"What? Five hundred taels?" Mr. Gu felt his hands tremble a bit, and his mind was in a daze. How much is five hundred taels of silver? It seed like he had never seen it before.
anwhile, Gu Chengli was equally confused from the mont his father took out the ginseng. When did their family have ginseng? He hadn’t seen anyone pick ginseng while collecting honeysuckle. Also, this ginseng is worth five hundred taels? What can be bought with five hundred taels? He didn’t know and couldn’t imagine.
"What? Do you think five hundred taels is too little? Frankly, five hundred taels is already considering Yuan Feng’s influence; there’s really no more I can offer," Manager Liu said, seeing Gu Chengyu silent, another young man expressionless, and an elder seemingly shocked. Could it be that they think it’s too little? Surely it isn’t considered too much, is it? Manager Liu felt a bit displeased; though wealthy families desired it, and the price wouldn’t be low, being able to sell it at all was his capability, wasn’t it?
Gu Chengyu noticed Manager Liu’s slightly darkened expression, realizing his misunderstanding. "Manager Liu, I sincerely apologize. Please don’t laugh at us. My father has never seen so much silver, so he is a bit surprised, not dissatisfied. Please don’t take it to heart. Five hundred taels is indeed a fair amount, even higher than the estimate from Uncle Li. We are quite satisfied."
Manager Liu was sowhat suppressive with this kid’s father, who wasn’t young. At first, he mistakenly thought another sturdy man was the kid’s father, initially dismissing them as re honeysuckle sellers, not even asking their nas. Now, he felt quite interested in this child, for such a young age, he could observe their expressions and act appropriately, which wasn’t simple, arousing so thoughts in him.
"Since you’re satisfied, the deal is settled. Although, until now, I still don’t know how to address you!" While asking the Gu Family, his gaze was directed at Gu Chengyu.
Externally smiling, Gu Chengyu internally grumbled. Initially, they were not taken seriously, and now it has beco formal.
"Thanks to Manager Liu’s care, I’m Gu Chengyu, the youngest in the family, the fifth among the brothers. This is my father, and the one beside is my eldest brother," Gu Chengyu said, introducing Mr. Gu and Gu Chengli to Manager Liu one by one.
"Oh! So it’s Brother Gu and the Gu Family’s eldest nephew. This ginseng will be traded at the previously discussed price. Does that work for you?" Manager Liu extended a hand towards Mr. Gu, eager to conclude the deal swiftly.
"Let’s go with Manager Liu’s terms. Five hundred taels is indeed substantial." Mr. Gu, having composed himself, wanted to pocket the silver and leave early.
"Manager Liu, since the ginseng matter is settled, perhaps you could also examine our wintergreen?"
"Indeed, I should look at it. Wintergreen is rather scarce now. As long as the quality isn’t atrocious, Huichun Hall will take it. Open the sack for to check." Manager Liu thought about how the main transaction was for the ginseng, and as long as the wintergreen wasn’t too poor, he could make concessions on the price.
Mr. Gu hurried to open the sack, allowing Manager Liu to inspect. Grabbing a small handful in his palm and examining closely, Manager Liu’s face showed a delighted expression. "Your wintergreen looks quite good. How many jin are here? Have you weighed it?"
"It’s already weighed, there are thirty-seven jin inside. You can weigh it again if you’d like." Mr. Gu, thinking of the five hundred taels of silver, was excited. In comparison, selling honeysuckle seed like small money, unthinkable in the past.
"Since the quality is nice, I’m not one to take undue advantage. Normally, wintergreen is ninety wen per jin; if the quality is excellent, ninety-five wen per jin. Here, I’ll offer you one hundred wen per jin. Since we’re acquaintances now, if you find more wintergreen or other herbs in the future, just bring them here, and you won’t be underpaid. Just look for Dongzi when you co, he’ll notify , and I will give the order."
"Well, I thank Manager Liu here in advance. Please have soone co weigh it." One hundred wen per jin was a high price indeed, no need for haggling.
"No need to weigh it again. I trust you."
"Manager Liu, we’re pleased with your trust, but even among brothers, accounts should be clear. In future dealings, while friendship is friendship, we should still adhere to the rules." Gu Chengyu, with his modern mindset, knew that many people hesitated to clarify due to familiarity, leading to suspicions or regrets later, so it was better to settle everything face-to-face.
"Alright then! I’ll have soone co in to weigh it. Brother Gu, your kid here is incredible, like a little adult. This eldest son is also steady and reliable; you’re truly fortunate!" Manager Liu appreciated Gu Chengyu’s nature, advocating for clear rules to minimize future disputes.
"Oh, hardly! Children of poor families take charge early. It’s poverty that drives them. This fifth one has a bit of wit, but he’s nothing compared to you. The eldest is just an honest man. You praise them too highly, yet your words have brought joy." Mr. Gu smiled broadly, though modest in his words, his expression revealed his pride in his sons being praised.
Gu Chengyu understood that rchants had the gift of gab. If they were pleased, they could praise you to the skies, rely tailoring their words to suit the listener.
"Brother Gu, have you ever considered letting your youngest son apprentice here? If he cos, I’ll personally train him. I’m getting on in years and haven’t accepted a suitable apprentice due to high standards. I find your fifth child clever and steady, and I’m interested in having him inherit my skills. What do you think?" Manager Liu thought Mr. Gu would agree, as becoming a doctor offered a promising future, far better than toiling in the fields. However, things turned out unexpectedly.
"Well, to be honest with Manager Liu, we have other plans for the fifth one, his mother and I plan to send him to study. Twenty years ago, our Gu Family had so savings, and my elder brother was educated for a few years. But a severe drought occurred, and our savings went towards buying grain, nearly starving us. So, education was abandoned. Since then, only my brother’s Changsun has gone to study. We hope for another educated person in the family." Mr. Gu was thrilled to hear Liu wanted to take Xiao Bao as his apprentice—an opportunity as rare as a pie from the heavens. But he recalled discussions with the boy’s mother, and the thought of not sending Xiao Bao to school seed like burying his potential. They might not know how far he could go, but one must attempt before deciding.
"Studying is certainly a good venture; all pursuits are low, only academia is noble. Although I’m sowhat disappointed, I wouldn’t dare delay his prospects. Chengyu, don’t let your father’s efforts be in vain. Study hard. I hope to see you in the county examination in three years." Manager Liu genuinely wished to take him as an apprentice, but alas, his aspirations lay elsewhere, and they were grander.
"To receive Manager Liu’s favor is truly fortunate for . I will strive to advance in my studies and not disappoint my family’s expectations." Gu Chengyu stood and bowed to Manager Liu.
Manager Liu, noticing Gu Chengyu’s humility and courtesy, felt he had good judgnt, even though fate did not align them as master and apprentice.
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