Chapter 302 - 310: Planning Strategy

Su Wenyue wasn’t surprised when the Shop Owner mentioned wanting to use food instead of silver, as buying things often worked that way now. With Wang Mang’s increasing influence at the Court and his numerous reform policies being implemented, coupled with yet another round of currency reform, money was becoming worthless. The silver that once bought a catty of food now couldn’t buy half as much. With the value dropping so quickly, who would dare hold onto currency? It was more comforting to exchange it for food.

“Exchanging it for food is fine, as long as the Owner’s goods satisfy me—I need a substantial amount.” It was rare to find a Spice Shop still so well-stocked with spices, and in times of war, it might not be so easy to procure such a variety. After all, many spices were transported all the way from foreign countries. Businessmen are willing to travel thousands of miles, braving the dangers to the Western Foreign Clans, just for a bit more profit. Who would go if they couldn’t earn a profit? Fortunately, as long as spices are properly stored, they have a long shelf life.

Upon hearing Su Wenyue say this, the smile on the face of the Spice Shop Owner widened—he preferred selling more. It would be better to clear the Shop of the overstocked inventory sooner rather than later. Despite spices being nonperishable, it wasn’t ideal to keep them piled up in the Store indefinitely. They were no substitute for food or drink, and business was getting tougher by the day. He no longer had the working Capital, and he had to sell the inventory quickly. He wasn’t planning on restocking any time soon, and whether the Shop would stay open in the future was uncertain.

“Madam, rest assured, you will be satisfied with our goods. Our family has been in this trade for generations, and we’ve always selected the finest spices. Some spices from the Western Region and outer domains aren’t available in other shops—only we have the exclusive supply channels. Madam, being an expert, can discern quality at a glance,” the Shopkeeper said truthfully. Having watched Madam examine the spices so adeptly, he dared not deceive, and after so many years in business, he valued his reputation for honesty above all, never cheating a guest.

In fact, Su Wenyue had done her research before coming to this Shop, and she was very satisfied to see the spices in person. Perhaps because the Shop had previously done well, the spices were fresh stock from this year. The varieties that kept well could be stored for three to four years without issue.

Su Wenyue inspected many spices and had the appropriate ones noted. After making her way around, she had nearly all the spices she needed, so there was no need to visit any other Spice Shops.

“Shopkeeper, take note of these spices. Whatever stock you have, I’ll take it all. As for the Price, I hope the Shopkeeper can give a fair one. I see you as an honest man, which is why I didn’t go to other Spice Shops,” Su Wenyue said in one breath, willing to buy all the Spices in the Shop. She planned to cook in bulk, and spices were essential. Spices are easy to buy, but finding quality ones is not as simple.

The Shopkeeper was overjoyed to hear that Su Wenyue intended to buy all the spices at once—he hardly knew what to say. But then he heard her mention Price, and his happiness diminished slightly. Although he understood that bargaining was normal, the economic difficulties meant that the spices were already priced low. If the Price was too low, he wouldn’t even recoup his costs, his shop carried not the common inferior spices but could not afford to sell at rock-bottom prices. And these Days, there wasn’t a shortage of people trying to exploit the situation, looking to buy his spices at the lowest Price possible due to his faltering Business. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Madam, what sort of Price are you looking for? Let’s be straight with each other—if the Price is too low, it’s impossible to continue this Business,” the Shopkeeper said helplessly. If he were willing to sell at low prices considering the quality of his Shop’s spices, he wouldn’t be overstocked. Deep down, he wasn’t willing to accept that his quality spices had lost their value due to the changing times.

Su Wenyue saw his reaction and knew he had misunderstood her. She didn’t just want to purchase the spices in his Shop; she was also interested in his sourcing. If things went as she planned, the spices he had would barely suffice. Being good at cooking, she was very strict about her ingredients, and the spices from his Shop were even better than those she used to get in Chang’an in her previous life.

“Shopkeeper, I know the spices here are superior to what other shops offer, and that’s why I won’t use their prices as a benchmark. Name your Price, and if we both find it fair, we have a deal. Just as long as you don’t inflate the price on purpose—after all, nobody has it easy these Days.”

What Su Wenyue said was very sincere, and seeing that her intent wasn’t to haggle maliciously but genuinely to buy his merchandise, the Shopkeeper provided a quite reasonable Quote. However, he specified that the deal had to involve food in exchange.

This was something Su Wenyue had agreed to from the start, and it was still a very favorable deal for her. Now the price of food had risen to unbelievable levels; what she was offering wouldn’t have been enough to buy a tenth of the spices before. The warehouse on the Zhuangzi was full, with an ample supply of food.

“Let’s proceed with that then. The food supply can be transported here quickly. Seeing that the Shopkeeper is an honest man, apart from the agreed payment, I’ll have two sacks of Sweet Potatoes added. They are also good for filling the stomach. A well-traveled man like the Shopkeeper must recognize them.”

“Thank you, Madam. I certainly recognize the Sweet Potato. I’ve had them once while on a trip to foreign countries—they’re very sweet and tasty, truly a fine treat. Madam is so generous, I’m unsure how to express my gratitude,” the Shopkeeper replied, not expecting Su Wenyue to stick to his pricing without haggling, and even more so to offer two sacks of such rare food. He felt very grateful, seeing Madam as very generous and fair.

“No need to worry about it—it’s just two sacks of Sweet Potatoes. Given the state of the World, otherwise these spices couldn’t be exchanged for so much food. I’m aiming to do long-term Business with the Shopkeeper. What are your plans for the future?”

“Honestly, Madam, I haven’t figured that out myself just yet. My family has lived off selling spices for generations, but given the current situation, I doubt spices will sell. I can’t think of any other path, we’re just living day by day, doing what we can in these troubled times,” the Shopkeeper spoke openly of his thoughts.

Su Wenyue was pleased to hear him say this, thinking the Shopkeeper was talented and seemed loyal and upright. If she could employ him, it would be beneficial.

“Since that’s the case, I’m actually in need of a skilled hand with knowledge of spices. Would the Shopkeeper be interested in working for me?”

The Shopkeeper was taken aback, not expecting such a turn of events. He was at a loss for how to react and unsure how much truth there was in Su Wenyue’s words.