Chapter 46: Masters Among the People

For more than ten days in a row, Yang Cheng did little besides making rounds at the construction site or guiding progress in the east and west wings. At the furniture workshop, he could decide on the general style and suggest adjustments to the proportions of the prototypes, but beyond that, he was of little help. After all, he had once been just an ordinary man, possessing only basic common sense.

However, he knew how to inspire the workers’ potential and creativity. He encouraged the carpenters, blacksmiths, and leatherworkers to experiment repeatedly, to fail and try again. Though this approach wasted a fair amount of materials, their skills grew ever more refined.

In his spare moments, he practiced the steps of the Ripple Step technique over and over. This art was rare in the world, yet not difficult to cultivate. Its creator must have been a prodigious genius, one who had glimpsed a hint of the laws of nature. Even someone like Yang Cheng, of poor aptitude, could sense its profound subtleties and, after some struggle, experience sudden enlightenment.

Yang Cheng couldn't help but sigh that true masters were often hidden among common folk; it was always those unremarkable people who came up with the most ingenious ideas. Compared to the great orthodox clans, they were less constrained by conventional thinking. If he kept his eyes open, perhaps unexpected treasures would come his way in the future.

That day, Yang Cheng finally felt he had achieved a minor mastery of the Ripple Step. He couldn’t help but feel proud—so it wasn’t that he was incapable of cultivating, but rather that he had never found the right technique.

With this thought, he began to test his skill in the backyard. The moment he moved, afterimages flashed in succession. He sped forward, the wind whistling past his ears, objects before him retreating at dizzying speed.

By the reckoning of his previous life, it would have taken half an hour to circle the yard, yet now he returned to his starting point in just a few minutes, without the slightest fatigue. It felt as though he were strolling leisurely through a garden. This art truly was marvelous.

Passing by Xiao Lan, he casually plucked the teacup from her hands, startling her into a cry. Only when Yang Cheng stopped did the hem of his long robe settle slowly around him, giving him the air of a transcendent master.

Noticing the look of adoration in Xiao Lan’s eyes, Yang Cheng felt even more pleased with himself. He moved again, this time swiftly heading toward the back mountain.

In a flash, he was atop the hill, where he found the six disciples and their master practicing. He circled the training ground before coming to a stop beside them.

Climbing the hill still left him a bit breathless, he noted ruefully to himself. How embarrassing.

Suppressing his panting, he enjoyed the astonished looks from the group, then said modestly to Lu Baichuan, “Brother Lu, how is my Ripple Step? I came especially to ask for your guidance.”

Lu Baichuan replied, “Brother Yang, your progress is quite commendable.” Then, pointing to Li Tianbiao, he added, “Biao, show the young master your footwork.”

Li Tianbiao stepped forward, saluted both his master and Yang Cheng, then moved with practiced ease—faster even than Yang Cheng.

Yang Cheng was momentarily speechless, then awkwardly joked, “Well, Biao, I didn’t expect you to be the youngest and yet the most skilled at the Ripple Step.”

Mei Yuchen and the others couldn’t help but laugh. Li Tianbiao, looking embarrassed, said, “Young master, I’m actually the worst among us. Master has scolded me many times.”

Yang Cheng fell silent.

The atmosphere quieted for a moment.

“Ahem, the weather is quite nice today,” Yang Cheng remarked.

“You all continue practicing. The young master and I have something to discuss,” Lu Baichuan said, breaking the awkwardness.

He invited Yang Cheng to sit with him in a bamboo pavilion nearby, poured him tea, and began to explain his own understanding of the footwork, pointing out Yang Cheng’s areas for improvement.

Lu Baichuan told him that even with the same technique, people’s mastery would always vary. His own disciples were all exceptional when it came to agility and movement. This, he said, was because he had always emphasized that footwork was secondary—true strength lay in one’s own power, so he did not let them spend too much time on these techniques.

Still, he offered Yang Cheng some comfort, cautioning him not to compare himself to these few as if they were ordinary people.

For Yang Cheng, this technique was indeed of great importance, a true lifesaver in critical moments. As for strength, he would think of a solution later—if it was possible at all.

He was content with this. After all, in his previous life, he had been of average athleticism and intelligence. How could merely arriving here turn him into a genius? Getting this far was thanks to his past experience, nothing more.

As long as he could stay alive, that was enough. He would continue practicing diligently.

Just as they were chatting, Zhong Qiang hurried up to report that Zhu Buhuo had requested his presence.

Zhong Qiang and his men were now in charge of security in the rear courtyard and had become very familiar with the terrain. A quick word with Xiao Lan was all it took to locate the young master on the back hill.

Yang Cheng then followed Zhu Buhuo’s men to the city’s most bustling southern district to meet up.

This time, he brought not only Murong Tie and Xiao Wu, but also Su Yue’e. Reliable and capable, he wanted her to see the new furniture store with him, hoping she would absorb some of his modern management ideas and methods. Perhaps she might gain insights that would allow her to take charge of future business matters.

Zhu Buhuo had already been waiting for some time. When he saw Yang Cheng arrive, he hurried forward to greet him. Noticing that Steward Su had also come, Zhu Buhuo nodded and smiled. Though he was a bit of a womanizer, he knew Su Yue’e was someone Yang Cheng trusted, so he treated her with respect.

Pointing to several shops at the street corner, Zhu Buhuo beamed, “Brother, I followed your instructions and scouted many locations. I begged and pleaded to secure this place. Look, right at the crossroads, with heavy foot traffic. More importantly, this is where the wealthy families often pass by. Three adjacent storefronts, bought together with the deeds—it cost over twenty thousand spirit coins.”

He said this with a pained expression. Though he had some assets, he was only moderately well-off. For this furniture store, he had put everything on the line. If it failed, he would have to start again from scratch.

They entered the shops. Combined, the three storefronts amounted to over five hundred square meters by Yang Cheng’s reckoning from his past life; with two floors, it totaled over a thousand. Yang Cheng nodded in satisfaction. The space was grand enough, and being on the corner made it bright and impressive.

After making a circuit of the premises, Yang Cheng described in detail his vision for the interior design.

In Wuzhou City, most shops were wooden structures and easy to remodel. The first step was to knock through all three units, leaving only the support columns. The outer walls and doors should be as open as possible, making it easy for passersby to see the merchandise inside. Then, divide the space into several large sections with screens, separating tables, sofas, and beds.

Within the main zones, smaller areas could be created based on different styles, using similar screens and decorative items. For exotic styles that couldn’t be matched with existing pieces, the furniture factory would produce them specially.

As for the dimly lit area at the back, Yang Cheng asked for suggestions. Zhu Buhuo replied, “There’s a kind of illuminant pearl that wealthy households use. After soaking up sunlight during the day, it shines as bright as day at night and lasts for several evenings. They’re quite expensive, though, costing several spirit coins apiece, so ordinary people rarely use them.”