Deng Qing said quietly, "You don't know what the Black Jade is for, and neither do I. Neither of us can prove what it's worth.
"But Xiong Zhen was willing to expose his identity to find it. He even risked going to the Martial Arts Hall to intercept Li Cheng.
"A Bone-Tempering Two expert of the Donghuang Cult took such a risk for it. That alone proves the Black Jade has value.
"You're willing to pay eight hundred taels, and I'm willing to accept them. What we're trading isn't a value or purpose for the Black Jade that either of us already knows. We're trading the equivalent value of the risk Xiong Zhen took to get it."
Zhang Quan froze. It was the first time he had heard value put that way.
But on reflection, Deng Qing was telling the truth.
Why had he racked his brains, left Li Cheng behind for the Retest in Yanshan Prefecture, and rushed back? Wasn't it because Xiong Zhen was looking for this thing?
Even after working that out, Zhang Quan refused to yield. "An appraiser must verify it. And the transaction must take place at the Martial Market."
Deng Qing stopped arguing, turned, and walked away.
Zhang Quan snapped, "Deng Qing!"
Deng Qing kept walking and merely waved a hand. "Bring eight hundred taels to the Celebration Hall before late afternoon today, and I'll give it to you.
"After that, the deal is off."
With that, Deng Qing walked straight into the Celebration Hall.
Zhang Quan watched him go, his face so dark it looked ready to drip water.
After a moment's calculation, he flicked the reins and drove his carriage away.
At noon, Zhang Quan returned to the Celebration Hall.
Deng Qing was packing in his room when the gatekeeper came to