A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 67: Who Made the Azure Sea Change, Stirred by Worldly Tides
Supporting Uncle Changshun with both hands, Bai Qi said solemnly:
"The fish stall has just opened, there’s a lot of trivial things, and everyone’s busy. While I practice martial arts at Tongwen Hall, the calculations and bookkeeping can be entrusted to Ah Di.
The crew’s pay, the sale of catches from the outings, these still require your effort, Uncle Changshun.
Let’s do it this way: you handle external affairs for the fish stall, while Ah Di takes care of the accounts, and let’s not fuss with the shopkeeper and long-term worker setup, to avoid becoming estranged from one another."
Uncle Changshun’s dark face twitched slightly, his eyes showing an incredible look of joy:
"Me? How can this be, I still owe you money..."
Having been called around and ordered for most of his life, he had never imagined being the steward of a fish stall, with several staff under his command.
This is truly something!
Bai Qi’s tone shifted to firm, as if allowing no doubt:
"Uncle Changshun, aren’t you just working to repay your debt now? My Ah Di is young and ignorant, without a trustworthy reliance, I’m afraid the crew might conspire to overreach and cheat behind our backs, how can the business be sustainable?
We have nothing to depend on, but can Uncle Changshun bear to see us brothers without support?"
Uncle Changshun was deeply moved, his eyes widening as he straightened his back:
"With me around, you can rest assured! I won’t let those rascals take advantage and ruin the fish stall’s business!"
Bai Qi smiled with satisfaction, whether it is running a fish stall or any other business, the greatest fear is collusion from those in the middle or lower ranks, pocketing profits and emptying the top.
Even though he has the background of Tongwen Hall and has practiced martial arts enough to hold the situation, it’s hard to prevent the short-sighted from being blinded by greed.
For trivial profits, secretly becoming parasites and causing trouble.
There must be a reliable confidant to prevent mishaps.
After saying a few more words, Bai Qi instructed Uncle Changshun to work with the transferred fishermen and crew to tally the catch, unload it by load, and transport it to the East Market Shop.
After this lively "opening ceremony," many apprentices from large restaurants were attracted and eagerly sought Liang Sanshui to purchase fresh river fish.
Inside and outside the city, restaurants and inns were abundant, plus the villagers creating a buzz, there was no worry about sales.
If one can’t afford precious fish, can’t they buy some river fish to satisfy their cravings!
Bai Qi took the outer robe handed by Ah Di and put it on, smiling:
"A thousand taels of silver to bail me out, Brother Yong is really generous, I really don’t know how to repay this kind gesture."
Deng Yong greeted the Junior Brothers from the Broken Blade Sect to carry off the golden rainbow trout, while casually waving:
"Indeed, my master plans to hold a fiftieth birthday banquet soon, and as a disciple, I just wanted to express my wish."
Bai Qi simply smiled, not taking it seriously. Snatching precious fish from the Young Masters of the Fishery and Chai Market was risking offending them, hardly something that could be glossed over by celebrating a master’s birthday.
"Brother Xiaoqi, from today on, your fish stall’s name will be renowned. Elder Liang told you, my family runs a pickled fish business, we can’t avoid interacting, so please take good care of us."
Deng Yong leaned closer, his voice low:
"You follow the Instructor, destined to venture into Yihai Prefecture someday, and if you make a name for yourself, don’t forget us.
We, the illicit salt merchants, must find a chance to get ashore to be at peace, unlike you, a skilled and competent proper merchant."
Bai Qi’s eyes flicked up, focusing on the depth of the Broken Blade Sect’s personal transmission:
"Brother Yong, did you hear any rumors?"
Deng Yong sighed:
"Before winter sets in, it’s customary for tax collectors to go to the countryside. Those ruthless characters in big cities, eager to squeeze out a profit from even stones.
The three major families have connections to avoid trouble, but ordinary vendors have a tough time."
Bai Qi suddenly understood, just like how fishermen are exploited by the Fishery, villagers skinned by prominent families.
For merchants like Deng Yong with assets, the greatest fear is "officials."
"If there’s any help I can offer, Brother Yong, feel free to ask."
Bai Qi said the courteous words readily, in his past trade, there’s a saying: without a Vajra Drill, don’t take on porcelain work.
Having just started the fish stall himself, he’s not yet someone who can command the wind and rain.
It’s impossible to take on an overwhelming burden because of a single deal worth one thousand taels.
Deng Yong also understood this principle, his tone changed, regretfully bringing up an old matter:
"By the way, make sure to come to the Master’s birthday banquet.
You were actually originally destined to join the Broken Blade Sect; it was just Brother Xiaoqi had greater fortune and was selected by the Instructor.
That night, when Master returned and saw that piece of punching target, he decided to take you as a direct disciple, but somehow he changed his mind..."
Deng Yong recalled being called in the next morning, Mu Chun hadn’t appeared but sent a maid to relay that he no longer needed to go to the East Market Shop.
The strangest part was that for several days, the Master didn’t appear, saying he was practicing behind closed doors and wouldn’t see guests.
"Master-disciple succession values fate, it can’t be forced.
Sect Leader Mu’s swift blade is famous in Black River County, he won’t lack promising talents."
Bai Qi slightly bowed his hand, and after parting with Deng Yong, he wore long socks and boots, tied his long hair, and watched as several ships returned full.
The crowd was lively around him, with people constantly coming to greet him.
Such a feeling of being valued wasn’t unfamiliar.
In a past life, this was how it felt to become a wealthy boss.
In good times, it felt like there were friends everywhere, only in decline could he find peace.
Bai Qi gazed out at the vast Black Water River, if getting close to Elder Liang and Brother Shui was the first step, joining Tongwen Hall was the second step.
Then, finally, he was taking the third step!
Having a foundation to truly stand firm in Black River County!
"Since ancient times, money is a man’s bravery, fists are courage in the chest.
Without courage, one becomes cowardly, afraid to cause trouble; without spirit, one must suffer broken teeth and swallow blood..."
Bai Qi thought calmly, as his younger brother Bai Ming set up tables and chairs, sitting nearby to keep accounts.
He briefly enjoyed this moment of fulfillment, just like his past life when he made his first fortune, lying in bed happily counting money.
His gaze swept casually, recognizing a familiar figure.
"Xiaotou, I thought you were at the Martial Arts Hall practicing and didn’t come."
Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind, patting the shoulder of Xiaotou, who flinched while shrinking his neck.
Seeing that it was Bai Qi, he breathed a sigh of relief, then drooped his head, stammering softly:
"Just now I saw many people surrounding you, and even the Young Master, so I didn’t dare to go over..."
Wearing coarse linen robes and grass shoes, Xiaotou glanced at Bai Qi and suddenly said:
"Soaked in river water for so long, I feel uncomfortable all over. Come, let me take you for a bath and fill the Five Viscera Temple."
"Huh?"
Before Xiaotou could react, he was pulled away from the East Market Shop.
Moments later, the two appeared at a bathhouse in the Inner City, each stripped bare with just a loincloth wrapped around their waist, soaking in the steaming pool.
"Comfortable, right?"
Bai Qi leaned his elbow on the stone platform, looking up and asking.
"It’s the first time I knew there were so many subtleties about bathing... It isn’t cheap, is it?"
Xiaotou widened his eyes, noticing the tray of pastries at his side. Just a shout would bring someone to scrub his back, and he seemed to have heard a woman’s laughter as they entered.
This kind of setup—how could any fisherman withstand such a test!
"It’s my first time too; I only heard the Young Master of the Fishery mention it once."
Bai Qi had a vague understanding, the concept of bathing has been around for a long time.
’Bathing the hair’ is ’washing,’ and ’bathing the body’ is ’soaking.’
That’s why they say, "Newly washed means must flick the hat, newly bathed means must shake the clothing," that’s the reason.
So when Court officials have a day off, it is also called ’rest and wash.’
It means a day to groom oneself, wash away dirt and filth.
Truly wealthy and prestigious households might even build special fragrant soup baths to soak year-round.
In winter, copper dragons are cast and heated red in fire, then thrown inside to boil the soak.
In summer, canal water is drawn, and various spices are put into gauze bags to remove odors when placed in the pool.
The average common folk don’t have such fuss, and because the Inner City is densely populated with many Business Associations, peddlers, Darts Masters, and swordsmen flowing through, bathhouses gradually became popular.
A pot is hung at the door as a sign, offering tea, snacks, and scrubbing services.
Quite a few martial arts instructors developed a habit of "soaking in soup."
"This street is called ’Bath Hall Lane,’ also known as ’Perfume Shop,’ if you don’t take tea or snacks, or have people scrub your back or body, it costs just thirty cents per person."
Bai Qi was talking about a shared bathhouse with a dozen people.
This kind, with curtains partitioning it and prepared with soap and spices, starts at fifty cents.
Especially this place he came to is quite large, built with big stones, connects to a boiler at the back and has a winch for drawing in cold water, all managed by dedicated staff who adjust the temperature.
"Young Master says it’s a good place for business discussions, seeking favors, or talking about learning, soak thoroughly then have some Crispy Chicken Noodle Plate, Milk Roll Fried Lamb Tail, or Box Dishes, truly bliss." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Xiaotou listened in a daze, wondering what kind of people live such a comfortable life.
He looked at Bai Qi again and the vague image in his mind suddenly had a clear contour.
He lowered his head, speaking gloomily:
"Really nice."
Bai Qi seemed not to notice, pointing behind with a smile:
"The great thing about this business is you can’t escape the bill. As soon as you enter, the staff helps you undress, and the clothes are hung on a rack with a long pole, even the unruliest scoundrel can’t run away stark naked."
Xiaotou laughed too, the atmosphere lightening a bit.
Bai Qi took a sip of hot tea:
"You’ll go ask Uncle Changshun for some money tomorrow, discuss getting your two sisters freed."
Xiaotou was stunned for a moment, unsure how to respond.
His temperament was similar to his father’s, in reality, he didn’t really like owing things, especially favors from acquaintances.
"Do you still remember? Whenever your family had a happy event, Aunt Zhou would generously use oil to fry meat, leaving half a bowl of residues.
You secretly carried it wrapped in oil paper, ran out with it, and shared it with me, just under the embankment of Datian Bay."
Bai Qi’s eyes faded into a distance, recalling the past or thinking of old times:
"Helping Uncle Changshun, inviting you to bathe, or freeing your sisters,
To me now, it’s just like that bowl of meat residue.
Would you, for having given me a few bites of oil residue, always insist on me repaying?"
Xiaotou’s lips moved slightly, his voice, like a mosquito’s, suddenly heightened:
"Certainly not!"
Bai Qi grinned:
"Then don’t just because Bai Ahqi has risen up, refuse to accept even a bite of residue he might share with you."
Xiaotou’s eyes reddened, he turned his face aside:
"Ah Qi."
"Hmm?"
"Actually, I’m afraid you don’t like being called that now, and worried others might think it’s shameful for you to know me..."
Bai Qi waved his hand, splashing water over:
"Nonsense."
Xiaotou put down his burden, wiped away the heat on his face:
"Haha, I heard Senior Brother Cao say you’re amazing, single-handedly challenged all twelve martial arts halls in the Outer City, punched through a path on Xinyi Street.
I wanted to say at the time, I know him well! But feared they’d think I was bragging, so I stayed quiet."
Bai Qi gently nodded:
"Next time, remember to add, Bai Ahqi’s swimming skills were taught by you and he was originally a landlubber."
Xiaotou giggled foolishly, relaxed his body soaking in the hot soup, so comfortable he felt sleepy, faintly hearing off-key singing:
"Green mountains alongside me, accompanying white clouds ahead of me;
The emerald sea is my joy, transporting me through my childhood in the breeze...
Who made the green hills change, take on a vulgar face;
And who made the emerald sea change, turn into vulgar surges reaching the sky..."
