Chapter 16 (1/2)

Xu Qian’s Diary

[Today is the 31st day of the 10th month and 37th year… The timekeeping system is confusing. I would be so confused without the host’s memories. Based on my calculation, this is the year of the rat. 18 October of the Gregorian calendar will be the day I begin my diary, though how long will I keep up the habit?

[My uncle is right, I should change my lifestyle. In this dog-eat-dog society, it’s best to avoid the top of the social ladder. Many high-ranking officials have had their possessions confiscated due to political power plays. My research says the middle class is the most comfortable. You get to enjoy material wealth without the high-level politicking. Some small bribes never hurt anyone, it was how the middle class made do.

[On another note, I found a mace of silver today at the markets.]

[19 October, cloudy day. I need to earn money. In this world, gold is more reliable than silver. Although merchants have no official positions, it is a small price to pay for money. I plan to resign in a few days. A constable’s monthly pay of two silver taels and one stone of grain was too little. At this rate, I will never get to sleep with the Queen of Flowers.]

[20 October, sunny day. I have decided to wait until I have a stable income from my business before resigning. Today I witnessed a few constables make use of the warrants to extort money from the merchants, it makes me wary but I understand it is a societal norm. A younger me would have rushed forward and berated the constables but life has dulled my sense of righteousness. It is important to stay silent when you can’t change things. Side note: I found a silver mace in the courts.]

[21 October, sunny day. Constable Wang brought me to the playhouse. The place has a variety of performances in addition to the sexual services. It is a shame I have to hold onto my virginity for the sake of advancing my martial arts rank.

[We spent half a day in the playhouse. I saw none that could trump my aunt. Her natural beauty and endowment coupled with her proper manners made her a class above. The women in the playhouse are too frivolous and tainted. Lingyue and my aunt are quite the specimen.

[Also, I found a silver mace at the playhouse, enough to cover my food and entertainment… Luck has been on my side recently.]

[22 October. Spent my time enjoying melodies in the playhouse.]

[23 October. Went to the playhouse for their songs.]

[24 October. Went to the playhouse again. Constable Wang asked why I was so happy. The fair ladies make me happy.]

[25 October. Xu Qian, get a hold of yourself. Have you forgotten your goal? Set a small target: earn 100 million.]

[26 October. Spent time in the playhouse.]

[27 October. Visited the playhouse. I didn’t find any silver but I gave money to one of the girls. I should stop visiting places like this.]

[28 October. This world has gunpowder and guns. They even have soap that works miraculously well so there goes my plan to sell soaps. I hate the alchemists. Oh, glass! I can make glass that’s useful. That’ll amaze the people.]

[29 October. They already have glass. I’ll have to think of something else. Today I found my uncle’s private stash and helped myself to a silver mace.]