The market at dusk is not over yet.
Tu Dazhu was walking to the shop carrying a basket of vegetables and meat. When passing by the west street entrance, he heard the sound of an argument.
Several gangsters gathered around a calligraphy and painting stall. Behind the stall stood a thin, middle-aged scholar, protecting the girl behind him. The girl was about sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing a half-worn light blue sarong, and holding a writing brush in her hand.
"Scholar Liu, you're not good at painting." The leading ruffian, Scarface, reached out to touch the painting on the stall, "This bamboo painting is so soft and boring."
"Please, please don't touch..." Scholar Liu wanted to stop him, but Scarface pushed him away.
"Dad!" The girl hurriedly supported her father.
The scar-faced man chuckled and turned to approach the girl, "Young lady, you're so pretty. What kind of calligraphy and paintings are you selling? Are you going to have tea with your brothers?"
"What are you doing!" Scholar Liu was anxious and angry.
Tu Dazhu stopped.
He looked at the basket, then at the father and daughter, and finally his eyes fell on Scarface. Scarface was reaching out to touch the girl's face.
"Stop."
Tu Dazhu's voice is not high, but deep.
Scarface turned around and saw a one-armed man, and sneered, "Hey, you want to meddle in your own business even if you are disabled?"
Tu Dazhu said nothing, put down the basket and walked over. He was tall, and although he only had one left hand, when he stood there, he had an aura tempered on the battlefield.
Scarface's eyes made him feel frightened, but he still said firmly, "Go away, don't seek death!"
Tu Dazhu still didn't speak, but just took a step forward.
Scarface was forced to panic, and he punched him. Tu Dazhu turned sideways, grabbed the opponent's wrist with one hand like lightning, twisted and pulled it - the grappling hand of the military middle school. Scarface screamed and half-knelt on the ground.
"Brother!" Three other gangsters came around.
Tu Dazhu let go of Scarface, took half a step back, bowed slightly, and held one hand in front of him to protect himself. That was the starting point for close combat in the military, simple and deadly.
The gangsters were suffocated by his murderous aura and looked at each other, no one dared to go first.
"Get lost." Tu Dazhu said.
Scarface got up and glared at him angrily: "Wait!" and ran away with the others.
Scholar Liu quickly bowed. "Thank you so much, warrior! Thank you so much!"
The girl also bowed and looked up at Tu Dazhu, her cheeks slightly red. "Thank you, brother, for saving me."
Tu Dazhu looked into those clear eyes and suddenly felt tongue-tied. "No, it's okay."
He bent down to pick up the basket and turned to leave.
"Stay behind, strong man!" Scholar Liu caught up, "May I know your name?"
"Tu Dazhu. at Qin Household Blacksmith Shop."
"It turns out they are from Master Qin." Scholar Liu suddenly said, "The old man's surname is Liu, and this is my little girl Wan'er. Today is all thanks to the warrior."
Tu Dazhu nodded and glanced at Liu Wan'er again. The girl was looking at him quietly, and when their eyes met, they both quickly looked away.
"I, I'm going back." Tu Dazhu finished speaking, carrying the basket and walking away quickly.
After walking very far, he stopped and touched his chest - his heart was beating a little fast.
***
In the backyard of the shop, Qin Tiexin is installing the last copper shaft into the knee joint of the prosthesis.
Zhou Cang sat aside and watched, giving instructions from time to time. "Add a gasket here, otherwise there will be noise when walking."
"Yeah." Qin Tiexin responded, his hands moving carefully.
When Tu Dazhu came back, his face was still a little unnaturally red.
"Did you buy it?" Qin Tiexin didn't even look up.
"Ah? Oh, I bought it. I bought it." Tu Dazhu put the basket in the kitchen, came out and squatted beside it to watch.
Qin Tiexin glanced at him. "What's wrong?"
"No, it's nothing." Tu Dazhu scratched his head.
Zhou Cang smiled, "Meet a girl?"
Tu Dazhu blushed even more.
Qin Tiexin didn't ask any more questions and continued with the work at hand. The main body of the prosthetic limb was made of hardwood covered with iron, the joints were connected with copper shafts, and the soles of the feet were made into curved surfaces. The areas that contact the residual limb were padded with thick soft leather and cotton.
"Teacher, try." Qin Tiexin stood up.
Zhou Cang stood up holding on to the table. Qin Tiexin and Tu Dazhu helped him put on his prosthesis and tighten his belt.
Let go.
Zhou Cang stood, steady. He tried to walk - stiff and awkward, but he could indeed walk. He no longer had to rely entirely on crutches.
He took a few steps slowly and made a small circle in the yard.
"Okay." Zhou Cang only said one word, but there was light in his eyes.
The iron hand of Tu Dazhu has also been improved. Now it can hold the hammer handle more steadily. Although it cannot do fine work, it can pull the bellows and move iron materials no problem.
From that day on, the division of labor in the shop became clearer. Qin Tiexin was the main hammer, taking over the customization and Repair work. Tu Dazhu helped with the rough work with his iron hands. Zhou Cang walked around with prosthetic legs to give guidance, and Zhou Nan learned to pull bellows and identify iron materials.
One afternoon, there was not much work in the shop. Qin Tiexin and Zhou Cang were sitting in the backyard drinking tea.
"Teacher," Qin Tiexin suddenly said, "Tell me, is it right or wrong for Heavenly Craft Workshop to strike iron like that?"
Zhou Cang glanced at him. "Why do you think of asking this?"
"When I was at the Northern Army, I saw that many ordnances were made by Heavenly Craft Workshop." Qin Tiexin said, "Standard knives and standard guns, batch after batch, all look the same. But they are no problem to use, they are strong, cheap, and can equip tens of thousands of people."
"Hmm." Zhou Cang took a sip of tea foam, "Then what?"
"I used to think that in blacksmithing, you have to work hard with each hammer as the master taught you." Qin Tiexin said, "But on the battlefield, what soldiers want is not a beautiful knife, but a knife that can kill the enemy, is not easy to break, and can be replaced at any time if it breaks."
Zhou Cang put down the tea bowl. "So you figured it out?"
Qin Tiexin nodded. "Heavenly Craft Workshop has their own way. Our Qin Household shop has our own way."
"What way?"
"They make quantity, we make quality." Qin Tiexin said very slowly, as if he was clarifying his thoughts, "They make cheap daily iron tools for the army and the people. We make good, special things for those who need them, things that they can't make."
Zhou Cang smiled, "As long as you have figured it out. There are two types of blacksmiths in this world: one is a craftsman, and the other is a craftsman. Heavenly Craft Workshop is a craftsman, and we are craftsmen. The craftsman has his own way of life, and the craftsman has his own way of living."
From that day on, Qin Tiexin re-polished the sign of the shop and hung a small wooden sign next to it with three lines of words engraved on it:
"Undertake customized weapons and armors."
"Refining all types of ironware."
"Special forging, negotiable."
After the sign was put up, the people who came were indeed different.
First, several hunters asked for iron arrowheads for hunting bows, which required Penetration to be strong. Qin Tiexin gave them barbed triangular arrowheads, and the hunters were very satisfied after trying them.
Next, the instructor from the martial arts school in the city wanted to make a machete with a thick back. It should be heavy and the blade should be hard. Qin Tiexin used the method of stacking steel, and the sword was heavy in the hand Sharpness. When the instructor tried the knife, he broke three stacked green bricks with one blow.
Later, even Xiao Lineage from a nearby county sent people to customize swords for the nursing home.
Qin Tiexin will accept all requests. Please listen carefully, the materials used are solid, and the wages are fair. No customer is dissatisfied with the completed work.
The reputation of the shop gradually spread. Everyone knew that the young chef Qin Household Blacksmith Shop at the end of Dongshi Street was good at his craftsmanship, and his prices were honest, but he talked little.
My income has also become stable. I earn money every day. Although I am not very rich, it is more than enough to support four people.
***
Tu Dazhu started to go to Xijiekou often.
Sometimes I buy a piece of paper, sometimes I buy a piece of ink. I always stop in front of Scholar Liu's calligraphy and painting stall to take a look.
When Liu Wan'er sees him, he will smile and nod. The two of them don't talk much, but they make more eye contact.
On this day, Tu Dazhu came again. He stood in front of the stall and looked at a picture of orchids for a long time.
"Brother Tu, do you like this picture?" Liu Wan'er asked softly.
Tu Dazhu came to his senses and blushed slightly. "The painting... is beautiful."
"This was painted by my father." Liu Wan'er said, "He is the best at painting orchids."
Scholar Liu raised his head, looked at Tu Dazhu, said nothing, and continued writing with his head down.
Tu Dazhu stood for a while, took out the money bag from his arms, counted out fifty coins. "I, I will buy some ink."
Liu Wan'er took the money, wrapped a small piece of pine smoke ink ingot and handed it to him. When handing it over, he touched it lightly with his fingertips.
Tu Dazhu His hands shook, he took the ink stick, lowered his head and left in a hurry.
After walking out of the market, he held the ink ingot, his palms a little sweaty.
***
During dinner, Qin Tiexin asked, "Dazhu, why did you buy ink?"
Tu Dazhu hesitated.
Zhou Cang smiled, "In our shop, Nanzi learns to read and uses the cheapest ink sticks. What you bought is Songyan ink, right? That is a good ink for scholars."
Tu Dazhu is immersed in eating.
Qin Tiexin looked at him for a while, then put down the bowl. "Do you like this girl?"
Tu Dazhu paused and nodded.
"Then you have to propose marriage seriously." Qin Tiexin said, "How much money have you saved?"
"The two hundred taels of silver reward have not been touched. Including my military salary at the military camp, there are still more than ten taels."
"Two hundred taels is enough." Qin Tiexin said, "I will go with you tomorrow."
***
The next day, Qin Tiexin carried a cloth bag and went to Liu Household with Tu Dazhu.
Scholar Liu was stunned when he saw it was them when he opened the door.
"Mr. Liu, excuse me." Qin Tiexin handed over.
After entering the room and sitting down, Qin Tiexin opened the cloth bag. Inside was a set of iron study utensils: a pen holder, a paperweight, and an inkstone. The inkstone was made of iron. Qin Tiexin made it from iron last night, using the hollow method taught in [Illustrated Catalog of Ten Thousand Artifacts]. The surface was engraved with bamboo and stone pictures, and the lines were strong and powerful.
Scholar Liu picked up the inkstone and took a closer look, his eyes lit up. "Is this... made of iron?"
"Yes." Qin Tiexin said, "The inkstone is made of iron and has a hollow core inside, so the ink does not freeze in winter."
Scholar Liu stroked the lines and said after a while, "Master Qin's craftsmanship is excellent."
"I don't dare to take it seriously." Qin Tiexin said, "I came here mainly because of Dazhu's business."
Tu Dazhu stood up and bowed deeply to Scholar Liu: "Mr. Liu, I want to marry girl Wan'er."
The smile on Scholar Liu's face faded.
He put down the inkstone and was silent for a long time.
"Tu Zhuangshi," he spoke in a calm voice, "You were born in the army and are now an apprentice blacksmith. Wan'er may not be a lady, but she has also read books and knows etiquette. You... are not from the same place."
Tu Dazhu turned pale. "I will be good to her..."
"How?" Scholar Liu interrupted, "How can you give Wan'er a stable life with just one hand? How will you educate your children in the future?"
"I have a silver reward from the army." Tu Dazhu said anxiously, "I have wages in the shop, and I can earn more in the future!"
"Money is not everything." Scholar Liu shook his head, "Wan'er When you marry, you marry for your character, family tradition, and future. You..."
The curtain in the back room opened, and Liu Wan'er came out with red eyes. "Dad, I do."
"What do you know!" Scholar Liu rarely got angry, "Marriage is a major matter, parents' orders!"
Liu Wan'er burst into tears. "Brother Tu saved me, he is a good man..."
"There are so many good people!" Scholar Liu stood up, "Master Qin, Tu Zhuangshi, please come back."
Qin Tiexin also stood up and looked at Scholar Liu: "Mr. Liu, Dazhu had made military exploits in the Northern Army and lost his hand to save his comrades. He is honest, honest and willing to endure hardships. Two hundred taels of silver can buy a small courtyard in Ink City, which is enough for them to live a stable life. He can give you the stability you want."
Scholar Liu is silent.
"In this way," Qin Tiexin said, "The marriage is not urgent. Let Dazhu come around often and you can take a look. After three months, if you still feel that it is not possible, we will never mention it again."
Scholar Liu looked at his daughter's tearful eyes, then looked at Tu Dazhu's red face, and finally sighed.
"Three months."
Tu Dazhu's eyes lit up. "Thank you sir!"
***
From that day on, Tu Dazhu went to Liu Household every evening.
He carried water, chopped firewood, repaired the walls of the courtyard, and mended the roof. He talked little and just immersed himself in the work. When he was done, he didn't stay long, just drank some water and left.
Liu Wan'er would always whisper, "Don't be too tired" when pouring water for him.
Tu Dazhu just laughed, "I'm not tired."
Scholar Liu looked at him with cold eyes at first, but later occasionally let him sit in the room and ask a few questions about the military affairs. Tu Dazhu To be honest, when talking about the death of comrades in battle, his voice would become lower.
A month later, Scholar Liu's attitude softened.
That evening, Tu Dazhu finished chopping firewood and was about to leave. Scholar Liu called him to stop him.
"Tu Zhuangshi, can you play chess?"
Tu Dazhu was stunned. "No, it won't..."
"I'll teach you."
After that, Tu Dazhu played two games of chess with Scholar Liu after finishing his work every day. He learned slowly but seriously. He was not anxious even if he lost, and smiled naively, "Sir, you are awesome."
Liu Wan'er was making tea nearby and smiling.
Two months have passed, and Scholar Liu has never mentioned any disagreement.
On this day, Tu Dazhu finished playing chess and was about to leave. Scholar Liu suddenly said, "I agree to the marriage."
Tu Dazhu Stay where you are.
"You decide the date." After Scholar Liu said that, he turned around and entered the house.
Tu Dazhu stood in the yard and didn't move for a long time. Liu Wan'er came out with a red face. "You idiot, why don't you go back and tell Big Brother Qin?"
"Hey! Hey!" Tu Dazhu finally came to his senses and ran all the way back to the shop.
***
Heavenly Craft Workshop Chengxi store, Zhao Ming was lying on the counter with empty eyes.
He has been working here as a waiter for two months. Every day he sweeps the floor and wipes the tables, listens to the shopkeeper's scolding, and looks at the faces of the customers. His father has never visited him once.
Yesterday, he overheard two clerks chatting, saying that the shop owner was very happy to have a treasure, and he wanted to leave it to the young master Zhao Lang.
Spirit Awakening Pill!!
Zhao Ming I felt like something was broken in my heart at that time.
He remembered that when he was a child, his father taught him how to recognize iron materials and said that Heavenly Craft Workshop would be his from now on. But now? His father only has eyes for the little boy who is a few months old.
All are Qin Tiexin.
If it weren't for Qin Tiexin, the shop would have been obtained long ago, and his father would not have married another woman, and there would have been no children. Spirit Awakening Pill should be his.
Hatred tightened around his heart like poison ivy.
He began to pay attention to Qin Tiexin's whereabouts. He found that every five or six days, Qin Tiexin would leave the city in the evening to visit Emerald Cloud Mountain's grave.
Come back in an hour.
Zhao Ming stared at the Qin Household shop across the street, his eyes getting colder and colder.
He has to wait for an opportunity.
An opportunity to make Qin Tiexin pay.