Chapter 10

The two arrived at Wangping Street, known as the "Street of Newspaper Offices."

Here, it was much more bustling. On both sides of the road, newspaper offices were lined up one after another, and the cries of newsboys could be heard continuously.

Trams could also be seen. They moved very slowly, allowing people to jump on at any time. Instead of horns, the trams used bells, which rang as they slowly disappeared into the distance.

The passersby were dressed fashionably, mostly in Western-style clothing and dresses, and some in high-slit cheongsams.

Women's attire in this world was at two extremes: either very conservative, with no skin exposed, or extremely revealing, with exposed thighs and half-bare chests.

Liao Qi looked at the bright and beautiful people on the street with envy. Although her attire was very figure-hugging, it seemed somewhat rustic in comparison.

~~~~~~~~

After criticizing the declining morals of the world, Lu Yao went to the newspaper office and subscribed to four newspapers: *Shenzhou Daily*, *Shishi Xinbao*, *Haowai Daily*, and *Shangbao*.

From current news to entertainment gossip, and even commercial information, everything was available. Newsboys would deliver them daily.

Seeing that it was getting late, the two were about to return when Lu Yao suddenly noticed that many people were gathered around a notice board, pointing and discussing.

The government would set up notice boards in crowded areas to post announcements. At this moment, there must have been some major news.

As soon as they approached, they heard a series of curses:

"Another tax increase! The court is trying to force us to our deaths!"

"I heard it's because the Empress Dowager is celebrating her birthday, so they increased the tax."

"Ridiculous! The court has ceded territory and paid indemnities to the foreigners, amounting to hundreds of thousands of silver taels! And this wicked woman still has the nerve to celebrate her birthday!"

"Outside, it's either war or disaster, and she's celebrating her 60th birthday. Bah!"

The two also saw the tax increase announcement that was being cursed. Liao Qi frowned and said, "I wonder what the court is thinking. The world is getting more chaotic."

Lu Yao whispered, "When a country is about to fall, the land is full of absurdity."

He was more familiar with this period of history, as it was a required part of the modern history curriculum for the college entrance exam.

The more he knew, the more he felt a chill, as he was right in the midst of this chaotic era.

He wondered how the script would differ in a world without extraordinary powers.

~~~~~~~~

At that moment, the crowd was gathered around the notice board, with angry curses echoing continuously.

A middle-aged man with a complex look of shame, guilt, and anger on his face sighed deeply.

He was dressed in a brocade robe, looking like a wealthy gentleman, but his aura was extremely imposing, and he naturally exuded authority, indicating that he had long held a high position. Several attendants were protecting him.

When Liao Qi noticed him, she exclaimed in surprise, "Lord Du!"

The middle-aged man looked over, forcing a smile and nodding in acknowledgment.

Liao Qi only bowed in greeting and did not approach.

This interaction caught the attention of those around them. A few people who had been cursing loudly suddenly changed their expressions and hurriedly disappeared into the crowd.

Lord Du ignored them and personally went to the notice board to post a new announcement.

It read: "To enrich the country and strengthen the army, to learn from the foreigners to control them, the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau is now established... We are recruiting talented scholars and skilled craftsmen to learn advanced Western technology and build warships and cannons..."

The crowd gathered curiously, and when Lu Yao saw the familiar "Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau," he immediately realized that this was the famous Self-Strengthening Movement!

At this time, the Da Shun Dynasty was very similar to the last dynasty on Earth. After a series of military defeats and territorial cessions and indemnities, some rulers recognized the power of Western warships and cannons and began to learn advanced technology!

After posting the announcement, Lord Du announced loudly:

"I am Du Wenlan, the current director of the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau. As stated in the announcement, we urgently need skilled craftsmen and knowledgeable scholars who understand foreign technology! Those who contribute to the country will be rewarded by the court!"

After saying this, he bowed to the crowd and left with his attendants for the next location.

Whether it was a show or a genuine desire for talent, his attitude was clear, and it sparked a discussion among the crowd:

"I heard that several high-ranking officials in the court want to 'learn from the foreigners to control them.' I didn't expect the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau to be established so quickly."

"The Fuzhou Shipyard has also been set up, probably to build a navy."

"Whatever the case, just get rid of the foreigners!"

~~~~~~~~

Lu Yao and Liao Qi did not stay to watch the commotion but hurried home. It was already dusk, and the city's security was not to be relied upon.

On the way, Lu Yao asked curiously, "By the way, do you know that Lord Du?"

Just as Liao Qi was about to answer, a gentle voice came from behind: "Let me tell you."

As she spoke, a graceful figure descended from the sky—it was Liao Ya.

"You two have been gone for so long, I was worried and came to check. Did you encounter Lord Du?"

Liao Qi replied obediently, "Yes, he is now the director of the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau."

Liao Ya nodded and said to Lu Yao, "Back then, Lord Du and my father worked under Lin Da, and they went through the 'Opium Destruction' together, so they have a bond."

"I see," Lu Yao finally understood.

But Liao Ya continued, "Speaking of which, there is something you must know—never go near the docks, as we have enemies!"

"Ah? What kind of enemies?"

Liao Ya's eyes widened, and she said seriously, "When following Lin Da to destroy opium, my father offended countless opium-smuggling gangs, including the Hai Long Gang! They have harmed countless people with opium and colluded with foreign opium companies to set up an ambush and kill my father!"

At this point, the girl took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

"This is an irreconcilable enmity! The Hai Long Gang, due to heavy losses, has been looking for trouble with us. But they dare not enter the provincial capital, so as long as we don't go to the docks, we are safe."

Lu Yao said, "I understand, Senior Sister. Your enmity is my enmity. If you need anything, just let me know!"

Liao Ya's serious expression disappeared, and she said softly, "The biggest help you can give me is to make sure I have enough tonics every day. Only by achieving great martial arts can I avenge my father."

Liao Qi interjected, "Sister, you're only 17. With Lu Yao's help, you can definitely cleanse your bones and even change your blood by the time you're 20!"

"Don't just rely on him; you can't slack off either! Starting tomorrow, double your boxing practice time!"

Liao Ya set the goal, and Liao Qi regretted her words, her face falling.

~~~~~~~~

After returning to the boxing hall, Lu Yao asked Liao Qi curiously, "Your sister is only 17, how old are you?"

The girl replied, "Me? I'm 14, what's the big deal?"

Lu Yao was shocked: "Nothing, just asking..."

At 14, she already looked like this! Both sisters were tall and had well-proportioned figures, even making weak people feel a surge of worldly desires.

Lu Yao couldn't help but marvel, "Martial artists really develop well!"

He then looked at the caterpillar fungus he had bought and decided to quickly resolve the money issue.

So he said to Liao Qi, "I'll go back to get some things and won't be sleeping here tonight. By the way, what size shoes do you two wear? And tell me your measurements."