Peering at the two figures lingering by the doorway, Liang Qu furrowed his brow.
Who are these wanderers from Bin Prefecture, lingering here in the dead of night while people should be resting?
At the entrance, a middle-aged man and a slender servant stood one behind the other.
The one who spoke was the middle-aged man with fairer skin, wearing clean and neat clothes, clearly appearing as someone of distinction, not a common townsfolk.
Seeing this figure who seemed to carry some weight, Liang Qu swiftly searched his mind.
Seeing Liang Qu's silence, Zheng Xiang thought he was hesitant.
He waved his hand, prompting the servant next to him to raise a hemp sack and open its mouth.
Zheng Xiang rolled up his sleeves and reached into the bag.
Under the moonlight, Liang Qu saw him pulling out a handful of sparkling white rice!
Liang Qu gulped, the earlier hunger pangs left a deep impression on his mind.
Zheng Xiang slowly poured the rice back into the bag, looking at Liang Qu: "How about it? As long as you acknowledge our Master Zhao as your sworn father, this bag of fine rice along with more like it will be yours in the future!"
Sworn father!?
Upon hearing these words, something clicked in Liang Qu's mind, not in the way of the old saying "If you do not reject me, I will gladly acknowledge you as my sworn parent," but rather the entire background of the situation.
The middle-aged man before him was Zheng Xiang, one of the stewards from the Zhao Manor in the next town, known for its Cold Pool!
The purpose of his visit was simple: to buy a servant!
Standing at the threshold, it's clear who this servant is.
Why disguise the buying of a servant as acknowledging a sworn father? It's because the founding emperor of the Great Shun Dynasty outlawed the private purchasing of slaves by common folk.
Thus, many wealthy families adopted the guise of taking in “dry daughters” or “dry sons” as a means of gaining servants, as long as there was someone to notarize it.
It's not unlike methods used in future generations.
To be fair, struggling as he is, selling oneself isn't a terrible prospect — and it’s not without its dignity, considering the steward and fine grains on offer.
But here's the thing: who recruits a servant with such care?
Rumor has it that Master Zhao has a preference for younger men!
When Liang Qu first arrived, he noticed that not only did he share the same name as the young lad he replaced, but also bore a striking resemblance, much like two parallels of himself.
Despite his skin being roughened by years of fishing under his father's guidance, the features were brilliant and proper — a bit of care and they’d surely regain their allure.
Putting two and two together, those rumors were likely true.
The very thought sent a shiver down Liang Qu’s spine, making him feel a wave of revulsion.
“What’s your decision?” Zheng Xiang asked once again.
The last visit, he was told that consideration was needed, but now, he felt certain that if the boy didn’t accept soon, he might starve to death at home!
Zheng Xiang had even brought a man from the brokering firm along as a witness to prevent Liang Qu from reneging and taking legal action accusing the Zhao family of coercion.
Not that the Zhao family feared a lawsuit — who would enjoy unnecessary troubles? Cleaning up is still better with less hassle.
The broker’s assistant chimed in, “Exactly, young man. Being able to join the Zhao family, that’s a blessing common folk like us can never dream of. Imagine leaving behind this life of battling winds and rain just to fill our bellies with a bit of grain once a year.”
‘Darn it, whoever wants this kind of “blessing” can take it.
I’d rather not deal with the potential mess,’ thought Liang Qu, though outwardly he remained composed and politely declined, knowing it wasn’t wise to offend the Zhao family for no good reason: “I’m truly sorry, Steward Zheng. I fear my life is too weak to bear such overwhelming good fortune, and I regret troubling you to come in vain. Perhaps you’d accept this yellowfish as a token of my apology?”
The broker’s assistant gaped in disbelief.
Zheng Xiang’s face darkened, completely surprised by Liang Qu’s refusal.
He leaned forward, forcing Liang Qu to step back, yet still closing the distance between them, resulting in Zheng Xiang noticing something off.
Why did Liang Qu look so well, not at all like someone who hadn’t eaten in days? And how did he come across this yellowfish? Did he catch it himself?
Thoughts spun through Zheng Xiang’s mind, baffled as to how this seemingly helpless boy had suddenly turned his fortune.
Liang Qu was taken aback but was about to say something to save himself when Zheng Xiang unexpectedly calmed: “No matter, it's simply a matter of mutual agreement. No need to apologize, and you’d better keep that yellowfish. Good catch. I must be going now as it’s quite late. Farewell!”
As he spoke, Zheng Xiang left with the broker’s assistant, leaving Liang Qu standing at the door with the yellowfish in hand.
Did I offend him?
Liang Qu’s face was unsettled.
It ought to be his prerogative to decline, but refusing someone more powerful is often considered a fault.
Moreover, the entire situation felt off, full of inconsistencies and doubt.
That Zhao family was a big deal in Peaceful Sun Town.
How did they so quickly learn about a struggling orphan in Righteous Prosperity City?
Scabby-head Zhang, could it be that Zhao family…
“I need to become a Martial Master soon; being one would make the Zhao family powerless against me.”
With these thoughts swirling, Liang Qu drifted to sleep.
The following morning, under the curious gazes of the fisherfolk, Liang Qu took the yellowfish to the most lavish inn in Righteous Prosperity City, selling it for eighty copper coins.
Currently, there was no need to worry about fishing taxes or other duties, and neither he nor his ancestors ever rented fishing market stalls, so there were no debts to clear.
Moreover, with Righteous Prosperity City being so close to larger towns, security was decent, and no “fishing overlords” meant most of the coin went into his own pocket.
Unlike in some poor mountain villages, where oppressive overlords and fish markets worked hand-in-hand to strip you bare, teetering on the edge of revolt, just waiting for someone to rally the cry.
With the money now in hand, Liang Qu hit a cheap food stand, ordering two pounds of meat, a bowl of rice, and a plate of seasonal greens, devouring it with relish.
Righteous Prosperity City was truly small.
In no time, word spread of Liang Qu catching a yellowfish and selling it for eighty coins, drawing swaths of curious folks pestering him about the fishing spot, hoping to try their luck as well — a constant bother.
“You brat, where’d you snag that yellowfish? Come on, spill the beans.” A youth two or three years older wrapped his arm around Liang Qu’s shoulder, speaking as his hand aimlessly went for the fatty meat on the dish, only to be smacked away by chopsticks.
“Ow, you brat, no need to be so rough.” The youth winced, shaking his hand.
Liang Qu stayed unmoved.
In the small town, he knew most of the lads around his age, but didn’t stand particularly close to any.
Li Libo was one such fellow, not that they shared a deep friendship.
After all, during times of need, his household hadn’t offered them any grain.
But there weren’t any grievances either; life was hard, and productivity low, everyone struggled, so not lending was understandable.
However, those relatives who hadn’t helped and even disparaged them were truly irksome.
“As I said, I caught it at the Reed Marshes three miles to the right of Upper Prosperity Dock.”
“I don't believe that. You must be hiding something. I’d do the same — wouldn't want anyone else taking a share of the catch,” Li Libo said while pouring himself some tea, taking a sip.
He was a layabout by nature, coming over upon hearing about the yellowfish in hopes of some easy gain.
But Li Libo’s nature did serve a purpose, his ear always keen on rumors.
With Liang Qu pondering recent events, he saw a chance and asked, “I’ve got a question. Answer right and there’s meat for you.”
Light sparked in Li Libo’s eyes: “Is there really such a good deal? Ask away!”
“You know much about the martial halls in Peaceful Sun Town?”
Li Libo looked him up and down, smirking: “Well, fair enough, who doesn’t harbor a Martial Master’s dream? But asking me, you’ve come to the right person.”
“Do tell.”
“There are three martial halls in Peaceful Sun Town. Among them, Master Yang’s is the strongest because the other two hall leaders are self-taught, while Master Yang served in the military! And me, Li Libo, I’m about to join Master Yang!”
Li Libo’s answer was more of a boast.
“You?” Liang Qu feigned disbelief.
As expected, Li Libo bristled, spilling details: enlightening Liang Qu about this world’s extraordinary systems.
It was straightforward, requiring foundational training and then medicinal baths, training again, more baths, and finally breaking through the barriers.
Skin, flesh, bones, and blood — four minor barriers.
Surpassing these made one a Martial Master; failing to meant they were just a martial artist.
Out of normal reach, future stages were a mystery to common folk.
Martial halls weren't difficult to enroll in; they weren’t concerned with innate talent but your money!
Master Yang’s hall charged seven taels of silver without boarding, ten with boarding, twenty included baths and board, with meals extra.
It was slightly more costly, aligning with its reputation.
Seven taels isn’t difficult, Liang Qu thought: “Then…”
“Shush, don’t spread it around. In another couple of months, my family’s sending me to the martial hall.” Li Libo beamed, satisfied, “Once I’m there, I’ll be stronger than the likes of Scabby-head Zhang even though he had some training and still ended up beaten.”
(Chapter End)