Chapter 17 The Sale
45 Free Coins
There was a whole pigeon in the bowl, causing Zhang Yingyue’s eyes to well up in reflex. She was always one who was easy to tears.
She would cry when she felt heartbroken and sad, but he would also cry when she was happy.
From outside, Song Ruying responded, “Mommy, I have meat here. I won’t be coming.”
With a gentle smile, Song Zhenyu said, “Go ahead and eat. Our daughter is worried about you. Tomorrow, I’ll set the trap again. We will catch something, and each time we do, we’ll save a little for ourselves,”
Zhang Yingyue looked at Song Zhenyu, speaking softly, “Zhenyu, you should have some too.”
Zhang Yingyue picked up a piece of pigeon meat to feed Song Zhenyu. Seeing him back away, she said, “Zhenyu, if you’re not eating, then I won’t eat either.”
Zhang Yingyue knew that Song Zhenyu had given all the meat to her and the children. In fact, he probably didn’t even allow himself a sip of the soup.
Naturally, she couldn’t bring herself to her husband make such sacrifices.
Seeing Zhang Yingyue’s insistence, Song Zhenyu had no choice but to eat the piece of meat
The pigeon meat was truly delicious. After being stewed for a long time, even the bones had turned soft.
After having dinner, the family washed up and went to sleep.
Early the next day, Song Zhenyu was already up, preparing breakfast. He called upon Song Ruying to help
him out.
Once everything was done, Song Ruying went back to sleep.
When Song Zhenyu entered the room, Zhang Yingyue was awake. Cognizant that he was heading out, she gently reminded him, “Zhenyu, I may not understand the ins and outs of selling, but I remember my sisters–in–law once mentioned something about comparing the prices of goods in three different places before making a decision. Maybe you should try visiting a few more places.”
Winter was approaching, and the weather was set to become increasingly cold. All Zhang Yingyue could hope for was to make a little more money.
Song Zhenyu was feeling a little anxious, but he reassured Zhang Yingyue with a smile, “Yingyue, don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I’ll be on my way now. If anything comes–up at home, just call for Ruying or the brothers. They’re all obedient children.”
Zhang Yingyue nodded.
Song Zhenyu didn’t want to cause Zhang Yingyue any undue worry, so he hastened upon his task. He stowed the live game below his cart and over ten pounds of chestnuts on top before heading out.
As Zhang Yingyue watched Song Zhenyu leave the house, she let out a soft sigh, silently praying that the gods show their family some diving favor.
1/3
11:44: Wed, Mar 26
Chapter 17 The Sale
Song Shuying gave a yawn, silently making a wish. Good luck, Daddy.
+5 Free Cours
When Song Zhenyu left the village with his basket on his back, dawn had just broken and the villagers were still asleep. He glanced back toward his home, his eyes filled with a myriad of emotions.
After that, he resolutely walked forward. The town nearest to the village was Yangjiao Town. This time, Song Zhenyu planned to go there to sell game and wild chestnuts.
It took an hour to travel from the village to the town. Only when he reached the town did Song Zhenyu discover that there was a fee of one coin to enter.
Those without money can use their goods as collateral or pay on credit. The only way in and out of Yangjiao Town was across a large river. If one wanted to avoid the toll, one’s only option was to traverse the mountains and valleys.
By taking this treacherous route, one could encounter venomous insects and snakes, where a single bite could mean the end of one’s life. Therefore, the soldiers guarding the town weren’t concerned about who might try to evade the toll.
When it came to Song Zhenyu, he echoed the sentiment of others and said, “Sir, I came from the village to sell some wild game from the mountains. I don’t have any money currently, could you possibly keep a tab for me? Once I’ve sold these, I can pay you on my way out.”
The soldier guarding the city was a middle–aged man. He glanced at Song Zhenyu, showing no signs of making things difficult. He asked in an indifferent tone, “What are you here to sell?”
Song Zhenyu earnestly replied, “Wild chestnuts and a two pheasants.”
“Alright then, just place your handprint here, and you can go in,” he said.
The guard handed a piece of paper to Song Zhenyu, who obediently pressed his handprint onto it. With his basket on his back, he then entered the city.
Within the city, there were several streets. Street vendors on the roadside called out to passersby enthusiastically to promote their wares.
Sullivan carried a basket on his back, glancing left and right. He didn’t approach them for inquiries. Instead, he decided to walk around first.
After surveying the place, he had a pretty good idea of what to do.
Like him, there were many who hailed from the countryside to sell their goods. They all gathered on a single street. As one walked down this path, sights of pheasants, rabbits, and wild fruits could be observed.
Quite a few well–dressed women, carrying baskets, would pass by. If they spotted something they fancied, They would inquire about the price.
After surveying the scene, Song Zhenyu noted that the hunters were primarily charging around twenty coins per pound for pheasants and rabbits. The prices were fairly consistent among them, which allowed Song Zhenyu to get a good grasp of the market prices.
He took out the chestnuts, wrung out the pheasant and rabbit, and prepared to sit where he was, waiting for customers.
2/3
11:44 Wed, Mar 26
Chapter 17 The Sale
⚫5 Free Coins
At that moment, a figure was seen jogging from afar. Song Zhenyu didn’t recognize the person, but those around him had already stood up, holding wild rabbits and chickens in their hands. One after another. they began to laugh and speak, “Mr. Shen, take a look my pheasant. I just caught it this morning, and the skin is still intact.”
“Mr. Shen, have a look at this wild rabbit of mine. It’s quite plump and the fur is in good condition too.”
People gathered around Shen Rong, each carrying the own game with smiles on their faces.
A man, who was peddling wild fruits, stepped forward and handed a peach to the Shen Rong. With a flattering tone, he said. “Mr. Shen, please have a taste. This wild peach from the mountains is quite sweet.”
With a hand covering his nose, Shen Rong waved dismissively at them, his eyes sweeping over the crowd as he spoke. “Everyone move aside. If you dirty my clothes, you’ll have to pay for it.”
Everyone took a step back in unison, but they still looked hopefully at Shen Rong.
Song Zhenyu had also snapped back to senses. He realized that a butler from a wealthy family had come out to make purchases. However, at this point, he couldn’t squeeze himself into the crowd and was left standing idly by.
Shen Rong didn’t choose anyone’s offerings. Instead, he continued forward, forcing the crowd around
part and make way.
to
him
As soon as the crowd parted, his gaze fell upon the wild rabbits that Song Zhenyu had placed on the ground. His eyes narrowed slightly, not resenting what he saw. He stepped forward and said, “I’ll take all of these. Carry them and follow me.”
Song Zhenyu felt a surge of joy in his heart. He nervously pitched his wild chestnuts to Shen Rong. “M- Mr. Shen, these wild chestnuts of mine are really fresh, perfectly air–dried, and sweet.”
As he spoke, Song Zhenyu pulled open the burlap sack beside him, allowing Shen Rong to see the chestnuts inside.
Shen Rong glanced over and remarked, “Indeed, it’s quite a rare find. Bring them along, it would be nice for the young master to try something new.”
After purchasing Song Zhenyu’s wares, Shen Rong didn’t bother to shop any further. With a simple “Let’s go,” he turned around and walked away.
Song Zhenyu cheerfully picked up his pace, catching up despite the envious glances thrown his way. He didn’t mind them at all. He understood well enough that he had inadvertently stolen the opportunity from
them.
However, this was merely a brief spectacle. After Shen Rong’s departure, the other sellers went back to
business.
Those who hadn’t sold their game yet didn’t have the time to envy Song Zhenyu. Instead, they immediately put on a smile and offered up their own catch for sale.
And so, Song Zhenyu followed Shen Rong, leaving the bustling marketplace behind and arriving at the back gate of a grand mansion. Gazing at the building with its green bricks and tiles, Song Zhenyu couldn’t help but be awestruck. He followed Shen Rong through the back entrance, to which Shen Rong remarked, “You look unfamiliar. Is this your first time in town?”
