OMG! Tyrant's Pampered Baby Is a Valued Princess-Chapter 575: How Many Have Died in Nights of Frustration
Jun Kuang calmly said, "You don’t need to thank me. I see you are someone with ambitions. You must realize that theft is shameful. Since you’re reading saintly books, you must not commit such errors in the future."
The scholar cupped his hands and repeatedly thanked him, "I understand."
Jun Kuang saw his poverty and wanted to help financially.
However, after searching all over himself, he found only a few copper coins left.
After some hesitation, he still reached out and handed them to the scholar.
"Take this to buy something to eat."
The scholar received it in surprise and gratitude, kneeling on the ground, kowtowing, and calling him a benefactor.
Jun Kuang turned around and returned to Bai Zhi’er’s side.
"Princess, we can leave now."
The little one nodded.
The two walked a distance away, and Bai Zhi’er couldn’t help but look back.
Seeing that the scholar was still kneeling and kowtowing.
"Brother A Kuang, can I ask a question?" Bai Zhi’er’s voice was soft and adorable.
Jun Kuang smiled slightly, returning to his previous gentle demeanor, "Of course you may."
Bai Zhi’er lifted her small face to look at him, "Was that silver ingot you just gave to the bookstore shopkeeper all the money you had?"
Jun Kuang was taken aback, then he chuckled softly.
The little one suspiciously furrowed her brows, "What are you laughing at?"
Jun Kuang’s thin eyes twinkled with laughter as he said, "I thought the Princess would ask why I bothered with the scholar, but instead, you are concerned about this matter."
"Yes, that silver ingot is the money I saved after helping the Third Young Master in the Prince Kang’s Mansion since I arrived."
Bai Zhi’er rounded her pink lips, her big eyes full of surprise, "That’s nearly half a year’s worth of silver, so why were you willing to give it up, Brother A Kuang?"
Jun Kuang looked ahead at the bustling marketplace.
His gaze became distant and profound.
"I just thought that poor scholar was pitiable. Perhaps he truly had some talent and learning; for a scholar, nothing is more important than integrity."
"Yet to fulfill his desires, he had no choice but to steal books to exchange for money and connections."
At this point, he lowered his head with a bitter smile.
"But the scholar probably doesn’t know, in this vast bureaucracy, those greedy officials have such voracious appetites that a bit of silver could never satisfy them."
"Even if he drained his own blood, the money he gave away might just sink without a trace."
Bai Zhi’er blinked her long eyelashes, puzzled, "Wanting to study and become an official isn’t wrong, but he shouldn’t steal."
"The bookstore shopkeeper saved him, yet he stole the books of his lifesaver, which is inherently wrong."
Listening to this, Jun Kuang grew agitated, "If it weren’t for the current darkness in the bureaucracy, how could a scholar be driven to make such a choice!"
He stopped by the lakeside, fists clenched, looking at the shimmering waters.
Jun Kuang’s tone was filled with indignation, "Nowadays, how many common people can afford to study? Even if they have books to read, how many can outdo children of noble families and become officials?"
"A pile of gold can buy half an official position. Many illiterate wealthy merchants can become Junior Officers, but those who truly study arduously can’t even afford money for an oil lamp!"
"How many people endure the cold years of study only to ultimately starve to death in a night of frustrated ambitions! How can one be content with this?"
After saying these words, Jun Kuang panted heavily with emotion.
He suddenly realized that Bai Zhi’er hadn’t spoken all this time.
Jun Kuang abruptly calmed down.
He turned around and saw the little one standing not far from him, using her bright, watery eyes to observe him.
On Bai Zhi’er’s tender face was written pure innocence and a hint of sharp clarity.
Jun Kuang was silent for a while, bowing respectfully, "Princess, forgive me, I lost my composure."
