Chapter 8: Encounter with Bandits

"Waiter, first bring a large pot of congee, and then a pot of lamb soup!" Liu Jun estimated that this group of people must have been hungry for several meals, and they did not dare to directly ask the waiter to bring steamed buns, fearing that they might end up overeating and choking.

It is estimated that there are about one hundred people, all with horses, not far from here, and they may arrive at any moment. I advise everyone to run quickly

The young man fetched some water, and the person gulped down several large mouthfuls, then threw down a handful of money and ran off without looking back

Liu Jun looked at his bundle placed on the table and suddenly a solution flashed through his mind

The sage said, "In times of poverty, one should cultivate oneself; in times of prosperity, one should benefit the world. Young man, you are indeed a person of talent. In this chaotic era, should you not serve your country and work for the people?" The old man gazed at Liu Jun.

The little girl was still somewhat skeptical, but the elderly man beside her said, "You have encountered a kind-hearted person; quickly go and call your family over." The little girl finally nodded and ran off, holding the plate of pastries that had been given to her earlier.

"My lord, let us take refuge for the time being," the scholar quietly advised the old man. The old man, however, remained calm and composed, secretly observing Liu Jun. He noticed that Liu Jun, upon encountering this situation, did not display any signs of panic; instead, his brow suddenly relaxed, as if he had come up with a plan.

Liu Jun's expression changed, "The bandits have already reached Huang'an?" Huang'an is located to the northwest of Macheng and was originally part of Macheng. Later, during the Jiajing period, a portion of Huang'an County was established from Macheng, Huanggang, and Huangpi. If the bandits have already appeared in Huang'an, then surely Macheng cannot escape either

"Little Two, water, quickly bring the water here." A person rode up to the tea shop, jumped down, and shouted in a breathless and urgent manner.

Please call your family over; I would like to treat you all to some dim sum

In fact, in today's world, whether it is the Tartars beyond the pass or the bandits within, they are merely superficial troubles. The real internal threat does not lie here. If we cannot address the root of the internal threat with targeted measures, merely treating the symptoms will ultimately be a temporary solution that fails to address the fundamental issues.

It is estimated that there are about a thousand people who have come from the west, and they are now likely already within Macheng County.

At this moment, Liu turned to the old man and said, "Esteemed uncle, if I am not mistaken, the attendant of the esteemed uncle who just left must have gone to report the news of the bandits to the county town, right"

Robbers? How many, and how far?

Liu Junzheng intended to avoid the situation, but unexpectedly, a cloud of dust rose, and he could already hear the sound of hooves in the distance. He thought to run, but it seemed there was no time left. His large blue mule, no matter how fast it ran, would likely not be able to outrun the horses of the pursuers

Zhang Zei has rebelled, plundering everywhere, and many bandits who had previously surrendered to the court in the past two years are now responding to him. The remaining bandits hidden in the mountains and forests are also causing chaos. Currently, there is widespread panic in Xiangyang, Yunyan, Nanyang, and the area around Chengtian Prefecture. Although the major cities like Xiangyang and Nanyang are safe, we cannot enter them. We had no choice but to travel eastward, originally intending to seek refuge with relatives in Huainan. However, yesterday in Huang'an, we encountered a group of bandits and fled in a panic, losing all our belongings.

Taking action seems even less feasible; he didn't even bring a sword that scholars typically carry. Moreover, he glanced around the tea shop, where dozens of recently fed refugees were present, along with the old man from mhetushucomcom, his companion, and three subordinates. The refugees and the two old men lacked combat capability; the only ones who could fight were him and those three subordinates, with perhaps a few of the tea shop's staff barely qualifying. However, the opposing side numbered in the hundreds, making this a futile endeavor.

The old man asked with some confusion, "Zhang the bandit rebelled in Gucheng, which is to the west of Xiangyang, while Nanzhang is to the south of Xiangyang. With Xiangyang city in place, it should be impossible for Zhang the bandit to reach Nanzhang. Moreover, even if you wanted to escape, you should have fled to Xiangyang, Nanyang, or Chengtian Prefecture, so how did you end up all the way here in Huangzhou Prefecture, Macheng?"

Before he had the chance to digest the news of the bandits invading the territory, a group of people suddenly appeared on the road ahead, fleeing in disarray. They were all on horseback, driving horse-drawn carts, and it seemed to be a group of merchant travelers

What happened up ahead, my friend

Soon, when the rice porridge and mutton soup were served, a group of refugees saw how kind Liu Jun and the other benefactors were, truly providing them with food. They quickly rushed over, eagerly holding out their bowls to receive the porridge and soup. After receiving it, they squatted down to the side and began to eat.

The provincial examination is approaching; why not participate? If one can achieve the status of a juren, one could also be granted a minor official position. At that time, one could serve in the military, either defending against the enemy beyond the borders or suppressing rebels and bandits within the borders, thereby bringing peace to the people and benefiting the world. Would that not be good?

"Are your family members nearby as well?" Liu Jun asked

The two large buckets of rice porridge and one bucket of lamb soup quickly ran out, and these people finally had their fill. At this moment, the little girl's parents brought her to Liu Jun and the elderly men, kneeling down to bow their heads.

The elder immediately waved his hand, calling over a servant, and quietly instructed him for a few moments. The servant then nodded and left, while Liu Jun speculated that he might be going to report to the county.

The little girl timidly nodded her head, perhaps because it was the first time she had encountered such a kind person

The old man was greatly astonished, not expecting to hear such insightful words from a young martial artist on this rural road today. He immediately regarded the young man with newfound respect.

In Xiangyang, Nanzhang, the bandit Zhang, who had previously submitted to the imperial court, rebelled again, committing arson, murder, and plunder everywhere. Unable to remain in the countryside, I fled.

The little girl's understanding demeanor deeply moved Liu Jun. It is often said that children from poor families mature early. This small girl, despite her own hunger, had shining eyes, yet when she received the snacks that Liu Jun had sent, she did not eat them immediately. Instead, she carefully packed them away to take home for her family to enjoy.

It is said that Zhang Xianzhong has rebelled again in Gucheng, and that little girl’s family is likely fleeing from that area. Liu Jun remarked, "In chaotic times, human life is as insignificant as grass; no wonder the ancients said it is better to be a peaceful dog than to be a person in a chaotic world"

How many people are there? The old man immediately became serious.

What should I do, what should I do

"Hurry up, please. Who hasn't faced a time of crisis and difficulty? It's just a meal." Liu Jun pulled him up, "Where do you come from?"

I am merely a martial artist, though I possess some physical strength and can read a few passages from the sages' texts, yet when it comes to truly serving my country, I find myself at a loss.

"The bandits are coming, let's run!" said the man, wiping the sweat from his brow and gasping for breath

After a while, the little girl indeed returned with a group of people. There were more than thirty men and women, old and young, clearly not from just one family. They were all dressed in rags, and there were even a few who appeared to be ill. It is understandable, as they were fleeing in haste with their families in tow.

Thank you, sir and young master, for your great kindness. I am deeply grateful and willing to repay in the next life by working like a cow or horse.

At that moment, he waved his hand and said, "No rush, let's first see what this young man has to say"