The villagers all stopped and looked at Qiao Lian'er.
Qiao Lian'er said, "We can't all go to Qingshui Town to sell."
"Why? Qingshui Town is the closest town to us, and it's also the town that governs Datian Village. Everyone goes there for the market, and they take their goods there to sell," a young man asked, puzzled.
Old Mrs. Song sneered again. Just as she was about to speak, Old Mrs. Qiao rushed over and covered her mouth and nose.
The old woman was furious and slapped her hands wildly, but the older woman grabbed her hands tightly.
Then everyone gestured with their eyes that Qiao Lian'er could continue.
“If we all rush to Qingshui Town to sell pickled mushrooms, the price will drop quickly, and no one will benefit. So we need to disperse to nearby counties and towns.”
"Yes, Lian'er, you've hit the nail on the head. Seeing so many households selling fried mushrooms, they'll definitely find a reason to lower the price. If there are cheaper ones, who would want to buy the more expensive ones?" someone said.
"Lian'er, do you have any good ideas?"
Qiao Lian'er said, "There are eighteen wealthy families in Anning Alley in Qingshui Town. We will sell to families that are equal to or less than that number. The Han family is our Qiao family's customer because we have been selling to them. The Han family is used to it. Please give us some face. We can sell to Da Niu Town, 15 miles away; Chu Yun Town, 30 miles away; and Yong Guan County, 40 miles away. These places can ensure a balance between supply and demand and prevent prices from falling."
“But Chuyun Town and Yongguan County are a bit far.” Someone frowned and said, “Who would want to go there? Everyone wants to go somewhere closer.”
"Then let's decide by drawing lots and leave it to luck."
Everyone looked at each other, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Qiao Lian'er said, "I hope everyone can think long-term. Mushrooms grow on the mountain every year and can be sold for money. At worst, we can draw lots every year. This year it might be the turn of someone from a farther place, but maybe next year it will be someone from a closer place. Or we can draw lots this year and then take turns in the following years. If someone is from a farther place, it will cost a little money to hire an oxcart or horse-drawn carriage. Compared to the money that can be made from selling mushrooms, what is this little bit of travel expense?"
An old man agreed: "Okay, then it's settled. I'd rather walk a little further than lower the price."
The old man was highly respected, and someone immediately echoed, "Yes, yes, what we country folk have the most of is the strength to walk, not to mention we have horse-drawn carriages and oxcarts."
Everyone finally dispersed, though some villagers followed to the Qiao family's house to see for themselves how they handled the situation.
The Qiao family did not refuse; they personally demonstrated it to reinforce their memory and reduce the risk.
The villagers didn't just come to watch; they also joined in washing the mushrooms, starting a fire, cooking, chopping, and juicing them.
When they saw the mushrooms fried to a brownish-black color, resembling sawdust as the Song family had described, they finally had a clear understanding of what was happening.
"Everyone, come and have a taste." Mrs. Feng brought out a large plate for everyone.
At first, the villagers were hesitant to try it, but seeing the Qiao family pick it up and eat it so naturally and with such relish, they also reached out their hands.
Their eyes lit up as soon as they tasted it; it was so fragrant and delicious!
No wonder the people in town are willing to spend 500 coins to buy a pound of it.
"It's so delicious. I always knew mushrooms were delicious, but I was always afraid of getting poisonous ones and dying from them."
"Yes, thankfully Lian'er clearly told everyone which ones are edible. In the future, not only can we sell them, but we'll also have another delicious dish on the dinner table."
Song Laoda and Feng Shi set the food on the table and invited everyone to eat. The villagers, being sensible, took their leave and went home.
There were more than a dozen people who came with the Qiao family, which was already a disturbance. Even if the family was willing to entertain them, they didn't want to cause them any more trouble.
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