Chapter 8, Matters of the Qin Dynasty

Akan, since the matter has already been done, there is no need to discuss it further. Although Mother does not know why you did this, I believe you have your reasons. However, now we must consider our plans for the future... We cannot possibly continue living here, can we?

Liu Kan unexpectedly made such a significant decision without consulting himself. However, although Kan'ao was angry, in order to preserve Liu Kan's reputation, she still exchanged the money and goods in her possession for Qin currency. For a man, sometimes keeping one's word is more important than life itself

Liu Kan, in a moment of urgency, grabbed the collar of Kan Ao and said, "Mother, please allow me to explain."

Liu Kan said: "Mother, I have already spoken with Brother Shen Shi. We can temporarily stay here, and he will cover our food and accommodation, no charge."

Liu Kan opened his mouth, but to his dismay, he realized that this was yet another question that could not be clearly articulated

Shen Shiqi said in surprise: "Why should I advise you? After all, I won't suffer any loss... Hehe, but since you have given me a chance to profit, when it comes time to settle the payment, I will charge you according to the market price. Don't glare at me; I don't believe that Ling Tang would agree to free food and lodging."

Early in the morning, Shen Shiqi sent the Qin coins over, and Liu Kan did not even take the time to explain the situation to Kan Ao, which immediately infuriated Kan Ao.

After speaking, Shen Shiqi expressed his surprise and said: "In fact, it's not just us here; isn't it done this way everywhere? Didn't you know?"

However, what he said is not without reason

Shen Shiqi pulled Liu Kan and walked to the entrance of a tavern in the southern part of the city

Liu Kan let out a sound of surprise and quickly covered up, saying: "How could I not know! I just forgot for a moment."

At this moment, Liu Kan is certainly not feeling amused, as he is receiving a scolding from his mother, Madam Kan, a scolding that is utterly merciless

This examination of food...

This, well ... ...

Peixian does not have official offices; the more formal official institution is called a pavilion

"Since you are living in my house, I will reluctantly accommodate you. This will be free of charge, as it serves as my repayment to you."

Even if she were to starve, Kan Ao would not want her son to be labeled as a dishonest person without integrity

As a mother, nothing is more important than seeing my son establish his own family and career

While coexisting peacefully, each retains its unique customs and traditions. Among them, the Chu style is particularly prominent in the southern part of Peixian.

Liu Kan said: "Mother, as we have just arrived, we know nothing about this place, Pei. You are aware that Pei County is a region where the Chu people and the Central Plains people coexist. We need to understand which areas are suitable for us to live in and what matters we should pay attention to. It is essential to learn about the living habits of the Chu people and the customs of the Central Plains people residing here; otherwise, we will surely encounter difficulties in the future"

But now

If Kan Ao were to learn that Shen Shiqi had accepted money from others to monitor her and her son, her first reaction would likely be to flee immediately. Even if Kan Ao chose not to leave, she would still be filled with fear, let alone continuing to stay here.

After walking for a while, Liu Kan discovered that only this tavern had a sign hanging at its entrance

In that case, let us stay at this inn for a couple of days... However, regarding that Shen Shiqi, we should not stay here for free; we must act accordingly. Ah Kan, the world is treacherous, and we must be cautious. That Shen Shiqi appears to be cunning and slippery, not someone trustworthy. His words should not be disregarded, yet they should not be taken at face value either. Be sure not to owe him any favors, as repaying them in the future will be quite burdensome.

Presumably, this facade is not something that just anyone can display; otherwise, other taverns would also be the same.

Liu Kan gritted his teeth and said: "My mother told me to take a look at the environment here... Since you have taken advantage, why not introduce it to me again?"

Brother Liu, do you recognize the Chu script above?

Kàn'ǎo looked at Liú Kàn in surprise, pondered for a moment, and softly said: "Alright, then you speak, I will listen... A Kàn, do not deceive your mother"

Aren't you going to introduce me to the situation in Peixian?

Liu Kan stepped out of the door and couldn't help but let out a long sigh. The suffering endured while being with Kan Ao was truly unbearable

Thus, Liu Kan could only lower his head and listen to the scolding of Kan Ao.

Liu Kan said: "Stop talking nonsense. If you are unwilling to introduce someone to me, then I will find someone to inquire myself"

It has been mentioned before that the location of Pei is quite interesting. As early as the beginning of the Warring States period, the southern state of Wu had incorporated this area into its territory. Later, as Wu fell and Yue declined, the state of Chu rose again, bringing the Sishui River basin, including Pei, under its governance. The residents of Pei all say that Pei is the southern edge of the Central Plains, while also being the northern frontier of the state of Chu

Fortunately, the old woman was merely momentarily angered; once this surge of anger subsides, she will no longer continue to blame.

Is it interesting

Outside, Liu Kan encountered Shen Shiqi

Little brother, have you finished being reprimanded

repay

Liu Kan asked strangely: "Is this Chu Wen? I don't know, but it should be 'Wang' right"

Kan Ao could not understand why Liu Kan exchanged all the money in his hands for Qin coins

Liu Kan silently exclaimed that it was not good, as it was impossible for the owner of this body to utter such words

Shen Shiqi no longer wasted words with Liu Kan; the two of them walked out of the inn and strolled along the streets of Peixian.

Kàn'ǎo's expression turned cold, "Why? We are not without money, so why should we rely on others? Moreover, why would the Shěn family treat us so well if everything is fine? A'Kàn, didn't you say you wanted to be self-reliant and no longer depend on others? Why have you changed your mind now? A man should not easily change his ambitions once they are set, otherwise, he will be looked down upon."

So it was a guess!

Kan'ao exclaimed in astonishment, "Kan, who taught you these words?"

Kàn'ǎo spoke these words out of genuine feeling

The so-called main street is merely a dirt road. It is just a bit wider and runs through the north and south gates of Peixian. In fact, there is only this one decent street in the entire Peixian. On both sides of the road, there are some vendors and a few taverns.

Upon arriving for the first time, I know nothing about Peixian. Especially for Liu Kan, who is in a critical period of growth, living in a poor environment may adversely affect him. Kan's grandmother is not very literate, but she has heard the story of Meng Mu's three relocations and understands the importance of a good environment.

Brother Shen, are the characters on this banner the word 'Wang'?

Liu Kan truly does not know how to express his thoughts about him

Liu Kan nodded repeatedly, indicating that he remembered his mother's admonitions

However, once the door was closed, the old lady Kan naturally began to scold Liu Kan. ... But Liu Kan could not explain ... ? ... Should he tell his mother: "I know that King Zheng of Qin will ascend the throne and become the First Emperor, and that he will unify weights and measures, as well as currency, and that the Qin coin will appreciate?"

"Little brother, since you are new here, I invite you to have a drink!"

Shen Shiqi smiled lightly and said, "You startled me; I thought you were a descendant of the Chu people."

In Liu Kan's view, it should have been a very ordinary question, but unexpectedly, it caused Shen Shiqi's expression to change, revealing a look of shock

Her impression of Shen Shiqi is not good. Even in Kan Ao's view, Liu Kan's decision to do something so foolish as exchanging Qin currency might very well have originated from Shen Shiqi's idea. By doing this, he must be hoping that we will stay longer, in order to profit from the money and silk belonging to my mother and me

At this moment, Shen Shiqi had changed into a new outfit, having shed the long robes typical of the Central Plains people for the short garments of the Chu people, looking quite spirited. He wore a bamboo hat on his head and held a bamboo staff in his hand. Upon seeing Liu Kan, he smiled in a rather flamboyant manner.

He hurriedly said: "Last night, I chatted with Brother Shen Shi, and he gave me a lot of advice. He also mentioned that establishing a family business is a significant matter in one's life and should not be taken lightly. I also believe that Brother Shen Shi is right, so I want to investigate a bit before making a decision"

Kang Ao gave Liu Kan a series of instructions before finally allowing him to leave

The animosity between the people of Chu and those of Qin can be described as deeply ingrained. Particularly, the last king of Chu, King Huai of Chu, was an honest man. Initially deceived by the state of Qin, he was later captured by them, and ultimately, this King Huai of Chu met his demise at the hands of Qin.

Liu Kan exclaimed, "The pavilion chief?"

Akan, why are you so foolish? Why didn't you discuss with me about converting all the money into Qin currency?

Although more than 50,000 Qin coins have been returned, the quantity has increased, yet in reality, they have become less valuable. Upon her arrival, Kan Ao was still hoping to use this money to cultivate the land, ideally to buy a plow ox, and after establishing a livelihood, to arrange a marriage for Liu Kan.

This was also a highly prosperous trend at that time

Kang Ao furrowed her brows, lost in thought and silent

The culture of Qi and Lu, along with the civilization of Chu and Yue, intertwine and converge here

Yet in my heart, I am saying: "Shen Shiqi, I truly feel sorry. This black pot must be carried by someone; if my fellow Daoist dies, I shall not. I apologize for the injustice done to you"

Hey, you are quite young, but it seems your memory is not very good

For the fierce and passionate people of Chu, who still carry the customs of the southern tribes, this is nothing short of a great humiliation

Outside the tavern, a sign swayed gently, on which a large character was inscribed, written in a twisted and winding manner. Liu Kan barely recognized that it was the character 'Wang'.

Consider her and her husband Liu Fu; was it not because they received the favor of the Lü family that in the end they paid with their lives in return

Although the State of Chu has been destroyed, the attitude of the people of Chu living in Peixian towards the Qin State has not changed in the slightest

She certainly does not wish for her only son to follow in Liu Fu's old footsteps. Especially since Liu Kan is also a martial artist, he is even more susceptible to being exploited.

Then you are not advising me either

The introduction by Shen Shiqi was filled with pride, "The wine here is famous throughout the ten miles and eight townships. Another day, I will take you to another place, which is also quite good"

Of course, it is to repay Liu Kan for allowing him to make a small profit

Yes, it is indeed the head of the pavilion. Here, five households are referred to as a neighborhood, five neighborhoods as a community, and every ten communities has a pavilion. The head of the pavilion is responsible for maintaining public order and handling some daily affairs. Our head of the pavilion is surnamed Cao, and he is a very nice person, so you need not be afraid

Who says that ancient people were foolish and simple? This person has a mind as clear as a mirror, understanding things better than anyone else, fully aware of everything.

There is much to introduce; this place, Peixian, can be seen at a glance. We will sit down, drink, and I will tell you about it.

One must consider that if one uses their own existing way of thinking to measure the thoughts of ancient people, it is likely that such calculations would be inadequate

This is one of the best two taverns in Peixian City

No wonder he was all smiles when he came to deliver the money in the morning, as if he had just eaten some candy. It turns out he had already discerned the attitude of the old lady Kan

Shen Shiqi could not help but ask, "What is there to see? This place, Pei, is a no-man's land, with not even a county office. Well, if you wish to establish a residence here, you must remember to report to the local headman. However, this matter is not too troublesome; I will take you to meet them now"

Shen Shiqi walked over with a smile, saying, "I told you, if you randomly exchange the knife cloth and ant nose for Qin coins, the old man is bound to be angry"

Akan, we will go find someone now to settle the family down

Although Chu has only three households, the fall of Qin will inevitably lead to the rise of Chu