Chapter 8, Causality

First of all, in the fragmented memories left by Zhu Laonian, there is only hatred towards Li Xunjian, an irreconcilable hatred. If he had known that this person died due to the conspiracy of Mahama, he would have been grateful rather than thinking of avenging his cheap brother-in-law.

As a homebody at heart, Zhu Dapeng's nature is to adapt to any environment with ease. He quickly thought of the many benefits of being the commander of the left army, and his eyes gradually regained their brightness

"Sir, this is sesame, a gift from Chief Steward Li. How could I dare to refuse it on your behalf!" Mr. Su, however, was far from as clever as Zhu Dapeng had imagined. He pouted and responded with a face full of grievance. "Moreover, you are now the Commander of the Left Army. In the future, the funds for raising troops, manufacturing weapons, and recruiting heroes to serve you will all have to come from your own pocket. If I refuse this gift for you, where will you find the money?!"

What if I were to support Zhu Yuanzhang? At least I could become a founding hero. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck, and Zhu Dapeng's face lit up with wild joy. However, this joy was quickly drowned by a wave of cold reality. According to the meager "historical knowledge" he gleaned from martial arts novels and street literature, Zhu Yuanzhang was not one to share wealth and power. He first forced the founding Grand Marshal Xu Da to death with a steamed goose, then lured other generals to the celebration hall and blew them all to the sky. According to the meager "historical knowledge" he gleaned from martial arts novels and street literature, Zhu Yuanzhang was not one to share wealth and power. He first forced the founding Grand Marshal Xu Da to death with a steamed goose, then lured other generals to the celebration hall and blew them all to the sky. What advantage would there be in becoming a subordinate to him compared to following someone like Zhima Li?

However, Mr. Su was unaware that the Zhu Dapeng before him had long since been replaced by another person. Leaning forward, he ingratiatingly said, "Ma Kongmu died suddenly, and his wife, concubine, and several daughters have all been blocked in the courtyard by the righteous army. I have locked them all in the small building of the back garden. Otherwise, after dinner, I can have someone bring them all to your room and tie them up for you"

Seeing that the owner of the house finally seemed to be in better spirits, Mr. Su quickly said in a low voice: "In fact, according to Chief Steward Li's initial promise, it was already unfair to give you such a small piece of territory. However, since you have not had close dealings with them in the past, your connections are somewhat weak, so you can only make do with it and do not need to fight for anything further"

As for yesterday evening, he secretly glanced at Zhu Dapeng's expression and then added in a low voice, "If it weren't for someone else, he wouldn't have gone in person. But for you, he must ensure a major case, an ironclad case! Not only will you have no place to be buried, but he must also involve your brother-in-law's entire family. If it were someone else taking action, he might not be able to rest easy."

While speaking, he secretly observed Zhu Dapeng's expression. "Therefore, Mahamakongmu heard last night that you refused to hand over the knife, and he was determined to accuse you of treason. In the end, however, he died at your hands. Alas, this can be considered a cycle of divine justice, retribution is indeed relentless"

Alas! Zhu Dapeng also let out a gentle sigh, and deep within his heart, there was not a trace of the satisfaction that comes from avenging a great grievance

It is evident that this former archer lord has also suffered greatly from the government's excessive issuance of currency, and he is quite dissatisfied with it. Zhu Dapeng was amused by his words and laughed heartily; after laughing, he surprisingly felt much more at ease.

Secondly, as a modern individual in spirit, he views Li Xunqian, as a public servant, who engages in both legitimate and illicit activities, as certainly not a good person. The conflict between this individual and Mahama Kongmu is likely, in seven or eight cases out of ten, a result of uneven distribution of spoils and mutual betrayal; thus, his death is hardly unjust.

Oh! Zhu Dapeng's troubled thoughts were interrupted once again as he wearily nodded. The Red Turban Army had not yet established a nation, and it was estimated that there was still some time before they would be eradicated, giving him a chance to escape secretly. He planned to run to the South China Sea to find a merchant ship and head south; it was likely that Malaysia was still in a primitive era, providing enough time for him to hide until the day Zhu Yuanzhang unified the realm.

"Be quiet, don't speak yet! First answer me, what is the current era name? Who is the emperor?" Zhu Dapeng waved his hand, asking in a disjointed manner.

A more critical point is that, within my limited historical knowledge, I cannot find any personal name associated with "Sesame Li" in the *Illustrated* books. It is evident that this individual was either exterminated by the Yuan army or died early in the conflicts among the rebel forces. Serving as a left army commander under him, I fear the outcome would not be much better!

What can one use to become the governor of the left army? If one lacks connections, there are no connections; if one lacks prestige, there is no prestige. As for military strategy and tactics, what does a twenty-first-century homebody who spends every day on forums and playing games need with military texts? If one wants to put on airs, one might as well read works by Eileen Chang or similar authors, at least they might appeal to middle school girls or younger.

This morning, you, Maitreya, fainted last night due to excessive worry. The underlings, following your orders, guarded the neighborhood and suppressed the fleeing soldiers. They established a peaceful area within the city. Subsequently, according to your arrangements, several districts were presented to Chief Steward Li. Chief Steward Li was very pleased and publicly praised the contributions of our Great Wisdom Hall, bestowing upon you this residence for your stay. Shortly thereafter, he sent General Mao Gui of the front army along with a physician to visit you. Chief Steward Li was very pleased and publicly praised the contributions of our Great Wisdom Hall, bestowing upon you this residence for your stay. Shortly thereafter, he sent General Mao Gui of the front army along with a physician to visit you. They left behind a document appointing you as the General of the Left Army and a golden seal, stating that you should take your time to recuperate and not rush to report to Chief Steward Li. Whenever you have recovered, you may simply make a brief visit to the Steward's office. Mr. Su, while speaking, hurried to the cabinet by the wall, carefully took out a piece of paper and a shining golden seal, and presented them to Zhu Dapeng with both hands

Note 1: The events of the steamed goose killing Xu Da and the fire at the Celebration Pavilion are not historical facts. The main character, Zhu Dapeng, a history teacher, died early; please do not hold this against him

This news impacted him more severely than Mr. Su's bad breath. It caused him to immediately stiffen his body and, with eyes wide open like cowbells, he questioned, "When did I become the Left Army Commander? How come I didn't know!"

Before Mr. Su could provide a specific answer, he opened his mouth and sighed loudly. What good does it do to know the era name? Most of the meager historical knowledge in my head comes from martial arts novels. Even if I know the era name, I have no ability to calculate which year it corresponds to in the *Tu* book's calendar. As for who the emperor is, does it make a difference? Am I supposed to become a second Tatar and help the Mongol Yuan court slaughter the righteous army? Even if I wanted to become a second Tatar, the Mongol Yuan court would have to be willing to accept me! With no soldiers at my command and having just killed a certain official, wouldn't seeking refuge there be tantamount to wishing for my own demise?

"By rank, he certainly cannot be considered high!" Mr. Su smirked, and surprisingly, a hint of pride appeared on his face. "But in our Great Yuan Dynasty, it is not about who has a higher rank, but rather who has a strong backing and a fat wallet. Although Mahama Kongmu is an official, he is specifically responsible for managing funds for Lord Daruhachir, handling no less than a million in silver and copper coins each year. He himself is of the Semu people, holding the second highest rank. In contrast, the governor, the deputy, and the judge, all of whom are of Han descent, rely not only on their salaries but also hope to receive a share of the profits from Mahama Kongmu. Naturally, they do not dare to act with any airs of superiority!" Mahama Kongmu, although an official, is specifically responsible for managing funds for Lord Daruhachir, handling no less than a million in silver and copper coins each year. He himself is of the Semu people, holding the second highest rank. In contrast, the governor, the deputy, and the judge, all of whom are of Han descent, rely not only on their salaries but also hope to receive a share of the profits from Mahama Kongmu. Naturally, they do not dare to act with any airs of superiority!

Sigh, how should I put this? At that time, I didn't understand, but upon careful reflection, I am truly terrified! Mr. Su patted his chest, feigning shock, "The elder brother-in-law of the adults, Inspector Li, is quite a prominent figure here in Xuzhou. Although he has already passed fifty, when he speaks, both the underworld and the legitimate world still give him some respect. However, it is precisely because of his high prestige and his righteous dealings that he has incurred the jealousy of the Ma Kong family. Last year, at the birthday banquet for Daruhua, he provoked the wrestlers around Daruhua and wrestled with the elder brother-in-law. Despite Inspector Li's strong martial skills, age is unforgiving. As a result, he was killed on the spot by a wrestler who broke his neck, and before he could be taken home, he had already passed away. We all thought it was an accidental injury at first, but now, upon reflection, it seems that the wrestler had long been bribed by the Ma family."

Being the commander of the left army is still better than being just a foot soldier; at least I am an officer. Who knows, one day I might really carve out my own territory! By then, the troubles of pretending to be the leader of the Maitreya Church will be easily resolved. Whether it is buying a boat to set sail or leading my brothers to seek refuge with Zhu Yuanzhang, it will definitely be better than having nothing at present

"Why do you have to involve my brother-in-law? Why? Does my brother-in-law have a grudge against him?" Zhu Dapeng became increasingly confused as he listened, frowning and pressing for answers.

Wait! There is too much information coming at me all at once, and Zhu Dapeng feels as if stars are starting to swirl in front of his eyes. "Are you saying that I stabbed the second-in-command of Xuzhou City last night?! How could someone of his rank personally come after a mere pig butcher like me?!"

With a loud crash, a large pie laden with ice shards fell from mid-air, knocking Zhu Dapeng flat on the ground

"Wait, wait! Don't say too much all at once, I need a little time!" Zhu Dapeng pushed Mr. Su hard, feeling another wave of darkness before his eyes.

The person from the Sesame Plum actually had no suspicion at all, and even sent a trusted aide to visit him while he was in a state of unconsciousness! He even appointed himself as the Left Army Commander! Although it was merely a temporary title thought up on a whim, the seal seemed to be carved from wood, with a thin layer of gold paint applied on top. Nevertheless, it effectively equated to a formal acknowledgment of his identity as a leader of the righteous army. In the future, even if he wanted to settle accounts for the "monster robbery" from this morning, it would not be easy to turn against him openly.

General Mao, General Mao also said... Seeing that Zhu Dapeng had not spoken for quite some time, Mr. Su first stepped back several feet, then tentatively added.

Mr. Su has become somewhat numb to his habit of getting confused at critical moments. He smiled and explained, "It seems I haven't heard of that. In the past, during the Yuan Dynasty, they had long stopped issuing military salaries, relying entirely on officials to find their own ways to gather resources. Moreover, what use is that paper money when it is distributed? A whole bag of money can't even buy a dou of rice; it's not worth the effort for firewood, and it's too rough for wiping oneself!"

"Such a large piece of land?" Zhu Dapeng was taken aback, as his dream of illegally immigrating overseas shattered into countless fragments that flew out the window. "Didn’t you hand it over to Zhimali? Why did he return it to you? What do I need such a large piece of land for, along with the *map* and *book*? Why didn’t you refuse him back then?"

Secretly plotting an escape route, the timid reminder from Mr. Su echoed in my ears, "Just now, General Mao also mentioned that besides this grand residence, the area in the southwest of the city, the four neighborhoods, and more than twenty streets and alleys, the sesame, no, Manager Li has returned them all to you. The residents within those streets are your subjects; you may command them at will"

"How should I say this? Should I be taking more?" Zhu Dapeng glanced at him warily and asked in a low voice

"I am paying for it myself. As the Left Army Commander, do I not receive any military pay?" Zhu Dapeng was momentarily taken aback, his face filled with confusion

This year is the 11th year of the Zhizheng era, and the emperor seems to be called Tuo Huan Tie Mu Er. Mr. Su is a natural-born advisor; although Zhu Dapeng has already lost interest, he still dutifully responds. As for the Red Turban Army, it seems that they have not yet established a nation, so the era name has not been determined for the time being

The answer is actually quite obvious; even without Mr. Su's response, Zhu Dapeng could figure it out himself. This territory was seized by the Maitreya Sect's Great Wisdom Hall amidst the chaos. Although Mr. Su, representing himself as a counterfeit leader, voluntarily offered it to Zhi Ma Li, the relationship between the White Lotus Sect and the Maitreya Sect, as well as my position as a leader within the Maitreya Sect, far exceeds that of Zhi Ma Li and everyone around him in the White Lotus Sect. Therefore, after saving face, Zhi Ma Li could only return the territory under the pretext of a reward. However, regarding the relationship between the White Lotus Sect and the Maitreya Sect, my position as a leader within the Maitreya Sect is still far superior to that of Zhi Ma Li and his associates in the White Lotus Sect. Thus, after saving face, Zhi Ma Li could only return the territory under the pretext of a reward.

Mr. Su indeed speaks with hidden meaning, lowering his voice to continue, "I have heard that before the troops entered Xuzhou, Chief Steward Li promised a substantial reward to the assassins who infiltrated the city. Whoever kills an official would claim all of that official's assets. Although Mahama Kongmu is merely a low-ranking clerk, he has always been favored by Lord Daruhachih and knows how to make money. Excluding the grand residence beneath your feet and the farmland outside, nearly half of the shops in Xuzhou belong to him. Although Mahama Kongmu is merely a low-ranking clerk, he has always been favored by Lord Daruhachih and knows how to make money. Excluding the grand residence beneath your feet and the farmland outside, nearly half of the shops in Xuzhou belong to him. In the past, when the governor and the deputy governor saw him, they would all clasp their hands and call him Brother Ma!"