After reviewing the selections, Huo Shu estimated a budget of three hundred taels for fabric purchases, though the final quantity would depend on negotiations with the shopkeeper.
Ji Taoyu said, "Let me discuss it with Third Sister Wu and the shopkeeper. We’ll try to get as much fabric as possible within the planned budget."
Knowing Huo Shu’s temperament - hardly the type to engage in friendly bargaining, he feared the man’s stern face might make it seem like they were there to cause trouble rather than do business.
So he took charge of the matter himself.
Huo Shu nodded in agreement, content to let Ji Taoyu take the lead. Sheltering him too much would only stifle his growth, better to give him space to hone his own abilities.
That said, Huo Shu would only step back if Ji Taoyu was truly willing. If he showed even the slightest hesitation, Huo Shu wouldn’t force the matter, even if it meant missing a chance to learn.
During the New Year festivities, wealthy merchants were often busy. Fortunately, the shopkeeper of Shili Cloth Shop was available today. Wu Lianhe wasted no time in inquiring, and if he was free, she would take Ji Taoyu to meet him immediately.
If they missed this chance, who knew when the shopkeeper would next be available?
While waiting for Wu Lianhe’s reply, Ji Taoyu sipped some tea.
"Third Sister Wu has been running around for our business. Later, you must properly teach A-Pan horseback riding and archery."
Huo Shu nodded.
Wu Lianhe truly lived up to what Zhao Changsui had once told him - kind-hearted and warm.
"Riding and archery require a horse. When we return from the northern frontier, I’ll bring him a good one."
Ji Taoyu nodded.
Horses were rare commodities in Tongzhou, where mules dominated the roads. Acquiring a quality steed wasn't simply a question of silver - one needed the right contacts and patience for the opportunity to get one.
After a long wait, Wu Lianhe returned, a hint of joy in her expression.
"The shopkeeper is free. Let’s go."
Ji Taoyu and Wu Lianhe went to meet the shopkeeper, while Huo Shu stayed behind.
The shopkeeper of Shili Cloth Shop was surnamed Wang, with the given name Long.
Wealthy merchants like him not only managed shopfronts but also oversaw silk production, hemp cultivation, and other ventures, so he rarely spent time in the shop.
Though Ji Taoyu was a regular at Shili Cloth Shop, he had never met the shopkeeper before.
He had imagined a portly middle-aged man, but instead, he was a young man - slender, handsome, and refined in speech.
"A-Chu, serve tea."
Wang Long glanced at Huo Shu and Ji Taoyu as they entered, then warmly invited them to sit.
"I wasn’t expecting guests, my apologies for the lack of preparation."
Ji Taoyu greeted him politely, while Huo Shu gave a nod, befitting his martial demeanor.
"Wu niangzi has been with the cloth shop for so many years, yet this is the first time she’s brought family here. I’ve been remiss in hospitality, please forgive me."
"It’s our fault for coming unannounced. We hope Shopkeeper Wang won’t take offense."
Ji Taoyu said, "We’re fortunate to have the chance to discuss business with you today."
"Wu niangzi has already discussed the fabric you two want with me. Since you're her relatives, you're no outsiders, so I'll get straight to the point."
Wang Long said, "Bulk orders get better prices. Since you two are merchants buying in bulk, I'll give you a straightforward and uncomplicated price. All fabrics will be offered to you at 60% of the market price. How does that sound?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Taoyu swallowed back all the polite bargaining words he had prepared.
"Shopkeeper Wang is a straightforward man. This saves the accountant a lot of trouble."
Ji Taoyu hadn’t expected the negotiation to go so smoothly. But seeing the smile on Wu Lianhe’s face, he guessed she must have already discussed it with the shopkeeper beforehand.
They had borrowed some goodwill, and this trip wasn’t in vain.
Thus, they selected fabrics of various grades and patterns, adding more to their initial choices, and finalized an order of about four hundred bolts.
After a busy day, the two finally left the city as dusk fell.
"I never thought we’d get such a good price on our first deal with Shili Cloth Shop. I’ve heard many traveling merchants pay 70% or even 80% of the market price. We really owe this to Sister Wu."
With one matter settled, Ji Taoyu felt lighthearted on the way back.
Huo Shu said, "It’s indeed a good deal."
"Tongzhou has plenty of good goods. Taking only fabric to the northern frontier seems a bit limited. Maybe we should look into other items too."
Ji Taoyu said, "If we’re short on funds, I still have some left. Besides, Father gave me the betrothal gifts you sent, so we can use that if needed."
Huo Shu replied, "No rush. Let’s think it over. First, we’ll plan the route when we get back."
"Alright."
By the time the two rode back to the Ji family’s doorstep, it was already completely dark, and the courtyard was lit with lanterns.
Huo Shu helped Ji Taoyu dismount, then led the horse to the stable and tossed it some hay.
Ji Taoyu waited for him to finish before they entered together.
Just as they reached the eaves, they heard voices inside.
"Didn’t we agree you wouldn’t go out again? What’s wrong with staying in the village? The important thing is to settle down with a marriage soon. Why are you stirring up trouble now?"
"Since we have relatives starting a business, wouldn’t it be better to go together and support each other? It’d be good if Yuan Fei and Wenliang, the cousins, both went to help Huo Shu. Wouldn’t that put your mind at ease?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Ji Taoyu pursed his lips and whispered to Huo Shu, "Third Aunt is here again."
This family can't have a few good days without someone bringing trouble??? 😒😒😒
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update!!!