Choice

The terms offered by Manager Wang of Wang's Ginseng Shop could not have been more generous.

Six taels of silver a month in wages, plus an additional Blood-Qi Powder worth two taels on the market.

Furthermore, any medicinal herbs Lu Chen needed for martial training in the future would be sold to him at a thirty percent discount by the Yam Herb Shop.

Once these terms were laid out, not only Lu Chen, but even Chen Chong beside him could not help raising his brows.

"Manager Wang has truly gone all out this time."

The path of martial arts lay not only in training, but also in nourishment.

Qi and blood never sprang forth from thin air.

Tempering one's sinews and bones and circulating one's qi and blood every day consumed an enormous amount of energy. Without medicinal soups, meat, and nourishing powders to replenish oneself, the harder one trained, the deeper the body's deficit became.

Why were ordinary outer courtyard disciples unable to break through for so long?

It was not because their talent fell short, nor because they did not work hard enough.

More often than not, they had no money for medicine, no money for meat, and simply could not nourish their qi and blood.

The thirty percent discount on medicinal herbs seemed like merely spending three tenths less silver, but over time, it could save Lu Chen a considerable sum.

Naturally, Lu Chen understood this.

The terms offered by the Huang Family were indeed tempting, and they were also one of the county town's great families. As the saying went, beneath a great tree, one found good shade.

But even a small courtyard in the city would cost at least a hundred taels.

Though the Huang Family could advance half the purchase price for him, he would still have to pay the other half himself.

That would still come to around fifty taels.

He had only just broken through, and he did not have a single coin to his name. If he truly went into debt to the Huang Family just to buy a house, it might seem like he had taken one step into the city, but in truth, another rope would already be around his neck.

Bringing Father and Mother into the city cannot be rushed.

Lu Chen thought to himself.

First, save money. First, get a firm foothold.

The terms offered by the Yam Herb Shop may not sound as glorious as the Huang Family's, but they are all tangible things I can actually get my hands on.

Silver, Blood-Qi Powder, discounted medicinal herbs.

Every one of them was precisely what he needed most right now.

Lu Chen made up his mind to join the Yam Herb Shop.

However, he did not agree at once.

Because he thought of Senior Brother Chen Chong and his family.

Had it not been for the two taels of silver the Chen Family had previously given him, allowing him to drink a bowl of Tiger-Bone Body-Strengthening Soup every day this month, his Azure Dragon Through-the-Arms Fist might not have reached minor mastery so quickly, nor might he have broken through to Blood Moving in one stroke.

He had always remembered this kindness.

Lu Chen turned to Chen Chong and said quietly, "Senior Brother Chen, about taking an affiliated position... I want to ask you something."

Chen Chong glanced at him. Knowing that Lu Chen might not be able to make up his mind, he understood that Lu Chen wanted to discuss it with him.

"Come, let's talk over there."

The two stepped back several paces, avoiding the gazes of Wang Shouyi, Han Qi, and the others.

Lu Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "Senior Brother Chen, I previously accepted assistance from your Chen Family. If I now turn around and take an affiliated position at Wang's Ginseng Shop, would that..."

Before he could finish, Chen Chong raised a hand to stop him.

"Junior Brother Lu, if it is this matter, you need not worry."

Chen Chong looked at Lu Chen with a smile.

"My Chen Family supported you not to bind you with those two taels of silver."

"Our Chen Family did it to make a friend of you."

Those words eased Lu Chen's heart.

After all, the terms offered by the Yam Herb Shop were certainly beyond what the Chen Family could match. That had left Lu Chen caught between personal obligation and his future prospects.

Chen Chong continued, "If you had not found a suitable place today, my Chen Family would naturally welcome you to take an affiliated position with us. But now, the terms offered by Wang's Ginseng Shop truly suit you better."

"They can give you discounted medicinal herbs and Blood-Qi Powder. These are all things you need most right now."

Lu Chen said softly, "Without the silver you all gave me, Senior Brother, I might not have broken through so quickly. Perhaps I would have..."

Chen Chong shook his head. "That was then, this is now."

"Helping you is one thing. Blocking your path to wealth is another."

His tone grew more earnest. "Junior Brother Lu, for a martial artist's cultivation, silver and medicinal herbs are both indispensable. You come from a mountain village, and you still have parents to care for at home. Naturally, our Chen Family will not make you cast aside such a good opportunity for nothing."

Lu Chen looked at Chen Chong, deeply moved.

He had originally thought that if he chose the Yam Herb Shop, the Chen Family would be somewhat displeased.

Yet there was not the slightest hint in Chen Chong's words of demanding repayment for a favor.

Chen Chong patted his shoulder and added, "Besides, my Chen Family will continue supporting you in the future."

Lu Chen abruptly looked up. "What?"

Chen Chong smiled. "My father has already decided that we will give you four taels in monthly wages from now on."

"This..."

Lu Chen was stunned for a moment.

The Chen Family's previous monthly support of two taels had already left him immensely grateful.

Now, they were directly doubling it.

Moreover, Chen Chong's meaning was clear: they did not require him to do anything for the Chen Family.

Lu Chen could not help saying, "Senior Brother Chen, this is not appropriate. I have already taken an affiliated position at the Yam Herb Shop, and if I accept the Chen Family's silver as well..."

"What is inappropriate about it?"

Chen Chong interrupted him. His tone was relaxed, yet firm.

"Wang's Ginseng Shop is inviting you to take an affiliated position because they are paying for your status as a martial artist and your future service."

"My Chen Family is giving you wages because we think highly of you and wish to forge a good connection in advance."

He paused, then smiled. "Besides, we are fellow disciples. If I ask you for help in the future, would you refuse to help me?"

"Of course not," Lu Chen immediately said.

"Then there you have it."

Chen Chong said, "My father is more shrewd in business than either of us. Since he is willing to give it, he naturally has his reasons. If you truly feel indebted, then train hard in martial arts. Once you become a true expert someday, my Chen Family will benefit from your glory as well."

Lu Chen solemnly clasped his fists toward Chen Chong. "Many thanks, Senior Brother Chen."

Chen Chong stopped him. "We are fellow disciples and brothers. If you keep being so formal, I will get angry."

Lu Chen made a solemn promise instead. "I, Lu Chen, have nothing with which to repay the Chen Family right now."

"But if Senior Brother needs anything in the future, so long as it does not go against my principles, I will surely do my utmost."

Seeing how serious he was, Chen Chong had initially wanted to make a joke, but the words reached his lips and were swallowed back down.

He nodded and smiled. "Fine. With those words from you, I can give my father an account when I return."

Then Chen Chong turned his head toward Wang Shouyi, who was waiting in the courtyard. "Go on. Manager Wang has nearly emptied his coffin savings just to win you over today. Do not keep him waiting too long."

A smile appeared on Lu Chen's face. "All right."

The two returned to the others.

Seeing Lu Chen come back, Wang Shouyi hurriedly asked, "Lu Chen, have you considered it?"

Lu Chen looked at him and clasped his fists. "Manager Wang, I am grateful for your esteem. Lu Chen is willing to take an affiliated position at the Yam Herb Shop."

Joy immediately appeared on Wang Shouyi's face.

"Good! Good!"

He said "good" twice in succession, as though a great stone had finally been lifted from his heart.

Chen Chong added from the side, "Manager Wang, the terms you just mentioned must all be written into the contract."

Wang Shouyi immediately replied, "Naturally! Six taels in monthly wages, one Blood-Qi Powder, and a thirty percent discount on medicinal herbs. This old man will not leave out a single item. I will write them all in."

Lu Chen nodded.

At that moment, he suddenly felt a sense of solidity in his heart.

Six taels from the Yam Herb Shop, four taels from the Chen Family.

Together, that made ten taels of silver every month. It was already on par with the monthly wages the Huang Family gave Shi Hao.

Since transmigrating into this world, Lu Chen had never possessed so much money.

Having money feels so good! Lu Chen sighed inwardly.

Seeing Lu Chen ultimately choose Wang's Ginseng Shop, Huang Jue snapped his folding fan shut with a smack, a trace of chilliness surfacing in his eyes.

"Just as expected of a mud-legged peasant. Poor, and short-sighted."

He sneered, his tone full of contempt. "Lu Chen, you refused the Huang Family's door today. If you wish to enter it again in the future, it will not be so easy."

With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.