Chapter 1691: Chapter 1684: An Act of Chivalry
In ancient feudal societies, unless struck by natural disasters or man-made calamities, population remained stagnant like still water, seldom moving. Each county governed its inhabitants, and without special reasons, they would not permit the population to move to other areas.
Because in an agrarian society, population equates to labor, which implies productivity and output. This is typical of the small-scale local economies in feudal societies, leading to severe local protectionism to safeguard local resources and labor.
Therefore, in feudal tis, without special reasons, Xing Hu’s parents as commoners certainly would not have the ability to migrate to Jiangzhou.
If they did, it could only an one thing: his background is not simple. After all, money is the lubricant for all exchanges, and with enough money, rules can be changed.
Although Xing Hu’s identity was deduced by Hun Jiansi, Cheng Ziang was not foolish; he could see that Xing Hu was not a re ordinary civilian as he claid.
Even the na Xing Hu might not be his real na. After all, he just ntioned himself as a disciple of the “Xing” generation.
Of course, solely based on Xing Hu’s words, assuming he is a commoner, would be questionable. Those who blend into the underworld often speak deceitfully. Even soone as quirky as Hun Jiansi, despite sincerity, always left Cheng Ziang at a loss for words.
In Cheng Ziang’s vague mory, the Hongying Sect, where Xing Hu belonged, should be a significant sect, equivalent to Jiangzhou University for people on Earth, specializing in cultivating talents. The majority of well-known cultivators in Jiangzhou hail from the Hongying Sect, and many have even joined the Military Armant Departnt.
So say the reason the Hongying Sect is so large is due to the support of the Wen Family, which is today’s Imperial Court. However, this is just a rumor, as neither the Wen Family Cabinet nor the Hongying Sect has ever affird a connection.
Since Xing Hu is a Dual Dao Cultivator, his position in the Hongying Sect must be significant, likely a main disciple of the “Xing” generation. Sending such a person to Qi State must have a specific purpose beyond re worldly wanderings.
Xing Hu didn’t notice Cheng Ziang’s aningful gaze but took out a pouch of coins from his pocket and handed it over, saying, “If you all wish to perform charitable deeds, I have so money here to give away.”
“What about you if you give us the money?” Cheng Ziang asked in surprise.
“No need to worry, I have more left,” Xing Hu smiled and said, waving his hand, “Besides, being a disciple of a grand sect, I surely won’t end up on the streets.”
Cheng Ziang stared at the heavy pouch in Xing Hu’s hand, lost in thought. According to his estimate, there must be at least a hundred coins inside. Even if they were just copper coins, it’s a considerable sum for ordinary people, let alone if they were gold or silver.
He pondered why Xing Hu would give them the money if he rely wanted to assist these beggars as he said.
“I’m afraid we can’t accept this.” After a long pause, Cheng Ziang coughed and declined Xing Hu’s goodwill.
“Oh, why is that?” Xing Hu seed a bit surprised.
“We are here under the directive of the saints, to aid the poor and spread grace. All this rit would accumulate as sacred virtue. If you truly have good intentions, you should find your own ways to be charitable. We cannot accept using others’ money to earn rit for ourselves,” Cheng Ziang replied earnestly.
After listening to his explanation, Xing Hu suddenly laughed and said, “We admire your conduct, but I don’t have the ti for such matters. If the saints can feed the hungry in the markets, why can’t they fulfill a small wish of mine?”
“…
Cheng Ziang was at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond. He didn’t expect Xing Hu, who appeared sowhat aloof, to be quite sharp-witted, making him speechless with just a few words.
As he struggled, Tangmo’s voice suddenly ca from behind, “Since the Manor Lord is earnest, let’s fulfill his wish. Xuanwu, please accept his donation.”
“Yes.”
Hu Daoke nodded with a dignified air, walked up to Xing Hu, and took the pouch from his hands.
“What should I call this Manor Lord?” Xing Hu looked at Tangmo and asked curiously.
“Just call Moumou.” Tangmo was never shy to introduce herself with her nickna.
“Moumou, is the Manor Lord also…?” Xing Hu hesitantly asked.
“Don’t asure us by your standards, I am an outsider,” Tangmo replied seriously, seemingly knowing what he wanted to ask.
“I can see that.” Xing Hu nodded after sizing her up.
In his eyes, Tangmo’s appearance and temperant were different from the Kyushu people and even the Shanyue people. Her slightly naive face held an ethereal beauty. Many onlookers were actually drawn by Tangmo’s looks.
Tangmo did not mind his gaze because she also noticed that when Xing Hu looked at her, his eyes were upright, without any lecherous intent, purely observational.
Being pretty yet appearing youthful, Tangmo was no stranger to being watched all these years. She was accustod to n’s stares and could easily distinguish between those who fantasized and those who genuinely admired.
Hu Daoke held the pouch and carefully presented it to Tangmo. Tangmo felt the coins inside and then looked at Xing Hu and said, “Since the Manor Lord is so kind, why not stay and perform charitable deeds with us?”
“No,” Xing Hu waved and smiled, “I have important matters to attend to and cannot stay long.”
“The Manor Lord’s great virtue would please the saints very much. If possible, please accompany us for a while; the saints would surely be eager to et you.” Tangmo continued.
“No need for concern, perhaps another ti; I will surely visit.” Xing Hu respectfully declined again.
“You must co; individuals as chivalrous as the Manor Lord are rare on this journey.”
Tangmo smiled, unsure if her words were inviting or sarcastic.
“Certainly, once I complete my tasks, I will pay a visit.” Xing Hu cupped his hands.
“In any case, we won’t detain you, but hope you won’t break your word, and we’ll et again.” Knowing she couldn’t detain him, Tangmo decided to let him go.
“Until we et again, farewell.”
Xing Hu clasped his hands towards them, then towards Hu Daoke and Cheng Ziang separately, before turning and leaving, leaving behind the praises of the bystanders.
“I thought the notion of chivalry was absent in the Kyushu’s underworld, but it seems I was too narrow-minded.” Watching Xing Hu depart, Cheng Ziang turned back to Tangmo and said in Chinese.
“The world isn’t so bad,” Tangmo shrugged and began untying the pouch, pulling out a silver coin.
“It’s actually silver! This young hero must be wealthy.” Hu Daoke exclaid with wide eyes.
“He is a major sect disciple; travel funds are naturally plentiful.” Cheng Ziang squinted as he spoke.
Seeing the silver coin that Tangmo revealed, the crowd erupted once more with gasps of amazent. The food vendors crowded around eagerly, hoping Tangmo would patronize their stalls.
The scene beca chaotic for a while, and when Cheng Ziang turned around, Xing Hu was already gone. He sighed softly.
At this mont, a petite figure appeared beside him, staring in the direction where Xing Hu had disappeared, then looked at him and asked, “Should I follow and investigate his background?”
“Hmm, please do.” Cheng Ziang, in a daze, nodded instinctively, unaware of the person’s identity but assuming they knew him.
“Hee hee.” The person giggled happily at his response, then vanished into the crowd.
Cheng Ziang was now accustod to such occurrences; without special reminders, he found it difficult to rember Hun Jiansi’s na. So he would instinctively agree with everyone who spoke to him, assuming they knew him.
Because if he didn’t, it would take him a long ti to rember Hun Jiansi, and thus connect with her.
After all, it’s the Fog Concealnt Skill, despite Liseya’s repeated reminders, Cheng Ziang still struggled to rember Hun Jiansi. Especially when she maintained the Fog Concealnt Skill, all he could do was try to go along with her.
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