Chapter 97: Deal
“What? Did she really say that?!”
Wang Mengyi grabbed her personal maid’s arm with a face full of shock: “You didn’t hear wrong, did you!”
The maid said firmly and sincerely: “This servant’s ears are sharp; how could I have heard wrong. Sixth Sister Pei said it herself.”
“Miss, you’re hurting this servant.”
Wang Mengyi’s mind was in turmoil, and she subconsciously let go of her hand.
The maid kept chattering in her ear: “Miss, you can rest assured. The Shi Family has only Young Master Shi as its sole heir; continuing the family line is the top priority. If Sixth Sister Pei wants to take a son-in-law, Old Master Shi absolutely won’t agree. Even Young Master Shi himself would never become a son-in-law.”
Another maid chimed in: “Which good family’s son would agree to be a son-in-law. The Pei Clan is the family of a convicted official sent into exile, and does Sixth Sister Pei think she’s made of gold and jade…”
“Shut your mouth!” Wang Mengyi suddenly darkened her face: “Sixth Sister Pei led her clansmen to survive, and wiped out Black Bear Stockade, Wolf Fang Stockade, and White Tiger Stockade; she is a divine archer without equal in a million. Such a heroine is someone our Wang Family must strive to befriend. It’s not your place to speak out of turn.”
“Go slap yourself twenty times.”
The loose-tongued maid trembled, lowered her head, and retreated outside the door, then slapped herself twenty loud times.
Then, with her face swollen, she knelt before her master to beg forgiveness.
Wang Mengyi said coldly: “This concerns Sixth Sister Pei’s reputation; no one is allowed to gossip recklessly. If even half a word of tonight’s conversation gets out, I will drive her out of the Wang Family.”
Wang Mengyi had managed the embroidery shop since she was thirteen, and in these three years, she had run it impeccably. That was why she was qualified to accompany her father to the Shi Family for the birthday celebration.
She appeared delicately refined, but was in fact shrewd and capable.
Old Master Shi took a liking to Wang Mengyi not only because of the Wang Family behind her, but also because of her herself.
The maids around her all knew their master’s temper and were utterly silent, not daring to make a sound.
Wang Mengyi was silent for a long time before getting up to see her father Wang Xun.
“…Father, I can’t figure out this Sixth Sister Pei.” Wang Mengyi frowned and whispered: “Cousin from the Shi Family is clever and worldly, with top-notch looks, character, and family background. Does she really feel not the slightest bit moved?”
The moment the words “take a son-in-law” came out, it was like drawing a chasm, making marriage impossible.
Wang Xun patted his belly and glanced at his daughter: “The Beiping Army has joined with the Bohai Navy and is charging toward the Capital City. Rebels have risen in Jiangnan, and the world is about to descend into chaos. Sixth Sister Pei is wildly ambitious, with eyes only on money and grain, cloth, salt, and medicinal materials; where would she have room for romantic love.”
“Don’t dwell on these things. Once Old Master Shi’s birthday banquet ends, we’ll go back to prepare the cotton cloth and cotton. This big deal from Sixth Sister Pei can’t be delayed.”
Wang Mengyi steadied her mind: “Father, leave this deal to me! The Pei Clan is led by Sixth Sister Pei, and all those who step forward are women. I’m more suitable to deal with them.”
Wang Xun thought for a moment and agreed: “Remember, Sixth Sister Pei is a major buyer; perhaps one day we’ll need her protection too. Treat Sixth Sister Pei with respect and courtesy; do not slight her.”
“Yes.”
“Also, marriage must be mutual consent. The Shi Family hasn’t spoken up yet, so our Wang Family can’t eagerly push for it. If Old Master Shi is interested, he will speak to me within these three days. If there’s no movement in three days, put that thought to rest. Our Wang Family daughters are never short of suitors.”
Wang Mengyi wanted to say something, but seeing her father’s stern face, she could only softly agree.
……
The next day, Pei Qinghe met with Wang Mengyi. Wang Mengyi took the initiative to show goodwill and inquired about the quantity of cloth and cotton the Pei Clan needed.
Pei Qinghe said: “The more, the better.”
Having just robbed White Tiger Stockade, they were flush with wealth and not short of silver.
Wang Mengyi smiled faintly: “Then I’ll prepare for four thousand sets of cotton clothes and one thousand cotton quilts. As for the price, Sixth Sister Pei, rest assured; we’ll only charge cost.”
Pei Qinghe raised her brow with a smile: “Miss Wang is straightforward in her dealings; I, Pei Qinghe, will make you my friend.”
Compared to the Wang Family’s proactive friendliness, the salt merchant Zhan Family was much more arrogant, sending only a steward.
Mao Hongling volunteered: “Leave the salt purchase to me.”
Pei Qinghe nodded.
For the Lu Family side, Pei Yan went to handle it.
Shi Yan also introduced Pei Qinghe to a few more people, all major merchants in Youzhou. Pei Family Village lacked all kinds of supplies, having only a pile of gold and silver seized from the mountain strongholds.
Sixth Sister Pei bought everything and didn’t haggle over prices. She was immediately surrounded by the major merchants, who all eagerly offered to do business with her and build a good relationship.
Shi Yan couldn’t stand by any longer, coughed once, and took over the heavy responsibility of negotiating business. Bargaining and haggling were effortless for him. He also settled the deposit and terms like inspecting the goods upon delivery before paying the final payment.
After a busy day, it was only in the evening that they had some free time.
Shi Yan rarely put on a stern face: “Sixth Sister isn’t short of silver, but she can’t act like a fool either. Merchants are all sly and slippery; if you don’t haggle, they’ll dare to double the price on the spot. They’ll even pass off inferior goods and delay deliveries.”
Pei Qinghe was lectured thoroughly but didn’t get annoyed: “I’m good at leading troops in battle; I really don’t know much about doing business.”
More than “not much”—the words “big spender” were practically written on her forehead.
Shi Yan took a deep breath: “No matter how much silver there is, it’s not spent like this. The gold, silver, and wealth seized at the risk of your lives from the mountain strongholds—wouldn’t it be letting others take it for nothing.”
Pei Qinghe was very receptive: “Young Master Shi is right. Today, thanks to Young Master Shi’s extra effort, you settled several deals for me. Does Young Master Shi have time tomorrow?”
Shi Yan took a red gold abacus from his sleeve, his slender fingers deftly manipulating it with elegant flair: “Rest assured; I’ll make sure to calculate shrewdly for Sixth Sister and negotiate fair prices.”
After settling the large batches of goods, on the third day, Pei Qinghe met with a few smaller merchants. The goods purchased were also much more miscellaneous and detailed.
At such times, Young Master Shi’s capability was truly evident. No matter the trade or goods, he knew all the ins and outs; the merchants couldn’t play any tricks in front of the shrewd Young Master Shi.
Pei Qinghe thought to herself that no wonder in her previous life, despite robbing mountain bandits and magnates, she still often went hungry. She had lacked just such a shrewd and capable person by her side.
Unfortunately, Young Master Shi couldn’t abandon his family business to come to Pei Family Village as a steward; what a pity.
Three days later, Pei Qinghe led the crowd away.
Young Master Shi saw them off for ten li.
“Young Master Shi, please turn back!” Pei Qinghe cupped her hands in farewell: “If there’s anything in the future, just send someone to deliver a letter to me.”
Shi Yan didn’t stand on ceremony, nodded in agreement, and specially instructed: “This time you bought a large batch of supplies, enough for half a year. Next time you buy more, let me know first. With me around, I won’t let Sixth Sister spend a single cent of wasted silver.”
Pei Qinghe smiled brightly, waved farewell, and spurred her horse onward.
Shi Yan stood in place for a long time without moving.
Another day later, the Wang father and daughter took their leave.
Wang Mengyi looked at Shi Yan’s gentle smile, her heart sour; a thousand words rose to her lips, but in the end, she swallowed them back.
Only when the carriage was far away did the tears she had been holding back quietly slide down.
