Xiao Gu was jealous.
Pei Qingwu acted swiftly, and within a few days, the notice announcing the acceptance of disciples was posted.
Since it's still in the exploratory stage, she only needs two people, around twenty years old, with priority given to those with cooking experience. They need to be diligent and quick. Room and board are provided, and after completing the training, they will receive a monthly salary. If they do not wish to continue working at Sushan Market, they must pay a penalty for breach of contract.
As soon as the news came out, many people had their eyes on it.
Everyone in Qinzhou knows that Sushan Market is thriving, and the shopkeeper is favored by Magistrate Zhao and Princess Shouchun. Business is booming, and if one can learn skills from her, one will have no worries about making a living in the future.
More importantly, Pei Dongjia is a woman, which makes her safer than the men.
Therefore, on the day of the formal assessment, the shop was crowded with qualified girls, all of whom had hope in their eyes.
Pei Qingwu spent the whole morning picking and finally managed to choose two.
The first one was called Shen Wuniang. She was about nineteen years old, tall and sturdy, and looked like she was used to manual labor.
She had a round face with a healthy tan complexion. Her eyes were large and bright, revealing the simplicity and cleverness of a country girl. Her nose was not high but straight, and her lips were slightly thick. When she smiled, she revealed a set of neat white teeth, making her look particularly honest and approachable. Although she wasn't exceptionally beautiful, her vibrant energy and efficient demeanor made people feel at ease just by looking at her.
The other one is called Yu Yi, who is a little younger and has just turned seventeen.
She was slender, half a head shorter than Shen Wu Niang, and looked somewhat thin. She had a small face, the size of a palm, with a pointed chin, and her skin was slightly dark from long-term labor, with a pale complexion reminiscent of malnutrition.
What is most striking about her are her eyes, with pupils that are dark and bright, like ink jade soaked in water. Due to her hard work, her fingers are surprisingly slender, though there are slight calluses on her knuckles, indicating that she has done meticulous work.
Looking at the two bright-eyed girls in front of him, filled with anticipation and trepidation, Pei Qingwu cleared his throat and became serious: "Chen Wuniang, Yu Yi."
The two immediately straightened their backs and held their breath.
"From today onwards, you will be apprentices of my Sushan Xiaoji." Pei Qingwu's gaze swept across the two faces: "There are a few things I need to make clear to you beforehand, so please remember them."
"First, you must be dedicated to learning the craft and be willing to work hard. The intricacies involved are much deeper than you might imagine outside. When it comes to snacks and food, cleanliness, meticulousness, cooking time, and ingenuity are paramount. You cannot afford to be careless in the slightest. If you make a mistake, at best the taste will be poor, and at worst you will damage your reputation. Diligence is fundamental, but you must also use your brain."
"Secondly, the rules must be followed. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. The shop's regulations, the amount of materials used, and the etiquette for treating customers are all established and clearly stated in the contract. During the apprenticeship period, you will be provided with food and lodging, and after you have completed your apprenticeship, you will be paid according to your work. However, there is one condition: if you want to leave before you have mastered the skills or before you have completed the agreed period of service, you are all aware of the penalties for breach of contract."
She paused for a moment, watching the two nod solemnly, before continuing, "Third, and most importantly: cleanliness. When it comes to food, cleanliness is of paramount importance. Hair, nails, and clothes must always be neat and tidy. Hands must be washed before and after work. Pastries must not be made with dirty hands or sweat; there can be not a trace of odor. If I see anyone being lazy or negligent in this regard..."
Her eyes sharpened, and though she didn't finish her sentence, the severity in her expression was unmistakable.
Seeing the two girls hesitate slightly, Pei Qingwu's tone softened a bit: "You are about the same age and entered the sect together. From now on, you will be sisters. You should get along well, help each other, learn from each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses. Don't quarrel over trivial matters and waste your time learning skills. If you have any difficulties or don't understand something, you can come and ask me. Don't keep it to yourself and try to figure it out on your own. Now that I have taken you in, I hope to guide you to learn this skill well and master it, so that you will have a means to make a living in the future."
"Finally, remember this: here, skills are the foundation of your livelihood, and integrity is the basis of your character. As long as you learn diligently and work hard, I will not treat you unfairly. There's a long road ahead, so study hard and work hard."
"Yes, Master!" Shen Wuniang's voice was loud and clear, filled with warmth.
"I will listen to Master." Yu Yi's voice was soft, but clear and firm, like a pebble thrown into water, creating small ripples.
Pei Qingwu felt a sense of relief seeing the solemn light in their eyes.
These are two new saplings; hopefully they will grow into good trees.
"Alright, go settle your luggage and familiarize yourself with the accommodations and shop. After lunch, let's get acquainted with the materials and utensils in the storeroom by talking to Yinlan."
Yinlan had already prepared a side room for them to stay in. When she saw them come over, she said warmly, "Fifth Sister, Xiaoyi, please take a look around. Is there anything wrong with this place? If so, please feel free to tell us. Just make yourself at home and don't be shy."
Shen Wuniang hurriedly said, "Sister Yinlan, you've really gone to a lot of trouble. Everything is fine here, and I'm not uncomfortable at all."
Yu Yi nodded in agreement.
"That's good, that's good. Come, follow me to the front, I've prepared some food for you..."
Seeing that Yin Lan had settled them in properly, Pei Qingwu felt relieved and began to think about something else.
The chill of early spring had not yet faded, and the air was filled with a biting wind. She pulled her coat tighter, and two suppressed coughs escaped her throat.
"Boss, what are you thinking about?"
A deep, gentle voice rang out, and at the same time, a warm, sweet fragrance wafted in.
Pei Qingwu looked up and saw Gu Heng walking over with a celadon bowl. The bowl contained freshly brewed soup, steaming hot, with a few plump red dates and slices of tender ginger floating inside, emitting a warming aroma.
“These past few days I’ve noticed that my master has been coughing, so I learned from Sister Yinlan how to brew ginger and jujube tea to help him get rid of the cold.”
"Ah Heng, thank you so much." Pei Qingwu took the drink and sipped it slowly.
The warm liquid slid down my throat, bringing a comfortable, soothing sensation, and temporarily suppressed the slight itch.
"So, what is the master so worried about?" Gu Heng asked again.
Pei Qingwu swallowed a mouthful of sweet soup before slowly speaking: "I was thinking that there are more and more girls in the shop, Yinlan, Qiantao, Jinniang, Nianci... and now Wuniang and Xiaoyi have joined. Although they are all in the backyard and you are in the front, you are still the only guard. You have to take care of purchasing, guarding the gate, and dealing with miscellaneous matters on weekdays. Firstly, I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it all, and secondly, it feels a bit thin."
She paused, then turned her gaze to Gu Heng, speaking in a consultative tone: "I was thinking, should we find another reliable person? Mainly to help you guard the door, and also to help patrol at night, so you can have more free time, and the shop will be more secure."
Gu Heng's gentle smile froze slightly. He lowered his eyes, looking at Pei Qingwu's fingers holding the bowl. He remained silent for a moment, then looked up again, his voice lower than before: "Master, do you think I haven't done a good enough job?"
Pei Qingwu was slightly taken aback, then chuckled: "Don't mention it! You are the most meticulous and thorough in your work. With you here, I feel so at ease. But it is precisely because I know you work hard that I thought of adding another person to share the burden. It's not that you are not doing a good job."
Looking at Gu Heng's still slightly furrowed brows and taut jawline, she understood the source of his awkwardness.
It's normal for Gu Heng to lack a sense of security, given that he grew up in that kind of environment. But right now, it feels more like the anxiety that his position of trust might be eroded.
After hearing her explanation, Gu Heng's tense expression seemed to ease slightly, but he still insisted on adding in a low voice, "Since the master says so, Gu Heng understands, but no matter how many more people the master adds, Gu Heng..."
He raised his head, looking intently at Pei Qingwu, and said clearly, word by word, "You were the first to follow the master, and no matter what, Gu Heng will always be by the master's side to protect you and the shop."
These words were spoken bluntly and solemnly.
Pei Qingwu felt a warmth in his heart. Looking at the tall and upright young man in front of him, who had grown even taller and more handsome after his sixteenth birthday, he was slowly transitioning into a man.
Her lips involuntarily curved into a smile, and she naturally reached out to ruffle Gu Heng's hair, her gesture filled with comforting intimacy: "I know, I'll remember this loyalty."
“Our little Aheng was the first one to follow me.”
Gu Heng was amused by this remark and his face turned red. Pei Qingwu smiled even more when he saw this.
After lunch, Pei Qingwu took Gu Heng to the horse trading company to buy people.
The horse market was still as crowded and smelly as before.
Pei Qingwu had a clear goal: he only wanted to find a steady, reliable, strong, and virtuous adult male to be his bodyguard.
But as she looked at and questioned each one, she found that some had too fierce a face, making her worry that they would frighten the girls in the shop; others had strong physiques but shifty and unreliable eyes; still others were too young and impetuous, making it difficult to entrust them with the night's business.
They finally found someone who seemed decent, but when they asked, they found out that the reason he was sent here was because he had an affair with the master's maid.
Thinking of the group of beautiful young women in the shop, Pei Qingwu waved his hands repeatedly, saying no.
Gu Heng silently followed half a step behind Pei Qingwu, his wary gaze sweeping around. Occasionally, when Pei Qingwu approached a man who looked particularly robust, his brows would furrow almost imperceptibly.
Although he did not intervene verbally, the aura of "keep away" emanating from him made some brokers who wanted to approach him to make their sales pitches unconsciously take a step back.
Time passed slowly, the sun began to set, and Pei Qingwu's eyes grew sore, and a sense of anxiety gradually rose in his heart.
Finding a suitable bodyguard is not as easy as one might imagine.
"Master Pei? What a coincidence!"
Just then, a clear, cheerful voice came from behind.
Pei Qingwu turned around upon hearing the sound and saw Zhao Xu, dressed in casual clothes, standing a few steps away with a smile, followed by two young men who looked like servants.
"Commander Zhao?" Pei Qingwu was somewhat surprised and quickly greeted him, "You are here..."
Zhao Xu waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities: "My younger sister's personal maid was recently released from her official duties and married off. My mother ordered me to come and choose a clever and pleasing one for her..."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Gu Heng behind Pei Qingwu, and at the obvious picky attitude in front of him, and he couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's Manager Pei doing here? Is the shop short-staffed again?"
Pei Qingwu gave a wry smile and told him frankly, "I came here to find someone. The shop has taken in two new apprentices, and with the existing girls, the backyard is even more crowded. Although there is Aheng in the front, he has to guard the gate, patrol at night, and take care of shopping and other miscellaneous tasks. He is too busy to manage everything. So I thought I would add another guard, mainly to share the responsibility of night watch and security in the backyard, so that he can have some free time."
"I see." Zhao Xu nodded in understanding, then pondered for a moment and said, "Master Pei is looking for a reliable and capable bodyguard? If so, I have a candidate to recommend. Would you be willing to hear it, Manager Pei?"
"Oh? Please speak, Captain." Pei Qingwu's spirits lifted.
The person recommended by Zhao Xu should be of good character and ability.
“This man is named Shi Dayong,” Zhao Xu introduced. “He was originally a veteran of the Longyou Army and served under me for several years. He was honest, upright, hardworking, and skilled in combat. He was a truly good soldier. However, things didn’t go as planned. Two years ago, he was hit by a stray arrow on the battlefield and lost an eye.”
He paused, and seeing that Pei Qingwu showed no disdain, he continued, "After his injury, he came from a poor family and had no relatives to rely on. He has been doing odd jobs in the city to make a living. I once thought of settling him in, but he was unwilling to accept any favors. As for guarding the house and deterring thieves, his skills and experience are more than enough. Moreover, he is calm, quiet, and very disciplined. If Master Pei does not mind his physical imperfections, this person is definitely an excellent choice."
Pei Qingwu listened attentively and had already made up his mind.
Veterans who have been on the battlefield are resilient and experienced, making them far more reliable than ordinary guards.
As for losing an eye, so what? As long as the person is reliable and capable, this defect is nothing.
“I naturally trust anyone recommended by the captain,” Pei Qingwu said with a smile. “Where is the brave Shi now? Would it be possible to meet him?”
Zhao Xu was quite pleased to see her agree so readily: "He's rented a small house in the west of the city. I'll send someone to fetch him right away."
"There's no need for the captain to send anyone. If it's convenient, I'll go with the captain." Pei Qingwu was eager to resolve the matter.
“Alright.” Zhao Xu nodded, then glanced at Gu Heng behind Pei Qingwu.
Although the boy remained silent, his gaze was always fixed on Pei Qingwu, with an undisguised protective posture.
About half an hour later, in a simple but clean and tidy little house in the west of the city, Pei Qingwu met Shi Dayong.
Just as Zhao Xu had said, this man was tall and robust with a strong frame. Even though he was wearing old, faded clothes, one could feel the power hidden beneath them.
He was around forty years old, with deep wrinkles etched on his weathered face. He wore a simple black leather eye patch over his left eye, but his right eye, which was exposed, was unusually sharp and bright.
Zhao Xu explained his purpose, and Shi Dayong looked at Pei Qingwu with his one eye, clasped his hands in a salute, and said in a low, hoarse voice: "I am Shi Dayong, and I greet Master Pei. I thank Captain Zhao for his recommendation and I also thank Master Pei for not minding. If Master Pei is willing to take me in, I will certainly do my duty and protect you with my life."
Pei Qingwu was satisfied and asked a few questions about his duties and daily life. Shi Dayong's answers were concise, clear, and well-organized.
“Alright.” Pei Qingwu made the decision without hesitation: “From today onwards, you will be the guard of my Sushan Market. You will be provided with room and board, and your monthly salary will be increased by two cents based on the market rate. Is that acceptable?”
A glint of light flashed in Shi Dayong's single eye, clearly showing his surprise and gratitude at this treatment: "I'm willing! Thank you, Manager Pei!"
And that was the end of it.
On the way back, Gu Heng walked silently a little behind Pei Qingwu, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the tall and burly figure beside him, his lips tightly pressed together, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Pei Qingwu naturally noticed the low mood of the guard beside him, and felt both amused and helpless.
She quietly reached out and gently patted Gu Heng's head, as if soothing a ruffled little animal, and whispered, "Don't be so serious. Shi Zhuangshi is a reliable senior. You two should get along well in the future. You will always be my most trusted first guard, remember that?"
Gu Heng stiffened slightly from the rubbing, and his ears quickly flushed red. The pent-up anger seemed to dissipate most of it with this intimate gesture.
He gave a soft "hmm," and only then did his tense shoulders relax.
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