Chapter 29: Wu Zhong, Manager of the Fish Market

Time always seems to fly when one is busy.

By the time Chen Jie finished transcribing the introductions of several medicinal herbs twenty times over, it was nearly evening, and the sun was already dipping toward the horizon.

Wisps of cooking smoke rose from the chimneys of the Bai family home. Wu Zhong had also returned from the fish market, carrying quite a few items in his hands.

There was the town's most famous Lotus White liquor, a roast chicken, a package of braised pork knuckles, and two packages of fried peanuts.

In this era, these were considered top-tier snacks for drinking; an ordinary family might not even taste such things during the Lunar New Year.

Yet, for Wu Zhong, who held power within the fish market, these were merely everyday accompaniments to his drinks.

"Father."

Dr. Bai was inspecting the assignment Chen Jie had submitted. He checked it very thoroughly and was quite satisfied; Chen Jie's handwriting was neat, and though not particularly beautiful, his diligence was evident in every stroke, without a hint of sloppiness.

Wu Zhong approached to greet Dr. Bai. Dr. Bai looked up and said, "You're back."

"Mhm."

Wu Zhong held great respect for Dr. Bai. Years ago, he had been nothing more than an apprentice under the doctor. Had it not been for Dr. Bai's appreciation—which led to the doctor entrusting him with his daughter, utilizing his connections, and helping him navigate the fishing guilds—how could Wu Zhong have attained such a respectable position?

It could be said that everything Wu Zhong had achieved today was due to the patronage of his father-in-law.

Furthermore, Dr. Bai treated him with more than just kindness; he treated him with respect, the most significant proof of which was Wu Hong.

Logically, since Wu Zhong had married into the family, his children should have taken the surname Bai. However, Dr. Bai had refused, naming the child Wu Hong instead.

To Wu Zhong, this was an immense favor that preserved his dignity while helping him secure wealth and status. How could he not be grateful?

Looking at Chen Jie, his father had also married into a family, but his maternal grandfather had forcefully changed his surname to Chen and even recorded him in the family genealogy, treating him as a member of the Chen clan.

Normally, Chen Jie should have taken his father's surname, Xie, and called the old Chen men "Second Uncle," treating them as maternal uncles.

However, his grandfather's dominance changed everything. Chen Jie became a member of the Chen family, while his father merely functioned as an appendage. It was no wonder his father had become self-destructive; beyond his inherent lack of ambition, there was likely the matter of suppressed dignity leading to a "broken pot" mentality.

Comparing Chen Jie's father to Wu Hong's father—both having experienced marrying into a family—their outcomes were worlds apart. One couldn't help but lament that even among people of the same kind, fates differ wildly.

"Mhm, very good."

Having finished checking the assignment, Dr. Bai looked up, handed it back to Chen Jie, and then turned to Wu Zhong.

"Jiu Si, let me introduce you. This is Wu Zhong, Hong'er's father."

"Zhong'er, this is Chen Jiu Si, my new apprentice."

Hearing this, Wu Zhong broke into a wide grin. "Hahaha... Jiu Si, I know you! Thank you so much for saving my father yesterday. Otherwise, our family wouldn't have been able to keep going. I won't say too much, but I happened to buy a jar of Lotus White today. We must have a good drink, haha..."

Wu Zhong was a rugged man, standing about 1.8 meters tall with broad shoulders and a thick build. His skin was somewhat dark, giving him a simple, honest appearance. Though he was in his forties and had a protruding belly, he still possessed the fierce aura of a martial artist.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jie immediately replied, "Uncle Wu, you are too kind. As soon as I entered the door, the whole family thanked me. It was merely a small matter; I believe anyone else would have done the same. It isn't a great favor, so if you keep saying that, you'll truly make me blush."

Wu Zhong glanced at Dr. Bai, a hint of surprise in his eyes. To be so young and not be arrogant about his achievements—that was rare.

Nowadays, many young people would let their heads swell with even the slightest praise, but Chen Jiu Si possessed an extraordinary maturity.

Interacting with him felt very comfortable.

Wu Zhong's first impression of Chen Jie was quite good. As they chatted further, Chen Jie spoke with poise and grace, knowing exactly when to advance or retreat. Wu Zhong nodded, increasingly satisfied; the boy was not a frivolous person.

His old man's eye for talent was still as sharp as ever.

"Time to eat!"

As they were conversing, Mrs. Bai called out that dinner was ready. Nearby, Wu Hong was the first to drop his brush and dash into the house.

"Mother, let me help you carry the food."

"Sigh... Wu Hong, have you finished transcribing your meridian charts?"

Dr. Bai frowned. Wu Hong's voice drifted from the kitchen: "Oh, almost! I'll finish them after I eat."

Dr. Bai's expression turned stern. "Zhong'er!"

Wu Zhong replied, "Yes, I know, Father!"

With that, Wu Zhong entered the house and quickly dragged Wu Hong back out.

"Finish them now. You aren't allowed to eat until you're done. That's your grandfather's rule."

Wu Zhong pressed Wu Hong down onto a stool. Wu Hong looked toward the kitchen with a bitter face at Mrs. Bai, who said, "Your grandfather has spoken; no one can save you. Get to work."

Having said that, Mrs. Bai looked at Chen Jie. "Come, Jiu Si, time to eat."

Wu Zhong also walked over and said, "Come, Jiu Si, have a drink with me."

"I... I think I'll pass."

As Chen Jie declined, Dr. Bai interjected, "If I tell you to eat, then eat. What kind of master doesn't provide meals for his apprentice?"

Apprenticeships in this era followed specific rules: three years of learning and two years of service. During the apprenticeship, food and lodging were provided, but no wages were paid. Once trained, if one used the craft to earn money, they were expected to show filial piety to their master to ensure the teaching wasn't in vain.

As he spoke, Dr. Bai added, "Jiu Si, give me a hand."

Chen Jie immediately helped Dr. Bai to the table. Dr. Bai looked at Mrs. Bai and said, "Pack a few of these steamed buns for later. Jiu Si has two people at home. The man is here learning a trade and not earning money; how is his wife supposed to survive at home?"

"Yes, Father, I've already packed them."

Mrs. Bai nodded. Chen Jie immediately said, "Master, this..."

Dr. Bai waved him off. "Since you are my apprentice, I must take care of you. Ask Wu Zhong—when he learned from me, didn't he get both food and extra perks?"

Wu Zhong laughed as well. "Haha... the old man is right. Jiu Si, back in my day, I didn't just get food and perks; I even swindled a girl away! So just learn from the old man; you won't go hungry."

"Hey! Why do you have to say everything out loud!"

Mrs. Bai, who was serving the dishes, shot a glare at the irreverent Wu Zhong. Wu Zhong chuckled, "It's not like there are strangers here."

Watching the family bicker and play, Chen Jie felt a sense of warmth. He couldn't help but glance at Dr. Bai.

Sensing Chen Jie's awkwardness, Dr. Bai smiled. "Why are you looking at me like that? I don't have a daughter or a granddaughter to marry off to you!"

At this, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright, sit down and eat."

Mrs. Bai ushered everyone to the table. Wu Zhong sat next to Dr. Bai, with Chen Jie on the other side. Mrs. Bai sat opposite them, and Wu Hong, having just finished his meridian charts, sat with his hands hanging low.

Dinner was served.

(End of Chapter)