Zhang Kui was the oldest among them, at twenty-one years old, so naturally, he took charge of the younger ones while they worked.

Today, the group delivering vegetables consisted of a few young men from the village.

Meng Hangzhou carried a large wooden box over—his job was to collect the money.

Zhang Kui, along with Da Wang and Er Wang, was responsible for distributing the baby bok choy.

There was no need to call out to customers; many people had already noticed the carts filled with fresh baby bok choy.

They had never seen such vibrant, crisp greens before, let alone had the chance to eat them.

Some even asked how the vegetable was supposed to be cooked.

Zhang Kui repeated what Shen Qingwan had told them: it could be eaten as a cold salad or stir-fried.

Hearing that, people immediately became interested.

After all, at just one wen per catty, it was practically being given away. Even though greens weren’t filling, they were cheap.

“Give me two bundles.”

“I want one.”

“I’ll take five.”

People eagerly shouted out their orders, pushing forward to buy as much as they could.

But Zhang Kui’s expression darkened as he firmly commanded, “Everyone, line up properly! Each person is limited to one bundle—no exceptions. Prepare two wen in advance, take your vegetables, and move along quickly.”

This was a rule set by Shen Qingwan: each person could only buy one bundle, no more.

Selling these vegetables wasn’t about making money; it was about ensuring that those who couldn’t afford food would at least have something to eat.

Just as the eight-wen-per-catty grain sales were still ongoing, the one-wen-per-catty vegetable sale had begun.

When Zhao Zhuo heard about this, he couldn’t help but admire Shen Qingwan.

The value of fresh vegetables in times like these was immeasurable, yet he was willing to sell them so cheaply to the people.

This showed real vision and true kindness.

Zhao Zhuo also learned that this was a completely new variety of bok choy that no one had seen before, so he ordered some to be purchased as well.

At noon, the kitchen in the government office added a dish of stir-fried baby bok choy to the menu.

Among a table full of rich meat dishes, the bright green vegetables stood out.

“Father, what is this? I’ve never seen it before.” Zhao Jing’er picked up a piece of bok choy and examined it closely but couldn’t figure out what it was.

“I’ve never seen it either, but it tastes quite good—fresh and tender. Jing’er, try it,” said Madam Zhao, her eyes lighting up after tasting a bite.

Seeing her mother’s approval, Zhao Jing’er also took a bite.

The crisp, fresh taste immediately stimulated her appetite, and she nodded in delight. “Mm, it really is good! Father, let’s have the kitchen add this dish to our regular menu.”

Zhao Jing’er was known for being a picky eater, so it was rare for her to take such a liking to a dish. She couldn’t help but eat a few more bites.

Seeing his wife and daughter enjoying it, Zhao Zhuo also tried some.

It truly was delicious.

Among the many dishes on the table, this was undoubtedly the cheapest one, yet it was the first to be finished.

“This vegetable was sold by Shen Qing from Tianxia Grain Shop—one wen per catty. He went through great trouble just to ensure the people could have vegetables to eat.”

Hearing the name Shen Qing, Zhao Jing’er recalled something.

In Su City, many of her close friends had praised him endlessly. “Isn’t he the so-called ‘kind-hearted merchant’ everyone talks about? In my opinion, refusing to make money and selling things so cheaply to the people is just foolish.”

She was self-centered by nature and couldn’t understand Shen Qing’s selfless actions.

She even scoffed at his so-called good deeds.

If he truly wanted to help, he might as well just give the vegetables away for free.

Selling them so cheaply while still seeking a good reputation—wasn’t that laughable?

At her words, Zhao Zhuo’s face darkened. “What nonsense! A young lady like you speaking ill of someone who is doing good for the people—I see all your etiquette lessons have gone to waste.”

Zhao Jing’er pouted when she saw her father’s anger. “Hmph! Fine, I won’t say anything.”

Madam Zhao intervened, sighing, “You two can’t even have a meal without arguing? Whether Shen Qing is truly kind or not, he has helped your father immensely. Jing’er, you mustn’t speak carelessly.”

She then patiently explained, “Do you know how many refugees there are in Suzhou? Without Shen Qing’s cheap grain, the city would have already fallen into chaos.

The imperial court has delayed the relief supplies, and the government granary has long been emptied.

If those refugees couldn’t find food, they would have rioted. And if that happened, your father’s position as governor would have been over.”

Zhao Zhuo nodded in agreement. “Madam is right. Shen Qing has played a crucial role in maintaining peace in Suzhou.

The porridge shelters outside the city are also funded by him. The Jin family provides half the silver for the porridge, but Shen Qing supplies all the grain. If not for their daily efforts, do you think I would still be sitting here leisurely having a meal with you?”

The more Zhao Zhuo thought about it, the more he appreciated Shen Qing.

Someone with such vision and generosity was bound to have a bright future.

He then glanced at his daughter and had an idea.

Zhao Jing’er was already sixteen—more than old enough to be engaged.

If it weren’t for her infatuation with the War Prince, she would have been betrothed long ago.

But deep down, Zhao Zhuo knew the truth: the War Prince was surrounded by noble ladies and stunning beauties. In terms of family background and looks, his daughter wasn’t remarkable enough to catch his eye.

Rather than letting her waste her time longing for someone out of reach, why not consider Shen Qing instead?

Although he was a merchant, he was extraordinarily capable, and his wealth was certainly substantial.

His future prospects were limitless.

With Zhao Zhuo’s support, he could rise even higher in society.

And even if he remained a merchant for life, his daughter would still live comfortably.

Once the thought took root, Zhao Zhuo found it more and more appealing.

He began making plans to invite Shen Qing over for a meal, hoping the two would meet and perhaps develop an interest in each other.

Meanwhile, Shen Qingwan was still busy at the shop, completely unaware that the governor had set his sights on her.

By midday, all the bok choy had been sold out in just a few hours.

Many people who didn’t manage to buy any anxiously asked when more would be available.

Shen Qingwan assured them there would pkbe more tomorrow, finally easing their concerns.

The line for grain purchases continued late into the evening.

As darkness fell, exhaustion took over, and the shop was finally closed.

The people in line were already accustomed to this routine and didn’t complain. Some chose to wait all night to secure a better position in line, while others went home, planning to return at dawn.

Shen Qingwan looked at the long line of people and could only sigh helplessly.