Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Unlucky (2)_1 Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Unlucky (2)_1 “Let’s go, I’ll take you to the blacksmith shop,” Wu Dayou said excitedly, full of energy.
Lin Changshu simply agreed with him, as Wu Dayou, who often came to town to sell game, was indeed more familiar with the city’s situation than he was.
Swiftly, the trio arrived in front of a blacksmith shop, “Sir, what would you like?”
As soon as the blacksmith saw customers entering, he promptly asked enthusiastically.
“Can we take a look at the raw materials?” Lin Ziyin asked.
The master blacksmith was taken aback at seeing a young girl answering him. However, he quickly composed himself and replied to Lin Ziyin with a genial smile, “Sure, they’re behind the counter, feel free to have a look.”
After saying this, he couldn’t help but sneak another glance at Lin Ziyin.
This young girl was not simple, only a seasoned customer would ask to see the raw materials upon entering. He just wasn’t sure if she truly understood what she was asking or if she was just pretending.
Unbeknownst to the blacksmith, Lin Ziyin actually did understand—much more so than he could ever imagine.
At this moment, she picked up a piece of pig iron and examined it closely. She was satisfied with what she saw. Although the impurities in these raw materials did not meet her ideal standard, they were indeed much better than the ones sold in the marts.
“I want to make something, can you estimate how much silver it might cost?” Lin Ziyin described what she needed.
“Miss, your order is quite substantial,” the blacksmith looked at her in surprise, “I estimate the cost to be no less than 300 liangs of silver.”
Lin Ziyin was taken aback—”300 liangs of silver?”
She only had just under 48 liangs of silver on her. The difference between 48 liangs and 300 liangs was simply too vast.
“A single piece of iron costs a considerable amount of silver, and you are asking for over ten of them, in addition to troughs and iron plates. Any price below 300 liangs is simply impossible. You would receive the same quotation in any other shop,” the blacksmith explained, sadly. “Even if you want it done, I wouldn’t be able to help you right away. Truthfully speaking, each shop has a limit on the amount of material we can use each month, and the quantity of pig iron you’re asking for is simply too much.”
“Thank you for your honesty, but I must confess that I don’t have that much silver on me. It seems this business arrangement won’t work out after all.” Lin Ziyin forced a smile. How could she have forgotten that in ancient times, iron was a controlled item and incredibly expensive?
“Ah, that’s alright. Feel free to come back when you get the chance,” the blacksmith didn’t take offense when she couldn’t afford the price, not exhibiting any attitude despite the circumstances.
“Okay, with your good nature, I’m sure your business will flourish in the future,” Lin Ziyin thanked him.
“May your words come true,” the blacksmith responded delightedly, appreciating her kind words.
“300 liangs? That’s an extraordinary amount,” Wu Dayou couldn’t help but remark as they left the shop.
Lin Ziyin gave a small smile, but didn’t say anything. If it really came down to it, she would just use wooden tools instead, getting whatever she could.
“If there’s nothing else, we should head back early,” Lin Changshu suggested, looking up at the sun—it was already midday.
“There’s no rush. Let’s find a place to eat and fill our stomachs first,” Lin Ziyin suggested. She didn’t say this so much out of hunger, but because she wanted to spend more time in town, observing and preparing for what may come in the future.
Realizing it was indeed time for lunch, Lin Changshu didn’t refuse and agreed with her.
The trio took a seat at a noodle stall.
“Two bowls of plain noodles, and one bowl of meat noodles,” Lin Changshu ordered.
“No, three bowls of meat noodles,” Lin Ziyin insisted.
Lin Changshu glanced at her, heart aching but knowing her stubbornness and did not protest further.
After seated, Lin Ziyin scanned the surroundings, noticing numerous stalls lining the street selling all sorts of goods and dozens of people of all sorts coming and going.
Looks like this city really was a major traffic hub bustling with activity.
Just then, a group of men brandishing weapons rushed out of a shop across the street and attacked a carriage.
“Ziyin, be careful,” Lin Changshu quickly pulled Lin Ziyin out of the way and sought refuge to the side.