12dz Chapter 108 Li Lianhua's Suzhou Express
Chapter 108 Li Lianhua's Suzhou Express
"Of course I want him, who wouldn't? Besides, he's your bodyguard. You can have him, but why can't I? I'm the young master of the Heavenly Mystery Hall, why can't I?"
Fang Duobing was somewhat angry.
"You paid me five taels of gold a month, and I'll let you do whatever you want without saying a word, how about that?"
(This is based on the gold-silver exchange rate in the early Ming Dynasty, which was approximately 1:10, meaning one tael of gold could be exchanged for about ten taels of silver. This rate may have changed over time.)
"Five taels of gold? Is it that expensive?"
Fang Duobing was somewhat surprised. Who would give their servants a monthly salary in gold? His own Tianji Manor was already much better off than others; even the guards with martial arts skills only received seven or eight taels a month.
Even the young master of Tianji Hall, who had no worries about food and clothing at home and never had to worry about money.
They also felt it was a bit outrageous, especially since Fang Duobing was penniless at the time.
"It's definitely worth it. He's highly skilled in martial arts, always available, loyal to his master, and a versatile talent who can cook and clean the yard. He's definitely worth this month's pay."
When Nanfeng and Beiyi were bodyguards, they didn't receive a monthly salary; they had to draw money from their Chunlu Qiushuang accounts for everything they needed. Wu You was unaware of this until Nanfeng became a guard and took people to the courtyard for repairs, at which point Wu You heard about it from someone.
Later, Wu You wanted to give Nanfeng and Beiyi their previous monthly allowance, but Nanfeng refused. In his words, the guards were their master's shadows and were not allowed to go out and buy things on their own. Also, the guards didn't have a monthly allowance, and he didn't know how much it would be.
Left with no other option, Wu You gave Nanfeng the highest level of guard pay, even adding a little extra. If Bei Yi wanted to buy anything, he could also ask Nanfeng for some money.
Bei Yi: Nan Feng, I heard you have a monthly allowance now, can I borrow some to spend?
Nanfeng: This is mine, and I will not give it to anyone but my master.
Bei Yi: It seems being a bodyguard is better. Not only do I get a monthly salary, but I can also stay by my master's side at all times. Or perhaps...
Nanfeng: Shut up. If you have that thought again, I'll beat you up without hesitation.
Bei Yi: It all depends on whether you have the ability.
Nanfeng: By the way, where are you? Why haven't you come back yet?
Bei Yi: I just got off the ship, I'll be here soon. But right now I still feel like I'm floating in the clouds, swaying and drifting.
"Huahua, you've finished drawing so many already?"
Wu Youcai noticed that the martial arts techniques he had discussed with Fang Duobing were already covered with many of Li Lianhua's drawings on the table, which were spread out to make them easier to dry.
"This doesn't take much effort; it can be done in just a few strokes."
Li Lianhua didn't even look up, continuing what she was doing.
Wu You picked up a sheet to look at. The top part showed a small person meditating, with the locations of acupoints marked. The bottom part was an explanation of the Yangzhou slow style.
"...The breath travels along the meridians...the location of the Qi Sea..."
Wu You recognized each character individually, but couldn't understand them when put together. Wu You promptly gave up.
Even if the textbooks are written by Tsinghua University professors, people without talent still won't understand them.
Fang Duobing, on the other hand, found it fascinating and even started practicing on his own. Excellent students are always irresistibly drawn to excellent teaching materials.