Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

Although the man wore a humble smile, his eyes were inadvertently scanning every corner of the courtyard.

Li Jiwu walked to the center of the courtyard, clapped his hands, and signaled everyone to stop what they were doing.

The sound of the forging hammer gradually subsided, and everyone looked up at him.

"Gentlemen, I have come here today to announce something to you all."

Li Jiwu's voice was gentle and clear, with a strong sense of approachability.

"With the unfortunate passing of Steward Li, the forging workshop cannot be without a leader for even a day. With my father's approval, Zhao Dezhu will temporarily assume the position of steward and be responsible for the daily affairs of the forging workshop. Dezhu has worked under me for many years and is a diligent and reliable person. I believe he will be able to get along well with everyone."

After he finished speaking, he stepped aside to make way.

Zhao Dezhu stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd, and said with a smile, "My name is Zhao Dezhu. I am new here and will need your guidance in many areas. If you need anything in the future, please feel free to ask me, and I will do my best to help you."

The masters looked at each other, some whispered a few words in agreement, while others just nodded silently. Their attitudes were not exactly enthusiastic, but there was nothing wrong with them.

After all, Manager Li had only been gone a few days when a new manager was parachuted in, and he was even one of the second young master's men.

Everyone had their own thoughts, but naturally they didn't show them on their faces.

Shen Chu glanced at it only once before looking away and focusing on the iron material in his hand.

In his view, it didn't matter who was in charge; whether it was Manager Li or Zhao Dezhu, it wouldn't affect his daily sword-forging and skill practice.

Instead of worrying about these backstabbing and intrigue, it's better to forge more knives, practice your boxing skills, and earn more money.

Physical constitution, martial arts skills, and money.

These are things that truly belong to us, and no one can take them away.

Sun Ping, who was standing to the side, didn't say anything and just kept his head down doing his own thing.

Zhao Dezhu's gaze swept around the courtyard, lingering on Sun Ping and Shen Chu for a moment before casually looking away.

He clapped his hands with a smile and said loudly, "Alright, alright, everyone get back to work, don't delay the job. I'll familiarize myself with the environment today, and we can talk about anything else later."

As everyone returned to their workstations, the sound of forging hammers resumed.

Li Jiwu stood in the courtyard, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the backs of Sun Ping and Shen Chu, a faint smile playing on his lips, before turning and leaving.

the other side,

"Father, what do you need me for?"

Early in the morning, Li Chengwen was summoned to Master Li's study, which puzzled him.

"Ahem, eldest son, Dad wants to discuss something with you..."

Master Li's expression was somewhat strange. He then stammered out the matter he had discussed with Madam Liu to Li Chengwen.

He had initially worried that calling his eldest son over to discuss doing business abroad would displease him.

After all, the foreman of the forging compound had just died, so transferring someone away at this time would be...

Anyone would think that the father was deliberately trying to get him away.

However, to his surprise, Li Chengwen was taken aback for a moment when he heard that he was to accompany him out to discuss business.

His eyes immediately reddened, and he rushed forward, hugged Master Li tightly, and burst into tears.

This hug and crying left Mr. Li completely at a loss.

He froze on the spot, his hands hanging in mid-air, unsure of what to do.

"What are you doing!"

"Father!" Li Chengwen cried, tears streaming down his face, utterly aggrieved. "You're finally willing to take me in! Do you know how long I've waited for this day?!"

Master Li was taken aback by his crying, and all the scolding he had prepared got stuck in his throat.

Li Chengwen continued, sobbing, "Ever since our family's circumstances improved, our younger brother was born, and then Mother passed away, you've never looked at me properly again. You only have eyes for my brother; you always think he's perfect in every way, and I'm utterly useless. I know you think I'm fat, that I'm not good at studying, that I'm bad at speaking and handling things, and that I'm a disgrace to you..."

He became more and more heartbroken as he spoke, and his tears flowed uncontrollably, soaking a large patch of Mr. Li's shirt.

"But Dad, I'm your own son! I want to study hard and share your burden! As long as you're willing to take me under your wing and teach me, I'll definitely study hard! I'll never let you down!"

Mr. Li had originally harbored some ulterior motives, but upon hearing his eldest son's heartfelt words, he felt as if something had struck his chest hard.

He looked down at his chubby son, who was sobbing uncontrollably on his shoulder, and suddenly remembered something from many years ago:

At that time, the Li family had not yet made their fortune. He took little Chengwen to collect scrap metal from street to street. The father and son would share a bowl of plain noodles. The son would always put the meat slices from his bowl into his bowl and say, "Dad, you eat, I'm not hungry."

At that time, when I looked at this son, I felt a deep, heart-wrenching pain.

But later, why did I become more and more annoyed by him and more and more fond of Ji Wu?

Could it be that I've really been too biased all these years?

Mr. Li's eyes suddenly welled up with tears. He slowly raised his hand and awkwardly patted Li Chengwen's back: "Alright, alright, how old are you, still crying? It's just taking you out to do some business, is it really necessary to cry like this?"

He spoke with a firm tone, but the force with which he patted was unusually gentle.

"Go pack your things. In a few days, Dad will take you to another city to discuss a business deal. Be careful on the way and don't embarrass me."

Li Chengwen lifted his head from Master Li's embrace, vigorously wiped the tears and snot from his face, and nodded vigorously: "Yes! I'll go get ready right away!"

Looking at his son, who was grinning like a fool, Master Li felt both angry and amused.

"Get out of here! Get back to your room and clean up!"

On his way back, Li Chengwen walked with a brisk pace.

He rummaged through his chests and drawers to find his most presentable clothes, changed into them, and then looked at himself in the bronze mirror again and again.

Although he still had the same round figure in the mirror, he felt that he looked particularly energetic today.

"Someone! Go to Zuixianlou and reserve two of the best tables of food, then have them delivered to the courtyard! I'm treating everyone tonight!"

When the news spread, the craftsmen in the knife-forging courtyard were flattered. Although the young master had been visiting often recently, this was the first time he had formally hosted a banquet.

As evening fell, the forging courtyard was brightly lit. Two tables were laden with chicken, duck, fish, meat, and seasonal vegetables. Several jars of fine wine had their clay seals broken, releasing their fragrant aroma.

Li Chengwen sat in the main seat, his face flushed, raising his wine glass to toast everyone in turn, constantly expressing his joy.

"Come on, everyone, fill your cups! I'm so happy today! Dad finally agreed to take me out to do business! What does this mean? It means Dad still cares about me, his eldest son!"

All the chefs raised their glasses in agreement:

"Congratulations, young master!"

"Young Master's journey will surely be smooth sailing and a resounding success!"

"With the young master involved, this deal is sure to go smoothly!"