Chapter 005: The Desire of the Starry Night

Su Chen fell silent, unsure of how to comfort A Chou

No danger could be more lethal than his illness of blue stone tears

Even without asking about the ransom, he knows that to redeem someone from a brothel requires an unimaginable sum of money, at least a dozen taels, or even several dozen taels of silver

I did not come to the county town this time to sell fish, but to run away from home

Two youths huddled together in a pile of straw, the warmth enveloping them, creating an incredibly comfortable atmosphere

However, in the county town, without any relatives or acquaintances, I had nowhere to stay for the time being. I could only seek help from my brother A Chou, at least to have a place to shelter and a meal to eat, so as not to starve or freeze to death on the streets of the county town

It is not that Ah Chou is useless; this is simply not an amount of silver that a twelve or thirteen-year-old errand boy in an inn could earn.

However, if you sell yourself to a wealthy family, you become the lowest of the low, a mere servant. If you make a mistake, you could be beaten to death by your master, and no one would come to your aid. At most, the authorities would impose a fine of one or two silver coins on the master.

Each one is round and smooth like a teardrop, seemingly emanating a soft, azure glow, quite mysterious

This ailment of the blue stone tears has been a source of distress for him since childhood, and he has never easily mentioned it to others, which is why A Chou was unaware of it before

After chatting for one or two hours, Su Chen and A Chou said they were tired, and drowsiness began to set in, causing the small cabin to gradually fall silent

Su Chen cured his strange illness, no longer becoming a burden to his family. He returned to his hometown of Zhouzhuang, where he was highly respected and revered by the fishermen. He became a source of pride for his parents and siblings, serving as the pillar of the family

The inn's young attendant can hardly earn any money; only by venturing into the world and becoming a great hero can one achieve great wealth and prosperity

If a servant from a prominent family in the county dies, the county office will send officials to inquire about the cause of death and impose a fine. However, when a person from a gang dies, the county office turns a blind eye and does not intervene, pretending not to have seen anything

Su Chen curled his lips in a bitter smile and shook his head, saying: "It definitely isn't a gem; otherwise, the doctors at the pharmacy would recognize it, right? My father once took it to ask the old master of the Hanshan Taoist temple, who is known for his great abilities, but even he couldn't discern its nature. If it were truly valuable, Master Hanshan would have recognized it at a glance. Our family wouldn't have to worry about the money to buy ginseng and medicinal herbs; a single ginseng costs one tael of silver, and our family is almost at the end of our wits over it"

It is even possible to earn a substantial amount of money to redeem my sister.

He dreamed of joining the Medicine King Gang, and after more than ten years of hard study, he became a great pharmacist, gaining a remarkable reputation in the martial world, and even had the fortune to meet again the foremost master of Wu County, the True Man of Cold Mountain

In the late night outdoors, a cold wind rises

Since Chen Ge'er is going to venture into the world, I will go along as well. I have long wanted to leave this shabby inn, where I am constantly bullied by the head manager and the big fellows, enduring their daily scolding and harassment, suffering from their contempt! You are going to join the Medicine King Gang, and I will join the Sky Eagle Sect to learn some advanced martial arts, become a great hero, stand out, and command respect from all sides

This year has been extremely difficult for the family, and they are still short of the boat donation to the county office and the weighing fee from the Giant Whale Gang. My parents plan to sell him to a kind-hearted wealthy family in the county as a servant. In addition, there is also the matter of his strange illness known as "Qingshi Tears," which has been fully disclosed to A Chou.

That is many times more difficult than the boat tax they have to pay to the county office every year and the extortion from the Giant Whale Gang

If one can become a pharmacist, then in the county town, that person would be a significant figure, and this life would be considered a success, no longer having to endure hardships or face disdain from others

He did not wish to be sold into servitude, nor could he continue to stay in his hometown of Zhouzhuang, so he could only come alone to Gusu County to seek a livelihood

He worked as a servant at the Tianying Inn for several years, where he encountered many heroes of the martial world, always holding them in great awe, yet he had never harbored the bold thought of becoming a hero of the martial world himself

Su Chen huddled in a pile of straw, occasionally waking up from the cold, shivering as he tightly wrapped himself in a tattered burlap garment, trying his best to burrow deeper into the straw.

A Chou was certainly filled with determination, vigorously swinging his fist in excitement

Ah Chou was immediately startled, "That is a major gang in the martial world! Are you planning to venture into the martial world? To roam in the martial world is to have your life hanging by a thread, it could fall off at any moment! If you get killed, the authorities won't take care of you.

Do not listen to what those people say about kindness; it is all nonsense! Even if the owner of this household is somewhat kind, on the day he no longer wants you, he can sell you off at will. Can you guarantee that the next master will be equally kind? Once you sell yourself into servitude, everything is no longer under your own control

The broken and leaking areas of the four walls of the shed have long been stuffed and blocked with piles of straw

He explained the whole story to A Chou

Some doctors in the county have examined it, and they said it is a disease stone, not even daring to touch it! However, I have carried it with me since childhood, and it feels just like an ordinary pebble, without any special characteristics. I sleep on the same bed with my younger siblings, and they have not contracted this illness from me

The Tianying Inn is an establishment under the Tianying Sect, and he is also familiar with the Tianying Sect

However, that overwhelming power and wealth were all exchanged for with exceptional force and lives

Su Chen curled up his frail and thin body in the straw pile, and the thought of seeking refuge with the Medicine King Gang became increasingly clear and intense in his mind

Su Chen finally grew weary and nestled into the pile of straw, gradually falling asleep and entering one splendid dream after another

Ah Chou scratched his head, realizing the situation. He felt quite troubled about Su Chen's strange illness: "I work as a helper in an inn, earning only three wen in copper coins a day. After a year, I can barely make one or two taels of silver. The money earned through a year of hard work is just enough for food. It is too difficult to help you earn money for buying ginseng medicine. Chen Ge'er, now that you have run away from home, what kind of job do you want to find in the county town?"

I haven't thought that much. If this strange illness of the blue stone tears cannot be cured, who knows when I might fall ill and be unable to afford ginseng medicine to save my life, leading to my direct death. If I go to seek help from the Medicine King Gang, perhaps I could live a few more years, and that would be a life gained for free

Su Chen and A Chou spread thick straw on the cold ground, burrowing into the pile of straw, which was warmer than a quilt, although the sharp straw blades pricked the skin a bit

He endured the discomfort of the prickly straw, silently reflecting on the words of the wealthy Li merchant

Chen Ge'er, so you have truly decided to venture into the martial world!

The thatched cottage is very cold, occasionally waking Su Chen from his slumber, only for him to drift back into a heavy sleep.

Two naive and reckless youths, growing more excited as they conversed, envisioned themselves becoming skilled experts within the ranks of the Medicine King Gang and the Sky Eagle Sect, with their status soaring to new heights.

After a while, A Chou recovered from his sadness; these matters were beyond his ability to resolve, and being upset was of no use. He then curiously asked, "By the way, Chen Ge'er, what is this about your Qing Shi Lei illness? I have never heard you mention it before."

The cold wind, sharp as a knife, howled like a ghostly wail as it rushed into the dilapidated house, making the wood shed even colder

He does not wish to spend his entire life as a mere errand boy at the Tianying Inn, being constantly summoned and scolded by Manager Wang, enduring a life of servitude; he aspires to achieve greatness!

Their desire to stand out has never been as strong as it is at this moment

Chen Ge'er is going to venture into the martial world ... ? ... Indeed, why shouldn't I also join him in exploring the martial world! ? Perhaps I could also become a hero!

A Chou appeared indifferent to this strange illness, but was quite amazed by the shiny blue stones, laughing as she said: "My sister often says, 'Surviving great calamities must bring future blessings!' The fact that you haven't cried to death all these years surely means you will have great fortune in the future. Chen Ge'er, do you think these blue stones are so beautiful that they might be valuable jewels? I have seen a jewelry store in the county town that specializes in selling these peculiar red and green little stones to wealthy young ladies, and they are quite expensive. If these blue stones can also be sold for money, then you could become rich."

A Chou looked at it strangely, picked up a small piece of green stone, and bit down hard, almost breaking his teeth. "So hard, I can't even bite through it!"

Well! As soon as it gets light tomorrow, we will set off to join the gang

After leaving home, he had little to worry about, only thinking about how to support himself

A strange light surged in A Chou's eyes, and suddenly a surge of passionate impulse arose in his heart, causing him to become completely overwhelmed with fervor

Upon hearing this, A Chou nearly jumped up in alarm and exclaimed, "Chen Ge'er, you must not agree to sell yourself into servitude! Those wealthy families in the county treat their servants like they would treat pigs or dogs; when they die, no one cares."

Su Chen's expression was gloomy as he looked at A Chou's excitement, feeling somewhat puzzled: "However, A Chou, why is your reaction so intense? You're even more anxious than I am!"

Su Chen was overjoyed to hear that A Chou also wanted to join him in the martial world, as this meant he would have a good brother by his side in the future.

Do you want to go to the Medicine King Gang

Yes!

The ceiling has holes, allowing one to even gaze at the starry night sky. Naturally, there are no blankets in the woodshed, but fortunately, there are several thick piles of straw that can serve as bedding.

Originally, when I came to the county town, I was also thinking of finding a job as a helper. However, in the afternoon, outside the inn, I saw you being bullied by the head steward, and I realized that being a helper is not a long-term solution. I must find a job with prospects instead

The legendary Master Hanshan is indeed the foremost expert in the world, capable of advising on how to completely cure this strange illness

I also did not want to sell myself to become someone else's servant, which is why I ran away from home to Suzhou County, seeking a way to find a job to support myself

For the common people of Gusu County, the Jianghu is another world

On a frigid winter night, the wooden cabin is drafty, and the biting northern wind blows straight in

He then returned to the Medicine King Gang to diligently practice martial arts. After twenty years, he became a prominent figure. With a green sword in hand and standing on the rippling waters of Taihu Lake, he dealt a severe blow to the group of water bandits from the Giant Whale Gang who had been plundering the area, making them cry out in despair. He vented his pent-up resentment, and from that moment on, no gang in the martial world dared to oppress the fishermen and villagers of Zhouzhuang.

A Chou's eyes were red, and his expression conveyed an indescribable sadness. He buried his head and said: "You know, I am an orphan, having grown up without the love of parents, only knowing that my surname is Fei... However, I actually have an older sister. When I was young, she was the one who raised me. One winter, I fell ill with a cough and had no money for treatment. As I was on the verge of giving up, she, in order to raise money for my medical care, had no choice but to sell herself to a wealthy family in the county as a maid. Little did she know that just half a month later, the mistress of that household accused her of seducing the master and sold her to a brothel in the city. It was she who raised me when I was young. One winter, I fell ill with a cough and had no money for treatment. As I was on the verge of giving up, she, in order to raise money for my medical care, had no choice but to sell herself to a wealthy family in the county as a maid. Little did she know that just half a month later, the mistress of that household accused her of seducing the master and sold her to a brothel in the city. Over the years, I have worked as a servant in an inn, working tirelessly to earn money, hoping that one day I can rescue my sister from the brothel... But I am too useless; I can hardly earn a few copper coins in a year!

The Medicine King Gang recruits a group of apprentices every year in the twelfth month, which should be around these days! Tomorrow morning, I will go to apply to the Medicine King Gang! From tomorrow onwards, everything will be different, and life will become better!

By the way, Chen Ge, why did you come alone this time? Don't you usually come to the county town to sell fish with your father?

My illness is quite strange. Every time I cry, the blue tears I shed quickly turn into small blue stones. Look, these are the small blue stones in this bag. Then I will fall seriously ill, losing nearly half of my life. At the very least, I need to consume a ten-year-old wild ginseng to restore my vitality

Su Chen spoke as he took out a small cloth bag from his bosom and poured out more than ten small green stones from the bag

The heroes of various factions in Wu County dominate the martial world, acting with arrogance and extravagance, holding positions of great status and influence. Even the officials and constables of the county dare not offend them, and the common people hold them in deep reverence.

Just do it

He carefully flipped through it, yet could not discern what it was about; he merely felt that the blue stone was exceptionally beautiful, resembling small pearls or jade.

He is not interested in the medicinal skills of the Medicine King Gang; he is only envious of the martial arts of the heroes from the Sky Eagle Sect, so he might as well join the Sky Eagle Sect.

A Chou began to have a beautiful dream, waving his fists and striking randomly a few times, occasionally mumbling and giggling. He had already become a young hero in his dream, roaming the martial world, defeating Wang Dazhanggui and his gang, leaving them in disarray, and no one dared to bully him anymore

Do not be misled by the fact that I am merely a lowly errand boy at the Tianying Inn, often scolded and ordered around by the head manager and the guests. However, they do not dare to truly harm me. If they were to kill me, the county magistrate would surely send officials to apprehend them and seek justice, leading to imprisonment.

Su Chen shook his head, his body curled up in the thick pile of straw, his clear and flawless eyes appearing dim and desolate. He gazed at the starry sky through the hole in the roof, his slightly childish face reflecting a profound sense of confusion.

Su Chen spoke, letting out a light sigh

What beautiful little green stones, are these formed from your tears

If one day he becomes a chivalrous hero of the martial world, he will no longer be bullied by the innkeeper, and every day he will enjoy lavish meals of fish and meat at the Tianying Inn, while that snobbish innkeeper will have to bow and serve him, bringing him tea and water and calling him "master"

Su Chen shook his head, not concerned about the dangers of the martial world

These are what he has accumulated from childhood to adulthood, all carefully kept close to him

A Chou looked at Su Chen with immense admiration.

A Chou's face turned red with anxiety, fearing that Su Chen might momentarily soften and foolishly agree to sell him off.

Su Chen said earnestly, "When I was at the Ximen Wharf, I accidentally overheard a wealthy merchant mention that the Medicine King Gang would recruit a batch of disciples and apprentices in the twelfth month. I have been contemplating this for a long time this afternoon and plan to try my luck with the Medicine King Gang tomorrow. If I become an apprentice of the Medicine King Gang, which has an abundance of medicinal materials, perhaps I won't have to spend silver to buy ginseng and medicine. There is even a chance to learn the art of medicine and become a distinguished physician." If I become an apprentice of the Medicine King Gang, which has an abundance of medicinal materials, perhaps I won't have to spend silver to buy ginseng and medicine. There is even a chance to learn the art of medicine and become a distinguished physician.

It was only after Su Chen thought of the green stones dripping from his eyes that he realized he was on the verge of losing his life, and he felt a lingering fear towards these small green stones

Great! I will go to the Medicine King Gang to learn the art of medicine, and you will go to the Sky Eagle Sect to learn martial arts. In the future, when we have both mastered our skills, one of us will be a great pharmacist and the other a great hero, and we will venture into the world together!

A Chou is somewhat strange