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The mule’s pace was quick, and it didn’t take long for Wei Dong to arrive at the town. However, the time spent at the shop to meet with the shop owner did take a while.
Perhaps it was due to the strain of hard work, but the man’s back was slightly bent, his beard had turned gray, and he appeared somewhat fatigued.
The owner observed him for a moment before uncertainly saying, “He looks kind-hearted, but…”
Wei Dong nodded, “I’ve been in several fights over the years.”
The owner smiled and nodded, sitting down as he said, “It’s rare to see someone so tall and robust like him.”
Wei Dong took this as a compliment, reached for the small teapot on the table, poured a cup of tea, and then turned to look at the shopkeeper Wu. “Let’s eat while we talk.”
It was already lunchtime, and normally, he would have been eating at home by now. Wei Dong was hungry.
“Alright, I’ll bring the dishes right away,” Shopkeeper Wu said with a smile, rubbing his hands together as he turned to walk out.
During this break, the owner observed Wei Dong with curiosity and asked, “Will you run this wine shop when you take over?”
Wei Dong nodded, picked up another small porcelain jug from the table, poured some clear and transparent liquor into a small wine cup, and then pushed it towards the owner. “This is sorghum wine brewed by my husband. Please try it.”
Master Wang lifted the cup, sniffed it lightly, and squinted his eyes. “Strong!”
He carefully took a sip, and the liquor was so spicy that just a little bit on his tongue made his entire tongue tingle with a numbing sensation. As the liquor traveled down his throat, it felt like a fire burning through him, warming his entire body.
His wrinkled face instantly turned red from the alcohol, but his eyes widened, gleaming with light.
“This... this wine…”
“Is it good enough for you?” Wei Dong smiled.
Over the years, Wei Dong had traveled far and wide and was no longer the quiet, aloof man he once was. While speaking wasn’t in his nature, he understood that words could often be used to win people over.
Master Wang finished the wine in his small cup, then eagerly poured himself another one. He lifted the cup and sniffed it again, closing his eyes in delight as he swayed slightly. “Good wine, good wine.”
As Shopkeeper Wu entered from outside and saw the owner drinking, he couldn’t help but say, “Don’t drink too much. This wine is potent, and we haven’t even discussed the business yet!”
The waiter who had been following him placed the dishes on the table one by one, then quickly exited.
Wei Dong didn’t bother being polite with the other two and started eating his meal.
Master Wang felt a bit lightheaded, but still clear-headed. He set down the small wine cup in his hand and picked up his chopsticks to eat a bite of food.
Wei Dong casually spoke to the owner and then asked, “Do you plan to sell the shop as a whole, or separately?"
The front courtyard of the shop was divided, with the owner and his wife living in one part, and the front section being the shop. His five sons had already moved out and set up their own homes.
Master Wang sighed deeply, looking as though he wanted to share his troubles. “My fifth son wasn’t raised well. None of them have the ability to endure hardship. Even though there are many grandchildren, none of them are interested in running this business. My wife and I are getting older, and we thought it’d be better to sell the courtyard. That way, we can go back to our hometown and live a more peaceful life.”
Wei Dong scooped another bowl of rice for himself, eating while nodding in agreement. “That sounds good. You’ve worked hard your whole life, so you should definitely have some time to rest.”
“You’re right,” Master Wang said, smiling and pointing at Wei Dong. “I only figured this out too late. I’ve spent these years exhausting myself, but life becomes clear once you understand. It helps you get things done.”
Wei Dong smiled and replied, “My husband always says that no matter how much money you earn, it’s just a number. It’s better to live freely.”
Master Wang nodded after a long pause. “This shop has been the heart and soul of the Wang family for three generations. I’ll feel at ease handing it over to you.”
Wei Dong raised an eyebrow. “What price are you thinking of?”
Master Wang raised his hand and held up one finger. “I’m selling the whole front courtyard, one price—three thousand taels.”
Shopkeeper Wu raised an eyebrow as he listened, then turned to look at Wei Dong.
He knew that Wei Dong and his husband had earned quite a bit of money over the years, so three thousand taels wouldn’t be a big deal for them.
However, the outright price with no room for negotiation was somewhat off-putting.
Shopkeeper Wu opened his mouth, wanting to say something but then hesitating.
After all, he was just the middleman. The Wang family’s shop was located in a good spot, and the courtyard was also quite large. The price of three thousand taels could be seen as reasonable, though it could also be considered a bit expensive.
The main issue was that the Wang family shop’s reputation had already been established.
After years of operation, they had built a loyal customer base. If Wei Dong and his husband took over the business but kept the same name, they would likely retain a good portion of the regular customers.
But it was clear that the couple didn’t plan to do that.
Wei Dong put down his bowl and chopsticks, wiped his mouth, then called the waiter to clear the table and bring in fresh tea before starting the negotiation.
“Three thousand taels is a bit too high.”
Master Wang tilted his head and asked, “How is it too high? This price isn’t high at all. My courtyard is spacious, everything is ready to go, and you can move in and start your business immediately. It’s already a shop with plenty of customers.”
“The customers come here because it’s your family shop, but we’re selling a different type of liquor. Maybe these regulars won’t like it and will stop coming. Besides, we have lived here for so long, and we are used to the things we use. If we want to start the business, we’ll need to renovate, buy new things, and that’s another cost. So, three thousand taels is too much. I can offer two thousand taels.”
After living with Tang Xu for so many years, Wei Dong had become good at negotiating.
To cut the price by one thousand taels with just one sentence stunned not only the owner but also Shopkeeper Wu, whose eyes widened in surprise.
That was bold—truly bold.
“No, no, this won’t do. It’s too little!” Master Wang hurriedly shook his head, “Two thousand taels won’t work. Absolutely not.”
Shopkeeper Wu raised an eyebrow, thinking, Didn’t you just set the price with no room for negotiation?
Now, you're complaining that it’s too low—looks like you’ve just given the other side an opening to bargain.
Wei Dong thought for a moment, then said, “Well then, how about we each make a concession and meet halfway?”
Master Wang furrowed his brows, thinking for a moment, then said, “Two thousand five hundred taels?”
Wei Dong nodded, “I can offer a maximum of two thousand five hundred taels. Any more, and I’d be at a loss. Master Wang, if you think that’s fair, we can write up the contract right away. If it doesn’t work for you, it’s no problem. Even if the deal doesn't go through, we'll still part on good terms.”
Master Wang lowered his gaze and pondered for a while. After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and nodded, “Alright, two thousand five hundred it is! But moving will take some time. The New Year is almost here, and we definitely won’t be able to leave in time.”
“No problem, as long as we move before the spring. I also need to make some arrangements on my end.” Wei Dong glanced at Shopkeeper Wu, “Please help witness the agreement. We’ll write the contract, and I’ll take it to the county office to get the seal tomorrow morning.”
Shopkeeper Wu nodded, “Alright, I’ll go get the ink and brush.”
Master Wang sighed, “This man is really something. He just made me lose five hundred taels.”
“Master Wang didn’t think you could actually sell it for three thousand taels, right? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have agreed so quickly.” Wei Dong poured a cup of tea, “My husband’s brewing skills are quite good. The new wine was just finished this year. I’ll bring over two jars tomorrow for you to try.”
Master Wang nodded and smiled, agreeing to the offer.
The payment was made, the contract was written, and they went to the county office to get the official seal. The deal was done.
The contract was made in triplicate: one for the prince, one for Wei Dong, and the last one was kept at the county office.
Wei Dong said, “Master Wang, you’ll need to come with me to the county office tomorrow to handle the paperwork for the house and land deeds.”
Master Wang nodded, “Alright, come pick me up tomorrow morning, and we’ll go together.”
After leaving with the five hundred taels deposit, Wei Dong stayed behind to talk to Shopkeeper Wu about the alcohol business and orders.
Previously, they had been selling their own liquor outward, but now, with the tavern, they needed to focus on earning money from the town first.
Shopkeeper Wu had long wanted to sell sorghum wine at the shop, but unfortunately, the Wei family’s supply of sorghum wine was too limited to meet the demands of the shop’s business, so he hadn’t been able to proceed.
Now that Wei Dong had brought it up, of course, Shopkeeper Wu immediately agreed.
Before dinner, Tang Li said, “Brother, why hasn’t my brother-in-law come back yet? It’s already dark outside.”
Tang Xu shook his head, “I don’t know. He should be back soon.”
He appeared calm, but his occasional glances toward the outside betrayed the concern in his heart.
Fortunately, just as the bowls and chopsticks were being placed on the table, they heard some noise coming from the courtyard.
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