If they wanted to build a horseback archery range, even if it couldn’t be too large within the city, it still needed enough space for horses to run—otherwise, it’d be no different from keeping them in a stable.
After a rough estimate, Huo Shu calculated that one mu was about 400 square meters, and a riding field would need at least 20 mu.
That meant they’d need over a thousand taels—close to two thousand—to secure the land.
Ji Taoyu said, "We want twenty mu of land, which would cost around sixteen hundred taels. If we could knock off a hundred taels to make it a round fifteen hundred, that would be ideal."
"The young master surely jokes. A hundred taels could buy another mu of land with plenty to spare. At that price, it would be like giving you an extra mu for free."
Manager Qin was delighted to hear they wanted so much land, but his joy faded upon hearing such a steep discount: "Our Changlong Merchant House may have modest assets, but we can't afford such generosity."
Ji Taoyu continued, "A thousand or so taels is just a small deal for Changlong Merchant House, but for common folks like us, this is just a humble livelihood. With such high upfront costs and this new street lacking the foot traffic of bustling markets, how can we sustain a business?"
Manager Qin replied with a chuckle, "If it were a bustling market, the price wouldn't be like this. Even if you could afford it, land in busy areas is hard to come by. Our merchant house doesn’t have much left in those locations anyway."
He then casually asked, "Might I ask what business you plan to run with so much land?"
The couple saw no need to hide their plans, as they intended to open shop openly.
"A horseback archery range?"
Manager Qin was somewhat surprised. The town had plenty of eateries, but this new street lacked such establishments. He had assumed the couple planned to open one.
Ambiguously, he remarked, "Boss Huo certainly has foresight."
After a brief pause, Manager Qin suggested, "How about this, I’ll note your proposal and consult our owner. If it works out, everyone’s happy. If not, we’ll still part as friends. What do you say?"
With that, there wasn’t much left to discuss.
Huo Shu and Ji Taoyu saw off the broker.
Though the deal wasn’t settled, the sun was already tilting westward. Ji Taoyu stepped on the golden afterglow reflected on the bluestone pavement, lost in thought.
Huo Shu squeezed his hand. "What’s on your mind?"
"Just wondering if Manager Qin thought our offer was too low and was politely rejecting us, or if he truly needs to consult the company owner."
"If he has any sense, it’s not a rejection," Huo Shu said.
"How so?"
"The town has no dedicated horseback archery range. Ours would be the first. Moreover, gathering people and horses for such an endeavor isn’t easy. Merchants value connections, they’ll weigh the long-term benefits."
Ji Taoyu blinked. That made sense.
Merchants prioritized profit, always calculating future gains.
"Then let’s wait and see. The bow workshop still needs plenty of work anyway."
As Huo Shu led Ji Taoyu back to the shop, Huo Shou arrived from the village with two cartloads of lumber. The carpenters had already crafted two simple wooden beds.
The shop hadn’t yet installed shelves, but the workers had scrubbed the floors clean. The midday sun had dried them quickly.
Being a newly built shop, it wasn’t particularly dirty to begin with. Now, the floors gleamed.
Uncle Fan had returned with materials for bow-making, and everyone was working with lively energy.
Ji Taoyu surveyed the backyard, strewn with lumber and wood shavings, a bit of a mess.
Once things were settled, they could bring in a couple of vases for lotus plants and transplant some trees like osmanthus or bamboo to add a touch of refinement.
"Ah, did you buy bedding?"
Noticing piles of quilts in the room facing the courtyard, Ji Taoyu took a closer look.
Uncle Fan said, "The carpenters said the beds will be ready soon. Once they’re moved in, we’ll make them up and sleep here tonight. Saves us the trouble of traveling back and forth, and we’ll have more time for bow-making."
"But sleeping on bare wooden boards with just quilts would be uncomfortable. The kitchen isn’t even set up yet, and we’re missing so many essentials. Isn’t this too rushed?"
Ji Taoyu was concerned.
"A-Shou brought back some straw when he fetched the lumber. We’ll use it to pad the beds. The wood shavings from making the beds and shelves can serve as firewood. In summer, a little fire is enough. We’re rough men, we don’t need much. A place to sleep is enough."
Seeing their determination, Ji Taoyu figured they’d feel more at ease staying here with work to do than idling in the village.
If that was the case, he wouldn’t insist. Instead, he checked the kitchen for missing items and dragged Huo Shu out to buy what they needed.
Pots, bowls, and ladles were essential for today and every day after—along with rice and flour.
Ji Taoyu wasn’t sure if the men could cook, so he bought enough for everyone.
But it was late in the day, and the vegetables and meat weren’t as fresh or abundant as in the morning market. At least the prices were reasonable.
He bought only a small amount. Their own fields had plenty of vegetables—tomorrow, they could pick some fresh ones to bring over, saving money and ensuring quality. They could also send some to his grandfather.
Summer was the season of abundant melons, fruits, and vegetables in the countryside, the time of year when food was most plentiful. Right now, with the shop not yet open and no profits coming in, both the couple and their workers were in a state of spending without earning. Every little bit they could save counted.
The two returned laden with packages, gave Uncle Fan and the others a few instructions, and finally headed home.
Thank you for the update!!!
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