Chapter 006: Adverse Circumstances and Unfavorable Timing

Do not think about getting rich for the time being, the debts owed to the government can be discussed later, the biggest problem right now is... where to stay today and what to eat

This was the first day that Qin Kan spent in the city of Shaoxing.

Du Yan smiled and said, "I heard that there is a madman running around the streets of Shaoxing, so I came out to see the commotion and followed you all the way here."

After speaking, Du Yan turned and left. Everything that happened today was merely a small interlude in her life. She had played enough tricks, given away some money, and had not driven anyone to desperation. For her, this interlude had come to an end

The adversities of life and the hardships of existence are merely a form of cultivation for him, a source of upward motivation. When he looks back upon his success, those adversities and difficulties have become invaluable treasures in his life

Why! Why must one... show off!

Du Yan's expression was somewhat remarkable, gradually shifting from astonishment to a mocking cold smile: "A virtuous person does not accept food that is offered with disdain?"

Du Yan was taken aback, and then her eyebrows shot up. She bent down to pick up a wooden stick about the thickness of her arm from the ground, and then with a swift motion, she struck down with her hand like a knife, breaking the stick with a sharp crack. After completing this action, Du Yan said nothing, merely gazing at Qin Kan with an unceasing cold smile.

"It's just starting from scratch." Qin looked up at the falling raindrops in the sky, murmuring to himself

Not all time travelers are welcomed upon their arrival; at least in the eyes of County Magistrate Du, Qin Kan is as insignificant as a speck of dust

Du Yan sneered: "What about now?"

Du Yanqiao's face was tinged with the colors of the sunset, and she angrily exclaimed: "Hmph! With such a refined and delicate appearance, how can you speak so shamelessly?"

Qin sighed with regret, saying: "This level is a bit too high; I cannot reach it at the moment. In fact, I really want this ingot of silver, but unfortunately, my damned pride prevents me from extending my hand..."

As Du Yan turned around, she happened to see a silver light flying towards her in mid-air. Instinctively, she reached out to catch it, only to find that it was the silver coin she had just thrown, returned by Qin Kan.

Qin Kan was astonished; he had known that this official's daughter was willful, but he did not expect her to possess such a high level of martial prowess

Qin Kan raised an eyebrow: "Here to collect a debt?"

When one is completely broke, one must not fall ill again; otherwise, it will truly be impossible to find any humor in life

The mocking tone on Du Yan's delicate face grew increasingly pronounced: "Was the twenty taels of silver that I waived also my unnecessary meddling?"

Du Yan seemed to be intrigued and smiled, saying: "What method?"

A young man with twelve taels of silver, harboring dreams of becoming wealthy, found himself penniless just two hours after entering Shaoxing City, and he even owed the government twenty taels of silver

A willful woman must possess the capital that enables her willfulness

Qin Kan revealed a smile, his two rows of white teeth particularly striking in the darkness

The spring in Jiangnan is not particularly cold, yet the incessant spring rain carries a penetrating chill that seeps into the bones

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A delicate and helpless sigh came from the street corner: "Are you really such a fool? Don't you know to pawn something at the pawnshop to get through this tough time?"

Du Yan spat and said, "You scholars, with no abilities whatsoever, are left only with your stubbornness."

What else do I have to pawn? The only thing left is this long gown on me. If your father does not punish me for indecency, I wouldn't mind running around the streets bare-bottomed

When Qin Kan walked out, he clearly saw the official's daughter named Du Yan standing behind her father, baring her teeth and angrily shaking her small fist at him, fully embodying the arrogance of a fox relying on the tiger's might

You have fallen to this state, do you still have money

It should not be called meddling in others' affairs; rather, it should be referred to as returning to the right path.

Qin Kan stepped out of the Shanyin County government office, feeling very dejected

The streets were still bustling with people, yet Qin Kan's mood was completely different from when he first stepped into Shaoxing City, having fallen directly from the bright spring into the depths of winter.

What about the second one

Thus, Qin Kan stretched his limbs a bit and, taking advantage of the fading daylight, jogged towards the bustling street. On the lively and noisy thoroughfare, passersby and merchants looked on in astonishment at a young man dressed in a thin long gown running, appearing neurotic like a madman, drawing curious glances from those around him

First, I crashed to death right in front of you

Qin sighed, "Of course I have no money. If you press me for repayment now, I can only resort to two solutions..."

In the fourteenth year of the Hongzhi era, Du Hong was appointed as the magistrate of Shanyin. During his three years in office, he administered rewards and punishments fairly, and his judgments were astute and meticulous. He greatly promoted water conservancy, supported agriculture and sericulture, and loved the people as if they were his own children. His moral writings were exceptionally brilliant, showcasing his remarkable talent. His reputation even reached the ears of the prominent figures in the capital. In the fifteenth year of the Hongzhi era, the Minister of Personnel, Ma Wensheng, specifically submitted a memorial to the throne to commend Du Hong for his achievements.

Qin Kan is an optimistic person. He believes that there is always a way out, so after graduating from university, he joined a company as a salesperson, living in the cheapest shared accommodation and eating the least nutritious instant noodles. In just two short years, he became an indispensable right-hand man to the boss, a highly sought-after white-collar manager. A person who surrenders to fate and bows down to it could never achieve this level.

Qin Kan wandered around Shaoxing City for a long time. As he passed by a bustling street market, he casually grabbed two white steamed buns. Finally, he found a secluded and deserted dead-end alley, where he sat with his arms crossed deep in the corner of the alley.

Du Hong is a magnanimous county magistrate. He is not afraid of Qin Kan fleeing to escape his debts, as debts owed to the government are not so easily evaded. The Ming Dynasty's stringent household registration system firmly pins Qin Kan to the land of Shanyin County. Want to escape? You'd better have the ability to obtain a travel permit from the county office first

Du Yan was furious, her two rows of delicate silver teeth clattering together, her eyes blazing as she stared at him. After a long silence, she said darkly: "You ungrateful fool, fine, I won't waste my kindness on you. You can just hide here; in ten days, go to the yamen and pay the twenty taels of fine. If you dare to escape, I will have my father issue a warrant to capture you at sea."

The issue of survival is extremely severe; this is the primary problem that Qin Kan must address at present

Qin Kan was taken aback for a moment, and then he recognized who had come.

Fortunately, Qin Kan is a very easy-going person. Being easy-going means that he does not have high demands for material conditions; he can sleep in a golden house or live in a cow shed, enjoy shark fin soup or not mind eating a steamed bun.

After running until slightly out of breath, feeling a bit warmer, Qin Kan casually stole two more steamed buns from a nearby vendor. With a satisfied smile, he returned to a secluded corner of the alley and found a sheltered spot to curl up again.

This lesson teaches us that time travelers and bibliophiles should never underestimate ancient societies. When one is filled with ambition and confidence, it is best to look back and check if there are ancient pickpockets stealing your wallet

Secondly, I will take care of the creditor..." After a pause, Qin Kan added very seriously: "I personally prefer the second method"

This woman is the source of all his misfortunes

Qin Kan cast a sidelong glance at her, his gaze lacking any kindness: "How did you find me?"

Life is indeed so cruel, whether in modern times or ancient times. A significant number of unfortunate individuals like Qin Kan have thus strayed further down the path of crime. To be honest, Qin Kan now feels a strong impulse to rob the Shaoxing treasury

Du Yan arrived with great enthusiasm but left in disappointment, leaving in a huff

It is a pity that Qin has forgotten one thing: a good official is not always a good official at every moment; even a good official can reveal a sinister and evil side, especially towards those who harm his beloved.

As soon as Du Yan stepped out of the alley, she heard Qin Kan's deep voice behind her: "Miss, please wait."

It is indeed a stroke of great fortune for Qin Kan to fall into the hands of such a good official, as a good official is surely one who values reason

Qin Kan could only smile wryly and say, "It seems that the second method is not very effective now. If the young lady is in the mood, shall I demonstrate by banging my head against the wall for you?"

Qin Kan had not yet spoken, but he saw a flash of silver light in the dusk, which landed right in front of him on the ground. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a silver ingot, weighing approximately four to five taels.

There is another lesson, which is to not provoke women, especially those who are pursuing pickpockets. The consequences of offending such individuals are worse than having one's wallet stolen

Qin Kan raised his head, gazing at the gray and misty hues of the sky. Delicate raindrops gently fell on his face, feeling somewhat cold. After a long while, a faint smile unexpectedly appeared at the corner of Qin Kan's mouth

The honorable judge has rendered a verdict, imposing a fine of twenty taels of silver on Qin Kan. Considering that Mr. Qin is currently without any funds, County Magistrate Du generously granted him a ten-day extension to gather the fine; otherwise, the punishment from the court will be enforced.

The corner of the alley was very cold; Qin Kan sat for a while before decisively standing up.

What is even more remarkable is that he possesses a fearless spirit of not worrying about having too many debts, akin to not feeling the itch when infested with lice

Without money, one cannot afford housing, nor can one buy food. What is even more troubling is that stealing chickens in the city is significantly more difficult than in the countryside, and Qin Kan also does not dare to risk facing legal troubles again

It turns out that scholars not only have a stubborn demeanor but also enjoy boasting

Thus, Qin Kan is surprisingly able to smile now; it is a smile of defiance. Moreover, he firmly believes that he will be the one to laugh in the end. Happiness will only favor those who can still smile in the most difficult times, for they are deserving of happiness

Qin Kan huddled deep in the corner of the alley, watching her graceful figure disappear. He did not know how long had passed when the sound of a slap echoed from the dark corner, accompanied by phrases of regret that were filled with unbearable pain, resonating softly in this remote and desolate shadowy nook

The young lady just misspoke; a scholar, aside from being obstinate, still possesses a measure of integrity.

Qin Kan let out a cold smile: "There is no need for ten days; I will deliver the silver to the yamen tomorrow."

"It was just to scare you at the yamen; you won't have to pay the twenty taels of silver. Take the silver I gave you and quickly find an inn to rest at, and buy yourself a hot meal." Du Yan spoke in a cold tone, not even glancing at him.

It can be affirmed that Du Hong is a good official