Chapter 37
Bad Luck, His Concubine Came
Li Rou helped Zhang Liang to see Su Ying.
“Benefactor, where are you going next?”
“We should get past Zhuzhou, then all the way northwest. By the way, I wonder if you know the market prices of medicinal herbs?”
“The Zhang family has always been in the grain business. But they are also occasionally involved in medicinal herbs. I wonder what medicinal herbs would you like to buy, Benefactor?” Zhang Liang asked.
“It’s a little awkward to call me ‘Benefactor’. I’m Su Ying. You can just call me by my name. I’m not buying. I’m selling.” Su Ying lowered her voice and opened her bag to show them the ginseng.
When Zhang Liang saw it, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. This ginseng’s quality was unusual.
“T-these…”
“How much do you think it’s worth?”
“With such quality and quantity, it should at least sell for two or three thousand. Do you want to sell it?”
Su Ying nodded. “Yes, I’m selling it. So, when we reach Zhuzhou, I might have to follow you into the city.”
Zhang Liang was willing, but Su Ying didn’t have a pass, so she probably couldn’t enter the city.
Su Ying could see their concern. “Don’t worry. I have my way.”
“Alright.”
After the remaining prisoners had crossed the river, they set off again.
Although the distance between Zhuzhou City and River Wu didn’t seem far, they were, in fact, not close. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be that a massive flood occurred at one place, and the other place was unaffected.
They found somewhere to rest for the night and continued the journey before dawn.
When the sky was almost light, they finally saw the gate of Zhuzhou.
Li Da asked the team to find an open space outside the city to rest. He picked two bailiffs to go into the city with him and replenish their food rations, or they would all starve to death.
Because of the flood in Yunshui City, Zhuzhou was rigorous at the gate, as they feared that refugees would sneak into the city. Everyone who entered had to pay a hundred Wen. Those without money were not allowed in.
Li Rou tightly held Zhang Cuiniang’s hand with a face full of reluctance. “Cuiniang, I don’t know how long it’ll be before we can see each other again. You must take good care of yourself and your child. Take this in case you need it.” She quickly stuffed a purse into Zhang Cuiniang’s hand.
Zhang Cuiniang wanted to refuse, but it was forced into her arms.
“I’ll take good care of myself. Don’t worry,” said Zhang Cuiniang, who had no choice but to accept the gift.
Li Rou patted her hand before reluctantly following Zhang Liang into the carriage.
When Li Rou reached the city gate, she handed over their registration book and silver to the official. After the official finished the registration, they let their carriage in.
Once the carriage entered the city, they found an alley and stopped the carriage.
Su Ying jumped down.
Zhang Liang and Li Rou also came off.
“Lady Su, I have some dealings with a pawnshop’s shopkeeper. You can follow me to take a look if you trust me.”
Su Ying didn’t know much about business, so she might as well follow them.
“Alright.”
The few of them got into the carriage and went to the pawnshop that Zhang Liang had mentioned.
The moment Zhang Liang entered the pawnshop, the manager doing the accounts on the counter greeted him with a smile: “It’s you, Master Zhang. What brings you here?”
Zhang Liang smiled and went straight to the point after exchanging a few pleasantries with the shopkeeper. “I got some good stuff a few days ago and thought of you immediately, Master Wang. I thought you would need it.”
Master Wang laughed heartily. “What good stuff is it?”
Zhang Liang gestured for Su Ying to pass him the ginseng, and Su Ying handed over the bag.
Master Wang opened it, and his eyes lit up. Then, he carefully took out the ginseng and examined it. “This ginseng was indeed unearthed not long ago. It has good quality. Just recently, someone asked me if I had good products like this. Master Zhang, this is not the first time we have dealt with each other. You can name a price. If you can give this business to me, I will take it.”
Zhang Liang extended four fingers.
Wang understood and frowned awkwardly, “Master Zhang, to be honest, this stuff is indeed good, but we can’t make any profit at this price. For the sake of our many years of friendship, let me make a bit of money. What do you think of this?”
Wang extended three fingers.
Zhang Liang looked at Su Ying, and Su Ying was satisfied with the price.
After they left the pawnshop, Zhang Liang passed the silver notes to Su Ying. “Lady Su, you must keep this silver properly.”
“I can’t keep it. I have to turn it into something edible and useful right now.”
Zhang Liang understood. After all, it was a long journey to the northern wilderness. “Lady Su, what do you want? I’ll take you to buy it.”
“Good. You lead the way. I want grains, oil, rice, noodles, and eggs. I want everything that can be eaten and taken with us.”
“Alright.”
Zhang Liang was a grain merchant, and his business extended to Zhuzhou. Although the price of rice had increased, the shopkeepers had given him favorable deals.
Su Ying had the goods delivered to an alley by the city gates. She said she would get the bailiffs to transport them later.
Zhang Liang and his wife didn’t suspect anything and brought her around the city for shopping. Su Ying stopped only when they were left with a few hundred taels.
“Lady Su, farewell. We’ll meet again.” Zhang Liang said as he bowed deeply.
“Remember to take your medicine on time. You should recover after a few days of this.”
“We will follow Lady Su’s instructions. We will take our leave first.”
After the Zhang couple left, Su Ying waited in the alley for the delivery. About an hour later, she stored the supplies in her interspace before leaving the city with a few small bags.
Xiao Jin was confused when he saw Su Ying carrying a few small bags.
He knew she didn’t have much money left, but she didn’t have to go to the city just to buy a few things.
Su Ying returned to the carriage and passed the snacks to the three children.
“This is a famous snack in Zhuzhou. I bought it specially for you. Eat it quickly.”
Ling took the snack happily and opened it. There was a fragrant date-paste cake inside.
“Mother should eat too.”
Su Ying smiled and shook her head. She had already eaten her fill in the city. “I’m not hungry. You guys eat.”
Just as Su Ying was about to find a quiet place to rest, she saw a woman stumbling over and kneeling before her.
“Princess, please save this maidservant. This maidservant can’t live anymore.”
Su Ying’s eyebrows twitched, and she glared at her coldly. “Who are you?”
The woman slowly raised her head, revealing a face full of tears and dirt. Her tears had washed away some dirt, allowing Su Ying to see her face clearly.
Su Ying frowned. “You are Lin Zhuyu? ”
Lin Zhuyu nodded her head gently. “I am. Please take me in, Princess.”
Su Ying spat in annoyance. Did Xiao Jin actually think she was a philanthropist? Even his concubine came to her for help!