Buy, Buy, Buy

"Two hundred guan!"

Uncle Dashan cried out in surprise, nearly losing his voice and giving Zhang Sheng a fright.

Although Zhang Sheng didn't know what two hundred guan meant in this era, he could tell from Uncle Dashan's reaction that it must be a fortune.

"Don't be so surprised! The ginseng you brought in is in quite good condition, especially since one of the roots is around two hundred years old.

"That one alone is worth a hundred and twenty guan, so don't think I've offered too much or too little.

"Besides, we run an honest business. Things are what they are."

The old man's words made Zhang Sheng nod. That was how business should be done, or the shop would close sooner or later.

"Grandpa! If we find more ginseng in the future, can we sell it to you?"

"Haha! Of course. We've opened our doors for business, so naturally we welcome you to bring us good medicinal herbs.

"So if you dig up anything good, bring it over. I guarantee a fair price."

After happily selling the ginseng to the medicine shop, Zhang Sheng and Uncle Dashan left with a fortune tucked away.

"Uncle Dashan! Is two hundred guan a lot? You gave quite a start back there."

"Shh...! Keep your voice down! Don't let anyone hear! Eldest Son of the Zhang Family, you're still young and have never been out before, so you don't understand.

"One guan is a thousand wen. That's enough to feed a family of three for two or three months.

"You know that shop assistant back there? He only makes around two or three hundred wen a month, and that's considered good.

"That's why I was so surprised that those three ginseng roots sold for two hundred guan."

After Uncle Dashan explained, Zhang Sheng understood completely. He even thought that Uncle Dashan might never have seen so much money in his entire life.

No wonder Uncle Dashan had been so cautious since leaving the medicine shop.

Zhang Sheng also realized just how low the standard of living was in this era.

"Uncle Dashan! Since we've earned so much money, let's take more gifts back for Auntie and little brother Huzi.

"Let's stock up on some household supplies too, so we don't have to come back next time. It's too inconvenient."

"Mm! We'll do as you say!"

Perhaps it was because he had money now, but Zhang Sheng could tell that Uncle Dashan walked more confidently than usual.

It was even more apparent when they looked at things and bought them. He even dared to step forward and ask about some slightly expensive items.

Zhang Sheng thought nothing of these changes in Uncle Dashan. After all, this was a true picture of ordinary people at the bottom.

The two walked around the streets, buying whatever they found useful. Along the way, Zhang Sheng also bought several books at a bookshop.

One was about medicine, while the others were miscellaneous writings and the like.

There weren't many books, but they certainly weren't cheap. They cost Zhang Sheng five guan in total.

When he paid, Uncle Dashan, who stood beside him, was heartbroken over the expense.

"Those few lousy things are worth five guan? They cost more than everything we just bought put together. Things with learning in them really are valuable!"

"Uncle Dashan! Don't feel bad about the money. We can earn more when it's gone. Learning more is what matters."

Zhang Sheng actually knew why books were expensive. After all, knowledge was controlled by the upper classes.

Ordinary people generally couldn't afford it, so it was hard for great talents to emerge from among them.

"I was just remarking on it! I know you're someone who'll do great things in the future. We can't help you much, so all we can do is try not to hold you back."

"Uncle Dashan! What are you saying? If you hadn't fed me, I would have starved to death long ago. I wouldn't even be here today.

"If I make it in the future, I'll never forget you, Auntie, or little brother Huzi."

"All right! Let's not talk about it anymore. I know you're a good child who values ties and loyalty!"

Zhang Sheng's words made Uncle Dashan choke up a little. He had been moved by what Zhang Sheng said.

After this little interlude, Zhang Sheng and Uncle Dashan grew even closer.

Zhang Sheng also enjoyed the feeling of being cared for. After all, he had rarely experienced such familial affection.

They had bought so much that, if they hadn't run out of room to carry things, they could have emptied the entire county town.

"Well now! Did you two go robbing someone? You bought so much. That must have cost a pretty penny!"

The old hunter was greatly surprised when he saw Zhang Sheng and Uncle Dashan approaching from nearby, laden with packages large and small.

He knew something of Uncle Dashan's family circumstances.

They couldn't possibly afford to spend so much, so it could only have something to do with Zhang Sheng's trip.

He knew what Zhang Sheng had come to do, so he made that meaningful remark as soon as they met.

"Uncle Chen! We sold some things, so we got carried away and bought a little extra."

"Hehe! Dashan, you rascal! Now you're talking in riddles with your Uncle Chen. All right! I won't ask."

Hearing the old hunter say that, Zhang Sheng, who was standing nearby, offered no further explanation, so as not to invite unnecessary trouble.

As the saying went: people grow shrewd with age.

They had experienced more than many others.

So they viewed matters more maturely and didn't pry into things they shouldn't. That was the way to survive.

After the three met up at the city gate, they started back. They still had several hours to travel.

It would be dark by the time they got home, and traveling at night wasn't safe. It was better to get back as early as they could!

They hadn't had much to carry on the way there, so they had walked quickly. The trip back was different: they had quite a lot of things.

That was with the old hunter helping carry some of them. Otherwise, stopping and starting would have delayed them even more.

They encountered no mishaps on the way back. The three carried their things for over three double-hours and finally made it home.

"Oh my! That trip really wasn't easy! Say, Dashan, you'd better treat this old man to good food and wine, or I won't stand for it."

"Uncle Chen! Of course I should. I'll tell my wife to prepare it right away!"

After saying that, Uncle Dashan walked ahead to his door and called out:

"Wife! Come out! We're back!"

Creak!

A door opened, letting the lamplight inside shine out, and a woman emerged:

"Husband, you're finally back. Did everything go smoothly on the road?"

"All good! Everything went smoothly!"

"Where's Eldest Son of the Zhang Family?"

"He'll be here any moment. Go get things ready. Uncle Chen is coming over for a couple of drinks later. Thanks to the old man for all his effort on this trip."

While the two were talking, Zhang Sheng and the old hunter arrived at the door.

"Auntie!"

"Dashan's wife!"

"What's all this? Why did you buy so many things? That's such a waste of money."

"All right! Go get the food ready first!"

Uncle Dashan didn't want to dwell on the matter, so he had to cut his wife off before she could continue nagging.

After putting their things together, Zhang Sheng and the others sat on benches, drank some tea, and rested while they waited for Zhang Sheng's aunt to finish cooking.

Before long, the food was on the table. It was quite a spread: the rabbit and tiger meat Zhang Sheng had brought back, plus some greens. That was plenty.

They spent over half a double-hour eating. Seeing that it was getting late, they each went home to rest early.

As for the things they had bought, those would have to be left until tomorrow to sort out.