Chapter 8, Bandits

However, as his knowledge expanded, his inner desire for reading continuously grew. At the same time, the situation at home improved. After witnessing the beauty of the outside world and being aware of the past glory of the Chen family, Chen Mo naturally became unwilling to live a life of mediocrity. Therefore, at this moment, Chen Mo yearned to learn more and to gain a clearer understanding of the world.

"What is the sale of human beings in a minor way?" Chen Mo inquired, feeling that this was related to his own experiences in the county.

Chen Mo nodded, this had always been Chen Mo's understanding, but it was not the answer he desired

"Why has my son been so gloomy since he returned?" Mother Chen looked at her son, who had appeared burdened with worries ever since he came back, which made her very concerned

Oh? Upon hearing this, Chen's mother looked at her son and smiled, saying: "Why not tell your mother, what exactly happened in the city this time?"

As for the second option, it could also be described as a compromise. Mother Chen smiled and said, Those bandits who have turned to a life of crime are difficult to eliminate

"Naturally, I have heard of it." Mother Chen nodded.

However, this is also the most complex and common. Chen's mother seemed to recall some past events and sighed softly: "Although it is looked down upon by others, most people are engaged in it; the only difference lies in the fact that some do it secretly while others do it too overtly"

"Your father taught your mother a few things, but your mother did not learn much." Chen's mother, not knowing what she was thinking, sighed and said: "If my son wishes to learn, I will teach you."

"You child..." Mother Chen said with a smile, shaking her head: "Before the hour of Chen tomorrow, I will teach you a phrase. You only need to remember this phrase and be able to write it down."

The first type is simply for profit, where officials provide certain conveniences to bandits, and the wealth plundered by the bandits is shared with the officials. This is the simplest form, yet it is also the most contemptible.

These bandits sometimes engage in trade with the local villages. In the end, Mother Chen smiled and said: As for the third type of collusion between officials and bandits, which involves the bandits demanding military provisions and troops from the court, my son does not need to be too clear about this for the time being, as it is generally not encountered.

Hmm. Chen Mo quickly nodded, as reading and writing is a very sacred endeavor. Chen Mo had always wanted to learn, but in the past, merely making a living was already difficult. With the young shoulders bearing the burden of supporting both mother and child, he lacked the energy, and at such a young age, he did not understand where the sanctity of education truly lay

Thank you, my lady! Chen Mo was overjoyed upon hearing this

"Yes!" Chen Mo nodded excitedly

Mother, what is the third type of bandit you mentioned before?" Chen Mo, having resolved his inner conflict, looked at his mother with curiosity and asked

Such individuals are generally not referred to as bandits; they hide among the populace and even have deep connections with the authorities. On the surface, they appear to be respectable merchants, but privately they engage in nefarious activities, such as trafficking in human beings, smuggling salt, and dealing in weapons. At this point, Mother Chen's mood also became somewhat heavy

Young Chen Mo could not understand, and Chen's mother did not provide much explanation. Many things are difficult to truly comprehend until one has encountered them. She hoped that her son would never have to face such matters in his lifetime

There are many reasons. Mother Chen did not treat her son like a child; she understood that her son bore more burdens than other children and was more sensible than them. Since he was contemplating certain matters, it was clear that he had encountered similar issues. After careful consideration, she said: "However, they can generally be divided into three categories"

Chen Mo nodded. The bandits that Li Zheng and the others encountered should belong to this second category. For some reason, he felt a sense of relief in his heart. After all, if the yamen could not handle the situation, then it was not necessarily wrong for Li Zheng to make a deal with them.

"Mother, I remember you once said that our Chen family is also composed of scholars?" Chen Mo suddenly asked

Upon hearing this, Chen's mother merely smiled. Even if the Chen family has fallen on hard times, they are still considered half a scholar. Moreover, having lived for half a lifetime, she naturally understands much more than the naive and innocent Chen Mo

"Well, I suppose so," Chen Mo nodded and said, "Mother, have you heard of collusion between officials and bandits?"

Why is this? Chen Mo asked in confusion

There are three categories of bandits in this world. The first category consists of those who are homeless, leaving devastation in their wake like locusts, committing arson, murder, and robbery, and engaging in all manner of evil. This type is also the primary target of government eradication efforts. The second category is the mountain bandits, who gather in the mountains and forests, having their own territories. Although they also engage in plunder, they are not as bloodthirsty as the nomadic bandits. Sometimes, they even assist the local populace. These mountain bandits pose little threat, and due to their geographical advantages, when government troops come to suppress them, they scatter into the wilderness. However, once the government troops leave, they regroup. Generally, county towns lack the strength to eradicate bandits on their own, and gathering a large military force would consume resources and personnel, and may not necessarily lead to eradication. Therefore, as long as these individuals do not go too far, the authorities will turn a blind eye, which is a form of compromise.

"It's nothing, just some things I can't figure out." Chen Mo shook his head, and for the time being, he did not want to tell his mother about this matter until he had figured it out himself

It once was. Upon hearing this, Chen's mother sighed. They have a blood relation with the Chen family of Hepu, and this relationship is not actually very distant, amounting to only two generations. However, the distance of these two generations has become so great that it is almost impossible for there to be any further contact in the vicinity of Chen Mo.

"Does that woman know how to read?" Chen Mo's eyes suddenly brightened.

Isn't it the duty of officials to serve the people? Why do they collude with the bandits who bring harm to the people?" Chen Mo inquired

Mother, you know so much

On this night, Chen Mo could not fall asleep. He thought about how tomorrow he would not only learn knowledge from his mother but also acquire martial arts skills from Uncle Wang. Chen Mo was filled with excitement, tossing and turning all night, until he finally fell asleep deep into the night

Oh?" Chen Mo quickly sat up straight, looking at his mother

In our dynasty, the law actually permits the buying and selling of people. During years of disaster, some families unable to survive may sell their sons and daughters. This form of sale generally receives official recognition and can be referred to as consensual selling. However, disaster years do not occur every year, nor do they happen in every region. Nevertheless, the trade in human beings is quite profitable, which leads some to resort to coercion and inducement, known as illicit selling. There are even cases where individuals are directly abducted, referred to as abduction for sale. Although the terms "illicit" and "abduction" differ slightly, their meanings are similar, and both violate the law.

"I understand a bit," Mother Chen nodded and said, "Does my son want to learn?"