Chapter 68 The Du Residence Seals Its Gates

Thinking and acting, time waits for no one!

The greatest benefit the game brought to Luo Gan was that it temporarily cured his chronic procrastination. After all, in an unfamiliar world, if you don’t solve the problem and simply wait, the reward will never arrive.

“Old Hu, do you know Master Du?”

Shopkeeper Hu tilted his head, his brows forming a deep furrow.

“Doctor Du? The one who manages the post station?”

“No, not the one from the post station. I think he’s involved with grain management.”

“Oh, that Doctor Du! He’s usually upright and virtuous—though people say he’s two-faced.”

Virtuous and upright was indeed Doctor Du’s usual image. From Luo Gan’s time with him, it was clear the common folk had some affection for him.

“Virtuous and upright, yes, but the rest… Are you suggesting he has some questionable habits?”

“It’s always those issues between officials and the people. Some say he manages the grain and takes the opportunity to line his own pockets, but because he’s good-looking, there are plenty of fools who refuse to believe it.”

Shopkeeper Hu spoke with such certainty that Luo Gan couldn’t help but feel some doubt.

“Doctor Du, he…” Luo Gan realized justifying Master Du wouldn’t benefit him—once prejudice takes root, it’s almost impossible for an outsider to change it.

“Where does he live?”

He managed to revise his words, awkwardly asking the question. Old Hu straightened, looking at Luo Gan with a serious expression.

“What’s the matter? Planning to buy rotten eggs to throw at him? I’ve got a whole basket, free of charge! Hahaha!”

His large belly rocked in rhythm, inflating and deflating like a balloon, and it was obvious Shopkeeper Hu was genuinely delighted, seeming to relish the idea of ridding the people of a pest.

Luo Gan leaned in, lowering his voice. “Old Hu, I’m genuinely curious about Doctor Du… Is there some history between you two?”

“No history! I just can’t stand hypocrites. No official is any good!” Shopkeeper Hu laughed wildly, completely unconcerned with his image. “Ah Luo, let me tell you, in a past life, you must’ve urinated on someone’s grave, so in this life you want to become an official, earning everyone’s contempt! Hahaha!”

He hadn’t expected that, even in such an “official-centric” era, the common people would disdain officials so much. Shouldn’t everyone yearn for the imperial examination, dreaming of rising in a single day, winning fame, salary, and wealth? Watching Shopkeeper Hu, Luo Gan felt deeply moved.

With Hu’s directions, Luo Gan arrived near the Du residence. At the gate, servants guarded fiercely, each holding a wooden stick, glaring at passersby. Whenever someone approached, the sticks would sway threateningly, much like door gods or guard dogs.

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Luo Gan hunched his back as he approached the Du residence, but seeing the ferocious servants, he hesitated and veered away.

After a few steps, he realized he was here to see Master Du—how could he be scared off by servants? He turned back, only for a servant to glare and slam his stick on the ground, warning Luo Gan to stay put. The whole back-and-forth resembled a young man, inexperienced in the ways of the world, wandering past a red-light district, wanting to enter but lacking the courage.

Taking a deep breath, Luo Gan slapped his own face, and subtitles popped up in his vision:

Charge ahead: Go on, what’s a grown man afraid of?

Luo Gan thought, “Easy for you to say, all you do is throw subtitles! If you’re so bold, why don’t you do it yourself?”

His vision dimmed for a moment, then new subtitles appeared: Not only can I throw subtitles, but I can sleep too.

Luo Gan was left speechless—whatever happened, he knew only he could do this.

Gathering his strength and courage, Luo Gan strode up to the Du residence. The two servants, seeing his determined approach, crossed their sticks to block his way.

Servant: “Who are you!”

It was less a question than a show of intimidation. Luo Gan’s heart trembled. Why was Master Du so cautious—was he hiding something, or avoiding suspicion?

“I am Luo Gan, an acquaintance of Doctor Du, hoping for an audience with him.”

The two servants exchanged a quick glance and continued to glare, refusing to let him pass.

“Wait here. I’ll go inside and report.”

One servant swiftly entered, while Luo Gan, anxiously peering through the gate for any sign of activity, was scolded by the other.

“Behave yourself!”

Helpless, Luo Gan waited obediently.

Waiting in winter was an ordeal, extremely unpleasant. Though the two servants didn’t seem particularly good-natured, standing outside all day in this weather took real stamina.

After a while, the servant returned.

“My master asks what your business is.”

Even the previously easy-going Doctor Du was becoming so cautious—clearly, something was amiss. Luo Gan pondered, unsure what Master Du was facing.

“I’ve come to discuss matters regarding Vice Minister Liu, hoping Doctor Du will assist.”

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Upon hearing it was about Vice Minister Liu, the servant’s brows furrowed, his expression turning uneasy.

“Then my master isn’t home. Please leave.”

“What? Not home? Didn’t you just say—”

“He’s not home, not home. Please leave.” The servant brandished his stick, driving Luo Gan away. Both servants resumed their fierce expressions, waving him off.

What was going on? Even Doctor Du was avoiding him now?

“Oh, my master said, with thieves prowling at night, we must be extra vigilant. You should be careful too,” the servant told Luo Gan.

The other servant, puzzled, asked, “But we’re all here, aren’t we? Don’t we rest at night?”

“Not talking about you!” The servant shot Luo Gan a meaningful look. Luo Gan guessed that Doctor Du couldn’t be seen inviting him in so early—it would attract suspicion.

Luo Gan left, disgruntled, glancing around to see if anyone was watching him, careful not to let word leak.

Suddenly, a mischievous impulse struck him. At the gate, he shouted, “So much for serving the people, you cowardly, greedy officials!”

Feigning indignation, he stormed off. The servants seemed quite satisfied with Luo Gan’s reaction, nodding approvingly.

That night, Luo Gan watched the street, now silent and deserted. He ventured alone, empty-handed, under the cover of darkness to the Du residence. On duty was the same servant who had reported inside that morning.

Luo Gan was delighted and greeted him. The servant was very cautious, waiting until Luo Gan came closer to confirm his identity, then looked around to make sure no one was following.

“Don’t worry, I came alone, deliberately avoiding the main streets, passing through the alleys.”

The servant nodded, opened the door, and gestured graciously.

“Please, my master has been waiting for you.”

Luo Gan entered the Du residence. Under the dim night, the streets were silent, and only a faint lamp glowed in one of the side rooms of the Du household.