Zhang Baqing, in terms of seniority in the family, was much the same as Shen Er, living in the same village, so it was appropriate for Shen Qing to call him uncle.
After Shen Qing spoke, everyone's attention fell on Zhang Baqing, and they all looked toward him.
At first, they didn't think much of it, but after Shen Qing's mention, they felt it was indeed quite fitting.
Zhang Baqing had lived in the village for many years and had never failed in hunting; he supported his entire family, and his hunting skills were solid.
At the same time, the seven or eight households of the Zhang Family also respected him immensely.
In the village, he was always kind to others and had enough prestige.
If Shen Qing didn't take the role of the "mountain driver," letting Zhang Baqing do it could also win people's approval.
To tell the truth, Shen Qing was still a bit too young.
Assuming the position of "mountain driver" indeed seemed a little premature.
So after Shen Qing's suggestion, a hunter nodded in agreement, saying, "Qingzi is right; I also think Baqing is suitable to be our Hongshan Village's 'mountain driver.'"
Sitting to the side, Uncle Shen Er glanced at Shen Qing, not understanding why Shen Qing had chosen Zhang Baqing, but he knew his nephew was somewhat extraordinary.
As family, he found no reason to object and maintained his agreement, "I feel the same, that Baqing is suitable."
With people expressing their stances one after another, the rest naturally had nothing to object to and sequentially agreed with Shen Qing's opinion to let Zhang Baqing be the new mountain driver of Hongshan Village.
Zhang Baqing, seeing himself unexpectedly gain a big advantage, was suddenly beaming with joy, unable to hide the elation on his face, which completely overflowed.
"Then I will humbly accept the position and will definitely fulfill my duties and live up to your trust, safeguarding the well-being of our Hongshan Village. I promise never to exploit the villagers like Chen Youguang did."
"You exploiting them wouldn't be an issue. The day you really become like Chen Youguang, I'll do to you and your family what I did today," Shen Qing casually added, causing Zhang Baqing's happy expression to instantly stiffen.
The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.
Shen Qing let out a chuckle and said, "Alright, don't be so serious; I was just joking."
A joke?
That last statement of yours must be the joke, right?
Zhang Baqing force-laughed twice to alleviate the awkwardness.
Shen Qing tapped the table with his finger and said, "Now that we've settled the 'mountain driver' matter here in the village, I have something that requires everyone's support."
"May I ask what is it that Qingzi speaks of?" Uncle Shen Er asked.
"Mountain produce to the city," Shen Qing spoke firmly, "There's some time before the spring begins, and with the good weather we have now, we should sell the village's mountain produce in the city as quickly as possible to avoid any setbacks."
"I've caught quite a lot of game recently and plan to use Chen Youguang's nag and cart to head to the city. There's still plenty of space left in the cart. Would the 'mountain driver' like to ask everyone if they want to sell their goods this time?"
As he spoke, Shen Qing tossed the question to Zhang Baqing.
Zhang Baqing, seeing the smile on Shen Qing's face, understood.
This was repaying a favor.
Zhang Baqing pretended to ponder before speaking, "Selling is definitely the plan, but how much are you going to pay?"
"I'm not sure about the situation in the city. Let's keep it the same as before for now; I won't raise or lower the price, and if there's a loss, I'll bear it myself."
"Then that should be easy. Chen Youguang and the others are greedy, saying they'll cut prices that much, but since you're not lowering yours at all, many households will probably agree. I'll go around and ask tonight and give you an answer in the morning."
"Good, then thank you for your troubles, Uncle Zhang."
"It's nothing."
Shen Qing had already taken over Chen Youguang's nag and cart, and the people present tactfully refrained from asking any more questions.
After discussing the main matters, Zhang Baqing and the others declined Shen Er's hospitality and left, each going their own way into the night.
After everyone in the main room had left, Auntie Wang led her two sons and eldest daughter Shen Fang out from the side chambers.
Auntie Wang asked, "Are they all gone?"
"They're gone," Uncle Shen Er instructed, "Wife, go and get the goat kid I caught a while ago and roast it. I'll keep Qingzi here for a meal."
Auntie Wang had obviously heard about the events in the village today.
When she looked at Shen Qing again, her eyes clearly changed, filled with a touch of fear and estrangement.
However, Shen Qing didn't mind; he grinned and said, "Auntie, what's wrong? Don't you recognize me anymore?"
He scratched at the old cotton clothes he was wearing and said, "The clothes you made for me the other day, I've been wearing them."
Auntie Wang glanced at Shen Qing's clothes, and the estrangement in her eyes suddenly melted away.
Everyone outside was saying how Shen Qing would kill without batting an eye.
Now it seemed that he was still the same nephew of hers.
"Look at you, showing off. One of these days, I'm going to strip those clothes off you and take them back," Auntie scolded with a glance and went into the kitchen.
Shen Qing chuckled.
He pulled up a stool and sat down next to Uncle Shen Er, asking, "How much did we get today?"
"Haven't counted it all, but it's all Silver Ingots, definitely six or seven taels at least, otherwise I'd never splurge on goat for you," he replied.
After spending some time together, Shen Er also let go of the wariness in his heart and sighed, "You really went too far with the killing, kid."
"I had no choice. If I hadn't taken action, my sister would've definitely been sold off by them," Shen Qing said.
"Alas... that's just how it is in these times," Uncle Shen Er agreed.
Shen Qing sobered up his expression and got to the point, "Uncle, I have a business proposition for you."
"I'm planning to sell our mountain goods in the city. I can't handle it all alone. Xiao Hu and Shanwa are not so young anymore, and it's the time when they need to spend money. Their Hunting skills are not yet refined, and they're idly at home anyway. It would be better for them to come help me out, and together we can make this business grow stronger."
Shen Qing knew that since his father had died, his sister's family had a lot of their belongings seized by the Chen Family.
With cold weather and a lack of clothing and food,
had it not been for Uncle Shen Er's regard for their old kinship, who shared some of his family's grain with them,
the whereabouts of him and his sister by now would be uncertain.
He hadn't forgotten this act of kindness.
In the countryside, people were very clannish, emphasizing kinship and blood relationships.
In the county town, many trades were built up by the hands of relatives, brothers, and fellow villagers.
Now that he had some capability, he did not trust outsiders with some affairs, so he thought it better to rely on Uncle's family, which was more dependable.
Once the trade of mountain goods stabilized, he could eventually transfer the operation to his two cousins.
He would just take a share of the profits, maintain relationships in the city, and no longer run back and forth.
He could use the free time to concentrate on cultivating, make Progress, and enhance his own strength.
Seizing this opportunity, he could become a martial master in one fell swoop and establish a firm foothold in the county town.
"Uncle, what do you think? Can we do it?" he asked.
Shen Er looked at his nephew, who spoke with clear logic, hardly resembling a hunter from the mountains begging for food, but rather like a city dweller.
However, this kid had a ferocity that even surpassed these seasoned hunters...
He didn't immediately answer Shen Qing's question, but pondered for a while before saying, "I'll think it over."