Chen Er paced back and forth on the dock. The sun had already risen high—by all accounts, they should have returned long ago. Why was there still no sign of them?
The sun could be seen every clear day—what was so special about it? Chen Er couldn’t understand what the people from the capital were thinking. But since the contract hadn’t been signed yet, he didn’t dare let his guard down. Even if they wanted to watch it for a whole day, he had to wait right here.
"They’re back, they’re back! Manager Chen, look!"
Chen Er quickly turned his gaze to the sea. Sure enough, it was his fishing company’s boat. He immediately instructed the trackers to step forward and prepare to assist.
It didn’t take long for the boat to dock. Hua Zhi wasn’t surprised to see Chen Er. "I’ve kept you waiting, Manager Chen."
"Not at all, not at all. Please watch your step."
When not being provoked, Hua Zhi was always willing to maintain a harmonious atmosphere. After disembarking, she said, "No need to return to the inn. Let’s go directly to the fishing company."
"Of course, this way please." Beaming, Chen Er led the group to the carriage. Before coming, he had even asked his wife to tidy up the carriage thoroughly and placed a new scented cushion inside.
Shaoyao grabbed it, sniffed, and set it down. The ingredients inside were excellent—refreshing and invigorating.
Even the best carriage still jostled. Fortunately, the road to Shui Guang Village was well-maintained thanks to several fishing companies, and the distance wasn’t too far, so it was bearable.
"Hua Hua, are you really taking that sister and brother with you? I don’t like the sister, but the brother shows promise. Why not give him to me? Master said I could take on a disciple for him."
Hua Zhi had already made up her mind, but hearing this, she asked, "Does he have a talent for medicine?"
"He can’t even get out of bed—how would I know if he has talent?" Shaoyao pouted. "Anyway, I’ve had it rough, and so has he. We’d make good companions."
So you two can destroy the world together? Hua Zhi felt both distressed and amused. Cao Cao had been well-educated by the princess consort in her childhood, and even after losing her memory, that foundation remained. Moreover, with Yan Xi keeping watch, the boy might turn out alright. But if he learned all of Cao Cao’s skills, no one could guarantee he wouldn’t go astray.
Being good is hard; turning bad is all too easy.
Hua Zhi pushed her forehead gently but didn’t agree.
Shaoyao rubbed against her coaxingly. "He’s resilient and would surely work hard to learn. With dedication, he could master it."
"He’s not suitable. I’ll keep an eye out for a suitable one for you in the future."
"Fine." Shaoyao didn’t insist. If Hua Hua said she’d save one for her, then she would. It wasn’t that she absolutely needed a disciple, but having one wouldn’t hurt. She could make the disciple do the tasks she disliked—that’s what her master did. She absolutely loathed cutting medicinal herbs and only did it reluctantly for her own needs. But whenever her master returned, she had to cut all his herbs!
The thought of this tedious chore strengthened Shaoyao’s resolve to take on a disciple. "Let the disciple handle the labor"—that’s what her master taught.
The carriage came to a stop. As soon as Hua Zhi stepped out, she saw Wu Zheng waiting beside the carriage. She smiled faintly and said as she descended, "Proprietor Wu, you look refreshed by good fortune."
"Thanks to you, Miss. Please, come inside." Wu Zheng laughed heartily, radiating confidence and vigor.Signaling for the others to remain outside the reception hall, Hua Zhi entered the room accompanied only by Little Six and Cao Cao. After they had taken their seats as host and guests, Wu Zheng was about to express his gratitude when Hua Zhi cut straight to the point. "I imagine Shopkeeper Wu already has a plan in mind. How do you view the pricing?"
Wu Zheng was momentarily taken aback, privately thinking this young lady was remarkably straightforward. He promptly responded, "I accept that price."
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. "Shopkeeper Wu shouldn't think I'm exploiting a favor for gain—it hasn't come to that. If Cao Dahai hadn't provoked me, I wouldn't have acted against him. Let's speak purely in business terms. If you agree readily today but later feel shortchanged and send inferior goods, I won't let it slide."
"I sincerely wish to conduct this business with you, young lady. Profit is one consideration, but more importantly, your methods give me confidence." Wu Zheng's expression turned particularly solemn. "With your way of handling affairs, I need never worry about you undermining me in business dealings. Having a client like you makes earning slightly less worthwhile."
He then smiled. "Moreover, the price is just right—it allows me a profit without being unacceptable. You truly are capable, young lady."
Hua Zhi glanced at Little Six. The Sixth Prince had laughter in his eyes but appeared somewhat embarrassed. It was a relief that Sister Hua hadn't suffered any loss.
"In that case, I have a small request. I'd like to trouble Shopkeeper Wu to prepare some seawater with each shipment for replenishment during transit. I'm not worried about shellfish, but the issue lies with seawater fish. I hope most of the seafood will still be alive when it reaches the capital."
Seeing Wu Zheng's hesitant expression, Hua Zhi knew exactly what he was thinking and smiled. "Of course, I won't have you bear the losses. The goods will still be settled by weight. You only need to transport some seawater when delivering goods to Donglai Shipping Company. I've already made arrangements with them."
Wu Zheng's expression relaxed, and he immediately agreed. This wasn't much trouble, though he added, "I should inform you, young lady, that even with seawater, the fish might not survive to the capital. I'm concerned the goods may not meet your requirements."
"I'll be satisfied if half remain alive. I'll find another solution for the dead ones. I'll send someone to Zhenyang—once they verify the goods, any subsequent issues won't be held against you. This I can promise."
"Haha, doing business with you is truly refreshing! Shall we sign the contract?"
"Who do you plan to invite as the witness?"
With matters 80% settled, Wu Zheng was in high spirits. He signaled Chen Er to fetch someone while explaining to Hua Zhi, "We're inviting Old Lin, a highly respected local elder. He's literate and has influence even at the Zhenyang county office. Since this deal benefits many, he's quite willing to serve as witness."
Hua Zhi suspected this was one of the local Three Elders. Making a mental note to have Xu Ying investigate later, she didn't inquire further.
Old Lin arrived quickly, supported by Chen Er. The lean, wiry old man had sparse facial hair and was dressed neatly and respectably, his back ramrod straight—the most impressive person Hua Zhi had encountered since arriving in Zhenyang.
She rose and bowed. "I've troubled you, Elder."
Old Lin hastily made a gesture of modest refusal. "I dare not accept your courtesy, young lady. It's our Shui Guang Village that benefits."Hua Zhi ignored the double entendre and solemnly gestured for everyone to take their seats.
Chen Er brought over the inkstone, brush, and paper, diligently grinding the ink nearby.
The old man’s handwriting was exceptionally neat. Wu Zheng reviewed it before passing it to Hua Zhi.
After a quick glance, Hua Zhi said, “I must ask the elder to add one more clause: if An Tai Fishing Firm substitutes inferior goods, Xianxiang Zhai reserves the right to detain both the cargo and the vessel.”
Old Lin glanced at Wu Zheng, who understood this was the young lady’s sole condition and promptly nodded.
With the addition, the contract was transcribed into three identical copies. All three parties pressed their seals, finalizing the agreement.
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