Chapter 7, Sending money to Lü Wu

Uncle Wu, listen to me. This money is not for you, but rather to be lent through your hands to the patrolling officers at the dock. This way, they will take better care of Douzi and the others. After all, it is best not to owe favors for matters that can be resolved with money. At this moment, Li Zhang couldn't help but explain with a bitter smile. Lü Wu is usually very busy and cannot personally monitor Douzi and the others at the dock, so he must have entrusted the task to the officers under him. However, no matter how great Lü Wu's influence is, it is still not as effective as money. This principle is universally applicable in any era.

Who wouldn't want to see the divine bird? Recently, I have heard from Douzi and others that the entire capital is discussing the matter of the divine bird, so I planned to wait until my injury healed before going to take a look. However, after hearing what you said, Uncle Wu, it seems I might not be able to see it after all. Li Zhang also noticed Lv Wu's suspicion and quickly feigned the curiosity of a young person, his face revealing a look of disappointment by the end of his words

People often say that surviving great adversity brings future blessings, and it seems there is indeed some truth to that. Moreover, you have been clever since childhood; if your father had allowed you to continue your studies, perhaps one day you could be named at the East Huamen. At that time, the Li family would surely bring honor to their ancestors

"Where did you get the money? Stealing a few things on the street is one thing, but if you really rely on this to make a living in the future, you will eventually be caught and have your legs broken. At that time, I won't be able to save you!" At this moment, Lu Wu suddenly darkened his expression, as he believed that Li Zhang's money was obtained through theft on the street. After all, given the age of Li Zhang and his companions, there was no other way for them to make money except through stealing.

At this moment, Li Zhang smiled slightly again, then took out a heavy cloth bag from behind and placed it in front of Lu Wu, saying: "Uncle Wu, here is a string of coins. I mean no other intention, but I hope you can take care of Douzi and the others in the future, to prevent anyone from becoming envious and causing us trouble later on"

I also do not know, it is just that after waking up from this injury, I feel that my mind is much clearer, and things I did not understand before seem to have suddenly become clear. At this moment, Li Zhang spread his hands and made an innocent expression, as his changes were too significant to hide in front of a perceptive acquaintance like Lu Wu. Since that is the case, it is better to lay it all out; after all, no one would expect that he is no longer the original Li Zhang.

Uncle Wu's lesson is that I will definitely pay attention in the future Li Zhang immediately admitted his mistake Although Lu Wu's tone was harsh, he was actually thinking of him After all, in this imperial society, anything related to the emperor is taboo, even in the Song Dynasty, which is the most limited in imperial power

The dock is a chaotic mix of people, and for now, no one is bothering Douzi and his group. However, if this situation persists for too long, it is likely that trouble will arise, which will require the influence of Lü Wu. Although Lü Wu is merely a small team leader, with a status even lower than that of a minor official, he is quite well-connected in the Xiangfu County area. Particularly due to his exceptional martial skills, he has successfully captured numerous wanted criminals, earning him a certain level of fame not only in Xiangfu County but also throughout the entire Kaifeng Prefecture.

I am not sure about this either. At this moment, Lu Wu also showed a puzzled expression, but soon he widened his eyes and said, "What are you asking about this for, you rascal? Is it something that people like us can inquire about regarding the emperor's affairs?"

Lu Wu was once again taken aback by Li Zhang's words. After sizing him up a few times, he finally spoke again: "You young man are quite impressive, to understand such principles. However, who did you learn all this from, to have such a clear understanding of human relationships and worldly affairs?"

"The mountain is closed? The divine bird has landed on the mountain. Uncle Wu, can you see it from the foot of the mountain?" Li Zhang did not expect that Lu Wu had been dispatched to seal off the divine bird, which prompted him to hurriedly ask again. He originally wanted to see whether that divine bird was actually an airplane, but if it was sealed off by the forbidden army, how could he still see it?

Li Zhang's literacy is one of the reasons he was able to become the leader of the orphans. Unfortunately, later on, Li Zhang's father became excessively addicted to gambling, and the family faced difficulties even in securing meals, which naturally meant there was no money left for him to continue his education

Yesterday, I had Douzi buy some pig offal. If you, Uncle Wu, do not mind, why not let Li'er prepare a plate, and have her buy some wine as well? We can eat and chat at the same time, how does that sound?" Li Zhang observed the surprised expression on Lu Wu's face and naturally understood what he was thinking, but at that moment, he pretended not to notice and spoke again.

"Uncle Wu, please wait. You surely haven't had your meal yet. Why not have something to eat here? I also have a matter I would like to discuss with you!" At this moment, Li Zhang suddenly called out to Lu Wu.

"What do you mean, you brat? When did it become your turn to give me money!" Lu Wu, seeing Li Zhang actually offering him money, was immediately enraged and slammed the table, shouting. He had always regarded Li Zhang as his own nephew; otherwise, he would not have taken care of the two siblings for so long. However, now Li Zhang actually attempted to bribe him with money, which made him feel that Li Zhang did not see him as an elder but rather as an outsider. This was the reason for Lu Wu's anger.

"Uncle Wu, you have misunderstood. In the past few days, I had Douzi and the others engage in a small business. Although the profits are not substantial, it is enough to feed these more than ten mouths. The matter I wish to discuss is also related to this small business." At this moment, Li Zhang smiled again and, after speaking, instructed Li Er to cut a large section of braised sausage, which was then served in a large bowl. He also gave her some money to buy wine.

"Uncle Wu, you just mentioned that His Majesty the Emperor encountered an accident while visiting the divine bird. What exactly was the accident?" At this moment, Li Zhang spoke again to divert the topic, in order to prevent Lu Wu from discovering more flaws. Of course, he was also very interested in matters concerning Emperor Zhao Huan.

"Dinner?" Lü Wu was taken aback by Li Zhang's words. He had never considered having a meal at Li Zhang's place, as he had come here primarily to deliver food to Li Zhang and his sister. Surely, Li Zhang wouldn't want to cook a meal for himself using the food that Lü Wu had brought for them.

"Alright, I always feel that you are a bit strange. I haven't had the chance to go home since I returned today, so I won't stay here with you. Take good care of your injury, and once you recover, come with me to the yamen to work!" At this moment, Lu Wu stood up and said. He was very concerned about the Li Zhang family, and upon returning today, he heard about Li Zhang's injury, so he hurried over to visit, not even going home.

In fact, it cannot be considered a business; it is merely about cleaning up the leftover food from the restaurant, reheating it, and then selling it to the laborers at the dock. At that moment, Li Zhang explained the business of collecting leftovers to Lü Wu.

"So you still want to send money to me?" Before Li Zhang could finish his sentence, Lü Wu interrupted him again by slapping the table. The table at Li Zhang's house was already in poor condition, and with Lü Wu's strong hand, after being slapped twice, the entire table became crooked. It was estimated that with one more slap, it would fall apart.

"What kind of business can a bunch of kids like you do?" As soon as Li Er left, Lu Wu eagerly pressed for an answer.

Indeed, as soon as Li Zhang's words fell, Lü Wu slammed his thigh in anger and said: "Don't mention it, the matter of the divine bird alarmed His Majesty, and as a result, the officials from several surrounding counties were all dispatched to clear the area. However, when we arrived, we found that the Imperial Guards had already sealed off the mountain, allowing only exit but no entry, which made us all make a wasted trip. Moreover, without orders from above, we did not dare to leave and could only guard at the foot of the mountain for several days, only being allowed to return today"

While they were speaking, Li Er also brought the wine. Lu Wu was not polite, drinking wine and eating braised sausage with Li Zhang while chatting. After finishing the meal, Li Zhang pushed the copper coins in front of Lu Wu again. However, Lu Wu smiled and said: "You really are generous, just let the people at the dock take care of Douzi and the others, two hundred wen is enough. Keep the rest of the money for yourself, buy more food to eat in the future, and don't let Li Er go hungry!"

Uncle Wu, you have misunderstood. Although you are not my biological uncle, my siblings and I have always relied on your care, and since my father is rarely home, Li Er and I have almost come to regard you as a father figure...

"Zhe Luo? I didn't expect you to have such skills!" After hearing this, Lu Wu couldn't help but look at Li Zhang in great astonishment. Although the business of selling leftover food may seem somewhat unrefined, it is practically a no-cost venture, making it perfectly suitable for Li Zhang and his group of orphans who have little capital.

After Lü Wu finished counting the copper coins, he was about to leave. Li Zhang also stood up, supporting himself on the chair, preparing to see him off. However, at that moment, they suddenly heard a hurried sound of footsteps from outside the door, and then a constable dressed in a black robe rushed in with a look of panic on his face

"Do not drink too much, half a jin is enough, I still have to work this afternoon!" Upon hearing Li Zhang's words, Lu Wu also showed a look of surprise, but he was still concerned about Li Zhang spending money, so he instructed the raccoon who was serving the drinks. The raccoon responded with an acknowledgment and then skipped out.

Seeing Li Zhang finally exhibit the demeanor of a young man, Lü Wu could finally breathe a sigh of relief. This was because during their earlier conversation, he had felt as though he was not facing a twelve-year-old child, but rather an adult comparable to himself, a sensation that made him quite uncomfortable

"By the way, why are you asking these questions? Do you also want to see the divine bird?" At this moment, Lu Wu's eyes widened as he asked again. Li Zhang's change in character was truly too great; even with the previous explanation, it was hard for Lu Wu to accept. Moreover, as a team leader, his professional vigilance made him feel that something was off with Li Zhang.

Li Zhang felt a sinking sensation in his heart upon hearing this. The court had already imposed a lockdown around the divine bird, and even the emperor had been alerted. It was likely that ordinary people could hardly approach the divine bird, which made him wonder how he could possibly go and see whether that divine bird was actually an aircraft.

"Unable to see, there are several earthen mounds upstream of the Bian River, and the divine bird has landed on the largest of these mounds. This mound is not particularly high, but it is quite large, with a relatively flat top covered in trees, making it impossible to see the divine bird from below. Moreover, it is said that an incident occurred when His Majesty went to see the divine bird, and the area is now under strict surveillance." Lu Wu said again, somewhat irritably. "The higher-ups merely speak, while we down here run ourselves ragged. This group of officials has been stationed at the foot of the mountain for several days, and at night, there is no place for us to sleep. The higher-ups merely speak, while we down here run ourselves ragged. This group of officials has been stationed at the foot of the mountain for several days, and at night, there is no place for us to sleep.