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“Make sure you keep your silver hidden well—don’t let even a bit show, understand?”
“Don’t worry. It’s more secure than a rat hole.”
Zhao Zhenyu: …
“You two go find the Village Chief now. Get things organized. And try to borrow a big iron pot from someone while you’re at it.” As she spoke, she stuffed two flatbreads into each of their hands—these two were definitely still hungry.
“Alright!”
Liu Shunzi grinned as he took a big bite of the flatbread. Dashu was rich now; eating one of his flatbreads didn’t feel like mooching.
Damn, this thing really hit the spot!
“Aren’t you going?” His mouth was stuffed full, his words muffled.
“We’ll head back after dark.”
Fair enough. If they went back now, they’d just be nagged to do chores. Here, they had food, drink, and even silver. Not a bad deal.
Liu Shunzi and his wife shouldered the wild dandelions and headed down the mountain, munching on their flatbreads as they went.
Zhao Dashu watched their backs receding into the distance and sighed, “I really envy Shunzi—losing both his parents when he was little.”
Zhao Zhenyu’s mouth twitched. Father, seriously—if Grandfather heard you, he’d beat you with a stick.
Even Madam Song was stunned, unsure how to respond.
“You feel the same way, don’t you?” Zhao Dashu turned to her. “Without a mother-in-law breathing down your neck, your life would be a lot smoother.”
Madam Song: I most certainly do not—don’t slander me!
……………………
After the couple went down the mountain, Madam Zheng stayed behind to wash the wild dandelions while Liu Shunzi headed straight to the Village Chief’s home.
“Village Chief! Village Chief!”
“Ah, Shunzi! Come on in, sit down!”
Liu Shunzi sat. The Village Chief had always been good to him. Since losing his parents, the man had looked out for him—especially in childhood, when he stood up for Shunzi against his two uncles trying to snatch his land. Thanks to the chief, the land was protected and Shunzi had peace for several years.
“Uncle, I have something to ask you.”
“Go on—those uncles of yours stirring up trouble again?”
Shouldn’t be. After a few hard lessons, they’d been keeping in line these past years.
“I want to collect bamboo shoots. I was hoping you could speak to the villagers for me.”
The Village Chief frowned. “What do you want with those?”
“I’ve got a way to sell them.”
“Really?”
“Would I be collecting them if I didn’t? If I just wanted some to eat, I’d go dig them up myself.”
“How many do you need?” If it was a small amount, he could have his kids help.
“As many as possible—only the tender ones, with the shoot leaves removed. I’ll pay one copper coin per jin.”
“That many? You’re sure you can sell them? You’ve got money to pay?”
A pocket full of silver makes one bold. Dashu had given him five taels, and that gave him confidence.
“Here, take a look.” He pulled out the five taels of silver from his robe. Showing the silver was to reassure the chief that he wasn’t messing around—he could pay.
The Village Chief: …
When did this kid strike it rich? And why didn’t he know?
“One copper per jin, with the shoot leaves removed, and you’ll take as much as they bring?”
This was promising. The village had two bamboo groves, plus wild ones in the mountains. Bamboo shoots were growing everywhere these days.
If he was buying, then this was like bending over to pick up free money!
“Yup. But I want only tender ones—no tough, old shoots.”
“Of course. Alright, if you’re sure, I’ll go inform the villagers right away.”
“Thanks, Uncle Chief.”
“What are you thanking me for? I should be thanking you for bringing a good opportunity to Laomuzhu Village.”
Liu Shunzi scratched his head and gave a sheepish grin.
With the bamboo shoot collection settled, the Village Chief didn’t waste time. He grabbed a gong and walked through the village, beating it as he shouted, “Everyone! One person from each household to my place for a meeting! One person from each household!”
A curious village woman called out, “Chief, what’s going on?”
The Village Chief didn’t answer directly. In a flat tone, he said, “You’ll find out when you get there. Send someone in charge.”
In less than half an hour, the Village Chief’s courtyard was packed.
“The Liu family is collecting bamboo shoots,” the Village Chief announced. “If you’re interested, head to the wild bamboo grove and pick them. Only tender shoots, leaves removed. One copper coin per jin. That’s it. You’re dismissed.”
“Chief, they’re buying bamboo shoots? Are you joking? One copper per jin? Five jin for one copper is more like it. Can they even afford it?”
“Exactly, Chief. If he’s playing around, why are you going along with it?” someone grumbled.
They had rushed in from the fields after hearing the announcement—just for this?
“Believe it or not, that’s up to you. He pays cash up front—no tabs. Don’t believe it? Try it yourself and see if he pays. This is a golden opportunity, like money falling from the sky. If it weren’t real, would I drag the whole village into it? If it turns out fake, I’d have to barricade my doors from the angry mob. Do what you will.”
The Village Chief’s words made those who were skeptical begin to waver. What if it was true? Missing out would be a lost chance to make money. Still—since when did Liu Shunzi have this kind of ability?
Shunzi’s second and third uncles looked equally bewildered. Their families didn’t talk to his; how would they know what he was up to?
“Chief, you’re not pulling our leg?”
“Why would I joke about this?”
Fair enough. Everyone knew the kind of man the Village Chief was. They might not trust Liu Shunzi, but they trusted the Chief.
“Try picking a few jin and see. But let me be clear: if anyone mixes in old shoots or leaves the shoot husks on, Shunzi won’t buy from that household again.”
“No way! We’re honest folks—we wouldn’t pull a trick like that.”
“Exactly, Chief. We’re decent people—we wouldn’t stoop that low.”
The Village Chief nodded. Most of the village was good and honest. His warning was meant for the sly few who might try to take advantage.
With that, the villagers dispersed.
“Husband, is this for real?”
“Mm. If you’re free, go pick some bamboo shoots. I’ll go too. And tell the grandkids, daughters-in-law—anyone idle at home, send them all to dig shoots.”
“Got it!”
……………………
Back up on the mountain, the family lingered until almost dusk before they finally made their way down, full and satisfied.
“Father, wait—we’ve got a problem. You’ll need to make another trip to Uncle Shunzi’s place.”
“What is it now?”
“You gave him broken silver—how’s he supposed to make change? He needs copper coins. I’ll dig out all the coppers I’ve got on me and give them to you.”
She had a bit over three taels worth of copper coins in her storage space. That should be enough. Once they delivered the shoots the day after tomorrow, she could exchange more with the shopkeeper.
“Alright. Tomorrow morning, we all head to Uncle Shunzi’s place. Before dawn.”
“That’s what I was thinking. Father, you should help us handle the shoots too. As for collecting and weighing, how about we ask Uncle Shunzi to find someone else to help?”
“Who?”
“You said most of the village men are your brothers, right? Just pick one of your brothers.”
Zhao Dashu: …
Madam Song covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. Ever since their daughter jumped into the river, her sharp tongue had made a comeback. She used to be the one silenced by her husband. Now it was finally his turn—and oh, how satisfying that was!