"Our merchant guild is no small operation, and we're short on capable hands. Especially guards for the mountain-goods routes, or craftsmen who handle pelts—both positions come with quite decent pay.
"As long as the boss nods and takes you on, moving your whole family to the county town and settling you there would be no more than a word from the merchant guild. The problem of obtaining household registration would naturally be resolved as well."
He extended an olive branch, looking earnestly at Fang Yuan as he waited for his reply.
This was undoubtedly a seemingly bright shortcut, but it also meant tying himself, to some extent, to Baimao Merchant Guild's ship.
At Hu Lao San's proposal, Fang Yuan's gaze flickered slightly, but he did not agree at once.
"Thank you for your kindness, Steward Hu," Fang Yuan said steadily.
"I'll keep this option in mind. But settling down is no small matter. Let me return and discuss it with my family before making a decision."
Then he changed the subject, asking as though casually:
"Still, transporting goods for the merchant guild—especially over the hundred li between the county town and this mountain village—can't be entirely peaceful, can it?
"Ordinary mountain goods and pelts may be one thing, but if one is escorting valuables and runs into bandits, losing the goods would be a serious matter."
At this, Hu Lao San wore an expression that said, "You've hit the nail on the head." He gave a chuckle, his tone carrying a meaningful undertone.
"Ordinary goods naturally don't warrant hiring experts specifically to escort them. But our merchant guild does substantial business.
"Every now and then, there are... valuable things, or important things, that need transporting. At such times, true experts are needed to hold the fort!"
As he spoke, his