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Chapter 105: The Innkeeper's Position
Chapter 105: The Innkeeper's Position
"Come and sit!"
Faced with Hu Ma's request, the Old Shopkeeper remained silent, his expression quickly returning to normal despite the change in his face.
The Mustached Manager, on the other hand, showed his surprise openly. He first glanced at the Old Shopkeeper, then instinctively tried to turn back to look inside the room but didn't actually do so. After a moment, he laughed and exchanged a look with the other manager, saying nothing more.
He didn't say yes or no, nor did he continue the topic. Instead, he nodded to Hu Ma, gesturing for him to sit at his table.
That was the seat of honor. According to the banquet rules, this table could only accommodate the Old Shopkeeper, four Red Fragrance Disciples, and two managers. If there were other tables, others would sit in order, but if not, they would have to stand and serve.
The Eight Immortals table could seat eight people, and there was just one seat left.
By inviting Hu Ma over, the table was now full, but Hu Ma was undoubtedly the last seat.
However, since Hu Ma was the manager of the village, his sitting down was equivalent to taking a seat as an attendant.
The apprentices, seeing Hu Ma sit down, were envious beyond words. Zhou Datong and the others from Dayang Village exchanged glances, and a strong sense of joy soon arose in their hearts.
Even Li Wa Zi in the kitchen, who was mainly responsible for cooking and buying ingredients and was ready to add hot water, couldn't sit down and showed a look of joy.
"Thank you, Sir Manager, please..."
Hu Ma simply came over and sat down, tacitly accepting that the other party had agreed to his request.
His heartfelt thanks were genuine, and the Mustached Manager's eyes showed a sense of relief.
But just as the banquet was about to begin, a long-faced Red Fragrance Disciple sitting to the left suddenly looked at Hu Ma and said in a stiff voice, "When you first joined the Red Lantern Association, did you stay in a house in the city with a big willow tree?"
Hu Ma looked at him, his mind filled with memories, and he vaguely recognized him.
This Red Fragrance Disciple seemed to be the ragged youth who lived in the city house back then.
However, compared to then, he now looked very dignified and neat.
Of course, his words were still stiff, showing no courtesy.
Hu Ma smiled and nodded, "Yes, I stayed in the west wing for a few days. What about you?"
The Red Fragrance Disciple's expression was cold, and he directly picked up his chopsticks to take some food, saying, "I stayed in the stable."
Since Mr. Wu and the two managers hadn't started eating yet, his action was clearly impolite. However, the two managers pretended not to see, and the other Red Fragrance Disciples had indifferent expressions, making the atmosphere at the table somewhat cold before the banquet even began.
Hu Ma laughed, "Yesterday you were in the stable, today you're riding a big horse. If those who used to live in the main hall saw you now, how envious would they be?"
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing this, the Red Fragrance Disciple with the chopsticks paused, his eyes showing a complex expression as he said, "You're doing well too, having become a manager."
"I just got a promotion from the innkeeper."
Hu Ma laughed, "Moreover, even being a manager in this village isn't easy, let alone staying in the city."
Hearing this, the Red Fragrance Disciple slowed down, and after a while, he put down his chopsticks. He seemed to have something to say but couldn't find the words, only nodding at Hu Ma, "We all have a tough time making a living."
Hu Ma said, "If it were easy to learn, it wouldn't be a skill."
The Red Fragrance Disciple's eyes suddenly sparkled, clearly hesitating, but then he directly raised his wine cup.
He raised it to Hu Ma, saying, "My name is Yang Gong, and I work for Chief Zheng."
"Showing goodwill?"
Hu Ma thought, nodding slightly and smiling, "Those who can stay in the city are all capable. We should have more chances to get closer in the future."
He glanced at Mr. Wu, raised his cup to the others, and the atmosphere became lively as everyone raised their cups.
This banquet, which started in the afternoon, didn't end until the sun was setting.
Through this drinking session, the Mustached Manager and the Red Fragrance Disciples had become more familiar. Given the innkeeper's poor condition, although he sat there the whole time, he didn't have much to say, so most of the company was provided by Hu Ma.
Seeing the table in disarray and everyone well-fed and drunk, Hu Ma invited them to stay, but they all declined, saying they needed to report back to Madam.
So, Hu Ma and the apprentices helped them onto their horses.
Before leaving, the Mustached Manager smiled and held Hu Ma's hand, saying, "I remember you."
"Your master is thorough, and you are fortunate. When you return to the village, don't forget to pass on my regards to your master."
"..."
Hu Ma also smiled, "It was the manager who guided me, and I will always remember."
He then turned to the long-faced Red Fragrance Disciple Yang Gong, "Brother, life is tough. We should take care of ourselves."
"You have great skills, and we do the running and miscellaneous tasks. We shouldn't be too familiar, but we have a good connection. When you have time, don't forget to visit me in the village for a drink."
”
“……”
The Red Fragrance disciple named Yang Gong merely nodded and said, "We are all learning skills, why should we fear those people?"
"You are a good person. I’ll come find you to play when I’m free."
"……"
After a round of escorting, the two managers and four Red Fragrance disciples rode away.
The apprentices in the manor only now heaved a sigh of relief, although they were somewhat puzzled in their hearts.
All this bustling activity, and they left in a drunken state, without even discussing much about the main matters. What was the point of all this?
But the Old Shopkeeper merely gave Hu Ma a deep look. He had already been severely injured and had to force himself to keep them company and chat because these people, even the Red Fragrance disciples, were too important. Now he was tired and got up to return to the inner courtyard.
Hu Ma also didn’t need the shopkeeper to say anything. He continued to arrange for the apprentices to patrol the night as usual.
As for the remains and various limbs left behind by the remnants of the Vat Sect, he directly ordered them to be burned overnight.
It took quite a bit of effort, and even by midnight, the stench of blood still lingered.
For the apprentices at this Qing Shi Town branch, they had experienced a significant event but mostly didn’t understand what had happened. They just vaguely felt that something was different, but upon closer inspection, they couldn’t see any obvious changes. The only thing they could sense was that the shopkeeper was coming out of the inner courtyard less often, and Miss Wu He, who seemed to be dripping with water, never showed her face again.
However, this doubt only lingered for a moment before they turned their thoughts to other matters.
With the New Year approaching, they should go home to celebrate. Now, the work was light, and they would only be busy again after the Spring Festival when they would worship the Ta sui.
What they were concerned about now was when the shopkeeper would show some kindness and how much money and grain he would let them take home.
During this period, Hu Ma also remained calm and composed. Within three days of the managers’ departure, someone rode in again, bringing Hu Ma’s reward.
A glance revealed a large green jar filled to the brim with Green Food. It was evidently meant for him. There was also a bundle, which, when opened, contained all sorts of red-tinged, translucent meat jerky.
"Green Jade Ointment..."
Hu Ma let out a low sigh.
Before making that request, he had actually asked Er Guotou and knew that the Green Jade Ointment was still available at the shop.
This rare item wasn’t highly valuable, at least not as much as Blood Tai Sui.
But it had specific uses, being highly effective for those who had been poisoned by fire.
Of course, if fed directly to someone, it would be a poison, gradually destroying their Daoist power.
When Hu Ma had asked for this, rather than silver or Blood Food, it was a good thing for the two managers. They only needed to take something from the warehouse that no one was asking for as a reward.
Silver and Blood Food were things many people fought over.
Without much ado, Hu Ma picked up the bundle and took it into the inner courtyard, placing it on the table before turning to leave.
However, the Old Shopkeeper, who was sitting at the Eight Immortals table sipping tea, suddenly called him back. He seemed somewhat embarrassed.
After a pause, he said, "With the New Year approaching, you must be planning to return to the village. Before you leave, settle the apprentices’ wages and provisions, and arrange their travel plans so they can return early before the Spring Festival."
"According to tradition, in the first year, we can withhold their wages and provisions and not let them go home for the New Year."
"……"
Hu Ma, upon hearing this, turned and said, "There’s not much work at the manor now, and the apprentices have become familiar with the rules. If they are to return, it would be good for them to take some provisions and money, as it will bring them honor."
"You decide!"
The Old Shopkeeper waved his hand and said, "Just make sure that before the Spring Festival next year, we don’t ask for more supplies from the city. Also, don’t just focus on these matters; after the Spring Festival, you need to pay attention to the expenses for repairing the warehouse, clearing accounts, and hiring porters and carriages."
"Hmm?"
Hu Ma agreed, but felt a bit puzzled inside.
These were the core affairs of the manor. Why would they need him, a mere manager, to handle them?
The Old Shopkeeper seemed to have noticed Hu Ma’s confusion.
Without looking up at Hu Ma, he sipped his tea and said calmly, "Regarding the Vat Sect incident, I appear to have done a good job, but in reality, I have made a mistake. The Lady already suspects me. There’s no point in me staying at the manor anymore."
"If I leave now, it’s just because I’m afraid that the people in the city will worry that I have ulterior motives if I leave too suddenly..."
"But since I am leaving, this manor needs a new shopkeeper."
"This shopkeeper can be sent from the city, or, of course, one of our own can take over."
"……"
"Th-this..."
Caught off guard by his words, Hu Ma was somewhat surprised.
After a pause, he didn’t pick up on the topic and simply said, "The shopkeeper doesn’t need to worry about these matters. Let He Mei Mei rest and recover first."
"In this world, where there are harmful evil techniques, there are also good remedies. She will surely recover."
(End of Chapter)
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