Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

Sun Ping frowned, about to ask something else, when suddenly a series of footsteps came from the courtyard gate.

Zhao Dezhu strode in, followed by two lackeys. He walked to the center of the courtyard, clapped his hands, and signaled everyone to put down their bowls and chopsticks.

Once everyone's attention was focused on him, Zhao Dezhu cleared his throat and said loudly, "Everyone, there's something I need to tell you all."

He wore a relaxed and casual expression, and spoke in a normal tone: "I've already talked to those older folks, Mr. Wang. They're getting old and their work isn't as efficient as it used to be, so they'd just be taking up space in the yard. I gave each of them a settlement payment so they can go home and retire. They don't need to come to work in the yard anymore."

After these words were spoken, the courtyard fell silent for a few moments, then a low murmur of discussion broke out.

Some people trembled inwardly. Zhao Dezhu could fire people without hesitation, even an old man like Master Wang who had worked in the yard for decades. He kicked him out without even waiting for the young master to return.

This tactic is truly chilling.

Some people couldn't help but feel envious. Although they were kicked out, at least they received a settlement allowance. Getting money for free without having to work wasn't too bad.

Some of the young apprentices even secretly thought that it wouldn't be bad if they could also take a sum of money and leave.

Zhao Dezhu took in everyone's reactions, a smile appearing on his face. He clapped his hands and said, "Alright, stop gossiping. Go do what you need to do. As long as you all work hard in the future, I, Zhao Dezhu, will not treat you unfairly."

Everyone then dispersed and returned to their seats to continue eating, but each had their own thoughts.

Sun Ping stood beside Shen Chu, listening to Zhao Dezhu's words, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

He turned to look at Shen Chu: "Do you think this is possible?"

Shen Chu still hadn't put down her chopsticks, muttering, "Who knows? But let's not think too much about it, just focus on doing our own thing."

Sun Ping was stunned for a moment after hearing this.

Wasn't this what I had advised Shen Chu before?

This kid is pretty good at using someone else's flowers to present to Buddha!

Sun Ping gave him a disapproving look, but he also felt that Shen Chu was right.

Although he felt something was off, he sighed and turned back to his workstation.

Although Shen Chu didn't say anything, he knew exactly what was going on.

The time when Master Wang and his group disappeared happened to be the same night he saw Master Wang excitedly going to find Zhao Dezhu.

He would never believe that this had nothing to do with Zhao Dezhu.

But Shen Chu was too lazy to investigate further. Anyway, he didn't have any connection with those old guys, and he didn't want to get involved in this mess.

As the saying goes, nothing is more important than eating.

I'd better just focus on cooking.

Thinking of this, Shen Chu continued eating the food in her bowl.

As he was eating, he sensed someone approaching. He looked up and saw Zhao Dezhu walking over with a smile, carrying a bowl of soup, as if he was just passing by and wanted to chat.

Zhao Dezhu squatted down next to him and handed him the bowl of soup first: "Master Shen, have a taste. It's bone broth that the kitchen made today. I brought you a bowl."

It seems they need to talk to me about something...

Shen Chu glanced at him, took the soup bowl, took a sip, thanked him, and waited for him to continue.

Sure enough, after exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhao Dezhu got down to business.

He sighed, his face showing a deep worry: "Master Shen, as you can see, with Master Wang and the others gone, the manpower available in the yard is even more strained. My responsibility as the manager is heavy; I'm so busy every day that I don't even have time to eat a hot meal."

He paused, then turned to look at Shen Chu, his smile sincere: "So I was thinking, could you please help me out? You don't need to do anything else, just help with some purchasing, like coal and iron ore. Just make a few trips each month and coordinate with the suppliers. It's not heavy work, but it will help lighten my load a bit."

As soon as he said that, all the craftsmen in the courtyard who had been eavesdropping were stunned.

Purchase!

Everyone knows that purchasing for the knife forging compound is a very lucrative business.

Coal and iron are bulk commodities with many suppliers and large price fluctuations. With a little manipulation, the profits can be enough for an ordinary worker to live on for half a year.

Previously, this job was personally managed by Manager Li. After Manager Li died, Zhao Dezhu took over and kept it in his own hands, without giving it to anyone else.

Now he's actually going to hand over this lucrative position to Shen Chu?

In an instant, countless gazes focused on Shen Chu.

Some were shocked, some were envious, and some were jealous.

Several others were secretly plotting whether or not to try and get closer to Shen Chu.

Zhao Dezhu then turned to Sun Ping, who was not far away, and asked with a smile, "Master Sun, you are a forging master and also Master Shen's supervisor. I would like to hear your opinion on this matter as well."

Sun Ping was also taken aback by Zhao Dezhu's words. When Zhao Dezhu called him, he finally reacted and said with a smile, "It's Zhao's good fortune to think so highly of him. I have no objection. Young people need more experience."

Having spent so much time with Shen Chu, he knew the boy was reliable and dependable, and there was no reason for him to stand in the way of Shen Chu's future.

Shen Chu held her rice bowl, her mind racing with calculations.

He knew that there must be a reason behind Zhao Dezhu's sudden offer of such a large sum of money.

But then he thought about it again. Purchasing was indeed a lucrative job. Although he had enough to eat and drink, he wasn't exactly well-off, so earning more money wouldn't hurt.

As for Zhao Dezhu's plans, we'll deal with them as they come.

He put down his bowl and nodded to Zhao Dezhu: "Since Manager Zhao thinks highly of me, then I'll give it a try."

Zhao Dezhu's smile brightened considerably. He patted Shen Chu on the shoulder and said repeatedly, "Good, good! With Master Shen's help, I feel much more at ease!"

After accepting the job, Shen Chu initially remained extremely cautious.

The situation inside the city is alright, especially outside the city.

Every time he went shopping, he would deliberately bring one or two vendors along, and he would always keep an eye on his surroundings, afraid that Zhao Dezhu might set a trap for him along the way.

However, after making five or six trips, nothing happened.

Suppliers delivered goods on time, accounts were clear, and the journey was safe. Every time Shen Chu returned home to report, Zhao Dezhu would happily accept the invoices, put them away without even looking at them, and always praise him a few times.

Shen Chu gradually lowered her guard.

Perhaps I've seen too many dramas of intrigue and power struggles, and I've come to think too badly of Zhao Dezhu.

Missionary work is one thing,

Maybe they just wanted to win him over as a potential talent, which is why they gave him this lucrative procurement job?