You Kidnapped the County Magistrate's Wife?

Zhou Wanwan coughed and said:

"Oh dear! Mom and Dad, what nonsense are you talking about? I'm only five years old, how could I possibly have that ability?"

Let me introduce you, I've brought the county magistrate's wife back with me..."

Liu Su'e was startled. "You've kidnapped the county magistrate's wife? That's not a good idea! If they find out, it's a capital offense!"

Then Feng Jiao stepped down from the carriage and said, "This is Liu Family Village! It's quite nice."

Zhou Wanwan smiled and said, "I'll have someone bring over the charcoal, you can take a look."

Soon, Zhou Wanwan had someone bring over the charcoal. Feng Jiao looked at Steward Li and said, "Come and take a look at the quality of this charcoal."

The steward hurried forward, picked up a piece of charcoal covered in white frost, examined it closely, weighed it in his hand, then lit the Silver Frost Charcoal and looked at it before saying:

"Your Majesty, these charcoal pieces are all of the highest quality."

Take this Silver Frost Charcoal for example. It has a dense texture and no impurities. It burns without smoke and is long-lasting. Its quality is even better than the top-quality charcoal sold in the Upper Capital.

There are also red charcoal, brocade charcoal, and diamond charcoal; each type is made from carefully selected materials and thoroughly calcined, leaving no flaws whatsoever.

Feng Jiao's eyebrows twitched slightly, her fingertips tracing the edge of the charcoal basket, as she asked, "The price of charcoal has risen quite a bit these days. For such good charcoal, how much silver should we pay per pound according to market price?"

Steward Li bowed and replied:

"My lord, it is currently winter, and the price of charcoal is already high, with the best quality charcoal being in short supply."

In the market, Silver Frost Charcoal costs 1.4 mace per pound, red silk charcoal costs 1.2 mace per pound, diamond charcoal costs 1.1 mace per pound, brocade charcoal costs 0.9 mace per pound, and animal charcoal costs 1.6 mace per pound.

We buy in bulk, so the profit margin is low due to the large volume. We need to negotiate the price down further.

Silver Frost Charcoal is sold at one mace per pound, red silk charcoal at eight and a half fen per pound, diamond charcoal at eight fen per pound, brocade charcoal at six and a half fen per pound, and animal charcoal at one mace and one fen per pound.

This price is within a reasonable range and leaves enough profit; the seller should be willing to accept it for bulk shipments.

Feng Jiao looked at Zhou Wanwan and asked, "Wanwan, what do you think?"

Zhou Wanwan nodded and said, "That's about the price now, but it'll definitely go up in the future..."

Steward Li nodded and said, "That's true."

Zhou Wanwan had the charcoal brought over. Steward Li and his men calculated for a while before bowing and replying:

"Miss, this batch of charcoal totals two hundred and sixty taels."

If you ever have any more charcoal like this in the future, please feel free to send it over. Our Feng Clan has a shop that specializes in these kinds of items; it's worry-free and reliable."

Zhou Wanwan looked up at him and said, "So, the Feng Clan also has shops in this area?"

Steward Li laughed loudly and nodded in response:

"Of course, young lady, you may not know this, but our Feng Clan's business extends far beyond the surrounding prefectures and counties."

Even in prosperous places like the Upper Capital and the Jiangnan, we have businesses.

The family business has reached its current scale entirely thanks to Third Master.

Third Master's main business is grain, silk, salt, and iron, and he also deals in necessities such as charcoal, wood, and medicinal herbs.

With connections to all corners of the world, stable distribution channels, ample supply, and fair pricing, we offer a wide range of products.

The shops in various locations are all doing very well, and they are highly regarded in the industry.

Zhou Wanwan's eyes lit up and she said, "You guys also do business in medicinal herbs?"

Steward Li nodded and said, "Of course."

Feng Jiao and said:

"We're family now, don't worry!"

I will definitely not treat you unfairly; I plan to settle down and develop my career here now.

Although this place is quite poor, who knows if we can find a way out!

Besides, didn't you tell me there would be a drought in the future?

I want to see how those two bitches die.

Zhou Wanwan raised an eyebrow at her and said, "You've come to terms with it."

Zhou Wanwan led them on a tour of the village, and Feng Jiao laughed, "Why did you bring so many bricks? Are you planning to surround your village?"

Zhou Wanwan nodded and said:

"I'm also preparing for the future, in case a disaster happens one day, and there are so many refugees."

There will inevitably be a lot of trouble then; having these walls will at least keep some people out.

Feng Jiao her head with a smile and said, "What's the use of this wall? If there are a lot of people, it won't take long for them to surround your Liu Family Village."

Zhou Wanwan nodded and looked at her, saying, "That's true, so I want to make Liu Family Village as impregnable as a fortress."

"Hahaha... you're so funny, girl. But how long will it take to build a wall with just a few people?"

"I'll find some people to help you build the wall tomorrow!" Feng Jiao.

Zhou Wanwan nodded and said, "Thank you so much, godmother."

"Hey! Why are you being so polite with me, little girl? I told you not to be so polite, we're family from now on."

If it weren't for you, I'm afraid my Yueyao... sigh! Anyway, I will always remember this."

Zhou Wanwan laughed and said, "Okay, then I'll take you for a walk in the mountains, and then we'll have some wild game at our house for lunch."

Zhou Wanwan led them into the mountains, with many guards surrounding Feng Jiao. As they walked, Zhou Wanwan said, "Actually, things aren't much better in the mountains. The medicinal herbs and flowers have all been eaten by locusts."

Feng Jiao nodded and said:

"The Upper Capital is much better than here; at least there hasn't been a locust plague. But the surrounding dozens of counties are in serious condition."

The imperial court has sent people here this time, saying they want to provide disaster relief, but very little will actually reach the people."

Zhou Wanwan suddenly heard several bitter herbs chatting, whispering among themselves:

Winter is just around the corner. Once the frost falls, we'll have to bury ourselves in the ground to hibernate, and it will be difficult for us to peek out again.

That's a good thing for the roe deer; I've seen them wandering around nearby a lot these past few days.

After eating grass roots and wild vegetables, they can comfortably survive the entire winter.

"You bet! I really hate that litter of roe deer; they almost bit me last time."

Zhou Wanwan followed the footprints on the ground and saw that there were indeed many footprints. Following the footprints, Zhou Wanwan quickly found the nest of roe deer.

Five wild roe deer were eating wild fruit from a tree. Zhou Wanwan made a gesture, and soon the people from Liu Family Village rushed over.

The speed was so fast that Feng Jiao and Cheng Yueyao were startled.

The villagers from Liu Family Village came over carrying five roe deer and said, "Miss, these five roe deer were all captured alive."

Zhou Wanwan nodded and said, "Then let's keep it for now!"

Cheng Yueyao looked at the roe deer with great excitement. "Sister, can I play with them?"

Zhou Wanwan looked at her and said, "Sure! We have a lot of rabbits at our farm. I'll have someone bring a few over for you to raise."

Cheng Yueyao clapped her hands happily and said:

"Sister, really? I've always wanted to have a pet."

But my wet nurse won't let me keep pets. I used to have a dog, but it died the next day.