Chapter 54
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: #Yu Sowakwi (有所作爲) (3), Camp Roberts
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The Triad leader said.
“In Atascadero, we owe you a great debt. If not for you, sir, recovering the bodies would’ve been delayed by days. It wouldn’t have been proper respect for those who died righteously.”
Days. Even after that report of losses, they still had people to spare? Winter played along, pretending not to notice Li Chinjen’s bravado.
“It was only natural. Nationality and affiliation aside, it was heartbreaking as fellow humans.”
“Fellow humans... That’s chivalry. The spirit of the 「Triads」. You’re not our brother, but you possess qualifications superior to any brother.”
“Such high praise embarrasses me. It’s just basic human decency.”
“Sir, that’s something to be proud of. Too many lack such decency, don’t they? Petty villains who turn others’ hardships into their opportunities. Insidious, scheming types.”
This from a criminal. Chinese crime syndicates like the 「Triads」 were infamous overseas for devouring their own compatriots. Now it was the 「Triads」’ turn to be devoured.
‘Well, others’ affairs are scandals; mine are romances.’
Winter replied with outward gentleness.
“I despise those people too. But my abilities have limits, so I can only stand by and watch their atrocities. Protecting even those close to me is a struggle.”
As the boy kept deflecting with humility, the old man—who’d thrown only metaphors till now—grew more direct.
“Music to my ears. I share your outrage toward them. Our minds align perfectly, so drawing closer would benefit us both immensely.”
With that assertion made, he turned not to Winter, but to his daughter.
“Ai-ling, what do you think?”
Standing a few paces away, she looked mildly surprised at being called upon. But she soon composed herself and replied calmly.
“Father’s right. No need for anything more. A virtuous person governs others simply by existing.”
His name value alone would provide ample security. His needless comings and goings would sufficiently provoke other organizations’ wariness. It reflected the 「Triads」’ mindset of prioritizing self-preservation.
‘He wouldn’t drag his daughter into this conversation for no reason.’
Wary of the old man’s intentions, Winter offered a counterpoint.
“My view differs slightly. To flaunt the relationship, we need a major incident. We must demonstrate that the 「Triads」 and 「Winter Alliance」 can truly pool strength for shared goals. Consider how many ‘friendships’ exist only in name.”
He paused to catch his breath, then continued.
“One more thing. For the sake of 「Triads」 and 「Winter Alliance」 members alike, we need a joint endeavor. Koreans say children’s squabbles become parents’ feuds. I’m no parent to the alliance members, but personal grudges can escalate into organizational conflicts.”
This was a point he’d raised back when Li Ai-ling first visited.
Winter summed up his thoughts.
“In essence, for the 「Triads」 and 「Winter Alliance」 to feel true solidarity, shouldn’t we provide each other tangible aid?”
Don’t hold back—put resources where needed.
The 「Triads」 were indeed necessary. They’d serve as a conduit for exerting influence over the Chinese community. Still, starting off like this warranted reevaluation.
“Well put, every word.”
Li Chinjen agreed more readily than expected. But that wasn’t the end.
“However, there’s another path.”
“Another path?”
“The surest way to forge unbreakable bonds is to become one family, no?”
There it was.
The situation had changed since before. Ai-ling’s initial proposal came with 「Winter Alliance」 subordination as a condition. Now it was an equal alliance, with the 「Triads」 in greater need.
It wasn’t a bad option, really. Few ties were as solid as marriage. As an insider rather than an outsider, wielding influence over the 「Triads」 would feel more organic.
Yet he disliked it.
‘Why?’
He couldn’t quite say. He had a vague inkling, but there was no time for deep reflection.
“No.”
He refused on reflex, then quickly followed up to smooth it over.
“Just days ago, so many died. You summoned me for that very reason, didn’t you? The 「Triads」 are blood brothers. Can a single household mix mourning and celebration? I believe we should focus on commemorating the fallen.”
Blood brothers wasn’t hyperbole. Their initiation rite involved passing cups filled with blood instead of liquor—rooster’s blood, to be precise.
Ai-ling’s expression soured briefly, but eased at Winter’s explanation.
“You’re right. Father, we should table this for now.”
Yet Li Chinjen had another justification ready.
“Confucius said rites serve the living. Mourning rituals are truly meant to bolster survivors. Death cannot conquer life. Sir, in these times when nothing is as before, we lead people gripped by daily anxiety. Don’t cling to formality—consider what people truly need.”
Unexpected straight talk. The Triad leader elaborated.
“Our fallen brothers were righteous men. They won’t close their eyes in worry over the living. For their sake too, we need a joyous occasion. A true celebration for both living and dead. Welcoming a man of your caliber as a brother would let them depart in peace.”
Even as a crime syndicate head, the old man hadn’t wasted his years. Winter revised his assessment—not favorably, but as a warning not to underestimate him.
Winter had bought time, though. Enough to grasp that vague source of revulsion. Now he understood the instinctive rejection.
“People aren’t merchandise.”
“Hm?”
Winter spoke calmly to the puzzled Li Chinjen.
“Don’t sell your daughter. Children aren’t parental property, nor disposable assets. Least of all expendable tools for running an organization. Marriage stakes a lifetime of happiness. A union just to please others is absurd.”
“Sir, you’re complicating what’s simply ‘no to loveless marriage.’”
“No, it’s different. You frame it as a personal matter; I’m speaking to more universal... human rights.”
“I understand.”
Li Chinjen chuckled heartily.
“Your youth shines through anew. You’re right, of course. But life rarely goes as planned. Compromising with reality isn’t optional—it’s essential. Marriage is merely one such compromise.”
Childish treatment. Winter pressed on.
“No. Even for future children, it can’t be that way. A loveless home is hell for kids.”
“Sounds like personal experience.”
The man who hadn’t squandered his years possessed life-honed 「Insight」.
“My apologies. I was imprudent. And... I find myself trusting you more on a personal level now.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Winter sharpened his vigilance. Those words could also mean ‘easy to manipulate.’ Among the untrustworthy, praise warranted more caution than criticism. He couldn’t forget this affable old man led the Triads.
“If that’s the case, so be it. Let’s discuss alternatives.”
From that pivot, the conversation shed its early veil of euphemisms and implications. It turned stark and plain, pushing limits while saving face.
“Teacher Han’s external ops have a reputation for high success and safety. You braved danger to rescue U.S. troops from the 「Grumbles」, and spotted the trap before anyone in the clash with the 「Tricksters」.”
The ask was obvious: Safeguard the 「Triads」’ U.S. military support personnel and help elevate NCOs or officers among them.
“You know it’s not entirely up to me. I lack authority over op composition. I can make recommendations, though.”
“Good, good. That suffices. Leave the rest to the 「Triads」. We have our methods. You’ll come to appreciate the value of our cooperation in all sorts of ways.”
Fair enough. Winter saw the logic. Deploying nearly a hundred solo to Atascadero implied pull with camp leadership.
‘Likely Bravo Company...’
Any unit exceeding 10% losses should rotate rearward. Bravo couldn’t run external ops for a while. Still, they could flex influence in admin. Perhaps the 「Triads」 reached higher echelons.
No surprise, given their past dominion over the 「Black Society」.
“Above all, you can submit training schedules. We know your 「Winter Alliance」 combat teams trek to San Miguel—impossible for other groups. Camp command permits it out of trust in you, Teacher Han. A touch of flexibility, and our brothers could train under you too.”
“Understood. That said, 「Winter Alliance」 comes first. We’re just expanding, so generous quotas are tough. My command capacity is limited. Please bear with us.”
“I understand. Regrettably, there’s only one Teacher Han.”
As cooperation solidified, the mood grew ever more cordial. Li Chinjen’s “good, good” affirmations multiplied.
At this juncture, Winter requested introductions for training candidates. Given the 「Triads」’ straits, they’d likely fight alongside in real ops. Better to vet them upfront.
“Gentlemen, remove your shirts.”
The summoned men looked awkward. But at Li Chinjen’s glance, they reluctantly exposed chests and backs in turn. Winter probed the criminal tales etched in their skin.
“What does this symbol mean?”
Their answers were mostly dishonest.
Maxed-out human-limit 「Insight」 and 「Discernment」 sifted truth from lies.
The near-sealed deal teetered on collapse. As Winter kept rejecting, Li Chinjen finally lost his cool.
“Those you’ve turned down are the 「Triads」’ finest warriors! Discard them all—what force do you plan to build? This isn’t sincere cooperation!”
“Sir. I must speak plainly.”
Winter drove the point home in a whisper for his ears alone.
“If you wish long-term cooperation with the 「Winter Alliance」, pursue no more unjust gains. Your current straits prevent it now, but going forward, you must refrain. You said it yourself—chivalry is the 「Triads」’ spirit.”
“Mmm...”
Li Chinjen swallowed his ire. Both knew chivalry talk rang hollow. Yet it landed. A Chinese trait: valuing face.
Unjust grudges would linger regardless. To preempt, Winter bowed with sincerity.
“I’m not toying with you. Even the 「Winter Alliance」’s first combat team was selected this way—physically lacking, but upright of heart. You already know this, sir.”
“...I do.”
“This is my method, my very best.”
Before the bowing Winter, the Triad leader fell silent. With subordinates watching, this was the limit.
Organizations are tools for human survival. People Winter chose and nurtured would gain sway, shifting the atmosphere.
One person complicated Winter’s inspections.
“Should I remove my top as well?”
“No...”
It was Li Ai-ling.
Winter asked the leader.
“Are you truly sending your daughter?”
Not out of familial concern, but because she struck him as a classic admin executive. Competent administrators were vital assets—like the two chiefs he valued.
“She must set an example.”
A subtle reluctance seeped from Li Chinjen’s nonchalant reply. The mood demanded the leader’s direct kin lead by example.
He added one more line.
“Train her well. She’s got solid Tai Chi foundation—won’t just drag you down. If she grows on you, take her along.”
“I’ll go easy.”
Winter replied vaguely and approved Ai-ling’s participation.
The final task: Requesting intel sharing.
“You were once head of the 「Black Society」. I assume you hold information I need.”
“Stories too precious to give freely...”
“Either way, the 「Winter Alliance」 can’t afford trouble for a while.”
“Then consider yourself owing me one.”
No need to spell out queries. The leader already knew. As Ai-ling compiled essentials into a booklet, Li Chinjen told Winter.
“Beware the 「Full Gospel Church」. Couldn’t pierce their internals. Dismissed it as a Korean enclave affair before, but now boatmates with the 「Winter Alliance」, it feels ominous anew.”
“Already on guard.”
“I believe you.”
Moments later, the booklet was handed over. Winter confirmed one 「Damul Prosperity Society」 drug pipeline led to the Chinese group 「Anliang Gongshanghui」—one of the 「Triads」’ adversaries.
He recalled intel from the 「Sumiyoshi-kai」. Some Korean contacts matched.
‘Crushing the producers seems surest.’
A potent warning to Triad foes.
They were under Captain Markert’s wing, so a clean hit would yield more gain than loss.
‘How to handle it...’
Winter mulled it over.
============================ Author's Note ============================
In Triad initiation rites, they mix rooster blood into the cups instead of liquor. The rooster crows at sunrise, seen as brimming with yang energy, granting the drinker ferocity (from talons) and wisdom (comb resembles an official’s hat). They probably don’t truly believe it brings those effects. It’s just tradition.