After three rounds of drinks, except for a few young ladies accompanying the party, everyone else was more or less tipsy.
The Second Young Master Song from Chai Market, eyes bleary, said to Bai Qi:
"Brother Bai, we truly envy you for joining Tongwen Hall and becoming the Instructor’s apprentice.
Being born in Black River County, trying to break into Yihai Prefecture is no easy feat.
The splendor of small towns ultimately can’t compare with making a name for yourself in the city, bringing honor to your ancestors—it’s something to aspire to!"
Bai Qi curled his lips; these young noblemen have their noses in the air, never treating the mud-stained pants folk as humans.
Every day they feast on fish and meat, lacking nothing, served and managed by servants, yet they still complain it’s not enough.
Little do they know, what they experience is something common folk would dream of for generations, laboring like cattle and horses.
"You might as well take all the world’s blessings for yourself!"
Bai Qi grumbled to himself, showing no emotion outwardly, just picking food with his chopsticks, focused on eating and drinking.
This feast should be quite costly, with two plates of treasure fish used as ingredients for exquisite dishes.
Nothing less than a hundred taels of silver, it can’t be wasted.
"How many local bullies are lurking in Yihai Prefecture? The fierce ones gather, it’s not easy to establish oneself."
He Tai shook his wine cup with emotion, saying:
"Don’t look at us being mighty in Black River County; entering the big city, others may not know who you are.
Only when we manage to shed our household status and get registered can we be considered successful!"
The young lady from the Divine Hand Sect, Miss Zhu, elegantly covered her mouth and giggled:
"Among the three major families in Black River County, the Fishery is closest to Pai Bang. Why worry, He Family’s elder son? I’ve heard your father prepared a generous gift to get you into the city for a tax collector position."
This statement instantly enlivened the previously dull gathering; even rich merchant heirs at another table mixed in with shameless faces, starting to flatter.
"Young Master has wide connections! Tax collector is a lucrative position, collecting from various counties every year—wherever you go, you are treated like a lord!"
"I heard from relatives that with smooth promotion, there’s hope to follow the Daoist Official as a Child, learning some techniques and magic."
"Remarkable, you could well be entering the top registry soon; if not the Daoist registry, then into noble status, and bask in pride!"
"Young Master, when you rise to fame and fortune, don’t forget us..."
In no time, He Tai became the center of attention, like stars surrounding the moon.
Bai Qi, previously discussed for being a disciple of Tongwen Hall, suddenly faded into the background.
Even Han Li of the Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall, dominating the gathering, showed a look of surprise, moving closer.
Knowing entering the city is easy, establishing is hard.
If one could secure a promising position in Yihai Prefecture, like a Squad Leader of Pai Bang or a Government Office tax collector, they could be addressed as "sir."
"Miss Zhu, don’t talk nonsense; it’s not set in stone yet, don’t spread it around,"
Though He Tai said so, he couldn’t restrain the upward curve on his lips.
His coy, self-restrained demeanor further confirmed Miss Zhu’s claim.
Instantly, the ordinary young face of the Fishery Young Master inexplicably shone with a unique glow, named "Bright Future."
"Fishermen’s children wish to buy land and shed their inferior status, while the owner’s descendants hope to become lords in the big city.
The hearts of people are insatiable; each has their way."
Bai Qi, unconcerned, got up quietly, gave up his seat, and walked to another table with his wine cup:
"Brother Yong, the fish stall opens in the next two days; remember to come and be supportive."
Being highly regarded in the Broken Blade Sect, Deng Yong couldn’t fit into the center of the gathering and played a supporting role, animating the atmosphere.
Seeing Bai Qi speaking to him, thanks flashed in Deng Yong’s eyes:
"I’ll certainly bring fellow apprentices from the Broken Blade Sect to celebrate for Brother Xiaoqi!
Yesterday, I heard you caught a whole basket of treasure fish, earning over six hundred taels, shaking the entire East Market!"
Bai Qi was slightly surprised, then showed satisfaction.
They went out together early with Ninghai Zen, indeed unaware how much snowflake silver Liang Sanshui calculated for his catch.
Hearing this now, it was indeed generous!
A basketful of treasure fishes wasn’t few, about eight or nine, but the weight was average, slightly lacking when weighed.
Adding other good stuff, deducting the commission, being worth five hundred taels was profitable.
Unexpectedly, it greatly surpassed!
"I must thank Brother Shui for looking out."
If it was the previous Bai Ahqi, hearing about over six hundred taels of snowflake silver, he would certainly be extremely excited.
But after the honing at Tongwen Hall, he immediately converted it to barely enough for ten days of practice needs.
Thus, his heart was calm, without ripples.
"Brother Yong, why do these Young Masters and noblemen all hope to break into Yihai Prefecture?
With their wealth, buying a house in the big city wouldn’t be difficult?"
Bai Qi lowered his voice, quietly asking.
"Ah, Brother Xiaoqi, you don’t know.
The county’s three major families and all Martial Arts Halls are registered under six households.
No tax exemption, no immunity to punishment; can ride sedan chairs but not carriages, must kneel in Government Offices, bow to officials."
"For example, tax collectors coming from the County City; not a big position, but if they get angry, they could frame you for resisting the law.
If you don’t have connections above, you’ll immediately be charged, hard to clear."
"You’re at the mercy of heaven; even land can’t help!"
Deng Yong’s family often deals with petty officials from the County City and is well aware:
"King Yama is easy to deal with; petty ghosts are hard to handle, just like that.
Only by relying on Pai Bang, engulfing all Yihai, or the Dragon Court Government Office, one can avoid being manipulated."
The three major families can control Black River County’s myriad trades because no one covets them, precisely due to their connections in the big city.
Bai Qi fingered the wine cup, savoring the revelation.
Just like becoming a rural squire in ancient times, the next step is to take the imperial examination for fame.
Under Dragon Court’s rule in Red County Divine Land, these Young Masters are keen to enter Yihai Prefecture, not for livelihood.
What they seek are channels to higher circles and higher power.
Staying long in Black River County, at best they become skilled after one or two practices.
Even with some talent and potential, breaking through three practices is very tough.
Just look at the likes of Bear, Eagle, Tiger, Leopard.
Shallow waters can’t breed Flood Dragons.
Figures like Ninghai Zen, places like Tongwen Hall.
Appearing in Black River County is quite abnormal.
"County city is hard to mingle; Pai Bang engulfs all Yihai, its power immense, nearly covering the upper and lower streams of Nu Yun River, masters under its command are numerous.
The notorious list includes at least half! Government Office is harder to enter; Daoist Officials are lofty, their inspections brutally strict..."
Deng Yong sighed deeply; although his family was well-off, he also entertained thoughts of venturing into the city.
Sadly, reality is harsh—a private salt merchant background that’s adequate in Black River County, thrown into the boundless Yihai Prefecture is like a small fish or shrimp mistakenly entering a great river, barely making waves.
"Brother Xiaoqi, you needn’t worry; if you graduate from Tongwen Hall, the big city certainly has a place for you."
"Why?"
Bai Qi raised his eyebrows, interested.
"The Instructor—for he’s quite renowned in Yihai Prefecture."
Deng Yong replied obscurely, seemingly harboring concerns.
"That plaque?"
Bai Qi recalled the scene when he first visited Tongwen Hall.
Black base with gold lacquer, single-horn lion head.
"Yihai Hides a Dragon" the four large characters in the center!
"Hopefully, it’s a good reputation, not an infamous one..."
Bai Qi’s heart tightened, sensing something amiss.
Ninghai Zen didn’t seem like one to do evil or bully others.
No reason for huge troubles to arise, dragging me as an apprentice into calamity, right?