From a paper-making apprentice to a celestial master

Chapter 5, Section 6: Shallow Kinship

In his previous life, he had heard the saying "When righteousness resides within, evil cannot invade," and he had also heard the scholar's saying "Cultivate a righteous spirit, and you will not fear ghosts and gods."

However, it's uncertain whether these will be useful when truly confronting ghosts, spirits, and evil spirits.

As for the claim that it was protected by the imperial court's fortune, that seems even more far-fetched.

It might really exist, but since it concerns his own life, he dared not gamble.

Moreover.

Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst.

The examination for children has already been held this year. They will have to wait until February of next year to take the exam again, which is a gap of five or six months.

How can his safety be guaranteed during this time?

Therefore, Qin Shuang's heart stirred, and she suddenly raised her head, looked at Liu Quan, and said, "Grandpa Liu."

"Um?"

Liu Quan turned around and responded.

"I know you are a capable person."

Just now, with a single move, I intimidated that water ghost.

So I'd like to learn from you, is that alright?

Qin Shuang followed up with her words.

Qin Zheng's expression changed, but he remained silent.

Liu Quan did not answer immediately. He looked at Qin Shuang, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, "My skills are nothing special."

Moreover, there's no turning back in this line of work.

Once you step into this world, you are destined to deal with those things. Although you can make a living in this area, you will have little connection with your family and relatives and will hardly enjoy the happiness of family life in the future.

Xiaoshuang, you're different from me. You've received an education, so you have other paths to take. Whether it's passing the imperial examinations or learning a trade, it's all better than going down this path.

"Uncle Liu, what does 'weak ties with family' mean?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuehong became anxious and hurriedly asked.

"Literal meaning."

Liu Quan sighed, his gaze falling on the string of black beads in his hand. "Those of us in this line of work deal with yin things all year round, so it's inevitable that we'll get tainted by yin energy."

Even if you have the skills to rely on, over time you will still affect the people around you.

I married a woman when I was young, but she died of illness within two years. I never remarried, and I have no children; I am all alone.

Look at Li the fortune teller in Gangkou Village, he's also all alone. This is no coincidence.

He paused, then continued, "So, to put it bluntly, this line of work is about exchanging worldly blessings for worldly abilities."

Think it through before you decide.

The room fell silent immediately.

Qin Shuang lowered her head and remained silent.

It wasn't that they were hesitating, but rather that they were considering their words.

He himself, of course, was willing.

Because this world is far more dangerous than he imagined. This time, he was able to get through it safely because Grandpa Liu was protecting him, but what about next time?

Although he brought with him what he had learned in his previous life and possessed an attribute panel, promising a bright future, ultimately, his abilities were not great. He needed sufficient time to grow, and ghosts were cunning; who knew if they would change their minds halfway and attack again?

Relying on others is never as good as relying on yourself.

However, at this moment, he is a son, his parents' only son, and he still needs to consider their feelings.

"Grandpa Liu, I've thought it through."

Qin Shuang raised her head, her gaze resolute. "I want to learn."

"Xiao Shuang!"

Zhou Yuehong grew anxious, "Didn't you hear what your Grandpa Liu said? If you learn this trade, you won't even be able to find a wife in the future! You're going to drive me crazy!"

"Mother, this is not the time to get a wife."

Qin Shuang said, "Although the water ghost is gone, no one knows when it might change its mind. I don't want to live in fear every day, and I don't want to drag you all down with me."

"But……"

"Alright," Qin Zheng suddenly said, interrupting Zhou Yuehong.

He glanced at Qin Shuang, then looked at Liu Quan and asked, "Uncle Liu, I'm entrusting Xiao Shuang to you from now on."

No matter how well they study, if they misbehave, they should be beaten or punished as appropriate, without any regard for us.

If he's truly hopeless, you only need to send someone over to let us know, and we'll bring him back.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuehong opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing more. Her eyes reddened slightly, and she turned away to wipe the corners of her eyes with her sleeve.

She knew in her heart that since her husband had made the decision, it was settled. Besides, Uncle Liu had just made it clear that although the water ghost had left, there was no guarantee it wouldn't go back on its word. She could tell the difference between her son's life and his potential inability to find a wife in the future.

"OK."

Liu Quan nodded upon hearing this, then turned his gaze to Qin Shuang and said, "However, let me be clear from the start—I will only teach you for three months."

How much you learn after three months is up to you. If you can't learn it, don't blame the old man for not teaching you.

Also, if you want to continue learning after three months, you'll have to formally become an apprentice. Once you become an apprentice, you're tied to this profession for life; there's no turning back.

"Thank you, Master."

Qin Shuang's heart skipped a beat, and then she nodded solemnly.

"Don't rush to change how you address me."

Liu Quan waved his hand and said, "I'm just teaching you skills first, not formally accepting you as my disciple. We'll talk about becoming your apprentice once you've really thought it through and feel that you can make a living this way."

After saying that, he turned to Qin Zheng and Zhou Yuehong and said, "Don't worry too much. Xiao Shuang is a good girl and has studied. She shouldn't have too much trouble learning."

Moreover.

If I master this skill, it could be a good career path.

I have a senior fellow student who is registered in the imperial court. He not only has a government job, but he is also married and has children.

The saying goes, "Serving in public office is a good way to cultivate oneself." With the protection of the imperial court, many taboos become insignificant.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Uncle Liu!"

Qin Zheng nodded repeatedly.

"It's no trouble at all."

Liu Quan shook his head and said, "It's getting late, I'll head back now."

Remember, go to the river to burn paper money first thing tomorrow morning. The proper procedures must be followed; don't let that spirit think we're breaking our promise.

"Uncle Liu, it's so late, why don't you stay here?" Zhou Yuehong said quickly.

Deep down, I was worried that it might come back.

"No need, I'm used to walking at night."

In our line of work, sleeping during the day and traveling at night is commonplace.

Liu Quan smiled, a smile with an indescribable meaning, "Don't worry, that thing won't come out at this time."

However, Xiao Shuang's constitution was as conspicuous as a lantern in the dark to them.

When I was negotiating with it, it was already on the verge of relenting, but the moment you opened your eyes and saw it, its interest in you overshadowed its desire for the offerings.

And this is actually the real reason why he agreed to accept Qin Shuang.

Human relationships are just the foundation. Just as an apprentice chooses a master, a master also chooses his apprentices.

If Qin Shuang hadn't shown something special, he wouldn't have been tempted to accept it. The fact that she took the initiative to offer it was exactly what he wanted.

The reason I said so much just now was mainly to put his parents at ease.

If Qin Shuang's parents disagree, he cannot force them.