Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

Ting Nan got out of bed and sat next to her grandmother.

Qian Shuzhen bluntly stated: "The Gao family used to be a large and powerful clan, with great wealth and influence, as well as strong martial arts skills. Their disciples and followers were spread across all walks of life, and even the county magistrate had to show them some respect. Now, through your apprenticeship with Gao Haoran, many of their family's resources can be used by him and the Mingxiang brothers. Your master appears to be a lone figure, but if you get along well with him, he will become a great backer and a major resource for our Song family."

"Grandma, you're too much..." Ting Nan couldn't accept it. This seemed like she was plotting against her master and taking advantage of his family's wealth. Humph!

"What? You're standing up for your master? You're calling me a cunning old fox with wolfish ambitions?" Qian Shuzhen saw through Ting Nan's little scheme at a glance.

“A little. He taught me kung fu and gave me such a valuable jade. He treated me with sincerity, and yet we were still plotting against him.” Ting Nan never hid anything from her grandmother.

"Then let me ask you, has your master suffered any losses?"

After thinking for a moment, Ting Nan said, "There isn't one now, because Uncle hasn't used Master's resources yet."

“Yes, we’re not using Master Gao’s resources now, so he hasn’t lost anything,” Qian Shuzhen said self-deprecatingly. “But we’ve benefited—his popularity. The moment you became his apprentice, our whole family benefited from his popularity and good reputation. Especially your eldest uncle, as the head of the family, and a disabled person, he desperately wants recognition from others. Look, your eldest uncle is now happy to go out and chat, gossip, and when he’s just talking nonsense, he always mentions listening to Master Nan at my house…”

Indeed, my uncle has always been very concerned about what others think.

“Actually, you’re the one who directly benefits from his reputation now. Because when you’re out doing business, people will recognize you. You’re Gao Haoran’s apprentice, so he becomes your brand. They’ll give you face and buy from you. Now, quite a few customers come to ask about you. Doing business requires popularity, and you really are his apprentice, so you directly benefit. Your uncle and we indirectly benefit because the money you earn will go to your uncle.” Qian Shuzhen’s words were a bit convoluted.

"But I didn't do anything wrong," Ting Nan muttered.

"Yes, you didn't do anything wrong, you didn't ruin his reputation, so he didn't suffer any loss. When he gets old, you will take care of him."

"Of course!"

"So, does that mean he'll have someone to rely on in his old age? He'll also be a beneficiary?" Qian Shuzhen asked.

“Yes.” Ting Nan muttered to herself: My master didn’t think that much.

Qian Shuzhen pretended not to hear: "Let's talk about the future. Whether or not his resources are used by your uncle and the others, is that your decision?"

"Yeah, right? I won't use it carelessly myself." Ting Nan nodded.

"Then what are you worried about? We won't harm your master." Qian Shuzhen said irritably.

"I just don't like it, scheming against my master!" Ting Nan said righteously.

Qian Shuzhen patted Tingnan's head. "Child, you have a pure and kind heart, and you can't tolerate any imperfections. But you don't understand the adult world. In order to live a better life, there will be a lot of calculations. As long as we don't violate morality and are true to our conscience..."

"Grandma, I'm feeling unwell." Tingnan hugged Qian Shuzhen's arm.

"Now that your uncle is happily and openly letting you become Gao Haoran's apprentice, haven't you benefited from it?"

"Yes!"

"Your uncle has benefited from Master Gao's reputation, which makes him look up to more. He's happy every day, and our whole family is much more relaxed now, isn't that?"

"Yes, Grandma."

"Ting Nan, aren't you, your uncle, and your master all benefiting now?"

“Yes, no one is harmed, all three parties benefit.” Song Tingnan thought about it, but still felt uncomfortable.