Zhang Baofa considered Zhao An a "cheap" apprentice, while Zhao An regarded Zhang Baofa as a "cheap" master.
In truth, the cheap master held his cheap apprentice in high regard; after all, having a disciple who was a Tong Jinshi and a government official was an immense honor for an old rascal like him. It gave him plenty of face when he bragged about it.
However, the cheap apprentice felt this cheap master was somewhat beneath him—not only was he petty and narrow-minded in his dealings, but he was also blatantly selfish, quite like those old Uncles from the Green Gang in Shanghai back in his previous life, who knew only how to pocket bribes without ever doing anything for people. Consequently, he had long ago cast this cheap master into the "cold palace" in his mind.
Chapter 159