Phew, the exhausting wee monster finally stopped crying.
The shopkeeper wiped the cold sweat off his forehead with his sleeve, took a few deep breaths, and managed to ease his apprehensive heart.
"Do you two want the promissory notes or cash?"
Fearing that Su Hu and his wife might change their mind, he was in a hurry to have their cleric take the ginseng away. Only after he observed it being put into a specially made white jade box, he finally found the mood to ask about the transaction method.
"Both."
Li Xiu'e was the first to come to her senses, hesitated a moment, and then asked tentatively, "Could you please give us four hundred and fifty taels in promissory notes, and convert the rest fifty taels into smaller, lighter pieces of silver? It's more convenient to carry separately."
"No problem, please wait a moment while I have someone weigh the silver for you."
Kongshantang Pharmacy, a century-old establishment with robust resources, could easily handle even 500 taels, let alone fifty taels of loose silver.
"Thank you, shopkeeper."
After letting out a quiet sigh of relief, Li Xiu'e and her husband stuffed the fifty taels of broken silver into the pockets of their undergarments. Thus, it was not visible to others to ward off their covetous eyes and also convenient for usage.
"Fellows, I have a humble request; the next time you come upon high-quality ginseng that you want to sell, may I ask you to consider Kongshantang first."
After instructing the clerks to bring the broken silver and seeing it securely packed by the couple, the shopkeeper turned his attention back to them just before they headed for the door, his eyes twinkling with a shrewd glint.
"I can assure you that I am fair in my dealings and will not let you suffer any loss."
"Alright."
Su Hu, already dazed by the 500 taels of silver, walked as if on air, his heart racing excitedly. He couldn't have refused if he wanted to.
"Wonderful, my name is Ma, and I look forward to your next visit."
The shopkeeper finally relaxed only at that moment, politely seeing the family to the door: "The next time you come, you may directly come to see me in the inner hall; there is no need to announce your arrival."
"Alright, thank you for seeing us out, Shopkeeper Ma. You may go back in now."
Su Hu politely bowed, bidding farewell and departing Kongshantang with his family.
***********
With the 500 taels of silver in his possession, Su Hu burst with joy, feeling like a rich man. He walked with an air of confidence, his back straight.
One hand holding his daughter, and the other holding his son, he found himself in front of a particularly renowned restaurant in Furong Town. He hesitated, wondering if he should step inside and have a meal.
"Father, remember to keep our wealth hidden. There are lots of thieves on the street. Be careful."
Li Xiu'e, noticing his hesitation, tugged at his sleeve, softly advising.
"You're right, I was careless."
A single sentence was like a bucket of cold water poured onto his head, waking Su Hu from his heated reverie. Flushing, he diverted the conversation. "We were lucky to have Sister Yu with us today, otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to fetch such a high price."
Li Xiu'e's eyes softened. Holding baby Sister Yu's arm tighter, she said, "Indeed, Sister Yu is really a fortune child heaven has bestowed upon us, we need to take extra care of her."
"Ha-ha."
Feeling elated, Su Hu declared boldy, "Let's go have a meal! There's a small restaurant up ahead, let's treat the children. We might not be able to afford exotic delicacies, but we can certainly indulge in some braised pork."
"He-he, all it takes is a bowl of braised pork to make your day, huh." Li Xiu'e laughed merrily.
******
Once they settled in a small restaurant, Su Hu, true to his word, ordered a large bowl of braised pork, plus two additional hot dishes, four bowls of rice, and a bowl of warm millet porridge.
Watching his two children eating heartily, their mouths oiled from the food, Su Hu felt a mix of sadness and happiness. He made a solemn vow to himself: he would ensure his wife and children live a good life and never again be content with mediocrity, merely getting by day-to-day.