https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-34-The-Second-Cultivator-at-Big-Market/13688173/
Chapter 35: Mutual Testing, Big Shopping Spree
"Little Master," Ma Ye’s expression had turned serious, his earlier smile now gone. "You said your master is that Chen Laodaifu?"
"Yeah, everyone around here calls him that," Lu Qing replied, his tension easing slightly.
"That’s right, Ma Ye," Wang Da An quickly chimed in. "This little brother of mine comes to Chen Laodaifu’s every day to study and learn."
Ma Ye studied Lu Qing and Wang Da An carefully, then suddenly broke into a warm smile. "Ah, so you’re Chen Laodaifu’s esteemed disciple! My apologies—I didn’t know!"
With that, Ma Ye bowed deeply to Lu Qing, who flinched in surprise and took two steps back.
Flustered, Lu Qing waved his hands. "No, no—I can’t be called a disciple! I’ve only just begun learning a little about herbs from my master. I still can’t even diagnose a patient!"
Seeing Lu Qing’s honesty, Ma Ye couldn’t help but chuckle. "Regardless, I did wrong earlier. How about this—let me pay for the meat you’re buying here?"
"That’s impossible!" Lu Qing shook his head firmly. "No good deed for nothing. My master always taught me not to accept gifts from others without earning them."
"But I did wrong, Little Master. This meat—it’s my apology to you."
Yet no matter how Ma Ye insisted, Lu Qing refused to accept the gesture.
Wang Da An, watching from the side, was stunned. He’d never seen Ma Ye treat anyone with such respect—especially not his own little brother, Lu Qing.
Seeing Lu Qing still refuse, Wang Da An felt his heart pounding. That’s ten or more catties of meat! Someone’s giving it to you for free, and you’re saying no? What’s wrong with you, A Qing?
Still, despite his inner panic, Wang Da An didn’t speak up. He knew Lu Qing could read and had the guidance of a real master. If he wouldn’t take it, there had to be a reason.
Seeing Lu Qing’s unwavering stance, Ma Ye suddenly grinned. "You’re truly kind-hearted—no wonder you’re Chen Laodaifu’s disciple. How about this? I noticed you seemed troubled by the silver coin. Let me help you break it open, shall I?"
The meat vendor immediately nodded. "That’s right! Only Ma Ye here can handle a coin like that!"
Lu Qing hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, then I’ll trust you, Ma Ye."
He pulled out the silver coin and handed it over. Ma Ye took it, examined the fine snowflake pattern etched into the surface, and his eyes narrowed slightly. This is high-quality silver. The boy’s words must be true.
He weighed it in his palm and smiled. "This is about six mace—roughly six hundred copper coins."
From his pocket, Ma Ye pulled out a small cloth pouch and withdrew two small strings of copper coins. He handed the pouch to Lu Qing. "There should be enough here to match your silver. Count it yourself."
Lu Qing took the pouch and began counting right away, without hesitation.
Wang Da An wanted to help, but he knew his own counting was terrible. He’d only make things worse if he tried. So he stood helplessly by, watching.
Lu Qing worked quickly, sorting the coins one by one. Ma Ye watched him closely, his eyes narrowing again. In the countryside, few can read. Most can barely count to a hundred. But this boy? He’s counting like he’s been doing it all his life.
His confidence in Lu Qing grew stronger by the second.
Soon, Lu Qing finished counting and looked up. "It’s… more."
The pouch held six hundred and fifty copper coins. At a rate of one tael of silver to a thousand copper coins, that was fifty coins too many.
"Not too much," Ma Ye said with a smile. "Your silver is excellent quality. A little extra is only fair."
Lu Qing thought about it for a moment, then nodded. He wasn’t going to refuse again. He understood Ma Ye was trying to be kind. And after turning him down twice, he couldn’t be completely rude. Besides, this was a rare chance to learn more about the outside world.
"The coins are settled," Ma Ye said. "You can now buy what you need. Oh—what’s your name, little master?"
"I’m Lu Qing," he replied, then gestured to Wang Da An beside him. "This is Da An Ge, my fellow villager."
"Wang Da An," said Wang Da An, eager to please.
"Ah, Wang Da An," Ma Ye replied, nodding politely. He could tell Wang Da An was just an ordinary country youth, but still, he acknowledged him with dignity.
That small gesture was enough to make Wang Da An’s face flush red with pride.
"Little brother Lu Qing," Ma Ye said, "I hope you enjoy your time here. I have some matters to attend to—excuse me, I’ll take my leave."
Ma Ye was a man of refinement. He didn’t linger or try to follow Lu Qing. He knew the proper distance to maintain.
And Lu Qing? He was perfectly fine with that.
He did want to make a connection with Ma Ye—but not yet. Not while their positions were so unequal. Right now, his only advantage was being known as Chen Laodaifu’s student. That was enough to earn a little respect. But real trust had to be earned in time.
After Ma Ye left, Lu Qing returned to the meat stall.
"Can I buy the meat now?" he asked.
"Of course!" the vendor beamed. "Little Master, I didn’t know you were Chen Laodaifu’s disciple! No wonder you carry yourself so well!"
Lu Qing glanced down at his patched clothes and sighed inwardly. Well dressed? I look like a beggar.
"Does the boss know Chen Laodaifu?" Wang Da An asked, curious.
"Know him?" The vendor laughed. "In all the surrounding villages, who doesn’t know Chen Laodaifu? My wife nearly died last year from a Wind-Cold illness after childbirth—only the old master saved her. He’s a true miracle doctor around here!"
"Then, uh… can you give us a discount on the meat?" Wang Da An asked, seizing the moment.
"Discount? Of course!"
In the end, the vendor wiped off the odd bit—saving Lu Qing three cash.
After buying the meat, Lu Qing and Wang Da An kept wandering through the bustling market. Before long, they’d piled up a huge load of goods.
Mainly grain and daily necessities. Grain was by far the biggest purchase.
In addition, Lu Qing bought some vegetable seeds and thread. He wanted to grow more vegetables in the yard—no more digging for wild greens every day. And the thread? His old iron-fishhook was worn thin and barely holding together. He needed backups.
He’d also seen fish stalls. Asked the price, and found fish was even cheaper than pork. But then it made sense—among the poor, fat was precious. So even pork was often more valuable when it was fatty. Fish, lacking fat and not filling, was hardly worth the price. Only the rich nobles could afford to eat fish for the taste.
For common folk, if they had a choice, they’d still pick pork over fish any day.
By the time they’d finished shopping, Lu Qing’s six hundred and fifty copper coins were already gone half. He bought two large bamboo baskets, then together they carried and hauled everything—back on their shoulders, in their arms—until they finally had all their purchases secured.
With heavy steps, the two set off back toward the village.
(End of Chapter)
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