Chapter 44: Petroleum
Li Shiming saw a village ahead and since it was still early, he canceled the blue glow on his leg, slowed down, and returned to a normal state.
This village, near the Central Capital, clearly suffered from poverty due to the mountainous terrain around it, with all houses made of thatch and mud.
"Six-son’s family is truly pitiful; their entire two acres have been destroyed by Magic Water. How are they to survive!" he heard villagers discussing as he walked into the village.
"Indeed, not just Six-son’s family, even the fields next to theirs are at risk!" another villager lamented.
For farmers, their fields are their livelihood; losing them is akin to losing their means to live.
"Old man, I am not familiar with this Magic Water; could you take me to see it?" Li Shiming felt a stir in his heart and greeted the speaking elder with a Confucian bow.
The elder looked up and saw Li Shiming in a Confucian Robe, hurriedly bowed deeply, too nervous to speak.
The other villagers nearby also bowed their heads, showing utmost humility.
Anyone dressed in a Confucian Robe is at least a Scholar, a status not ordinarily within reach of ordinary farmers.
The closer to Central Capital, the more the farmers are aware of the frightening power of the elite.
Li Shiming’s Confucian bow intimidated the elder; speaking with a condescending attitude would have reassured the elder more than such a gesture.
Though Li Shiming’s memories and emotions had fused, deep down he still believed in the equality of all people from his previous life.