Jiang Xíngxīng's determination to fulfill his dream of cultivation remained unwavering as he sought out new opportunities to earn the remaining silver coins he needed. With a week's worth of experience behind him, he was ready to tackle fresh challenges.
First, Jiang heard of a request from the local apothecary. The apothecary needed someone to venture to the nearby riverbanks to gather a rare aquatic plant known as Water Lily Fern. This plant was essential for crafting healing potions. Despite the inherent dangers of navigating slippery riverbanks, Jiang volunteered for the task without hesitation. Armed with his knowledge of herbs from his previous endeavors, Jiang navigated the terrain with skill and caution. He located the elusive plants, carefully harvesting them to preserve their potency.
When Jiang returned to the apothecary with a satchel full of Water Lily Fern, the elderly woman looked up from her work and smiled.
"Ah, you've returned safely," she said, her eyes twinkling. "And with the ferns I need. You've done well, young man."
Jiang bowed respectfully. "It was a challenging task, but I am glad I could help."
The apothecary nodded approvingly. "You've earned this," she said, handing him a silver coin. "And should you ever need more work, do not hesitate to come by."
Encouraged by his success, Jiang sought out the next challenge. This time, he learned of a request from the village head. The village well, a crucial water source for the community, had broken down. It required repairs, and the task was not an easy one. Jiang, who had some knowledge of basic mechanics and a willingness to learn, took up the challenge.
The village head, an elderly man with a kind face, met Jiang at the well. "Thank you for coming, Jiang," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "The well has been broken for days, and the villagers are struggling without fresh water."
"I will do my best to fix it," Jiang assured him.
Jiang worked tirelessly, repairing the well's pulley system and reinforcing its walls to prevent future collapses. As he finished, the village head inspected the work, nodding with satisfaction.
"You've done an excellent job," he said, handing Jiang a silver coin and a hearty meal. "The village is indebted to you."
With two additional silver coins now in his possession, Jiang's determination only grew stronger. He next found work with the town's scribe, who needed help organizing and copying a vast number of documents. This was a meticulous task requiring patience and precision.
The scribe, a middle-aged man with spectacles perched on his nose, welcomed Jiang into his cluttered study. "I have more work than I can handle," he admitted. "I could use your help."
"I am ready to assist," Jiang replied, rolling up his sleeves.
Jiang spent several days in the scribe's study, carefully copying texts and ensuring the documents were in perfect order. The scribe, impressed by Jiang's dedication and attention to detail, handed him a silver coin at the end of the week.
"You've been a great help, Jiang," the scribe said. "If you ever need work, you know where to find me."
Jiang then heard of another opportunity. The village fishermen needed help repairing their nets, which had been damaged during a recent storm. Jiang had never mended nets before, but he was quick to learn.
The fishermen, rough men with sunburnt faces and calloused hands, welcomed Jiang to their docks. "These nets are our livelihood," one of them explained. "If you can help us fix them, we'll make it worth your while."
"I will do my best," Jiang promised.
He spent long hours working alongside the fishermen, his fingers deftly tying knots and patching holes. The fishermen, grateful for Jiang's hard work, rewarded him with one silver coin and a share of the day's catch.
"You're a fast learner," one of the fishermen remarked. "Thanks for your help, Jiang."
Next, Jiang took on a job delivering important messages between Greenwood Village and the nearby town of Hilltop. The journey was long and arduous, but Jiang's determination saw him through.
The village courier, a wiry young man, handed Jiang a bundle of letters. "These need to be delivered urgently," he explained. "Can I trust you to get them there on time?"
"You can count on me," Jiang replied, taking the bundle.
He traveled back and forth multiple times, ensuring that each message was delivered promptly and accurately. The villagers and townspeople appreciated his reliability and paid him one silver coin for his service.
"You're a lifesaver, Jiang," the courier said with a smile. "You've done excellent work."
As the week progressed, Jiang continued to seek out new tasks. He learned that the roof of the village school was leaking, causing disruptions to the children's education. Jiang volunteered to help repair the roof, working alongside a group of villagers.
The schoolmaster, a stern but fair woman, greeted Jiang as he arrived. "The roof has been a problem for weeks," she said. "Can you help us fix it?"
"Of course," Jiang replied, gathering the necessary tools.
It was hard, physical labor, but Jiang's spirit never wavered. Upon completion, the schoolmaster thanked Jiang and handed him one silver coin for his efforts.
"The children will be able to study in peace now," she said. "Thank you, Jiang."
Jiang's final task for the week involved caring for the village livestock. The local shepherd had fallen ill and needed someone to take care of his flock.
The shepherd, an elderly man with a weathered face, greeted Jiang weakly. "My sheep need tending, but I'm too sick to do it," he explained. "Can you help?"
"I will take care of them," Jiang assured him.
He spent his days tending to the sheep, ensuring they were well-fed and safe. The shepherd, grateful for Jiang's kindness, paid him one silver coin upon his recovery.
"You're a good lad, Jiang," the shepherd said. "Thank you for your help."
By the end of the week, Jiang had earned a total of seven silver coins. His hard work and determination had brought him closer to his goal, but he still needed three more silver coins to pay Master Liu for the special test.
With seven silver coins in his possession, Jiang stood at the edge of Greenwood Village, his mind racing with thoughts of what task he could undertake next. He had faced numerous challenges, learned new skills, and gained the respect of the villagers. Now, with just three more silver coins to earn, Jiang's journey was nearing a crucial milestone.
Jiang learned that the village carpenter needed assistance with building a new bridge over the creek that ran through Greenwood Village. The old bridge had been washed away by a recent storm, and the villagers were in desperate need of a replacement.
The carpenter, a burly man with a thick beard, welcomed Jiang to his workshop. "This bridge is a big job," he said, "and I could use an extra pair of hands. Are you up for it?"
"Absolutely," Jiang replied. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Jiang worked tirelessly alongside the carpenter, cutting and shaping wood, and assembling the bridge piece by piece. It was physically demanding work, but Jiang's resolve never wavered. As they neared completion, the carpenter looked over their progress with satisfaction.
"You've been a great help, Jiang," he said, handing him a silver coin. "The village will be grateful for this .
Next, Jiang found work with the village herbalist, who needed help preparing a large batch of medicinal salves and potions. The herbalist's shop was filled with the scent of dried herbs and flowers, and Jiang felt a sense of calm as he entered.
The herbalist, a kindly old woman, greeted him with a smile. "I have many orders to fill, and I could use some help," she explained. "Can you assist me?"
"I would be happy to," Jiang replied.
Jiang spent several days in the herbalist's shop, grinding herbs, mixing potions, and carefully bottling the finished products. The work required precision and attention to detail, but Jiang approached it with his usual dedication. The herbalist was impressed by his diligence.
"You have a steady hand, young man," she remarked, giving him a silver coin. "Thank you for your help."
Jiang then heard that the village mill was in need of repairs. The miller, a hardworking man with a gruff exterior, explained that the mill's gears were worn out and needed replacement.
"The mill is essential for grinding our grain," the miller said. "If you can help me fix it, I'll make sure you're well-compensated."
"I'll do my best," Jiang replied.
Working with the miller, Jiang learned the intricacies of the mill's machinery. They replaced the worn gears and ensured everything was functioning smoothly. It was a challenging task, but Jiang's determination saw him through.
"You're a quick learner," the miller said, handing Jiang a silver coin. "Thanks for your help."
Just as Jiang was beginning to feel hopeful, he encountered a setback. One evening, as he was heading back to his lodging, he was ambushed by a group of bandits. They demanded his money, and although Jiang fought bravely, he was outnumbered and had to hand over three of his hard-earned silver coins to escape with his life.