37. Rift Between Master and Disciple

The night was deep and the dew heavy, with a biting chill in the air. The candle flame in the room flickered incessantly, emitting a faint, crackling sound. Han Li and He Chunli both stared wide-eyed at Xie An, waiting for his instructions. Xie An sat in his chair, carefully observing his two apprentices.

In truth, Han Li was quick-witted and sharp-minded, making him better suited for business. He Chunli, while honest and not particularly eloquent, possessed a more solid foundation in his craft and was steady and reliable.

Appointing Han Li as the head appraiser would be beneficial for the pawnshop’s trade. Appointing He Chunli might result in slightly less business, but the pawnshop’s operations would be more secure, ensuring a longer-term stability. Furthermore, He Chunli had dutifully served at his bedside during Xie An’s most difficult times; Xie An had seen it all, and he harbored a degree of partiality. After all, he was not a machine, but a human being.

With this in mind, Xie An hesitated no longer. "Han Li, your mind is sharp and you are skilled with words; you are a promising talent for commerce."

Hearing this, Han Li’s heart leaped with joy. However, Xie An’s next words doused him with a bucket of cold water.

"He Chunli may be a bit slow of speech, but his technical skills are sound, he is not prone to flights of fancy, and he is diligent in his work. It is safer to let He Chunli take the position of head appraiser. After all, you are both servants; the volume of business is not what matters most to you. Ensuring that the pawnshop avoids trouble is the foundation of your livelihood. Should a mishap occur in the business, it won't matter how much silver you've earned for the Li household—they will punish you all the same."

A look of profound disappointment washed over Han Li’s face; his entire demeanor deflated like a punctured ball. Conversely, a spark of pleasant surprise lit up He Chunli’s eyes. He looked at the dejected Han Li beside him, wanting to speak up and decline. In his heart, he had always felt Han Li was more suited for the role, even regarding it as a foregone conclusion. He had never expected the master to choose him.

However, an apprentice appraiser earned only six or seven taels a year, whereas a head appraiser started at over a dozen—double the income. Though He Chunli was slow, he was not foolish. He knew this might be the only opportunity he would ever have to get ahead, and he did not want to let it slip away. He would have to let Han Li feel the disappointment.

Thinking this, He Chunli gritted his teeth and bowed. "This disciple will certainly give his all for the pawnshop, strive to avoid mistakes, and live up to Master’s expectations."

Han Li also gritted his teeth, suppressing his disappointment and resentment. "It is all as Master decides."

Xie An nodded slightly. "Very well. I hope you will support one another in the future. I shall move out tomorrow."

Xie An was now a deacon of the Tiger-Wolf Sect. If things went well for him in the future, he would naturally have the capability to help his two apprentices buy their freedom. It would be nothing more than a simple matter of a word. Yet, Xie An kept this to himself. For one, he had not yet assumed his position at the Tiger-Wolf Sect, and his future was uncertain, making it unwise to make promises. Moreover, he believed that each person had their own destiny.

If his two apprentices remained true to their hearts and continued to show him respect and filial piety, he would help them if he had the power to do so. If they changed their ways, there would be no need for his assistance.

During dinner, He Chunli remained as devoted as ever, leaning over to pour tea, serve rice, and pick out choice morsels for Xie An. Han Li, however, remained sullen, focused only on shoveling food into his mouth with his head bowed. Xie An saw it all and knew that a rift had formed between them. He did not point it out. Such matters required Han Li to weigh and reconcile for himself.

After all, he had raised the boy for over a decade, from childhood to young adulthood, and had taught him the craft of appraisal. That kindness alone far outweighed everything else. If Han Li understood the gravity of things, he would come to realize it on his own. If he grew to resent him for this, Xie An could only feel disappointed and helpless. Now that he possessed sufficient strength, he no longer needed them to support him in his old age. Had this been a few months ago, he would have had to be far more cautious in his distribution of duties.

After nightfall, He Chunli retired early and slept soundly. Xie An went to the adjacent utility room to practice his Fetal Breath Technique. Through the half-open window, he saw Han Li sitting alone on the doorstep outside, chin resting in his hands, staring blankly at the firmament. Even through the window, Xie An could sense his apprentice’s helplessness, resentment, and disappointment. Yet, Xie An did not go to comfort him.

The next morning, the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, was the day shops reopened to welcome patrons. Red lanterns hung from the eaves on both sides of the street, and couplets were pasted on doors, expressing hopes for a prosperous and smooth year ahead.

Chen Yuan arrived early at the back courtyard of the pawnshop to find Xie An.

"Congratulations, Old Xie. You’ve bought your freedom and become a commoner—you’ve turned the tables and become your own master."

Though his voice was low, Xie An could tell that Chen Yuan was genuinely happy for him. He exchanged a few pleasantries before saying, "Old Chen, I intend to resign from the position of head appraiser as well."

Chen Yuan was not in the least bit surprised. "I know. It’s said you had a falling out with the Master. And after buying your freedom, you are a commoner; the income of a head appraiser is not what it used to be. But after you leave... which apprentice do you intend to take over as head appraiser?"

As he finished, Chen Yuan lowered his voice, casting a sidelong glance at Han Li and He Chunli, who were busy working in the shop.

Xie An weighed his words. Although he was the head appraiser and could recommend his successor, Chen Yuan was the manager, and he could not be too forceful. If he caused Chen Yuan dissatisfaction, even if He Chunli took the role, a rift would inevitably form between them. Since he intended for He Chunli to succeed him, he would see it through to the end.

With this in mind, Xie An asked, "Having experienced the incident with Zhang Bing, I still feel a lingering fear. Old Chen, which apprentice do you think is better to take my place?"

Without the first half, it would have been a casual question. But with that preface, it carried a specific implication.

Chen Yuan’s heart gave a jolt. "You’ve truly reminded me. That man Han Li is just like Zhang Bing—quick-witted, glib, and good at reading people. But such people are often prone to straying. On the contrary, He Chunli... I find him honest and diligent. If he manages things, the pawnshop is less likely to run into trouble."

Hearing Chen Yuan’s stance, Xie An felt relieved. "Old Chen, you have foresight. I think the same. However, Han Li’s heart is not inherently bad; he is different from Zhang Bing. I hope you will continue to cultivate him."

Chen Yuan agreed readily. "Did you discuss this with them beforehand?"

Xie An did not hide it and spoke truthfully.

Chen Yuan shot him a glare and laughed. "You sly old fox, you already had a plan and yet you came to sound me out. You truly are a cunning one."

Xie An smiled with relief. "You are the manager, after all. I had to listen to you."

Chen Yuan did not mind and laughed heartily. "Fine, then it’s settled. I’ll just go tell the Master. The shop is opening today and I have things to attend to, so I’ll be off. In a couple of days, I’ll treat you to a table at the Flying Cloud Pavilion to celebrate your freedom."

The pawnshop was a technical trade. While the Master of the Li household cared deeply, he understood that a technical trade required a skilled technician. He would not interfere too much in the selection of the head appraiser. If the business went poorly, he could simply replace the manager.

After seeing Chen Yuan off, Xie An packed his belongings. Without telling his two apprentices, he left through the back door to assume his post at the Blood Ridge Black Market. As he had previously been a mere servant with no social connections, there was no one to see him off; he set out alone with his pack on his back.

On that same day, another person went to the Blood Ridge Black Market to be registered and assume the post of Deputy Deacon: the eldest young master of the Li household, Li Shaoyun.