He started as a shepherd and took on countless jobs.

The cave was filled with skeletons, including those of pigs, cattle, sheep, and humans.

This stalactite marrow was guarded by a demon, a weasel-like creature.

In Pei Si's mind, weasels were evil creatures.

In his previous life, Pei Si heard a story from his father when he was a child. It took place in his hometown village.

One day, a neighbor saw a weasel. At that time, meat was scarce and people were starving. Looking at the weasel, a thought came to mind.

After some commotion, the neighbor caught the weasel, skinned it, and ate its flesh.

The incident occurred that very evening.

The neighbor felt unbearable abdominal pain; to give an example, it was like having a toothpick stuck in your thumbnail and then kicking a wall.

The neighbor was in so much pain that he frantically pounded on the wall.

The next day, the neighbor's family quickly found a knowledgeable man to take a look.

The man sighed and said, "Greed created bad karma through speech, and now the weasel has come to take its revenge."

The final solution was to go to a temple, where the neighbor sincerely repented and begged the Yellow Immortal to stop tormenting him. He promised to enshrine the Yellow Immortal in his home and offer incense for the rest of his life, and only then was the matter settled.

This story left a deep impression on Pei Si when he was young. Later, he learned that in Liaodong, animals such as foxes, weasels, white foxes, and gray foxes could be regarded as immortals.

The immortals capture spirits, help people with their affairs, and accumulate merit. One day, they may be able to join the ranks of immortals and attain enlightenment.

Once a weasel has gained power, it will even demand a title.

Pei Si squinted slightly. This underground cave was not in Mengshan, but on the outskirts of Qingcheng County, which was close to Xingle County.

Xingle County is not far from Qingcheng Mountain.

We'll make further plans regarding this matter.

During these three days, Pei Si did nothing but practice martial arts and make paper figures.

With the blessing of [Paper Making Mastery], Pei Si's paper making speed is extremely fast.

The paper maker has really had a tough time these past few days.

Zhang Feng's entire clan was arrested by the authorities and imprisoned for interrogation.

Meanwhile, the shops that the Zhang family distributed and invested in were rectified and sealed off for various reasons, causing the Zhang family's business to shrink drastically.

In just three days, the Zhang family has been suppressed to the point of being unable to raise their heads.

"Knock knock knock".

"Brother Pei, it's me. My father sent me to pick you up and take you to the county government office." Lu Shouhuai's voice came from outside the door.

They've finally arrived; they must be here to discuss the business of this paper effigy!

Pei Si opened the door, exchanged pleasantries with Lu Shouhuai for a while, then got into the carriage and headed straight for the county government office.

……

County government office.

Second hall.

County Magistrate Du, County Lieutenant Lu, County Assistant Magistrate Liao, Registrar Cui, and other officials gathered together, a room full of hypocrites.

Pei Si, dressed in black with a sword at his waist, greeted everyone one by one.

Du Shouzhen stroked his long beard, praising without reservation: "Young Master Pei, I've heard from Lord Lu that you captured a flag and defeated an enemy general at the dock three days ago. Not bad, you truly are a worthy son of Qingcheng County."

"The water monsters on the Ink River have been lying dormant lately, and the fishermen dared to go out fishing, thanks in part to you."

Lu Pinghai twirled lotus petal prayer beads, smiling without saying a word.

Liao, the county magistrate, was a burly man with a leopard-like head, bulging eyes, and a thick beard. He was dressed in a civil official's robe that looked somewhat out of place. He looked at Pei Si with great interest, having only heard his colleagues talking about him. This was the first time he had seen Pei Si in person.

Cui, the registrar, glanced at the sword at Pei Si's waist.

Pei Si, as usual, flattered Du Shouzhen, saying only the best things.

Lu Pinghai said in a deep voice, "Young Master Pei, let the gentlemen see the paper figures you have made."

Pei Si hummed in agreement, took out three paper figures from his treasure pouch, and placed them in the main hall. "Please take a look, esteemed gentlemen."

Everyone stood up, tested the paper figure's material with their hands, and examined its expression. "We never expected that Young Master Pei's paper-making skills were so proficient."

"That's right, the paper figures we made are even better than those in Zhang's shop."

"Are there only paper figures? Are there also paper houses, carriages, and other items?"

"Of course, gentlemen, please wait a moment." Pei Si then took out paper houses, carriages, horses, and other items.

"There are no problems, Your Excellency. What do you think?" Magistrate Liao turned the conversation to Du Shouzhen.

Du Shouzhen hummed in agreement.

Although he was dissatisfied with the Zhang family and envious of their business, he would not do anything that involved selling inferior goods as superior ones.

People below also reported several families and workshops that knew how to make paper, but the quality was too poor.

"Since none of my colleagues have any objections, Young Master Pei, we can have a chat now," Du Shouzhen said with a satisfied smile.

Half an hour later, the plan was finalized.

Pei Si was responsible for supplying paper figures, paper houses, and other items, and for teaching paper-making techniques. The profits were split 40/60 between the county government and Pei Si, with the county government receiving 60% and Pei Si receiving 40%.

The county government is fully responsible for the distribution. If anything happens, Pei Si doesn't need to worry about it; the county government will handle it.

After Pei Si and the others left the second hall, only Du Shouzhen and Lu Pinghai remained.

Lu Pinghai smiled and said, "See? I told you so, Young Master Pei knows how to seize the moment!"

Du Shouzhen hummed in agreement, took a sip of Da Hong Pao tea, and said with a deep gaze, "Young Master Pei is a man of talent, unlike the Zhang family, who are so stubborn and refuse to hand over their family's paper-making skills to the authorities."

"The trial will resume at noon. Zhang Feng and his group are to be executed immediately on charges of attacking and killing Eagle Banner soldiers and colluding with the Water Ghost!"

"Confiscate all the ill-gotten gains from the Zhang family shop, and give a portion to General Shao so we can all have a prosperous New Year."

"Conduct a minor inspection of the Zhang family's remaining assets every three days and a major inspection every seven days!"

After saying this, Du Shouzhen put down his teacup, his gaze distant and wistful.

Lu Pinghai: "Your Excellency's insight is excellent!"

…………

Pei Si accepted the task of teaching paper-making, and he was not afraid that the government officials would kick him aside after learning the paper-making technique.

They can't make truly high-quality paper beauties.

Once the paper craftsman advances to the next level, he will be able to create it.

In reality, paper beauties are ultimately just pretty faces, useless compared to armored warriors or armored talisman warriors.

But where can he learn the art of talismans?

Qingcheng Mountain?

…………

Night fell, winter rain fell, and thunder roared like a white python across the sky over Qingcheng County.

Misty Rain Pavilion.

The Grand Theater in Qingcheng County is a property owned by the Fang family.

Due to the weather, no opera troupe will be performing at Yanyu Tower tonight.

There were no guests in the theater, only the pattering sound of raindrops hitting the eaves.

The backstage area of ​​Yanyu Tower is where the costumes of the actors are stored.

There's a saying that five boxes make up one table.

Large wardrobe trunk, second wardrobe trunk, third wardrobe trunk, helmet trunk, carrying trunk, combing table.

Large trunks were used to store the clothing of civil officials and nobles, such as python robes, cloaks, jade belts, and cloud-shaped shoulder ornaments.

The second clothing chest was used to store the clothing of military personnel, such as arrow-patterned robes, riding jackets, and sashes.

The three-piece wardrobe trunk was used to store actors' underwear, boots, shoes, water costumes, and other items.

The helmet box was used to store helmets, hats, headbands, wigs, and plumes.

The box was used to store knives, spears, halberds, and other weapons.

Theaters like Yanyulou have their own troupes, and these theater boxes are managed by a dedicated person, known as a box keeper.

The shopkeeper's surname was Yan, and his given name was Yan Xiaobing. He was of medium height and had a black wart on his left cheek. A tuft of hair was growing on the wart, so people who knew him also called him "Tau Hair".

A tuft of hair, carrying a lantern, patrolled the theater.

"On a rainy day like this, wouldn't it be wonderful to take a nap? After I finish this round, I'm going to sleep."

"Snap, snap..."

Yizhuomao stopped, frowned, and held up a lantern to shine on the source of the sound.

"Damn it, is someone going to steal my clothes this late at night?" A tuft of hair cursed under his breath.

He tiptoed to the cubicle.

The cubicle door was ajar, and darkness seemed to seep out through the crack.

"Snap, snap..."

The sound seemed to be the rubbing of paper.