Chapter 4: Ambitious Aspirations

Li Kui, even if you just come on stage to go through the motions, it will silence all the villagers, young and old. Those who are interested in becoming constables can spar with Li Kui. I do not expect you to defeat him, but if you can avoid losing within thirty moves, then you will be the one.

How desolate Chen She must have felt when he uttered this sentence back then

When he felt that the timing was about right, the old man explained: "Li Quan is foolish, but he is also one of the strongest in the village, especially when he is not being foolish. He possesses exceptional martial skills. In the army, such fools are particularly favored by the commanders, as it is easy to recruit them as trusted aides. If Li Quan were to become a trusted aide to a commander in the army, wouldn't you all have a chance to enlist in the future? Moreover, if he joins the army, he will be provided with meals, and his military pay can be collected from our village, which would also be an additional source of income."

The old patriarch felt immense pain towards those who sought to undermine him, especially those who targeted his authority. He was determined to use his power to make this blind fool understand that offending him would come at a significant and severe cost

The ignorant villagers of Baizhang Village were completely stunned by Li Kui's grand ambitions, even the well-informed old clan leader gaped in astonishment, appearing dazed as if he no longer recognized his own grandson.

After a long while, the old chieftain's dark, cavernous mouth emitted a series of chuckles, which soon transformed into hearty laughter. The entire village laughed in a rather ungracious manner, as if they had just heard the funniest joke in the world

Li Kui was taken aback; when he arrived, he had no idea that he was the protagonist of this clan meeting. After being called out by the old clan leader, he felt somewhat puzzled, as he seemed to be only thirteen years old

Can you compare with the most notorious person in Baizhang Village, Li Kui

If not to give the quota to them, then to whom else can it be given

Street rascals, and even criminals with prior convictions, can hold such positions

The old clan leader grasped the staff in his hand, casting a threatening glance at the young man who was trying to undermine him. He slammed the staff down in anger, looking as if he could fly away on a crane to the Western Paradise, which frightened his great-grandson into a fit of shivers

The man, frustrated, slapped himself and then said indignantly: "Third Uncle, you are being unfair in your dealings. Why do I have to pay more?"

Injustice, we are not satisfied!

Instantly, the allure of this military profession increased exponentially

However, there was a clueless young man who unexpectedly asked an awkward question: "Is the third uncle a member of the Imperial Guard?"

... ...

Although the old man is somewhat self-righteous, he generally means well. However, for individuals of status, being a constable is not a respectable profession; yet for the remote mountain dwellers, it is an unimaginable good job. Nevertheless, Li Kui holds this profession in great disdain. Constables are part of the lower social strata, belonging to the disreputable clerical class, and in some areas, criminals are even employed as constables, further tarnishing a group that is originally tasked with apprehending local thieves, rendering it even more chaotic and unrecognized by society. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the children of constables were not even considered good people and were directly deprived of the right to take the imperial examination. Constables are part of the lower social strata, belonging to the disreputable clerical class, and in some areas, criminals are even employed as constables, further tarnishing a group that is originally tasked with apprehending local thieves, rendering it even more chaotic and unrecognized by society. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the children of constables were not even considered good people and were directly deprived of the right to take the imperial examination.

A man of seven feet tall was certainly not willing to accept this. He was just about to stand up and argue with the old clan leader, thinking that it was unfair to single him out for bullying. It was already enough of a grievance that he could not have a son, and now he was facing financial loss; it felt like it was taking his life away. The man had yet to realize his own fault; it was not for any other reason but that he had put the old clan leader in a difficult position. However, when he heard the old clan leader mention his daughter right off the bat, he was so furious that his vision went dark, and he fell silent, sitting blankly on the ground below the platform, seemingly gritting his teeth as if to curse and swear: without a son, he would never be able to hold his head high in the clan, living like a useless person. Walking outside, it felt as if a large character for 'emptiness' was tattooed on his face, an indescribable despair. If he did not have a son in this lifetime, it would not be over.

You have given birth to three daughters in succession, and in the future, it is uncertain which outsider will benefit from the family's wealth. Rather than this, it would be better to allocate it for the use of the clan, as the clan members will remember your kindness in the future

Li Kui angrily said: "Third Uncle, I am not going to be a laborious constable."

Li Quan is a fool; he certainly cannot be counted as one, can he

He feels that continuing to live in Baizhang Village is somewhat oppressive and unsustainable. Do not worry, every year there are a few villagers who have such thoughts, but after going to the city, they will return in a few months, dejected. With no skills, how could they possibly make a living in the city

The old patriarch angrily circled around, discovering that the staff in his hand had fallen to the ground below the platform, and he shouted fiercely: "Where is my staff? Where is my staff?"

Li Kui, can you be a bit more mindful?

There is one more thing, the channel for joining the military that was mentioned last year has been established, and our village will soon have a soldier.

If he were to possess the identity of a public official, how could he still navigate within high society

"Third Uncle, isn't Li Kui also considered one?"

It appeared very sophisticated, even leaving the old patriarch stunned

dream

The old man's words are truly vicious. What does it mean to be dark-skinned and not show one's age? This barrage of insults nearly drove Li Kui to the brink of rage

Speaking of Li Kui, as a constable, he faces only the most wicked and evil individuals. Without true skill, how can one accomplish anything? There are many people in the village who practice martial arts, yet not a single young person can withstand three moves under Li Kui's hand. You think that I do not care about you? You are mistaken. Even if I do think of you and lean towards you, you lot, who are of no ambition, will not achieve anything. If you cannot catch the thieves and end up getting yourselves involved, that is truly harmful

Li Kui's complexion grew darker, and he deeply understood a famous saying: "How can a sparrow know the ambition of a swan"

As soon as these words were spoken, the men in the village became animated. Although soldiers are looked down upon, it depends on the person; naturally, the families of officials do not regard soldiers highly, but soldiers still hold significant appeal for ordinary commoners, especially in relatively remote villages. This is particularly true because military pay is a source of income that comes without effort, and one can also earn additional income through business ventures. In the Song Dynasty, commerce was deeply ingrained in the very essence of all Song subjects, and they would not forget it wherever they went. Back and forth, this income was sufficient for a family to live a decent life.

Guaranteed returns regardless of drought or flood, with monthly payments, is enough to make those who rely on the heavens for their livelihood envious

The old clan leader's seemingly impartial approach has received numerous complaints from many people

The old clan leader, being advanced in age, is unable to jump around; otherwise, he would have leapt off the stage to give each of these unworthy descendants a good beating. Such shortsighted individuals, failing to cherish such a great opportunity. Although there are no external combat missions within the auxiliary troops, bandit suppression occurs frequently, yet you few cowards remain inactive.

"If you don't want to be a constable, what do you want to do?" The old clan leader angrily raised his staff and brought it down with a thud. Crack! The staff struck Li Kui's head and broke into two pieces. The latter touched his forehead and was surprisingly amazed to find that it didn't hurt.

Why is it that when I speak my mind, I am interrupted by the old man and even fined? Yet, when that rascal Li Kui speaks, the old man merely brushes it off with a casual remark. Is this not favoritism?

Helplessly, after stepping onto the stage, Li Kui lamented: "Third Uncle, I am only thirteen years old, a bit too young. Shouldn't this great opportunity be given to the elders and my brothers..."

Therefore, Li Kui resolutely refused, even if it meant enduring beatings, he would not hesitate. He then spoke loudly: "Third Uncle, esteemed brothers, uncles. In our Great Song, we hold education in high regard, and the position of clerks is of low status; how could they tarnish my reputation? I dare to ask you all, have you ever had dreams in your life?"

Li Kui, with his neck craned, immediately caught the attention of the crowd below, who could tell that this young man was about to cause trouble. One by one, they felt a surge of excitement, anticipating a good show.

Uncle Si, who was preparing to watch the play, was fuming on the side, rolling his eyes and muttering to himself: "Without a son, do we have to be one generation lower than others?"

The old clan leader glared and threatened Li Kui: "You better be careful, kid"

Li Kui then spoke: "I am thirteen years old, which is already a good time to pursue my studies. The sage says: 'At fifteen, one should set their aspirations on learning.' I am only thirteen, so it is not too late. From today onwards, I will dedicate myself to learning, and there is no reason I cannot achieve success in my studies. In the future, once I have succeeded in my studies, I will certainly be able to 'ride a horse in front of the street and attend the banquet in the Qionglin'"

If Li Quan were to become a soldier, he would completely become a side business of Baizhang Village. Although the money is not much, with an annual profit of just over 10 guan, when divided among everyone, it amounts to very little. However, this is a business that can sustain itself over time, and everyone has their own measure in their hearts, deeming it worthwhile. Especially when everyone heard the old patriarch say that Li Quan's military salary would go to the village, they immediately fell silent.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was not much better.

Seeing that no one opposed, the old patriarch nodded in satisfaction, and then, as was his habit, he licked his gums. This is a common habit among the elderly who have lost their teeth. A child, not understanding the situation, looked on and thought that the old man was chewing something in his mouth, as if he were eating.

The old man first scolded, "You bunch of good-for-nothings, older than Li Kui, yet each of you is shouting that it is inappropriate for Li Kui to join. Why don't you risk your lives to compete? Then I might still respect you as real men. With your cowardly demeanor, do you still think you can eat the emperor's rations and live a good life? Bah, dream on!"

"From the Fourth Family, you will pay two strings of cash, no, three strings of cash!"

The young man who just opened his mouth is Li Kui, and he is also the undisputed choice for the rise of the Li family in Baizhang Village in the eyes of the old patriarch. Not to mention that this young man is tough and resilient, an old and frail man like him cannot harm this youth. He is especially worried about losing face in front of everyone, as the temperament of young people is unpredictable, and it is inevitable that there will be resentment, which would be disastrous.

Can you compare with the biggest fool in Baizhang Village, Li Quan

The old patriarch discreetly erased the awkwardness and then announced the selection rules: "All the men in the village have a chance. Although the military men are from the auxiliary army and not the Huaiyang army's imperial guards, they are stationed within the borders of Yizhou, so they are not far from home. As for the selection, it is simple. In terms of strength, every young man in the village has a chance. In terms of martial arts, everyone is treated equally; all men under the age of thirty can participate."

These two murderers are participating, do I still have a way out

No one is willing to engage in this unprofitable deal

Nonsense, if they had that capability, would I need to seek you out? Moreover, you look so dark that it's hard to tell your age...

The old patriarch's drooping eyelids swept across the faces of the crowd, and his authority suddenly rose: "If anyone has objections, stand up and speak now; if you do not speak at this moment, this matter will be considered settled."

The auxiliary troops are akin to beggars, receiving a monthly military stipend of about 1 guan. However, the imperial guards are different, with a stipend of 3.2 guan, which is substantial money and quite impressive. For the simple village men of Baizhang Village, becoming part of the imperial guards is not much different from achieving great honor for their ancestors.

The army and the military are not the same, especially during the Two Song Dynasties, where the imperial troops were a secure job, while the regional troops were akin to beggars

Here comes the walking stick of your esteemed great-grandfather

Imperial Guard