Chapter 77: The Xishi Teapot

“I heard that Xishi was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, and this teapot was made to imitate her.”

Zhang Jinlan’s words almost made Jiang Fubao burst out laughing.

In truth, she was too embarrassed to explain the origin of the Xishi teapot.

Also called “Xishi’s Breasts,” the teapot is shaped like a woman’s chest—full and firm.

Touch it, handle it, and all sorts of thoughts might flash in one’s mind.

It’s a favorite among men who indulge in lewd fantasies.

It’s extremely vulgar. Fubao only learned the truth after buying it.

Unfortunately, she had little money, so even if she wanted to smash it, she couldn’t bring herself to.

And with no time to leisurely drink tea, it just sat idle.

In a way, it was a blessing—the teapot’s “purity” was preserved.

The price difference between new and secondhand ones was enormous.

That morning, when Grandma saw the tea set, Fubao pretended to repeat what the white-bearded old man had said, explaining it to her.

Otherwise, if the teahouse owner asked Grandma, she’d be clueless—and suspicion would arise.

“Xishi? I’ve never heard of her. Perhaps she’s from your northern region. I would love to meet her, but she must no longer be alive. Such a shame. In that case, isn’t this teapot one-of-a-kind in the world? I’ll buy it! Set your price.”

The teahouse owner gently placed the teapot down, speaking more respectfully.

“I don’t know the price; it’s a family heirloom. You name it, and if it’s reasonable, I’ll sell.”

Zhang Jinlan wasn’t naive. She didn’t know the market; if she quoted too low, it would be a huge loss.

“This tea set is exceptionally well preserved. I can’t tell it’s been fired years ago—it’s practically new. And it comes with four cups; the tray is optional. I’ll take the whole set. How about sixty taels?”

The teahouse owner paused, then slowly spoke. His eyes flickered as he said it.

“Sixty taels?”

Zhang Jinlan’s eyes went wide, and her mouth fell open.

She was shocked stiff.

But the teahouse owner misread her reaction as dissatisfaction and added, “Don’t be angry. How about I add ten more taels?”

Zhang Jinlan regained her composure immediately.

She shook her head: “No, no, too low. Ninety taels.”

Even a fool would know the price could be raised.

She withdrew her shocked expression and pretended to frown in dissatisfaction.

“It’s too high. Business at my teahouse has been poor in recent years. If the tea set is too expensive, I may not afford it. Let’s compromise: eighty taels, how about that?”

The teahouse owner realized the game.

A merchant is never foolish. He started bargaining.

“No, eighty is too low. This is a family heirloom. I must have ninety taels.”

Zhang Jinlan shook her head again, pretending to pack the tea set into her basket and walk away.

The owner quickly stood up, blocking her path.

“All right, eighty-five taels, I can’t pay more. If you accept eighty-five, I’ll fetch the money immediately. If not, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

This was his bottom line.

He wasn’t lying.

A teahouse opened early last summer, run by a family from Jiangnan. Though it had only two floors, the first-floor hall featured beautiful girls dancing daily.

Even in winter, they wore thin gauzy dresses—quite a sight.

It drew many customers, taking business from him.

A year ago, his teahouse was packed, but now, most tables were empty.

Eighty-five taels was most of his spare cash.

After buying the tea set, his funds would be tight.

“Ah, we’re destined to meet. I was closer to another teahouse, but I came to yours. Heaven must have guided me. Fine, eighty-five taels.”

Zhang Jinlan’s lying skill was flawless. She spoke without hesitation.

“All right, I’ll go fetch the silver. Thank you.”

The teahouse owner was delighted.

He ran back inside, and soon returned with two purses.

They were bulging.

He poured the contents onto a stone table—eight ingots of silver plus some loose coins.

“Count it; it’s exactly eighty-five taels,” he said, smiling at Zhang Jinlan.

“Good. You may take the tea set.”

Zhang Jinlan’s hands trembled as she took the silver, her voice slightly quivering.

The equally excited owner didn’t notice.

He carefully carried the teapot back inside.

An hour later, Jiang Fubao was already on a bullock cart, heading home.

She had so much money on her that Grandma didn’t dare come back.

After leaving the teahouse, Zhang Jinlan rented a bullock cart.

She didn’t even dare to walk the streets, fearing thieves.

Even sitting on the cart, she nervously looked around, worried that a band of mountain robbers would jump out.

Fortunately, Jiang Fubao was a girl of destiny.

They all arrived home safely.

After paying the fare, Zhang Jinlan hurried back to the room with the money pouch.

“Husband, what’s gotten into Mom? She didn’t say a word, didn’t answer questions, went straight to the room—was she tired? How did you get here by bullock cart? Did you sell the tea set? How much silver did you get?”

Sitting in the courtyard picking vegetables, Sun Pingmei asked curiously.

“Shh!”

Jiang Eryong turned, peeked outside. Seeing no one passing or hiding, he closed the door and said, “Eighty-five taels! Our family’s rich!”

“What? Eighty-five taels? Oh my heavens!”

Sun Pingmei was even more excited than Zhang Jinlan.

She slammed herself to the ground and kowtowed, tears streaming.

“Stop, stop crying! It’s a happy event; don’t cry away the good fortune!”

Jiang Eryong helped her up, whispering.

“Yes, don’t cry. Look, I haven’t seen so much money before. Let me see! Sister-in-law, Yanzi, let’s go together.”

Sun Pingmei wiped her tears, sheepishly smiled, and dragged her sister-in-law to the parents’ room.

Jiang Fubao watched quietly.

She seemed the calmest in the family.

After all, she hadn’t been here long and didn’t yet understand how hard it was to earn silver.

Inside, Zhang Jinlan was surrounded by her family, all eyes on the silver.

“Mom, what should we do with so much silver?” Sun Pingmei whispered, swallowing nervously.

“Spend it? Nonsense. Save it for the children’s marriages, buy a few more acres of land, grow more crops… hmm, also let the children study. But tuition is too expensive, so only one child will attend school for now.”