought back tears, but they flowed uncontrollably. I had never seen her so distraught. Her spirit was strong; only such profound injustice, such blatant favoritism displayed before everyone, could reduce her to this state.

The Seventh Master had effectively excluded her from his empire, making it clear to all that she had no claim to his holdings.

His partiality was undeniable.

Ma Lan, suddenly enraged, wiped away her tears. "Father, is this your final decision? Fine. Don't blame me for what follows. When I have the means, I will acquire your restaurant, your teahouse, everything. If you won't give it to me, I'll take it. I'll seize it. I tell you, I am your rightful heir. She may have received more education, but she knows nothing. I refuse to accept this."

Ma Lan's outburst stunned us all. The Seventh Master remained calm. "If you truly possess the capability, I, Ma Wu, will not have raised you in vain."

Ma Lan, bordering on frenzy, wiped her tears. "We'll see..."

With that, she stormed out, leaving a group of awkward onlookers. I noticed the Seventh Master's discomfort, his coughing fits. Qian Guang approached. "Seventh Master, should we call a doctor?"

"It's nothing, an old ailment. Qian Guang, I have high hopes for the jade gambling business, but one can't always win. Ma Lan is impulsive; I fear she'll suffer setbacks in her ventures. You're practically family now, perhaps even related in the future. Consider it assisting your sister-in-law; keep an eye on her."

Qian Guang exchanged a knowing glance with Ma Qing; their silent understanding was evident. I felt a pang of unease; the Seventh Master clearly viewed Qian Guang as his future son-in-law.

The situation was fraught with tension. My relationship with Ma Lan meant Ma Qing and I were destined to be adversaries. Ma Qing's potential marriage to Qian Guang, my elder brother, meant only one of us could survive. The outcome would be catastrophic.

While the Seventh Master showed partiality, he still instructed Qian Guang to look after Ma Lan, indicating his underlying concern. Why this contradiction? Perhaps only Ma Lan and the Seventh Master knew the answer. Maybe the Seventh Master once held high hopes for Ma Lan, but she had disappointed him, leading to his extreme reaction.

The Seventh Master retired to rest; Shouhou departed. Only we remained in the restaurant. Ma Qing saw us to the door. I watched from the car as she and Qian Guang exchanged sweet nothings in the rain. Their happiness was enviable. Ma Qing's beauty and grace were undeniable; no man could resist her. And her pride... it ignited a desire within me to conquer her.

"To the Jade City..."

Zhao Kui drove us to the Jade City. I knew Ma Qing would be there. She was fiercely independent. Having decided to reclaim her inheritance through forceful means, she would be monitoring her business. She yearned for a sudden influx of billions, but that was impossible.

Ambition exceeding one's capabilities.

Arriving at the Jade City, I found Ma Lan in her shop, berating her employees. Her harsh words and cruel taunts reduced her staff to tears.

I observed Sang Ling, her head bowed, watching me discreetly, though she remained strong, her eyes red-rimmed, evoking pity. Though tearless, her inner turmoil was evident.

I smiled encouragingly at Sang Ling; she returned a reassuring smile. Suddenly, Ma Lan fell silent, her gaze fixed on me, then angrily on Sang Ling. I knew trouble was brewing.

"Sang Ling, go distribute these flyers," Ma Lan ordered furiously.

Sang Ling, terrified, grabbed the flyers and left, passing me in the downpour. I felt a surge of guilt; I knew Ma Lan was being deliberate.

And I knew Ma Lan, in her rage, wouldn't spare me.