Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

Shen Chu glanced at it.

Those who got along well with Zhao Dezhu naturally received meat and vegetables.

As for those chefs who were ostracized, their meals were truly indescribable.

In her previous life, Shen Chu was quite short of money for a period of time and ate "hanging-wall rice" (a type of cheap, unpalatable food). The food these chefs ate was similar to the "hanging-wall rice" she ate in her previous life.

But these craftsmen do all kinds of physical labor. How could they possibly survive on just a diet of rice hanging on the wall?

You either have to pay for extra food yourself.

You either have to slack off when you're working, but then Zhao Dezhu will deduct your pay!

Looking at the groups of craftsmen whispering in the courtyard, Shen Chu couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Indeed, wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue and conflict.

Zhao Dezhu looks simple and honest, and his smiling face seems harmless, but he is a master of workplace tactics.

Divide and win over, marginalize dissidents, slowly boil the frog in water...

Every step was perfectly timed, avoiding any strong backlash while gradually eroding power.

If he were alive today, he would probably make excellent boss material.

Even if I can't be the boss, I can still be a good dog to the boss.

If it weren't for Sun Ping's support, I'm afraid I would have been targeted by Zhao Dezhu as well.

As he pondered this, he chewed on the braised pork in his mouth, and suddenly felt a pang of pity for Li Chengwen.

That silly boy is probably walking happily with Master Li along some trade route right now, fully believing that this is the beginning of a thaw in their father-son relationship, and that his good days are finally coming.

Little did he know that his backyard had been quietly emptied.

When he returned and found that most of the masters in the knife-forging compound had followed Zhao Dezhu and Li Jiwu, it was uncertain whether he could still maintain the smile on his chubby face.

"Don't overthink it, Xiao Shen," Sun Ping sighed, then patted him on the shoulder.

"We're paid by the Li family. As long as we forge the knives properly and do our jobs honestly, Zhao Dezhu won't do anything to us."

"Why."

Shen Chu nodded and stopped thinking about it.

......

In the evening, the forging workshop shut down and closed for the day.

Shen Chu was tidying up the tools on the table when Zhao Dezhu walked over with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.

"Brother Shen, are you done working?"

What's this guy doing here?

Although Shen Chu didn't show it on her face, nodding and smiling kindly at Zhao Dezhu, she was already on guard.

"I have an appointment with some brothers in the compound tonight. If you're free, Brother Shen, why don't you come over and join us?"

Seeing the smile on Zhao Dezhu's face, Shen Chu couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He only wanted to focus on forging iron and practicing his skills in peace, and had no intention of getting involved in the inheritance dispute between his two elder brothers.

He then recalled Sun Ping's instructions from earlier that day, and politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer, Steward Zhao. I am deeply grateful. However, Master Sun said that he needs to forge another batch of knives tonight, so I'm afraid..."

Zhao Dezhu glanced at the extinguished stove fire and immediately realized that this was Shen Chu's way of making excuses.

He wasn't annoyed, he just chuckled and said, "Of course, of course. Since Master Sun has given the instructions, then the important matter is still the main one."

Having said that, without waiting for Shen Chu's response, he turned his hands behind his back and slowly walked away.

Then Zhao Dezhu went around to another stove and said the same thing to the others.

Unlike Shen Chu's choice, these people readily agreed and repeatedly thanked Zhao Dezhu.

Zhao Dezhu greeted everyone with a smile, then turned and left.

Before leaving, he glanced at Shen Chu one last time.

Shen Chu continued tidying up the table at her own leisurely pace.

......

Inside Zhao Dezhu's house,

Several low stools surrounded a small square table.

On the table were a plate of peanuts, a dish of roast chicken, a plate of braised beef, and a steaming pot of fish head stew with tofu.

In addition, two jars of good wine,

The invited guests, upon seeing the table full of food, unconsciously swallowed their saliva.

To be honest, the dishes weren't particularly lavish.

But for these knife forgers who usually live frugally, this was a rare treat.

"Come on, everyone, what are you all standing there for? Sit down!"

Zhao Dezhu greeted everyone with a beaming smile, and at the same time opened a wine jar, filling everyone's cups with wine.

After a few drinks, everyone started talking.

A man picked up a piece of beef, stuffed it into his mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and sighed, "Brother Zhao, to be honest, if you hadn't pleaded with the second young master to keep me here, I'd probably be out of a job by now. You have no idea, I used to work harder than an ox in the yard, and my monthly wages weren't even enough to buy my mother two doses of medicine. Since I started working for you, the work has become easier, and the money has increased. My mother even got a whole old hen to nourish her body last month!"

A tall, thin man beside him nodded repeatedly, raising his glass to Zhao Dezhu: "Who says otherwise! I worked in the yard for two years and never even got the title of a proper knife forger. Brother Zhao, you gave me a half-grade raise as soon as you arrived, and my wife smiles at me now! This glass is for you!"

Another, slightly younger man chimed in, "Brother Zhao, my dad has trouble walking, and I'm the only breadwinner in the family. We used to struggle to make ends meet; we couldn't even afford to buy a single pound of meat for the New Year. This month, thanks to you, I finally managed to buy my dad some good ointment and even bought three pounds of meat! My dad told me I absolutely must thank you properly!"

As everyone expressed their gratitude, Zhao Dezhu maintained a gentle smile throughout.

He picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and waved his hand, saying, "Don't say that, everyone. I also come from a poor family. I didn't even have enough to eat when I was a child, so I know how hard life is. We weren't born with a silver spoon in our mouths. If we want to survive and live well, we can only help each other."

He then put down his wine glass and glanced at everyone present: "So, since I, Zhao Dezhu, have taken on this minor position, I must live up to everyone's trust. I cannot guarantee that everyone will become rich and powerful, but I will do my best to ensure that all of us poor brothers can have enough to eat, wear warm clothes, and have money for medicine when our family members are sick. This is my greatest wish."

These words were spoken with such sincerity that everyone present was deeply moved.

The scarred man slammed his hand on the table, his eyes red-rimmed, and said, "Brother Zhao! With those words, my life is yours! From now on, if you tell me to go east, I'll never go west!"

The tall, thin man also stood up excitedly: "That's right! Don't worry, Brother Zhao, we'll listen to you from now on!"

The quick-witted young man's eyes darted around, and he suddenly said in a somewhat ingratiating tone, "Brother Zhao, we'll definitely serve you and the Second Young Master well from now on!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhu's smile remained unchanged, but he gently shook his head, pointed at the young man, and corrected him with a smile, "Hey~ that's only half right!"