Opportunity to Make Money

Patriarch Zhang of the Zhang family in the East District had a son who died and needed to be kept at the Mortuary before burial.

Suddenly, the Mortuary became lively.

Originally, there were only five people in the Mortuary, plus Wu the Unvirtuous, who occasionally showed up.

But on this day, almost all fifty-plus members of the Mortuary were present.

The Mortuary, from top to bottom, was thoroughly cleaned, and everyone was busy.

Bai Yu was taken aback and pulled Zhu Tong aside to ask:

"Tong-ge, why are so many people here today?"

Zhu Tong lowered his voice and said:

"Word on the street – but don't spread it around – the Zhang family is coming to keep the body here, and there's reward money for everyone."

"The Zhang family is generous. Five taels for the supervisors, one tael for the workers, and two hundred copper coins for us little errand boys."

Bai Yu immediately understood. No one comes to work, but everyone shows up to collect money.

Zhu Tong then said mysteriously:

"And I heard that this ritual requires a Suona band, especially a skilled Suona player."

"If they play well, the reward money will be at least five taels."

Five taels of silver!

Bai Yu put on a nonchalant expression.

We immortals have always regarded money as dirt.

But Bai Yu happened to need that dirt.

The Zhang family was too generous.

And this was exactly the starting capital he desperately needed.

Bai Yu grabbed Zhu Tong and hurriedly asked:

"Tong-ge, tell me everything you know about recruiting this Suona band."

Zhu Tong laughed:

"I knew you'd be interested."

"The Zhang family's son was a martial arts prodigy, becoming a Third-Rank Martial Artist at a young age."

"But he suddenly died, and his eyes wouldn't even close after death."

"Patriarch Zhang is heartbroken, practically dying of grief."

Bai Yu asked curiously:

"Then what does this have to do with the Suona player?"

Zhu Tong said:

"Patriarch Zhang's beloved son died, so naturally, he wants a grand funeral."

"I heard the Zhang family is planning to arrange a Suona band every li from the city gate to the Mortuary."

"Our Mortuary will naturally have to provide a Suona band as well."

Bai Yu's expression turned serious:

"It seems the requirements for the Suona band are very high."

"Of course, at least they have to be experienced Suona veterans to be selected. I won't talk to you anymore; I'm going to hang some lanterns."

Zhu Tong took the white lanterns and began to busy himself inside and out.

Bai Yu swept while his mind raced.

Five taels of silver in reward money, and the chance to send off a Third-Rank Martial Artist.

It had to be said, the temptation was too great.

He had to compete for this Suona player spot.

Before long, Daoist Lin Jiu gathered everyone and said:

"I believe everyone knows that the Zhang family needs a Suona band, and the Suona player is the most important."

"If you play well, the Zhang family's reward money will naturally be substantial."

"Who is willing to join this Suona band?"

A Mortuary naturally needs a Suona band.

Immediately, several people stepped forward: drummers, gong players, and Sheng players.

Bai Yu also stepped forward with his Suona, along with two other Suona players.

Just then, a sarcastic voice came from behind:

"These young people nowadays really don't understand the market. How old are you, daring to join in?"

The crowd followed the sound and saw a gaunt, middle-aged man wearing a leather hat and carrying a suona at his waist.

He held a wine jar in his hand, reeking of alcohol.

Someone in the crowd immediately recognized him:

"Liu Yiqu, he's here too! He's the only one for the suona."

"Liu Yiqu, formerly the chief suona player at the Hundred Virtues Funeral Home. His 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' is a masterpiece."

"I heard that his 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' actually attracted flocks of birds to pay homage."

The Hundred Virtues Funeral Home was filled with people who got in through connections.

But some of these people actually had some skill, and Liu Yiqu was one of them.

Seeing Liu Yiqu come out, the other two suona players immediately withdrew.

"Master Liu is here, we'll step back then."

"Master Liu, this job is for you."

Bai Yu was a little confused. Was Liu Yiqu really that famous?

However, this funeral procession involved a Third-Rank Martial Artist and a five tael silver reward.

Bai Yu wouldn't give up so easily.

Besides, when it came to playing the suona, he wasn't afraid of anyone.

He stood his ground, not planning to withdraw.

At this moment, Liu Yiqu staggered drunkenly to Bai Yu:

"Boy, are you deaf? Didn't you hear? The suona player position is mine, Liu Yiqu's!"

Bai Yu said calmly:

"Since Daoist Lin Jiu asked everyone to step forward and compete, there's no saying it's definitely anyone's."

"Whoever is more suitable has to be compared first."

Liu Yiqu laughed:

"Boy, you're cocky enough. Young people these days are really too arrogant."

"How many years have you been playing the suona? You dare to compare with me, Liu Yiqu?"

The others also burst into laughter:

"Haha, this kid is new here and doesn't know how powerful he is."

"Boy, don't embarrass yourself, step down."

"You? Compete with Liu Yiqu? Can you play 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix'?"

Zhu Tong, who was always on good terms with Bai Yu, hurriedly stepped forward and tugged at Bai Yu's sleeve.

"Xiao Bai, Brother Liu is a senior, his suona skills are very powerful, you are no match for him, give up."

Bai Yu gritted his teeth and said:

"I won't give up. At least give me a fair chance to compete. Even if I lose, I'll be satisfied."

He had full confidence in his suona playing skills.

Even at funerals for wealthy families, he had heard the suona players, and they weren't necessarily better than him.

Daoist Lin Jiu looked at Bai Yu and hesitated.

Frankly, he didn't think Bai Yu, a young lad, could compare to Liu Yiqu.

If they really competed, it would only make Bai Yu lose even more face.

Just then, Wu the Unvirtuous walked in from outside.

"Compete for what? Compete for what?"

"Bai Yu, what's your status? You dare to ask for fairness?"

"The suona player spot is decided for Lao Liu."

He and Liu Yiqu had both gotten in through connections and were usually closer, so naturally, he would look after Liu Yiqu.

The other drummers and gong players were also more familiar with Liu Yiqu and expressed their support.

Bai Yu was about to argue when Wu the Unvirtuous glared at him:

"My uncle is in charge of this Mortuary. Don't want to work here anymore, do you?"

Bai Yu had no choice but to put down the suona in his hand and silently retreat.

The Mortuary position was very important to him.

Now was not the time to clash with Wu the Unvirtuous.

Liu Yiqu, having secured the spot, grinned from ear to ear:

"Old Wu is still the most generous. I'll treat you to a drink at the Yihong Brothel one of these days."

Liu Yiqu and Wu the Unvirtuous exchanged a hearty laugh, while the others flattered them with compliments.

The atmosphere in the room was lively.

Only Bai Yu stood aside, watching with cold eyes.

Zhu Tong and Mangzi, worried that Bai Yu might be upset, quickly pulled him aside.

Zhu Tong said, "Don't be angry, Xiao Bai. They all have connections; we can't afford to offend them."

"Besides, Liu Yiqu's suona playing is indeed impressive. You really can't compare."

Bai Yu smiled faintly, "It's fine, I'm not in a hurry."

As someone who has achieved immortality, why would he care about a single day or night?

He would watch them build their towers, watch them feast their guests, and watch their towers crumble.