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This time, making money from selling the tiger was not as much as Su Zhi had hoped. Remembering how people on TV often dealt with large sums of silver effortlessly, throwing around ten or twenty taels for a meal, it put her current earnings into perspective. Despite appearing substantial, Su Zhi recognized that this was already a significant amount of money.
During her time in the countryside, Su Zhi had learned that transactions typically involved copper coins, with silver being a rarity. Some villagers might not see silver for an entire lifetime. Even if a household had a thousand copper coins, they were reluctant to exchange it for silver, fearing theft and inconvenience in handling. Considering the modest purchases made by rural households, large silver denominations were unnecessary, as change could be cumbersome. Most families preferred to hoard silver for significant expenses, relying more on copper coins for daily transactions.
Today, tiger meat was sold for thirty wen per pound, more expensive than the priciest pork by over ten wen. The two tigers were sold for a total of sixteen taels, split evenly with Li Shi, resulting in eight taels for each household. Tiger bones and similar items, although pricier than meat, fetched less due to lower quantities, resulting in six taels for each family. Tiger skins were the most valuable, despite some being damaged by arrows. Scarcity drove the price up, with each tiger skin selling for twenty taels.
In the end, each family earned a total of thirty-four taels.
Do not underestimate these thirty-four taels; in a farming household, this sum represents a substantial amount of money. For farming families relying on crops and occasional labor, the best annual income seldom exceeds ten taels of silver, excluding daily expenses. Even saving three or four taels after expenses would be considered a success. Families with many members and limited land often have no spare funds, and if faced with medical expenses, they might end up in debt.
Therefore, this sum of thirty-four taels was indeed a significant amount.
Shen Zi’an felt elated. Seeing his happiness, Su Zhi didn’t perceive the tiger sale as a loss. In a small community like theirs, selling a tiger at such a price was commendable. The crucial factor was swiftly improving their family’s situation. Regarding finances, she still had the Spiritual Spring and Lotus. While she couldn’t sell ginseng roots individually, cultivating crops and fruits for sale could lead to prosperity, offering a steady pathway to financial security.
“Wife, let’s build a large house. I’ve calculated that this silver is sufficient for a fine residence. Do you have any preferences for the new house?” Shen Zi’an finished counting the copper coins, which was the sales from the wild rabbits and birds they had caught, fetching a good sum of money. Today was not just profitable for building their new home but also for clearing Su Zhi’s superstitious reputation. His smile never faded, reveling in the unexpected financial gains.
Su Zhi couldn’t help but chuckle as she watched Shen Zi’an happily counting the money. It struck her as amusing how in most time-traveling female protagonists, they typically enjoyed counting money, yet here she was, not particularly interested in it, while her husband seemed to find joy in it. Nonetheless, seeing his cheerful expression counting the coins brought her more joy than counting money herself.
“Of course, I have a request—I want to build a large house. I was worried that this silver might not be enough, but don’t forget we still have that ginseng root. Let’s sell it tomorrow, and then we won’t have to worry about running short of money.”
Shen Zi’an nodded in agreement, “Alright, as you wish. Selling the ginseng root will indeed ease our minds. After selling it, we can use the money to build a larger house. If we make the house bigger, we can say we’ve spent all the money, so no one will covet it.”
Shen Zi’an wasn’t foolish; he understood the risks associated with sudden wealth. Even with a mythical creature guarding their fortune, the allure of money could lead to greed. Some within the Shen family might already be eyeing their newfound wealth, and he needed to provide a valid reason to deter unwanted attention. If rumors spread that he was wealthy but not supporting his family, they could tarnish his reputation, despite his near financial ruin. Being labeled stingy would be ironic now that he had money.
Observing Shen Zi’an’s smile, Su Zhi felt fortunate to have a husband who shared her values, making her feel much more at ease. Having such a considerate husband was indeed a stroke of luck.
Blushing at Su Zhi’s smile, Shen Zi’an added, “We can sell the ginseng root, but we should keep some for your health. It’s a precious item that can be life-saving.”
Su Zhi considered Shen Zi’an’s words and realized the importance of keeping the ginseng root for health emergencies. While she had the White Lotus at her disposal, she understood the need to conserve it and to avoid drawing attention to its use, making the ginseng a more discreet option.
Lost in her thoughts, Su Zhi was startled when Shen Zi’an made another comment, causing her face to flush red.
Shen Zi’an mentioned, “The doctor said that women who consume ginseng during childbirth gain strength. Let’s keep some extra, so you won’t have to worry when the time comes.”
“What are you saying…”
Blushing deeply, Su Zhi was taken aback by how the conversation had shifted to childbirth. Although she hadn’t considered it yet, she wasn’t opposed to the idea of having a child. In fact, she longed to have a lovely child. In her past life, the absence of children had caused her distress, but now, with a caring husband and improved health, the prospect of motherhood seemed less daunting. While she was delighted at the thought, a hint of shyness lingered within her.
Observing Su Zhi’s blush, Shen Zi’an also recognized the implications of his words and felt his cheeks warm. Knowing that she had promised not to leave him, they were destined to spend their lives together. Seeing her blush, he realized she might be considering having a child. The idea of having their own child, who would one day call them father and mother, filled Shen Zi’an with a sense of profound happiness, believing that this would be the pinnacle of his happiness.
Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder when they would have their own child.
Shen Zi’an observed Su Zhi, realizing her frail health. He decided it would be best to wait until her illness had completely subsided before considering having a child. Moreover, he felt that bringing a child into the world should be done in a comfortable and suitable environment, including a well-built house for their future family. In his mind, even their wedding night deserved to be celebrated in a more refined setting.
Feeling the urgency to construct a larger house, Shen Zi’an was determined to create a cozy and inviting space. He planned to adorn it with the finest silk, embroidered quilts, and large red candles, ensuring their wedding night would be nothing short of perfect, fitting for the exceptional woman beside him.
As Shen Zi’an’s gaze shifted, Su Zhi noticed a change in his expression. No longer an innocent one, she recognized the desire in his eyes, causing a familiar flush to return to her cheeks.
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi, brimming with happiness while envisioning their future in a larger home with a little one, were filled with hope. Meanwhile, within the Shen family, a cloud of regret loomed.
In the third household, Sun Shi seethed with anger, finding fault in everything. She had already pinched Chunhua multiple times, causing her to shrink back in pain, crying quietly to avoid further reprimand from her mother.
“You wretched fool! Do you have any idea how much those superstitious couple made today? They sold those two big tigers for dozens of taels of silver, not to mention that ginseng root as thick as a white radish, claiming it’s a hundred years old, but it looks closer to a thousand! Even Li Zheng was impressed! I bet they could sell it for hundreds of taels! How are they so lucky? It infuriates me!”
Sun Shi vented to Shen Ziping about the day’s events, her eyes reddened, teeth gritted, wishing she could sink her teeth into some of those benefits.
Shen Ziping, tired of feigning back pain and lying down all day, saw that Shen Zi’an had left, so he pretended to be feeling better and got up. Claiming he needed to stretch his muscles, he wandered off to another village, missing out on the day’s excitement. He was already regretting his absence, and Sun Shi’s lament only added to his frustration.
“Let’s go! We need to find Father and Mother! They must intervene; we need to get our share of that silver!” Sun Shi’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she followed Shen Ziping to the main house, scheming on how to secure a larger share of the benefits. Meanwhile, in the main house, Shen Ziju and Shen Youfu sat discussing the day’s events.
***Thanks for the support. The Shen family is full of drama!