Chapter 76 Troubled by Money

At this moment, Fang Xu was naturally unaware of the conversation between Old Wu and Gu Bei. After giving a few instructions to the guards stationed there, he allowed Old Wu and the others to gather their belongings. The county magistrate then presented Fang Xu with some funds and valuables, a token of gratitude for his contributions to the Quanzhen Daoist Temple.

Though Old Wu and his companions felt Fang Xu had done nothing of note, Fang Xu accepted the gifts without hesitation. This, however, stirred some dissatisfaction in Qiu Chuji. He understood all too well the hardships faced by those living at the foot of the mountain, and was troubled that Fang Xu would take advantage of the county magistrate's generosity. Had the magistrate been corrupt, Qiu Chuji would not have objected, perhaps even applauded. Yet, knowing the true situation below the mountain, he could not help but feel uneasy. From Fang Xu's perspective, his own circumstances were little different; his funds, once provided by Qin Suwen, were all exhausted.

Was he to send Old Wu and the others to perform tricks on the street for a few coins? That was clearly impossible. Even if Fang Xu allowed it, their pride would prevent them from stooping so low. After all, Old Wu and his companions were top martial artists from beyond the frontier, defenders of Great Qin’s peace, and asking them to earn their living as street performers was no different from killing them.

If they did not accept these funds, how could they journey south? The road from Longxi to Southern Commandery was no trivial matter, and Fang Xu doubted the modest funds and valuables would suffice.

After bidding farewell to the villagers of Longxi, Fang Xu’s group, with Qiu Chuji having prepared some simple pills and valuables, set out for Southern Commandery. Along the way, Fang Xu gained a clear understanding of Great Qin’s condition. Passing through various counties and villages, he noticed a common thread: poverty.

Though the people no longer had to pay taxes, many local magistrates still shamelessly extorted and indulged themselves, caring little for the lives of the populace.

When Fang Xu encountered such officials, he dealt with them decisively, executing them when necessary. Qin Suwen, knowing Fang Xu intended to travel south, had granted him the power of life and death, but hoped he would act with caution. Fang Xu indeed exercised restraint, only striking down those officials whose cruelty was unbearable.

Qiu Chuji and Gu Bei gradually discerned Fang Xu’s true identity, though not completely, their guesses were nearly certain. As night fell, the group was still some distance from Danyang, but unfortunately their funds had run dry.

Although corrupt officials had been slain, their ill-gotten wealth was distributed among the local people; Fang Xu and his companions took not a penny, seeing that the people were in greater need.

Even Fang Xu, for all his conscience, could not bring himself to act otherwise. Moreover, Qiu Chuji’s kind heart meant that whenever he saw pitiable villagers, he urged Fang Xu to help them. Thus, the funds that might have lasted until Danyang were nearly gone.

Yet what could Fang Xu say? There was no remedy; Qiu Chuji’s intentions were good.

Gazing up at the star-filled sky, Fang Xu furrowed his brow. During the day, he could not display his worries before the others, for he knew he was their backbone. But come night, he could not help but fret over their dwindling funds.

As the saying goes, a man with money stands tall, a man without money struggles. Fang Xu now truly felt the hardship of poverty.

“Master, you have not yet rested?” Gu Bei and Old Wu approached Fang Xu, who sat on the ground gazing at the stars, asking as they walked.

“Neither have you two,” Fang Xu replied, smiling as he glanced at Qiu Chuji, already asleep not far away.

“Of course, Old Gu and I guessed you were troubled by our lack of funds,” Old Wu said, sitting beside Fang Xu with a smile, while Gu Bei sat on the other side, shaking his head helplessly.

“It’s true, I’m perplexed by this,” Fang Xu complained. “A man with money stands tall; a man without money struggles. I feel that keenly now.”

“A man with money stands tall; a man without money struggles. Master, you are absolutely right. From your actions in the past few days, I can see your true nature,” Gu Bei said with a smile. Fang Xu shook his head at Gu Bei’s words.

“And what good is a kind heart? I almost wish I weren’t so kind, or I wouldn’t be troubled by our lack of funds now.” The journey to Danyang would take several more days, and with empty pockets, it was impossible to go without food and drink. No one could endure such hardship.

“Your kindness is towards the people of Great Qin, but if it were anyone else, you could set aside this kindness,” Gu Bei muttered mysteriously.

“Old Gu, from your tone, do you have some way to get us some funds?” Old Wu teased, but to everyone’s surprise, Gu Bei nodded.

“Old Gu? You really have a solution? Let’s not joke at a time like this,” Old Wu said, fearing disappointment, while Fang Xu studied Gu Bei, his brow slightly furrowed.

“Old Gu, speak freely if you have an idea,” Fang Xu said after a moment’s thought. After all, he had recruited Gu Bei precisely for his counsel.

Gu Bei glanced around, then made a gesture across his neck. Fang Xu and Old Wu, seeing this, immediately grew cold.

“Old Gu! Are you suggesting we rob the people? How could you even think of such a thing? I must have misjudged you!” Old Wu said indignantly.

“Old Wu, where is your mind? Master is so kind—how could I suggest such a plan?” Gu Bei shot Old Wu a look.

“But you clearly meant robbery! Are you saying otherwise?” Old Wu argued.

“Robbery, yes—but not from innocent people. I propose we target the bandits lurking in these hills,” Gu Bei replied, his lips curling into a sly smile.