Chapter 70 Buying a Shop
"Mother, what are you looking at?"
On the first floor of the animal husbandry hall, Song Jin was teasing a golden, long-haired tabby cat with dried meat. Turning her head, she looked at Niu Tielan, who seemed lost in thought, and her expression gradually became suspicious.
Today was the triennial doctor's day. Old Chong, now emboldened, made no attempt to hide his unwelcoming attitude towards them. He gave Niu Tielan a quick check-up, downed another cup of nauseating and strange medicine, and then sent them away without uttering a single unnecessary word.
Song Jin had originally wanted to ask about Song Shang's biological mother, but she didn't have a chance. So she went downstairs to play with the cats and dogs to pass the time.
Compared to her, Niu Tielan was clearly more uneasy, looking around nervously.
Song Jin glanced at it several times, then finally put the meat strip in her hand into the cat's mouth. She ruffled the cat's fur, pouting listlessly.
"Stop looking, that person isn't here."
A hint of unease flashed across Niu Tielan's face, then she snapped, "What am I looking at? I think you're the one who's always playing with cats and dogs and never does anything productive!"
Song Jin said lazily, "No way, Mother, what serious business do I need? I don't see any girls working. Why don't you go buy me some land and grow some mountains?"
Song Jin was joking, but Niu Tielan instantly realized something was wrong.
She'd been saying something was off lately, that the kid was getting more and more annoying every day, and it turned out it was because he had nothing to do!
Back in town, although Song Jin wandered around aimlessly, she at least hunted to earn some money and patrolled her family's territory from time to time. Now that they've come to the capital, and her family's entire business has been handed over, she has no more worries.
What decent girl acts like this?
Fifteen or sixteen is a young girl's age. Even if she doesn't make clothes or embroider for herself, she should at least learn basic accounting and shopping skills, so that she won't be clueless after marriage.
Although Niu Tielan's health wasn't good before, it was just that she was weak. At that time, she felt that she could stay with Song Jin, not necessarily for a lifetime, but at least until she truly grew up. Besides, there weren't many things in the town, so she didn't need to worry about them much, and she didn't pay much attention to her.
Things are different now. They've arrived in the capital, and Song Jin has been granted the title of Princess, meaning she'll be dealing with much more finances in the future. And there's no guarantee that someone will be there to accompany her in the future.
With that thought in mind, Niu Tielan finally cast aside those pointless past events and rallied her spirits. She began to carefully examine Song Jin from head to toe.
Her clothes, hairpins, jade pendants, and sachets were all made of the finest materials.
While simple wooden hairpins and silver hairpins are acceptable in the countryside, as life improves, who wants to live a life of poverty? Aside from a few overpriced items, most things are still a case of "you get what you pay for."
Niu Tielan woke up
No, she couldn't continue being so melancholic, nor could she let her child run wild in the streets. There were only eighteen days left until that Gu-training practice; who knew when she might be gone?
She always wanted to leave Song Jin something, lest the child squander all the money, become homeless, and end up resorting to robbery to survive.
Without any constraints, Niu Tielan felt that Song Jin was capable of such a thing.
She has to do something.
Feeling intimidated by her mother's scrutinizing gaze, Song Jin quickly took two steps back, instantly becoming alert: "W-what?"
Niu Tielan began to speak on her own: "You have a princess's annual fief of one thousand taels, plus the five hundred taels the Emperor bestowed upon you last time, the one thousand taels from the Song family, and what you had hidden before, so coming up with ten thousand taels shouldn't be a problem."
Song Jin's eyes widened: "Mother, all that money you mentioned is with you!"
Niu Tielan nodded: "So when you get back, just give me another five thousand taels, that will be enough."
Adding what she's saved over the years, she could easily amass ten thousand taels, enough to do quite a lot even in the capital.
Song Jin: "...Mother, this is robbery!"
Niu Tielan asked her, "Are you going to let me rob you or not?"
Song Jin pouted: "Here, here, here, here. Isn't all the money I've saved up for you to spend?"
Niu Tielan nodded: "Then give me ten thousand."
Song Jin: "...Mom, you only have one daughter, don't let me pluck her bald!"
What can she do? She can only let them take advantage of her. She only has one mother, so what's wrong with her asking for some money?
Niu Tielan had always known that her daughter had a considerable amount of hidden money, but after this conversation, she was certain that Song Jin had even more than she had imagined, which put her at ease.
Money is just money if you keep it in your hand; once you spend it, it's gone.
Niu Tielan felt this wouldn't do, so she pulled Song Jin outside, got into a carriage, and headed towards the largest brokerage firm in the eastern district.
As mentioned before, the East District boasts the largest horse market in the entire Yong'an City, along with the most diverse population and occupations. Amidst this chaos, horse brokers are someone many new residents inevitably come into contact with.
Real estate transactions, livestock population management, trade negotiations, tax collection and lending...
The functions of dental clinics cover a wide range of aspects.
Although they take a cut of the fees, for many newcomers, brokerage firms prevent them from wandering around aimlessly and from being scammed.
Of course, this also requires careful and proper distinction between official teeth and private teeth.
The place Niu Tielan and his group came from was an officially recognized brokerage firm, also the largest brokerage firm in the eastern district. This brokerage firm primarily dealt in cattle and horse trade; upon entering, one could see brokers busily moving about.
The horse racing season is just around the corner, and this is their busiest time of year.
Even amidst all this busyness, Song Jin and her group were still spotted at a glance when they entered.
Song Jin's light green peony embroidered robe shimmered like a waterfall in the sunlight; it was clearly expensive Yun brocade. The glittering emerald hairpin in her hair was something most people couldn't afford.
As soon as they entered, a broker greeted them cheerfully: "What would you two distinguished guests like to buy?"
Song Jin turned to look at her mother.
Niu Tielan disliked being stared at. After getting out of the carriage, she put on a veiled hat, peered at the brokerage firm through the thin veil, and handed over a string of copper coins.
"Send your manager here."
The broker chuckled, "Alright, you two, come with me to the inner room and wait. It's too crowded and noisy outside; let's not disturb you."
Niu Tielan nodded and followed them inside.
Outside, most people were engaged in transactions, each carrying something and shouting, as if whoever had the loudest voice and the most imposing manner would gain the upper hand.
That is indeed possible.
Life is hard for the poor; saving even a penny or two can mean the cost of several days' worth of firewood.
When Niu Tielan was in town, he often heard other people arguing and even fighting over a few coins or even a single vegetable.
She's seen a lot, but she's never really experienced anything like it. She's suffered, worked hard, and felt miserable in her life, but she's never truly been poor.
In the women's garden, as the last person to step up, she was the only one who wouldn't suffer a loss. When she escaped, she carried with her a pile of gold hairpins and gold leaves, enough for an ordinary person to live on for a lifetime.
She also met Qu Maoze, and her net worth increased further during those few months.
With Song Jin by her side, she bought mountains and land and partnered with Mayor Lin in business. Year after year, even after deducting the several thousand taels worth of mountain and farmland in Lingxi Town, she had managed to accumulate a full five thousand taels.
That amount of money could do a lot even in the capital city where land is incredibly expensive, not to mention what Song Jin had to offer.
Niu Tielan had already decided what he wanted to buy in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, they were already seated in the inner room drinking tea when the steward rushed over.
As the largest brokerage firm in the East District, the competition among the managers is naturally fierce. Each manager is very astute and well-informed. While ordinary brokers focus on clothing and jewelry...
He immediately noticed the plaque hanging from Song Jin's waist: "This humble subject pays respects to the Princess and her wife."
Song Jin gently lifted the token at her waist, raising an eyebrow: "You recognize this too?"
Steward Zhang chuckled, "There are many nobles in the capital. If I'm not careful, I might offend someone and have no chance of getting by."
Song Jin smiled and said, "That's true, Mother. Just tell me what you want to do. I doubt he'd dare to mess with us."
She didn't care at all about being recognized; in fact, she was eager to be recognized. Otherwise, what would be the point of carrying the token? Power is something you should use while you can, otherwise you'll suffer the backlash if you fall from grace someday—what a waste!
Manager Zhang quickly replied, "Your Highness is joking. Our brokerage firm is an official one; we wouldn't dare to cheat even ordinary people."
Song Jin: "Can you make it cheaper?"
Manager Zhang smiled wryly: "Your Highness is joking. The brokerage firm just scrapes together the money, and it's all clearly stated. If you really want a discount, you'll have to talk to the buyer. But the prices in the capital are what they are, so I'm afraid you won't get much of a discount."
Song Jin scoffed.
He immediately replied, "But don't worry, I, Zhang Yazi, can't say about the price, but I guarantee you I'll find you the best. I'm not bragging, but among all the brokers in the capital, my eye for quality is definitely in the top ten."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Who's number one?"
Zhang Yazi's smile froze.
Is this guy here to ruin the brand?
Fortunately, Niu Tielan was also there. She lifted her veil and glanced at Song Jin.
Song Jin shut up
Niu Tielan slowly spoke: "Do you have a shop? It doesn't need to be too big, just a lively place with lots of people, right at the street corner, convenient for daily life, preferably with several shops close together."
Song Jin isn't suited to running a shop. She's the type who'll give things away for free when she's in a good mood, but kick people out when she's in a bad mood.
The rent collection is quite good.
Money left lying around for ten years will only amount to the same amount. But if you buy a shop, a shop worth ten thousand taels can bring in several hundred or even a thousand taels of silver a year. It's definitely more worthwhile.
If you're really keen, you could buy servants or sign contracts to run a shop together and make money.
Niu Tielan said softly, "A clinic, a grain shop, a cosmetics and spice shop, a wine shop—any of those will do."
Before Steward Zhang could speak, Song Jin cried out, "Hey, hey, Mother, aren't we buying land?"
Niu Tielan retorted, "You don't know how to farm, so why are you buying land? Do you think land near the capital is easy to buy?"
The capital city is home to many nobles, and all the decent land in the surrounding area has been bought up. What remains is either scattered or involved in disputes.
What's the point of buying it?
Moreover, the difference between this land and the shop is quite significant.
Those who can afford to rent shops and do business can still afford the rent of a few taels of silver even if business is bad throughout the year, and they can survive even in times of famine.
If it's land, the annual grain yield is already low, and after paying land taxes every year, there's not much left. Those ruthless landlords don't care about the tenants' lives, collecting 30-40% rent, and then leasing and lending it out, so they naturally live quite well.
In years of good harvest, like Song Jin's, she might be alright. Even if she doesn't make money from the land, at least she can harvest enough to eat. But in ordinary or even famine years, she's lucky if she doesn't lose money.
Shops are better in comparison.
If it's divided into several shops, then if one shop isn't doing well and you can't collect the business, you also can't collect from all of them.
Having worked as a broker for many years, Manager Zhang naturally understood the intricacies of the matter. After listening to Niu Tielan's explanation, his gaze towards her became more one of astonishment.
No wonder she was able to have a child with that person, she's really amazing.
Manager Zhang quickly replied, "Of course we have what you're talking about, Madam. However, shops in good locations aren't cheap. Even the smallest one costs five or six hundred taels of silver, a medium-sized one costs over a thousand taels, and larger buildings are practically unavailable. Madam, how much budget do you have? I'd like to help you calculate it."
Niu Tielan: "Ten thousand taels of silver, is that enough? I'd also like a small, one-courtyard house."
Steward Zhang exclaimed with delight, "That's enough, Madam! Don't worry, I'll definitely choose the best for you. Please wait a moment, Princess, while I go get the catalog. Take a look and see which one you like..."
"This is Shili Xiang, a wine shop. The owner came from out of town and was a skilled brewer, so he bought the shop and opened it himself. However, the business didn't go well, and he needed to brew more wine at home, so he decided to sell the shop. The price wasn't high, but you had to buy the wine and other goods along with the wine. It came to 1,300 taels of silver."
"Hongzhuang Pavilion is a century-old shop. It used to be very successful, but after a martial arts school opened here, business declined. Most people would just change businesses, but the owner couldn't bear to part with his family's ancestral shop. After several years, he couldn't hold on any longer and decided to sell the property and move to a different location. He wants two thousand two hundred taels."
"Fengyulou, a grain shop, went bankrupt because the previous owner was unscrupulous. He added sand to the millet and didn't dry it properly. The current owner is looking to find a new tenant, but it's also available for sale for one thousand taels."
...
The mother and daughter inquired briefly at the brokerage firm before coming to see for themselves.
Niu Tielan deliberately chose a street next to the shops; it would only take half an hour to drive around all the shops. However, since they wanted to buy things and carefully inspected the items, it took them almost two hours to get everything sorted out.
After watching, they casually found a teahouse to sit down and rest.
Niu Tielan pondered those shops
The first wine shop had a bad name: "Ten Miles of Fragrance"—does anyone know if it's a brothel or a wine shop? The wines there were overpriced, but the packaging was very simple; it was neither here nor there, so it's normal that it didn't sell well.
The cosmetics shop was out of luck; it was surrounded by martial arts schools, full of grown men. It would be more acceptable if it were a noodle shop or a place run by ordinary people.
As for the grain shop, it couldn't continue operating because of the previous scandal involving unscrupulous grain merchants. However, there are many residents in the surrounding area, so turning it into a cosmetics shop would be suitable, although it would require some renovations.
Niu Tielan had an idea. She turned to Steward Zhang, who was sweating profusely, and said, "Shilixiang, Hongzhuangge, Fengyulou, the blacksmith shop, and Renyitang—these five are all acceptable. I'd like to trouble Steward Zhang to help me make some arrangements and see if the price can be lowered. Also, please check if there are any disputes with previous tenants. If there aren't any major problems, please prepare the deeds. It would be best if they could be done by tomorrow or the day after."
Song Jin exclaimed in surprise: "So fast? Mother, don't you want to reconsider?"
This is their life savings of so many years, and they just spent it all in a day or two?
Niu Tielan calmly said, "It's better to buy things sooner rather than later, otherwise things might change. Even if you don't trust your mother's judgment, you should trust the brokerage firm you paid for. It's under Song Laowu's name, after all. They can't possibly mess with us, can they?"
"That's right. Since Madam knew, why did she go to other people? It would have been so much better to just tell me directly."
Song Qingzhi rushed over
As a businessman, although he didn't need to attend court, he owned numerous businesses and was very busy every day, constantly checking accounts in various places and keeping track of developments.
He kept the high-profit businesses stable, and eliminated those with low profits or that were not suitable. This gradual streamlining and adjustment is how he built his largest trading company.
He was inspecting a batch of valuable goods to ensure they were of good quality before shipping when he received the message from below.
His younger sister and wife bought a house outside.
That would be terrible!
He rushed over in a panic, fearing that if he was any later the mother and daughter would move out. Thankfully, it was just a shop they were buying.
He wiped the sweat from his brow and looked at the shop they had chosen—it was as ordinary as it could possibly be—and said directly...
"It was my oversight. My younger sister is at the age where she should be learning accounting. I'll send a few shops over when I get back, but these shops are too ordinary; they won't make much money."
Song Jin's eyes lit up at how generous he was.
Niu Tielan said coolly, "No need. I was just thinking that since the money's already sitting there, I'll buy her a shop to break even. These few things are enough for her to cause trouble. Don't let her waste those good things."
Song Jin retorted, "Mother, listen to what you're saying! I'm your own daughter, how can you talk to me like that? What do you mean by 'wasteful'? Can't I reach a higher level?"
Niu Tielan said calmly, "Back in Si'an County, you often went there. I opened a small herbal medicine shop for you there, and you were always running off into the mountains. When I didn't care about you, the shop was doing just fine, but after you went there twice, it collapsed. I've been very lenient with you."
Song Jin pouted: "Can't I beat up that guy who's selling fake medicine? I'm only doing this for the patients' own good; those people don't understand me at all."
Niu Tielan added, "There's also a rouge shop."
Song Jin muttered, "Who would bother distinguishing so many colors? Aren't they all just red? And those hairpins, long ones and short ones, they're all vertical, so troublesome."
Niu Tielan quietly sipped his tea, saying nothing more.
Song Qingzhi silently retracted his previous words and changed his tune: "What you say is true, Madam. It's not bad to use this money to buy shops and collect rent. Have you made your decision? If so, I'll find a manager to help you with the deed later, and then we can re-examine the renovations. These shops are in good locations; if you manage them well, they'll definitely be successful."
Niu Tielan did not refuse: "Then I'll trouble you. The shop in the back needs to be completely renovated."
Song Qingzhi smiled and said, "Madam, you're too kind. You're my elder; just let me know if you need anything."
Niu Tielan, I wonder if it's possible?
Song Qingzhi then asked, "Madam, are you feeling better today than before?"
Niu Tielan: "Much better. But you don't look so well."
Song Qingzhi: "It's just a slight cold, nothing to worry about. The weather's been changing lately, so Madam and my younger sister should take extra care."
...
The two of them started exchanging pleasantries.
Compared to Song Jin's shamelessness and overbearing attitude, Niu Tielan was noticeably more polite and distant. He rarely interacted with his brothers, relying solely on Song Jin to maintain appearances.
But that's enough; they were complete strangers after all.
They rested for a while at the teahouse before setting off back to the Song residence.
After a day of running the shop, Niu Tielan was quite tired. She leaned against the carriage and lifted the curtain to look outside.
Song Jin rolled her eyes dramatically: "Mom, stop looking, the person isn't here."
Niu Tielan froze, then retorted angrily, "I'm just looking outside, what business is it of yours?"
Song Jin knew perfectly well what her mother wanted to see, but then she let out a huge yawn: "Isn't it horse racing month? That person was invited to the racecourse to paint horses."
Niu Tielan felt conflicted. Turning back to look at her eyes, which resembled that of the other woman, she said sarcastically, "You seem to know a lot."
Song Jin's lips twitched: "...I know more, Mother, do you want to hear it?"
Niu Tielan sneered, leaned back in the carriage, and closed his eyes.
I won't listen, I won't listen, that little bastard is just spouting nonsense.
Song Jin shrugged, a sly glint in her eyes.
You can't blame her for not telling you; it's her mother who wouldn't listen.
Go to the racecourse to watch horse races or something.
It's boring, it's not interesting at all.
...
Across from him, Song Qingzhi listened to the mother and daughter's vague conversation, lowering his eyelids to conceal the contemplation and worry in his eyes.
This reminded him of the man surnamed Qu he had met that day, and also of his father, whose fate was still unknown.
He sighed softly to himself.
Dad, if you don't come back soon, your wife will be taken away by someone else!
Although Niu Tielan had said she had no relationship with Song Shang, with such a big, identical daughter right there, he always felt that even if they weren't related now, they might be in the future.
Oh, Dad, where are you?
Song Qingzhi's Sorrow
The carriage, carrying three conflicting thoughts, slowly returned to the Song residence.
At this time, after they changed their clothes, it was just right for them to eat. Song Jin and Niu Tielan returned to the courtyard and were about to have water prepared when they were met by the stern-faced Lady Zheng.
The mother and daughter paused, as if in perfect unison, both wanting to turn back and leave.
But that's just wishful thinking; after all, she's a female official, and we have to give her face.
Niu Tielan stepped forward: "What brings Lady Zheng here?"
The female officials claimed they were there to teach, but aside from the two days before the Mid-Autumn Festival, they rarely came; they mostly taught the maids.
She did indeed have something to do when she came today.
The female official, Zheng, handed over a card: "Miss Yang Yanjun, daughter of the Minister of Rites, sent a card today, requesting a visit tomorrow."
Song Jin was bewildered: "What's she doing here? We're not even familiar with her."
Lady Zheng had a complicated explanation: "It's precisely because we're unfamiliar with each other that we need to make visits. The more we interact, the more familiar we'll become. The Princess has been in the capital for many days, yet she doesn't know a single noble lady. This is a perfect opportunity. Miss Yang has extensive connections in the capital; with her guidance, the Princess can integrate into the circle of noble ladies more quickly."
Song Jin muttered, "I don't care."
She was going to leave sooner or later.
Lady Zheng pretended not to hear and continued, "Hosting guests is a major event, with many rules to follow. Madam and Miss need to learn them. Since we have time now, let's begin."
Mother and daughter: ...
unfriendly guest
Absolutely a bad customer
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