Chapter 304 It's time to go back.
Shangguan Jin had only been in the border city for less than a month when the city not only changed hands but also broke away from the Northern Hu and became a true free trade city.
Having tasted the benefits brought by the traveling merchants, the city lords immediately cooperated when they saw that Dayu had opened up and allowed the traveling merchants to come and go freely.
You can only make money when traveling merchants come, and only when you have money can you live comfortably.
Therefore, the twelve border cities quickly returned to their previous bustling state.
The only difference is that, in the past, it was young people who tried to do business in the border town.
Now, those mothers and older women are gradually moving into the border town.
Upon seeing this, Shen Huaichen hurriedly instructed the border king, Burilege, to issue an edict.
All expenses will be reduced by 20% for women who go out to do business.
Finally, the border town was no longer just a man's world; many women also joined in.
Upon seeing this, the merchants of Da Yu also adjusted their thinking, and women began to play roles in their respective caravans.
There's no way around it; when the other person is a woman, it's really difficult for these grown men to do business.
Let the women do it; that way, they won't be able to negotiate the price down too badly...
Shangguan Jin also chose a day to go to Saha City, accompanied by Hua Wanli, Shen Qingjun, and Shen Zhong.
She not only visited the markets in Sahara, but also experienced the thrill of bargain hunting at the market.
Of course, facing the weathered, wind-chapped skin of the herdsman's mother, Shangguan Jin didn't dare to haggle.
There was a three- or four-year-old child sitting next to that old woman.
"Her son died in battle while fighting against the dog emperor's army."
"My daughter-in-law is herding sheep on the pasture. She's out selling some of the sheepskins she makes herself." Shen Zhong, who was already fluent in the Northern Hu language, whispered to Shangguan Jin for translation.
Shangguan Jin flipped through it casually, and the old woman started babbling on and on.
She said that these were the only pieces left at home, and she could go home once they were sold.
She also said that her family's sheepskin boots were the warmest. Shen Zhong continued translating.
Overwhelmed with compassion, Hua Wanli quickly took out a silver ingot from her purse and handed it over.
When Shen Zhong returned with the sheepskins after a stroll with Shangguan Jin, Hua Wanli, and Shen Qingjun, he was carrying those pieces of sheepskin.
The herdsman woman then started chattering away with the female shopkeeper of Dayu Clothing.
Shen Zhong listened carefully, his face turning red and then white.
"What did she say?" Hua Wanli asked curiously.
"She said... she said this time that her daughter was killed by stones thrown by the dog emperor when he attacked the city, leaving her and her grandson to depend on each other for survival."
"The family has no other source of income and can only survive by tanning sheepskins..." Shen Zhong said softly.
Shangguan Jin, Hua Wanli...
Hua Wanli was so angry that she almost rolled up her sleeves and went to return the goods.
Even through the headscarf covering her head, Shangguan Jin could feel the anger in Hua Wanli's heart.
So even female knights-errant can get played...
However, Shangguan Jin still managed to grab Hua Wanli.
"Fake is better than real! Let's go! Let's go eat at the most famous Zhen Jiangnan restaurant in Sahara City."
I'll treat you to the finest, clear-boiled mutton.
Hua Wanli then snorted and followed Shangguan Jin towards the Zhenjiangnan Restaurant.
Shangguan Jin wanted to laugh to herself.
She wasn't angry at all. Seeing that the kind and honest old man already knew how to sell the goods, she thought it was a good thing...
Therefore, as long as there is no war, the border town will definitely become richer and richer...
Upon arriving in Zhenjiangnan, looking at the bustling restaurants and the merchants coming and going, Shangguan Jin felt a moment of disorientation.
Is this... still a small border town?
Perhaps this place will truly become a "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall" in the future...
At the Zhenjiangnan Restaurant, Shangguan Jin finally got to eat the clear broth mutton that Shen Huaichen had mentioned.
It's just fresh mutton boiled in water, then dipped in a sauce made of salt and spices.
The first taste is a rich milky aroma, with absolutely no muttony smell.
Hua Wanli and Shen Qingjun both said it was delicious.
Of course, besides enjoying the clear broth mutton she had been craving, Shangguan Jin also saw Mr. Du, who was highly respected by the people of Saha City.
He was wearing a mask, and it was said that half of his face was burned.
He used to be the strategist of the War King, now he's Abu, the border king...
Shen Huaichen also saw Shangguan Jin and the others.
They both pretended not to know each other...
The only one who wasn't very interested was Shen Qingjun.
Why am I not very interested?
Because Shen Qingjun discovered that the land in the border city was not suitable for growing high-yield crops...
"It's no use taking it over; let them keep it to do business!"
As for the pasture, leaving plenty of grass to grow is a good way to fatten up cattle and sheep.
Shangguan Jin smiled.
This silly son of his really seems to want to plant crops all over the world...
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Shangguan Jin took Hua Wanli and Shen Qingjun back home.
As she was leaving the city gate, she glanced back at Sahara.
She will definitely come back again...
......
I spent a month in the north, and the first snow has already fallen.
Having truly experienced the heavy snowfall in the North and seen snowflakes that looked like large cotton balls, Shangguan Jin finally wanted to return to the capital.
As for Chang Shenggong, he was not spared either.
The main problem is that the north is too cold. If someone were to stay in such an environment, Shen Huaichen would probably find something to provoke him.
Therefore, Chang Shenggong readily arranged for an escort team.
And then there are the annual gifts that must be sent to the capital every year.
Of course, Shen Zhong made another trip to Sahara City and brought back two more boxes and a cartload of furs.
"It was all prepared by the master! He said it's not easy for someone to come all this way, and even those who come to freeload can't leave empty-handed."
"Madam, these are Master's exact words, not something I made up." Shen Zhong braced himself and relayed the message for Shen Huaichen.
Shangguan Jin, whose face was ashen, finally looked a little better after seeing that the box was full of pearls and various gemstones.
"Tell that guy when you have time."
"Drink less alcohol. If you come out with a belly like those northern barbarians, don't even think about setting foot in the Duke's mansion again."
Shen Zhong nodded and agreed.
It's not good to offend either side.
He's not just a messenger, but also a punching bag...
......
Carrying several carts of gifts, as well as New Year's gifts prepared by Changsheng Gong for various prefectures in the capital, there were more than ten carts just for loading goods.
Including the escorts, this convoy had over a hundred people.
As for other people's concerns about encountering bandits or robbers...
Haha, people from the north can tell at a glance that this is the carriage from the Changsheng Duke's mansion. Who's tired of living and wants to die?
As for those江湖人士 (jianghu figures)...
Sitting in the car with Shangguan Jin, Hua Wanli was eagerly waiting...
The convoy took nearly ten days to reach the capital.
Coincidentally, Beijing also experienced its first heavy snowfall of the winter...
Having received advance notice, Shen Qingyue, who had been waiting at the city gate, went to greet Shangguan Jin as soon as she saw her.
"Mother! You've come back just in time! His Majesty and his courtiers are arguing!"
"What? Is someone trying to seize power?" Shangguan Jin was startled.
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