Chapter 67 Mutual Assistance

  Inns near the cargo ship docks in Jining City are at most mediocre. Wealthy people all go to stay near where the pleasure boats dock, as that's where the best wine houses and inns are located.

  The old eunuch lived here even when he hadn't lost money, and it's clear that the silver in his hands wasn't much either. To say nothing of the fact that under this trend of speculating on green salt everywhere, how much could be bought with this little silver is also an unknown number.

  After being rescued, the old eunuch slept for a while on the bed, lying with his eyes open all night. The warm air from the fire wall in the room was cozy, but the old eunuch's heart was icy cold. Generally, eunuchs who entered the palace at a young age had little contact with their relatives and friends outside.

  What's more, he is already old and has no relatives outside, this matter has already been done, for him who grew up in the palace since childhood, even if he runs away, he cannot live alone outside, what to do next, it is really hopeless, all dark.

  The sleepless old eunuch waited until his clothes were dry, then sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, dressed and ready, until the sun rose and sunlight filled the room, when he heard a knock at the door.

  He still owed money for meals and store expenses, and didn't know how to face the shopkeeper's demands. Just yesterday, there was also the matter of seeking death. The old official sighed, got up and opened the door. As soon as he opened the door, he saw the shopkeeper standing outside with a tray, on which was placed a steaming hot bowl of wonton noodles and several small dishes.

  "Mr. Liu, you're up early! You caught a chill last night and should eat more to nourish yourself. The kitchen specially prepared these dishes for you. Come, try them and see if the flavor is to your liking."

  It's been a while since he heard this title, when the waiter came to collect the bill, they all called him "Old Liu". Liu Xuan was puzzled in his heart, but the aroma of food wafting through his nostrils also made him feel a little hungry. He thought that since he had no money to pay back anyway, he wasn't afraid to spend this breakfast money either.

  He nodded and took the food tray, carrying it into the house to eat. The inn's servant didn't leave in a hurry either, standing at the door with a smile and saying:

  "Director Liu is indeed a big shot from the capital, with many connections and friends. Your friend has already settled all the expenses for food and lodging for these past few days."

  Old Man Liu, who was eating at the entrance, suddenly looked up and thought to himself that he didn't have any friends in Jining City, otherwise why would no one help him when he went around asking for assistance. Facing Old Man Liu's surprised gaze, the shop assistant smiled and said:

  "Your old friend also said that after you finish lunch at noon, go to the place where you watched the scenery last night, someone is waiting for you there. Today at noon, Master Fu is preparing to make a few signature dishes for you, showcasing his skills."

  After finishing speaking, the fellow closed the door and left. The place where they had gone to enjoy the scenery last night was where Liu Gonggong had been stunned for a while, then came back to his senses - what scenery were they looking at? Wasn't it just the place where he had jumped into the river last night?

  But having eaten his fill and hearing what the fellow had to say, Liu Gong thought to himself that things seemed to be taking a turn for the better; but could good fortune really fall from the sky so easily and land on him?

  It's come to this point, no matter what the other party does, I can only go and take a look.

  After lunch, Mr. Liu simply tidied up and headed to the dock, indeed simple tidying, because except for his own clothes, everything else was stolen.

  As he walked to where Liu had jumped into the river yesterday, someone loudly called out before Liu could feel any sense of regret:

  "Come here, Old Liu, come here!!"

  The old man's title was the first time he heard it, and Liu Gonggong was stunned for a moment, looking around to make sure no one else was there before confirming that the other person was calling him. However, this title made him feel very comfortable. Eunuchs are physically disabled, and they fear others mentioning this point the most. If someone treats them as normal people, they will naturally gain their goodwill.

  This was the most delightful thing Liu Gong had encountered in days, and a smile finally appeared on his face. He walked quickly over to where several young men stood by the river, who greeted him politely with bows. Although Liu Gong's position within the palace was low, he had seen the big world after all, and could tell that these young men before him had an air of refinement about them.

  At a glance, it can be seen that they are trained people. The temperament is similar to those Han generals who serve as ceremonial guards in front of the palace. Those soldiers have a posture every day, and their movements are quite standardized, which is very similar to these young men wearing gray thick soil cloth short gowns in front.

  But it's also unclear whether it was Liu Gonggong's own illusion, those Jin Yiwei guards who were stained with blood in the town's pacification office, seemed to be shocked by these few young men, and didn't know where they had some similarities.

  "My family's master knew that Old Man Liu was having a hard time outside and wanted to offer some assistance."

  A young man said loudly, his hand raised and gestured downwards, following the direction of the gesture, Liu Gong saw two cargo ships, he was now completely confused, looking at his bewildered expression, the young man smiled and brought over a small package, saying:

  "Here are forty taels of silver, two cargo ships with a total of twenty bundles of green salt and thirty jars of old green salt. The shipping costs have all been paid, please accept this, sir."

  Liu Gonggong was taken aback, staring blankly at the two boats covered with mats, his hands suddenly trembling uncontrollably for no reason. The errand to buy supplies had already been completed. But as a powerless and influence-less old official, who would still be so kind-hearted?

  The eunuchs in the imperial palace, showing favor in advance, examples of political speculation are not uncommon, but those were all young and promising inner courtiers with great prospects. As for himself, an old man like him, it's almost predictable that he won't have any future prospects. Who would be willing to spend money to help someone like him? In the inner court, everything is bloody and dark, with only two words in mind: "benefit" comes first. Suddenly, someone offered to help, and Liu Gonggong's first thought was what the other person's purpose was, but he couldn't find any reason for the other person to do so. He was stunned for half a day before hesitantly asking:

  "Your noble master is..."

  "My master said that seeing the old man in distress, he thought of his elders at home and couldn't bear it, so he lent a hand to help. We are just passing by and may not have the chance to meet again, so there's no need to exchange names. With the New Year approaching, the old man must be anxious to return and report back, so let's get on board and hurry along!"

  The young man finished speaking and, together with several companions, carefully helped Liu Gonggong onto the cargo ship. After instructing the boatman a few times, they watched as the boat slowly departed before turning to leave.

  It wasn't until the boat had reached the middle of the river that Mr. Liu finally came to his senses, remembering what he had said earlier about "missing his elderly relatives at home" and other things, and finally realized that the other person was helping him purely out of kindness. At this point, he couldn't help but burst into tears, holding onto his bundle and kneeling at the bow of the boat, kowtowing in the direction of Jining.