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Zhang Baqing's seniority in the family was similar to Shen the Second and the others. Living in the same village, it was appropriate for Shen Qing to call him Uncle.
After Shen Qing spoke, everyone shifted their attention to Zhang Baqing, all looking in his direction.
Initially, no one thought much of it, but after Shen Qing's suggestion, they found it somewhat fitting.
Zhang Baqing had lived in the village for many years and had never failed in hunting. He was the breadwinner for his entire family, and his hunting skills were outstanding.
Moreover, the seven or eight households of the Zhang Family respected him.
He was always good with people in the village, and his prestige was substantial.
If Shen Qing did not become the "mountain driver," letting Zhang Baqing take the position would also satisfy the villagers.
To be honest, Shen Qing was still too young.
Sitting as the "mountain driver" was indeed a bit premature.
So, after Shen Qing's suggestion, a hunter nodded in agreement and said, "Qingzi is right, I also think Baqing is suitable to be our village's 'mountain driver.'"
Uncle Shen the Second, sitting nearby, glanced at Shen Qing. He did not understand why Shen Qing would choose Zhang Baqing, but he knew his nephew was somewhat unusual.
As a family member, there was no reason to object, so he agreed, "I do too, I think Baqing is suitable."
With several people expressing their opinions, the others naturally had nothing to say. They all followed Shen Qing's suggestion, allowing Zhang Baqing to become the new mountain driver of Hongshan Village.
Zhang Baqing, realizing he unexpectedly gained such a big advantage, could no longer hide his joy, his face fully revealing his happiness.
"Then I shall humbly accept and will certainly fulfill my responsibilities, ensuring the safety of Hongshan Village. I will make sure not to end up like Chen Youguang, exploiting the villagers."
"You can exploit them too, it doesn't matter. If you ever become like Chen Youguang, I'll kill your entire family, just like today," Shen Qing casually added, causing the once joyous face of Zhang Baqing to stiffen abruptly.
The atmosphere suddenly turned strange.
Shen Qing laughed it off and said, "Alright, don't be so serious, I was just joking."
A joke?
Now that's the real joke.
Zhang Baqing laughed awkwardly twice, easing the tension.
Shen Qing tapped the table with his finger and said, "Now that the matter of the 'mountain driver' in the village is settled, I happen to have something that needs everyone's support."
"What is Qingzi talking about?" Uncle Shen the Second asked.
"Taking mountain goods to the city." Shen Qing began, speaking solemnly, "Spring isn't far off, and with this rare good weather, we must quickly sell the village's mountain goods in the city to prevent further complications."
"I've recently hunted quite a bit and plan to take Chen Youguang's old horse and cart to the city, and there's still plenty of room left on the cart. Should the 'mountain driver' ask everyone if they want to sell what they have this time?"
With that, Shen Qing threw the question to Zhang Baqing.
Zhang Baqing observed Shen Qing's ambiguous smile and understood his intention.
This was his chance to return the favor.
Zhang Baqing pretended to ponder before saying, "Of course, we should sell. What price are you offering?"
"I don't know the situation in the city myself. For now, let's keep it the same as before; I won't raise or lower the price. If there's a loss, I'll bear it myself."
"That's probably acceptable. Chen Youguang and his people wanted to lower the price so much, but you didn't drop it at all. Many families will likely agree. I'll ask around each house tonight and get back to you in the morning."
"Okay, then I'll trouble you, Uncle Zhang."
"No problem."
Shen Qing had already taken Chen Youguang's horse and cart, and the people present were tactful enough not to ask more questions.
After discussing the major issues, Zhang Baqing and the others politely declined Shen the Second's invitation and left into the night.
Once everyone left the main hall, Aunt Wang, along with her two sons and Shen Fang, emerged from the side chambers.
Aunt Wang asked, "Have they all left?"
"Yes," Uncle Shen the Second instructed, "Wife, get out that mountain goat I hunted recently and roast it. I'll have Qingzi stay for a meal."
Aunt Wang certainly heard about what happened in the village that day.
When she looked at Shen Qing again, her expression clearly changed, with a hint of fear and estrangement.
Shen Qing, however, paid it no mind. He grinned and said, "What's wrong, Auntie? Don't recognize me?"
He tugged at the old coat he wore and said, "The clothes Auntie made for me a while back, I'm wearing them right now."
Aunt Wang glanced at Shen Qing's clothes, and the estrangement in her eyes suddenly melted away completely.
People outside talked about how ruthless Shen Qing was.
But now, it seemed, he was still the same nephew of hers.
"Look at you showing off. One day, I'll take the clothes off you and take them back," Aunt Wang glared at Shen Qing and headed into the kitchen.
Shen Qing chuckled.
He dragged a stool over and sat next to Uncle Shen the Second, asking, "How much did you get today?"
"I haven't counted exactly. It's all silver ingots, definitely six or seven taels, or I wouldn't have been willing to invite you for mutton."
After spending some time together, Shen the Second also let go of his concerns and sighed, "You, boy, are ruthless."
"I had no choice. If I hadn't acted, my sister would've surely been sold by them."
"Sigh...true, this world is what it is."
Shen Qing composed his expression and got to the point, "Uncle, I want to discuss something with you."
"In the future, I plan to sell our mountain goods to the city, and I can't handle it alone. Xiao Hu and Shanwa are growing up; it's time to spend money on them. Their hunting skills aren't there yet, and they're idle at home anyway. Why not let them come help me expand this business?"
Shen Qing knew that after his father's death, the Chen Family robbed a lot from their household.
In the cold winter, lacking clothing and food.
If it weren't for Uncle Shen the Second remembering their brotherly bond and sharing some of his family's grain,
The fate of his sister and himself would be uncertain.
He had not forgotten this debt of gratitude.
In the countryside, there was strong solidarity, with kinship and blood ties being paramount.
Many businesses in the county were established by relying on clan kin and fellow villagers.
Now that he had some capabilities, finding outsiders still made him uneasy; it was better to involve Uncle's family, more reliable.
Once the mountain goods business stabilized, he could pass it on to his two cousins.
He would take only a share for maintaining relations in the city, without needing to shuttle back and forth.
The time freed up could be devoted to training, progressing and enhancing his skills.
Taking this opportunity to become a martial master and truly establish a foothold in the county.
"Uncle, what do you think? Can we do it?"
Shen the Second looked at his nephew, noting the clear logic in his words, resembling more a city person than a hunter struggling for a living. Yet, his tenacity surpassed that of many seasoned hunters.
He did not immediately respond to Shen Qing, pondering for a while before saying, "I'll give it some more thought."
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