Chapter 31: Little Beggar

The Human World

"Reporting, Section Leader."

Zhang Wenkui, panting heavily and his face contorted in anger, reported, "I ran all the way here with urgent news. That rogue, while marching through Wufeng County, happened upon the county magistrate who was traveling with his family. The magistrate's female relatives were exceptionally beautiful, and the rogue saw them. Driven by lust, he led his troops to chase the magistrate's family. He didn't capture anyone, but he ended up surrounding Wufeng County. Even if he manages to take Wufeng County, he won't be able to make it here by the day after tomorrow."

After speaking, Zhang Wenkui spat contemptuously.

Two detached forces had covertly infiltrated Jiangzhou's heartland. The general commanding one of these forces was the "rogue" Zhang Wenkui had just mentioned. This man, Wang Liu, was a notorious lecher. Protected by his status as the Prince's confidant, no one dared to rein him in. He had caused trouble countless times in Yingnan Commandery, earning him the nickname "Rogue General." It was astonishing that he still dared to act so recklessly, especially when a crucial military strategy concerning the entire Eastern Army was at stake.

Upon hearing this, Water Monkey swore loudly, "Damn it! That son of a bitch is going to die on a woman's belly sooner or later!"

Qin Sang also had a headache hearing about this. The magistrate of Hening County was clearly capable; although the garrison had been withdrawn, the local militiamen and yamen runners at the city gate had been rigorously trained. The original plan was for both detached forces to unite and launch a surprise attack on Hening County the morning after tomorrow, ensuring a foolproof operation. Now that Wang Liu had taken his troops to chase women, their forces were significantly depleted. How confident could they be about taking the city now? Even if they captured the city, would they have enough remaining strength to suppress the unruly populace? If they delayed by even a day, they feared the news would leak.

Staring at Hening County's city gate for a long time, Qin Sang spit out a blade of grass and said grimly, "If he doesn't want the glory that's handed to him, then don't blame us brothers for taking it all. This time, we'll put in extra effort to help General Mu capture Hening County. After it's done, I will personally request commendations for all of you from the Princess!"

On the main road, the line of refugees suddenly erupted in commotion. A few refugees were shouting and shoving, and were eventually driven away from the soup kitchen by the wealthy family's household guards. All the refugees along the road craned their necks to watch the spectacle, but no one dared to leave the line. Qin Sang looked on curiously, observing that on one side were three strong, burly men who looked alike, likely brothers. On the other side were seven children, both boys and girls, none of whom were fully grown. The oldest boy appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen, though it was hard to tell for sure, as children from poor families in that era were often malnourished.

After listening to the nearby chatter for a while, Qin Sang understood the situation. These three strong men, known as the Kong brothers, constantly bullied people, relying on their physical strength. They never waited in line for porridge, often extorting others with a broken bowl, and even snatching porridge from the elderly and infirm. They didn't dare to cause trouble in front of disciplined wealthy households, but if the family dispensing porridge chose not to intervene, the Kong brothers would succeed. These children had become their targets; they not only wanted to steal their porridge but also abduct them. With his mission in mind, Qin Sang usually wouldn't involve himself in such minor disputes. However, the leading boy was quite interesting, prompting him to take a closer look.

"My sister broke your bowl; we'll pay you for it. You can't take her away!" The boy spread his arms like a mother hen protecting her chicks, shielding the other six children behind him. A dirty little girl was whimpering behind him, presumably the one who had broken the bowl. Qin Sang had good eyesight and noticed that despite the girl's dirt, her features were well-formed. She appeared to be just over ten years old, and if cleaned up, she could fetch a good price. No wonder those three wanted to abduct her.

"Hmph!" The eldest of the three brothers spat forcefully, pointing at the fragments on the ground near the soup kitchen. "What do you know! My bowl came from that... whatchamacallit... black kiln..."

The third brother whispered, "Brother, the white kiln, the white kiln..."

"Ah, right! Bowls from the white kiln! You little beggar, do you even know about the white kiln? One bowl is worth hundreds of taels of silver! Even if all you little beggars were sold, it wouldn't be enough! I only want that little girl; consider yourselves lucky!" The eldest brother stared lecherously at the little girl. "Little sister, come with big brother, and I guarantee you'll eat well and live comfortably. What fun is there with these barely-grown brats? Haha..."

The three burly men burst into vulgar laughter. The children were indignant, and the little girl trembled with fear. Qin Sang almost laughed in exasperation. Porcelain from the white kiln was the most precious in the Great Sui Dynasty, all of it tribute. Even wealthy merchants weren't qualified to use it, and he'd never heard of a refugee carrying white kiln porcelain to beg for porridge.

"Damn it!" The second brother suddenly stepped forward, his chest pressed against the boy's face, and snarled, "You little beggar, she's not even your real sister! Don't be a busybody! Be smart and get lost!" Qin Sang's eyes narrowed. The man was holding a knife, pressing it against the boy's stomach.

Zhang Wenkui, who hadn't yet recovered his breath, was furious to witness this. He angrily asked, "Section Leader, these children are pitiful. Should we intervene?" Qin Sang turned his head and stared coldly at Zhang Wenkui. "Should I start calling you 'Hero Zhang' from now on? How many pitiful people have you saved?" Zhang Wenkui's face instantly went pale, and he lowered his head, not daring to speak further.

Surprisingly, the boy showed no fear despite having a knife pressed against him. He stood motionless, head held high, his red-rimmed eyes fixed on the burly man in front of him, shouting like a madman. "Go to hell! If you have the guts, stab me! Kill your grandpa, then you can take whoever you want!" The second brother was startled by the boy's frantic behavior, instinctively taking a step back. Then, in a fit of rage and embarrassment, he didn't use the knife but grabbed the boy by his collar, ready to strike. The boy, equally fierce, opened his mouth and bit.

Qin Sang called out softly, "Old Zhou!"

Water Monkey, understanding instantly, scrambled up from the ground. He darted a few steps into their midst, bumped into the burly man, and threw himself onto the boy, grabbing his face and crying out, "Son! My son! It's really you! I'm your father! I'm your father!" Qin Sang touched his forehead, silently thinking, "What a talent." The boy reacted quickly, wrapping his arms around Water Monkey and weeping loudly, "Father! I've finally found you! Father, why did you take so long to come...?"

Everyone was startled by Water Monkey's sudden appearance. Before they could recover, they witnessed this scene of father and son reuniting, which made them marvel. Although Water Monkey was only two years older than Qin Sang, his face was smeared with a thick layer of mud, and his acting was superb. The "father and son" cried with passionate intensity, making no one suspect it was a performance.

The three burly men were a bit dumbfounded, but upon seeing Water Monkey's broken arm, they began to stir again. Qin Sang gestured with his chin. Zhang Wenkui, who had been eager to act, finally dared to move. He ran over in a few steps, glaring fiercely at the three men. "Second Brother! Is this truly our little nephew? Don't be afraid, little nephew. Tell your uncle who bullied you, and your uncle will get revenge for you!" Zheng Kun also quietly moved closer, pushing aside his jacket to reveal a knife hilt at his waist. Seeing that there was no advantage to be gained, the three burly men finally grumbled and walked away.