Volume One, Chapter 11: Gathering Information

Li Tianqing walked along, his thoughts a tumultuous blend of emotions. Suddenly, a phrase surfaced in his mind: “In prosperity, the people suffer; in ruin, the people suffer.” Unconsciously, he arrived at his destination—a tavern where he had previously arranged for the monk to stay.

Li Tianqing entered at leisure, found a spot in a quiet corner, and ordered a pot of tea with several plates of pastries. He then made his way upstairs to a private room, gently knocking on the door.

“Come in, the door isn’t locked,” came a weak voice from within.

Li Tianqing pushed the door open and saw a burly monk with a thick beard sitting at the table sipping tea. The monk looked up, rose to his feet, and bowed. “Amitabha, I thank you, benefactor, for saving my life!”

“Please sit, Master,” Li Tianqing said with a smile, motioning for the monk to sit.

“How is your recovery, Master Yunkong?” Li Tianqing asked, taking his seat with a smile.

“Your kindness is beyond repayment, benefactor. I am nearly fully recovered,” the monk replied, pressing his palms together in gratitude.

“No need for formalities, Master. May I ask what your plans are now?” Li Tianqing went straight to the point.

The monk sighed, his face clouded with sorrow. “My fellow monks at the temple fell to poison and violence. Now I am alone, and though the world is vast, there is nowhere for me to dwell.”

“Master Yunkong, I must confess I have concealed something from you. I am not a merchant’s son come here for business,” Li Tianqing said.

The monk paused, then nodded. “I had my suspicions, benefactor. May I ask who you truly are?”

Li Tianqing did not keep him guessing. “I am the tenth prince of Great Zhou, recently named King Jing. Soon, I will be sent as a hostage envoy to Northern Yan.”

“As for saving you, it was mere happenstance,” Li Tianqing finished, looking at the monk.

The monk was taken aback, stunned to discover that the young gentleman before him was a prince of Great Zhou.

“Your Highness King Jing, forgive my ignorance,” the monk quickly rose and bowed.

“Would you be willing to return to my residence with me, Master? I can arrange a place for you to recover in peace,” Li Tianqing said, smiling gently.

“Such immense grace, Your Highness, I can never repay. If Your Highness does not look down on me, I am willing to serve you with all my strength,” Yunkong replied solemnly, palms pressed together.

A kindness as small as a drop of water should be repaid with a spring, how much more so a life-saving grace.

Yunkong was a man who repaid favors. Since Li Tianqing had saved his life, that life now belonged to Li Tianqing.

Li Tianqing smiled. “With Master’s aid, I am as a tiger with wings.”

Yunkong quickly packed his things and followed Li Tianqing downstairs.

The tavern was bustling, lively and full of chatter.

Such places attracted all manner of people; it was the best spot for gathering information.

Li Tianqing and Yunkong found another quiet corner, ordered several dishes, and ate while listening to the conversations around them.

“These days are getting harder, the price of rice and salt keeps rising!”

“That’s right! My son wanted meat yesterday, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy any,” two customers at the next table were chatting idly.

Li Tianqing paused, thoughtful as he picked up his chopsticks.

“So many taxes and levies, and every year the court conscripts soldiers, leaving the people destitute!” a young man dressed as a scholar chimed in.

“I’ve heard there’s still fighting in the north, and the court is raising taxes again. How are we supposed to survive?” an old man in coarse clothes shook his head and sighed.

“The court is the court, the people are the people. Those officials care only for themselves, never for the common folk,” a burly man said angrily.

“Did you hear? The fighting in the north is fierce. The court has sent another hundred thousand troops as reinforcements.”

“A hundred thousand? The north will be devastated!” the scholar said anxiously.

“The court is corrupt and incompetent, and the people suffer endlessly. I fear Great Zhou is on the brink of collapse,” a thin man murmured in a low voice.

“Wars every year—when will it end?” the old man sighed and drained his cup.

“I heard the court sent troops to the south as well, saying they must secure the interior before dealing with external threats.”

“Secure the interior first? Hmph, I think they just fear refugees causing unrest and threatening their rule!” the burly man scoffed.

“Hush, keep your voice down! Don’t let anyone hear you,” the old man cautioned.

“Absurd! The court is cutting off its own arm!” the scholar exclaimed indignantly.

Li Tianqing and Yunkong exchanged glances, seeing gravity reflected in each other’s eyes.

The enemies outside were not vanquished, and now turmoil was rising within. Great Zhou was in peril!

Li Tianqing felt a spark in his heart. He stepped forward and asked, “Gentlemen, may I inquire about something?”

“Please, young master,” they replied, setting down their chopsticks and looking at Li Tianqing.

“I am new to the imperial city and wish to recruit some men, but I am unfamiliar with local customs and have no connections,” Li Tianqing said, cupping his hands in greeting.

The old man frowned. “You plan to go to Northern Yan now? The two countries are at odds, war and chaos abound—traveling there is dangerous!”

“Fortune favors the bold. Danger is everywhere in these times. Besides, if money can solve it, then it’s not really a problem.”

“Gentlemen, if you could introduce me to someone, I would be most grateful,” Li Tianqing said, producing a silver ingot from his sleeve and placing it on the table.

“Hahaha! You are generous, young master. What kind of men are you looking for?” the scholar applauded.

“You flatter me. My family deals in trade, and soon I must journey to Northern Yan for business. My caravan urgently needs capable hands—anyone with exceptional skills is welcome!”

“I see. You have courage, young master. But in these times, few are willing to go to Northern Yan,” the old man shook his head.

“Then you’ve come to the right person. I may not be a legendary hero, but I know a bit about the ways of the world,” the scholar said confidently.

“Oh? Then please advise me!” Li Tianqing said, bowing.

“To be honest, I am the youngest in my family. My talent for business is modest compared to my elder brothers, so I must recruit talented people to enhance my reputation.”

“You’re too modest,” the scholar replied with a smile, then continued, “As for skilled individuals, I do know a few.”

“Oh? Then could you introduce them to me?” Li Tianqing asked with interest.

“I have a friend who is a roaming knight, and he has connections with all kinds of people. Perhaps he can help you find the right candidates.”