The Chief Detective Inspector is dead. I'm now the top police officer in Hong Kong!

Chapter 74 Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Trustworthiness (27)

Although "earning interest" is riskier than "earning money"—first, you have to invest money, and second, there's the risk of the stock market crashing and the funds collapsing—at least you can sit back and wait for money without taking any business risks. This still holds great appeal for people like Huang Qixian, Qiao Jingxing, and Pu Yongshi.

Even knowing it's a Ponzi scheme, countless people are willing to disregard the risks and invest for profit, demonstrating humanity's insatiable greed for "rent." Moreover, with the backing of power and Lin Tiansheng's guarantee, most people are willing to give it a try.

Huang Qixian was the first to show his support, nodding and saying, "If we can't collect rent, it's good to collect interest. Let's try it for a year first."

Hong Baolian nodded in agreement: "A year is not a short time, but it's not long either. Whether we can make it work or not, we can see as we go."

Qiao Jingxing looked around at everyone and finally spoke up: "I think it's OK."

Ren Chaoxiong, Pu Yongshi, and the others all nodded, indicating their willingness to accept. Having money is better than having no money, and having a plan is better than having no plan.

Before they have better options, following Lin Tiansheng to try a new direction is a step forward. Ultimately, if they want to bind the remnants of the defeated army and form a new community of interests, they need to open a path to wealth, giving everyone hope of getting rich.

If they don't make money, what's the point of being an official? They won't come even if you invite them!
A 12% profit margin isn't exactly exorbitant, but given their current situation, the fact that their wealth is gradually increasing is already a sign of turning the tide.

Based on his record in West Kowloon, Lin Tiansheng temporarily gained everyone's trust. He stood up and said, "Tomorrow, I will have the accountant contact you all. Each of you officers can decide how much to bet. Those who are willing to walk with me should stand up and pray to the gods to show their sincerity."

Huang Qixian was the first to stand up, followed by Qiao Jingxing, Hong Baolian, Pu Yongshi, Pi Zhibang, and eleven others, five in the front row and six in the back.

There are sergeants like Chung Chi-wai who used to be under his command but have now risen to the top; there are newcomers like Yam Chiu-hung and To Si-yip who hesitated before the New Territories riots but later made decisive choices; and there are also Chief Inspectors Kiu King-hang and Po Wing-se.

Some were dressed in suits and ties, wearing glasses and exuding a refined and cultured air; others wore shirts with t-shirts underneath and gold watches, looking quite rugged.

Some were dressed in military uniforms, with police ranks hanging from their waists, their hats removed, their faces serious. Others, cigarettes dangling from their lips, stood lost in thought, their hearts filled with emotion.

Regardless of their intentions, the remnants of the army ultimately stood behind Lin Tiansheng, took the three sticks of incense, and raised them high above their heads.

Lin Tiansheng said loudly, "We brothers, united in purpose, form an alliance, advance and retreat together, and swear thirty-six oaths."

"Those who break this oath will be hacked to pieces and condemned to eternal damnation!"

An alliance oath differs from a blood oath; the former emphasizes shared interests and working together. The latter, however, involves entrusting one's life and fortune to another, promising to depend on each other for life.

An organization often emphasizes both rules and rituals, and forming alliances through oaths and strengthening relationships is a common practice for organizations of all sizes.

The corrupt police officers had made even more oaths in the past, some on much larger scale. The people present were already used to it and shouted along, "We brothers, united in purpose, swear thirty-six oaths."

"Those who break this oath will be hacked to pieces and condemned to eternal damnation!"

Although the Thirty-Six Oaths are said to be the rules of the Hongmen, there are quite a few corrupt police officers who have joined the Hongmen. Since Brother Lok's time, the police force has been worshipping Guan Yu and making the Thirty-Six Oaths.

However, the title "Hongmen" was removed, and only the Second Master wearing red official boots was worshipped.

In the cultural sphere of the southern coastal areas of China, Guan Yu and Mazu are two major deities. Mazu is believed to bring peace and safety, while Guan Yu is believed to bring success and prosperity.

People in the martial arts world worship "Guan Yu" in straw sandals and green robes, comparing him to Guan Yu, the man who killed and fled, and whose loyalty and righteousness were unparalleled.

Police officers and politicians worship the "Marquis of Hanshou," dressed in official boots and armor, with a sash and seal, hoping for a smooth career. Businessmen and bosses worship the "Loyal and Martial Emperor," dressed in imperial attire and seated on a dragon throne, a figure derived from the Qing Dynasty New Year painting "Upper Pass, Lower Wealth," hoping for good fortune and abundant wealth.

This is precisely the evolution of "Guan Sheng Culture" in different periods.

When Lin Tiansheng took the lead, and Qiao Jingxing, Pu Yongshi, Huang Qixian and others placed incense sticks into the bronze censer in turn, the hierarchy was officially established, and the reorganization of the remnants was initially completed.

New signboard, new political line, new operating principles
The next step is actually to clarify the deputies and their ranks, but since the person in charge doesn't speak up, no one dares to bring it up.

Fearing that Lin Tiansheng might not be familiar with the meeting's pace, Huang Qixian specially rummaged through the cabinet and found a ream of slightly yellowed Xuan paper, which he spread on the table. He also brought over a brush holder, ink stick, inkstone, and paperweight.

The four treasures of the study were all present, indicating that many people used to inscribe calligraphy in teahouses.

Finally, he handed a calligraphy brush to Lin Tiansheng in front of him and said, "Young Master Sheng is going to change the signboard. For the sake of our brothers' new business, write a word and hang it up."

Lin Tiansheng took the brush, stood in front of the table, focused his energy, and with a strong wrist, wrote four large characters: Benevolent and Righteous Teahouse.

Add another line of smaller characters: Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness; harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity!
Signed: Lin Tiansheng.

People born after the millennium may rarely learn calligraphy, but before the 90s, calligraphy was a very popular extracurricular activity.

When I was a child, anyone who had received an education had the opportunity to learn a few skills.

Lin Tiansheng's calligraphy lacks a distinctive style, but it's neither particularly good nor bad, though it carries a touch of heroic spirit. Having worked in the martial arts world for two lifetimes, some things are ingrained in his bones and thus find their way into his writing.

While the ink was drying, Huang Qixian whispered to the side, "Young Master Sheng, Qiao Sir, and Pu Sir, it's time to arrange their positions."

Lin Tiansheng nodded slightly, indicating that he understood. After the team meeting, seating arrangements would definitely need to be determined, otherwise infighting could easily occur.

Seeing that he had a good idea, Huang Qixian stopped talking and waited for the ink to dry slightly before beckoning Zhihui to come up and holding up the Xuan paper.

The people drinking tea at their seats looked up and saw the four characters "Renyi Teahouse," and they all nodded. They said that the calligraphy would be sent for carving the next day and then hung on the door of the teahouse.

Once the signboard is hung up, the teahouse is officially called Tuodi. Once Tuodi opens, everyone in the underworld will know that the remnants of the gang have made a comeback!
"it is good."

Qiao Jingxing spoke emphatically, it was unclear whether he was referring to the quality of his handwriting or the quality of his work.

Lin Tiansheng sat back in the dragon-head chair, gripping the armrests, and looked around at everyone. For his age, he was neither naive nor premature; he had weathered all the storms and experienced all the glory. He was now at the peak of his energy and maturity, perfectly suited to lead everyone in battle!
“When Brother Lok was in charge, he oversaw four districts and more than three thousand plainclothes officers. Any major issues would be proposed by Brother Lok and discussed with the other three chief detectives. Once a decision was made, everyone in the Criminal Investigation Department would obey his orders.”

“Currently, we have a total of twelve people, and we manage more than three hundred police officers. For emergency matters, I, Inspector Qiao, Inspector Pu, and I jointly make decisions and draft them into a document, and then we convene everyone to vote on them. If a majority vote is required, it will be approved.”

"During the meeting, as the administrative secretary, Mr. Wong, you can submit any proposals you have to him, and then everyone can vote on them, how about that?"

This is equivalent to forming a "three-person leadership group" plus a four-person power body with an opinion representative. Everyone below has the right to vote and is a core member. In the future, as the organization grows and expands, not to mention replacements, just one vote is worth more than a thousand gold pieces.

Recognition and respect are the only rights he can offer.

(End of this chapter)