Chapter 44

The people of Hongli Village had just left when Huo Shu was about to pack some things and go to the city with Taoyu to fetch some goods from the fabric shop.

Unexpectedly, the farmers who hadn’t confirmed their participation two days ago showed up again.

“Huo, brother, we’ve thought it over and decided to follow your lead.”

The man leading them, Zhao Kai, spoke politely, “We’ll do as you suggested.”

Huo Shu saw that their timing was quite coincidental. He guessed that upon hearing Ge Liang had brought men from their village, they decided to act quickly to avoid missing the opportunity, thus making up their minds.

Sometimes, a little push is needed to make things happen.

Since they had come, Huo Shu said no more and led them inside to sign the prepared documents.

He then discussed training matters with the new recruits. Since work was scarce during the New Year, the farmers readily agreed.

With the manpower settled, the next step was to fetch the goods.

“If we’re getting goods, we need to go to a large fabric shop. Not only do they have a wide variety, but they also have ample stock,” Taoyu explained to Huo Shu.

Large fabric shops in Tongzhou usually have their own dedicated sericulturists, flax growers, weavers, and textile artisans. This means they have a complete supply chain, from raw materials to finished silk and fabrics.

Because of this, they have large quantities of goods, and supplying goods to traveling merchants is a major business for them.

“Tenli Fabric Shop is the best choice.”

Besides meeting the requirements of a large fabric shop supplying traveling merchants, they also had acquaintances there.

Wu Lianhe is a weaver at Tenli Fabric Shop. Although she hadn’t spoken much about her work there, when they first went to see her, the staff mentioned she had some renown.

Even if she didn’t have much fame, working in the fabric shop made her much more knowledgeable than complete outsiders like them, potentially providing some valuable connections.

So, the two brought some New Year gifts and went to visit Wu Lianhe in the city first.

“Huo brother and Tao sister, you should have sent word ahead, so I could have prepared some food,” Wu Lianhe exclaimed with a mix of surprise and joy when she saw them during her more relaxed New Year schedule.

This time of visiting relatives and friends was usually lonely for her, as she couldn’t go out and rarely had visitors. Her parents and brothers were busy visiting relatives themselves, and though they cared for her, they couldn’t come often, usually just sharing a meal to feel reunited.

Although her situation was tough, Wu Lianhe was content. Having a child out of wedlock without a proper matchmaker would have a terrible reputation, yet her family didn’t resent her and still visited without complaint, which was rare.

However, people naturally crave company.

So, she was genuinely happy to have visitors now.

“If Ah Pan knew Huo brother was coming, he’d be thrilled. He’s asked about you several times. I’ll go get him,” Wu Lianhe said.

Taoyu asked, “Where has Ah Pan gone?”

Wu Lianhe replied with a smile, “He went out early this morning with the bow and arrows his Uncle Huo gave him to meet his classmates. He rarely goes out to play, and I thought during the New Year, he should go out and have some fun, not just bury himself in books. Ever since Huo brother taught him archery, he’s gotten much better, and his classmates often invite him to practice together.”

Taoyu laughed. “Ah Pan is always eager to learn.”

“You two sit down; I’ll go find him,” Wu Lianhe offered.

Huo Shu said, “Let him stay outside for now. We’re here for business.”

Wu Lianhe paused. “Is something wrong in the village?”

Taoyu quickly explained their purpose for coming.

“Among the fabric shops we know, Sister Wu is the most familiar, so we came in a hurry,” she said.

Wu Lianhe was a bit surprised. She still thought Huo Shu was making a living as a butcher and asked a few questions, laughing upon hearing the reason.

“I’ve heard since childhood that Qiao the butcher has a straightforward and fiery temperament, always concerned with his face. Huo brother, don’t take it to heart.”

“It’s just his nature; he won’t mind,” Taoyu added. “But we need to find a new way to make a living, so we planned to enter this trade.”

Wu Lianhe responded, “Since we’re close, I’ll be frank.”

“If southern silks reach the northern region, they’ll surely be profitable.”

Tenli Fabric Shop has over ten regular traveling merchant teams. The shopkeeper runs a steady business.

Traveling merchants usually discuss their routes and markets with the shopkeeper to avoid overlapping with other merchants.

If the routes and destinations coincide, the shopkeeper recommends different materials and fabrics for different seasons, ensuring no two merchant teams take the same route and goods.

“These merchant teams travel west, east, and north, but none head to the northern capital. The north is often at war, and the people are fiercer, making it riskier, so few teams venture there.”

If any did, they were well-established teams with decades of experience.

“The fabric issue is manageable. I’ve worked at Tenli Fabric Shop for years and have some rapport with the current shopkeeper, so getting the goods shouldn’t be a problem.”

“But Huo brother, you should consider the risks of heading north.”

Huo Shu said, “I’m familiar with the north. Where in the world is truly peaceful? There’s no need to worry too much.”

Seeing Huo Shu’s resolve, Wu Lianhe said no more.

“Let’s go see the goods at the fabric shop. I have nothing else to do today anyway.”

“Sure,” Taoyu said, clearly interested. Even though she wasn’t buying fabrics for herself, the prospect of selecting various fabrics was still quite enjoyable.

Wu Lianhe led the two of them to Tenli Fabric Shop and went straight to the showroom to look at the goods.

The main hall of the fabric shop displayed materials popular with Jiangnan people that season, as well as the latest goods. Tongzhou had many fabric shops with a wide variety, and the locals had discerning tastes. They either demanded high-quality materials or the latest fashions.

The limited selection on display wasn’t very suitable for selling elsewhere.

Huo Shu’s caravan would leave no earlier than February or early March, but they planned to reach Beiyu Prefecture in May. By then, it would be the changing of seasons to summer, so they needed to get summer fabrics and possibly some winter materials as well.

“Summer is when the fabric shop has the most variety,” Wu Lianhe said, bringing out a pile of sample fabrics and making several trips. “These are styles from the past few years, so they aren’t too outdated.”

Huo Shu said, “Even fabrics from ten years ago would be fine in Beiyu.”

Jiangnan’s fabrics from the past five years were still very fashionable.

Although Taoyu had never traveled far, she had learned about the differences in fabric quality between the north and Tongzhou from Huo Shu during the temple fair.

Wu Lianhe explained, “In the towns and nearby prefectures around Tongzhou, merchants must carry the latest seasonal goods to have a market. For places a bit farther, goods from the past year will do. Even farther, up to three years old is fine. In Beiyu Prefecture, fabrics within five years are still acceptable.”

In fact, fabrics that were three to five years old still had a market in such faraway places as Beiyu. The difference lay in cost; the older the style, the more room there was to adjust the price.

“We have all sorts of fabrics: ramie, hemp, silk, and brocade. What would you like, Huo brother?”

Different fabrics had a base price, with variations depending on the style and craftsmanship.

For example, ramie was widely grown, and its price was low—about 100 wen per bolt. Hemp was also inexpensive, around 200 wen per bolt for ordinary fabric. Higher-grade fire hemp could be quite costly—about 400 wen per bolt.

Silk, brocade, and satin were much more expensive, costing several taels of silver per bolt. Plain silk was two taels, plain brocade six taels, plain satin four taels, and plain damask five taels.

These were just rough prices for mid-range goods. High-end fabrics could cost much more, and lower-grade ones much less.

If the prices were fixed, only a few could afford these luxurious fabrics. To cater to both the lower classes and the wealthy, fabric shops produced different grades of the same material, expanding their customer base.

Thus, Tongzhou’s people dressed in bright and beautiful clothes, not just the wealthy. Different shops had different prices, and the variety in brocade and silk allowed for many styles. Innovations often came from these materials.

Ramie and hemp, on the other hand, had limited potential for variety and new patterns due to their lower value. Weavers were less inclined to invest effort in these fabrics, knowing the prices couldn’t be raised much.

Huo Shu looked at Taoyu and said, “You choose some you like.”

Taoyu didn’t hesitate. If left to Huo Shu, they would end up with just hemp and ramie clothes, changing from one to the other throughout the month.

Watching him wear these two fabrics daily, he seemed perfectly comfortable pretending to be a penniless man. If it weren’t for some conscience, he might have spent all his private savings.

“Ramie and hemp are not considered; they’re common everywhere and not worth transporting far,” Taoyu decisively discussed with Wu Lianhe.

“Indeed, merchants rarely carry those. Some peddlers might take fire hemp to county towns, but it’s not worth taking to Beiyu,” Wu Lianhe said, treating this as her own business.

“Choosing from silk, brocade, and satin is most suitable.”

They selected three or four patterns from each type of fabric, choosing the most cost-effective patterns. For brocade, which is the most expensive, they only selected three types.

Considering costs, they chose more mid-range silk and satin, fewer high-end fabrics, and just a few top-tier ones as premium goods.

After estimating, Huo Shu planned to spend 300 taels on fabrics, but the exact amount depended on negotiations with the shopkeeper.

“I’ll talk to the shopkeeper with Sister Wu,” Taoyu said. “I’ll try to get as many fabrics as possible within our budget.”

Given Huo Shu’s straightforward nature, he wasn’t the type to haggle or speak persuasively. His stern demeanor might even make people think he was there to cause trouble.

So Taoyu took on the task.

Huo Shu agreed, happy to let him handle it. It was better to let him gain some skills through practice rather than shielding him all the time. Of course, this depended on Taoyu’s willingness to take on the task. If he didn’t want to, Huo Shu wouldn’t force him, even if it meant gaining skills.

During the New Year, most wealthy merchants were busy, but fortunately, the shopkeeper of Tenli Fabric Shop was available today. Wu Lianhe quickly went to check, and if the shopkeeper had time, she would bring Taoyu to meet him.

If they missed this opportunity, it was uncertain when the shopkeeper would be free again.

While waiting for Wu Lianhe, Taoyu sipped some tea.

“Sister Wu is working hard for our business; you must teach Ah Pan to ride and shoot well in the future,” she said.

Huo Shu responded affirmatively.

Wu Lianhe indeed embodied the warmth and kindness that Zhao Changsu had mentioned to him years ago.

“To master archery, one must first master riding. When we return from Beiyu, I’ll bring back a good horse for him,” Huo Shu said.

Taoyu nodded. Good horses were scarce in Tongzhou; mules were more common. Even if one had the money, finding a good horse required connections.

They waited for a while before Wu Lianhe returned, a pleased expression on her face.

“The shopkeeper is available. Let’s go.”

Taoyu and Wu Lianhe went to see the shopkeeper, while Huo Shu stayed behind.

The shopkeeper of Tenli Fabric Shop was surnamed Wang, with the given name Long.

Such wealthy merchants not only managed their shops but also oversaw the production of silk and hemp, among other affairs, and seldom visited the shop.

Though Taoyu frequented the Tenli Fabric Shop, she had never met the shopkeeper. She had imagined him as a rotund middle-aged man but found instead a young man with a refined appearance, upright demeanor, and elegant speech.

“Ah Chu, serve tea,” Wang Long called as he saw the three of them enter. He briefly glanced at Huo Shu and Taoyu before warmly inviting them to sit.

“I didn’t know you were coming; my apologies for any inconvenience.”

Taoyu greeted Wang Long, while Huo Shu gave a nod in typical Jianghu fashion.

“Wu Niangzi has been with the fabric shop for years, and this is the first time she has brought family here. I apologize if our hospitality is lacking,” Wang Long said.

“It’s our sudden visit that’s impolite. Please don’t take offense, Master Wang,” Taoyu replied. “We’re fortunate to discuss business with you today.”

“Wu Niangzi has already mentioned the fabrics you need. Since you’re her relatives, I’ll be straightforward. Given the quantity you’re purchasing for trade, I can offer you all fabrics at sixty percent of the market price. How does that sound? ”Wang Long proposed.

Taoyu was taken aback by the straightforward offer, swallowing the prepared haggling words.

“Master Wang, you’re very forthright. This simplifies matters greatly,” Taoyu said, realizing Wu Lianhe had likely already discussed the details beforehand, using personal connections to their advantage.

They selected additional patterns based on their initial choices, finalizing around four hundred bolts of fabric.

After a busy day, they left the city as evening fell.

“I didn’t expect our first deal with Tenli Fabric Shop to be at such a favorable price. I’ve heard that many merchants only get seventy or eighty percent of the market price. We owe it to Sister Wu,” Taoyu said contentedly on the way back.

“It’s indeed a good deal,” Huo Shu agreed.

“There are many good things in Tongzhou. Should we look into diversifying our goods instead of only taking fabrics to Beiyu? If we need more money, I still have some, and Father gave me the wedding gifts you received,” Taoyu suggested.

“No rush. We’ll plan the route first,” Huo Shu said.

“Alright.”

By the time they reached the Ji family’s gate, it was already dark, and lights were on in the courtyard.

Huo Shu dismounted and helped Taoyu down, then took the horse to the stable, giving it some hay. Taoyu waited for him to finish, and they walked into the house together.

As they approached, they heard voices from inside.

“I thought you said you wouldn’t go out again. Isn’t it better to settle down and arrange a marriage? Why are you causing trouble again? ”

“With family members doing business, isn’t it good to have help? Let Yuan Fei and Wenliang go with Huo Shu. Wouldn’t that be reassuring? ”

Taoyu recognized the voice and whispered to Huo Shu, “Third Aunt is here again.”

Ever since Taoyu and Huo Shu got engaged, Ji Wanglan has stayed away for a while, perhaps embarrassed by the previous failed matchmaking attempt. Normally, she loved visiting and taking advantage, but she had refrained until now.

Aside from attending the wedding banquet, this was her first visit since the marriage.

Ji Yangzong frowned. He trusted his seventh brother’s son, Wenliang, to follow Huo Shu, as he was young but diligent and reliable. However, he didn’t trust Yuan Fei, his nephew from his sister’s side, a troublemaker he wouldn’t allow.

But he couldn’t favor one and reject the other, as it would cause further issues.

So he firmly said, “We already have enough people. Do you think going north is a vacation? Wenliang, you shouldn’t be causing trouble. Your parents wouldn’t agree to you going so far.”

“The more, the merrier. Even if we have enough people, what harm is there in bringing a few more relatives? Are you still upset about the previous incident? ”Ji Wanglan persisted.

The Ji family siblings had heard about Huo Shu’s upcoming business trip. Ji Wanglan, wanting her son to gain experience and earn money, hadn’t initially considered the north dangerous. But after seeing Wenliang insist on going, she decided to push for her son, Yuan Fei, to go as well.

The more Huo Shu refused, the more she insisted, thinking there might be hidden benefits.

Ji Wenliang, who had persuaded his parents to let him go, was frustrated by his third aunt’s interference, knowing his cousin’s troublesome nature would ruin his chances.

“Let’s settle it then! Both brothers should go. They’ll gain experience and make money,” Ji Wanglan concluded, oblivious to the chaos she was causing.

“Third Sister, I didn’t agree to this! ”

Ji Yangzong glared and said, “This is Huo Shu’s business, and he decides who to take.”

“You’re being unreasonable, Little Six. He would take outsiders, but not his own relatives? He’s just a son-in-law, and as the head of the household, you can’t even make the decision?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Huo Shu and Taoyu walked in.

Ji Wenliang saw them return and cheerfully called out, “Peach Sister! ”

Seeing Huo Shu’s stern face, Ji Wenliang immediately straightened up, his voice lowering as he nervously greeted, “Brother-in-law.”

Taoyu widened her eyes and said, “Wenliang, why are you here too? ”

Ji Wanglan quickly chimed in, “You came back just in time. We were just talking about Huo Shu going on a business trip, and Yuan Fei and Wenliang want to help him.”

“Look at your father; he’s not happy about it. Peach Sister, isn’t this a good thing? ”

Taoyu shrugged slightly, not wanting to get involved, and said, “I don’t really understand these things; Third Aunt, you should discuss it with A’Shu.”

Ji Wanglan looked at Huo Shu’s stern face and opened her mouth, but she didn’t dare use the usual tricks she employed with her relatives.

Huo Shu remained silent and pulled out a document that the villagers had signed earlier, saying, “If they want to go, they must sign and stamp their fingerprints.”

Ji Wanglan, a bit confused by Huo Shu’s straightforwardness, quickly took the paper. After glancing at it, her expression changed.

“What does this mean? ‘If encountered with danger, they take full responsibility for their lives; companions are not accountable?’ How can they go together but not take care of each other? ”

Ji Yangzong explained, “Everyone who wants to go has signed this. Third Aunt, if Yuan Fei wants to go, he must sign.”

Ji Wanglan immediately became unhappy. “Why set up a death warrant just to do some business? It’s fine for outsiders, but isn’t it too harsh for family? ”

She pulled Ji Wenliang over and said, “Your uncle is too stingy, Wenliang. Don’t you think? None of your other uncles would do this.”

“Having both of them go shouldn’t be an issue. Otherwise, people will laugh at us.”

She continued to pester, trying to avoid signing the paper.

Ji Wenliang, seeing this, felt like he had found clarity and said happily, “I heard that many large merchant groups use their own household slaves, who have their contracts, and if they hire outsiders, they require signatures and fingerprints to ensure commitment.”

“I’ll follow my brother-in-law’s rules and sign.”

With that, Ji Wenliang took the pen and signed his name, pressing his fingerprint onto the document.

Ji Wanglan was stunned, calling him foolish.

“Third Aunt, are you going to sign or should Yuan Fei come to sign?”Ji Yangzong said, “See, Wenliang has already signed.”

“Treating a family like this, what does it look like? ”Ji Wanglan muttered, backing down, and changing her tone:

“Isn’t it common in the village for people to try their hand at business now and then? Some make money, most lose it, and end up back farming.”

“The North is a chaotic place, full of rough people. What business is there to be done? Are you tired of a peaceful life? ”

Ji Yangzong, tired of her nagging, said, “Are you going or not? The kids are tired from the day. If you’re signing, do it now; if not, forget it, and let them rest.”

Ji Wanglan thickened her face and said, “Yuan Fei might not even like this kind of business. I’ll go back and ask him first.”