After completing the transaction, Fang Yuan put away the silver and did not leave immediately.
He leaned casually against a tent pole, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of mountain goods on Hu Lao San's stall as he spoke as if making idle conversation.
"Steward Hu invited me so warmly. Your trading company must be quite powerful." Fang Yuan's tone was calm, carrying just the right amount of curiosity.
"But there is something I do not understand, and I would like to ask Brother Hu about it."
Seeing him bring up the trading company again, Hu Lao San assumed his interest had been stirred and became even more enthusiastic. He said with a smile:
"Just ask, Brother Fang!"
"I see that Brother Hu is a remarkable fighter. You must be a martial artist who has entered the ranks."
Fang Yuan's gaze fell on Hu Lao San's sturdy frame and steady presence.
"A person like you has been assigned to this Rural Market to collect ordinary mountain goods and hides. Isn't that a bit... like using a great talent for a small task?"
Rather than taking offense, Hu Lao San burst into laughter, his voice carrying both pride and a merchant's shrewdness.
"Brother Fang, that's where you're mistaken! Never underestimate the business of collecting mountain goods!"
He lowered his voice and pointed at the wild boar that had just been dragged away behind them.
"Take that boar, for example. I bought it for five taels of silver. Sounds expensive, doesn't it?
But guess how much it can sell for once it reaches the county town, gets prepared by the master chefs at our own restaurant, and becomes a delicacy served at a banquet?
At the very least, this much!" He made a jaw-dropping gesture.
"Profits of dozens of taels would