Chapter 331: Meeting Su Zhen
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The seed trader had specially visited the black market organizer’s house last night, even bringing along a dish and half a bottle of wine. He thought that he could negotiate better while sharing drinks. However, to his surprise, the organizer did not touch the wine. After hearing the seed trader out, he was promptly shown the door.
The seed trader had initially believed the deal was off. He had hoped to gain favor with the organizer, hoping for a better position in the black market in the future. But the organizer wasn’t swayed, even kicking him out – utterly humiliating.
Yet, to the seed trader’s astonishment, the organizer sent someone the next morning, instructing him to bring the seed buyer to his house so they could discuss face-to-face.
It was a roller-coaster of emotions for the seed trader. After regretting a lost deal and wasting half a bottle of wine the previous night, now a potential deal awaited him. He hurriedly packed his things and waited on the street for Jiang Chuan.
The seed trader had expected Jiang Chuan to arrive with carts full of grains in exchange for seeds. Instead, he showed up empty-handed, accompanied by two young girls. Was Jiang Chuan planning to trade his daughters for seeds?
It was well-known that daughters were not considered valuable in these times. Families who had daughters often kept it a secret as if they had been cursed. However, if a son was born, a grand feast would be organized, and the entire village would be invited to celebrate.
As a result, many daughters were sold in exchange for money or food. It had sadly become a common occurrence.
The seed trader’s wife had been sold when she was a child. He dearly loved his wife and held disdain for parents who could do such a thing.
With that thought, the seed trader began to view Jiang Chuan with contempt. He no longer wanted to make the deal and wore a frown, asking, “Are you planning to exchange your daughters for seeds?”
Seeing the seed trader’s expression, Jiang Chuan realized the misunderstanding. However, he appreciated the seed trader’s sense of righteousness.
He explained, “Young man, you’ve misunderstood. I am buying seeds for our village. As you know, years of drought meant no seeds or saplings were distributed. Now, with the recent rain soaking the fields, wouldn’t it be a waste if we don’t plant seeds immediately? 1 happened to encounter you selling seeds yesterday and thought 1 could collect some for the village.”
The seed traders, appearing to be in his late twenties, had thinning hair, suggesting a risk of balding in middle age.
Upon hearing Jiang Chuan’s intent for the village, the seed trader’s suspicion eased, and his demeanor softened, saying, “Alright then, follow me.”
Leading the way, he guided them through the town’s alleyways and onto the main road, eventually stopping in front of a rather luxurious mansion.
On their journey, they had circled half of the mansion’s compound. Jiang Xia estimated that the mansion had two courtyards. By the standards of the era, the original owner must have been a landlord. However, a couple of years earlier, landlords were publicly criticized, their properties confiscated and sold off. Thus, the current residents of such estates were wealthy individuals who had bought the houses.
Since he was a rich man, it was not surprising that he could take out two thousand catties of seeds.
Since he was wealthy, being able to produce one thousand kilogram of seeds wasn’t particularly surprising.
The seed trader went up and knocked on the door. He knocked for a long time, but no one answered.
Scratching his head in confusion, revealing even more of his balding scalp, the seed trader muttered, “That’s strange. They specifically told me to bring people over; there’s no way no one’s home.”
Just as he was saying this, footsteps could be heard from inside, and the door opened in response.
Upon seeing who it was that opened the door, Jiang Chuan was taken aback.
The few of them exchanged surprised glances, only the seed trader was left in the dark.
The person who came to open the door was none other than Su Zhen, whom they hadn’t seen since they parted ways at Grand Cloud Mountain!
Jiang Chuan quickly approached him. Considering the relationship between Su Zhen and the Zhang family, and between the Zhangs and Jiang Chuan, Su Zhen and Jiang Chuan could be considered as in-laws.
“When did you get back? Have arrangements been made for our mutual family? When do they plan to leave?”
Su Zhen let out a hearty laugh, “Uncle Jiang, you’re bombarding me with so many questions all at once. How am I supposed to answer them all? Come inside, and we can talk.”
The seed trader was completely baffled. So, these two knew each other?
After ushering Jiang Chuan and the two young girls inside, Su Zhen glanced at the seed traders, “Thank you for facilitating this matter today. You can leave now. Later, I’ll have someone send a token of appreciation to you..”