Chapter Nine: Encounter with Ruffians
“Let’s head to the east side of the city first,” Gan Sui suggested.
“No, I’ll go by myself. Auntie just mentioned there’s a bookshop up ahead. Why don’t you go in first, see what books they have, and get a sense of the era we’re in. I’ll sell our things and come find you afterward.” Gan Sui was far too thin; just making it from the village to here had left him visibly uncomfortable. Banxia didn’t want to watch him force himself any longer, so she decided he should rest at the bookshop.
The bookshop was pleasant enough, and the shopkeeper seemed gentle. Banxia approached, producing a few wild eggs. “Shopkeeper, my husband would like to read here for a while. I hope you wouldn’t mind granting us this small favor.”
“It’s just reading, young lady, no need to be so formal. Your husband is welcome to come in and take a seat. Though, when customers arrive, it may get a bit noisy.”
“That’s no bother. Thank you for your kindness.” Banxia pressed the wild eggs into the shopkeeper’s hands, despite his attempt to refuse. “Your help is thanks enough. These are just some country eggs—please don’t turn them down.”
The shopkeeper accepted them. Once she saw Gan Sui seated, Banxia left the shop, and he watched her go until she disappeared from sight.
“You two must be newlyweds. The affection between you is almost sweet enough to taste,” the shopkeeper joked.
“We were just married. By the way, I wonder if there might be any work copying books here? I’m a humble scholar and would like to recommend myself.”
The shopkeeper, noticing his dignified appearance and wishing to make his acquaintance, smiled. “What a coincidence! The last scholar left a few days ago, and I do need someone to copy books. But I’ll need to see your handwriting first.”
“Of course,” Gan Sui replied.
The shopkeeper brought out paper and brush. Gan Sui picked up the brush and elegantly wrote: “The highest good is like water.”
“Now that’s a fine hand—thin gold script, if I’m not mistaken. The writing reflects the man: such strength and character in these strokes. I, Yan, appreciate men of integrity. The position is yours. Let’s discuss your wages in detail.”
Banxia had no idea that Gan Sui, behind her back, had already found employment. She herself was just then encountering the city’s infamous ruffian, who was in the midst of robbing a young village girl.
She was only an alley away from the east end of the city when a slick, drawling voice called out behind her, “Stop right there…”
Banxia paid no heed and kept walking. The ruffian was clearly displeased and rushed to block her path. “I told you to stop—didn’t you hear me?”
She’d seen more than enough of these adolescent delinquents before—if not a hundred, then at least eighty. She felt nothing at all. “A good dog doesn’t block the way. Move.”
“Hey, feisty little thing! Listen up, this is my turf—Chen San runs things here. If you know what’s good for you, hand over the protection fee.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then I’ll show you just how hard your Third Brother’s fists are…” He swung at her as he spoke, but Banxia only sneered, parried his punch with ease, and kicked him squarely in the groin. The man doubled over, clutching himself, and collapsed with a groan.
Banxia placed a foot squarely on his back. “Still want that protection fee?”
“No, no, please, auntie… I was wrong…” The pain was excruciating—he wondered if he’d be able to function again.
“You’re a grown man with two good hands and feet—why stoop to robbery? Let this be a lesson. If I ever catch you at it again, I’ll beat you every time. Now get lost!”
“Never again, never again…” He scrambled up and staggered away.
Banxia set down her basket and checked her goods—thank goodness, nothing had been damaged.
Suddenly, applause broke out. “Bravo, young lady! Such skill!”
Banxia looked up to see a man in white at the end of the alley, folding fan in hand, clapping with a mischievous smile on his handsome face.
What now? She’d just seen off a thug, and here came a rogue.
All she wanted was to sell her vegetables in peace.