As soon as he saw Mr. Turner, he gave a faint smile: “Amitabha, this old monk congratulates Mr. Turner, you have truly had a fine son!”

The words “fine son” were spoken with particular emphasis. Mr. Turner didn’t understand the meaning, simply apologized, and left with William Turner.

“Yier, what exactly did you say to Edward Clark?”

“Nothing much. I just told him that Tianfei Temple was originally a Taoist temple, but later all the Taoist priests left. In recent years, some monks moved in, and it gradually became a Buddhist monastery.”

Mr. Turner muttered to himself, “You’re right, that’s the history of Tianfei Temple, but how does that convince Edward Clark?”

“It’s simple. If he takes my advice, everyone makes money together. If he doesn’t listen, I’ll report it to the Monastic Affairs Bureau. You know, the emperor is a devout Taoist, and Taoist priests have a higher status than monks. There are quite a few Taoist priests with nowhere to go—if they hear about this, what do you think will happen?”

William Turner spoke lightly, but Mr. Turner broke out in a cold sweat: That’s ruthless! It’s basically a plan to drive them out with no way back!

But William Turner felt no guilt. He had already guessed that yesterday Edward Clark had deliberately piqued his father’s interest. Even if his father didn’t go to Tianfei Temple to set up a stall and write, he would find a way to get involved and copy Buddhist scriptures for him. William Turner could even imagine these beautifully written scriptures becoming prized treasures for making connections with the elite, bringing in generous rewards.

And yet, after taking such a big advantage, he still pretends to be doing a favor. Does he think I’m easy to fool?

You play your tricks, I’ll play mine!

That’s right, William Turner is exactly the type to repay every slight.

It’s just that this kind of thing clearly isn’t suitable for an honest man like Mr. Turner to get involved in…

Chapter 6 Placing an Order

The father and son chatted as they walked, and Mr. Turner gradually accepted the reality. On their way back, they happened to pass by The Brooks Family’s shop and heard Mrs. Brooks asking, “You rascal, did you get the signboard and banner made?”

“They’re done. They’ll be delivered tonight. Also, I thought about hiring two helpers to tidy up our storefront and give it a fresh look.”

Mrs. Brooks sounded dissatisfied and asked, “Hiring helpers again? Isn’t that going to cost money?”

“They’re old friends. They agreed not to take any money, just a meal. Don’t we have that old hen that doesn’t lay eggs?”

“What? John Brooks, are they worth a chicken?” Mrs. Brooks said, “No way, just go buy some greens.”

Mr. Brooks hesitated, “Isn’t that a bit much?”

“What’s wrong with it? I’m a good cook—greens can taste like stewed chicken too. Are you going or not?”

“Go for what? You have all the money.” Mr. Brooks said sulkily.

Mrs. Brooks slapped her forehead and laughed, “I forgot! I’ll get you the money right now.”

She rummaged through her purse, couldn’t bear to take out a few pieces of silver, picked out a dozen copper coins, and stuffed them into Mr. Brooks’s hand. Instantly, Mr. Brooks’s face fell.

Before he could protest, Mrs. Brooks quickly said, “Listen, when you buy vegetables, pick the ones with wormholes, okay?”

“Huh?” Mr. Brooks’s eyes nearly popped out. “That’s… that’s not right, is it?” He wanted to say it was too stingy.

“I’m not just being cheap! If worms like to eat it, people will too, right? Just hurry up and go!”

Mr. Brooks was utterly helpless, his face flushed red, thinking to himself, how did I end up marrying a wife like this! As he walked out, he happened to look up and saw the The Turner Family father and son.

“Oh, Sir Turner, you helped us write the signboard—such a big favor, and I haven’t even had a chance to thank you! Come have dinner at our place tonight! Wife, kill the chicken and stew it for Sir Turner. I’ll go buy the vegetables now.”

With that, Mr. Brooks dashed off, afraid he’d change his mind, and disappeared in a flash. Mrs. Brooks came out from inside, looking embarrassed. Entertaining Sir Turner? Clearly just an excuse!

But Mrs. Brooks couldn’t lose her temper in front of Mr. Turner—after all, he’d helped them a lot that morning. She still had to thank him, so she said, “Sir Turner, and young master, please come in and have some water.”

Mr. Turner wanted to refuse, but William Turner spoke up first: “Thank you, Aunt Brooks.”

The father and son sat down. Mrs. Brooks brought out tea, along with a plate of sunflower seeds and a plate of peanuts, making Mr. Turner feel flattered. He’d never heard of Mrs. Brooks being so generous before—like a miser plucking out a feather, it was truly rare!

Mrs. Brooks seemed a bit embarrassed, her face reddened. “Um, Sir Turner, I’ll go kill the chicken now.” She hurried off to the backyard, and before long, a shrill scream was heard.

“She’s really quick!” As he spoke, William Turner took out the silver ingot from his pocket and placed it on the table. Mr. Turner’s eyes widened instantly.

“W-where did this come from?” Mr. Turner asked in confusion.

William Turner weighed the ingot in his hand—it was a full five taels, heavy in the palm. He chuckled, “Of course, it’s the startup fund from Master Edward Clark.”

Suddenly, Mr. Turner recalled the three words Edward Clark had said through gritted teeth and seemed to understand.

“Yier, did he really give it to you, or did you find a way to get it?”

William Turner waved his hand boldly and laughed, “That’s not important! What matters now is making something. Do you know carpentry?”

“No, do you?” asked Mr. Turner.