"What's in the fish basket?"
In the back room of the courtyard, Old Liang sat in a rocking chair, his back straight as he seriously looked at Bai Qi:
"Where did you get so many Ghost Pattern Fish?"
Everyone knows that apart from the vacant steward position at the East Market Shop,
the real person in charge is not Liang Sanshui, but his father.
Bai Qi was pulled into the back room, facing Old Liang as he lied through his teeth:
"Couldn't sleep last night, so I went fishing in the river and picked them up for free."
Old Liang lifted his drooping eyelids, his wrinkles relaxed, and he nodded slowly:
"Haha, picked them up nicely! My foolish son doing a good deed isn't a first or second for him, who would've thought fate truly smiled upon us, sending us a lucky star like you, Ah Qi!"
Bai Qi stayed silent, just waiting for Old Liang to make a decision.
Which father wouldn't want his own son to be successful?
The steward position at the East Market Shop is vacant, it wasn't contested before.
Partly because Liang Sanshui was too weak, only knowing how to use an abacus which didn't earn him respect;
Partly because Yangquan spent big and wasn't afraid to front the money.
You should know, twenty Ghost Pattern Fish weighing around two jin each, converted to silver, would all together be four hundred taels.
Faced with the wealthy Yangquan, even if the Liang father and son emptied their coffers, they might not be able to secure the position.
But not anymore.
A golden opportunity presents itself, how could one remain indifferent?
"What a pity, I, unlike Yang Meng, am not used to spending money to get things done, and I do not have a connection with the Young Master.
Your kind intentions might be wasted, Ah Qi!"
Old Liang shook his head, appearing deeply regretful.
"This..."
Bai Qi stood there dumbfounded, they both came from fishery backgrounds.
Yangquan's dad could connect with the Young Master, yet you can't even get through the door?
And here I thought the old man was quite capable!
Bai Qi was about to show disappointment when out of the corner of his eye he noticed Liang Sanshui with a calm expression, suddenly realizing something was off.
That old dog!
He's playing tricks again!
"Ahem, Elder Liang, if that's the case, I should return the Ghost Pattern Fish.
My dad always said, one should have integrity; even if broke, don't take advantage for free!"
Bai Qi said it decisively, almost carving the words "righteous and virtuous" on his forehead.
"You kid, cunning as ever, hard to fool.
Let's end our little game here, back to business."
Old Liang slowly reclined back in the rocking chair, chuckling:
"Yang Meng used to be the head of the Guard in the fishery, a role commonly known as Double Flower Red Stick.
He made a tidy profit while in the position, taking bribes, their family's wealth far exceeds ours.
It's likely Yangquan connected with the Young Master through his advice.
I truly am not acquainted with the Young Master, that's the truth.
No way to send gifts, that's also true."
This time, Bai Qi smartened up, quietly waiting for Old Liang to continue.
"However, I still hold some favor with the owner, Sanshui, pack the stuff into a sturdy fish basket, and keep them in the river water.
I'll try to get three more to round it up.
Then, go to Well Alley and find Elder Wu, who used to dine together with me often years ago, and have him convey a message.
Tell him Liang Laoshu bears in mind the owner's kindness, knowing the Young Master needs Ghost Pattern Fish to break through his training, so he sent them specifically.
Oh, and when asking someone a favor, don't go empty-handed, buy some flower pastries that children like to eat."
Perhaps knowing his own son wasn't quick on the uptake, Old Liang explained in great detail.
"Dad, I understand these small courtesies."
Liang Sanshui smiled helplessly, casting a grateful glance toward Bai Qi:
"Ah Qi, I won't say worthless words any more.
Whether this succeeds or not, from now on, you are my blood brother!
The hundred catties of herbs in the warehouse, I will retrieve them for you when I return.
And the old house on Xinyi Street in the outer city, I will hand over the deed later..."
Old Liang coughed twice, frowning as he interrupted:
"Your father isn't in the ground yet, and you're rushing to recognize siblings and split the inheritance?
Go and come back quickly, stop dawdling here!
If Yangquan catches wind of this and takes action beforehand, you might not get the steward position!"
Liang Sanshui nodded, hastily stepping out.
The shop employees found it curious, wondering why Brother Shui was in such a rush?
He seemed as if the house was on fire!
"With the randoms gone, let's have a chat, Ah Qi, sit down and join me for a morning meal."
Old Liang clasped his chicken claw-like thin hand on Bai Qi's arm, sitting down at the front of the shop.
On the small table were white steamed buns that Liang Sanshui had made, two bowls of meat porridge, and a dish of pickled vegetables.
"Getting older means eating less, and having a preference for lighter flavors.
Ah Gou, buy five more big meat buns and get a bowl of braised lamb to fill Brother Qi's stomach."
Knowing that Bai Qi was half a practitioner of Refined Power, Liang Laoshu specifically added extra food for him.
"The steamed buns by Brother Shui are big, white, soft, and delicious, truly remarkable."
Bai Qi chewed a few times and tasted a wheat aroma, finding it more flavorful as he ate.
"The dozen Ghost Pattern Fish being raised in the water jar are quite valuable.
A few hundred taels of silver, even I can't stay calm.
Moreover, it involves the important matter of Sanshui's promotion.
Ah Qi, you're doing us a great favor again."
Liang Shi spoke seriously while sipping his meat porridge:
"I know you're taking a risk by doing this.
You've ruined Yangquan's plans, and he'll surely resent it, bringing you trouble in the future.
To support Sanshui in becoming the Steward, you not only gave up the silver you could get but also offended the boss of East Market.
I remember this in my heart and must repay you, otherwise, the days to come will be unpleasant.
Hearing you call me Elder Liang makes me feel embarrassed!"
Bai Qi, like a starving ghost reincarnated, finished the big bowl of meat porridge in one go, then dipped steamed buns in the braised lamb gravy and ate them.
Of course, he willingly handed over so many Ghost Pattern Fish to the Liang father and son of the East Market Shop with good reason.
Liang Sanshui is sincere and kind, and Old Liang distinguishes between favor and resentment, making it absolutely worthwhile to build rapport with them.
Running unorthodox routes in Jianghu, the most important thing is having sharp vision and not misjudging people.
Otherwise, it's easy to capsize in a ditch and suffer great loss!
The lucky ones might only get a prison sentence;
The unlucky ones could lose everything, including their lives.
Previously, he brought Silver Sand Carp to their doorstep twice.
He received guidance and the Golden Core Great Strength Skill for Nourishing Qi and Refining Tendons, and his stall didn't have to pay a share, making the fishermen at the docks envious.
This is enough to prove that the Liang father and son are worth associating with.
"Now, right in front of you, I'll be honest. I'm not highly skilled, not some great person."
Liang Laoshu squinted his eyes, and his cloudy gaze emitted a shine:
"You should know that the fishery, Chai Market, and the kiln in Black River County all have their own guards.
They recruit strong men to replace the County City's government offices in patrolling neighborhoods and handling thefts by refugees, among other things.
At my peak, I led a team, eradicating water thieves and water bandits on the Black Water River, earning the nickname 'Flood Dragon Emerging from the Cave.'
As for my martial arts, they are so-so, just at the entry level of the second practice.
I only achieved 'Mercury Blood,' and haven't reached 'Silver Marrow.'
Bai Qi raised the large bowl of braised lamb, finishing the spicy oily soup, and grabbed a meat bun in each hand.
Though he seemed to be content, he actually used it to mask his emotional fluctuations.
Oh my goodness!
Who would have thought Old Liang had once led a team to defeat water bandits and water thieves, and earned a renowned reputation!
The skills of the second practice, when placed in Black River County, are good enough to start a hall and take in disciples as a master!
Looking at the skinny old man, Bai Qi sighed that appearances can be deceiving.
Liang Laoshu indeed has real skills!
"Don't get too excited yet, Yangquan's father is stronger than me.
Yang Meng has mastered external skills, his head and body as hard as iron, his strength comparable to a galloping horse, capable of drawing a four-hundred-pound Iron Bow.
I've personally witnessed him smash a large water buffalo into pulp with a single stick."
Liang Laoshu's way of speaking consistently involves offering some encouragement before dampening it with caution.
Bai Qi was already used to it and, after finishing off the five meat buns, finally felt almost full.
The Golden Core Great Strength Skill's effects on refining power are significant, internally nourishing Qi and blood, and externally refining muscles.
It aligns perfectly with the body forged by the Eight Sections Skill!
"Because you helped Sanshui, you've offended the Yang father and son, Ah Qi, I'm certainly not going to leave you alone.
I have two paths here for you to make a name for yourself, both allowing you to shed your humble origins, securing a good position so Yangquan can't mess with you anymore.
The first is to join the fishery, where I can recommend you to enter the Guard.
You can receive ten taels and two maces monthly, as well as two sets of battle wear, along with a Middle-Level Martial Arts skill. Earning contributions will grant you valuable Elixir Pills for strengthening and nourishing the body.
At age forty, those with injuries are permitted to find a shop to retire in.
If tragically dying in the Black Water River, bereaved families receive a compensation of twenty taels of silver.
In the Guard, I have some connections, guaranteeing your stability.
And shedding the lowly status, you'll be on equal standing with Yangquan, so he can't manipulate you."
Liang Laoshu tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pointing out a path to advancement that most fishermen on the Black Water River dream of.
"Many humble households outside the County save money to join the Martial Arts Hall, hoping to be selected by the fishery, Chai Market, and kiln Guard to become part of it."
A Guard formed by the fishery patrolling the river?
Is it like being part of a semi-official unit?
Similar to auxiliary police?
Bai Qi's eyelids twitched, as if full and content, he wiped his mouth:
"Elder Liang, I'd like to hear about the second path."