Translator: Cinder Translations
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Gou Hang was quite satisfied with Song Wen's humble attitude.
The anger on his face dissipated instantly. After sizing up Song Wen, he asked,
"Do you know how to read?"
He had observed clearly that after Song Wen pushed through the crowd and carefully read the notice, he left disappointed.
At that time, no one explained the content of the notice.
From Song Wen's series of reactions, it wasn't difficult to deduce that he could read.
Upon hearing this, Song Wen was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected to be noticed because of this matter.
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant, weighing the pros and cons, deciding how to respond.
After careful consideration, Song Wen decided to answer truthfully.
This "Sir Gou" had sharp observation skills; he wasn't someone easily deceived.
Once the decision was made, Song Wen bent even lower, his face displaying an even more obsequious smile.
"Replying to Sir Gou, I attended a private school for a few years when I was young and know some characters."
Song Wen remained composed and calm. Lies came naturally to him, and outsiders wouldn't detect anything unusual.
Gou Hang nodded. He was very satisfied with Song Wen's attitude and response. The admiration in Gou Hang's eyes was evident.
Those scholars he had encountered before always liked to act superior. Unable to afford meals, they showed little interest in his recruitment efforts, simply because he was just a low-level leader of Tian Sha Gang.
Today, finally encountering a scholar who understood the ways of the world and treated him so well, even in such a public place, filled Gou Hang with great satisfaction in his inner vanity.
Gou Hang raised his head, maintaining his proud demeanor.
"How old are you this year?"
"Sixteen."
To avoid being underestimated, Song Wen intentionally reported his age a bit older according to his physical condition.
"What is your name?"
"Song Wen."
Gou Hang nodded and continued to inquire,
"How do you make a living?"
"I write letters for people and earn a meager income to get by." Song Wen continued to fabricate.
Then, Gou Hang asked about Song Wen's family situation.
Song Wen described himself as having fallen family fortunes, deceased parents, and no other relatives.
"In the future, follow me, Sir Gou, and with my recommendation, you can smoothly join Tian Sha Gang, earning a monthly salary of one or two silver coins."
It had to be said that in Qian Guo, where literacy levels were extremely low, scholars were still treated fairly well.
In today's Qian Guo, one or two silver coins were enough for a family's monthly expenses.
A look of hesitation appeared on Song Wen's face. Instinctively, he resisted the sudden kindness of a stranger.
Gou Hang didn't look like a good person at first glance. Could he really be as good as he claimed?
"What's wrong? You look down on my Tian Sha Gang?" Gou Hang's displeased voice rang out.
A false smile appeared on Song Wen's face, explaining with a smile,
"Sir Gou, you misunderstood. I'm just inexperienced and know few characters, afraid of causing you trouble."
"If I, this master, am not afraid, what are you afraid of? You brat, don't know how to appreciate kindness."
Seeing a hint of threat in the other's tone, Song Wen had no choice but to go along. He immediately wore a grateful smile and replied,
"Thank you for your support, Sir Gou. I will certainly look up to you in the future and do whatever you instruct."
Song Wen's eyes were filled with profound gratitude, as if he had encountered his foster parents again. The heat and admiration in his eyes made Gou Hang feel rather pleased; it had been a long time since he had experienced such respect from someone.
Gou Hang reached into the bosom of his follower behind him and pulled out half a pancake.
"You look like you haven't eaten properly in a while. Here's half of the pancake I didn't finish this morning. Take it."
"Thank you for your reward, Sir Gou."
Song Wen took the pancake and wolfed it down hungrily.
The reason for this was twofold: firstly, he was indeed very hungry now, and secondly, he wanted to continue satisfying Gou Hang's vanity.
As he ate, he silently calculated in his mind.
It seemed that the treatment of Tian Sha Gang members wasn't as good as he had imagined, or else Gou Hang wouldn't be keeping half a pancake out of reluctance to discard it.
However, upon careful consideration, if what Gou Hang said is true, joining Tian Sha Gang wouldn't be a loss for me.
Tian Sha Gang is the largest underground force in Yan Cheng. Joining them as a literate scholar, I don't think they would make me engage in violence. There should be some security for my life, and at the same time, it can solve my problem of livelihood. For my current situation, it's already the best choice.
I owe all of this to the Sir Gou before me. Although this Sir Gou doesn't seem very bright, he has indeed solved my most urgent survival problem.
Gou Hang came to this street to post and announce Tian Sha Gang's recruitment of children. He loudly announced the contents of the notice.
Of course, he couldn't read, but someone had informed him of the contents beforehand.
After passing through the tight defenses of many Tian Sha Gang disciples, they entered the headquarters of Tian Sha Gang.
Tian Sha Gang occupied a vast area. Under Gou Hang's lead, after twisting and turning, they arrived at a row of houses.
After entering one of the houses, Gou Hang respectfully said to an old man,
"Elder Yan, I've found a new recruit, a literate scholar."
Elder Yan was over fifty years old, and in these turbulent times of shortages and medical scarcity, he was already considered elderly.
He peered at Song Wen with his cloudy eyes, then tossed a small book to him.
In a tone that brooked no disagreement, he said,
"Read aloud the contents of this book."
Song Wen took the book, knowing this was his test.
'This is like an ancient interview for recruitment!' Song Wen thought to himself slyly.
He opened the small book and read aloud,
"The universe is mysterious and yellow, the cosmos is vast. The sun and moon rise and set, the constellations fill the sky. Cold winters come and hot summers go, autumn harvests and winter storages..."
"That's enough, you can stop."
Elder Yan didn't let Song Wen finish reading. After about a hundred characters, he interrupted Song Wen.
Elder Yan turned to Gou Hang and said, "You're lucky. Elder Ji Yin recently recruited another batch of literate young people, and this kid is just right."
Gou Hang rubbed his hands and awkwardly chuckled,
"Elder Yan, I heard that Elder Ji Yin rewards scholars with money. What do you think..."
Elder Yan smiled, "Your information is quite accurate. I thought it was your good luck, but it seems you came prepared. Go to the accounting room and collect ten taels as a reward."
"Thank you, Elder Yan." Gou Hang bowed deeply, smiling apologetically.
Song Wen, who was watching from the side, felt somewhat bewildered.
What's going on? Why recruit scholars and give ten taels of silver for them?
In Yancheng, ten taels of silver could buy two attractive young girls.
He had a bad feeling; it seemed like he had been sold.
Previously, he was somewhat proud, thinking he had manipulated Gou Hang in circles. Turns out, he was the fool.
Watching Gou Hang leave, Song Wen's last glimmer of hope called out,
"Sir Gou, aren't you going to treat me well?"
Gou Hang disdainfully glanced at Song Wen, his eyes filled with indifference and mockery.
Then, without a word, he turned and quickly disappeared.
"He's just a little thug. How could he treat you well? Go to Elder Ji Yin; no one can beg their way in there. That's an opportunity. Don't be ungrateful."
Elder Yan's icy voice sounded behind Song Wen.
"Bring this kid to Elder Ji Yin."
Two powerful men with martial prowess walked in from outside. Around their waists hung three-foot-long steel swords.
*Clang!*
Half of the steel sword was drawn out, its bright blade emitting a chilling light that hurt Song Wen's eyes.
"Kid, I advise you to behave yourself and not act rashly," one of the men said coldly.
Song Wen was filled with anger and unwillingness. Elder Yan's talk of opportunity was nothing but a lie.
If this was really the coveted opportunity everyone admired, would they resort to kidnapping and forced recruitment?
However, faced with the chilling steel sword, he could only reluctantly accept reality.
The weak must submit to the whims of others!
But as he followed the two strong men out, his fists clenched tightly, bones creaking.
(End of the Chapter)