Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Shen Yuan returned from the government office to the teahouse and was stopped by Ji Xingwang.

"Xiao Yuan, you asked me earlier to help you find a place—I've found three suitable ones. When are you free?"

"So fast?" Shen Yuan said. "Let's go check them out at noon."

"Great, I'll go tell the broker and have him wait there."

It was time for storytelling. After a few more words with Ji Xingwang, Shen Yuan went to prepare for his performance.

The teahouse was already packed with customers, their eyes fixed eagerly on Shen Yuan as he walked toward the central storytelling platform.

"Registrar Shen, what exactly happened with Huaixing Tower and Miss Qingyu?"

"Are Young Master Han and the others alright?"

The patrons in the main hall couldn't wait to voice the questions that had kept them up all night, while those upstairs yelled down at the top of their lungs, "Will Young Master Han find more clues about his senior brother this time?"

Shen Yuan listened with a smile to the enthusiastic shouts from the crowd. Seeing that it was about time, he slapped the gavel and announced, "Let the story begin!"

Han Ying and his two companions encountered the wandering warriors Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng in Baoping Town.

From Lu Shuitan, they learned the truth about Baoping Town, and the five of them decided to join forces to take on the bandit leader Chi Xiong and leave the town.

Over the past three years, Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng had made thorough preparations, mapping out every corner of the Wang family compound where Chi Xiong lived, as well as the patrol routes and schedules of the bandits.

Under the cover of night, the five of them stormed the Wang family compound, determined to take Chi Xiong's life with their own hands.

Han Ying drew his longsword. In the darkness, by the dim candlelight, blades and swords flashed.

The bandits were no match for his swift sword, giving Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng hope.

Zhao Yue and her brother Zhao Fan assisted Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng, using flying needles to neutralize any bandits who tried to ambush them. The sounds of fighting inside the Wang family compound grew louder, but as time passed, they gradually faded into silence.

Han Ying's handsome face was stained with blood. Moving like lightning, his sword energy shattered the final heavy wooden door, pointing directly at Chi Xiong.

Chi Xiong, towering like a mountain, swung his massive blade with a roaring wind, bringing down a thousand-pound strike.

Han Ying's sword energy surged like a rainbow, instantly blocking the attack.

Han Ying smirked. His previously steady sword energy suddenly erupted, shooting toward Chi Xiong like countless invisible blades.

Startled, Chi Xiong raised his blade to block, only to watch in disbelief as it slowly cracked.

"Is that all you've got?" Han Ying completely shattered Chi Xiong's blade, pointing his sword at the man's forehead.

A great fire broke out in the Wang family compound.

The townspeople of Baoping stared at the flames against the dawn sky. After a moment of stunned silence, tears of joy streamed down their faces.

The confessions locked inside the Wang family compound were all consumed by the flames. The invisible cage that had trapped Baoping Town was burned away by this fire.

Han Ying and his two companions slipped away from Baoping Town by night, while Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng chose to follow them.

"What a shame. If the people of Baoping Town knew it was us, our reputation would surely spread throughout the martial world," Chen Ranfeng lamented, growing more regretful the more he thought about it. "I even came up with a name—the Five Heroes of Baoping. What an impressive title!"

"Don't you think so, Brother Han?" Chen Ranfeng asked Han Ying.

"To act with chivalry, why care about empty fame?" Han Ying held his beloved sword, smiling freely under the morning light. "To punish evil and uphold justice requires no gratitude. I simply follow my heart!"

Chen Ranfeng raised his thumb in approval. "Brother Han, you truly have the heart of a hero!"

The five of them journeyed over mountains and rivers, arriving at the first county town to the north: Liu'an County.

As always, Han Ying first inquired about his senior brother Ling Feng's whereabouts. This time, he actually managed to learn something.

An old beggar lying in the shade at the base of the city wall said, "Hero Ling? Back then, his sword made the four directions tremble and he made a name for himself in Liu'an."

"Young man, if you want to know the details, go to Huaixing Tower. The madam there knows best."

Huaixing Tower was the largest brothel in Liu'an County.

For convenience, Zhao Yue disguised herself as a man. The group entered Huaixing Tower to find the madam.

Upon hearing they were inquiring about Ling Feng, the attendant looked them over in surprise and immediately said, "Esteemed guests, please follow me first. Xiao Liu, go quickly and tell the madam that people who know her benefactor have arrived."

The madam soon arrived, panting heavily. Her first glance fell on the sword in Han Ying's arms, and she exclaimed with delight, "Do you truly know Ling Feng, Hero Ling of the Unity Sword Sect?"

Han Ying showed her the hidden Unity Sword Sect inscription on the blade. The madam said, "Yes, that's right. Hero Ling's scabbard also has this inscription in the same spot."

This location was hidden; only someone who had been shown the inscription or had long held the sword or scabbard would know of it.

Han Ying observed the madam's age—her face showed no obvious wrinkles, and her hair was jet black.

His senior brother had disappeared after descending from the mountain twenty years ago. If he had met this madam back then, she would have been very young.

The madam confirmed, "That year, there was a great drought. In Liu'an County, people exchanged children to eat, and a meat market opened. I was only six years old at the time. Hero Ling saved me from the meat market, allowing me to survive."

Liu Niang told Han Ying about how Ling Feng had saved her back then. At the time, Ling Feng had wanted to save more people. Since the meat market had previously been a place where people bought vegetables and meat, Liu Niang often went there to shop. As a child, she loved taking small shortcuts and alleys that adults rarely knew about.

She led Ling Feng through those paths, saving many people.

"This place used to be a dilapidated Earth God temple. We children loved to play around here and accidentally discovered a hidden cellar. Adults, out of reverence, never dared to wander around the temple and didn't know about this place. All the children saved by Hero Ling back then were hidden in that cellar."

The cellar was located in the backyard. Liu Niang led Han Ying and the others to see it. "I've kept it preserved all these years, sealing it off year after year to keep people away, as a memento for myself."

Night had fallen, and many guests arrived outside.

Liu Niang had to see to them, so she first settled Han Ying and the others in the backyard.

"This area is separated by a wall, so the noise from the front won't disturb you here. Please rest for now, and we can discuss anything else tomorrow."

During the night, Han Ying heard faint crying.

His internal energy was high, and his senses were sharp. The others hadn't noticed yet. Han Ying picked up his sword and stood, also waking Zhao Yue.

The crying was a woman's voice. Given the nature of the place, he brought Zhao Yue along just in case.

After searching around, they discovered the sound was coming from the cellar.

But as they approached, the sound stopped.

The cellar was wrapped in iron chains, with wooden planks and large stones weighing it down.

Zhao Yue said, "Earlier today, I noticed that these chains, the large stones, and the wooden planks underneath had no accumulated dust. Liu Niang claimed they had been closed up for years, which is rather odd."

Han Ying nodded, crouched down, and tugged at the iron chains.

The moment he moved the chains, powder sprayed from the central lock, dispersing rapidly.

Han Ying and Zhao Yue both passed out on the ground.

When they awoke, they found their swords and flying needles gone, with Zhao Fan and the other two lying beside them.

The air was stuffy—the five of them had been trapped in the cellar.

Han Ying stood up to search for an exit when a woman's voice said, "It's no use. This place is tiny. If there were a way out, I would have found it long ago."

"Who are you?"

"Me?" The woman chuckled softly. "Just a prostitute who has tried to run away a bunch of times, only to be dragged back every single time."

She added with a laugh, "But if you really want to know my name, I can tell you. I'm Liu Qingyu."

"Liu? What's your relationship with Liu Niang?" Zhao Yue asked.

"Oh, her? She's my birth mother," Liu Qingyu replied. "I also have an older sister named Liu Qingfeng. She's here too."

Han Ying frowned. Although the light was dim and visibility poor, his internal energy allowed him to sense breathing clearly. He was sure there were only six people total, including Liu Qingyu.

Liu Qingyu stared in one direction. "Her bones are right there."

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" Zhao Fan screamed, bolting upright in fright, his hair standing on end.

Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng were jolted awake by his cry, followed by two more screams.

There was a pile of bones right there among them.

Liu Qingyu, unmoved, said slowly to the three, "Watch it. Don't go crushing my sister's bones."

The terrified trio: ...

After looking around the cellar for a bit, Han Ying and the others found no exit.

Lu Shuitan sat close to Chen Ranfeng, trying to get as far away from those bones as he could. He asked, puzzled, "Didn't Hero Ling save that madam, Liu Niang? Why would she go and trap even Young Master Han down here?"

Han Ying shook his head. From the other side, Liu Qingyu spoke up, "Oh, you know Ling Feng? Then you're dead meat."

All five turned to look at Liu Qingyu. Han Ying asked her, "What do you mean?"

"My mother hates Ling Feng's guts. For as long as I can remember, folks have come around looking for him. Some got away, others died right here."

"What? But Hero Ling saved Liu Niang, didn't he? How'd it turn into hate?" Lu Shuitan was utterly confused.

Liu Qingyu's eyes darted. "If you want to know, fine. Get me out of here, and I'll spill. Not just out of this cellar—out of the Huaixing Tower, out of Liu'an County altogether."

"Don't expect my mother to tell you anything. She'll never talk."

Han Ying said, "You don't have to threaten us for help. If you want out, we'll get you out."

Liu Qingyu was stunned, gazing blankly at Han Ying's blurred figure.

After who knows how long, a small opening appeared above, and a few buns and a waterskin were dropped down.

Starving, Zhao Fan immediately went to grab them. He handed half a bun to Liu Qingyu. "Here, have this."

Liu Qingyu didn't take it. "I'd advise you not to touch that stuff either. They might be poisoned. There was a guy who knew Hero Ling locked up here before; he died from poison."

Zhao Yue frowned. "You were here then?"

"Yeah, I was here," Liu Qingyu sneered. "Luckily, he ate fast. I was faint with hunger, so I didn't have the strength to eat. After he was poisoned, I watched him die. He was bleeding from every hole in his head—really gruesome."

Zhao Fan was so scared he immediately dropped the bun and waterskin.

Zhao Yue picked up the bun, broke it open, and sniffed. There was indeed a faint medicinal odor. After figuring out the herbs, she recognized several that, combined, could rot your guts out.

She put the bun down and looked at Liu Qingyu, her forehead creased in a deep frown.

Just as everyone was at a loss, Han Ying said, "Everybody, back up."

The only way out was up.

Lu Shuitan said, "Young Master Han, you're not thinking of blasting your way out with internal energy, are you? There are thick wooden planks, large stones, and iron chains above. Internal energy won't cut it."

"Yours might not be enough, but mine is," Han Ying replied.

If he hadn't been poisoned earlier, using his internal energy recklessly could've done permanent damage. That was why he had waited, letting the rest of the poison work its way out.

Remembering how Han Ying had shattered Chi Xiong's broadsword with his sword qi in Baoping Town, Lu Shuitan fell silent.

With a loud crash, the wooden planks, massive stones, and iron chains above the cellar were blown apart.

A sliver of moonlight pierced the dim cellar. Everyone rejoiced as Han Ying was the first to ascend and confront the situation.

Zhao Yue quickly went to help Liu Qingyu, the only one without internal energy. As she drew closer, she noticed Liu Qingyu's slender limbs and protruding abdomen.

"You're pregnant?"

Liu Qingyu glanced down at her belly, indifferent. "It's no big deal. It's not like I'm dying."

Above, Han Ying was already fighting the enforcers of Huaixing Tower, with Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng swiftly following to assist.

Zhao Fan had internal energy, but without his flying needles, he couldn't contribute much. He knew no external martial arts, so he helped Zhao Yue bring Liu Qingyu up.

Liu Niang arrived with a group of people. Though it was late, the front courtyard was brightly lit, filled with singing and dancing.

The rear courtyard, however, was dark and thick with killing intent.

"Where is my sword?" Han Ying asked Liu Niang.

Looking at the enforcers lying on the ground, Liu Niang narrowed her eyes. "I underestimated you. I never thought the Unity Sword Sect would produce another formidable disciple after all these years."

Then she shouted toward Han Ying's direction, "Now!"

Han Ying immediately turned around. Directly behind him were the heavily pregnant, disheveled Liu Qingyu, along with Zhao Yue and Zhao Fan.

Han Ying said, "You asked for help, so we will help you."

Enraged, Liu Niang retorted, "How dare you believe their words!"

Liu Qingyu coldly replied, "I may not trust them, but I trust your words even less!"

"Miss Zhao, brother, take her and get out of here first," Han Ying said to the Zhao siblings. "I'll retrieve the needles for you, don't worry."

The Zhao siblings dared not delay, taking Liu Qingyu and running immediately.

Liu Niang reacted instantly, ordering her men to block them. "Don't let her get away!"

The thugs charged forward, but their path was blocked by a broadsword flying toward them.

Han Ying had thrown one and bent to pick up another blade from a fallen Star-Embrace Pavilion thug. Lu Shuitan and Chen Ranfeng did the same. The three of them stood blocking the thugs' path.

Han Ying held his blade horizontally before him. "They are leaving today; no one will stop them."

Shen Yuan's voice became rapid and steady. With an emotional wave of his hand, he continued, "In an instant, steel flashed. Han Ying's steps were phantom-like, swiftly weaving among the thugs. Blood mist sprayed, and screams echoed one after another. Madam Liu Niang stood stunned. She had only known the Unity Sword Sect was formidable with swords; she never imagined they could be so lethal with blades too."

"This time, her luck had run out; she'd encountered a tough opponent. Her Star-Embrace Pavilion was likely in for trouble as well!"

Shen Yuan's tone shifted, tinged with nervousness and urgency. "As long as the green hills remain, there'll be no shortage of firewood. This is no place to linger; better to flee while you can!"

Then, his voice grew even more urgent. "Just as Madam Liu Niang was about to run, a blade dripping with blood barred her path. Han Ying's eyes, shadowed in the dim light, seemed to her like a vengeful ghost or an asura come to claim her soul."

"Did you kill any of my senior brothers or sisters?" Han Ying asked coldly.

Liu Niang knew Liu Qingyu must have told Han Ying something. Some things, even if she wanted to hide them, couldn't be concealed. "I'll tell you where Ling Feng went after that. Just let me go."

At this point, the teahouse patrons held their breath, waiting for Han Ying's reaction.

Shen Yuan lowered his voice, his gaze turning resolute. "Those who slaughter my sect brothers and sisters shall die!"

The teahouse patrons erupted in cheers. "Well said!"

Shen Yuan paused for a few breaths, waiting for the cheers to subside before striking the storyteller's block. "To know what happens next, tune in tomorrow for the next installment."

It was another thrillingly brilliant fight scene. Led by Shen Yuan's narration, the patrons experienced exquisite blade techniques and lightness skills that were swift as lightning and allowed flight.

The entangled history between Liu Niang and Hero Ling also became a point of curiosity in the patrons' minds.

They wished tomorrow would come sooner so the secrets could be revealed.

...

After lunch at the teahouse, Shen Yuan and Ji Xingwang went to look at properties. The broker was already waiting at the agreed-upon location.

There were three places in total, all meeting Shen Yuan's requirement of being not too far from the Ji Family Teahouse and the yamen.

Two of the places had previously been used as restaurants. One had a small courtyard, the other did not.

The locations were suitable, but the size wasn't quite right.

The last place was one Shen Yuan had visited before.

The Xu Family Teahouse.

"The Xu family didn't originally specialize in the teahouse or tea business. Since this business wasn't sustainable, they naturally stopped. The Xu family probably also realized they had been used back then. But the damage was done; the teahouse couldn't continue operating anyway. Hearing I was at the brokerage looking at properties, their chief steward specifically went to the broker, saying they were willing to sell the teahouse to us."

Ji Xingwang was very satisfied with the Xu Family Teahouse. It was spacious, had hitching posts, was two stories high, the surroundings weren't cluttered, and it was bright and spacious.

But his satisfaction alone wasn't enough; Shen Yuan needed to be satisfied too.

Shen Yuan walked around the place. Compared to the first two, he really couldn't find fault with it.

The surrounding environment was also good, relatively quiet, making it more suitable for a guild headquarters.

"Does the Xu family have an asking price?"

Shen Yuan spoke up, and the broker immediately stepped forward, very enthusiastic. "Ah, Official Shen, you have excellent taste. Properties in this area generally aren't sold. The Xu family says they want to build goodwill. Their asking price is two thousand taels. But of course, this price is negotiable."

"What's the market rate for something like this?" Shen Yuan asked.

This was information that could be found out with a little inquiry, so the broker didn't lie. "It fluctuates around two thousand taels. Their asking price of two thousand is exactly right."

Shen Yuan nodded.

"No need to negotiate. Let's proceed as is. If the Xu family is willing to sell, we can transfer the land deed today and complete the transfer at the yamen."

The broker's face briefly showed conflict before he let out a light sigh.

The Xu family's steward had previously told him that if he could persuade Shen Yuan to have the Xu family lower the price, he would receive an even larger bonus.

If the Xu family lowered the price, it would be a "friendship" price.

A purchase at the regular price was a straight business deal, with no debts owed.

The other party was, after all, an official. The broker didn't dare to jest or pressure Shen Yuan to haggle.

"Alright, I'll go to the Xu family right away."

The Xu family sent someone quickly—it was their chief steward.

The man looked elderly, his hair half-white, his expression unable to hide his weariness.

It was said the Chen family was implicated in a private salt case, and the whole family, young and old, had been arrested.

The two families had been quite close for a period before, so the Xu household had also been under constant investigation.

And it wasn't minor clerks from the Qingyun County yamen conducting the investigations; it was officials from the prefectural government.

This scared the head of the Xu family into seeking out the person who had previously given them information and urged them to deal with Shen Yuan and the Ji family.

The reply was only eight words: "It has nothing to do with me. Take care of yourselves."

The people from the Xie Family's Second Branch were unreliable. Regretting having boarded a pirate ship was useless for the Xu family now.

Back then, they had been blinded by greed, only seeing immediate gains.

Now they were reduced to selling off assets and ingratiating themselves to survive.

Although Shen Yuan was unwilling to have any personal dealings with the Xu family, his willingness to buy their teahouse at least meant he wouldn't kick them while they were down or specifically seek out trouble for them later.

For the Xu family, that was already enough.

Steward Xu likewise didn't dare say much. The transfer and payment were completed swiftly. Within the span of an hour, Shen Yuan spent two thousand taels but gained a land deed for a prime location in Qingyun County.

The Xu Family Teahouse was built with good timber and had been maintained yearly. Shen Yuan could use the place whenever he needed.

"Manager, do me another favor. Help me recruit workers," Shen Yuan explained clearly to Ji Xingwang. "For Old Man Xu from Stone Alley, keep a cleaning job for him. Then hire two more for general cleaning. Two who can cook. And two who can handle purchasing and accounting."

Ji Xingwang noted each point. "Oh, the first ones are easy. The purchasing part is easy to find, but finding someone who can both purchase and do accounting is difficult. If you don't mind, Xiao Yuan, shall I go to the brokerage to find them for you? But such people definitely won't sign indentured contracts; they'd be on term contracts."

Shen Yuan nodded. "Yes, as long as they are honest, diligent, and have no ill intentions, that's fine."

Ji Xingwang treated everything regarding Shen Yuan as a matter of utmost importance.

After leaving the government office, he headed straight to Stone Alley to find Old Xu.

Auntie Yang, the neighbor, was there as well. Since Old Xu’s wife, Auntie Xu, was in poor health and he struggled to care for her alone, the neighbor had been helping out frequently these past few days.

Seeing a well-dressed man with a refined air arrive, the three people in the cramped room felt stiff and awkward.

Ji Xingwang said with a smile, "Don't be afraid. I am the manager of the Ji Family Teahouse. I've come because Yuan wants to offer you a job cleaning the courtyard, Uncle Xu, so he specifically asked me to come and tell you."

"I couldn't possibly," Old Xu said. No matter how much he wanted it, he didn't dare to actually accept. "I must ask you to bring a message back: this old frame of mine thanks Lord Shen. That helping hand I gave at the docks back then was settled long ago. It is I who still owe Lord Shen much; I truly dare not incur more debt."

When Qin Shisong had visited earlier, he had told Old Xu about Shen Yuan's current status.

Old Xu was utterly shocked when he first heard it. He never expected that the thin youth who once carried heavy sacks at the docks to support his family would, in such a short time, become the Registrar of Qingyun County—a man of rank.

He was genuinely happy for Shen Yuan from the bottom of his heart and truly felt that the young man was remarkable.

Even more unexpected was that such a powerful figure, having reached such an unattainable position, could still remember such a small matter from the past.

Old Xu’s heart was full of a thousand different feelings. Knowing that Shen Yuan kept him in his heart was enough.

Ji Xingwang said, "Old-timer, you've got it wrong. Although Yuan is giving you a job, it's also because he truly needs someone to do this work. If it's not you, it'll be someone else. Yuan even told me to recruit others, so you can take the job with a clear conscience. You definitely won't owe more because of this."

Hearing this, Old Xu was truly moved. His household needed money for everything; as long as he could still move, he had to work.

However, there were very few jobs out there for him. Since returning from the salt mines, his body had been too heavily injured; even if he recovered, he certainly wouldn't be able to handle the labor at the docks.

A cleaning job was a godsend, exactly what they needed to keep their heads above water.

Old Xu looked at his sick and frail wife and finally nodded with great embarrassment.

Auntie Yang, who had been listening for a long while, sensed an opening.

She hurriedly asked Ji Xingwang tentatively, "Kind sir, you mentioned you're recruiting others. What kind of roles are you looking for?"

Ji Xingwang saw that the Xu couple treated her kindly, and when he entered, she had been helping care for Old Xu.

Since he had to recruit people anyway, and since Shen Yuan had a history with Old Xu while this neighbor had a connection to him as well, he might as well lend a hand.

"We are hiring for dusting and scrubbing, washing vegetables and cooking, and running errands and keeping the books," Ji Xingwang stated Shen Yuan's requirements. "As long as the person can do the work, men, women, young or old—it doesn't matter. But they mustn't neglect their duties; they must be diligent, down-to-earth, and no slackers."

Auntie Yang's eyes lit up, and she repeatedly patted her chest. "Oh! I'm your woman! I'm a great cook; my whole family loves my food. Even if I can't cook, I can do the cleaning. I manage everything inside and out at my home. Sir, follow me to my yard and take a look; I guarantee it's spick and span. It's right next door, just two steps away, won't take a moment of your time."

Grateful for the woman's care over the past many days, Auntie Xu also vouched for her, "Auntie Yang is a good soul."

Auntie Yang gave her a grateful look. She knew the other woman's temperament—she was shy and not one for much talking. Being able to say such a sentence for her at this moment meant the world to her.

Ji Xingwang actually went to take a look. Since he was hiring for Shen Yuan, he wanted to do right by him and find good people.

Just as Auntie Yang said, the house was kept neat and tidy inside and out, making one feel good just looking at it.

Ji Xingwang nodded and said, "Fine. What is your name? I'll write it down, and you can come to work with Old Xu when the time comes."

"Yang Chuncao. My name is Yang Chuncao."

After Ji Xingwang recorded the name, Auntie Yang rushed back next door, overjoyed. She shared her joy with Auntie Xu in a low voice, "Oh, it's settled! From now on, we have work to do! We can let the children eat solid meals too!"

Auntie Xu clutched her chest; she still hadn't quite recovered from the boldness of the sentence she just spoke. Hearing Auntie Yang's happy tone, she felt happy as well.

"Yes, we all have work, and we all have buns to eat."

Once Ji Xingwang put out the word for recruitment, it took only half a day for a long queue to form at the old Xu Family Teahouse.

According to the announced time, it wasn't supposed to start for another six hours.

But jobs were hard to find, especially this kind of open recruitment that wasn't through a personal introduction or passed down within a family; it was even rarer.

Except for dirty and exhausting labor, there was basically no open recruitment for anything else.

Ji Xingwang was also startled by the long line when he arrived.

He only needed six people in total, and excluding Auntie Yang, there were only five spots left.

Yet looking at the queue, there were nearly a hundred people.

With more people, there were more choices. Ji Xingwang was open-minded and called for people to start coming in.

As the line moved, many who had only just heard the news rushed over, begging those at the front to let them cut in. "Please, have a heart. We haven't had a bite to eat in days, and we're starving. Let me stand further up."

The person being begged didn't budge, instead pressing closer to the person in front and driving the beggar away. "Your family is starving, but my father is waiting for me to earn money for medicine to stay alive. Your family has it hard, but whose family doesn't? Instead of begging me, you'd better get to the back quickly so you can at least be in line. Otherwise, when more people come, you won't even get a spot."

Some who failed to cut in hurried to the back, while others forced their way in, causing a commotion.

Ji Xingwang sent someone out to check and had a sign placed at the end of the line telling people not to join anymore.

The Ji family servant who followed him held a sandwich board and roared at the crowd, "If you keep being rowdy, everyone leave!"

That one sentence made the queue fall silent instantly.

Ji Xingwang sat down at a table and had the applicants sit opposite him.

The first to enter was an elderly woman. Her back was slightly hunched, her hair was streaked with white, and her skin was dark, yet her eyes remained bright. She walked with a brisk, energetic pace.

Stepping into such a grand place for the first time, the elderly woman was somewhat nervous and constrained. After crossing the threshold, her pace visibly slowed, and her back hunched even more.

Ji Xingwang had a smile on his face and asked her to sit down first.

The woman only dared to sit on half the stool, her legs straining to support her weight. She nervously licked her lips several times. Before Ji Xingwang could ask anything, she moved quickly, pulling a worn but clean cloth from the folds of her patched tunic.

"Kind sir, please don't look down on this. These are cakes made of good millet. Please accept them."

The elderly woman's hands were shaking with nerves. She knew that to find a job like this, one usually had to pay their dues to succeed.

But she truly couldn't borrow any money. After begging for a long time, she had managed to get a little good millet and quickly steamed the cakes.

If it weren't for the fact that her house was next to Old Xu's and Auntie Yang was close to her and told her about this heavenly good news in advance, she wouldn't even have been able to produce millet cakes.

Ji Xingwang looked at the millet cakes that were still emitting a bit of heat; they were golden yellow and gave off the sweet smell of grain.

He knew this was how commoners looked for work—before earning any silver, they had to give some away first.

"Kind sir, if you hire me, I know how things work... I will give most of my first year's wages to you. Just take me on for work. Although I'm old, I work very meticulously and am not afraid of hardship or exhaustion."

Ji Xingwang wouldn't dare bring such things onto Shen Yuan's property. Without a word, he pushed the millet cakes back.

"Whether it's food or money, I won't accept any of it."

Upon hearing this, the old woman felt as if struck by lightning—it was over, she wouldn't get the job!

"Sir, please give me a chance. My children at home need money for food, and my daughter-in-law needs money for medicine."

Ji Xingwang sighed. "I won't accept your things, nor will I accept anyone else's. Here, we hire people based only on who best meets the requirements. If you meet the criteria and are near the front of the line, your chances of getting the job are higher. Put your things away, quick. I'll ask you a few questions, and you answer them."

The old woman's mind was in turmoil, struggling to comprehend—was he really asking for nothing in return? But she still followed his instructions, carefully stowing away the millet steamed bun.

She could return it to her neighbor later.

To prevent this from happening again, Ji Xingwang sent someone out in advance to announce that no one was to offer him anything.

Anyone who did would be immediately disqualified.

When the servant went outside to deliver the notice, the quiet line became restless again as people hurriedly hid the carefully prepared gifts—the best things they could afford to offer.

The line was long, and Ji Xingwang's interviews took just as long.

It lasted for two hours, ending only when the sky had darkened completely.

He personally selected five people from the candidates.

This time, there was a pleasant surprise: from the crowd, he found two individuals who were skilled in both purchasing and accounting.

He tested them: the younger one was a bit slower at calculations but had a solid foundation.

The older one calculated quickly and made no mistakes.

The next day, Ji Xingwang reported the selected candidates' information to Shen Yuan and also prepared backup options for Shen Yuan to choose from.

"The other three are quite similar, but these two who can do accounting each have their strengths and weaknesses."

Ji Xingwang explained carefully to Shen Yuan: "The young one is named Lu Xiaohai. His family is large, so he hopes we can give him one meal a day. Because his foundation isn't very strong, other places don't want beginners, which is why he ended up with us. The other one, an older woman, is quite skilled, but she was previously in charge of kitchen purchasing and accounting for the Fan family. The Fan family was all executed for secretly hoarding weapons with intent to rebel. Their indentured servants were all sold off, and their contract servants were listed with the labor agency. However, due to their association with that family, no one dares to hire them, thinking it's bad luck."

Shen Yuan didn't mind these details. "As long as there are no other issues, these things don't matter."

Ji Xingwang nodded. "Rest assured, I've investigated the others, and there are no problems."

Ji Xingwang's work put Shen Yuan at ease. "Apart from Grandpa Xu, who needs more time to recover from his injuries, have the others start work tomorrow. First, have them clean the teahouse thoroughly. Meals will be provided at noon and in the evening, prepared by the kitchen and buyers. Also, Manager Ji, please help me order a plaque. Have it inscribed with 'Storytellers' Union.'"

"Sure!"

The overall layout of the teahouse didn't need much alteration. The Xu Family Teahouse still had private rooms upstairs, unlike the Ji family's teahouse, which had been partitioned. This suited Shen Yuan's requirements perfectly.

The tables, chairs, and benches left behind by the Xu family were still there. Shen Yuan considered rearranging them, and they could still be used.

As for the storytellers at the Ji Family Teahouse, half of their tip money was given to Shen Yuan. Of the remaining half, the Ji family took half again—meaning a quarter of the total.

Although the earnings were split, the actual monthly amount each storyteller received still added up to a considerable sum.

The Ji family servants who hadn't been selected watched them enviously each time but could do nothing about it.

Perhaps it was due to the money or the storytelling itself, but they felt the chosen servants who went out to tell stories now carried themselves differently—a certain air they hadn't had before.

It was an indescribable feeling; they simply weren't the same kind of people anymore.

They wondered when such a heaven-sent opportunity would come again, and if it might land on their heads next time.

In the evening, after all the storytellers returned from the Liu and Xu family teahouses, Shen Yuan gathered them to explain the "Storytellers' Union."

Since they gave half their earnings to him, he should do something in return.

"You previously signed contracts agreeing to give half your earnings to me. Recently, I've established a Storytellers' Union. This half-share will serve as your membership fee. However, joining is not mandatory. If you're willing, come sign up. If not, that's fine too."

Shen Yuan continued explaining what the union would do. "Once you join the Storytellers' Union, any issues related to storytelling can be taken to the union to be resolved. If you face mistreatment at any teahouse or encounter unreasonable demands, the union will step in. Additionally, during the breaks between storytelling sessions, I'll hold storytelling lessons at the union. Those who wish to continue learning are welcome to attend."

Not only that, Shen Yuan also planned to train a few capable individuals with outstanding storytelling skills.

In the future, if he wasn't at the union, someone would need to take over and continue the teaching.

The storytellers were thrilled—they had long wanted to learn more!

Not only could they learn more, but they would also have extra safeguards, all for their benefit, with no other demands. There was no reason not to join.

Everyone signed up, including Wang Sanhu.

With the storytellers settled, only the vice president position remained.

The next day, Shen Yuan made sure to get up early, carrying the pork rib soup his aunt had prepared for him, and went to the Ji family.