A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 64: Auspicious Opening, Congratulations from All Sides
A gathering, a feast of food and wine, went on until nearly midnight before finally retreating.
Anyway, there are no curfew rules in Black River County, so the young gentlemen naturally returned happily.
As they were about to disperse, the Second Young Master Song from Chai Market casually mentioned:
"I heard there’s a Lin the Sixth at the Charcoal Workshop who offended the Bai Brothers due to lack of foresight?"
Bai Qi slightly hesitated; ever since the Demon Fish helped him with the Yangquan trouble, the instructor had subdued Yang Meng.
The names in the small notebook in his heart had dwindled down to just Steward Lin, who intended to buy his younger brother as a slave.
He had planned to wait until his Muscle Training reached great success, then ambush him at night and teach him a lesson.
At least make sure that the scoundrel remains bedridden for about half a year, to ease his frustration.
But he hadn’t had the chance yet.
Bai Qi dropped the mild smile on his lips:
"There is some history. Why, is the Second Young Master planning to play mediator?"
Second Young Master Song had been drinking quite a lot; a strong scent of alcohol wafted from his mouth:
"No way, if his conduct was improper and angered Brother Bai, he should indeed be punished!
A few days back, I told my father about it — we stripped him of his steward position and sent him up the mountains to chop wood.
That scoundrel couldn’t bear hardship; news came the day before yesterday that he fell off a cliff while foraging for herbs and died, and his corpse was just found.
Brother Bai, I truly apologize, I even planned to bind him and come to your door to ask for forgiveness, and let you handle him..."
As Bai Qi’s gaze shifted from the hand draped over his shoulder to the casual tone of Second Young Master Song, he suddenly laughed, as if relieved:
"With the debt closed by his death, grievances can be considered resolved. It’s hard on the Second Young Master for being so attentive, I’m genuinely sorry."
Second Young Master Song waved it off, saying boldly:
"It’s expected, we can’t let a servant’s inadequacy ruin our camaraderie."
Seemingly overwhelmed by drunkenness, the Second Young Master of Chai Market staggered as he walked down the stairs, and a servant hurriedly approached to support him, arranging for the attendant outside to carry him home.
"Brother Bai, remember to come by every month to socialize; closing oneself off for training can get stifling, you need relaxation. It’s the way of balance in both literary and martial pursuits."
He Tai, feeling buoyant under everyone’s praises, looked at Bai Qi standing at the Donglai Tower’s entrance and laughed heartily:
"Though you came from the fishery, and have changed the household registration, it doesn’t hinder us from getting closer and staying in contact.
I have a lot of regard for Ah Shui of the East Market Shop, have long wanted to promote him, even without Ghost Pattern Fish’s tributes, he deserves the vacant steward position."
Bai Qi responded with a sound, quite amiably:
"I’ve come this far largely thanks to Elder Liang’s care, I’ve always cherished Brother Shui’s camaraderie; if Brother Shui can raise his profile, I’m sure he also remembers the Young Master’s great kindness."
He Tai smiled contentedly, having inquired specifically; Bai Ahqi is known to be very loyal.
Though Changshun of Datian Bay gave just a bowl of rice, he was willing to sort out Wang Laizi.
Rather than taking the approach of Song Qiying from Chai Market to deliberately win over, it’s better to find the soft spot, starting with Liang Sanshui.
This trick was learned from his father, He Wenbing.
Called "luring with kindness."
"Brother Qi, do inform me when the fish stall opens, so I can come and support."
Deng Yong bade farewell with a fist salute; he didn’t have the grand demeanor of the Young Masters from Chai Market and the fishery, leaving alone under the night’s cover.
In no time, only Bai Qi was left at the bustling entrance of Donglai Tower.
He looked up at the large red lantern hanging high, laughed inexplicably, making the hall runners locking up the door a bit surprised.
This guest is drunk and acting crazy?
Bai Qi laughed as he walked toward the outer city.
Once upon a time, Steward Lin from the Chai Market Charcoal Workshop was a heavy burden on his mind.
Unexpectedly, it was resolved so easily, without even the need to lift a hand.
The Second Young Master Song, harboring intentions to befriend, had already dealt with it.
Stripping the steward identity, driving him into the dust!
"Yangquan, resembling a lapdog, sought favor and suckled up to the Young Master, addressing me as brother... With Tongwen Hall’s prestige, I seemed like a different person."
Bai Qi walked steadily through the quiet long street, once again exclaiming at the rapid changes of human interactions.
He hoped that one day, his own name would become as thunderous, spreading across the vast expanse of Black Water River.
...
...
The next day, the Bai Brothers got up early.
Bai Qi chopped wood, Bai Ming boiled water.
Two large wooden barrels were steaming hot, and they dove in to lather and bathe.
Fishermen, soaking all day in boats and docks, descaling and gutting fish, handling innards, inevitably reek of fish.
Over time they’ve marinated into the smell, not easily cleaned.
Luckily, Bai Qi received several herbal baths at Tongwen Hall, allowing Qi and blood to permeate throughout his fascia, diluting the odor nearly to nonexistence.
Otherwise, last night’s gathering at Donglai Tower might have upset the young masters, causing some unpleasantness.
"Brother, today is the opening of our fish stall, surely many people will come, right?"
Bai Ming soaked in hot water, vigorously scrubbing himself.
"Elder Liang, Brother Shui, Deng Yong from the Broken Blade Sect, as for the Tongwen Hall... Master Ning definitely won’t be involved, but Uncle Dao might be present.
There’s also Xiaotou and Aunt Zhou. Uncle Changshun is coming to help row the boat, I estimate there are a dozen or so people."
Bai Qi, with a sturdy frame, stood taller than the rim of the wooden tub. His skin, not as dark and quite tender, had calluses peeling off his hands and feet. He clicked his tongue and said:
"Money truly makes a difference. It’s only been a short while, yet you no longer look like a wind-blown, sun-tanned fisherman."
After a while, the two brothers cleaned up and got dressed.
Bai Ming wore a quilted cotton coat custom-made from a clothing shop, thick and warm, with a furry hat that only revealed his small face, looking quite handsome with red lips and white teeth.
Bai Qi donned the outfit from the Tongwen Hall, a black close-fitting robe, with a waist belt and long boots. His broad shoulders and long legs made him look exceptionally brave.
Their appearances weren’t bad at all!
Half past 7:00 AM, the entrance of the East Market Shop was bustling with people.
Attendants, laborers, fishermen, and villagers who came to join the excitement all flocked to the dock.
The humble folks of Black River County’s outer city had little entertainment, with marketplaces and temple fairs being the biggest attractions. It was rare to see so many people together.
Today was particularly lively because, in less than two short months, Bai Qilang had transformed from a fisherman to a fish stall owner. His story of success spread like wildfire.
His business opened today, naturally drawing everyone to take a look at this outstanding young talent among the Black Water River fishermen.
Liang Laoshu, having eaten a few Silver Sand Carp, was more agile and didn’t recline in his rocking chair:
"Ah Qi, your frame’s getting better. When do you plan to marry? Let Sanshui arrange it for you."
Bai Qi’s eye twitched; how could he be pressured about marriage at his age?
He quickly redirected the pressure:
"Brother Shui isn’t married yet, right? There are so many good families in Black River County, Elder Liang, maybe you should focus on him and hope to have a grandson soon."
Sure enough, Liang Laoshu’s firepower shifted as he glared at Liang Sanshui:
"I’ve arranged so many matchmakers for him, yet this scoundrel hasn’t taken a liking to any!"
Liang Sanshui was secretly laughing while covering his mouth but was immediately scolded by his father, instantly putting on a sour face.
After some polite exchanges, it was 7:00 AM.
Bai Qi, along with his younger brother Bai Ming, stepped forward to the prepared incense table.
On it were red candles and offerings of fruit, making it quite solemn.
The crowd watching grew larger and larger, with mixed expressions of envy, jealousy, and admiration, all directed at Bai Qi as he held three sticks of incense and bowed toward the Black Water River in reverence.
"Truly remarkable!"
"So young and already opening a fish stall!"
"Changshun and the others have docked their boats over; they don’t have to pay any fees!"
"Isn’t that great? I’ll tag along with Ah Qi tomorrow!"
"They might not necessarily want you..."
While everyone murmured among themselves, the sound of music and drums suddenly drowned them out.
Deng Yong, leading his fellow disciples from the Broken Blade Sect, with drums hanging at their waists, shouted, "Bai’s Fish Stall, grand opening blessings," making the atmosphere lively, just short of dragon and lion dances.
The grandeur was akin to the New Year celebration!
On the other side, young masters like He Tai from the fishery, Second Young Master Song Qiying from Chai Market, Han Li from the Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall, and Miss Zhu from the Divine Hand Sect all arrived resplendently dressed and riding spirited horses.
A large retinue followed them, all clothed in bright attire, whose imposing presence startled the villagers into scattering.
"Brother Bai! Today is your stall’s opening; we’ve come to congratulate you!"
He Tai bowed slightly, and the crowd parted to avoid blocking the heir apparent’s path.
"It’s too modest; why not slaughter three animals? Yesterday, seven or eight hunters teamed up to take down a wild boar, just send it to you, Brother Bai, for a proper offering to the Dragon King!"
Song Qiying said openly.
"Second Young Master Song should save the flaunting for the upcoming temple fair."
Miss Zhu covered her mouth, lightly laughing, her bright eyes passing over the now even more handsome Bai Qi, showing some appreciation.
Among the fishermen, there was indeed such an outstanding individual.
The villagers dressed in simple rustic clothes felt a sense of inferiority and lowered their heads as they looked at these wealthy young masters.
Yet, in their hearts, they mused:
"How did Bai Ahqi gain such capabilities, forming connections with the sons of affluent families..."
Seeing the crowd becoming even more packed, Liang Laoshu quickly reminded:
"Ah Qi, it’s time to set sail to the river, so as not to miss the auspicious timing."
Bai Qi cupped his hands to those around, speaking with a clear and powerful voice:
"Thanks to all the elders, friends, and partners for coming to celebrate. Our humble fish stall’s opening isn’t much, but it’s thanks to the support of friends that we are here.
We all make our livelihoods on the Black Water River, relying on the Dragon King for sustenance. Today, we make an offering to heaven, praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest in the coming year!"
