Ji Taoyu suddenly remembered something and added: "Brother Huo, do you get frostbite in winter? This ointment works well, you can take a couple."
"Next time."
Seeing the small box wasn’t easy to carry into the city, taking some would mean bringing it back again.
Ji Taoyu led the way to Linhe Quarter, an area bustling with traveling vendors.
Most of them rarely conducted business within the prefecture itself, instead traveling to nearby counties to peddle goods. They'd often buy popular items from the prefecture to resell in smaller towns.
Though these independent vendors didn’t carry as much as larger merchant groups, the prefecture had policies supporting small traders - vendors selling within the local jurisdiction didn’t have to pay tariffs.
Thus, a single trip could still earn a few thousand copper coins, a decent income for commoners.
"If we’re lucky, we might even meet vendors returning from the counties. They sometimes bring back local specialties. Though counties aren’t as prosperous as the prefecture, they have unique products. Who knows...we might even find something good at a low price."
Huo Shu listened to the ger’s soft, clear voice, his gaze sweeping over Linhe Quarter.
One side of the area bordered a river, while the other was lined with small shops. Most shops were general stores, roughly categorized by their trade, such as food, clothing, or daily necessities.
The crowd consisted mostly of ordinary folk, with some selling homemade goods like pickles or pancakes, others selling woven baskets or handmade goods, still others with hairpins or textiles. A hodgepodge of everything.
These items were generally low-cost, meant for common use.
Vendors were happy to buy them, because higher-priced goods were harder to sell, and small-scale vendors traveling alone risked being robbed if they carried valuable goods.
"Physician Ji!"
Huo Shu heard someone call out ahead. Squinting, he saw a slightly plump middle-aged man beckoning Ji Taoyu.
The man glanced warily at Huo Shu, nodding in greeting before turning to Ji Taoyu: "Haven’t seen Physician Ji in a while. Do you have goods with you this time?"
Since the man had already approached, Ji Taoyu lifted his box slightly: "Some frostbite ointment. Master Ma, do you want it?"
"Yes, yes!"
The man said: "Physician Ji’s products are good. The insect repellent we got last time worked well. Lao Ma went to the counties this time, and regular customers asked if we had other medicines."
He led the two toward his shop: "With winter coming, frostbite ointment will sell well in the counties."
Ji Taoyu asked: "Master Ma isn’t out trading?"
"Just got back late last night. After working nonstop for half a month, he’s still resting."
The man poured tea for them, smiling: "I was just sorting the goods he brought back when I saw Physician Ji."
Ji Taoyu’s eyes brightened. He glanced at Huo Shu before saying: "Can we see what rare goods you have?"
The man was very enthusiastic: "Of course! I’ll bring them out. See if there’s anything you like, Physician Ji."
Soon, the man hauled out two large crates from a corner - the kind vendors carried on shoulder poles.
Ji Taoyu quickly squatted beside the crates and lifted the lid. Inside were assorted bundles - local cured meats, seeds for fruits and spices. Ji Taoyu pulled out a flat, black, stone-like object.
His keen nose caught a faint scent immediately: "Is this incense ink?"
[Incense ink (香墨, xiāng mò): a traditional Chinese ink infused with aromatic ingredients like musk or sandalwood, prized for its lingering fragrance and scholarly elegance]
"Physician Ji knows his goods!" The man said: "Incense ink has been selling well in the city these past two years, prices high and often out of stock."
"Lao Ma went to Nanyu County, the production site, hoping to bring some back for resale. But prices there have risen too. To be honest, Physician Ji, this was made by local farmers. Lao Ma said though it doesn’t look as refined as shop-bought ink, it still carries the scent and, most importantly it's cheaper. So he brought some back."
Shop-bought inksticks were beautifully crafted, often featuring intricate carvings or gilded details.
But this inkstick was plain, even slightly uneven - clearly a homemade.
Ji Taoyu handed one to Huo Shu: "Want some? This incense ink leaves a lingering fragrance when writing. Even after drying, the scent remains. And it’s not some common perfumed smell but something elegant and refined."
Scholars loved it, often using it to write letters to their sweethearts.
Huo Shu hadn’t read much. Though literate, he had no interest in fine stationery, he valued functionality over aesthetic.
But hearing Ji Taoyu’s earnest explanation, he brought the inkstick to his nose: "I’ll take a few."
"Great, I’ll wrap them up."
Ji Taoyu rummaged further and found some medicinal herb seeds he liked. Nothing else caught his eye.
Being familiar with the vendor, Ji Taoyu wasn’t haggled over. Four inksticks cost 320 copper coins, while the seeds cost 10 copper coins.
Frostbite ointment sold for 36 coins per small jar at his grandfather’s clinic, but wholesale was 20 copper coins. Ten jars fetched 200 copper coins at once.
Huo Shu paid for everything. Outside, Ji Taoyu quickly counted out 10 copper coins to give back.
"No need."
Ji Taoyu thought the man was being stubborn, clearly strapped for cash yet refusing small change. He said: "Why not? Ten copper coins can buy a bowl of wontons at a street stall."
Remembering he’d claimed poverty the day before, Huo Shu said: "Then treat me to noodles next time."
Seeing he wouldn’t take the money, Ji Taoyu tucked the copper coins back into his pouch: "Fine."
"Should we go straight to Third Sister Wu’s house, or buy something else first?"
Huo Shu said: "Let’s get a set of writing materials to complete the gift."
Ji Taoyu thought the current gifts were already generous. Third Sister Wu didn’t seem wealthy, there was no need for extravagance.
But then again, meeting an old friend’s son - now a nephew for the first time warranted good gifts.
Thank you for the update! 🩷🩷🩷
ReplyDelete