Chapter 8: Taking a Concubine

Zhang Hanyi cupped his hands and smiled, saying: "I have met you, Madam Ma."

This old woman is quite clever and quick-tongued. She then smiled at the young woman beside her and said: "Jin Lian, do you see that I haven't been deceiving you? Such a well-off family, such a handsome young man, where else could you find one even with a lantern? Just look at his appearance; he must have a good temperament. Granny Chang is also a kind-hearted person, with a temperament that couldn't be better. You can rest assured and stay here, and when you give birth to children, you can look forward to enjoying a good life in the future"

This horse-faced woman indeed did not deceive anyone this time, which justifies the fifty taels of intermediary fee.

People often say that a matchmaker's words can blossom like flowers, and this toothless old woman is no exception. However, Zhang Han seems somewhat confused, staring blankly at that "Golden Lotus".

Jin Lian's appearance is quite striking, with her eyes glistening like water, her skin fair, and her eyebrows perfectly balanced in thickness. However, her face is exceptionally large, and combined with her complexion, it resembles a silver platter. Furthermore, with her ample bosom and substantial figure, she undeniably embodies a "beauty" who is significantly overweight

In every grain store, it is certainly most profitable to collect grain oneself; merely obtaining it from large grain merchants is akin to begging from others, and the market is also manipulated by them. Here in Xinping Fort, the volume of grain sold each year is the highest. The profit from one shi of grain is not substantial, sometimes even failing to yield two qian of silver, but selling tens of thousands of shi in a year results in a profit of several thousand taels. One should not underestimate these several thousand taels; Master Zhang Yun, after half a lifetime of business, has only amassed a fortune of forty thousand taels. Is it easy to earn such silver?

"It was originally not advisable to do this," sighed Chang. "However, your grandfather came to Xinping Fort all alone, and you are the only son of your father, who in turn has only you. Our family's lineage is too thin. Since you have become sensible, it would be good to take a concubine early to serve you, and to have several children as soon as possible, so that your mother can hold her grandchildren sooner."

In front of so many people, Zhang Han found it difficult to openly express his aesthetic views and had to resort to a roundabout strategy

Upon arriving outside the He Yusheng store, it was just in time as the attendants were setting up the signboard

Liang Hong also saw Zhang Han, hesitated for a moment, but still smiled and approached, cupping his hands in salute, and said: "The young master has arrived"

Liang Hong said: "The days of opening the small market are approaching, and our store is now relying on the small market to make a profit; we cannot be negligent or careless."

When Li Jinlian was taken away, Zhang Han protested to the Chang family, saying: "Mother, this woman is too fat and has small feet; I really do not like her. I absolutely do not want her."

Beneath the hem of the skirt, however, are a pair of three-inch small feet, swaying gracefully.

Zhang Han took a deep breath, acknowledging that foot binding is indeed a deplorable custom of the Han people. It originated in the Southern Tang dynasty and was passed down through the Northern and Southern Song dynasties. Although some people during the Ming dynasty also practiced foot binding, the numbers were not significant. Daughters from small households and farming families typically did not bind their feet. The widespread practice of foot binding emerged during the highly prosperous era of moral education in our great Qing dynasty.

Zhang Han knows that his appearance is just average, he smiles and does not take it seriously

Zhang Han was speechless; he truly felt extremely frustrated that such matters could not be handled by himself

The three aunts refer to nuns, Taoist priestesses, and diviners, providing on-site religious services. The six matrons include those who sell rouge and flower powder, matchmakers, midwives, and medical practitioners, categorized distinctly, all of which are industries that have emerged to serve affluent families of the upper middle class and above

"Mother, how is this said?" Zhang Han felt something was wrong, quickly turned around, and looked at the Chang family.

Chang said with satisfaction: "As long as there is nothing wrong."

When Zhang Han exclaimed, he clearly saw the corners of Li Jinlian's mouth slightly curl, displaying an air of arrogance, evidently dismissive of Zhang Han's novice appearance

The Chang family wielded the trump card of "three generations of single inheritance," leaving Zhang Han indeed without any room for rebuttal. Ma Yapo received the silver and left with a beaming smile.

Since Zhang Han goes to the store every day, the Chang family has only been looking at the accounts at home. Although the overall situation has not changed, at least it saves her the trouble of having to show her face to check on the store's condition. In this regard, it has also saved her quite a bit of worry

The next day at dawn, Zhang Han still got up extremely early, taking half an hour to exercise his body. He practiced several sets of boxing, drew his bow for a while, and worked up a thorough sweat. After changing his clothes, he continued to walk towards North Street.

Mother, how can he take a concubine when my son has not yet married?

... ...

At this moment, Li Yuchun approached, and Zhang Han nodded to him before saying to Zhou Fengji, "Uncle Zhou, I discussed with the second cabinet yesterday about sending someone down to collect grain. The Tiancheng Guard, the Zhenlu Guard, and the Yanghe Guard all have considerable land. There are several hundred grain shops in the three guard cities and the surrounding areas. We cannot rely solely on obtaining grain from others; it would be better for us to establish a few collection points ourselves."

A few trivial matters concerning the shopkeepers had not yet occupied Zhang Han's mind; what he was preoccupied with now was how to put the business back on track. As for the others, they were of little importance. After a while, he would have his means to subdue those few individuals.

Zhang Han calmly said: "As usual"

Zhang Han's performance has also been quite good, as he leaves early and returns late every day, spending all his time in the store. He makes decisions and increases the monthly wages for everyone. Although Chang is somewhat pained by this, he also feels that his son's proposals are not wrong. After a few days, Zhang Han understood the importance of showing kindness to his subordinates, which is also a source of happiness and joy for Chang.

Liang Hong's expression also changed.

Generally, women do not command such a price. In recent years, the situation in Chengdu has not been good. Although there has not been a massive exodus in Shanxi, the girls in the hands of the matchmakers are mostly sold for a few dozen taels. The reason why Li Jinlian is expensive is that she comes from a prominent family as a maid, has undergone training, and is knowledgeable about etiquette. Of course, she has also been verified for her purity and is still a virgin; otherwise, the Chang family would never allow her to enter the door.

The primary business of the matchmaker is selling rouge and flower powder, while her side business involves the trade of people, ranging from maids and servants to concubines, singers, and dancers. Each category is distinctly classified and clearly defined. From this perspective, the differences between a matchmaker and a go-between become apparent.

He has also become accustomed to it. Liang Hong is indeed the most diligent among the three shopkeepers, and this is certainly true

The path he designed for himself is fundamentally unfeasible. Now, this young master is neither making a fuss nor tearing his face; he claims to send himself away, merely imposing a slight punishment. He will return to take care of his own household, where the treatment is exceedingly generous, leaving him with nothing to say.

Ms. Chang sat in the central position, smiling as she looked at her son. Zhang Han glanced around and noticed that there were other people in the room, several women of various ages. He did not want to scrutinize them closely, so he stepped forward and smiled at Ms. Chang, saying, "My son returned a bit late today, and I was unaware that we had guests at home"

Ah? Zhang Han felt as if little stars were swirling in front of his eyes, what is this all about? Wasn't it said that one cannot take a concubine without being married? Wasn't it said that wealthy families have many rules? Isn't the Zhang family a prestigious family that combines business and scholarship? Even if one does not adhere to these rules, there is no reason to have such a person as a concubine, right? In his past life, Zhang Han had at least seen, experienced, and tasted various beauties; this "beauty" before him is truly beyond his capacity to endure

At that time in the Ming Dynasty, apart from Jiangnan and northern Shanxi, places with such a strong commercial atmosphere were truly unique.

The two daughters exchanged a few words, and Chang pointed to an old woman sitting in the lower west corner, saying with a smile: "This is Aunt Ma, our family's regular midwife. You used to focus solely on your studies and paid no attention to household matters, so you haven't seen her before"

Li Yuchun's eyes turned red, and a complex emotion surged in his heart

... ...

Chang said with a smile: "Is the store busy today? Is there anything going on?"

Mr. Ma quickly rose to return the greeting and smiled, saying: "The young man is truly handsome; it is rare for me to see such a fine young gentleman."

Zhang Han smiled as he looked on. Liang Hong handles these trivial matters every day. When he first arrived not long ago, Liang Hong was somewhat dispirited, and the affairs of the shop were rather disorganized. Now, judging from the current situation, it is evident that he was not intimidated yesterday, and today is indeed different.

All the shops on North Street are the same; opening their doors every morning and hanging out their signs is the most important task.

When it comes to having grandchildren, the Chang family is already beaming with joy, their eyes involuntarily glancing towards Li Jinlian.

"What nonsense are you talking!" At this moment, Chang showed a stern side and scolded, "Can you make decisions about this matter? Wait for the lady to choose an auspicious day, and then you can take her into the room!"

The flow of people along the way has noticeably increased significantly. Next month, the small market is about to open, and many temporary traders have gradually increased in number. The inns and lodges in the fortress are fully occupied, and the scene is very prosperous

Listening to Zhang Han's question, Chang's gaze reluctantly returned. He said to Zhang Han with a serious expression: "In the past, you were still immature, but it is evident that you have grown into an adult during this period. This Li Jinlian is a concubine that your mother, Madam Ma, has found for you."

As for the concubine Li Jinlian, the foot pattern silver amounts to three hundred taels.

Manager Liang, you have worked hard, I fear you arrive at the store before dawn every day

As they spoke, Zhou Fengji also arrived, standing in front of the shop watching the attendants hang the sign.

Yesterday's matter ended in failure. He and Li Yuchun discussed it with each other and both decided to first follow the young master and focus on doing business. They would think of a solution only when Yu Sheng could no longer hold on. Unexpectedly, this young master acted with great decisiveness; upon meeting this morning, he insisted on sending Li Yuchun to another location.

Collecting grain is certainly a good thing, but it is fraught with many difficulties and dangers. The local situation is chaotic, with a mix of good and bad elements, and the grain shops are engaged in both open and covert competition with one another. If it were easy, would it have taken this long to collect anything?

Chang was gazing at "Jin Lian" with a smile, feeling quite satisfied in his eyes

He did not discuss the matters of the store with the Chang family today, and Zhang Chun had certainly received a warning in advance, prohibiting him from mentioning it to anyone

Liang Hong wanted to step forward to speak, but Zhang Han turned to Zhou Fengji and said: "Uncle Zhou, please send some fish, meat, and fine noodles to Manager Li's house later, and ask them to charge it to the account. They are out handling business and should not be troubled with matters at home"

According to the standards of this time, Li Jinlian is a typical representation of fertility, with a large bosom and ample hips. Not only is she capable of bearing children, but her facial features also suggest that she is favorable for bearing sons

In the Zhang family, there were no bound feet, as they were merely a family of moderate status. Both the patriarch and Zhang Han's father did not take concubines, thus there were no small-footed women to enter the household

This matter was being overseen by Liang Hong, and several young men were somewhat flustered in their movements. Liang Hong shouted loudly, "Be careful, all of you. If it hangs crooked or off-center, or if it falls, it will be inauspicious. If anything goes wrong, your monthly wages will be deducted."

Li Yuchun listened, his face first showing surprise, followed by an expression of expected understanding

He is a rather arrogant and proud person. When the old master was still around, he was merely a young assistant, showing little respect for Zhang Cheng and even less for Zhang Han.

Zhang Han then realized that she was not a guest. In those days, women from wealthy families rarely went out; they would only visit relatives or attend temple fairs during festivals. For their daily needs, it was mostly the "aunts and neighbors" who came to provide services.