【Under the Great Tomorrow】(68)

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-23

【The Great Ming Dynasty】

Author: hui329
Published: 2018/1/1 First published on: sis
Word count: 11208

Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Four Wonders Beyond the Pass The Eastern

Depot prison was dimly lit. The guards, hands on their waist knives, patrolled back and forth.

The brand-new pink-soled black boots made a series of sounds on the dark and damp ground. Ding Shou was extremely dissatisfied with
the dark and and urged, "How much further?"

"We've arrived." Jiao Fu, the leader of Hai Ke who was leading the way, stopped and bowed. "This is the place. Is there
anything else you need, Fourth Chief?"

Ding Shou waved for Jiao Fu to step aside and looked around the solitary cell. A lamp was dimly lit on the wall, and the floor
was covered straw. Curled up on the straw was an old man with a pale face and disheveled hair. It was
Tu Dayong, the Beggar Clan's Transmission Elder who had been captured last night.

Ding Shou gestured for the guards to open the cell door. He went in, chose a clean spot to sit down, and
placed in front of him.

First, he picked out a piece of cooked meat from a lotus leaf wrapping and threw it into his mouth. Then, with a "pop," he popped the cork off the wine bottle, tilted his head
back, and took a big gulp, praising it with satisfaction.

Tu Dayong, who was huddled on the haystack with his eyes half-closed, sniffed and moved his messy head closer
to .

"There's wine?" Tu Dayong looked at the wine and meat in front of him, swallowed hard a few times, and then looked up at Ding Shou, who was sitting cross-legged
opposite him . "Are you that kid from the Ding family?"

"It's rare that Senior Tu still remembers me," Ding Shou said with a smile, then shook the wine bottle in his hand. "Dare to
drink?"

"When have those who eat from many families ever been picky about their food?" The old beggar jumped up and snatched the wine bottle from Ding Shou's hand
, but almost fell over because he used too much force.

"You're not the same as you used to be, watch your step." Ding Shou reached out to help him up, smiling broadly.

Tu Dayong snorted coldly, slapping away Ding Shou's outstretched arm. "Old man, I'm not going to die."

He gulped down a mouthful of wine, let out a satisfied sigh, and shook his head. "This wine is a
bit too mild, not as strong as your Ding family's distillery."

"Please forgive me, old man, this place is not like Xuanfu," Liu Lingzui said. "The pot hasn't been opened yet, so please make do with this 'Rouge
Peach Blossom Wine' for now." Ding Shou smiled wryly. You're not picky about food, but you are picky about wine!

Tu Dayong didn't waste any words, drinking and eating meat non-stop, showing no courtesy whatsoever.

Ding Shou only picked a few bites from each dish, then stopped eating, wiped his hands clean with a handkerchief
, and sat quietly watching.

Glancing at Ding Shou's demeanor, Tu Dayong's face was full of disdain. He said, "Young man, there's no need for this. Now
that my martial arts have been sealed, I'm even weaker than ordinary people. I'm like a fish on a chopping block, at their mercy. I wouldn't
suspect anyone of poisoning me."

"Please forgive the Eastern Depot's rudeness, senior," Ding Shou said with a smile and a fist salute. He added, "This was a last resort. Your martial arts are
unparalleled . Last night, you fought on all sides, displaying your divine power. Although you were captured in the end, it was only because
we outnumbered you that we won, and we were lucky..."

"Alright, that's enough." Tu Dayong's face flushed red. The old man was a well-known figure in the martial arts world
, and he still had some pride. If he was secretly injured by Gu Dayong and his companion first, and then careless because he underestimated them, that
would be understandable. But to be thrown out after barely entering the inner hall and not even having a chance to meet them, he really had no face
to listen to such flattery: "Old beggar has self-awareness. I didn't expect that there would be such a master hidden in the Eastern Depot. I am
convinced ."

Seeing the old man like a wilted eggplant, no longer as arrogant as before, Ding Shou was secretly pleased. This old man had a
violent temper, and it would be difficult to get him to tell the truth. He had to add fuel to the fire and pretend to be pitiful:
"Senior has suffered, but the Eastern Depot is not an ordinary place. Is there any misunderstanding about your spying at night?
Please tell me the truth, and I will mediate to help you get released as soon as possible."

"No need. After I leave, my life as an old beggar might not be as good as it is here." Tu Dayong waved
the wine and meat in his hand and said nonchalantly.

"You're quite open-minded, old man," Ding Shou shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Wanting a good life isn't difficult. The dynasty has its own
rites for the elderly. Those over seventy are entitled to titles and stipends. I think Senior Tu..."

Tu Dayong interrupted, "The old man is still very young. He doesn't have that kind of luck." *

Pah!* With his disheveled white hair and the look of someone about to die after his injury, Ding Shou thought to himself, "You'd believe you're
ninety. He remained outwardly calm, patted the cell floor, and continued... "
That's alright. There's a convenient temple called Bangan Temple in Baoda Ward, where the Eastern Depot is located, and the Huimin Pharmacy is also here. We'll
take good care of you and make you feel much better. Later, I'll have someone send you to the almshouse in Gulao Hutong. I guarantee you
'll have no worries about food and clothing and will live a long and healthy life..."

Tu Dayong's red face had turned purplish-red with anger. For a dignified elder of the Beggars' Sect to be
thrown into an almshouse as a "widow, orphan, disabled, and sick person" would be a complete loss of face for the number one gang in the world.

Ding Shou seemed oblivious to his expression and continued to ramble on, "If you get tired of Bangan Temple, no problem.
This year, His Majesty has also built a new temple called Candle Temple in Fucai Ward in the West City. I doubt those bald monks would dare
to do anything shady with a newly built temple. When I have time, I'll petition His Majesty to send palace officials to manage it. Adding an extra spoonful of rice to your bowl
is just a matter of a word..."

"Enough!" Tu Dayong gritted his teeth and said hatefully.

"Don't be so polite, we've known each other for ages. Even if one day you, sir, suddenly pass away... oh, don't be angry, I'm just saying, in case you suddenly die, I 'll definitely choose a beautiful, scenic burial place for you
outside Chongwen Gate in Louze Garden ..." 　　Ding Shou was still eloquently speaking when suddenly, with a "crack," Tu Dayong smashed the wine bottle in his hand to pieces . 　　"Ding kid, if you have any demands, just say so, this old beggar will take them . Don't try to make fun of me here." Tu Dayong's face was frosty as he coldly said. 　　Seeing the wine-loving Tu Dayong smash the bottle, Ding Shou felt the time was right. He flicked his sleeves and said calmly, "Actually, it's nothing, but the Eastern Depot isn't your Beggars' Sect's backyard. You should give an explanation for spying at night ." 　　Tu Dayong sneered, "Your Eastern Depot members massacred my Beggars' Sect's Daxin branch, leaving their bodies incomplete. Did you give an explanation then?"

Ding Shou thought to himself, "As expected," but still asked in confusion, "How did Elder Tu know this?" The case had already
been handed over to Shuntian Prefecture at that time. Hu Ruli wouldn't have dared to betray Liu Jin, would he?

"You bunch of traitors thought you had succeeded, but you didn't expect that even the most meticulous plans can have a flaw, and you still managed to leave someone alive." Tu
Dayong sneered and continued, "A little beggar surnamed Liao just fainted at the time. Before losing consciousness,
he vaguely heard the person mention 'Eastern Depot'."

After a pause, Tu Dayong continued, "After he woke up and saw the miserable state of everyone in the branch,
he rushed to the Dongting headquarters overnight. Once the old beggar received the news, he had no choice but to come and seek justice from you lackeys."

So someone had fainted, and they thought that Bai Laosan's "Mind-Dispelling Powder" had lost its effect. Ding Shou understood and
nodded. Suddenly hearing the word "justice," he couldn't help but laugh: "Justice? Whose justice?"

"The justice of heaven and earth. For hundreds of years, our Beggar Clan has upheld justice, helped the weak and oppressed, and acted without shame before heaven and earth
. We cannot allow you lackeys of the imperial court to poison and harm us, and even more so, to distort the truth with fabricated charges and ruin the name of
the Beggar Clan's chivalry." Tu Dayong said sternly.

"So you saw the notice from Shuntian Prefecture too? You think it's fake?" Ding Shou impatiently picked at
his ear. "The Imperial Guards are indeed their lackeys, but their daily work is all about eliminating traitors for the country and relieving His Majesty's burdens.
You beggars are not worth our time. Don't you want to ask why?"

"You're venomous and cunning, with the heart of a wolf. Who knows what you're planning?" The old man twisted his head and stubbornly retorted.

Ding Shou was speechless after being scolded. He said jokingly, "I say, Senior Tu, we've met a few times
. What do you think of me?"

"When we first met, you showed some respect for elders. Your righteous act in the Peony Garden also showed your pure heart.
However, you've been influenced by your surroundings. Now you're probably not a good person either." Tu Dayong looked at Ding Shou with disdain
and contempt .

Second Master was amused by the situation. "Fine, the Imperial Guards
and the Imperial Censors are all bad, but what about your Beggars' Clan?" He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the upper left and said, "Since the founding emperor of our dynasty, all emperors have taken it upon themselves to care for the people and
ensure the peace of the country. Almshouses have taken in orphans and the elderly, and even border towns have benefited from their care; soup kitchens have cooked meals for the poor and provided relief to refugees; Pharmacies have provided free medical care and
medicine ; and cemeteries have buried the homeless and destitute, providing coffins for the dead..."

Ding Shou stared directly at Tu Dayong and said coldly, "The elderly and the poor are cared for, the sick are fed, and the dead are buried
. All of this is for the people's well-being. In contrast, your Beggars' Clan members gather in groups, idle and lazy, no different from street
ruffians not only cause trouble but also fail to protect the people..." "What I despise, how can I have the face to criticize the court?"

Ding Erye's words were well-founded. Zhu Yuanzhang rebelled because he was driven to desperation by the Mongol Yuan dynasty;
half of his family of eight perished in a single famine. After becoming emperor, while hating corrupt officials, he genuinely cared about the people's
suffering. Building upon the foundations laid by the Song dynasty, he further increased government-run welfare programs. Besides these policies, the Ming dynasty also
had the noble aspiration of "housing for all," but implementing this "welfare housing" policy was extremely difficult.
The newly established Ming dynasty simply lacked the financial resources. However, the famine relief system he established
was continuously improved by his descendants and still has merit in modern society. During years of famine, these Ming
emperors , inherited the ancestral system and made famine relief a crucial political matter. Even the two emperors criticized for neglecting their duties, the Qing dynasty
's *History of Ming* had to admit, "Emperor Shizong and Emperor Shenzong were negligent in their duties, but when famine struck, they were always granted relief,
daring not to violate the ancestral system."

Upon hearing Ding Shou's words, Tu Dayong scoffed, "Young Ding, you're truly out of touch with reality.
How much
of

the emperor's decrees actually reach the local areas is anyone's guess. Besides, Heaven is blind; the land is plagued by floods, droughts, and locust
plagues , with natural disasters occurring more than a thousand times. After 1500 AD, the Little Ice Age exacerbated the situation,
leading to "disasters every year, with one disaster affecting several provinces." Thanks to the
rise , it was easier to survive in the capital cities and large cities, whether begging or giving alms. In years
of disaster, refugees and beggars flocked to the cities to beg, and sometimes the streets of the Dong'an Gate of the Imperial City were blocked by beggars.

After a moment of contemplation, Ding Shou spoke again: "Even so, the court does not ignore the disaster-stricken refugees.
As long as they are willing to return to their hometowns, they will be granted fifteen mu of land, oxen, and rice seeds, which will be enough to meet their needs for settling down." This is the law of the court,
and as long as the country has the capacity, it will supervise its implementation. Now is not the time when the Ming Dynasty was short of funds and had to rely on the "Tongshan Association" of local
gentry to help relieve the poor.

Let me elaborate a bit more on the "Tongshan Society," which flourished in the late Ming Dynasty. Unlike the government-run "Almshouses,
"
the Tongshan Society operated on a membership system. Almshouses provided relief to local widows, orphans, the elderly, and the disabled who had no one to care for them. Exceptions were made if there were many migrants from other areas. The
Tongshan Society, however, operated on a membership system. Sounds sophisticated, right? New members had to be guarantors. Thus, an organization assisting official relief efforts
became intertwined with the local gentry who provided funds and provisions. Now you know why the Donglin Society's tax resistance was so effective. The Ming Dynasty exempted those with an annual income below forty taels of
silver from taxes, so it didn't affect ordinary people or small merchants. But those who ate the food were bound to

do so. "Even a beggar wouldn't trade it for a god's favor after three years," Tu Dayong lazily stretched. "Used to freedom
, naturally unwilling to be restrained anymore."

"Wouldn't their large groups, parading through the streets, disturb the local area, harm the neighbors, and cause trouble for the local officials?"
Ding Shou said, glancing sideways at him.

During the Ming Dynasty, the number of beggars was included in the performance evaluation of local officials. It is possible that the Spanish envoy Rada said that there were no beggars in Chinese
cities . If it were during the reigns of the Taizu and Taizong emperors, local officials
would be punished for not being able to take in beggars on the streets.

Similarly, Lord Macartney's description of beggars everywhere is likely accurate. Leaving aside the heavily exaggerated "
Qianlong Era," the Qing Dynasty's management of beggars and vagrants followed a different approach—
legalization. These beggars were directly given official positions and incorporated into local security systems. Begging meant a secure future for generations
; unlike the Ming Dynasty, where one day a vagrant beggar might one day become a subject of taxation and obedience. Almshouses no longer offered
the high welfare benefits of the Ming Dynasty. Compared to the previous dynasty's practice of lingering in almshouses for free, Qing Dynasty entry into almshouses
was a more effective form of punishment than beatings. The Qing people no longer held the same compassion for beggars as the Ming people
. According to the late Qing Dynasty Xu Ke's daughter, these social ills should be eliminated by natural disasters like floods and plagues.
" They've been taken."

Although the Qing Dynasty implemented this system, it was actually Gao Panlong, a senior member of the Donglin Party, who first proposed it.
These scholars, who touted benevolence and morality, perhaps wanted to compensate for the psychological
trauma diligently categorized people, ruthlessly including beggars in the "shameless" category. Gao Panlong
wanted to issue "branding plaques" to incorporate beggars into village regulations and security systems. Unfortunately, his ambitions were thwarted when this "Dragon Soaring into
the Clouds " was killed by the Ninth Prince, leaving his last wishes to be fulfilled by the benevolent rulers of the Qing Dynasty.

Of course, this is a story from another timeline. At this moment, Tu Dayong didn't think he had done anything wrong. "
Our disciples roam the land, punishing evil and promoting good. Although they may occasionally disturb the neighbors, how could they harm the local area? Don't
exaggerate " Tu Dayong said discontentedly.

Ding Shou sneered, finally getting to the point. He clapped his hands lightly, "Bring them in."

The cell door opened, and several women filed in, their expressions bewildered. Upon seeing Ding Shou, they all bowed
in unison , "Greetings, Master."

Tu Dayong was also confused by the scene before him. Could this kid be trying to use his beauty to seduce him? He underestimated this
old man.

Ding Shou gestured for the women to rise, then smiled at Tu Dayong. "To protect their reputations, the Shuntian Prefecture
's proclamation didn't detail the misdeeds of the beggars at the Mountain God Temple. Today, I invite Senior Tu to meet the aggrieved parties."

He slightly turned his head and gestured to the women, "This is Elder Tu of the Beggars' Clan. The people at the Mountain God Temple
are all his subordinates..."

Before he could finish, the women's expressions changed drastically. One of them rushed forward, shouting, "You villain
, you've finally met your end!" She delivered a resounding slap.

Tu Dayong, weak and unable to dodge, was instantly struck across the face, five
bloody marks appearing instantly. The elder, bewildered by the blow, angrily cried out, "You old hag, what's wrong with you..."

Before his shout subsided, the other women also rushed forward, tearing and biting, hitting and cursing.

"You heartless scoundrel! I accompanied my husband's family to the capital for a family visit, but we were robbed by you beggars!
Not only did you steal our money, but you also killed my husband's family, raped me, and sold me into a brothel! You are utterly depraved
!!"

"My poor five-year-old child was suffocated by you and abandoned by the roadside because of his crying. Even if you were
torn to pieces it wouldn't appease my hatred!!!"

"Waaah! My whole family came to the capital for my wedding, but we fell into the hands of these scoundrels. My father was killed, my mother was
raped to death, and I, a sixteen-year-old girl, was raped by more than ten beggars in one night. Although I escaped this misery,
I was abandoned by my husband's family. If it weren't for your kindness, sir, I…waaah…"

She sighed and rose. Ding Shou, seemingly unable to bear the sight, turned away and said with pity, "These women were all
harmed by Qian Guangjin and others from the Daxin branch. The Embroidered Uniform Guard rescued them from the brothel and sent them to Shuntian Prefecture. Their grievances have been redressed." "But these people
have become homeless driftwood, either without a home or too ashamed to face anyone, so they
have no choice but to stay here temporarily. The sins committed by your Beggars' Sect are truly profound..."

Facing the prison wall, Ding Erye's face couldn't suppress a smile. Seeing that these women had nowhere
to go , wanted to put them in the kitchen. However, he had someone inform the Ding family beforehand. After all, Ding Shou had saved
them, and Tan Shuzhen was kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see these women wandering outside. In addition, her household was short of servants, so she offered to
take them in . Seeing that it wouldn't take up Shuntian Prefecture's relief resources, Prefect Hu naturally had no objection. The women, upon hearing that they were going to
the home of their saviors, naturally agreed. Little did they know that they would be caught up in Tu Dayong's drama.

Ding Shou stood with his hands behind his back, facing the wall, adopting a pretentious expression of contemplating the vastness of the universe. However, he didn't receive the expected
response from Tu Dayong. He couldn't help but turn around, exclaiming in alarm, "Stop! Stop! Someone's dying! Stop the hell right now!
"

He shouted and chased the group of women out of the cell. Ding Shou then looked at Elder Tu, whose
face was bruised and battered, and whose white hair had been pulled out in considerable length. He looked utterly distraught, muttering
, "Impossible, impossible..."

"Elder Tu, Senior Tu..." Ding Shou called softly, grabbing Tu Dayong's shoulders and shaking him several times, but
the old man remained in a dazed, foolish state.

"Damn it, don't let this get out of hand," Ding Shou thought anxiously, and slapped the old beggar across the face four
times.

Tu Dayong's cheeks were swollen, but he seemed to regain his senses. His cloudy eyes flashed with a sharp light. He grabbed
Ding Shou in front of him, "Boy, did you arrange this? Speak up!!!"

His voice was urgent, more expectant than angry. Seeing Ding Shou slowly shake his head,
the old man slumped to the ground as if his soul had been pulled away.

"The aggrieved party has been met. Senior, may I see the witnesses again?" Ding Shou called out, "Liu'er, come in.
"

Wang Liu, carrying a long bundle, walked in and bowed respectfully, "This humble servant greets Second Master and pays respects to
Elder Tu."

The old beggar remained slumped on the ground, ignoring him. Ding Shou gestured to Wang Liu, "Tell Elder Tu about
the atrocities Qian Guangjin and his gang committed in the Southeast."

Tu Dayong's body trembled, but he still did not look up.

Wang Liu confirmed, "After I arrived at the Daxin branch, I discovered that Qian Guangjin's cronies and others were engaged in a
business : luring girls into eating fruit cakes laced with a drug that made them mute, then abducting them. If the girls were a little older and pretty, they were used for their pleasure
; once they were done with them, they were sold. As for the ugly ones…" He took a breath, seemingly unwilling to elaborate, and forced himself
to say, "They broke their arms and legs, blinded them, and made them look pitiful as they begged. But if one day their begging earnings weren't enough
, they would prick them with needles and brand them with fire—it was unbearable."

Looking at Tu Dayong, whose fists were clenched and whose body trembled, Ding Shou asked softly, "If girls are treated like this
, what about boys?"

"Boys…" Wang Liu looked at the two men in the cell and mumbled incoherently.

"What?" Ding Shou pressed. Previously, Wang Liu had only mentioned that Qian Guangjin had done many despicable things in the south,
but he had never asked for details. Today, however, he was curious.

Wang Liu felt his throat was a little dry, and after coughing a few times, he said hoarsely, "Make them into human bears or human-headed dogs."

"What exactly happened? Tell me!" Ding Shou was also somewhat moved.

"They fed the kidnapped boys a drug to make them mute, pierced their bodies with needles, and while the blood was still hot, covered the children with freshly skinned bear or
dog skins The human blood and animal blood mixed together, sticking together inseparable. Then they taught them some
acrobatic skills and made them perform on the streets..." Wang Liu was also desperate and told everything in one breath.

"Harvesting and mutilating children." Tu Dayong gritted his teeth, enunciating each word clearly.

"According to the Great Ming Code, those who harvest and mutilate children are to be executed by slow slicing. Qian Guangjin and the others died too easily."
Ding Shou angrily slammed his fist against the prison wall.

The punch, delivered with hatred, seemed to shake the entire prison. The guards patrolling outside drew their swords and rushed in,
but were immediately driven back by Ding Shou's shout.

Slightly calming his anger, Ding Shou asked, "How did those children fare on your trip north?
"

"Those who could be sold were sold, and those who couldn't were drowned."

"Why didn't you report this to me?" Tu Dayong, whose voice was usually booming, seemed to have aged decades, his voice
dry and hoarse, like the cry of an owl.

"I've been kept under surveillance by Qian Guangjin's confidants and haven't been able to get away. Besides..." Wang Liu hesitated for a moment, then
said, "Chief Qian once told us that the Beggars' Sect is currently leaderless. You and Elder Lan are at odds, and you're both trying to win
him over. Even if you knew, you couldn't do anything to him."

He coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell straight backward.

"Elder Tu, wake up!" Ding Shou rushed forward, pressing his hand on the Mingmen acupoint, and channeled a stream of true energy into him.
He was joking; if the old man died here, today's efforts wouldn't have been in vain.

Tu Dayong slowly regained consciousness, then suddenly burst into tears, "Ancestors of the Beggars' Sect! Your disciple Tu Dayong, as a
transmission elder , has been powerless to discipline the disciples, causing division within the sect. This unworthy disciple has poisoned the people, wreaked havoc
, and tarnished the Beggars' Sect's reputation for chivalry! I could not atone for this even with a hundred deaths!!!"

"Elder Tu, please accept my condolences," Ding Shou tried to comfort him, but the old man was moved and cried incessantly.

Helpless, Ding Shou beckoned to Wang Liu with his finger. Wang Liu handed over the long cloth bundle in his hand, untied the bundle
, and said, "Please stop your sobbing, old man, and see what this is."

"Hmm, this is—" Tu Dayong sniffed, and in front of him was a bright green bamboo stick.
He rubbed his eyes in disbelief, "A jade staff, how did it end up in your hands?" He reached out to snatch it.

"The Imperial Guards have their own methods, no need for you to trouble yourself, senior." Ding Shou dodged to the side and tossed the jade staff to Wang Liu.
"How about we make a deal, senior?"

Tu Dayong was no longer as flustered as before, his face now wary. "What is it? If you want the Beggars' Sect to betray the code of chivalry
and advocate for the Imperial Guards, you're delusional. This old beggar would rather not have this jade staff."

"You're overthinking it, it's a personal matter." Ding Shou shook his head and smiled bitterly. The Imperial Guards had a truly tarnished reputation. He cupped his hands and said, "
My brother has been away from home for nearly five years, with no news of him. Your sect's disciples are all over the world. I only ask for your help in inquiring about him
. This shouldn't violate the name of chivalry for the Beggars' Sect, right?"

"If that's the case—" Tu Dayong nodded, "I will immediately issue the 'Green Bamboo Token,' ordering
all disciples to search for your brother."

"Liu'er, why don't you present it?" Ding Shou turned and called to Wang Liu beside him.

"Wang Liu, a fifth-bag disciple of the Beggars' Sect, has found the sect's sacred artifact, the 'Green Jade Staff.' I humbly request Elder Tu to examine it." Wang Liu
knelt and presented it.

"Excellent! Excellent! The Beggars' Sect's revival is in sight!" Tu Dayong's eyes welled with
tears .

The Beggars' Sect had been without a leader for many years, fragmented and disunited. Now, with reunification imminent, the old man couldn't contain his joy and tears streamed down his face. "Lord Ding's kindness and generosity are
deeply appreciated by the Beggars' Sect. However, there is something we must say." Having received this favor, Tu Dayong's address became more respectful.

"Elder Tu, please speak," Ding Shou said.

"Now that the Green Jade Staff has been discovered, could you please inform us of the location of the remains of the late Elder Xiao, the sect's leader? So that our
Beggars' Sect disciples can collect and bury him properly, ensuring his bones are not left to rot in the wilderness," Tu Dayong earnestly asked.

Ding Shou wondered whether the old man wanted to know Xiao Wanche's remains or the whereabouts of the "Myriad Manifestations Manual." He
smiled calmly and said, "Your sect's token was obtained by chance in a deep valley of Yinshan. There are quite a few bones there
, but it's hard to distinguish between animal and human bones."

"Regardless, I need to search for it to feel at ease. I hope you will be so kind as to tell me."

Seeing Tu Dayong's sincere eyes, Ding Shou remained noncommittal. He glanced at Wang Liu standing to the side and slowly said,
"I've heard that the Beggars' Sect has a long-standing oath that whoever finds the 'Green Jade Staff' will become the leader of the Beggars' Sect...
"

Tu Dayong's expression tightened. Ding Shou chuckled and said, "I wonder how Leader Tu will reward this
chivalrous disciple who exposed Qian Guangjin's evil deeds?"

After a moment of tension, Tu Dayong suddenly spoke, "Beggars' Sect disciple Wang Liu, listen to my command..."

"Ah? Oh, disciple is here." Wang Liu was first taken aback, then knelt down to receive the command.

Tu Dayong raised his green jade staff high and proclaimed loudly, "Wang Liu, a five-bag disciple of the Beggars' Sect, is a chivalrous and righteous man who hates evil
. He joined forces with the government to eliminate the unworthy and rebellious criminals. Now, he is appointed to take charge of the Daxin Branch..."

*** *** *** ***

A small alley in Bensi Hutong.

Ding Shou stared blankly at a section of pink wall, then looked around and muttered to himself, "If I remember correctly, this is
the place . How come it's changed?"

After finishing with Tu Dayong, Ding Shou was busy with the matter entrusted to him by the young emperor. He originally thought that
the unlucky child would just climb over the wall that night to look for him. Zhu Houzhao's problem was that he couldn't say it openly, but he didn't have such
concerns . The only worry was that the woman was said to have a husband. But that was a minor matter. Second Master Ding planned to give that
cuckolded man some money to get rid of him. If he didn't want to, he could even save the money and just fabricate a charge
to throw him into prison. Everyone would be happy.

What seemed like a sure thing had taken a turn for the worse. Even though it was night, he remembered this area as just
a low wall; when did it become so neat and orderly?

Ding Shou was fretting and at a loss when several people approached from the end of the alley. The first man called out from afar,
"Brother Ding, how have you been?"

Recognizing the voice, Ding Shou reluctantly turned and bowed, "Brother Jiao, how are you?"

Jiao Huangzhong repeatedly greeted him, "I heard you've returned to the capital, but haven't had a chance to pay my respects. It's quite
a coincidence that we meet today."

*Pah!* These guys practically live in the two alleys of this place; when will they ever have time
to see me? Ding Shou thought to himself, but still nodded and smiled, "Thank you for your concern."

Ding Shou then asked in confusion, "Gentlemen, what brings you here…?" The main gate of Yichun Courtyard was just ahead;
what were these guys doing here?

He laughed and pulled Ding Shou a few steps to a side gate. Jiao Huangzhong raised his hand and knocked on the door, addressing Ding…
Shou explained, "Brother Ding, you may not know this, but our frequenting brothels is always a bad influence on our reputation. It just so happens that Shunqing
built this garden for Miss Su, and opened a side gate in a secluded spot for easy access."

"This garden belongs to Yichun Courtyard?"

Ding Shou wanted to ask further, but the side gate opened wide, revealing a pretty young maidservant with a touch of childishness. "Gentlemen
, please come in."

Jiao Huangzhong stepped in. "Zhui'er, where is Shunqing?"

"Third brother-in-law has already prepared a banquet at the waterside pavilion, just waiting for you gentlemen to take your seats," the maidservant named Zhui'er
answered crisply.

"Come, come, let's not keep Shunqing waiting." Jiao Huangzhong called to his friends, and the group filed in.

*** *** *** ***

The moon slanted westward, the branches swaying.

Inside the waterside pavilion, light songs and dances filled the air. Yu Tangchun and Xue Limei performed Guan Hanqing's "The Moon-Worshipping Pavilion,
" a piece by a talented scholar of the previous dynasty.

At the banquet, amidst the clinking of glasses, Jiao Huangzhong and Liu Henian repeatedly urged Wang Chaoru to drink.

Ding Shou, clenching his fist, looked bitter, unsure where to begin.

"Brother Ding, is something troubling you?" Yang Shen, observing his expression, asked.

"Ah? Nothing, don't worry," Ding Shou forced a smile.

"Shunqing, with a beauty by your side, two beds in one, the taste of this gentle embrace is intoxicating, isn't it?" Han Shouyu put his index fingers
together and teased Wang Chaoru.

Wang Chaoru chuckled dryly, not replying, his expression even more unnatural than Ding Shou's.

"Oh my, I knew the magpies were chirping non-stop this morning, turns out a distinguished guest has arrived." Yi Chengjin,
carrying a fragrant breeze, entered the banquet.

"I say, Lord Ding, I was blind to your greatness before, please forgive me for any offense," Yi Chengjin
said coquettishly, leaning her full, soft breasts against Ding Shou's shoulder.

Ding Shou felt a soft thud on his shoulder and turned to laugh, "What, does Madam Su think she can get
her drinks for free because of my official rank?"

"Don't even mention getting my drinks for free, as long as you honor me with your presence, I'd be happy to pay for it myself." Yi
Cheng Jin's eyebrows and eyes were full of spring-like charm.

Ding Shou's heart stirred; this woman was incredibly alluring. Could she also possess seductive arts? "I wouldn't dare trouble
Madam with her expenses, but

I have some questions to ask you." "You're too kind, Lord Ding. Please give me your instructions." Yi Cheng Jin tossed her gauze skirt, sat down next
to Ding Shou, and pressed her full breasts against his arm.

Although he felt the woman was being overly attentive today, Ding Shou still asked, "When I came last time, your place wasn't this
spacious. Who originally lived in this courtyard?"

"Oh, that's what you're asking about. According to the landlord, this place was originally rented to a couple surnamed Yang, but
they moved out . Coincidentally, my third sister's husband wanted to build a garden for her, so he bought this land," Yi Chengjin
explained, waving a handkerchief.

"Since the two families live next door to each other, does Mama Su know the couple's names? What kind of business did they do?" Ding Shou asked
.

Yichengjin frowned in thought: "The man's surname is Yang, and the woman's surname seems to be... Liu. They're also from a family of entertainers
. The man goes out to sing and perform, while the woman occasionally does prostitution." She then scoffed
: "In the capital, relying on such petty tricks, it's no wonder they can't make a living." "

Your Majesty, what kind of people have you asked me to find?" Ding Shou scratched his head, but a glimmer of hope rose in his heart
. "So these two are registered as entertainers in the brothels?"

Yichengjin shook her head. "It doesn't seem like it. They must have been registered elsewhere."

Ding Shou rubbed his forehead, his newly risen hope shattered again. He casually asked, "Do you know where they're from?
"

As expected, "Who knows?" Yichengjin replied. "However, those in the capital not affiliated with the three
brothels are mostly women from Datong who work in the entertainment industry." Jiaohuangzhong,

who was drinking, suddenly perked up his ears. "Mama Su actually has those 'Four
Wonders of the Outer Pass' Datong women here?! How come I've never seen them before? Are they hiding them?"

"Brother Jiao, what are the 'Four Wonders Beyond the Pass'? Please enlighten us." Several libertines became interested and
begged Jiao Huangzhong.

Jiao Huangzhong, smug and boastful, said, "The 'Four Wonders' are all north of Juyong Pass. The first one is in
Brother Ding's , called 'Xuanfu Training Ground.' It stretches ten li in length and forty li in width. During the triennial grand review by the Imperial Censor,
soldiers from Xuanfu, Datong, and Shanxi all arrive, yet they still don't fill a corner of the training ground. It can be called unparalleled in the world. Brother Ding, is this
true?"

Ding Shou was preoccupied with his troubles and had no interest in paying attention. He gave a forced smile as a response.

"The second one," Jiao Huangzhong paused, "do my brothers know about Tongwan City?"

"Isn't that the capital built by Helian Bobo, the chieftain of the Xiongnu, during the Five Barbarian Invasions?" Han Shouyu, whose home was in Shaanxi,
spoke first.

"I've heard that Helian Bobo ordered his general Chigan Ali to 'steam earth to build a city,' and then had strongmen pierce it with iron spikes. If the spikes penetrated
an inch, the craftsmen were killed; if they didn't penetrate, the strongmen were killed, and their corpses
were

used to build the city. This process was repeated until the city was completed," Yang Shen interjected. Jiao Huangzhong slammed his hand on the table and said, "Exactly! The second of the four wonders is the Weizhou city wall, said to have been built by Li Keyong at the end of the Tang Dynasty
. Not only is it exquisitely sturdy, but its tiles and stones are so shiny they reflect light, even surpassing Tongwan City."

He then raised a third finger and continued, "The third is the 'Shuozhou barracks,'
said to have been built by the Tang general Yuchi Jingde. The eaves face outwards, providing shelter from the rain for pedestrians, demonstrating its grandeur."

"The fourth—" Jiao Huangzhong drawled, looking at everyone, and chuckled, "is this Datong
woman ."

"What's so special about the Datong woman? Brother Jiao, you should know that Sichuan also has many beautiful women," Liu Henian said dismissively
.

"Different, different, vastly different." Jiao Huangzhong waved his hands repeatedly. "Datong was
the fiefdom of Prince Daijian, the thirteenth son of Emperor Taizu. He married the daughter of the Prince of Zhongshan, and was a son-in-law of Emperor Taizong. At that time, the Daijian vassal state was powerful, forming a tripartite balance with the Liao and
Yan vassal states . Therefore, the number of entertainers they kept was several times greater than other vassal states, and their methods of training prostitutes were also
unique..."

Seeing the urging looks in everyone's eyes, Jiao Huangzhong chuckled and whispered, "From the age of five or six, girls would
sit on small-mouthed jars as stools. After several years of practice, their genitals would become large and thick. Once penetration occurred, the sensation was
... tsk tsk, indescribably wonderful."

Everyone suddenly understood, but Liu Henian said indignantly, "Is that really so? Brother Jiao, are you exaggerating?"

"If Weixin doesn't believe me, he can ask Shunqing. He's from Taiyuan, he'll definitely know." Jiao Huangzhong
instantly pulled someone down to his side.

"Of course," Wang Chaoru had just opened his mouth when he caught a glimpse of the sorrow in Yu Tangchun's expression and
immediately changed his tune, "I've been in the Southern Capital for many years, so I naturally don't know anything about the affairs of the North."

Jiao Huangzhong was immediately dissatisfied, saying that Wang Chaoru was making excuses, and the group became a mess.

"Brothers, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first." Ding Shou stood up to apologize and left the table. He originally
thought that helping the young emperor in the capital would be enough, but how did it all end up in Datong, and with
people from other places living in exile? Where was he supposed to find people? He was unlucky enough to have to argue with these little brats. They didn't know
how powerful the women of Datong were. You try finding a few and see how they are.
How did die? Wasn't it because he looted Datong and abducted a few prostitutes, indulged in debauchery day and night, and died of pleasure in just a couple of days?

"Lord Ding, please wait!" Before Ding Shou had even left the garden, Yi Chengjin rushed out,
gently pressing her heaving chest, and said, "Why are you leaving in such a hurry, sir? Was it because I failed to serve you properly?"

"I have matters to attend to, so I will not disturb you any longer," Ding Shou replied without stopping.

"A gentle love in a tender land, let us not waste this precious time." Yicheng Jin moved lightly, stepping ahead of Ding Shou
, "How about I arrange a few beauties to serve you, my lord?"

Ding Shou raised an eyebrow. Yicheng Jin's footwork in her haste was quite remarkable. He pointed discreetly to the distant
waterside pavilion , "The most beautiful woman in Madam's courtyard is already taken. Who else can we arrange?"

With a chuckle, Yicheng Jin nestled closer to Ding Shou, "The Yichun Courtyard is full of blooming flowers. Are you worried about not finding
a flower that satisfies you, my lord..."

Shaking his head, Ding Shou sighed, "I have very high standards. I'm afraid ordinary beauties won't catch my eye, unless
..."

"Unless what?" Yicheng Jin's watery eyes were almost overflowing with tears. A folding fan parted the gauze robe, revealing a deep cleavage. Ding Shou smiled faintly, saying, "Unless a beauty

like Mother Su is willing to condescend to teach me." 　　"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed across Yi Cheng Jin's face, and she giggled, "I never thought I would have such good fortune . If you don't mind my old age and ugly appearance, I'll warm the table for you..." 　　Her fair face lifted slightly, her bright red lips curled up slightly. Ding Shou smiled, pinched Yi Cheng Jin's snow-white pointed chin , and leaned down to kiss her. Suddenly, a cold glint appeared in the corner of his eye. 　　With a light wave of his folding fan, Ding Shou's body soared into the air. In mid-air, he twisted his waist and flew over the courtyard wall like a bird . 　　Yi Cheng Jin stomped her embroidered shoes angrily, "Damn it..." 　　PS: The story of the bear-man and the dog-man-headed creature in this chapter takes place in the Qing Dynasty. According to records, beggar gangs were relatively rare in the late Ming Dynasty, but they became rampant in the Qing Dynasty, especially in the late Qing Dynasty. The reason for this was the beggar baojia system. Those interested can look at the research done by some people in Taiwan. 　　A friend mentioned the Biluochun tea mentioned in the previous chapter, so I'll briefly mention that the name Biluochun has many origins. Aside from other sources , just the claim of it being named by an emperor is attributed to the Ming Dynasty's Hongzhi and Zhengde emperors, and the Qing Dynasty's Kangxi and Qianlong emperors. The stories are basically the same, the difference being that in the Qing Dynasty, the emperor visited Jiangnan and local officials presented the tea, while the Ming emperors, lacking such good fortune, had the name appear when Wang Ao returned to Beijing after mourning his mother's death. Kangxi's account originates from Qing Dynasty notes, not from local gazetteers or historical records. The Ming Dynasty origin story appears in the *Suijianlu*, and local gazetteers also record Wang Ao inscribing the name on Biluo Peak. It wasn't until the Qing Dynasty, due to the passage of time, that the name "Biluochun Xiao" was inscribed . Considering the earliest records and local gazetteers, I personally think the Ming Dynasty origin story is more plausible. As for who named the tea, Wang Ao returned to Beijing after mourning his mother's death during the Chenghua era, and again after his father's death, which coincides with the events of this article. Therefore, I personally lean towards the Zhengde era. 　　The Ming Dynasty has been ruined by later generations. All sorts of legends are attributed to the Qing Dynasty. Not only emperors like Kangxi and Qianlong, who were obsessed with calligraphy, but also the Six-Foot Lane and other anecdotes about the Ming Dynasty's officialdom are transplanted onto the Qing Dynasty without any changes . It's truly ridiculous.

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【Under the Great Tomorrow】(68)

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