Ji Taoyu brought out several more bolts of fine silk: "Tongzhou’s satin is quite renowned, so I suppose there’s no need for me to say much about it."
"We set out in winter with the plan of arriving in the Northern Territories to sell summer fabrics. These are the latest goods from Tongzhou’s renowned Shili Cloth Shop. Even the major cloth shop in Tongzhou have only just stocked these. Whether it’s the craftsmanship, patterns, or material, they’re absolutely top-tier."
Mixing truth with exaggeration, Ji Taoyu boasted: "Goods like these—unless you own a cloth shop yourself, even the most impressive merchant convoy might not get their hands on them. Even for imperial tribute, you couldn’t find anything more up-to-date or finer."
The onlookers marveled at the lustrous, smooth fabric with its elegant patterns—truly magnificent.
Even the men were dazzled, let alone the women and gers who adored fine fabrics and bright clothing—their delight was impossible to hide.
"Little fulang, do you have this satin in brighter colors?"
"Do you have any other types of silk?"
"Give me two more bolts! Don’t haggle over the price, we can afford it…"
The stall quickly became bustling. Ji Taoyu ran back and forth fetching goods for everyone, while the group of men with him didn’t know much about fabrics.
The more reserved ones silently took on the heavy lifting, helping Ji Taoyu carry goods and move crates.
The sharper ones kept an eye on the customers, wary of anyone trying to sneak away without paying.
The more quick-witted among them even started hawking the goods. Though they couldn’t come up with fancy sales pitches, they stood on higher ground, holding up the fabrics and calling out: "This way, take a look—premium Tongzhou silks here!"
Ji Wenliang, being young, caught on quickly and soon joined Ji Taoyu in promoting the fabrics.
Though the young men from the south weren’t as tall and burly as those from the Northern Territories, their fair, delicate features and sweet-talking mouths—like singing an opera—made them quite popular with the women and gers.
In short, everyone had a role to play, and no one was idle.
Except for a certain cold-faced Huo, who stood to the side—whether supervising or keeping an eye on his fulang to prevent theft, no one could tell.
As the night breeze picked up, lanterns from the surrounding shops gradually lit up.
The fourth month winds sweeping through the Northern Territories already carried the dry, sandy taste of summer, brushing against the face like a fine layer of dust.
"Sold out—nothing left, not a single bolt."
Ji Wenliang lifted an empty crate, cheerfully announcing.
The group had been busy all day, with customers streaming in nonstop. They hadn’t even had time to eat at noon, fully occupied with attending to buyers.
Ji Taoyu had originally thought it would take at least two or three days to sell all the fabric, but they had managed to sell out just before the city gates closed.
The work wasn’t any easier than a day’s journey, but their hearts were light.
At Wenliang’s urging, everyone packed up the stall and carried the empty crates back to the inn.
"If we’d known fabric sold so well here, we should’ve brought more. Did you see how people were scrambling for it?"
"Exactly! I saw two buyers almost come to blows. I didn’t even know who to give the fabric to."
"Physician Ji really knows how to do business. He just steered them into a bidding war. The way they kept raising the price had my heart racing."
Walking ahead, Ji Taoyu overheard the lively discussion behind him about the day’s sales.
He laughed: "We came to the Northern Territories to do business and make money. Though it might seem a bit unscrupulous, in commerce, it’s standard practice—the highest bidder gets the best goods. It’s a matter of mutual willingness."
The others agreed.
"But the Northerners really are decisive and generous. Even in the south, where there’s no shortage of wealthy people, you rarely see this."
Ge Liang said: "Northerners are just straightforward—no surprise there. With so much warfare here, it’s not that people are necessarily richer. They just believe in enjoying life while they can. If they’re alive to spend money, they’ll spend it."
"Don’t regret bringing too little stock, this is just the beginning. This is our first long-distance venture. The priority is establishing trade routes, once that’s done, things will go smoothly later."
"Right."
Though Huo Shu said nothing, seeing everyone in high spirits, chatting and laughing without a care for the day’s exhaustion, even his stern expression softened slightly.
Back at the inn, Huo Shu told Ge Liang to take everyone to order food—whatever they wanted, as a reward.
Tomorrow, they would visit the horse market. They wouldn’t be staying in the Northern Territories city much longer before heading back.
Since they’d come all this way, they might as well enjoy the local specialties while they could.
"Wenliang, order me a bowl of lamb tripe soup!"
Ji Taoyu rushed upstairs to their room but, hearing the others discussing the menu, leaned over the railing to call down to Wenliang, afraid he’d miss out.
Huo Shu wrapped an arm around the ger’s waist and pulled him back: "You won’t miss anything."
Once in the room, Huo Shu set Ji Taoyu on the bed and knelt to remove his shoes.
Peeling off the socks revealed Ji Taoyu’s fair feet, the toes and heels red from a long day of standing.
Though he hadn’t noticed it earlier while busy with customers, now that the work was done, exhaustion set in—his legs felt weak, each step heavy.
If not for the lively chatter on the way back, Ji Taoyu might’ve collapsed sooner.
Now, as Huo Shu gently massaged his calves and feet, a mix of soreness and relief spread through him.
He flopped back onto the bed: "I’m exhausted today."
"Next time, we’ll hire a smooth-talking salesman."
Huo Shu watched the limp figure sprawled on the bed, his heart aching.
Ji Taoyu, comfortably melting under Huo Shu’s ministrations, had no intention of moving again.
"Since I worked so hard this time, should Boss Huo give me a bigger cut?"
"Isn’t everything I have already yours?"
Ji Taoyu grinned at the ceiling beams. The thought revived his energy, and he scrambled off the bed, barefoot, to the desk.
"Everyone must be waiting for their share. I need to settle the accounts quickly."
The bundle on the table contained a heavy load of silver coins, all earned that day.
Ji Taoyu couldn’t wait to open the bundle. During the day, he had been too busy selling fabric. Though every payment had passed through his hands, he only felt it was a considerable sum but hadn’t had time to count it properly.
Thank you for the update!!!!
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