Chapter 3: Han Kui

A cacophony of noise erupted, interspersed with loud curses: "Damn it, lost again, why is my luck so bad."

Do you still have money? If not, go play somewhere else

Perhaps they know that in our county there is a tall, foolish man as strong as an ox, who could be tied up and taken back to the grasslands as a laborer

Zhong let out a snort: "You, surnamed Han, you run faster than anyone else when it comes to money. Your money is still mine. What, are you trying to hide some private stash to send to the brothel in the city ahead of me? Heh heh, don't forget, this position was granted to you by my uncle. Without me, you wouldn't even know where to beg for a living right now"

This can also be understood; the lives of the common people are difficult, and having meat to eat once a month is considered fortunate. The lack of substantial protein intake naturally hinders growth. Currently, Gao Wen is about 1.73 meters tall, which is average in modern times, but standing among a group of ancient people, he immediately gives the impression of a crane among chickens

However, this shirt has been worn by countless people, and it is severely tattered, covered in patches. The collar, cuffs, and back are particularly sewn with circles of stitches, resembling a target. Although it is torn, it is washed very clean. This is the handiwork of his mother; in his memory, the image of his blind mother groping in the dark to mend her clothes reappears, warming Gao Wen's heart.

Thinking of this, Gao Wen shook his head and walked towards the small courtyard

At this moment, I couldn't help but exclaim inwardly: "Oh no, I've been suffering from the aftereffects of my recent journey, feeling dazed and lethargic for days. It wasn't until this afternoon that I finally regained my senses, yet I haven't brought back a single penny. It will be difficult to explain this to Sergeant Han later."

Upon hearing that cold snort, the man quickly withdrew his hand, making a grand promise, his face full of ingratiation: "It is I who do not understand the rules. This money must first pass through Brother Han's hands. Today, I was blinded by the gamble and forgot; please forgive me, sister-in-law."

This is the home of the village chief Han Kui. He was originally a fallen noble, but recently he has become associated with Huang Zhubo from the county office, which has led to his promotion. In the county town, he has been bullying the weak and taking advantage of others, and his family's situation has gradually improved. This time, he was sent to the banks of the Yellow River to inspect the displaced people, thanks to Huang Zhubo's support. Firstly, his home is close to the Yellow River, making it convenient for work, and secondly, it allows him to earn some money for his own benefit

This can be considered a decent assignment, and this area is regarded as a prosperous region of Shanxi and Shaanxi, where the common people have some spare money. After spending a few days along the Yellow River, each of them managed to earn some silver. With money in hand, the other villagers became somewhat lazy, and today they gathered at the home of Wu Zhang Han Kui to gamble. In the past, Gao Wen was an honest child and naturally refused to participate; moreover, he had no money, so he was assigned to guard the riverbank by the others.

Upon thinking that there would be another sum of cash incoming, a smile appeared on Zhong's face

"What the hell are you talking about? I don't need you to tell me where to go. Come again, come again."

These words were spoken in an extremely unpleasant manner, and the onlookers all wore expressions of glee, knowing that Gao Wen was likely to face misfortune today

This was his first time witnessing the ancient sunset, and he found himself captivated by it. As the sun set behind the western mountains and the sky gradually darkened, he let out a long sigh, tightened the clothes on his body, slung his satchel over his shoulder, picked up a whistle stick, and strode westward.

"Hey, you big fool, I'm talking to you, why aren't you responding? Hurry up, take out the money so we can split it. I'm on a losing streak right now, but my luck is about to turn around." The person who had lost money earlier approached, intending to grab the bag on Gao Wen's shoulder.

Sensing this aroma, Gao Wen's stomach could not help but rumble. It was only then that he remembered he had not eaten or drunk anything for an entire day, and he was so hungry that he could hardly bear it. Unconsciously, he reached up to touch the pouch on his shoulder

"What nonsense are you talking? The Tatars are still far away in Datong; how could they possibly come to our Shaanxi?"

However, in recent days, he has become pale and emaciated, small in stature, and his appearance is exceedingly squalid, standing in front of Gao Wen, he is a full head shorter.

If I happen to see Han Kui later, it will indeed be difficult to handle. Well, I will just say that I didn't see many people today

The sunset is so resplendent; such grandeur and magnificence are certainly not something one could witness in the Jiangnan metropolis where I once resided. After enduring five days of turmoil and distress, today my soul has finally merged with the esteemed literary figure of the Ming Dynasty, inheriting part of his memories, and my mind has become much clearer.

It turns out that Miss Zhong is the niece of the clerk Huang from the county government office

Before Gao Wen could speak, the other three villagers rushed forward, showering him with flattery

As they spoke, everyone burst into laughter, their gazes filled with mockery, as if teasing Gao Wen was their daily entertainment. These past few days, they had also been wearing the blue short-sleeved tunics of the yamen's servants, topped with square hats. Unlike Gao Wen's tattered clothing, theirs was neat and appeared imposing. If an uninformed person were to see them, they might indeed mistake them for yamen officials, and be scolded a few times, turning pale with fright.

This person is Wu Chang Han Kui. Unlike several others who are emaciated, he is short and stocky, with a broad face and a rather fierce appearance, making it clear that he is not a good-natured individual

According to the rules, every time money is received, it must be divided into six parts. The husband, Han Kui, takes two parts, keeps one part for himself, and the other three villagers each take one part. As for Gao Wen, a fool, what does he need the money for? In any case, he wouldn't dare to say anything even if he doesn't get a share

Although the common people are not part of the three classes of corvée labor, their attire is the same: a long blue cloth gown with arrow sleeves and a square-topped hat, adorned with a feather from an indeterminate bird. After all, they represent the authority of the government; without a uniform to wear, how can they instill fear in the cunning and unruly populace

In his previous life, his parents passed away early. This time, through the process of reincarnation, it seems that the heavens have granted him a mother to compensate for the regrets of his life. However, he is still unable to emotionally accept this suddenly appeared mother and does not know how to face her. Fortunately, he is currently working outside and does not have to meet her.

Hearing her question, Gao Wen felt a slight sense of distress in his heart. Just as he was contemplating how to respond, the door to the side room creaked open, and a middle-aged man in his forties stepped out: "The fool is back. How was the harvest today?"

Everyone finds pleasure in humiliating Gao Wen in their daily lives, naturally lacking any sympathy, and instead thinking about how to come up with new ways to torment this fool next.

In recent days, having shown such disrespect towards himself, calling out like a fool, Gao Wen felt infuriated and was too lazy to respond. Just as he was about to return to his room to take off the short-sleeved shirt and catch his breath, he realized that after walking such a long distance, he was already drenched in sweat.

The yard is an ordinary farmhouse courtyard, quite dilapidated, with rotting cabbage leaves scattered everywhere and garbage piled high. A hen flutters on top of it, emitting an unbearable stench

Gao Wen was dispatched to the banks of the Yellow River under such circumstances, accompanied by four others. Of course, Hancheng is far too distant from the Datong section of the Yellow River, and during their few days here, they hardly encountered any refugees. Their group came here merely to make a show and to report to their superiors. They continued to conduct affairs as usual, while also extorting a bit of money from the common people, in exchange for a couple of jin of meat and wine for their own enjoyment

The Tatars invaded year after year, and at the Battle of Tumu Fortress, they even captured the Ming Emperor Yingzong. In that battle, not only was the imperial army completely annihilated, but the entire Shanxi province, including the Xuand and Da Li prefectures, was left in ruins. A large number of refugees surged southward, wandering everywhere, with many even crossing the Yellow River to flee to Shaanxi.

Generally speaking, matters arising from inquiries like this usually involve two individuals. However, the other person has been quite fortunate lately and refuses to go out. Therefore, Han Kui simply set a limit of two taels of silver for Gao Wending, stating that only two taels need to be paid, and any excess would be considered your own earnings.

At this moment, it is dinner time, with wisps of smoke rising and the occasional aroma of food.

Gao Wen said lightly: "I apologize, I have kept watch for a day, yet encountered only a few people, and as for the silver, there is not a single coin."

After walking approximately 10 miles, a farmhouse appeared in the distance; it was the home of Sergeant Han Kui, who was on duty this time.

Zhong had a look that seemed to say "you know your place," as he turned his head towards Gao Wen and asked, "Fool, how much did you earn today?" In the midst of speaking, a glimmer of greed flashed in his eyes

Gao Wen felt greatly displeased upon hearing others address him in this manner. Unable to contain his displeasure, he frowned, walked into the courtyard, and shouted: "I am back"

At that moment, Han Kui's wife, Zhong, suddenly stood up and snorted through her nose

In fact, merely checking the route and similar tasks can only yield a few coins each time; even after a whole day, there aren't many. Han Kui has set this figure, which is already quite a challenge for Gao Wen.

After a whole day of busyness, the pouch remains empty as ever

At this moment, he finally realized that Gao Wen's pouch was as shriveled as the belly of a famine-stricken victim who had gone without food for three to five days

Upon hearing Gao Wen's return, several heads poked out from the room, all laughing and saying: "The big fool Gao is back. So late, what happened? Were you not captured by the Tartars to tend to their sheep?"

In order to prevent the influx of refugees from causing unrest in Shaanxi, the Shaanxi Provincial Government issued several orders, instructing the counties along the Yellow River to dispatch officials, local militia, and able-bodied men to guard various checkpoints and conduct strict inspections of travelers

First, hold off; when the tall fool returns and has the money, you will certainly get your share

Before Han Kui could speak, his wife, Mrs. Zhong, sharply exclaimed: "What? You didn't bring back a single cent? What do I need you for? I have been providing you with food and drink these past few days, only to have it wasted on you like feeding pigs!"

I have been on duty for several days on the Yellow River, and my family has saved a few taels of silver. After a few more days, once I finish my duties, I will be able to purchase two mu of good land.

Moreover, in later generations, Gao Wen was a wealthy second-generation heir who inherited a substantial fortune from his parents and never had to worry about money. After traveling to the Ming Dynasty, he did not regard a mere few coins as significant. The common people he encountered by the river were extremely poor, so naturally, he could not bring himself to take advantage of them.

Someone remarked: "Old Three, you didn’t even bother to collect the money yesterday, and you vanished like smoke, leaving no trace. Did you go to the city to deliver money to the courtesans? Ha ha, damn it, they say that one finds joy in the pleasure houses and misfortune in the gambling dens. If you touch what you shouldn’t, it’s no surprise if you lose."

The wife of Sergeant Han, Mrs. Zhong, was squatting on the well platform, busy selecting vegetables while muttering some curses under her breath. It seemed that the sudden influx of so many people into her home was causing her considerable displeasure

What is the point of catching him? With such a large physique, he can eat a lot. Even if he can work, it would still be a loss.

Hearing his wife scold him, Han Kui's face turned slightly red, and he coughed once: "Where is this coming from, my dear? When have I ever hidden any private money... Gao the Fool, bring the money to my wife... Huh, where is the money?"