Chapter 35: Mutual Probing, A Massive Shopping Spree

“Young Master, are you saying your master is that Old Doctor Chen?”

The smile had vanished from Master Ma's face, replaced by a look of gravity.

“It seems that is how the villagers all address the old gentleman,” Lu Qing replied, his tension easing slightly.

“That's right, Master Ma. This little brother of mine goes to Old Doctor Chen every day to study and learn,” Wang Da'an added, seizing the opportunity to chime in.

Master Ma scrutinized Lu Qing and Wang Da'an before suddenly breaking into a smile.

“So you are a high disciple of Old Doctor Chen. I have been disrespectful.”

Master Ma bowed solemnly to Lu Qing. Startled, Lu Qing took two steps back and waved his hands in a flustered manner.

“I cannot be called a high disciple. I am merely learning a bit about medicinal herbs from my master; I don't even know how to treat patients yet.”

Seeing Lu Qing's honesty, Master Ma couldn't help but chuckle.

“Regardless, I was disrespectful to you just now. How about this: I will pay for the meat you are buying at this stall.”

“I cannot do that,” Lu Qing shook his head repeatedly. “One should not accept rewards without merit. My master taught me that I must not take things from others indiscriminately.”

“But I truly did offend you just now. Let this meat serve as my apology to you.”

However, no matter what Master Ma said, Lu Qing continued to shake his head, resolutely refusing to let him pay.

Beside him, Wang Da'an's eyes widened. This was the first time he had seen Master Ma treat someone with such courtesy, and that person was his little brother, Lu Qing.

Seeing Lu Qing constantly refuse Master Ma's gift, Wang Da'an grew anxious. That was over ten pounds of meat; most people would jump at the chance to get it for free. What was A-Qing thinking?

Despite his anxiety, Wang Da'an did not speak up on Lu Qing's behalf. He knew Lu Qing could read and had been taught by the old doctor, so he certainly knew more than he did. If Lu Qing refused, he must have his reasons.

Seeing that Lu Qing would not accept the apology, Master Ma had a sudden idea and smiled again.

“You are indeed a kind-hearted young man, worthy of being Old Doctor Chen's disciple. How about this: I saw you struggling with the change for that silver just now. Why don't I help you break it?”

Upon hearing this, the butcher quickly chimed in, “That's right, young master! In this place, Master Ma is likely the only one capable of breaking that silver for you.”

After a moment of hesitation, Lu Qing nodded. “Then I shall trouble you, Master Ma.”

As Lu Qing produced the silver, Master Ma took it. Seeing that it was high-quality snowflake silver, his belief in Lu Qing's words grew. An ordinary village youth would have no way of obtaining such fine silver.

After weighing it, Master Ma smiled. “This silver is about six mace. Converted to copper coins, it should be around six hundred pieces.”

Master Ma took a cloth pouch from his person, pulled out two small strings of copper coins, and handed the pouch to Lu Qing.

“The coins in here should be equivalent to your silver. Go ahead and count them.”

Lu Qing took the pouch and began counting without ceremony.

Wang Da'an wanted to help, but knowing he was poor at math, he realized he would only cause confusion if he tried. He could only stand by in frustration.

Lu Qing pulled out the coins and counted them rapidly.

Watching him, Master Ma's eyes narrowed slightly. It was rare for rural folk to be literate; being able to recognize numbers up to one hundred was already quite an achievement. Judging by the speed at which Lu Qing counted, it was clear that mathematics posed no difficulty for him. He became increasingly convinced that Lu Qing was indeed the doctor's disciple.

Soon, Lu Qing finished counting. He looked up. “It seems to be more than that.”

There were a total of six hundred and fifty copper coins in the pouch. Based on the exchange rate of one tael of silver to one thousand copper coins, there were fifty extra.

“It’s not too much. Your silver is of excellent quality; giving you fifty extra is only right,” Master Ma smiled.

Lu Qing thought for a moment and did not refuse again. He knew Master Ma was showing goodwill, and since he had already refused several times, he couldn't keep being so dismissive. Besides, this was an opportunity to learn more about the outside world.

“The money has been exchanged, so you can shop with peace of mind. By the way, I haven't caught your name?” Master Ma asked.

“My name is Lu Qing,” Lu Qing said, then pointed to the man beside him. “This is Da'an, from my village.”

“Master Ma, my name is Wang Da'an,” Wang Da'an said somewhat obsequiously.

“Wang Da'an, eh? Not bad.”

Master Ma could tell that Wang Da'an was just an ordinary village youth, but he nodded with practiced grace. That alone was enough to make Wang Da'an flush with excitement.

“Little brother Lu Qing, I wish you a pleasant time here. I have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave.”

Master Ma was a man who understood boundaries; he did not use the opportunity to follow Lu Qing around, choosing instead to maintain a respectful distance. Lu Qing was pleased with this. While he intended to befriend Master Ma, not right now. At this moment, their status was not equal. He was only being held in high regard because of his identity as "Old Doctor Chen's disciple."

Once Master Ma had left, Lu Qing returned to the meat stall.

“Boss, can I buy the meat now?”

“Of course!” The butcher beamed. “Young master, so you really are Old Doctor Chen's apprentice! No wonder you are so distinguished looking!”

Lu Qing looked down at his patched clothes and felt speechless. *This* was distinguished looking?

“What, you know Old Doctor Chen too?” Wang Da'an asked curiously.

“What are you saying? In these ten miles and eight villages, who doesn't know Old Doctor Chen? My wife caught a chill after childbirth last year and nearly died; it was the Old Doctor who cured her. He's a famous divine physician in this area!”

“In that case, shouldn't you give us a discount on the meat?” Wang Da'an seized the chance.

“A discount? Of course, a discount!”

In the end, the butcher waived the remainder and charged Lu Qing three wen less.

After buying the meat, Lu Qing and Wang Da'an continued to wander through the market. Before long, they had purchased a large pile of goods, mostly grain and daily necessities. Grain was their biggest expense.

In addition to those, Lu Qing bought some vegetable seeds and sewing supplies. He bought seeds so he could grow more vegetables in his courtyard; he couldn't rely on foraging for wild greens every time. As for the sewing supplies, the large iron needle he used for fishhooks was becoming worn out, and he wanted to make more as spares.

Lu Qing also saw fish being sold at the market. He asked the price and found it was even cheaper than pork. It made sense; for the commoners of this world, fat was vital, so even pork was more expensive when the fatty parts were sold. Fish had little oil and wasn't very filling. Only wealthy nobles would pay a premium for fish just for the taste. For commoners, if given a choice, they would much rather eat pork than fish.

After these purchases, more than half of Lu Qing's six hundred and fifty copper coins were gone. He bought two large bamboo back-baskets, and after some heavy lifting and carrying, they finally managed to gather everything.

With heavy steps, the two of them left the market and began the walk back to the village.

(End of Chapter)