Zhou An saw the expression on the middle-aged blacksmith's face and thought that this matter was basically settled.
In An Ding County, having a constable watching your back made things much easier.
Sure enough, after the blacksmith's eyes lit up, he cautiously asked, "Sir, do you truly mean that? As long as you join the trade, our blacksmith shop will have your protection?"
Zhou An nodded. "As long as it is within my authority, come find me and I will help you."
The middle-aged blacksmith gritted his teeth. "How much will you charge?"
The constables of An Ding County had extorted plenty from the common people.
Although they never took much at a time, and sometimes it was nothing more than a few trifles that did not really hurt anyone.
Over time, though, they had earned no good reputation among the people.
It was only natural for the middle-aged blacksmith to ask such a question.
Zhou An shook his head. "I have already made it clear. I will not take a single coin from you. I only came here to learn blacksmithing."
"Provide me with a place, and I will come here every day at noon to learn."
After confirming again and again that Zhou An truly had no other demands, the middle-aged blacksmith finally relaxed. "Sir, I will teach you tomorrow."
He did not continue asking why Zhou An wanted to learn blacksmithing. Such matters belonged to officials, and he would not pry.
What common folk cared about most was profit.
"Teach me today," Zhou An said.
Better sooner than later. Since he was here, he might as well learn something.
Zhao Tie had not expected Zhou An to be in such a hurry, but he did not waste words. He led Zhou An to a small workbench nearby.