Chapter 0003: The Storms of Tianjin

Along the way, I knocked on four or five houses, and only one did not close the door directly

... ...

Get lost! The shop assistant will hit you with a stick.

A simple bamboo spear, once formed, can kill at a critical moment

The door is closed

Zhao Zhengfang's cheeks bulged as she ate, resembling a little hamster guarding its food. While chewing, she exclaimed, "This is really delicious, even better than steamed buns!"

Break my and my sister's legs to beg for alms

Seeing Zhao Hanzheng looking at her, Zhao Zhengfang seemed to forget her sorrow and said with a happy smile, "Second Brother, the steamed buns are really delicious"

Ma Wu is a newly joined beggar, and he has to pay tribute to the organization every day

West Dock Street

Zhao Hanyi supported himself with a bamboo spear in one hand while assisting his younger sister with the other, making his way through the streets and alleys

If one cannot beg for food, not only will they go hungry, but they will also be beaten severely by the leader

The beggars exclaimed in surprise, and in the blink of an eye, they scattered completely. Zhao Han obtained the temporary right to beg on East Dock Street through force

I only know that the target has entered Maliu Alley, where it is dark and dim. Where can I go to find someone

After lulling his younger sister to sleep, Zhao Han's smile faded away. He picked up the dog-beating stick and began to grind it against the ground. He still lacked strength, and the speed of weapon sharpening was very slow, but one end of the dog-beating stick was eventually sharpened.

A beggar knocked on the door of a residence, walked straight into the main hall, knelt down, and said: "My lord, there is already news; those two rascals have entered Malu Alley"

As he was daydreaming about a feast of fish and meat, Ma Wu suddenly heard footsteps. He quickly opened his eyes and wiped his mouth.

"Madam, please show some kindness and give some food. May the Bodhisattva bless you with a long life of a hundred years." Zhao Han hurriedly spoke auspicious words

The siblings had a hearty meal and rested for a long time. At this moment, they were no longer weak. Hand in hand, they immediately began to search in the dark for a place that could shelter them from the wind and rain

As for the others, the lord only oversees the area from the North City Wall to the North Dock.

At that time, amidst the chaos of war, Tianjin will likely also be unsafe

Gently stroking the bamboo spear, Zhao Han finally felt a sense of security, creating an illusion of being able to control his own fate

He put down his chopsticks and said: "First, send a few people to block the entrances and exits of the alley, we cannot let him escape, if caught, break his legs directly"

Like pouring beans from a bamboo tube, speak out everything you know: "You killed the lord's man, and the lord has sent people to look for you everywhere, saying that if they catch you, they will break your legs. You are all children; having your legs broken will make it easier to beg for food. The lord will not kill you."

In the evening, Zhao Zhenfang woke up, once again awakened by hunger

... ...

Lightning illuminated the courtyard, the sound of thunder approached from afar, and a sudden gust of strong wind arose

Each of them ate half a steamed bun and rested for half a day, allowing the siblings to regain some strength, at least not having to crawl like dogs while begging for food

In small households during years of famine, when one cannot even feed oneself, how can there be food to relieve the poor and beggars

Uncertain of how long she had cried, Zhao Zhenfang finally fell asleep

He is also a young master in distress Alas! The woman sighed as she closed the door

Suddenly, a muffled thunderclap was heard, and everyone in the room rejoiced

Zhao Zhengfang was awakened by the sound of thunder, enjoying the cool breeze, and joyfully said: "Second brother, it is going to rain."

A flash of lightning streaked across the night sky

Secondly, both my sister and I are young

Deng Gui is having a meal with his family, consisting of one wife, two concubines, and five children

Zhao Zhenfang tore off the crumbs of the steamed bun and placed them in her mouth, reluctant to chew, and equally hesitant to swallow, savoring the fragrance of the food with her tongue

The footsteps grew closer, but Ma Wu could not see clearly at all

They are merely a group of beggars, truly afraid to work in the rain, as getting sick would mean they have no money for treatment

Beyond the canal, the ground is filled with starving people, yet East Dock Street is adorned with vibrant flowers, and the aroma of wine and meat wafts from the restaurants

Ma Wu was momentarily taken aback, but suddenly came to his senses and quietly followed behind the brother and sister.

Ma Wu said: "It is just the beggar leader, now he no longer begs for himself"

Rumbling!

"Beggar's Sect?" Ma Wu shook his head in correction, "We are the Lotus Society."

Zhao Han suppressed the anger in his heart and asked, "Who is the lord?"

Moreover, during the Little Ice Age, the winters in the north were extremely cold, making it difficult to survive without migrating to the south

He is a skilled practitioner, quickly return to report to the 'Lord'!

Well

First, we are about to迎来 an era of chaos

The structure of the Beggar's Sect is loose, and it is clearly going to rain tonight. The orders from the superiors have been passed down to the lower levels, and everything has completely changed.

As soon as I stood still, a shop assistant came out, brandishing a stick and shouted: "Little beggar, get lost!"

Zhao Han asked, "You say the dock area is the lord's territory, what about other places in Tianjin?"

Zhao Han did not refuse; instead, he laughed joyfully. He divided the food that was not enough to fill the gaps between his teeth into two halves again and handed one half back to his sister, saying: "Let's share it."

"No... there is none." Mawu Shikou denied.

Ma Wu replied: "The marquis is indeed the marquis; all the beggars near the North Wharf are under his control"

Ma Wu sat under the eaves of a house, where he could barely find shelter from the rain. He planned to take a good nap before deciding what to do next

Ma Wu wandered along the streets and alleys; he had mild night blindness, making it impossible for him to search for people at night, akin to having a blind person serve as a lookout

The siblings were already feeling extremely hungry, so they hurried to buy something to eat, bringing back Tianjin steamed buns filled with meat

Zhao Hanheng raised his bamboo spear to block the way, pulling his sister back continuously, standing far away to wait for the wealthy patrons to treat them to a meal

Zhao Hanting straightened his back, and his confused gaze gradually became resolute. He asked sternly, "Speak, where does that lord reside?"

If Zhao Han were to travel back in time to the age of twenty, he would actually have many options available to him, even the possibility of going to Shaanxi to participate in the peasant uprising

After walking for a while, Zhao Han suddenly turned around and quickly approached Ma Wu, questioning: "Why are you following me?"

Zhao Han first let his younger sister drink water to quench her thirst, then he poured the remaining clean water into his belly. He returned the water ladle, bowed, and said: "Thank you, benefactor"

In any case, it will be either next year, the year after next, or perhaps the year after that, when the Jurchen army will break through the passes and advance towards the outskirts of Beijing with unstoppable momentum

Deng Gui personally walked into the small courtyard and said with a smile, "After several months of drought, the heavens are finally going to bring rain."

Zhao Han did not move his feet; he merely leaned forward, and with a sudden thrust, he struck his opponent's thigh.

This person clearly does not understand what tracking means, and coupled with night blindness affecting their vision, the commotion they caused is obvious even to a fool

The kind-hearted woman never refused: "You all wait."

One is shirking responsibility while the other is evading, leaving only Ma Wu to handle matters alone. He needs to keep a close watch on the Zhao Han siblings throughout the night

The beggar cried out in agony while covering his wound, and the other beggars launched an attack. Zhao Han managed to stab several of them in quick succession. Unfortunately, he lacked strength and had to protect his sister, which resulted in him taking a few blows himself

Zhao Han was in a state of confusion; he did not know how to secure his future. Could it be that he would have to live by begging for the rest of his life

"Speak quickly!" Zhao Han's expression was serious

The woman said, "There is truly nothing left to eat at home, you should go beg for food elsewhere"

Zhao Han stood up and said, "Let's go, first find a place to take shelter from the rain"

A beggar raised his stick and struck, but with no method, swinging the dog-beating stick high above his head

Zhao Han encountered two groups of beggars, all of whom were subordinates of Lord Deng Gui. This individual controls all begging activities outside the North City and also moonlights as a petty thief.

But he is only ten years old now, and he is also taking care of his six-year-old sister

The thunder grew more urgent, and the raindrops began to fall

Due to a cargo ship running aground in the canal, a large number of merchants are stranded in this area. The inns have long been filled to capacity, and some wealthy merchants, unable to find accommodation, have simply taken up residence directly in the brothels outside the northern city.

Zhao Han chose a restaurant and squatted at the entrance waiting for wealthy patrons

Zhao Han hurriedly said: "My ancestors were imperial chefs, and I possess exclusive cooking secrets. It only costs 10 taels of silver..."

Zhao Han casually remarked: "I was beaten up by a few beggars; they won't allow me to beg here"

Moments later, the woman opened the door again, scooped a ladle of clear water, and frowned as she asked, "Where is your begging bowl?"

Zhao Han asked: "The leader of the Beggar's Sect?"

After Zhao Han drank some water, he finally felt a bit more spirited. He did not continue to beg in this back alley, but instead made his way to East Street at the dock, which is the most prosperous area in all of Tianjin

"It's quite far; the City God Temple is located in the southeast."

The only choice is to seek opportunities to head south, to grow up first in the stable Jiangnan before considering anything else

At last, Zhao Han was quite happy to have a full meal, and he immediately said with a smile: "On another day, when I get some money, I will buy you even better roast duck, Second Brother."

Zhao Han immediately raised his bamboo spear, the tip pressing against the opponent's throat, and said in a low voice: "Speak!"

rumbling

The siblings sat down against the wall in a shaded alley.

Zhao Zhengfang, with her dirty hands, held out the remaining small handful of steamed buns and said, "Second brother, you eat, I am already full"

Zhao Han caught sight of a person curled up under the eaves, and he approached to ask, "Sir, is there any dilapidated temple nearby?"

Deng Gui nodded and said, "It is fine to take action tomorrow, but we must send someone to follow him, as I am afraid that little brat will run away."

Just as a wealthy merchant, having indulged in food and drink, was leaving the tavern, he witnessed a lively scene of beggars fighting. He immediately clapped his hands in applause and, in a drunken stupor, exclaimed: "What a lively fight, let me reward you!"

Zhao Han suddenly fell silent, his hands gripping the spear loosening and tightening repeatedly as he analyzed his current situation

Zhao Zhengfang said with admiration, "Second Brother is truly impressive, Father always says you are very clever..." Her voice suddenly stopped, and the young girl, with a somber expression, said, "Second Brother, have Father and Mother already passed away? I know what death means, just like Elder Brother, who has fallen asleep and cannot wake up."

Zhao Han, unable to obtain any food, then said: "Is it alright if I have some water? I am very thirsty"

The servant beside the wealthy merchant picked up a handful of copper coins and casually tossed them in front of Zhao Han

He could no longer remember which year it was.

The result was that no food was obtained, but instead, a group of beggars was attracted.

These beggar factions are stronger, and there are at least more than ten of them causing trouble

In an instant, Ma Wu recalled the rumors; just today at noon, a leader was bitten to death over on North Street. This young man before me truly knows how to kill. He was so frightened that his legs went weak, and he fell to his knees, saying: "Spare my life, little ancestor!"

Zhao Han stood against the wall, protecting his sister, brandishing a bamboo spear in a stance reminiscent of a bayonet fight, provocatively saying: "Come on!"

Copper coins also have their merits and demerits, and this time all the coins obtained are of good quality

Zhao Han gently stroked his sister's head and promised, "When my second brother earns money, I will ensure that you have steamed buns to eat every day"

Let us set aside the matter of heading south for the time being; at present, there are those who wish to break his legs and use him as a tool for begging

"Hmm, I am not afraid," Zhao Zhenfang nodded, her sobs gradually turning into whimpers, as tears left two white streaks on her dirt-stained little face

"That would be truly wonderful," Zhao Zhenfang expressed with longing

The recent experience made Zhao Han deeply realize that, in addition to the constant threat of starvation, there are countless potential dangers awaiting him

Arriving at the back door of a certain household, Zhao Han knocked for a while, and finally someone came to open the door. Before he could utter a word to beg, the other party, upon seeing the appearance of the brother and sister, slammed the door shut with a bang

Zhao Han previously killed a beggar who mainly operated on North Wharf Street. In contrast, East Wharf Street is the territory of another group of beggars. They belong to the same beggar gang, but are managed by different sub-leaders.

Zhao Han continued to inquire: "Is that lord merely the leader of the beggars? Or does he hold some other identity?"

As night falls, East Street at the North Dock is brightly lit.

Two young children must contemplate how to survive in a chaotic world

Damn it, everyone is trying to bully me, but I am not that foolish!

Zhao Han held his younger sister's frail body and comforted her, saying, "Don't be afraid, I am here with you."

In a single day, one subordinate was bitten to death, and more than ten were driven away, and surprisingly, the instigators were children. Where does this leave the "leader of the Beggar's Sect"?

The subordinate beggar asked, "My lord, why not wait until tomorrow to take action?"

While competing for territory in the Tianjin dock area, he was stabbed in one eye. Initially referred to as "One-Eyed Dragon," he later changed his name to "Little Xiahou," and now the beggars in the dock area respectfully address him as "Lord Hou"

Zhao Han carefully examined the area and noticed that the eaves were not wide; the heavy rain must have been blown in by the wind. Therefore, he took his sister to search for a better place.

At such a young age, to understand etiquette, how could he not be a young master who has faced hardships

The title "Lord" is a nickname in the martial arts world, and his real name is Deng Gui. He comes from a military family and became a beggar after fleeing from disaster

Thank you for the generous reward, my lord. Zhao Han was very pleased and, taking advantage of the faint light emanating from the tavern, he and his sister bent down to pick up the money.

The woman, feeling even more compassion, handed over the water ladle and said: "Take it and drink."