Chapter 92: It’s Not My Money Anyway
Father and daughter followed Broker Deng to the backyard. Behind the agency was a large three-courtyard compound where the servants lived, and at the very back stood the livestock shed where the animals for sale were kept.
Along the way, well-trained maids and attendants glanced at them curiously. Seeing Wen Yao looking around, Deng smiled. “Miss Wen, would you like a personal maid? Mine are capable and loyal.”
Wen Yao waved her hands quickly. “No, no. We’re just farmers—how could we use maids?”
Father and daughter exchanged a look.
This really is a feudal era with no human rights, Wen Yao thought, and Wen Xiuyi sighed helplessly.
In the shed, horses filled most of the space. Only three cows remained in a corner, along with one that looked newly born.
“These are the last three,” Deng said. “Pick whichever you like and I’ll give you a discount.”
Wen Xiuyi inspected them. The yellow ox was the largest and most energetic; one was small, and another looked weaker.
“This one is over three years old—fifteen taels, minimum fourteen. This young adult costs eighteen. The calf is twelve since it can’t work yet,” Deng explained.
Wen Yao liked the young adult ox.
“Uncle Deng, can’t you make it cheaper?” she asked sweetly.
Deng stroked his short goatee. “I’ve spent money feeding and raising it. It’s strong and healthy—ready to work.”
Wen Yao tugged Wen Xiuyi’s sleeve. He understood. “Shopkeeper Deng, we’ll have more business with you in the future. Give us your best price and we’ll take it today.”
Deng hesitated, remembering their connection with Manager Qiu and the doctor their son studied under. Offending doctors was never wise.
“Alright. Seventeen taels. I really can’t go lower. But I’ll include an ox cart for free.”
Wen Yao thought carefully, then nodded. “Deal—but please teach us how to drive the cart.”
Soon the ox was harnessed and Wen Xiuyi received driving lessons while Wen Yao signed the papers and paid.
“Come to me whenever you need anything,” Deng said warmly.
After more than an hour of learning, father and daughter drove the cart back toward the dock.
When Wen Nong saw the ox, his eyes nearly fell out.
“Uncle… you bought a cow?! Grandma will kill you!”
Wen Xiuyi patted the ox proudly. “Meet Da Huang. He’s ours.”
Everyone gathered to admire the big, gentle animal.
“How much?” Wen Nong asked.
“Seventeen taels, cart included,” Wen Xiuyi replied casually.
Wen Nong was stunned. “Uncle, you’re doomed.”
Wen Xiuyi waved lazily. “It’s not my money anyway.”
Wen Nong looked at Wen Yao with sudden sympathy.
Soon, under Wen Xiuyi’s supervision as he quizzed them on their studies, Wen Nong finally accepted the truth: the family had bought a cow—and they all got to use it.
