Qinghe County.
Once inside, Li Hao, along with his three companions, walked randomly across the street.
There were shops, and big houses where people lived. It was bustling with life. Li Hao, in his previous world, had lived in a more advanced environment. Hence, not feeling much, but that was not the case for Da Zhuang, Er Gouzi, and Xiao Niu. Although they had visited a few times, every time upon arriving, their minds could not help but feel awed by the scenery here.
Li Hao was focused on searching for a place to sell the goods. "Are there any pawn shops around here?" His question was aimed at the three bandits.
Xiao Niu's brow furrowed, as if under deep thought. "I remember there being a famous treasure house…Its name should be Eastern something."
Li Hao nodded. "Let's ask someone."
Just as they turned to a corner, a person appeared in view. It was a hunched-back old man selling dumplings on a corner of the street. The four of them approached him. "Uncle, is there any famous treasure house around here?"
The old man seemed kind and amiable. Not minding their presence, he answered politely. "There is an Eastern Dawn Pavilion in the southeast direction."
'Eastern Dawn Pavilion…'
Li Hao's eye shone. "Uncle, pack four dumplings for us!"
"On it!"
The old man became a bit spirited. After handing the takeout, his eyes shifted as if thinking about something. "Be careful, young man. I've heard even the county magistrate dares not offend that pavilion."
"Oh, thanks for the information. Consider this a tip."
The young man (Li Hao) tossed over some silver coins. After counting the coins, a satisfied smile appeared on the old man's face. "My good-for-nothing daughter will accompany you there."
As he said so, his finger pointed towards a thin-bodied young woman standing behind him. Upon being mentioned as a good-for-nothing, the daughter seemed embarrassed, but still managed to form a smile and nod at Li Hao and his three bandit followers. "I shall take you there."
"Alright, miss, please." Li Hao nonchalantly added her to the group.
…
A few minutes later,
Five of them walked silently across the noisy street. Hawkers shouting, blacksmiths hammering things to make something unknown, scholars in worn-out blue robes arguing, pedestrians in ancient outfits conversing with restraint, and some bare-bodied martial artists showcasing their strength for work. Li Hao could observe all these.
In such an atmosphere, Li Hao felt a sense of calmness that he had never seen in the modern environment full of buildings and neon lights from his previous world.
'What am I even thinking?'
Shaking his head, a self-deprecating smile emerged on his face.
'Irrespective of any flaws, home is still home.'
If given a choice, he would gladly choose to return to his previous world. Modern technology and various industries were leagues ahead. Plus, his family, friends were all still there, maybe waiting for him.
Although he was currently in an ancient civilization, it was difficult for him to get used to speaking with a formal demeanor. So, his modern language and accent surfaced most of the time.
As thoughts drifted, Da Zhuang suddenly walked ahead and slapped the back of the thin-bodied young woman at the front. All four of them noticed the slight tremble around her body.
"Don't be so nervous around us! We are not bad people. What is your name?"
The young woman paused in her steps, turned around, and stared directly at Da Zhuang.
"My name is Li Wanqing. I am not nervous. Many thanks for your consideration."
'Hmm…Is this an attitude?'
Li Hao blinked his eyes and stared silently at the thin-bodied young woman named Li Wanqing.
'This girl does not fear Da Zhuang, even with the size difference. That's quite something.'
In this ancient civilization, people had no access to the internet. Hence, their exposure remains low, confined mostly to their immediate surroundings. People would be shocked to see something unique.
Da Zhuang's height reached at least seven feet. This was too unique, even for Li Hao. These ancient people should feel fear. Yet, Li Wanqing remained calm, instead showing anger at him as well.
Li Hao's eyes kept staring at her. Soft, tanned skin, worn-out, faded clothes. Observing her as a whole, an inexplicable sigh escaped from Li Hao's mouth. One sentence perfectly described Li Wanqing's situation. 'A woman born into obscurity, seeking to write her own legacy despite fate's limit.'
…
While they were conversing, across the street, various chatters could be heard. Suddenly, a group of pedestrians started heading in a certain direction. This quickly garnered attention from Li Hao and his group of four. He hurriedly caught one by his shoulder and asked about this situation.
The one who was stopped became irritated, but upon noticing Da Zhuang, chose to forgive them.
Cough!Cough!
"Brother, how can you not know? The County magistrate is hiring healthy and talented young people emerging from his territory to train them in martial arts and give them jobs as temporary soldiers for the dynasty. It seems the dynasty is planning something big."
'...'
After receiving the information, he let go of the man's shoulder. Upon being released, the man quickly ran away. Li Hao ignored him as his mind was on something else entirely. His heart was beating rapidly. 'Is this preparation by the dynasty to eliminate all rebel groups and bandits?'
The faces of four bandits changed from relaxed to alert. Li Wanqing looked at them with curiosity.
Xiao Niu became the first to break the silence among the now-silent group.
"Why would the dynasty suddenly require temporary soldiers?" Da Zhuang was also curious about this.
Li Hao stared directly at Er Gouzi. He was the most knowledgeable among them. This could be noticed from a frown on his face. As if processing information from memory.
Er Gouzi, at the moment, was thinking hard about something. 'This is not good. The Young leader is expecting something! I must explain. Think Gouzi! Think!'
Suddenly, an insight hit him!
"Within the Qing Dynasty, rebel groups are emerging like clouds in the sky. Some are even dangerous enough to threaten the dynasty."
He actually managed to come up with something! And, it even seemed like the most probable assumption!
Er Gouzi felt slightly proud. Others looked at him with admiration.
"As expected of Gouzi! He is truly remarkable!"
Li Hao smiled in satisfaction. Already being aware of the situation, he just wanted to test whether his subordinates had some capability.
'Er Gouzi is smart, Da Zhuang has power, and Xiao Niu...Well, it remains to be seen.'
Thinking so, his gaze silently moved towards a lean, middle-aged man with no hair on his face. Soft skin and a young appearance. 'Maybe, good looks can be counted.'
…
After this disturbance, the five headed directly towards the direction of Eastern Dawn Pavilion.
This time, they walked without facing any interruptions.
As they moved, the scenery around them shifted somewhat. Earlier, one could see modest homes made of wood and stone, but as time passed, they evolved into wealthier estates adorned with tiled roofs.
Such changes made the four bandits, including Li Hao, reassess the worth of Eastern Dawn Pavilion.
An hour later, they finally managed to see a three-floor pavilion located in the central area of Qinghe County. Tall, burly guards stood at the front of the entrance.
Da Zhuang and the two middle-aged bandits standing behind Li Hao turned serious when they saw those guards. "All in the peak of Body Strengthening Realm!"
"Ohh…"
Li Hao had a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 'This Eastern Dawn Pavilion…It must have some backing.'
"We are going in!" After saying so, he began striding towards the entrance gate.
"Wait…Young leader! We might not be able to protect you inside."
Li Hao suddenly paused in his steps. Turning around, his gaze seemed incredulous.
"When did I say I need you three for protection? Just follow me and do as I say."
After saying this, he swiftly turned around and resumed walking towards the entrance.
Stupefied, the three bandits did not realize when their role changed to being mere lackeys.
Li Wenxu wanted to laugh, but refrained from doing so. She stared at Li Hao, her eyes showing a particular glint. 'Interesting man.'
Ignoring her presence, the three bandits started following behind Li Hao. Seeing them almost reach the gate, a slight hesitation appeared on Li Wanqing's face. Her brows furrowed. Behind her, she could go back to working in the dumpling stall with her father and live a mundane life. Later, marrying someone and birthing children for the family.
Yet, if she walked forward, it might not change anything, but maybe there is a possibility that something could happen?
Within a few seconds, her body started moving. Her steps toward the entrance of the Eastern Dawn Pavilion. Li Wanqing, a poor peasant, walked forward in defiance of fate.
In connection with these four bandits, what will her future hold?