C14 Raise the Beggars

The next morning, Liu Xiaobao rose with the dawn, a habit ingrained from his school days. He had always been an early riser, a routine that persisted through his university years without change.

Stepping into the courtyard, Liu Xiaobao took a deep breath of the cool, fresh air. "The air quality here is excellent. Back in my college days, fresh air was a luxury, and seeing a hundred meters through the smog was a feat."

Hearing movement from Labino's room, Liu Xiaobao knocked on the door. "Labino, are you up?"

"I'm just packing my clothes, Young Master. I'll be right there," Labino responded, opening the door. "Did you need something, Young Master?"

"No, I was just wondering what you were doing," he replied.

Labino looked down, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Young Master, I'm about to leave. Will you miss me?"

"Of course, I will. But you'll still be in the capital, right? If I miss you, I'll come to find you," Liu Xiaobao reassured her, patting her head. "You're going to meet many new friends your age. Just remember to live joyfully. And if anyone bullies you at school, come back and tell me. I'll take care of them."

"Labino will study hard at the academy. Once I become a Great Knight, I'll be able to protect you, Young Master," Labino said before turning back to her room. "I need to finish packing."

Liu Xiaobao moved on to the kitchen next to Labino's room, where Zhao Rong and her son were already busy preparing breakfast for the residents of Liu Manor.

"Aunt Rong, you really don't need to get up so early. I usually grab something to eat with Labino or wait until lunchtime," Liu Xiaobao mentioned.

"It's our duty, Young Master," Zhao Rong replied, her commitment to her role as a servant evident.

The entire household of Liu Manor convened in the side hall for breakfast, a place devoid of the hierarchical pretensions common among the nobility. As someone who preferred the comforts of home, Liu Xiaobao detested the notions of social hierarchy. Having been an orphan, he had experienced his share of bullying and disdain. Whenever he encountered those who acted superior, he couldn't help but feel a strong urge to knock some sense into them with his fists.

Understanding the principles at stake, Liu Xiaobao would never impose a strict master-servant hierarchy at Liu Manor. It wouldn't do to have others harbor resentment towards him. Although he was nominally the young master, Liu Xiaobao declared at dinner the previous evening that anyone who joined Liu Manor must abandon any notions of hierarchy or inequality in their hearts. He insisted on 'equality for all,' advocating for equal treatment of individuals and division of labor based on tasks.

This new policy astonished Zhao Rong and her son; they had not expected the young master to espouse such egalitarian beliefs, a rarity in a world where the elite reigned supreme.

Butler Yan was indifferent to Liu Xiaobao's decision. She was loyal to him and would follow his lead without question.

"Bang, bang, bang!"

"Labino, hold on, I'll get the door," Liu Xiaobao called out to Labino, who was about to answer it. Knowing it must be Zhong Tingyue, he wanted to greet her personally to make an impression.

Liu Xiaobao dashed to the grand entrance of Liu Manor. Upon opening the door and seeing the radiant Zhong Tingyue, he greeted her, "Tingyue, you've arrived."

"Where's Labino? Today's her first day of school, and I've taken care of all the arrangements for her," said Zhong Tingyue, bypassing Liu Xiaobao's attempts at charm and searching Liu Manor for Labino.

Labino had already sprinted to her room and slung her bag over her shoulder. "Sister Tingyue, Labino is all set."

"Good, let's go. Class starts in an hour, and we can't be late," Tingyue urged, not wanting to linger at Liu Manor. She took Labino's hand, and they headed out, where a carriage awaited them, ready to make haste to the academy.

"Labino, remember what the Young Master said: if you're bullied or treated unfairly, come back to me," Liu Xiaobao said, finding it hard to let go of the young girl.

Tears streamed down Labino's face as she bid farewell. "Young Master, I understand. Please, take good care of yourself."

Liu Xiaobao returned to Liu Manor with a somber air, addressing Yan Yongchun, "Butler Yan, I plan to head out to the streets to perform some charitable acts. If you happen to have some free time, perhaps you could explore the capital for potential business opportunities that might benefit the Liu Manor financially."

"Rest assured, Young Master. I'll handle the other matters," responded Yan Yongchun, who was somewhat aware of Liu Xiaobao's secrets and harbored no doubts about his intentions to engage in charitable work.

Liu Xiaobao recalled a saying by Mark Twain, that kindness could bring happiness to humanity. He pondered whether it would bring happiness to himself as well.

He had been strolling through the eastern part of the city, where undertaking charitable acts was challenging, especially in the capital. Few dared to exploit the common folk in the shadow of the Emperor's domain, except for the likes of Chen Wenkai, a super-rich heir with a touch of madness. Liu Xiaobao's choice to visit the east side was deliberate; it was less affluent than other districts, and he was more likely to come across injustices.

Nevertheless, the eastern district was relatively peaceful. After roaming for two hours, Liu Xiaobao had yet to witness any disputes.

"Young Master, please hold on a moment!"

"Ah, it's you again, the beggar leader," Liu Xiaobao noted, recognizing the figure halting him. "What do you need from me? I'm quite vexed at the moment."

The beggar inquired, "Young Master, you've been here in the eastern district for two hours now. May I ask if you're looking for something in particular?"

"Didn't I mention it yesterday? I'm out to do good deeds, but even after two hours, I've yet to come across any quarrels," Liu Xiaobao explained.

"Why is the Young Master so determined to perform good deeds?" The beggar was puzzled by the heir's eccentric desire to actively seek out charitable acts, having seen many who do good, but none who pursue it so fervently.

Liu Xiaobao produced the Black Iron Knight Medal and proclaimed, "Charitable acts can elevate one's nobility and strength. See this? This is the reward for my good deeds. In just one day, a frail individual can transform into a Black Iron Knight."

It didn't even take a day; you transformed into a Black Iron Knight in the blink of an eye. I, the beggar, witnessed your change firsthand. The leader of the beggars found Liu Xiaobao's situation quite peculiar. Could it be that performing good deeds actually makes one stronger?

The leader of the beggars offered, "Since you're set on doing good deeds, I believe I can be of assistance."

"You can help me?" Liu Xiaobao recalled the leader's words from the day before, "Didn't you mention that helping you isn't considered a good deed once your needs are met? And right now, you're not exactly waking up hungry."

"What I meant," the leader clarified, "is not asking you to solve our basic needs, but rather, we can help you identify those in need of assistance."

"Oh?"

"You should know, Young Master, that our group of 62 beggars is spread throughout the eastern part of the city. Nothing escapes our notice. If I simply alert my men to relay any injustices they encounter to you, wouldn't that make it easy for you to perform good deeds?"

"That's an excellent idea, but why would you want to help me?"

"Well, if we provide Young Master with information and you reward us with ten taels of silver, we'll have a deal. How does that sound?"

"Ten taels of silver sounds fair. I'll rest under this tree while you go inform your brothers," Liu Xiaobao said as he settled into a clean spot beneath a nearby tree, rubbing his sore feet.

"I'm on it, Young Master," the beggar leader said before departing. As he walked away, he mused, "This spendthrift seems determined to see his good deeds through. This could work out well for us. Ten taels of silver per task? Looks like we'll be enjoying roasted chicken more often."

Watching the leader's retreating figure, Liu Xiaobao mused, "The beggar leader sure knows how to navigate life. How did he end up a beggar?"

Before long, the beggar leader returned. Liu Xiaobao inquired, "Back so soon? It hasn't even been ten minutes."

The leader replied promptly, "When Young Master has business to attend to, speed is essential. I've learned that Ju Yi's son in the slums is gravely ill and on the brink of death. Their family is destitute, barely scraping by on Ju Yi's meager earnings as a laborer. With no money left for treatment, his son's situation is dire."

"What are you waiting for? Take me there now!" Liu Xiaobao exclaimed upon hearing the news. He knew this was an urgent act of kindness to save a life, and there was no time to waste. If they were too late, it could mean death for the sick.

The leader of the beggars inquired, "Young Master, what about the ten taels of silver?"

In a flurry, Liu Xiaobao pulled out ten taels and handed them over. "Here, take this and lead me to Ju Yi's home at once."

Once the beggar leader pocketed the silver, he led Liu Xiaobao through the slums. After navigating three streets, they finally reached Ju Yi's residence.

Arriving at the doorstep, they were greeted by the sound of weeping from within. "Oh, my child, your parents have failed you. We couldn't earn enough to cure your sickness. You can rest now."

"What's happened? Please tell me we're not too late," Liu Xiaobao muttered, dreading that Ju Yi's son might have already passed away.

The beggar boss replied, "I don't know, Young Master. I'll take my leave now. You go in and see to it."

The beggar had no intention of sticking around to play the hero; he'd done his part by bringing Liu Xiaobao here and that was the end of his concern.

Liu Xiaobao knocked on the door and announced, "Is this the Ju Yi household? I've come to offer assistance."

A middle-aged man opened the door, his sturdy frame indicative of his work as a laborer. Yet, his face was drawn with grief as he mourned for his son.

"I am Ju Yi. May I ask why the Young Master has come?" Ju Yi recognized Liu Xiaobao but was unsure of the young man's intentions.

Liu Xiaobao explained, "I've learned that your son is gravely ill and you lack the funds for treatment. I've come to bring you money. He's not... he hasn't passed away, has he?"

"Your son is the one who's dead!" Ju Yi retorted, irked by Liu Xiaobao's phrasing. "You wish to give us money? And what would you ask in return?"

"There's no catch. I'm here simply out of compassion. Now, how much do you need for his treatment?" Liu Xiaobao pondered, aware that his own family's finances were not limitless. "Let's be clear, don't inflate the sum. I'm not swimming in cash. Just tell me what you're short."

"The treatment costs 50 taels, and we only have 20 at home. We're short by 30 taels," Ju Yi said without any pretense. Life hung in the balance, so naturally, we'll accept your generous offer.

Liu Xiaobao pulled out 40 taels of silver. "Here's 40 taels for you. Use the extra 10 taels for your household expenses."

"If you ever face a problem you can't handle, come find me at Liu Manor. I'm here to help," Xiaobao said as he handed over the money, ready to leave. He had fulfilled his purpose; Ju Yi's family needed the money for medical bills, and that was taken care of.

Returning to his room with the silver, Ju Yi found his wife still weeping beside their son's bed. Ecstatic, he exclaimed, "Wife, look! This is the silver that generous Young Master just gave us. Our son will be saved!"

His wife grasped the silver, crying out in relief, "Thank goodness! Thank you, generous Young Master, thank you!"

As Liu Xiaobao completed his good deed, he heard the system's voice in his mind: karma point +50. Experienced as he was, he knew better than to interact with the system in public.

Who would have thought a beggar could be so helpful? In just a short time, he had led me to a good deed.