Chapter 2, To Serve

A large, stout man, sitting nearby and smoking a pipe, saw me eat two and then go for two more. He snorted a few times, stood up, walked over to me, and gave my shoulder a hard slap, asking in a mocking tone: "Little brother, have you not eaten for several days? One bun contains 2 taels of meat and 2 taels of dough. You actually managed to eat two and still want more?"

There were about a hundred people having breakfast. Steward Lin led me to a seat and said with a smile, "Brother Yang, well, I will leave you here. Later, I will come over to arrange your winter clothes. For now, I will go report to the chief steward. After you finish eating, just sit and rest for a while until I come back, okay?" He then turned and left.

Heaven, is there anything else that displeases you? This is an opportunity that has fallen from the sky. I quickly nodded; I certainly do not want to eat those somewhat stale, donated whole grain buns again

The cafeteria prepared for us servants is a hall that can accommodate 400 people dining at the same time. Steward Lin actually said: "Alas, the space is a bit small; everyone usually has to split into two shifts for meals. We originally planned to build a larger one, but unfortunately, it snowed, and the ground has frozen, so we can only discuss it again in the spring of next year"

The breakfast consisted of quite fragrant meat-filled buns, which was remarkable, as I had not eaten anything for a full two and a half days. One bite was equivalent to half a bun, and before long, two large buns were consumed. I picked up the plate and went to get two more.

In a state of confusion, I fell asleep

Just as the eastern sky was beginning to lighten, a hurried sound of footsteps came from inside the main gate, followed by a loud bang as the door frame was swiftly removed, and the two main doors suddenly swung open

Yea? I had breakfast, and it's not like I was eating your food. Why are you in such a hurry? You angrily sat back in your previous seat, and I wonder what tricks you can come up with. After about two cups of tea, that fat man brought out a large bowl, and with a loud "bang," he slammed it down in front of me, shouting, "Hey, young man, you don't know better. You haven't eaten for a few days, and now you're going to eat so many buns all at once? It's cold outside; what if you get sick? First, drink some porridge to settle your stomach, let your digestive system get moving, and then have something oily for lunch. Ha, you'll be a man again!" He patted my shoulder, laughing as he returned to his previous spot, humming a little tune and smoking a pipe.

In the Celestial Empire, the average lifespan is estimated to be 200 years, thus 60 years can be considered as young.

The stomach growled like thunder, and surprisingly, I also felt a hint of chill in my body. After all, it had been two days since anything had entered my mouth

Perhaps I have some internal strength, but I wonder how many people in the entire Holy Capital, like me, are without money and homeless, have frozen to death? Now, snowflakes the size of goose palms are falling in a flurry, and when they land on the ground, one can hear a distinct "puff puff" sound, which is quite astonishing

I find it somewhat difficult to discern what kind of person he is, and respectfully said: "Yes, I haven't eaten anything for more than two days."

The person nodded slightly, pinched the thin fabric of my clothing, and after a moment said: "I wonder if you would be willing to endure a winter at my home? I happen to be looking for a few reliable and clever individuals to serve as night watchmen. If you are willing, how about settling down at my place for now?"

Slightly panicked, he said: "My lord, I apologize. In a moment of desperation, I found myself without food or shelter and inadvertently wandered to your doorstep. As it was too late, I had no choice but to huddle in the corner of your door for the night, blocking your way. I am truly sorry."

The man nodded slightly, turned around to call out, and a middle-aged man dressed in a bright red fox fur coat, who had been standing in the doorway, hurriedly approached. The man instructed, "Give this young brother a name and settle him for the time being. Well, it is getting late and I also need to go upstairs."

I scooped up a large bowl of millet porridge with chopsticks, which contained two beaten eggs. I felt a bit moved inside, while a colleague next to me was gulping down steamed buns and smilingly said, "This Luo Tou has such a bad temper, but he has a good heart; he is indeed a good person..." I nodded and began to drink the millet porridge in big mouthfuls.

Why are they out so early, even before dawn? Remembering the reception I received from more than ten wolfhounds at the entrance of a wealthy household a few days ago, I quickly got up and walked down the steps. Unfortunately, there was a thin layer of ice on the steps, and feeling empty in my stomach, I had no strength at all. My body softened and slipped, and I rolled down the steps.

Behind him stood more than 20 robust men, their expressions cold and fierce, all clad in fine leather coats. Surprisingly, each of them had a large goose-feather knife hanging at their waist, a formidable weapon capable of cleaving a cow in one stroke, typically used in battle.

No one dared to mention the matter of Jin Wudan Shishe's official retirement; they all claimed it was a divine omen. The benevolent Emperor Shenren was overjoyed and held a poetry gathering to celebrate the snowfall for 20 consecutive days. Instantly, literati and poets flocked in response, and a few even returned triumphant, taking away generous rewards from Emperor Shenren.

Unbeknownst to me, in order to evade the fierce soldiers of the imperial guard who were searching for the culprits, I found myself in an alley wide enough for two carriages to pass side by side. The alley seemed bottomless, flanked by tall red walls, with green glazed tiles forming the eaves above. Fortunately, I possess a pair of naturally keen night eyes; otherwise, I would not have noticed these details. How strange it is that after walking for quite some time, I have not encountered a single doorway. Crouching in the deep porches of those affluent households has been my best refuge from the wind and snow over the past two days. Fortunately, I possess a pair of naturally keen night eyes; otherwise, I would not have noticed these details. How strange it is that after walking for quite some time, I have not encountered a single doorway. Crouching in the deep porches of those affluent households has been my best refuge from the wind and snow over the past two days

Heavens, what is the occupation of the master of this residence? Surely, the combined total of us night watchmen, cleaners, and gardeners amounts to 800 people, akin to a model of regulations and diagrams. Those obvious bodyguards and guards certainly will not dine with us. Therefore, this residence must have at least over a thousand people, not much different from the inner court of the imperial palace

The fat man pushed me aside, snatched the plate containing two buns from my hands, and pointed to my seat: "Go sit over there, damn it, eating so much so early in the morning will make you burst."

There is a faint sense of regret in my heart; had I known that the broken silver pieces on the ground were worth at least a thousand taels, I could have easily taken a few more to get through this damned winter. What is pride worth? The old ghost often mutters, "A true man knows when to bend and when to stand firm. Heh heh, kid, don’t spend all day dreaming of flying; before you can soar, you must first endure a few days like a turtle." Indeed, there is wisdom in that.

However, it was not so fortunate for me. I managed to get by for 20 days, but as the year drew to a close, the bosses in various trades were still busy clearing out idle people. Who would be willing to temporarily take in someone who might not even work, just to feed them? Thus, after I had spent my last copper coin, the shopkeeper suddenly changed his attitude and kicked me out.

This cannot continue. After eating the food given by others tomorrow, I must find a job, no matter what it is, even if it means guarding the excess mansions of wealthy families who have too many houses and nowhere to live. Everything will have to wait until spring. My companions in the cargo business often say, 'A penny can suffocate a hero,' and they do not deceive me.

Is this how I go home? ... I truly feel unwilling, if it weren't for that one-year agreement ... . Suddenly, I stood in the center of the street and let out a mournful howl, the sound mixed with my inner strength reverberating through the peaceful night of the Holy Capital.

At that moment, a horse-drawn carriage pulled by two horses arrived at the gate. The man patted me on the shoulder and said with a grin, "Little brother, if you want to make a name for yourself, well, there are plenty of opportunities in the Holy Capital of Books; it all depends on you." I nodded with a smile, climbed onto the carriage, and the burly men behind me mounted the tall horses led over by the young boy. With a sharp crack of the whip, they gradually disappeared from sight.

The people in this residence are far superior to those wealthy families I am familiar with, from top to bottom, it is all like this. Well, one can discern the master by observing the servant. That person who assisted me must also be a good person, right?

I dare not ask much now; it is time for me to act like a turtle, obediently retracting my neck. Let us wait until after this winter to discuss further

I am truly so hungry that I can hardly move. Fortunately, tomorrow morning there will be wealthy families distributing porridge and rice, which happens every three days. Alas, even those who used to do good deeds and accumulate merit have become lazy. Only someone like me, with a solid foundation and relatively strong health, can manage to eat once every three days. Ordinary poor people can only last two days before they freeze or starve to death

It was somewhat amusing to observe the commotion I had caused, so I slowly and gently left the scene. If there was truly no other option, spending a few days in the barracks of the Imperial Guard or in the dungeons of the Ministry of Justice might be the most ideal way to spend the winter, after all, there would be free food and drink provided

Heavy snow is falling from the sky, and the night is pitch black

Respectfully following the clearly defined role of the steward, I entered the mansion. My goodness, what a large estate! Upon entering, I turned to the right and passed through four courtyards before reaching the quarters designated for us night watchmen. It was a tidy row of large bunk beds. The steward, who introduced himself as Lin, warmly greeted a few colleagues who would be working with me and helped me set up my bed. He instructed an outside servant to bring over four thick cotton quilts and nodded, saying, "You can leave your luggage here for now. After breakfast, I will have someone help you with a set of clean cotton clothes." Sigh, this year's weather is truly strange. I am nearly 60 years old and have never seen snow in the Holy Capital.

The heavy snow fell continuously for a full 20 days, exciting the residents of Shengjing, who had never seen snow before. According to the scholars at Wangtiange, a powerful cold front from the northern continent suddenly moved south, bringing an unprecedented snowfall to Shengjing.

In the midst of the dimming sky and swirling earth, two strong hands lifted me up. When I looked up and focused my gaze, I saw a person wrapped in the finest white fox fur cloak, with a gaunt face and eyes radiating brilliance, likely in their early thirties. He nodded at me and smiled, saying: "Young brother, be careful while walking. How did you fall asleep in this doorway?"

The warmth and coldness of human relationships have been thoroughly witnessed. When he has money, he can treat you like a revered ancestor, but once the money runs out, he will immediately sever all ties and ask you to leave.

Swiftly dodging, the first group to arrive was not the vigilant imperial guards, but rather the subordinates of several major factions in the Holy Capital. Each one, astonished, inquired of one another whether the cries had come from their own people. Upon receiving negative responses, they quickly leaped into the air, evading the surging cavalry of the imperial guards.

The person curiously asked: "Are you in dire straits regarding food and clothing? Hmm, looking at your tall stature and handsome appearance, you do not seem like a person who engages in criminal activities. You also possess the demeanor of someone from a distinguished family. Why have you fallen to such a state?"

November 5, 1394 of the Holy Calendar

I feel a bit embarrassed to say: "I came to the Holy Capital to see if there were any opportunities for advancement. Who would have thought that as the year draws to a close, I haven't found anything to do, and I can only think of getting by through the winter and making plans later"

I walked slowly, carrying my small bundle, on the streets still thick with heavy snow despite having cleared countless paths, avoiding the soldiers of the forbidden army on their evening patrols

At last, the alley suddenly widened, revealing a small square measuring 10 zhang across, followed by four large gates. There was no time to examine the plaques on the gates; I hurriedly tucked myself into a corner outside the gates, and immediately felt much warmer.