Liang Genfa finally figured out Tang Sannan's intention.

He came here to recruit disciples, and he came for Erhua.

Of course, this is a great thing. If Erhua is really willing, he can learn a skill. The whole family is worried about Erhua who is idle. Isn’t this a perfect solution?

Besides, the craft of carving redwood is much better than that of ordinary craftsmen. There are also certain rules for masters to recruit apprentices. Not just any Tom, Dick or Harry can be chosen. Why did Tang Sannan fall for Erhua?

Liang Genfa was very confused. He was a person who could not keep things to himself, so he would blurt out any questions he had.

"Why are you so attracted to Erhua? We are teachers and brothers. To be honest, Erhua is the only one in our family who can't endure hardship and doesn't like to work."

My teacher hasn't changed at all, he's so honest!

Tang Sannan laughed heartily and said, "I'll be honest with you. I met Erhua that day. He looked like a clever young man catching fish. To learn our craft, enduring hardship is one aspect, but this is also important."

He pointed to his head and Liang Genfa nodded in understanding.

"Being too honest won't make it easy to learn a craft, don't you think?"

Genfa was completely willing at this moment. Erhua had always been his biggest headache. How could he not be happy when such a good thing came to his door? But then he thought again and was in a dilemma. Would Erhua, who had always been lazy and undisciplined, agree to it?

"Hey, I'm definitely willing, but Erhua has been wavering all the time. I don't know if he has made up his mind."

"Don't worry about this, I'll go talk to him." Tang Sannan seemed very confident.

Genfa's worries were unnecessary. As soon as he explained his purpose, Erhua agreed, and the whole family was happy for him. Qiuhua felt more and more that the dream he had that day was a good omen, and things were moving in a good direction!

Erhua packed up and prepared to go to his master's house to learn a craft. Qiuhua helped him pack his things. It was nothing, just a few sets of clothes.

"Brother, learning to carve rosewood is a rare skill. I heard that the masters who carve rosewood have very sharp eyes. If he likes you, it means you are amazing. You must study hard and can't just hang around after dinner like at home."

Qiuhua kept nagging while she cleaned up, and Erhua could only listen to her sister for a few words. Anyone else would be impatient.

"Okay, okay, I will definitely study hard, learn the skills well and make a lot of money, and then build a big house for you to live in."

"Forget about giving us a place to live, but you want to build a big house and marry a wife for the house."

"Why are you even more nagging than my mother? It's not my turn to marry the wife of the head of the family. My brother doesn't even have one yet."

Although he said so, Erhua felt a warm feeling in his heart. He thought of the little fish he met by the river. Learning to carve rosewood meant that he could see her every day.

What Liang Erhua said was right. Dahua hadn't gotten married yet, so how could it be Erhua's turn? The most important thing was that no one was willing to marry him!

But it’s different if you have skills!

The family did not say goodbye reluctantly, and everyone's hearts were filled with joy. Tangli Village was not very far away, and it would only take three hours to get there if they walked quickly. They could come back occasionally if something happened, and family members could also go over if anything happened, so it was no big deal.

After saying goodbye to his family, Liang Erhua followed Tang Sannan to Tangli Village. The young man was full of energy and a bit anxious, so he walked quickly. However, considering his master's age, he had to slow down. At this moment, he really wished he had a pair of wings so he could fly back with his master. What a naive and ridiculous idea!

After walking for about two hours, it was almost noon. The two found a big rock to sit on. Tang Sannan took out four white steamed buns and some beef chunks from his cloth bag, and spread a piece of rag on the rock. They each ate two white steamed buns with the beef.

Erhua's stomach had been growling for a long time, and he was a little impatient. Initially, he was unable to eat because his master hadn't eaten. Now he was fully aware of his role as an apprentice. Although he was usually careless and ignorant, he understood the principle of "once a teacher, always a father."

It was his first time eating beef, and he felt it was very different from pork. It was tougher and had a different aroma. In short, it was delicious.

Now he felt even more that his choice was correct. It seemed that carving rosewood was a good craft and he could make a lot of money.

After they finished eating, they rested for a while. Erhua thought about it and asked his doubts.

"Master, why did you come here specifically to recruit me as your apprentice?"

Tang Sannan smiled and said, "I saw you by the river last time. I thought you were pretty good. I've been looking for an apprentice. I can't let this craft of mine be lost. You and I have a liking for each other. You have to learn well. Crafts require hard work and perseverance. And if you want to make a name for yourself carving rosewood, you can't just follow patterns; you have to be able to create your own. I think you're smart and clever, and you must have your own ideas. It all depends on whether you can persevere in the first few years."

Erhua could tell that his master was both praising and criticizing him. Being smart was one thing, but persistence was the key, and that was what he lacked.

"Master, don't worry. I will study hard. If I don't study hard, you can hit me with a cane. I will go get a cane."

Erhua said this sincerely, more real than real gold and silver. Tang Sannan laughed and said:

"Why pick rattan? When I was learning my craft in Shanghai, I was terrified of my master's wife. Whenever she picked up a rattan stick, I would tremble all over. I even wet my pants once. Besides, you're a young man now, about to marry the mistress of the house. How can I hit you?"

"I think you came with me after you've thought it over and made up your mind. As men, we shouldn't look back once we've made up our minds, right? I believe you."

Erhua was a little touched. From childhood to adulthood, whether at home or in the village, everyone said that Erhua was not diligent, had no future, and was not as good as Dahua. He pretended not to care on the surface, but he was actually holding a grudge in his heart.

He nodded vigorously, and Tang Sannan patted him with satisfaction.

I don’t know if it was a bit early for Tang Sannan to say this, but at that time Erhua was really determined to learn the craft from his master. As for whether his motives were pure or not, that is another matter.

After eating, Erhua immediately regained his strength. He looked at the bare fields from afar. The rice was almost harvested, and there were a few people picking rice ears in the fields. He remembered that Qiuhua used to go to the fields to pick rice ears. Later, when he made a lot of money, he didn't need her to do this work anymore.

The two got up, brushed the dust off their butts and continued on their way. The weather had been getting colder these days, and Erhua didn't have any decent warm clothes. When it was cold, he could only put on more clothes one by one. If he wore more clothes, he wouldn't feel so cold.