"Don't think I don't know. Our Prince's Residence buys hundreds of bolts of fine cloth each time. Small profits, quick turnover—you definitely make silver!"
"Besides, you've greased the right palms. The silk for the first- and second-rank senior maids is mostly bought from you too. When have you not made a fortune?"
"Brother Chen, consider this my treat for a drink. Look, could you perhaps..."
Knowing that if he did not bleed a little this time, things would likely not work out, the cloth shop owner took out a thin purse he had prepared long ago and quietly slipped it into Steward Chen's sleeve.
With just a light touch, Steward Chen knew from the feather-light purse that it had to contain banknotes. He had not actually intended to keep demanding benefits; after all, he had already received some last time. This time, he was simply in a foul mood and picking a quarrel. But having accepted the purse, and seeing how sensible the man was, Steward Chen did not say what he had planned to say next.
"Forget it, forget it!" Steward Chen let out a soft breath of stale air and said to the cloth shop owner, "I was in a bad mood just now and took it out on you. We'll stick to the original price."
"Oh, thank you so much, Brother Chen!" The cloth shop owner was instantly delighted and hurriedly thanked him.
He had bled quite a bit this time, but Steward Chen's sudden attack had frightened him. If he did not curry favor, the Prince Qi's Residence business might suffer problems in the future. Receiving those words meant the trouble had been lifted. Though his heart ached, the owner still smiled as he respectfully saw Steward Chen off.
Having completed the errand, Steward Chen followed