Why would the provincial library be in his mind?

What the hell—just what kind of world is this!

Chapter 6 Even Bandits Have No Surplus Grain

In the long river of history, Edward Thompson actually couldn’t find any familiar elements related to his memories: one after another, country names he’d never heard of, event records that were completely foreign, and a historical trajectory that had somehow gone off course…

No, this wasn’t just going off course—these were clearly two carriages heading in completely different directions.

It’s actually… an alternate world!

He had thought that all the historical developments would be within his grasp, that maybe he could latch onto some powerful figure and rise to glory without a hitch. Now, all of that had become nothing but a pipe dream.

The only thing that gave him a bit of comfort was that, after all, transmigrators do get some perks. After all, what he had in his head was the entire collection of a provincial library. Even though most of that knowledge was pretty much useless in this world, there was one function that he was very satisfied with.

Edward Thompson had already discovered that any book he touched with his hand would instantly appear in his mind, and he could master the contents of the book in a very short time, remembering them with perfect clarity.

With this, at least the written language of this world wouldn’t be a problem for him.

Although he hadn’t planned on taking the imperial exams, Edward Thompson didn’t want to be illiterate either. Otherwise, that handsome face of his would really go to waste.

At the very least, he could recite poetry and compose couplets, maybe even flirt with some young girls… Of course, these were just idle thoughts for now. Otherwise, his fate might end up like that poor, innocent wooden table from last night.

The round, slightly chubby face of the little maid appeared in front of Edward Thompson at just the right moment.

“Sir, it’s time to eat.”

He hadn’t felt anything just now, but when the little maid stood before him with a tray, Edward Thompson suddenly realized how hungry he was. It seemed he hadn’t eaten much since yesterday morning. When he looked over, he was instantly dumbfounded.

On the tray sat a single, lonely porcelain bowl.

Inside the bowl was porridge, with only a few countable grains of rice at the bottom—so watery that Edward Thompson’s handsome face was reflected in it.

“You guys… usually eat this?” Edward Thompson looked at the little maid, asking somewhat uncertainly.

The little maid nodded, completely shattering Edward Thompson’s hopes.

He had thought he could live a life free from worries about food and clothing from now on, but now it seemed—even bandits have no surplus grain!

……

……

As it turned out, thin porridge was still porridge. For the starving Edward Thompson, whose stomach was practically stuck to his back, this wasn’t just porridge—it was life itself!

He didn’t know if it was just his imagination, but Edward Thompson actually felt this was the best porridge he’d ever had in his life…

After just two mouthfuls, the bowl was empty. Edward Thompson put down the bowl and looked at the little maid with longing eyes.

The girl blushed under his gaze, took a step back, and said softly, “Sir, there’s no more…”

Hearing this, Edward Thompson’s expression changed. Life here was not quite what he had imagined!

It seemed he’d have to put aside any thoughts of early retirement for now—at the very least, he needed to solve the food problem first. As a true foodie, if he had to drink this kind of thin porridge every day, Edward Thompson felt he’d go crazy.

With a bowl of thin porridge in his belly, at least he didn’t feel so hungry anymore, and Edward Thompson’s spirits improved a little.

“Second Miss!” While Edward Thompson was lost in thought, the little maid happened to glance back and suddenly curtsied toward the doorway.

Edward Thompson instinctively turned to look and saw a stunningly beautiful young woman in white martial attire walk in from outside.

The moment he saw this girl, Edward Thompson’s expression changed dramatically. He couldn’t help but take two steps back, looking at her warily as he said, “You… what do you want?”

The girl’s face was delicate and charming, no less beautiful than the stunning woman Edward Thompson had seen last night. Her white martial outfit accentuated her graceful figure. Seeing Edward Thompson’s actions and expression, the girl looked him over with a faint, disdainful gaze.

Edward Thompson would never forget: this was the girl who, sitting on horseback, had waved her hand at those fierce bandits—and then, his tragic story had begun.

Even now, his lower abdomen still ached faintly.

His current predicament was all thanks to this devilish girl.

If not for her, Edward Thompson would probably still be running from those two burly men trying to tie him up and burn him alive, or he’d be somewhere in the wild, worrying about starving, maybe even wondering where to sleep at night so he wouldn’t get dragged off by wolves…

But now, he not only had a place to stay, thin porridge to drink, a beautiful wife, and a maid to order around. So, when it came to this girl, Edward Thompson actually ought to… thank her?

Thinking this way, Edward Thompson felt that the girl before him didn’t seem quite so hateful anymore.

All he wanted now was to be a quiet bystander, and after solving the food problem, retire in peace and live out his days guarding a few mountain peaks…