"Since the children want to go, why don't you go too?" Su Hu was also delighted.
To be honest, he had no confidence going to Furong Town to sell ginseng all by himself. Having his wife and children with him could boost his courage quite a bit.
"Alright, let's settle on that. Let's go home and change our clothes, then we'll set off right away."
Li Xiu'e's heart was moved. She had only been to the town a few times during the years she had married and lived in Woniu Village. She wanted to take this opportunity to visit the bustling Market Street.
"Off to the town for fun!"
Having received their parents' permission, Su Qiaoer and Doudou excitedly ran down the mountain, one after another. Their clear and melodious laughter was delightful to hear.
"Once we've sold the ginseng and made some money, we can buy some fabric to make new clothes for the children," Li Xiu'e said, holding her baby girl with a joyful face.
"Make some new clothes for yourself too, and don't be reluctant. I have a feeling that with Sister Yu here, our family will get better and better."
Su Hu, carrying the basket, looked forward to the good days, full of food and clothes, with an expectant face.
"Yes, it will. It'll get better and better."
Li Xiu'e lowered her eyes and glanced at the sleepy baby girl in her arms. Her heart felt soft and tender.
********
After the couple returned home, Li Xiu'e took out a few sets of semi-new clothes, which were only worn during the New Year, from the cabinet and had the whole family change into them.
Before leaving, she carefully replaced the silk quilt that swaddled Sister Yu with their own coarse cloth quilt, closed the doors and windows, and locked them. Then, with her husband each carrying a bamboo basket, she took her children to cross the river by boat and rode a donkey cart to Furong Town.
*******
The Qilian Mountain Range is vast, with mountains connected to mountains and rugged mountain roads. To get to Furong Town, one needs to walk out of the Dashan on the other side of the river and make more than ten turns on the narrow mountain path.
Furong Town is the largest town in the surrounding villages. Although not very bustling, its location near the famous Foshou Temple at the foot of the mountain attracts a constant stream of pilgrims, which brings thriving business opportunities to the small town.
Su Hu had a plan in mind when he brought his children to Furong Town. The most reputable medicine shop in the town was Kongshantang, a century-old brand.
With the Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng hidden in his basket, he had no mood to stroll around first. He led his wife and children straight to the Medicine Shop as soon as they got off the donkey cart.
"Welcome, sir. Are you here for medicine or to see a doctor?"
As soon as the family stepped over the threshold of the medicine shop, a young attendant greeted them with a smile and a polite greeting.
"Excuse me, how do you sell ginseng here?"
Li Xiu'e had an idea and didn't reveal their intentions right away, but tried to find out about the ginseng market.
"Auntie, are you here to buy ginseng or to sell ginseng?"
The attendant was clever and guessed the purpose of the couple from their appearance.
"Sell ginseng."
Su Hu was straightforward and didn't know how to lie, so he gave himself away immediately.
"Ahem."
Li Xiu'e couldn't help but step on his foot in frustration.
"Well, sir, you came to the right place. Our Kongshantang is a century-old brand with a guaranteed reputation. You won't lose out if you sell to us."
Seeing that there was business to be done, the attendant's smile grew even warmer.
"First, give us a rough quote. If we think it's reasonable, we can discuss further."
Compared to Su Hu's honesty, Li Xiu'e had a better business sense and wouldn't be easily fooled.
The attendant was a little embarrassed, "Well, without seeing the ginseng, it's not easy to say."
Li Xiu'e frowned, clearly unhappy, "What's so hard about it? Are you planning to inflate the price?"
"Auntie, please don't be angry. We Kongshantang would never cheat our customers."
The attendant was having trouble handling the situation and looked helplessly toward the inner chamber.