From a humble farmer to a great martial arts master

16. Unruly

The moon and stars shine brightly.

On a mountain path, a group of salt workers descended in an orderly fashion.

Many of the workers at Lujia Saltworks were elderly and experienced, and the team did not experience any problems.

Even Old Sun, who was quite hale and hearty, was pushing a wheelbarrow, carrying an iron pot, a kitchen knife, and a rice bag.

Ren Qingshan escorted them down the mountain.

Right now, safety is the top priority.

The centipede that flew out of the abandoned salt well was of unknown species and strength. Although I had some martial arts skills, there was no need to fight it to the death.

Where there is life, there is hope.

The salt fields belong to the Lu family!

Your life is your own.

I just want to earn some money and live a peaceful life as a small landlord.

……

It was around midnight.

Saltworks No. 5, not far from Lujiazhuang.

Ren Qingshan leaped inside and shouted, "I am Lu Qingshan, a silver-ranked guard! The centipede at Saltworks No. 3 is causing trouble, and I'm escorting the salt workers down the mountain! Who's on duty here?"

In a short while.

A light came on inside the room, and a burly young man strode out.

Ren Qingshan recognized him; his name was Lu Jingyang, and he was a bronze medalist.

Upon seeing the people outside and hearing Ren Qingshan explain the situation, Lu Jingyang dared not delay and immediately unlocked the door, allowing everyone to enter.

They then counted the salt packets and received them.

He ordered a messenger to go to the Lu family to deliver the message.

After a busy night, things finally settled down as the first hint of dawn appeared in the east.

Ren Qingshan held on until now, and only after Fang Yonggang and one of the Lu family's managers came over did he explain the matter clearly.

"Are you sure you saw it clearly? It was a flying centipede?"

Fang Yonggang frowned deeply.

"Yes."

Ren Qingshan responded calmly.

"Come, let's go up the mountain and take another look."

Fang Yonggang immediately made a decision to go up the mountain to investigate.

Although the No. 3 salt field is an old one and doesn't produce a particularly large amount, it is still part of the Lu family's business.

Given the current situation, we must be fully aware of the facts before the master asks, and not just listen to Qingshan's words.

"I've been on the mountain for more than ten days straight, and I'm tired. If you want to go up the mountain, ask someone else."

Ren Qingshan refused.

You get paid for the work you do.

Fang Yonggang earned twenty taels a month, plus various deductions, so he was naturally very conscientious.

But by then, I had already finished get off work.

They also fulfilled their duties to the best of their ability.

A sharp glint flashed in Fang Yonggang's eyes: "Ren Qingshan! This is a crucial moment, don't try to be childish with me! If you delay the master's business, I'm afraid you'll be in deep trouble! Come with me up the mountain!"

That troublemaker!

They searched the Lu family's guards thoroughly, but could not find another one like him.

"No."

"I'm so tired."

"I was supposed to be off today."

Ren Qingshan said calmly, then turned and left.

Watching his retreating figure, Fang Yonggang clenched his fists secretly. After hesitating for a moment, he still didn't say anything and turned to look at Lu Jingyang.

Lu Jingyang's eyes lingered slightly, and he revealed a fawning smile.

"My lord, I will go up the mountain with you."

……

Ren Qingshan was walking back to the village.

The Lantern Festival had just passed, and the ground was still littered with the remnants of fireworks and firecrackers. Every household had hung up big red lanterns.

Thinking about these fifteen days of duty, it would have been truly not worth it if there hadn't been any income from selling centipedes.

Pooh!

Five taels of silver a month, and I have to suffer like this!

After making a fortune selling centipedes, Ren Qingshan truly tasted the sweetness of "windfall wealth".

The character "工" (gong) will never rise above its head!

Even if they were to work, they would only work for the imperial court, take the martial arts examination to become a scholar, or join the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Does a lowly salt merchant really think he's some kind of local tyrant?

Once I receive this month's salary, I might as well resign...

How can I bow and scrape before a fool, making me unable to be happy?

As this thought crossed his mind, Ren Qingshan felt much more relaxed, and his steps became lighter.

……

After a two-day rest at home, Ren Qingshan returned to the Lu family.

The Lu family pays their salaries on the tenth of each month, right on time. Today is the seventeenth of the first month, so we still have to wait another twenty-three days.

In feudal society, there were no human rights, so there was no such thing as severance pay.

I probably won't even get ten days' salary next month.

In reality, in this world, those who can make a stable living generally work until they die.

They would almost never have the thought of quitting their job.

Unless you have truly boundless abilities, you can find food anywhere.

"Ren Qingshan, Fang Jinpai instructed that if you arrive, go to the side room to find him."

As soon as he arrived at the training ground, Ren Qingshan saw a bronze plaque coming over and said something.

He nodded.

Ren Qingshan went straight to the side room.

Upon entering, one sees Fang Yonggang and Lu Jiu sitting and chatting over tea.

"Ren Qingshan, have you rested well?"

Fang Yonggang asked with a half-smile.

"It's alright."

Ren Qingshan nodded calmly: "What do you want with me?"

"From this day forward, you are expelled from the family. I have already discussed this matter with Lu Jinpai and informed Steward Li. Hand over all the uniforms and badges of my family's guards, and settle the money I paid you for teaching you the martial arts. From this day forward, leave the Lu family. From now on, let each go our own way."

A smile involuntarily appeared on Fang Yonggang's lips.

It was as if I could already see Ren Qingshan about to plead desperately.

A troublemaker?

I'll make you a troublemaker!

There are plenty of ways to deal with you!

He didn't trust that Qingshan would be willing to accept a monthly salary of five taels of silver.

The reason why Ren Qingshan was so arrogant before was simply because he had some relationship with Steward Li.

In order to persuade Butler Li, he specially presented a generous gift and received his approval.

In short.

In any case, Ren Qingshan absolutely cannot be allowed to stay any longer!

"Can."

"Pay my salary for this month, and I'll leave immediately."

"My monthly salary is five taels of silver. There are still thirteen days until the end of the month, which is two taels of silver plus three hundred and thirty-three copper coins. I don't want the change."

To Fang Yonggang's surprise, Ren Qingshan readily agreed without the slightest panic.

What surprised him even more was that Ren Qingshan actually wanted his salary for this month.

Are these troublemakers really so stubborn?

Is he an idiot?

"You still owe me seven taels of silver for the martial arts technique. Pay me back first, or I will take back all your martial arts skills!"

Fang Yonggang suddenly stood up, his blood boiling, and his eyes sharp.

The agreed-upon ten taels of silver would be paid monthly, one tael per month, until the full amount was paid.

If Ren Qingshan dares not hand it over, I will cripple his hands.

This is standard practice.

This applies to all martial arts practitioners.

Even if you take the matter to the authorities, the truth is still on your side.

"Give me my monthly salary first; that's money the Lu family owes me."

"As for the money I owe you for the cultivation technique, I will pay you back. I'll write you an IOU first. I don't have the money right now, but I'll definitely pay you back when I do."

Ren Qingshan's heart stirred slightly, and he looked at him with a rather carefree smile.

You owe me my wages, you must pay me!

As for what I owe you, we'll talk about that later.

Upon hearing this, Fang Yong was so angry that he laughed instead of laughing. "Trying to be a scoundrel and then trying to take advantage of me?"

Lu Jiu was equally dumbfounded, but couldn't help but burst out laughing.

interesting.

Previously, I didn't have much of an impression of Ren Qingshan, but now, after forty-two years of martial arts training, this is truly the first time I've seen such a scoundrel.

"Are you looking for death?"

Fang Yong felt increasingly embarrassed when he saw Lu Jiu smile, as if he had no ability to manage his subordinates.

Come on!

"Come!"

"Kill me!"

Ren Qingshan stiffened his neck, his eyes showing a hint of arrogance.

……

……