Li Waining felt that he must have been out of luck lately. First, he parted ways unhappily with Master Jinxian, and then he was pestered by Mr. Zhao.
Since Li Waining arrived in Bianjing and began performing string puppet shows, there had always been a Mr. Zhao who would unfailingly appear in front of the stage.
This Mr. Zhao was extremely generous. It was said that Mr. Zhao came from a well-known merchant family. Although his wealth was not as vast as that of capital's richest man, Marquis Fang, he was still ranked among the affluent. Renhe Tavern, which earned a fortune daily, was a Zhao family business.
Li Waining had never encountered such a generous patron before. He felt undeserving and would always perform an extra show of Celestial Maiden Scattering Flowers to please Mr. Zhao.
But today, Mr. Zhao unexpectedly proposed to buy the puppet.
Li Waining was shocked and declined, saying, "This puppet is not only my livelihood but also a family heirloom. I cannot sell it."
Mr. Zhao was calm, "A thousand gold."
Li Waining remained firm, "Mr. Zhao, even if you offer ten thousand gold, I will not agree."
Mr. Zhao said, "Very well, as you say, ten thousand gold."
Li Waining assumed Mr. Zhao was joking.
But the next day, as Li Waining was performing, his sister Li Zhu'er came rushing back with a money pouch. The two opened the pouch, and found ten taels of gold and a letter from Mr. Zhao. The letter read:
I have never regarded puppet as lifeless. From the first sight, I wished to marry it. If you agree, I am willing to offer a betrothal gift of ten thousand gold.
Mr. Zhao wanted to spend so much to marry a puppet! Li Waining and his sister Li Zhu'er exchanged glances, seeing fear in each other's eyes.
"Brother, what should we do now?" Li Zhu'er asked in panic.
Li Waining furrowed his brows, remained silent for a long time, "Invite Mr. Zhao here!"