I Can See Through Everything

"Young master, did you say your master is that old doctor Chen?"

Master Ma's face lost its previous smile and became somewhat serious.

"It seems the villagers do refer to him as such."

The tension on Lu Qing's face eased a bit as he responded.

"Yes, Master Ma, this little brother of mine goes to study with Doctor Chen every day."

At this moment, Wang Da'an seized the opportunity to chime in.

Master Ma scrutinized Lu Qing and Wang Da'an, then suddenly smiled.

"So, you're a distinguished student of Doctor Chen. My apologies."

Master Ma solemnly bowed to Lu Qing, which seemed to startle him, causing him to step back two paces.

He hurriedly waved his hands, "I can't bear such a title. I only know a little about herbs from my master; I can't even diagnose illnesses yet."

Seeing Lu Qing's honesty, Master Ma couldn't help but smile.

"Regardless, I did offend you earlier. How about this: I'll pay for the meat you bought at this stall."

"That won't do," Lu Qing shook his head repeatedly. "One shouldn't accept unearned rewards; my master taught me not to take things from others casually."

"But I did offend you. Think of this meat as my apology."

No matter how Master Ma insisted, Lu Qing steadfastly refused to let him pay.

Wang Da'an, watching from the side, was wide-eyed.

This was the first time he had seen Master Ma being so courteous to someone.

And that someone was his little brother, Lu Qing.

Seeing Lu Qing continuously refuse Master Ma's offer, Wang Da'an was anxious.

That was several catties of meat, after all. How could anyone refuse such a gift? What was Lu Qing thinking?

Though anxious, Wang Da'an didn't intervene. He knew Lu Qing could read and had the old doctor's guidance, so he must have his reasons.

Master Ma, seeing Lu Qing's refusal, had a sudden idea and smiled again.

"You truly are kind-hearted, befitting of Doctor Chen's student. How about this, I noticed you seem to need change for that silver. Shall I help you with that?"

The butcher immediately chimed in, "Indeed, young master, Master Ma is the only one here who can change your silver."

Lu Qing hesitated briefly, then nodded, "Then I'll trouble you, Master Ma."

He took out the silver, and Master Ma, seeing it was a fine piece of snowflake-patterned silver, believed Lu Qing's words even more.

A typical village boy wouldn't have access to such fine silver.

Weighing it, Master Ma smiled, "This silver is about six taels, which equals roughly six hundred copper coins."

Master Ma took a cloth bag from his body, pulled out two small strings of copper coins, and handed the bag to Lu Qing.

"These copper coins should be worth your silver. Count them."

Lu Qing took the bag and began counting without hesitation.

Wang Da'an wanted to help but knew he wasn't good at counting. He'd only cause confusion, so he watched anxiously from the side.

Lu Qing quickly counted the coins.

Master Ma watched Lu Qing's counting with narrowed eyes.

It's rare for villagers to be literate, and those who can count beyond a hundred are even rarer.

Watching Lu Qing count, it was clear he had no difficulty with numbers.

Master Ma became increasingly convinced that Lu Qing was indeed Doctor Chen's disciple.

Soon, Lu Qing finished counting.

"It seems there's extra."

There were six hundred and fifty copper coins in the bag, fifty more than the exchange rate of one tael to a thousand copper coins.

"It's not extra. Your silver is of excellent quality; the extra fifty coins are justified." Master Ma smiled.

Lu Qing thought for a moment and didn't refuse.

He understood that Master Ma was showing goodwill. 

But after refusing several times, he couldn't continue to be ungracious.

Besides, this could be an opportunity to learn more about the outside world.

"Now that the money is exchanged, you can shop with ease. By the way, young master, may I know your name?" Master Ma inquired.

"I am Lu Qing," he said, pointing to Wang Da'an beside him, "and this is my fellow villager, Brother Da'an."

"Master Ma, I am Wang Da'an," Wang Da'an said obsequiously.

"Wang Da'an, not bad."

Master Ma could see that Wang Da'an was just an ordinary village youth.

Nevertheless, he nodded graciously.

This simple gesture was enough to make Wang Da'an excited, his face flushed.

"Brother Lu Qing, I wish you a pleasant time here. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

Master Ma was perceptive enough not to linger but kept a respectful distance.

Lu Qing was glad to see him go.

Though he intended to befriend Master Ma, now was not the time.

Currently, their strengths were not equal.

For now, he was only held in regard because of his identity as "Doctor Chen's disciple."

After Master Ma left, Lu Qing returned to the butcher's stall.

"Boss, can I buy the meat now?"

"Of course." The butcher beamed, "Young master, I didn't know you were Doctor Chen's student. No wonder you're so dignified!"

Lu Qing glanced at his patched clothes, feeling a bit speechless.

"Is this what you call dignified?"

"Boss, you know Doctor Chen too?" Wang Da'an asked curiously.

"Young man, who around here doesn't know Doctor Chen? My wife got a postpartum infection last year, nearly lost her life. It was Doctor Chen who cured her. He's a renowned healer in these parts!"

"In that case, shouldn't you give us a discount on the meat?" Wang Da'an suggested.

"Of course, a discount!"

In the end, the butcher shaved off a few coins from the price, saving Lu Qing three wen.

After buying the meat, Lu Qing and Wang Da'an continued shopping at the market.

Soon, they had bought a large pile of goods.

Mainly food and daily necessities.

Grain was the biggest purchase.

Besides that, Lu Qing also bought some vegetable seeds and needles.

He wanted to grow more vegetables in the courtyard, not just forage for wild ones.

As for the needles, the fishhook made from an old iron needle at home was no longer reliable.

He needed to make more fishhooks as spares.

Lu Qing also saw fish for sale at the market. Upon inquiring, he found it was cheaper than pork.

But that's understandable. For the poor, fat is crucial, so even pork's fat is more expensive than lean meat.

Fish, lacking fat, didn't stave off hunger.

Only wealthy nobles would pay dearly for a taste of fish.

For commoners, if given a choice, they would prefer pork over fish.

After buying these items, more than half of Lu Qing's six hundred fifty copper coins were spent.

He bought two large bamboo baskets, and he and Wang Da'an carried and lifted their purchases.

Finally, they left the market with heavy steps, heading back to the village.