pertwk Chapter 3 It's better to rely on yourself than on others
Chapter 3 It's better to rely on yourself than on others
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Over three days, Jiang Qi drew water during the day and absorbed moonlight at night, accumulating moonlight water and Li water.
Each bamboo tube, about the size of a thumb, was half full.
"That should be about right..."
Jiang Qi took three extra bamboo tubes, filled them with water, and then added a drop of moonlight water to dilute them.
The original effects of Moon Essence Water are too good; selling it directly could easily cause trouble. Diluting it before selling it makes it easier to sell and avoids attracting attention.
Once the water had been diluted sufficiently, Jiang Qi stood up and walked outside, intending to sell the water for money.
But after walking only a few steps, a person came running towards them.
"Qi-ge! Something terrible has happened!" Zhao Xiaoqi gasped for breath. "I just heard from Shui Tou that our Shui Fang is going to be merged into the Ironclad Gang!"
Ironclad Gang?
Jiang Qi stopped in his tracks.
Licheng is a melting pot of all sorts of people, with various gangs thriving.
On that day, two gangs were fighting at the alley entrance, and someone had his head broken. One side was the Qingshui Gang, and the other side was the Tieyi Gang.
The two gangs have existed in the western part of the city for more than ten years and have considerable influence. It is said that their leaders are martial arts masters who are indestructible and can break rocks with their bare hands.
Would such a large gang really be interested in a small water shop?
"Did Shui Tou say that?"
"Yes!" Zhao Xiaoqi nodded emphatically. "The waterman also said that the Ironclad Gang only wants their own people or those who have practiced martial arts; they don't want ordinary plumbers like us!"
"Brother Tan asked us for money a few days ago, and that's why he's in a hurry to practice martial arts."
Jiang Qi felt a slight unease.
He has been testing the two professional skills of the [Moonlight Envoy] in detail these days. [Leaving Water] is not limited to well water, but [Moonlight] needs to be applied to the surface of the well.
So if this well is really incorporated into the Ironclad Gang, then things will be troublesome.
The [Moonlight Envoy] doesn't specify which well, but every well in Licheng has an owner, so you can't just use it whenever you want.
Seeing Jiang Qi's face darken, Zhao Xiaoqi suddenly smiled and said, "But Brother Qi, rules are rules, but people are flexible. We don't need to worry."
I've found out everything. Shui Tou has a few openings for menial jobs in the Ironclad Gang. I've already given Shui Tou a tael of silver and secured two openings.
Jiang Qi was slightly surprised: "Where did you get so much money?"
He was single and had no family to feed, and he only had a few hundred coins on him. Zhao Xiaoqi's family had a sick mother and they were struggling financially every month. Let alone a tael of silver, it was already a blessing if they didn't go into debt.
Zhao Xiaoqi's eyes darted away for a moment, then he waved his hand and said, "Never mind that. Qi-ge, come with me to the water room to find the waterman and get this sorted out."
Jiang Qixin had some doubts, but seeing Zhao Xiaoqi's reaction, he nodded and said, "Okay, let's go together."
The two had only taken a few steps when another person came swaying over with his hands behind his back.
Tan Ming was visibly taken aback when he saw Jiang Qi and Zhao Xiaoqi.
"Are you alright?"
When he said that the martial arts school didn't want alum water, he wasn't bluffing.
He had been busy raising money for martial arts training at the martial arts school these past few days, so he hadn't come to the water shop. He never expected that when he came today, he would see that Jiang Qi and Zhao Xiaoqi were both well.
"What does Brother Tan mean by that?" Anyone would be upset to hear such words.
"It's nothing." Tan Ming smiled, not dwelling on it, and then said, "The Water Shop is going to be merged into the Ironclad Gang, and they only accept martial arts practitioners, have you heard?"
Zhao Xiaoqi remained silent.
"Since we've worked together for so long, I'll introduce you to a job."
"A menial job at Wanbaolou only costs five hundred coins as a referral fee. Don't underestimate this menial job; the monthly salary is higher than ours, a tael of silver!"
The monthly salary for a menial worker at Wanbaolou was one tael.
If Zhao Xiaoqi hadn't already made arrangements with Shui Tou for the Ironclad Gang, he might have been tempted.
"Such a good thing must be attracting a lot of attention. We're going, what about you, Brother Tan?"
Upon hearing this, Tan Ming's face flashed with smugness: "Me? I'm going to Zhenyuan Martial Arts School to officially start training tomorrow."
Zhao Xiaoqi was shocked; Tan Ming was actually going to practice martial arts.
Seeing Zhao Xiaoqi's reaction, Tan Ming's vanity was greatly satisfied.
Tan Ming is unreliable and not worth wasting time on. Jiang Qi paused for a moment, then said, "It's still uncertain whether Shuifang will be merged into the Ironclad Gang. As for Wanbaolou, Brother Tan, you can handle it yourself."
Tan Ming snorted and said, "It's fine if you don't go. However, things haven't been peaceful in the city lately, so you should avoid going out at night."
Haven't seen Old Liu for days, have you? Let me tell you, he encountered some evil spirit while walking alone at night the night before last, and he's gone!
Evil!
Unlike the demons outside the city, evil spirits are formless and intangible; they can breed resentment and yin energy, making them impossible to guard against.
It can appear anywhere in the city, even in a mansion, and ordinary people are terrified of it.
Tan Ming's sense of superiority intensified: "Evil spirits are scary, but after practicing martial arts, my qi and blood are vigorous, and evil spirits won't dare to approach me. You... better watch yourselves."
After saying that, he left with his hands behind his back.
"Don't think about these things, let's go to the water source first." Jiang Qi patted Xiao Qi, which brought her back to her senses.
"it is good."
......
Water room.
"Don't worry, that spot at the martial arts school is definitely yours."
Cui Yuan, the water spirit, weighed the silver in his hand with a broad smile.
In front of him was a young man.
This man, named Luo Yue, only arrived at the waterworks this year. He has the least seniority among all the waterworkers, but he is the most shrewd.
"Thank you, Shui Tou! There's something else. I have two cousins who also want to find a way to make a living. I wonder if you have any openings for the Ironclad Gang's handymen?" Luo Yue asked, cupping his hands in greeting.
"This..." Cui Yuan hesitated, drawing out his words, "The Ironclad Gang only has two menial positions left, and I've already promised to give them to..."
"Shui Tou," Luo Yue understood immediately and stuffed more silver into his hand. "My cousin is very clever; he would never embarrass you. You see..."
Cui Yuan tucked the silver into his sleeve with his fingers, and his troubled expression turned into a cheerful one: "Young people should train more, and the Ironclad Gang is more suitable for them."
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Cui Yuan remained calm, while Luo Yue stepped aside and stood there.
Zhao Xiaoqi and Jiang Qi pushed the door open and came in: "Shui Tou."
"What is it?" Cui Yuan asked expressionlessly.
Seeing that Luo Yue was also there, Zhao Xiaoqi hesitated to speak.
Cui Yuan waved his hand dismissively: "It's nothing, go ahead and speak."
Seeing that Shui Tou had spoken, Zhao Xiaoqi paused briefly and asked, "Shui Tou, about what you said earlier..."
Cui Yuan stroked his chin, feigning contemplation, and said, "Xiao Qi, that matter is still under discussion. You should wait a little longer; I'll let you know as soon as I have any news."
"How long will it take to get water?" Zhao Xiaoqi asked anxiously.
"It'll be soon." Cui Yuan took a sip of tea. "Don't worry, I've seen who's been the most diligent in fetching and delivering water. You'll definitely get priority for the Ironclad Gang's spots."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaoqi breathed a sigh of relief and bowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you so much, Water Head!"
Jiang Qi, standing to the side, frowned slightly.
When people lie, they subconsciously use small gestures to cover up their guilt because of their inner unease.
This water carrier, from the moment they entered until now, in just a few breaths, has been stroking his chin, drinking tea, and his eyes have been somewhat evasive.
Add Luo Yue to the mix...
"That tael of silver that Xiao Qi gave away was probably a waste."
Asking for favors with humility and utmost caution will only lead to nothing in the end; this is not the case.
Therefore, people have to rely on themselves.
But since the matter hadn't been brought to the forefront yet, Jiang Qi couldn't say anything, and simply cupped his hands slightly: "Then we won't disturb Shui Tou any longer."
After saying that, he tugged at Xiao Qi, who was about to say something, and turned to leave the water room.
As soon as the door closed, Luo Yue scoffed, "Shui Tou, you're just too kind-hearted. Giving them a well to eat from is already more than generous."
But some people just don't know their own limitations. If you help them too much, they feel indebted to you and even try to join your gang, causing you unnecessary trouble.
Cui Yuan smiled and said, "Yes, everyone has their own destiny. Some people are born to struggle for a living at the bottom of society. If you help them too much, they are more likely to develop ulterior motives."
......
Back at the well, Zhao Xiaoqi excitedly said to Jiang Qi, "Brother Qi, once the water deal is settled, let's go to the Ironclad Gang together. It'll definitely be better than now!"
Looking at the expectation in Zhao Xiaoqi's eyes, Jiang Qi paused for a moment, then asked, "Xiaoqi, have you... ever thought about practicing martial arts?"
Zhao Xiaoqi's smile froze for a moment.
To secure a spot as a handyman in the Ironclad Gang, he borrowed one tael of silver, with daily interest of over twenty coins. Right now, his most important task was to quickly join the Ironclad Gang and earn money.
As for practicing martial arts...
He lowered his head, kicked the bucket into place, and said in a muffled voice, "Practicing martial arts is too difficult. For people like us to practice martial arts is like throwing silver into water; it won't even make a splash."
My mother is still sick... I can't do anything reckless.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Qi touched the bamboo tube at his waist and sighed inwardly.
Although Xiaoqi said that, she actually wanted to learn martial arts.
However, reality is harsh, and practicing martial arts is just a luxury for ordinary people.
Fortunately, he is not an ordinary person.
"Xiao Qi, I'm going out for a bit."
"..."
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