Chapter Seven, Wu Bansian generously offers refuge

In the moment he was pushed open, the little carpenter's muscles tensed up all at once, his eyes wide open, resembling a fierce tiger that had just escaped from its cage, as if it were about to pounce on its prey.

Wu Bansian sighed: "It is likely as you said, that he has been retaliated against. This matter is also related to me; if I had not invited you and your master over, such an incident would not have occurred. Do not worry, I will definitely take care of this matter. After we finish eating, I will go to the Liu family and clarify things with Old Master Liu."

However, Miss Xiaoya is quite interested in him

Although he has been accustomed to running the docks for many years and knows much more than his peers, generally speaking, it was his master who handled matters, and there was no need for him to step forward or make decisions. However, now that his master has disappeared and he has encountered this troublesome situation, he finds himself somewhat at a loss.

The carpenter replied and then asked, "Sir, what exactly is the matter with my master?"

You must know where your master is, call him out to pay for his life

How could this happen

The next day, upon waking, the carpenter stepped outside and saw Wu Bansian kneeling at the altar in the main room, reciting incantations.

The little carpenter left the construction site with a heavy heart, glancing back to find the villagers who had once worked alongside him pointing and whispering. Some looked at him with sympathy, while others wore expressions of mockery and glee, which filled him with sorrow

However, he ultimately did not take action, but instead stood in place

The reason why Dayong is like this is that he has a fondness for Miss Liu's little sprout.

When Wu Bansian was in the town, he spent most of his time comforting the young carpenter. However, he still needed to make a living, so after two days, he went out to sell his wares again. The young carpenter watched him leave, and after a quarter of an hour, he saw the mute tending to the herb garden in the backyard. After some thought, he decided to follow him.

He squatted under the locust tree until noon, feeling both hungry and thirsty. At that moment, he heard footsteps behind him, followed by someone calling out to him: "Brother Gan, Brother Gan."

He felt that he had been driven out, and many subsequent events were undoubtedly instigated by Dayong behind the scenes

The little carpenter turned around and saw that the person approaching was Wu Bansian, who had an ethereal demeanor and a smiling face

The little carpenter was filled with grievance, yet the scathing rebukes from the family nearby made it impossible for him to stay even for a second. Reluctantly, he rummaged through two pieces of clothing and then left in a dejected manner

The mute person was quite skilled at manual labor, and before long, he prepared a meal. The dishes were not abundant, nor did they include any meat; there were only vegetables and pickles, accompanied by plain white rice

The little carpenter shook his head and said no, for all these years, we have gone wherever there was work, drifting everywhere.

Fortunately, he always carries that carving knife with him, so at least he has something to eat with

There is also a medicinal herb garden in the backyard of this thatched cottage

He scolded a few words and said to the young carpenter: "You must be hungry as well, so go rest at my place, and I will go find Lord Liu to reason with him later"

Upon hearing the warm words of concern from Wu Bansian, the young carpenter felt a deep sense of grievance, unable to hold back his tears. He then recounted the entire sequence of events, laying bare the circumstances that led to his expulsion from the Liu family, along with the matter of having his possessions taken away.

The little carpenter hurriedly expressed his gratitude

The carpenter stayed at home, and it was only when dusk fell that Master Wu returned, having drunk alcohol and inebriated. The mute served him to bed, and although the carpenter was filled with questions, he had no way to inquire and could only settle in the side room of the thatched cottage

The little carpenter had been hungry all day. Wu Bansian told him not to be polite, so he began to eat heartily. Meanwhile, Wu Bansian, who was evidently not very hungry, sat beside him, sipping tea and inquiring about the little carpenter.

Wu Bansian is a man of his word. After having dinner, he washed his hands and rinsed his mouth, then set off. The young carpenter wanted to follow him, but he was not allowed to, as it was said that the Liu family was likely still in a fit of anger, and it would not be appropriate for him to go at this time

Since one is mute, it is naturally impossible to become a disciple of Wu Banshen

He knew he could not stay any longer and had to pack his things to leave. However, when he was carrying the large wooden box out the door, two of the Liu family's guards stopped him outside, pointing at the box and forbidding him from taking it. The carpenter argued his case, but the guard replied, "Don't talk to me about this; I don't understand. Da Yong instructed me, saying there might be some deadly weapon in there, so it cannot be taken. You can leave, and taking two pieces of clothing is fine."

Moreover, the young carpenter could not understand how, despite assisting the Liu family with their affairs and organizing the construction of the new residence, everything had been harmonious and amicable, with Master Liu treating his master with great courtesy, how it suddenly turned hostile

Wu Bansian asked a few more questions, looking somewhat troubled, and said: "This matter is quite complicated; it requires your master to come out, otherwise it cannot be clarified. I spoke to Lord Liu about the financial issue, and he said the money has already been distributed to the deceased's family. If, in the end, the case has nothing to do with your master, he will reimburse it later. How about this: you should stay here with me for the time being, and we will discuss it again when your master returns..."

Where is your master? Call him out

The little carpenter always kept this matter in mind, so not only would he never resort to violence, but he also never spoke of his ability to wield a knife to anyone.

He was seen wearing a long robe and a blue shirt, with a headscarf on his head, carrying a bundle on his back, and shouldering a flag, looking travel-worn. The young carpenter quickly got up to pay his respects, and that Wu Bansian supported him, then asked with concern: "I have been traveling through the mountains and visiting the villages these past few days, just returned, and heard about your master’s situation. I didn’t even go home, but hurried over—by the way, what has happened to you?"

He took in the little carpenter and instructed him to inform him immediately once there was news from his master

He is a skilled practitioner. Since childhood, he has followed the knife master Xiong Cao from the Miao family in Qianyang to learn a fierce style of knife techniques. Not to mention anything else, he can easily handle someone like Dayong.

The women and children, who were filled with rage towards the little carpenter, naturally could not take action themselves, yet their cries and curses created a scene akin to that of a shrew, leaving the little carpenter unable to confront the situation

As long as he is alive for one day, the little carpenter cannot engage in physical conflict with others

At this point, Wu Bansian asked, "Do you know where your master's hometown is?"

The little carpenter felt grateful upon hearing this and agreed

... ...

Otherwise, one will be expelled from the school.

The two individuals returned to the residence of Wu Bansian, located downstream of Zhangmu Creek, not far from Sandao Kanj. It was a spacious cottage, distinct from the wooden houses of ordinary families. Most of Wu Bansian's house was made of bamboo, and the carpenter was a skilled craftsman in the field. With a single glance, he could discern the intricacies involved in its construction. It was truly a house crafted by a master artisan, and overall, it exuded a certain elegance and character.

He was filled with confusion, unable to comprehend the situation. Just at that moment, the door of the work shed was pushed open, and several elderly and weak women and children in mourning attire blocked the entrance, pointing at the young carpenter and angrily cursing: "Murderer, may you meet a terrible end"

Master Liu appears so benevolent, generous in nature, and he holds a deep appreciation for his craft

But that money belongs to the master

He led a group to seize the wealth and left triumphantly, while the young carpenter clenched his fists, making a cracking sound, yet ultimately chose not to resist

In Wu Bansian's home, there was another person, slightly older than the young carpenter, a sturdy-looking young man. At first, the young carpenter thought he was Wu Bansian's apprentice, but after a while, he realized that he was mute

Upon hearing this, Wu Bansian puffed out his beard and glared, angrily scolding: "What a bunch of fools! How could my brother Lu, with his righteous spirit, possibly commit such acts? He must have been framed..."

Having been bullied, he was filled with dissatisfaction, his expression was quite grim, and he gazed gloomily at the construction site over there, contemplating the events to come

Learning the sword from the swordsman Xiong Cao was arranged by his master Zhang Luo, aimed at strengthening the body and preventing being bullied. However, at the same time, his master established a rule for him: while practicing the sword is encouraged, he should not engage in combat with others. He is destined for a short life, and if he were to fight, he might lose his sense of proportion, which could lead to legal troubles or even result in losing his head.

The carpenter said: "My master's hometown is in Heizhugou, Jingnan Road, but there aren't many people left in the hometown. I have followed him for ten years, and I only went back once, and that was to pay respects at the graves.

Wu Bansian asked again: "Do you know where his several daughters have married off to?"

He held back, but could not contain his anger, and said to that brave man: "The official has not stated that my master is the murderer, so on what basis do you make such a determination?"

This is jealousy

Wu Bansian asked again: "Do you know if he has any other places to stay?"

The carpenter Gan Shisan thought to himself, perhaps Lord Liu is unaware of this matter; if he were to find out, would he help to uphold justice

Dayong disdainfully said: "I will not argue with you, a child. The master has said that if you wish to stay here, you may do so, but the Liu family will no longer provide meals; if you do not wish to stay here, you may leave, but you cannot leave Sandao Kan Town, otherwise you will be considered an accomplice to the murderer"

The tools for work have basically been left at the construction site, the master has vanished without a trace, and the young carpenter has nowhere to go. Even if he has left the site, he has not gone far, merely squatting under the locust tree in the distance

The carpenter said that the eldest daughter married in Ludong, the second daughter married in Xichuan, and the third daughter married in Guangfu. However, he does not have a good relationship with several of the daughters and has not been in contact with them for a long time, nor have I ever been there.

Do the Liu family really believe that the two deceased were killed by his master

He did not dare to disturb and quietly watched. After Wu Bansian finished his work, he called him to the front of the house and said: "Little brother, I happened to meet Lin Yimin from the county yesterday. You should be aware of his reputation; he was a constable during the Qing Dynasty, nicknamed 'Xiangxi Zhan Zhao', and possesses remarkable insight. Your master's case has many doubts. I have shared your views and the information I know, but the problem is that your master has yet to make an appearance. No one knows what the situation is. Ultimately, it is only when your master shows up that he can clear his name"

However, what if one thinks incorrectly?

Since childhood, as he roamed the world, his master taught him a principle: "A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake," let alone people like them who make a living through their skills and are considered marginal figures.