Liu Bei time-travels to become the Heavenly King Chao Gai

Chapter 18 "Brother's Noble Character!"

Liu Bei placed the teacup back on the table.

"When a man has money, leisure, and fame, he will want other things."

Wu Yong looked at Liu Bei, waiting for him to continue.

"Beauty is the most deadly of them all."

Liu Bei turned his gaze to the window, where people were coming and going on the bustling street.

"That Yan Poxi, since he took a liking to her, must be quite beautiful. A courtesan who sings songs, she's seen it all, and she understands people's hearts best. Today she can submit to Song Jiang for money, and tomorrow she can submit to someone else for even more money."

"Wang Po said she's insatiable. This kind of woman is like a bottomless pit, never full. Song Jiang is supporting her with money now, which is enough. But what if Song Jiang can't come up with more money, or what if she meets a man who is richer, younger, and better at pleasing her than Song Jiang? What do you think will happen?"

Wu Yong stopped waving his fan.

He remembered the "handsome young man" that Wang Po had mentioned.

"Brother, are you saying that Yan Poxi will bring trouble to Song Jiang?"

Liu Bei nodded: "Definitely."

"Song Jiang was a clerk in the county government, handling confidential documents. He also corresponded with people in the Jianghu (江湖, the martial arts world). These things would be fine at home under normal circumstances. But if a greedy person who had taken advantage of him had something on him..."

Liu Bei did not continue speaking.

Wu Yong felt a chill run down his spine.

He suddenly understood why his brother had said that Song Jiang was "in imminent danger."

This timely helper used his good reputation and personal connections to weave a vast network in Yuncheng County.

Little did he know that a poisonous scorpion was sleeping beside him.

"This man," Liu Bei picked up his teacup and gently blew on it, "is a friend, but not a colleague."

Wu Yong was taken aback: "What do you mean by that, brother?"

"As an official, he fraternized with people in the underworld. He seemed to have connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds, but in reality, he never truly let go of either. He had benefited from his position as a clerk for many years, and once his misdeeds were exposed and he was disgraced because of Yan Poxi, he would definitely want to clear his name and return to the system one day. Wanting to do both often means getting nothing from both."

Liu Bei took a sip of tea.

"So, as a friend, he values ​​loyalty and is willing to go to great lengths for you, no problem. We can use his name, his connections, and his familiarity with the government, but we must never regard him as a brother we can entrust with our lives and fight alongside."

Wu Yong stood up and bowed deeply to Liu Bei.

"Brother's words have enlightened me greatly."

He sat back down, his expression becoming much more serious.

"So, what should we do next?"

Liu Bei put down his teacup.

"Since we're going to take advantage of his influence, we can't do it secretly."

"Tomorrow, in the name of the head of Dongxi Village, send a formal visiting card."

Wu Yong's eyes lit up: "Brother, you want to go see him in person?"

"Indeed," Liu Bei said. "I want to see whether this famous 'Timely Rain' of Shandong is a true hero or a mere charlatan."

Wu Yong smiled and said, "I understand. But how should this visiting card be written?"

Liu Bei thought about it.

"Write: Chao Gai, an old friend from Dongxi Village, has long admired your great name, Clerk, and has come to pay his respects."

The next morning, Wu Yong went to the teahouse he had visited the day before.

When Wang Po saw him, her face lit up with a smile.

"Sir, you've arrived so early today."

Wu Yong placed a written visiting card, along with a piece of silver, on the table.

"Wang Po, I have a business opportunity and would like to ask for your help."

Granny Wang picked up the silver, her smile widening.

"Please speak freely, sir."

"Please have Wang Po send one of her clever men to deliver this visiting card to the residence of Clerk Song at the county yamen," Wu Yong said in a low voice. "This matter must not be known to anyone else."

Granny Wang stuffed the visiting card and the silver into her sleeve and patted her chest.

"Don't worry, sir, I've got it covered."

As the sun began to set, a sunset glow spread across the horizon.

Liu Bei and Wu Yong changed into clean and presentable clothes and arrived at a house in the west of the county.

The house is not large, with blue bricks and gray tiles, and two willow trees planted in front of the door, making it look quite elegant.

Wu Yong stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker.

A moment later, a hearty laugh echoed from inside the courtyard.

"Oh dear! It's an honor to have Chao Baozheng here. I, Song Jiang, have not been able to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

Song Jiang strode out of the courtyard, still in his official robes, his face beaming with a warm smile.

Liu Bei returned the greeting with clasped hands.

"Sir Song, you are too kind. I am sorry to have come to visit you without permission. I hope you will not disturb me."

Song Jiang grabbed Liu Bei's arm, appearing extremely affectionate.

"What are you saying! In my days wandering the martial world, what I've heard most about Brother Chao Gai is his reputation for generosity and righteousness! To meet him today is truly an honor! Please come in!"

He welcomed the two into the main hall, seated them as host and guest, and immediately ordered the servants to serve tea.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, mostly about rumors and anecdotes from the martial arts world.

Song Jiang kept praising Chao Gai as a hero, a man of great righteousness.

Liu Bei also praised Song Jiang for his ability to help those in distress, saying that his reputation was well-deserved.

After their conversation, the atmosphere in the hall became incredibly warm, as if they were long-lost brothers.

After the tea was served, Song Jiang waved the servants away before lowering his voice and getting to the point.

"Brother Chao Gai, we are not strangers. What difficulties have you encountered today? Please speak freely. As long as it is something I, as a brother, can do, I will not refuse!"

Liu Bei put down his teacup, a perfectly measured look of worry on his face, and let out a long sigh.

"I have indeed encountered a troublesome matter recently."

Song Jiang leaned forward slightly.

"Please speak, brother."

Liu Bei said, "As you know, my brother, there has been a severe drought this year, resulting in a poor harvest. The government is also pressing for relief, leading to a large influx of refugees. I couldn't bear to see those people with their families in tow, so I took some in at the estate."

Upon hearing this, Song Jiang's face showed admiration.

"Brother, your righteousness is truly admirable! In these chaotic times, to have someone like you who cares so deeply for the people is a blessing indeed!"

Liu Bei gave a wry smile.

"Brother, you flatter me. But with so many people, our daily expenses are like flowing water. Although my estate has some meager assets, they are gradually becoming unsustainable."

Upon hearing this, Song Jiang immediately slapped his thigh.

"What could it be! Brother, please wait a moment!"

As he spoke, he got up and walked towards the back room.

Liu Bei quickly grabbed him.

"My dear brother, you misunderstand! I have not come here today to ask you for a favor."

Song Jiang was taken aback.

"So, what does my brother mean?"

Liu Bei replied, "Relying on your assistance, my worthy brother, is not a long-term solution. I wanted to ask you, my worthy brother, if there are any stable ways to make a living around Yuncheng County that I can earn some money and food to support the family on that estate?"

Upon hearing this, Song Jiang's respect for Liu Bei grew even stronger.

As expected of the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, his thinking is indeed far-sighted.

Having spent many years in officialdom, he had met countless people who sought personal gain and favors.

Liu Bei was the first person to actively seek a way out.

Song Jiang pondered for a moment. He was a local bigwig in Yuncheng County and knew all the ins and outs of the place.

"If you want to have a stable job and make a lot of money, there are a few ways."

"I would like to hear the details."

"Firstly, there's smuggled salt. The government's salt permits don't cover the area around Liangshan Marsh, so there are tons of smugglers. But this route is too risky. It often involves clashes with the government and other salt gangs. Even though you have servants under your command, it might not be worth it."

Liu Bei nodded without saying a word.

"Secondly, there's grain. Grain prices are soaring these days. If you have the capital, you can bring grain from other places and resell it for double the profit. However, this grain trade requires an official permit; otherwise, it's smuggling, and if caught, you'll lose both the goods and the person."

"Thirdly," Song Jiang lowered his voice, "there's the trade of furs and medicinal herbs with the north. The Liao are weak now, their borders are lax, and the profits are extremely high. However…"

He glanced at Liu Bei.

"We also need to appease the officials and generals along the way; otherwise, if we are accused of treason, it will be a disaster that leads to the confiscation of property and the extermination of the entire clan."

After listening, Liu Bei stood up and bowed solemnly to Song Jiang.

"Thank you for your guidance, brother. I understand now."

He took two gold bars out of his pocket and placed them on the table.

"Brother wants to get into the grain business. However, I'm unfamiliar with the area and don't know any connections for the official travel permits or the favors to the county magistrate. I would like to ask you for your help in making an introduction."

Song Jiang hurriedly pushed the gold bars back, saying, "What's so difficult about that! I still have some influence with Lord Shi Wenbin. Don't worry, brother, leave this to me!"

Liu Bei was overjoyed: "If this matter succeeds, I am willing to share one-tenth of the profits with my worthy brother."

Upon hearing this, Song Jiang's expression changed, and he waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Brother, what are you doing! We are brothers, why are you talking about such things! If you bring this up again, you are disrespecting me, Song Jiang!"

He pointed to the two gold bars and said, "Take this money, brother. I'll take care of arranging things with the master."

Liu Bei, however, refused to accept it.

"Brother, even brothers should keep clear accounts. I can't let you go to all this trouble for nothing. If you don't accept this money, I won't be able to do this business with peace of mind."

After some back and forth, Song Jiang finally gave in and said, "Fine. But I can't accept this money. If you really want to bribe someone, I have a suggestion."

He leaned close to Liu Bei's ear.

"Master Shi is a bit... greedy. You might as well give him 20% of your business. That way, you can operate freely in Yuncheng County."

A knowing glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes.

"Thank you for your guidance, my dear brother."

He took back the gold and bowed to Song Jiang again.

"It's getting late, we should take our leave now. We'll come again another day."

"Take care, brother."