Qinghe County.
Once inside, Li Hao along with his three companions walked randomly across the street.
There were shops, and big houses where people lived. It was bustling with life. Li Hao in his previous world had lived in a more advanced environment. Hence, not feeling much, but that was not the case for Da Zhuang, Er Gouzi, and Xiao Niu. Although, they had visited few times, everytime upon arriving, their minds could not help but feel awed by the scenery here.
Li Hao was focused on searching for a place to sell the goods. "Are there any pawn shops around here?" His question was aimed at the three bandits.
Xiao Niu's brow furrowed, as if under deep thought. "I remember there being a famous treasure house…Its name should be Eastern something."
Li Hao nodded. "Let's ask someone."
Just as they turned to a corner, a person appeared in view. It was a hunched back old man selling dumplings on a corner of the street. The four of them approached him. "Uncle, is there any famous treasure house around here?"
The old man seemed kind and amiable. Not minding their presence, he answered politely. "There is an Eastern Dawn Pavilion in the south-east direction."
'Eastern Dawn Pavilion…'
Li Hao's eye shined. "Uncle, pack four dumplings for us!"
"On it!"
The old man became a bit spirited. After handing the take out, his eyes shifted as if thinking something. "Be careful young man. I've heard even the county magistrate dares not offend that pavilion."
"Oh, thanks for the information. Consider this a tip."
The young man (Li Hao) tossed over some silver coins. After counting the coins, a satisfied smile appeared on the old man's face. "My good-for-nothing son will accompany you there."
As he said so, his finger pointed towards a thin-bodied young man standing behind him. Upon being mentioned as a good-for-nothing, the son seemed embarrassed, but still managed to form a smile and nod at Li Hao and his three bandit followers. "I shall take you there."
"Alright brother, please." Li Hao nonchalantly added him to the group.
…
Few minutes later,
Five of them walked silently across the noisy street. Hawkers shouting, blacksmiths hammering things to make something unknown to Li Hao, scholars in worn out blue robes having an argument, pedestrians in ancient outfits conversing with restraint, some bare-bodied martial artist showcasing their strength for work. All these could be observed by Li Hao.
In such an atmosphere, Li Hao felt a sense of calmness that was not present in the modern environment full of buildings and neon light from his previous world.
'What am I even thinking?'
Shaking his head, a self-deprecating smile emerged on his face.
'Irrespective of any flaws, home is still home.'
If given a choice, he would gladly choose to return to his previous world. Modern technology and various industry were leagues ahead. Plus, his family, friends were all still there, maybe waiting for him.
Although, he was currently in an ancient civilization, it was difficult for him to get used to speaking with formal demeaner. So, his modern language and accent surfaced most of the time.
As thoughts drifted, Da Zhuang suddenly walked ahead and slapped the back of the thin-bodied young man at the front. All four of them noticed the slight tremble around his body.
"Don't be so nervous young man! We are not bad people. What is your name?"
The young man paused his steps, turned around and stared directly at Da Zhuang.
"My name is Li Wenxu. I am not nervous. Many thanks for your consideration."
'Hmm…Is this an attitude?'
Li Hao bliked his eyes and stared silently at the thin-bodied young man named Li Wenxu.
'This guy does not fear Da Zhuang even with the size difference. That's quite something.'
In this ancient civilization, people had no access to internet. Hence, having low exposure which is usually limited to the small environment around them. People would be shocked to see something unique.
Da Zhuang's height reached atleast seven feet. This was too unique, even for Li Hao. These ancient people should feel fear. Yet, Li Wenxu reamined calm, instead showing anger at him as well.
Li Hao's eyes kept staring at him. Rough, tanned skin, Worn out, faded clothes. Observing him as a whole, an inexplicable sigh escaped from Li Hao's mouth. One sentence perfectly described Li Wenxu's situation. 'A man borned into obscurity, seeking to write his own legacy despite fate's limit.'
…
While they were conversing, across the street various chatters could be heard. Suddenly, a group of pedestrians starting heading towards a certain direction. This quickly garnered attention from Li Hao and his group of four. He hurriedly caught one by his shoulder and asked about this situation.
The one who was stopped became irritated, but upon noticing Da Zhuang chose to forgive them.
Cough!Cough!
"Brother, how can you not know? The County magistrate is hiring healthy and talented young people emerging from his territory to train them in martial arts and give them jobs as temporary soldiers for the dynasty. It seems the dynasty is planning something big."
'...'
After receiving the information, he let go of the man's shoulder. Upon being released, the man quickly ran away. Li Hao ignored him as his mind was on something else entirely. His heart was beating rapidly. 'Is this preparation by the dynasty to eliminate all rebel group and bandits?'
The faces of four bandits changed from relaxed to alert. Li Wenxu looked at them with curiosity.
Xiao Niu became the first to break the silence among the now silent group.
"Why would the dynasty suddenly require temporary soldiers?" Da Zhuang was also curious about this.
Li Hao, he stared directly at Er Gouzi. He was the most knowledgeable among them. This could be noticed from a frown on his face. As if processing information from memory.
Er Gouzi at the moment was thinking hard about something. 'This is not good. The Young leader is expecting something! I must provide an explanation. Think Gouzi! Think!'
Suddenly, an insight hit him!
"Within the Qing Dynasty, rebel groups are emerging like clouds in the sky. Some are even dangerous enough to threaten the dynasty."
He actually managed to come up with something! And, it even seemed like the most probable assumption!
Er Gouzi felt slightly proud. Others looked at him with admiration.
"As expected of Gouzi! He is truly remarkable!"