He Xuanren raised his eyebrows slightly at her words. ’Her question and tone revealed both curiosity and a bit of probing. Does she even know about Fuanging and Jinsi? What is her background? Is she perhaps related to the royal family?’
Despite his curiosity, he knew better than to pry.
With a polite smile, He Xuanren said, "Miss Bai is indeed knowledgeable. This commoner does have Fuanging and Jinsi. Besides those two, this commoner also has various kinds of Zhijin—such as Su Zhijin, Song Zhijin, and even the rare Yun Zhijin."
The more he listened, the brighter Bai Hanyun’s eyes beca. Although outwardly calm, she was practically screaming inside.
’Oh my God! He really has those famous fabrics! How am I so lucky to et this Master He?! Oh my God!!’
Hiding her excitent under a composed smile, she listened to He Xuanren’s introduction.
"If Miss Bai wishes to inspect them, I can bring samples for you later," He Xuanren said, watching her expression carefully.
Bai Hanyun nodded. "Certainly. But before that, let’s settle the paynt for this batch of fine silk gauze first. Master He, let’s go inside and calculate the paynt."
Hearing this, He Xuanren imdiately gestured for her to walk ahead. "Miss Bai, please."
Following her, he stepped into the Great General’s mansion for the first ti. As he glanced around, his heartbeat quickened. Clenching his hands, determination ignite in his eyes.
’This is the first step to protecting my family. No matter what, I must establish a connection with Miss Bai. If not, my He Clan won’t survive these turbulent tis.’
With that resolve, He Xuanren lifted his chin and strode forward in steady steps.
As the servants and the He brothers unloaded the goods, Bai Hanyun inspected them.
Half an hour later, Bai Hanyun looked at He Xuanren and said, "Master He, there are three hundred bolts of fine silk gauze in this batch. Following yesterday’s price, one bolt is worth six jins of flour or rice, totaling one thousand eight hundred jins of flour or rice."
He Xuanren nodded and responded, "The amount is correct."
Smiling at him, Bai Hanyun asked, "Master He, would you like flour or rice as paynt?"
He Xuanren had discussed this matter with his wife and brothers the night before.
Although flour could also fill their stomachs, rice was more expensive and could be cooked into porridge, which was more filling. If they could not finish the rice, they could sell it in exchange for coarse grains.
In this way, one thousand eight hundred jins of rice could last them twice as long as the sa amount of flour.
Recalling the decision they made last night, He Xuanren replied, "Miss Bai, this commoner wishes to be paid with rice."
After saying that, he waited nervously, afraid that Bai Hanyun might not have enough white rice to pay him.
Seeing Bai Hanyun lost in thought, He Xuanren hesitated for a second before adding, "If Miss Bai does not have enough rice, you may replace part of it with white flour."
Understanding that He Xuanren was choosing the more expensive option, Bai Hanyun could roughly guess his intention.
Staring at He Xuanren, she fell into deep thought.
’People are the foundation of a nation. Only when the people are well-fed and living peacefully can a nation be strong enough to defend itself.’
’If my guess is correct, Master He plans to sell the rice later. If that is the case, then the current purchasing power of the common people is higher than when I first t Feng Xiyan.’
’Based on the amount of Susha Danyi he has sold to so far, Master He must have extensive connections across the empire.’
’Then... perhaps I can use this opportunity to establish grain and grocery stores with Master He’s help, and use them to enhance Feng Xiyan’s and the Feng Army’s reputation throughout the empire. When the ti cos to deal the last blow, Feng Xiyan will have enough support from the people.’
After thinking it through, Bai Hanyun said, "Alright."
Surprised by her agreent, He Xuanren’s eyes flickered briefly. ’It seems I have still underestimated Great General Feng’s power and wealth.’
Unaware that He Xuanren believed Feng Xiyan was the one paying for the fabrics, Bai Hanyun turned to Xiao Cui and instructed, "Xiao Cui, go to the warehouse and bring one thousand eight hundred jins of rice for Master He."
Xiao Cui curtsied and replied, "Yes, Miss Bai. This servant will go imdiately."
After Xiao Cui left, Bai Hanyun looked at He Xuanren and said, "Master He, may I ask if you have other businesses besides selling fabrics?"
Hearing this, He Xuanren’s intuition told him that his opportunity had arrived.
He let out a long, suppressed sigh and explained, "Miss Bai, you may not know this, but my He Clan served as imperial rchants for generations. Aside from fabrics, we have operated many businesses across the Central Continent."
"If not for the turbulent political situation in the imperial capital city, as well as the wars and natural disasters across the Central Continent, we would not have been forced to abandon everything and move to the western region."
Seeing doubt and curiosity flicker in Bai Hanyun’s clear eyes, he continued, "Although we left behind most of our assets, my He Clan still retains our connections across the Central Continent and possesses enough capital to start over."
"There is a saying in the Central Continent. The Lin Clan controls the wealth of Lin Nan Province, while the He Clan controls the lifeline of the Central Continent. This is proof of my clan’s capabilities and vast network."
After pausing for a mont, he asked, "Miss Bai, may I know why you are asking this?"
Although Bai Hanyun still harbored so doubts, she decided to trust her instincts. "Master He, I have a business proposal. I wonder if you would be interested in hearing it?"
He Xuanren smiled and replied, "Of course. Miss Bai, please speak freely."
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