parentshiftbook Chapter 352 Chaotic Times, Family Wealth
Chapter 352 Chaotic Times, Family Wealth
Chapter 352 Chaotic Times, Family Wealth
now,
Tianjin was bathed in the gray-white sunlight of the afternoon, with gray brick shops crammed together on both sides, and faded signs rustling softly in the wind.
The greasy cobblestone path steamed with the dampness of the previous night, mixed with the aroma of fried dough sticks, coal smoke, and a faint smell of urine.
The clanging trams squeezed through the narrow streets, casting long shadows.
The newsboy's youthful yet indignant voice, intertwined with the ordinary cries of vendors struggling to make a living, created a unique glimpse into the pre-war world.
The entire street was bustling, yet it seemed to be covered with a layer of indelible dust, exuding a strange weariness of old and new intertwined, with nowhere to go.
Pedestrians still hurried through the city, and vehicles continued to come and go. Most ordinary people still looked tired from making a living.
Although the winds of war are blowing fiercely, as long as the artillery fire doesn't fall on their heads, they still need to struggle for their daily meals. This is the most basic survival logic of ordinary people in chaotic times.
Li Xijun strolled along, his gaze calmly sweeping over the familiar street scene, but in his heart he felt more and more that the war must not be allowed to spread to his homeland.
Subsequently,
When he turned onto the most bustling Western-style street, which was originally led by the Libra Goddess Church and where chambers of commerce from various countries gathered, the scene before him made him pause slightly.
Compared to the still bustling streets outside, this place appears particularly desolate.
The once brightly lit and bustling shops of various countries are now mostly closed, some even with their signs removed, leaving only empty windows and dusty steps.
The few shops that were still open were deserted, with the staff leaning listlessly against the door.
Under the ornate European-style streetlights, only a few pedestrians hurried by, a stark contrast to the bustling crowds and extravagant spending of the past.
Li Xijun was slightly puzzled. Just then, a middle-aged man with a worried look passed by. He stopped him and handed him a small piece of silver.
The man was taken aback at first, but upon seeing the silver, a smile immediately spread across his face: "Sir, what are your orders?"
"Why is this Chamber of Commerce Street so deserted?" Li Xijun asked.
The man took the silver, put it in his pocket, and sighed, saying:
"Sir, you just got back from out of town, didn't you? Sigh, I heard that the east and west sides are about to start fighting again."
"Those foreign chambers of commerce are very well-informed; they withdrew long ago."
"Those big compradors and merchants who were usually on the same side as them and made a fortune ran away faster than rabbits. Some of them took ships directly to the western continent, saying they wanted to live a good life there and breathe that... oh right, 'sweet' air. Others took their families and fled to some inland provinces to avoid trouble."
He pointed to the empty street and said helplessly:
"Look, this once most bustling and fashionable area is now deserted. But the streets and alleys where ordinary people live their daily lives haven't changed much; everyone continues to live their lives as before."
Seeing that Li Xijun was generous with the money, the man asked enthusiastically, "Sir, is there anything else you want to ask? I've been around Tianjin for over ten years and I know a thing or two about everything."
Li Xijun then asked, "I just heard the newsboy shout that Zhang Wusheng is going to start a 'New Righteous Union.' Are you aware of this?"
Upon hearing this, the man immediately perked up, his eyes shining, and he gave a thumbs-up, his tone full of admiration:
"Clearly, perfectly clear! Master Zhang, the Martial Saint, that's it!" He gave a strong thumbs-up again. "A true hero, a true champion!"
He lowered his voice, as if sharing some incredible secret:
"These days, Old Master Zhang has practically squandered his entire fortune. You see, ever since Li Zhenjun... oh, you mean that prince, became so famous, Old Master Zhang, as the Imperial Tutor, has received a mountain of money from those who came to learn from him and those who tried to curry favor with him. Yet, the old man hasn't kept a single penny for himself; he's given it all away!"
"The purpose of establishing the Righteous Union was twofold: firstly, to unite almost all the martial arts schools with a reputation in Tianjin in order to maintain public order."
"You don't know, a few days ago when the war broke out, how many thugs and petty villains took the opportunity to cause trouble, stealing, robbing, and even raping women. What happened? The heroes of the Boxer Rebellion stepped in, caught these scumbags, verified their crimes, and beheaded them in public as a warning to others! That's how the chaos in Tianjin was quelled and peace was restored to the area."
"Secondly, it's about money."
"The old man used all that money to buy the finest food and nourishing medicine. Anyone willing to join the Boxer Rebellion, to uphold justice, to help those in distress, and to dedicate themselves to 'killing foreigners to save the nation,' as well as any young people who genuinely want to learn martial arts, will be treated to a free meal, drink, and martial arts training. He only asks one thing—when the time comes to fight, you must give your all and do your part for our Great Sheng!"
The man spoke with great enthusiasm, his face filled with reverence:
"Tell me, what a magnificent spirit! What a heroic act! He is truly a living Buddha to all!"
As he spoke, he pointed to a group of spirited martial artists marching in formation in the distance:
"Did you see that? They must be heading to Juxianlou. Today, Old Master Zhang published an ad in the newspaper, saying he'll personally demonstrate martial arts to the heroes of the alliance, explain the essence of martial arts, and give pointers on their skills."
After listening, Li Xijun nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her face, quite satisfied with the man's description.
"I really enjoyed hearing what you said. If you have the chance next time, please speak highly of Grandpa Zhang to everyone you meet."
Before he finished speaking, he flipped his wrist and silently slipped a heavy, shiny silver ingot into the man's arms.
The man was engrossed in recounting the heroic deeds when he suddenly felt a weight in his arms. Looking down, he was nearly blinded by the gleaming silver ingots.
This made his body tremble violently, and his breathing became rapid. This was enough for his whole family to live comfortably for a year.
"This...this...thank you so much, sir! Thank you..."
He was so excited that he was incoherent. He hurriedly looked up to express his gratitude, but found that the handsome young man was nowhere to be seen.
It was already completely empty, as if it had never existed.
The man stood there stunned for a long time before he came to his senses. He hugged the silver ingot tightly in his arms and was so excited that he almost shed tears.
He quickly clasped his hands together and bowed to the sky, saying, "God bless me! I've really struck it rich!"
immediately,
Then, as if remembering something, he lightly slapped himself in the face and changed his words:
"No, no, it's Zhang Wusheng's blessing! It must be because Old Master Zhang has done good deeds and accumulated great merit, and I've benefited from it all. Thank you, Old Master Zhang!"
As he nervously clutched the gold ingot, he secretly resolved that when he returned home, he would speak highly of Zhang Wusheng to everyone he met in the neighborhood, so that everyone would remember the old man's kindness.
(End of this chapter)