Chapter 8: Buying Slaves in the Eastern Market
With the guidance of the servant, Chu Ying arrived at the Listening to the Rain Pavilion, where she found Lin Wenqing preparing tea in anticipation, yet she frowned.
Then take me there, the girl nodded and said
Lin Wenqing nodded slightly, which could be seen as an acknowledgment of Manager Zheng's self-praise. In fact, she had instructed Xiao Yang to find the most hassle-free establishment before her arrival; otherwise, she would not have set foot in this place at all
Upon hearing this name, Chu Ying remarked with curiosity, "This does not sound like the name of an ordinary person's daughter." Those who end up in the pawnshop as dead contracts typically come from humble backgrounds, and their names are usually either Cuihua or Lanhua, or perhaps Erya or Sixi. It is quite rare for someone to use the character 'yan,' one of the Four Treasures of the Study.
Lin Yan revealed a grateful smile on his face and softly called out, "Little Yang."
Seeing him act so playfully, Chu Ying could only shake his head helplessly. He walked over and sat down beside Lin Wenqing, directly asking: "I heard that you met Crown Prince Kang in the palace?"
Rest assured, young master, there will definitely be no trouble. This case is from several years ago. A few years back, since this girl was too young, our manager thought she was quite clever. It would have been a pity to sell her off as a rough servant. Therefore, she has stayed in our establishment for all these years. Today, upon hearing that you are looking for a personal maid, I thought of bringing her over to give it a try
"Aren't you feeling unwell? Why are you still out here in the wind?" Chu Ying looked at Lin Wenqing disapprovingly.
"Which family is the Hongcheng Lin family?" the girl asked softly
Oh. I wonder if Young Master Lin is bringing someone back to serve as a rough servant girl, or..." Manager Zheng pressed for more information
"You have the most reasons." Although Chu Ying complained verbally, she ultimately allowed Lin Wenqing to lead her out of the Qinduxiaozhu and headed towards Yucheng
Upon hearing this permission, Zheng Guanshi immediately perked up and shouted outside: "Xiao San, go to Room 3 and bring over a few dull-witted girls to fill in."
Zheng Guan Shi's eyes twitched, and he immediately stepped forward to say: "It seems that Young Master Chu has a keen eye. In fact, this girl came from a decent family, but unfortunately, she later got into trouble and was..." Zheng Guan Shi made a slicing motion across his neck and continued, "Then the women in the family were sold off. This girl is the youngest daughter of that family."
Zheng Guan Shi returned to the backyard and pushed open a door. This room was surprisingly unlike an ordinary slave's quarters; it was a single room rather than shared by several people. The decorations inside were simply arranged, and although the furnishings were modest, they were clean and complete. A girl of about twelve or thirteen years old was leaning by the window, gazing up at the sky. When she saw Zheng Guan Shi enter, she appeared slightly startled and shrank back a little.
In no time, seven or eight little girls who met the requirements were brought before Lin Wenqing and Chu Ying. Lin Wenqing glanced over them with some dissatisfaction and indeed singled out the girl that Manager Zheng had specially brought.
"Really." Lin Wenqing could only put down the teacup and reassure Chu Ying, "Encountering Prince Kang was an accident. I am merely entering the palace to serve as a tutor for a while, as a practice partner. I am not foolish enough to involve myself in the troubles of succession disputes."
"Young Master may call me Old Zheng." Manager Zheng patted his chest, making a guarantee, and said, "Our agency and the dental clinic are among the best in Yu City. Many official servants have been auctioned off through us. Therefore, those taken from us will definitely ensure that you have no worries whatsoever."
Thank you! Su Wan lifted the teacup, and upon flipping the cover, it indicated the intention to see off the guests. Manager Zheng immediately recognized the sentiment and tactfully took his leave.
"The children are playing house, yet they don't even know about the Hongcheng Lin family." Manager Zheng clicked his tongue a few times and then explained, "The Hongcheng Lin family is the household of Lin Xiao, who is known as the richest man in the world. The one who came this time is Lin Xiao's only son. He is studying at the Guangnei government. By the way, I heard that the recent famous piece 'Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers' that has gained acclaim in Yucheng was passed on to Miss Su Wan by him"
On the eastern side of Yucheng, there is a vast trade market known as the East Market. This place is bustling with people coming and going, featuring goods from all over the world, and also engaging in the slave trade. Therefore, Lin Wenqing and Chu Ying, under the guidance of the well-informed Xiao Yang who had already surveyed the terrain, quickly arrived at the largest pawnshop in the East Market
Oh dear. You know very well that these people in the family are all related, and perhaps one of the elders is working under my father. If I were to bring them to my side, wouldn't that be like voluntarily placing a spy beside me to assist my father
"A inkstone. The inkstone of the inkstone." the girl replied
Chu Ying looked at Lin Wenqing disapprovingly and said, "Wen Jing, I certainly believe that you have no interest in intervening in the disputes between the Zhou and Lu families. However, you cannot possibly be so confused as to wander from the teaching hall to the greenhouse palace. At the very least, give me a reasonable explanation. Not for His Highness Yu of Qi, but for me, a friend who genuinely cares about you."
You are the one he brought into the palace, yet you are so oblivious to your surroundings while associating with Prince Kang. Naturally, he cannot help but pay more attention to it. Chu Ying cast a slightly reproachful glance at her friend and replied, "Do not play such a dangerous game"
Chu Ying then nodded in understanding to the librarian, and immediately furrowed his brow as he asked, "Will there be any trouble with her case?"
After listening to this explanation, Chu Ying pondered for a moment and found no flaws, so she nodded slightly at Lin Wenqing, signifying her approval of the purchase of this servant.
Lin Wenjing ... ... '' Su Wan took the document, and upon seeing the names on it, she was both surprised and delighted. With a complex expression, she said: `` This Yu City is indeed small. '' She then stood up, respectfully bowed to Manager Zheng, and said: `` My younger sister has truly been in your esteemed establishment for some time, and I am sincerely grateful to Uncle Zheng for your care. ''
"Gentlemen, please have some tea first." The manager of the dental shop is a middle-aged man around forty years old, with a plump face that displays a friendly smile
No matter what you think in your heart, to me, that is just an accident Lin Wenqing bit her lip but did not relent
Lin Wenqing took Zhu Ying's hand and said happily, "Come with me for a walk. Just in time, I want to find a personal maid, and you can help me think it over."
Upon hearing these words, Lin Wenqing felt the pressure in her heart dissipate instantly. To be honest, if Chu Ying had continued to persist, she feared she would have no choice but to concede, disregarding her father's warnings, and reveal everything about Aunt Hua. Fortunately, fortunately, Chu Ying conceded first.
Everyone has some secrets in their hearts that cannot be shared with outsiders. Lin Wenqing helplessly looked up at Chu Ying, shrugged, and said, "There are some things I cannot tell you. It is not because I do not trust you or do not consider you a friend with whom I can share my life and death. It is simply because I have commitments to others, and I fear dragging you into trouble. So, can you understand me?" It is simply because I have commitments to others, and I fear dragging you into trouble. So, can you understand me?
Upon seeing this, Lin Wenqing immediately gave a signal to Xiao Yang, who then walked over to A Yan and greeted, "You are called A Yan, right? Once you arrive at the Lin family, you will take on our surname, so from now on, you shall be called Lin Yan. You can call me Xiao Yang Ge."
Lin Wenqing set down the tea in her hand, turned back with a smile, and spoke with a hint of teasing in her tone, saying: "Did that Prince Yu complain to you?"
Lin Wenqing stuck out his tongue and confessed, "After resting at home, I feel much better. Ever since Lord Chu Ying personally came to visit, everything has been even more enjoyable, and I feel exceptionally strong."
"Personal maid?" Chu Ying, who understood some internal situations of prominent families, inquired, "Does your household not have trustworthy domestic servants? Why do you need to look outside?"
Of course, it is the personal maid. Do we really need our young master to personally handle such coarse servants? Little Yang was somewhat impatient with the steward before him, unable to understand why this elderly person still had such a simple question.
"Well said, well said," Mr. Zheng said softly, stroking the short beard on his chin
"I wonder what Young Master Lin requires of the maid?" Steward Zheng asked tentatively
After Lin Wenqing and Xiao Linyan left Renhe Dental Clinic with satisfaction, Manager Zheng immediately went out to arrange for a small sedan chair, which was carried all the way to the backyard of Cheng'enfang.
"Miss Su Wan, this is the transaction document for Yan girl. Please take a look." Manager Zheng placed the document on the table and handed it to Su Wan
Absolutely no falsehoods
Su Wan rose and went to the inner chamber, retrieving a sachet from beneath the pillow. Inside it was filled with broken silver, which was the accumulation of her rewards over this period. She generously handed it all to Steward Zheng, saying: "Uncle Zheng, over the years, you have watched over A Yan grow up, and I believe you have a genuine affection for her. As her sister, my reputation may not be beneficial for A Yan, so regarding the matters of our backgrounds, I hope to entrust everything to you."
The two of them stared at each other for a long time, and finally, Chu Ying lowered his head first and complained, "You always manage to persuade me so easily."
A girl aged approximately between 12 and 16 years, who is somewhat honest. By the way, if I were to buy, I would require a death contract.
Su Wan sat there in a daze, staring at the cold tea, unaware of what she was thinking. After a long while, she finally let out a soft sigh and said, "Well then. So be it. In this way, I have no more worries."
Lin Wenqing pointed his folding fan at the girl and inquired, "What is your name?"
Zheng Guan Shi reached out to weigh the amount, smiled with satisfaction, and said: "Miss Su, rest assured. Every profession has its own rules. Since I have accepted this silver, some matters are certainly known to heaven and earth, as well as to you and me"
The girl brightened at these words, biting her lip as she asked, "Really?"
"From the teaching workshop to the greenhouse hall, what unexpected events ensued?" Chu Ying retorted sharply
"Hehe, the old man is merely confirming, just confirming." Zheng, the steward, quickly apologized, saying, "Then I shall arrange for someone to come and show it to the young master right away." With that, he hurriedly exited the room and headed towards the courtyard where the slaves were housed.
In addition to the reception hall at the front, the courtyard at the back of the establishment is divided into numerous rooms to accommodate slaves sourced from various channels. They meticulously categorize the slaves into different ranks, treating them accordingly, so that when customers arrive, candidates can be presented based on the customers' needs.
"Do not be alarmed, do not be alarmed!" Mr. Zheng said with a smile, "Girl, a wealthy guest has arrived from the Lin family in Hongcheng. He claims to be looking for a personal maid. What do you think of this person?"