Chapter 147.2
A day later, they arrived at a city in Great Xia.
It was a city close to the border, not very large, with a population of only three to four hundred thousand.
Logically speaking, as a city of Great Xia near the border, where battles are frequent, the people here should be living a hard life, and commerce should not be thriving.
But contrary to their expectations, their own trade seemed to be very prosperous, with the sounds of hawking incessantly, a constant flow of people and vehicles, and merchants everywhere.
What surprised them even more was the fact that the people here were dressed so beautifully, clean and tidy.
Not to mention finding someone in tattered clothes, it was extremely difficult to even find someone wearing patched clothing.
In contrast, their ragged beggars attire seemed so out of place here.
Listening to the bustling noise around them, observing the prosperous scene, and feeling the liveliness of the place, they almost thought they had arrived in a city of an empire.
Another thing that astonished them was that they had been here for quite some time and had not seen a single beggar.
At this moment, they were like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, filled with curiosity about everything here.
(TLN: The reference to Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden is often used to describe someone who feels out of place or is in awe of a new, usually more luxurious, environment, drawn from the classic Chinese novel Dream of the Red Chamber.)
Elder, look at this place, its so lively!
Yes, its even busier and more prosperous than many of the big cities Ive seen!
If we beg here, we should have plenty of food to eat, right?
Hehe! We definitely wont go hungry!
Elder Lai pondered for a moment and concluded, This place is indeed bustling. It seems that the local magistrate is a good official!
Just then, he noticed one of his most valued disciples from the beggar sect, his face flushed red, eyes flickering, acting all coy.
Thinking the other was ill, he asked with concern, Xiao Huang, whats wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?
Its not that, Elder,
The beggar gang disciple said with embarrassment. I just I just
He hesitated, then confessed, I just feel so ashamed. Could I please go change into a different set of clothes?
Ashamed? Elder Lai blinked in surprise.
Following his gaze, he saw that many people were pointing and whispering about them, their eyes filled with contempt.
His ears twitched as various insults and foul language reached him.
Look over there, theres actually a beggar!
Its been so long since Ive seen a beggar, what a novelty! Ill make sure to take a good look; who knows when Ill get the chance again!
Look at them, they look so pitiful. Should we give them some steamed buns?
You cant give them anything. Beggars are all lazy people, not worthy of sympathy at all!
Thats true. They have hands and feet but dont work. All of them are scum, not deserving of sympathy!
These are the dregs of society, they should all be eliminated!
To tell the truth, having been a beggar for so many years, theyve grown accustomed to such denunciations.
But the words these people hurl seem to come straight from the heart, and they make them feel very uncomfortable inside.
At that moment, a beggar sect disciple named Xiao Huang tugged at the elders sleeve and whispered, Elder, do you think we could change into a new set of clothes? Put on some clean clothes before we go out?
Yeah, Elder, Id like to change my clothes too, and take the chance to have a bath!
Otherwise, I really cant face showing myself in public!
The others also started to plead.
Elder Lai shouted loudly, What is there to be ashamed of? We are all disciples of the beggar sect, living our lives with integrity and sitting upright, all of us are good men of this world! So, I want you all to hold your heads up and puff out your chests!
Yes, Elder! They immediately held their heads high and puffed out their chests.
The clothes tore with a rip, revealing some private areas.
The crowd burst into laughter.
The disciples of the Beggar Sect felt even more ashamed, pleading, Elder, please
Elder Lai waved his hand weakly: Forget it, lets go change into another set of clothes.
After half an incense sticks worth of time, they finally came out in clean clothes.
Although they were clean, the clothes were patched up in many places, still making them look like beggars.
When facing outsiders, they still found it hard to lift their heads in pride.
Only Elder Lai had a strong heart, unafraid of rumors and gossip, so he didnt even bother changing his clothes.
Thus, the disciples of the Beggar Sect subtly distanced themselves from him, pretending not to know him.
Elder Lai:
After some difficulty, they found a dilapidated temple and decided to take shelter there temporarily.
Alright, lets get down to business!
Elder Lai spoke with a serious expression: We have two main objectives for our gathering. First, to investigate the whereabouts of our brotherswe must find them alive or confirm their deaths. Second, to strengthen the Beggar Sect!
Since we have no foundation here, I have decided that we must first strengthen the Beggar Sect! Once our numbers grow, we will then investigate the whereabouts of our brothers!
Yes, Elder! the disciples of the Beggar Sect responded in unison.
Following that, they engaged in a serious discussion about how to expand the Beggar Sect.
In essence, it boiled down to recruiting. Whenever they encountered a suitable beggar, they would bring them into the Beggar Sect.
Only when their numbers had increased could they consider other matters.
The situation is essentially as such. We will take action first thing tomorrow morning!
Yes, Elder!
On the second day, they set out to do their tasks separately.
By evening, all of them returned with their heads hung low.
How did it go, did you find anything? Elder Lai asked.
The disciples of the Beggar Sect exchanged glances, their expressions bitter, and they shook their heads one after another.
One of the older disciples of the Beggar Sect said, Elder, Ive scoured the entire city today, but I couldnt find a single beggar! Without people, theres no way to recruit anyone!
Yes, I also searched the entire city, not sparing any street or alley, and even went outside the city to look, but still found no one!
Its really strange, I havent found any either!
Where on earth have all the beggars in this city gone? Not a single one in sight?
Elder Lai was extremely surprised: Youve searched the entire city and couldnt find a single beggar?
The disciples of the Beggar Sect all nodded.
How is this possible? Elder Lai was utterly shocked.
You see, he had been to many cities, and no matter the size or whether they were bustling or desolate, he could always find some beggars.
Some had a few hundred, others as many as tens of thousands.
But to not find a single one here, could that be possible?
At this moment, an elderly disciple of the Beggar Sect spoke up, Elder, Ive gathered some information. Many able-bodied men in the city have gone out to build roads or to clear and cultivate the land! Perhaps those beggars have also gone to work!
Good, lets go take a look now!
They went to the outskirts of the city, about 30 li away, and found many able-bodied men carrying hoes on their way back.
Just then, a young man passed by them, and upon seeing them, he was surprised and shook his head with a smile, Seeing your clothes, I feel a real sense of nostalgia!
Elder Lai, puzzled, asked, Young man, why the nostalgia?
The man laughed, Because I used to be a beggar too!
Really?
Elder Lai also felt a sense of kinship, Young man, I see you have the makings of a fine beggar. I would like to recruit you into our Beggar Sect. Would you be willing?
The man was astonished, The Beggar Sect? You are
I forgot to introduce us. We are all disciples of the Beggar Sect!
A proud disciple with four pouches from the Beggar Sect spoke up, And the person standing before you is none other than our Elder of the Beggar SectLai Qing! To be noticed by our elder, your ancestors must have blessed you greatly!
Elder Lai nodded with a smile, exuding the demeanor of a venerable figure.
However, the man did not immediately agree. Instead, he furrowed his brow and asked, If I join your Beggar Sect, will I be provided with food and shelter?
How could that be possible? Our disciples of the Beggar Sect value self-reliance and strength. If you want to eat your fill, youll have to go out and beg for it yourself! As for a place to stay, our disciples take the sky as our cover and the earth as our bed; everywhere is a place to live.
The mans frown deepened. Then, if I join your Beggar Sect, is there any money to be had?
The disciple of the Beggar Sect was shocked. Brother, are you mistaken about something? We are beggars, after all. How could beggars have money? Although we are disciples of the Beggar Sect, we dont have much money, and what we do have must be spent on necessities, not given away carelessly! However, if you do work for the Beggar Sect, there will be some subsidies!
What are the benefits of joining your Beggar Sect?
Once you join the Beggar Sect, you become our brother, and you wont be bullied by the authorities!
A disciple of the Beggar Sect loudly proclaimed, The imperial court orders you to build roads, you can refuse! The imperial court orders you to clear the wilderness, you can decline! The imperial court orders you to work, you can ignore it! We, the Beggar Sect, will support you from behind!
Uh-huh! The other disciples of the Beggar Sect nodded vigorously.
The man was startled and exclaimed, No! I beg you, dont ruin my good fortune; I just want to be oppressed by the imperial court! Its hard enough for me to earn a living, and I dont want to be knocked back to square one! Following you Beggars Sect means no food, no home, no money, and having to oppose the government, I must have water in my brain to talk with you! Im leaving, running into you is really bad luck!
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