Chapter 8: Transactions

To stand firm in the world, one must naturally harbor a deep aversion to evil, uphold justice, and remember, young master, to discern what is worth doing and what is not

The old beggar is not seeking a response from the young master; it was merely a casual inquiry

The younger generation expresses gratitude to the elder.

Su Tiancheng was about to stand up when the elder waved his hand, signaling him not to rise.

The elderly man was very familiar with Xiangling City. He led Su Tiancheng and Su Ertong directly to a restaurant, knowing that there were certainly not many restaurants that opened at the hour of Chen.

The elder said this, and the younger generation felt quite ashamed. Since it is still early, I would like to invite the elder for a drink.

Young Master Su, this is Qu Qingze. He is considering purchasing your Mongolian horse

Qu Qingze shook his head, took out a silk pouch from his body, and placed it on the table

After entering the horse market for the second time, he wandered around with a fine horse, yet did not discuss any trading matters. He looked around curiously, particularly concerned about others' transactions, which is the greatest taboo. The transactions in the horse market are not permitted by the authorities, and when a young master leads a warhorse, people will wonder if officials have come to conduct an inspection

Toasting and singing, how fleeting is life? Like morning dew, the journey is fraught with bitterness. One should express their feelings with fervor, for worries are hard to forget. How can one alleviate sorrow? Only with fine wine...

Su Tiancheng stood up and cupped his fists in salute

Hehe, no need to thank me. One good turn deserves another. The old beggar is still grateful. Young Master Su, the transaction is complete, and it seems you are preparing to return home. If there is an opportunity in the future, the old beggar will come to your residence to ask for alms, and you must not refuse.

This first point, wearing a brocade robe to the horse market for trade, raises suspicion regardless of who it is on. Either it belongs to a young scion who has incurred debts and is secretly selling the family's fine horses, or the origin of the horses is dubious. In any case, it is something that cannot be seen in the light. Since one is already dressed in a brocade robe, why would there be a need to go to the horse market for trade

This third party, unfamiliar with the situation regarding fine horses, dares to come to the horse market to engage in trade. If someone knowledgeable about fine horses were to ask a few questions, the young master would have nothing to say. To be unfamiliar with horses yet lead a warhorse for trade indeed shows considerable audacity. Moreover, transactions involving fine horses must be conducted openly; once they move to the shadows, who knows what might happen

Young Master Qu, do you need to take a look at the horses before making a decision

Su Ertong was determined not to enter the private room. In his view, his young master's money was limited, and it was better to be frugal; every little bit saved counted. Moreover, the eldest madam was excessively strict, and his own and his parents' expenses, including the monthly allowance, all came from the thirty taels of silver that the young master received each month.

The old man's skills are beyond words; in the blink of an eye, two strong men fell before him. This is not something an ordinary person could achieve. If one were to face him, it would be hard to predict the outcome.

True masters are always discreet and never flaunt their power in public. Su Tiancheng believes that the elderly man before him is certainly not ordinary and may have an extraordinary background. Although the old man repeatedly claims to be a mere beggar, the demeanor he exhibits is entirely that of someone in a position of authority.

The old man spoke as he walked towards the inn's entrance, continuing to drink. It was certainly inappropriate to do so inside the inn at this time. The city gate should have been opened by the patrol office, allowing him to go into the city to find a tavern for more drinks.

The younger generation expresses gratitude to the elder for his teachings, which will surely be remembered for a lifetime

A quarter of an hour later, the old man brought in a person who was also wearing a bamboo hat and a veil. Judging by the physique, this person was also a young individual

Su Tiancheng stood up and cupped his fists in salute to the elder

As for your visit to the horse market today, the old beggar suggests that you should just forget about it and not mention it to anyone. That young servant seems to be quite good, absolutely loyal; such a servant is indeed rare.

Young Master Su, you are quite bold. Originally a scholar, I did not expect you to come to Xiangling County to trade horses. How interesting, truly interesting. No wonder you fear nothing. An old beggar like me would not dare to do such a thing. Since you trust the old beggar, I will not be polite. Please wait here while I go to hetushu.com.

Young Master Su, the old beggar feels a strong affinity with you. Thanks to your kindness, there are a few words I must express

After the old man finished reciting, he looked at Su Tiancheng, who was following closely beside him

After a while, the old man spoke again

Seeing that Su Tiancheng had already prepared the bamboo hat to cover his face, the old man nodded in satisfaction

The old man looked at Su Tiancheng, a meaningful smile appearing on his face

Watching Qu Qingze and his group ride away on their warhorses, Su Tiancheng felt a twinge of heartache. In truth, he had genuinely intended to keep these warhorses, but unfortunately, that was not possible at the moment. Troubles and disasters all stem from being overly ambitious.

The old beggar felt that the young master was a person of great potential, and could not help but express these words.

The beautiful wine in the night-glowing cup, eager to drink as the pipa urges from the horse, do not laugh at the one drunkenly lying on the battlefield, for throughout history, how many have returned from war

Su Tiancheng's body trembled slightly, and he spoke without a moment's hesitation

The old man was reciting Cao Cao's "Short Song Line" as he leisurely walked towards the county town

Su Tiancheng felt a tinge of anxiety; in this era he was still unfamiliar with, is expressing one's aspirations through song considered a transgression

Su Tiancheng nodded repeatedly, although the old man's words lacked substantial content

The old beggar believes that you are a person of great ambition and aspirations, and moreover, a scholar. Your dignified and generous demeanor, along with an air of confidence, subtly reveals itself. At such a young age, you remain unperturbed in the face of change, exuding a bold and magnanimous spirit. Most importantly, you possess the ability to assess the situation and discern the character of others.

Su Tiancheng had already put on his bamboo hat. He trusted the old man, but could not guarantee who the old man had brought with him

The old beggar tends to be talkative; some words, once spoken, should not be taken to heart by the young master. Regarding today's events at the horse market, the old beggar believes that the young master has performed poorly in three areas.

The old man still did not leave, standing to one side. Young Master Qu had walked far away, out of sight. Su Tiancheng took off his hat and veil

Haha, drinking is the favorite pastime of old beggars, so what is the problem with that

In the market, where a mix of good and bad exists, who knows whether the court will send people to keep watch here

Inside the inn, it is currently very quiet, as most people are sound asleep

Su Tiancheng hurriedly waved to Su Ertong, who was waiting in the lobby of the inn, signaling him to follow him into Xiangling County.

Young Master Su, you are a scholar; the old beggar is merely showing off his skills in front of the master. This is what the old beggar thinks, and thus recited the short song of Chancellor Cao. Young Master Su, why not compose a poem as well, expressing your aspirations through wine.

Su Tiancheng removed his bamboo hat and veil, stood up, and bowed to the elderly man

Young Master Su, here are fifty taels of gold. Please count them. If there are no discrepancies, I will accompany you to collect the goods. I should have treated you to a drink, but I do not have the time to spare, as I must leave Xiangling County shortly. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly invite you for a drink.

Haha, the poet Wang Han of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, a native of Taiyuan, truly has great ambitions. The frontier, the frontier, has now become a place of unrest.

Cold sweat broke out on Su Tiancheng's forehead; he was temporarily unable to answer these two questions

The elderly person was also straightforward in their actions; they stood up and left directly.

Hehe, the old beggar has a lot to say. There are two more questions, please do not take offense, my young lord. First, where do the five Mongolian steeds come from? Second, you appear haggard, clearly having endured a night of hard work. As a scholar, you should be oblivious to worldly matters, focusing solely on the teachings of the sages. With the provincial examination approaching next year, how can you still have the mind to pay attention to the horse trading affairs

The old man squinted his eyes, looking at Su Tiancheng

A shaky foundation leads to great upheaval

The transactions in the horse market have left a deep impression on him; one must seize the right moment to take action. Nowadays, it is not a matter of a few hundred years later when someone might still reason with you.

I am Su Tiancheng, a scholar from Pingyang Prefecture, courtesy name Kunyuan. I am fortunate to have gained the favor of my esteemed uncle. Naturally, I will act in accordance with the words of my uncle. I have five Mongolian horses and await your arrangements.

Opportunities must not be missed, for they will not come again. Having traversed to the Ming Dynasty, it is essential to seek extraordinary connections

Young Master Qu, you are too modest. With the introduction from the elder, I am absolutely at ease. Please follow me, Young Master Qu