The King of Black Fog

"What does Second Master Li look like?"

"No one has seen him. It's said that once Commander Li rose to power, he sent him abroad. He has grown up now, and the family is urging him to marry. He only returned not long ago."

"I wonder what carefree days he lived while he was overseas."

"I heard—and you didn't hear this from me—that he's back to contend for power. Commander Li is considering a successor."

"With the eldest son of the Li family around, is there a chance for this second son?"

"You always have to have a look, right? What if he turns out to be more outstanding?"

The ball had already begun, but the atmosphere was as if it hadn't, with the record player endlessly playing the preludes. The person in the record was waiting for the second young master of the Li family to arrive before they would start to sing.

The host of Lin Mansion, Lin Ziwen, dressed in a black long gown and wearing round-framed Western glasses, was not only a scholar from the previous dynasty but also an entrepreneur, having opened a private bank and factories.

But compared to the Li Clan warlords who dominated Song City, Ming City, and Yong City, his presence was far less formidable. Families and entrepreneurs of such caliber had been confiscated and nationalized who knows how many times.

The marriage agreement had been casually set when Commander Li had not yet risen to prominence. Neither Commander Li nor Lin Ziwen had expected his meteoric rise.

For this marriage, Commander Li's stance was indifferent; it all depended on whether his son liked her or not. But Lin Ziwen was holding on tight, especially now, it was like a lifeline in a deep well.

Behind him stood Mrs. Lin and their third daughter, Lin Yin.

"Ah Yin," Mrs. Lin whispered instructions to her daughter, "I've already told you about our situation at home. Right now, the only way to get through this is to rely on this second master."

Lin Yin nodded slightly, her face somewhat pale.

Mrs. Lin looked at her daughter, her heart aching with pity, she comforted her, "This Second Master Li is educated; he's not like his elder brother."

Li Bichang, the eldest son of the Li family, would shoot people at the slightest disagreement.

The most infamous incident was on the day he took a concubine, he placed an apple on the bride's head and used his gun to shoot it, saying he wanted the woman to first witness another kind of marksmanship of his.

As the gunshot rang out, the apple shattered, and the bride fainted from fright. The eldest Li son laughed heartily, then throwing his gun to his subordinate, he carried the concubine to the bridal chamber.

Commander Li did not shoot his women; he used household rules—any woman who entered his door was first tied to a chair and whipped, to teach them discipline—a concubine once had her legs whipped until they were injured.

In 1928, women could receive education and go to dance halls. The demand for adherence to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues had lessened; they weren't necessarily expected to read "The Lessons for Women", but they still couldn't escape the predicament of depending on their father's family before marriage and their husband's family afterward.

As the son of Commander Li and the younger brother of the eldest Li son, Li Changzhou was truly worrisome. If he also fancied showing women his marksmanship or establishing rules, that would be living hell.

But for the sake of her family...

Lin Yin was pursing her lips when suddenly a servant called out from outside the door, "Second Master Li has arrived—"

Inside the living room, it was as though the record player paused for a moment; everyone's gaze turned simultaneously to the door.

Lin Yin saw her father straighten his long gown collar and the ladies and mistresses tidy up their freshly styled hair from the barbershop. Turning around, her mother straightened her sleeves.

"Relax, don't be nervous," Mrs. Lin advised softly.

Lin Yin took a deep breath and revealed a faint smile.

As Mrs. Lin returned to her place, a man entered from beyond the door.

Dressed in a suit and holding a cane, his figure was tall and erect, taller than most men. With handsome features and graceful demeanor, he was the very picture of a debonair gentleman.

The main character had finally made his entrance.

Mrs. Lin gave Lin Yin a little nudge and a meaningful glance, implying he looked good, encouraging her to be enthusiastic and proactive later.

Lin Yin's heart relaxed slightly; although looks aren't everything, if her future husband was more handsome and refined, that was naturally better.

The ladies and mistresses around her were also whispering to each other, their eyes gleaming as wolves spotting a lamb.

"Changzhou!" Lin Ziwen greeted with a laugh as he stepped forward.

Li Changzhou withdrew his gaze from looking around and also stepped forward with a smile, "Uncle Lin, sorry for being late!"

Their hands clasped together, you would think they were a father-son reunion.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Ziwen stepped aside and introduced, "This is Ah Yin. Ah Yin, this is Commander Li's second son, and your betrothed, Changzhou."

Lin Yin lowered her body in a curtsey, "Lin Yin pays respect to Second Brother."

"No need to be so formal, Sister Lin," Li Changzhou replied with a bright smile.

He sized up Lin Yin; petite in stature with fair, delicate skin, wearing an elegantly made satin dress, bright eyes and white teeth, and a natural scholarly air like a tranquil water lily.

He looked at her, not because he cared, but simply out of interest in an "antique". Lin Ziwen was also observed in this way.

Following the greetings, Lin Ziwen introduced him to others, including Lin Yin's older sisters who were already married.

Some women, fond of foreign films or even those who had studied abroad, spoke to him in English with candid affection, discussing life overseas.

Li Changzhou talked about the sky in Colombia, as blue as a robin's egg, the experience of milking a cow himself, the gold used in Italian churches, the volcanoes of Sicily, and sailboats.

After the small talk, naturally, it was time to dance at the ball.

This ball was prepared for Li Changzhou and Lin Yin, and the two of them were expected to dance together.

"Changzhou, you must have attended many balls abroad. Could you teach our Ah Yin? This girl is always absorbed in books and painting, and if no one asks her, she can play the piano for an entire afternoon!" Mrs. Lin said cheerfully.

"Mother~" Lin Yin was a little exasperated.

This wasn't about teaching someone to dance; this was showing off and promoting her.

"Let's skip the dancing," Li Changzhou laughed.

The surrounding crowd instantly quieted down by half, and Lin Ziwen's heart skipped a beat.

"I injured my foot a few days ago and it's inconvenient for me to move around. If Sister Lin doesn't mind, we could chat on the side. I'm not very familiar with the current situation in the country, perhaps Sister Lin could be my temporary teacher."

"Great! Great!" Lin Ziwen laughed again, "Ah Yin, why don't you show Changzhou around? Also, don't go to school these few days; spend some time with Changzhou to get familiar with the domestic scene, go see some movies, listen to plays!"

After Li Changzhou and Lin Yin exchanged courtesies with those around, they made their way to a corner.

Both took a glass of iced mint julep.

"Are Brother Li's feet okay?" Lin Yin asked.

"They don't affect walking, just can't dance." Li Changzhou took a sip of mint liquor.

As he hadn't drunk it before, he didn't know the difference between this liquor from 100 years ago and that from 100 years later.

"Then rest well, you can't be careless just because it's not very serious."

After some small talk, Lin Yin suddenly asked, "Brother Li, did the Commander assign you any tasks when you came back this time?"

Li Changzhou nodded, but didn't elaborate.

Li Bichang followed the Commander to the military, making his way in the army ranks. Li Changzhou, upon his return, was tasked with reorganizing Song City to make it a stronghold for the Li Clan.

Song City had only recently been seized, with chaotic powers within the city: the concessions were invulnerable to any law, martial arts schools ruled over certain areas, and the financial sector relied on threats—a power beyond mere finances.

Although the Li Clan was a strong force coming from across the river, whether they could handle these local snakes was another question; this was also a test of Li Changzhou's ability by the Commander.

"What do you think about the current women's movement, Brother Li?" Lin Yin stared into Li Changzhou's eyes.

"The women's movement?"

"Women's liberation, gender equality, have you heard of it?"

"I've heard of it."

"What do you think, Brother Li?"

"It's good," Li Changzhou nodded.

Lin Yin saw indifference and disinterest on his face.

Of course, Li Changzhou wasn't concerned. This was not really the past. What use was there in caring? Moreover, he had far more important things to tend to by a thousandfold—finding his sister and Yang Qinglan.

A dance without dancing was boring, and although a pretty girl with a scholarly aura and a petite and delicate figure sat beside him, it was a pity that Li Changzhou wasn't interested. If not for wanting to integrate into the era as soon as possible, he would have left halfway through using any excuse.

Finally having endured till the end of the ball, he immediately took his leave.

He had already figured out how to find Yang Qinglan and Li Qianxia.

The newspaper industry was very developed during this era. As long as he got a sizable publication to print news of Li Changzhou's return to the country, the two of them would naturally come looking for him—keeping an eye on newspapers as the best way to understand the era (at least Yang Qinglan would).

Such a method could only be used now. He had to find a better way to stay in touch, in case he ended up in an era where communication was more primitive.

Besides, he had to be careful of those holding Black Cards. These people could also learn about him through newspapers.

With these thoughts in mind, he walked towards the car that already had its door open.

"Bang!"

In the darkness, a flash of fire, followed by a gunshot.

The guests were stunned for a moment before letting out panicked screams and running towards the inside of the building.

Lin Ziwen and Lin Yin, with their bodyguards protecting them, escaped.

As Lin Ziwen ran, he even shouted, "Nephew Changzhou!"

"Second Master!" Liu De came over with six armed guards, swarming around Li Changzhou.

"I'm fine," Li Changzhou said, not getting into the car but looking towards the direction the gunshot came from, where a figure was scrambling into a car trying to escape.

"Catch him!" Liu De ordered, and the six guards rushed out instantly, drawing their guns and shooting at the assassin's car.

The gunfire rolled back and forth in the night, stirring everything.

Li Changzhou suddenly cocked his head to the side.

"Second Master, watch out!" Liu De lunged and pulled Li Changzhou out of the way.

"Bang!"

Another gunshot rang out, from a parking valet. Even though the assassination had failed, his look was still sharp and cold.

He continued shooting, cornering Li Changzhou and Liu De behind the car.

Li Changzhou was slightly surprised by Liu De's combat skills; it seemed this era also had its masters.

This was a good opportunity to test the martial prowess of this world.

"Liu De, are you confident you can kill him?" Li Changzhou asked.

"I can, but you, Second Master—"

"I'm fine, go!"

Liu De licked his dry lips and insisted, "Then, Second Master, hide in the car while I go kill the assassin!"

"Alright!" Li Changzhou didn't want to distract Liu De and was curious to see his full capability.

Liu De helped Li Changzhou into the car and locked the door securely, then scanned the surroundings. After a two-second wait, he suddenly rolled out like a snake and sprang forward.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The gunshots followed his movements step by step but were always a step slower than Liu De.

As Liu De got closer, the assassin fired a few shots in panic, then pulled out a Dagger. Like a tiger spreading its claws, he lunged at Liu De.

Liu De somehow also produced a Dagger.

As the Daggers clashed, sparks flew everywhere, and the swift blade lights in the night were incredible. In a blink, the two had exchanged more than ten blows.

Li Changzhou was watching with great interest when suddenly a figure appeared beside him, as if a layer of the night had been peeled away.

The cold sensation of a short knife touched his neck.

"Wait!" Li Changzhou raised his hands, clearly frightened, "Take me to your boss, we can talk it out, whatever it is."