Qin Ming understood very well what was happening.
The county magistrate’s generous treatment of a mere hunter from the mountains was not born of kindness alone.
What the man valued was Qin Ming’s ability to bring down dangerous beasts and retrieve rare, valuable pelts from the perilous southern mountains.
If Qin Ming failed to hunt a tiger, or if the pelts he brought back were too damaged to be valuable…
Then his temporary position, exemption from military service, and dreams of prosperity could disappear overnight.
…
“My lord, Qin Ming’s strength and archery are truly remarkable. You could recruit him as a household guard.”
After Qin Ming and Mu An left the yamen, the tall bodyguard spoke to Lou Changfeng.
“Indeed,” Master Cui added. “The bow he uses likely requires at least two-stone of draw strength. The fact that he managed to bring down a black bear alone is impressive. With proper training, he could become a formidable man under your command.”
Lou Changfeng shook his head.
“Outsiders are difficult to trust. Family rules forbid placing such people in positions of importance.”
He narrowed his eyes before continuing.
“His archery is exceptional, but on a battlefield, personal bravery alone amounts to little.”
“Then why treat him so generously?” Master Cui asked. “You gave him silver, weapons, and even exempted him from military service.”
“Because he serves another purpose.”
A faint smile appeared on Lou Changfeng’s face.
“The officials and nobles in the capital compete endlessly in luxury and prestige. Compared to silver and gold, they value rare treasures even more.”
“If this hunter can obtain valuable pelts and unusual furs, they may prove useful in the future.”
“I understand now.”
Master Cui nodded.
“My lord is truly farsighted. These days, officials everywhere are searching for rare gifts to present to powerful figures. If such uncommon pelts can be acquired, they would certainly attract attention.”
“But tigers aren’t easy to hunt,” the guard Cui Biao said.
“My father was a hunter. According to him, tigers are far faster and more agile than bears.”
“Even if a hunting party manages to bring one down, preserving the hide in good condition is extremely difficult. Any significant damage could drastically reduce its value.”
“Exactly,” Master Cui agreed. “I doubt this hunter will be able to bring back many valuable specimens.”
Lou Changfeng clasped his hands behind his back.
“If Qin Ming proves useful, I can purchase whatever valuable pelts he obtains and ensure he remains protected.”
“But if he fails to produce results, I can simply reclaim the weapons, revoke his auxiliary position, and allow the normal laws to take their course.”
“A useless man has little value.”
With that, he turned and left.
…
Meanwhile, Qin Ming and his apprentice Mu An arrived at the busiest street in the county town.
The enormous black bear on the cart immediately attracted a crowd.
Seizing the opportunity, Qin Ming began selling the bear.
The county seat was home to wealthy landlords, merchants, and traveling traders. Spending power here was far better than in the villages.
After a lengthy round of bargaining, the entire bear, including the four bear paws, was sold to Piaoxiang Restaurant, the largest restaurant in town.
The sale brought in one hundred and twenty taels of silver.
The hide itself would normally have fetched a good price.
Unfortunately, it had been pierced in several places by heavy arrows, and angry villagers had struck it repeatedly while venting their emotions. The damage significantly reduced its value.
The most sought-after item was the bear gallbladder.
Regarded by many as an extremely valuable medicinal ingredient, it immediately sparked fierce competition among buyers.
Pharmacy owners and wealthy families eager to keep rare remedies on hand all joined the bidding.
The price quickly climbed past two hundred taels.
It likely could have sold for even more, but Qin Ming preferred a quick sale.
In the end, the numbers were simple
300 taels from the county reward.
120 taels from the bear carcass and paws.
200 taels from the bear gallbladder.
A total of 620 taels of silver.
Afterward, Qin Ming headed straight for a grain shop.
A trip to town was rare, and the half sack of rice Fan Niang had obtained with her hairpin would not last long.
Since Mu An had brought a cart, Qin Ming intended to buy a substantial supply.
“One hundred copper coins per jin of rice? Wasn’t it thirty before?”
The grain merchant lounged in a chair near the entrance, lazily fanning himself.
“There isn’t much surplus grain left within a hundred li. Come back tomorrow and the price may be even higher.”
“That’s daylight robbery.”
The merchant sneered.
“Buy it or don’t. Plenty of others will.”
Several workers holding wooden clubs stepped forward.
Without another word, Qin Ming placed a silver ingot on the counter.
“I’ll take three hundred jin. Load it onto the cart.”
“Master, this is clearly—”
Mu An started to protest.
Qin Ming cut him off.
“No need.”
The merchant’s eyes lit up when he saw the silver.
Finally, he sat upright.
“Now here’s a sensible customer.”
He weighed the ingot in his hand before turning to his workers.
“Move quickly and prepare the grain.”
Soon, sack after sack was loaded onto Mu An’s cart.
As they left, Mu An still looked unhappy.
“Master, the grain is far too expensive.”
Qin Ming replied calmly.
“If they dare charge such prices openly in the county seat, they likely have powerful backing.”
“It is better not to create trouble.”
In these turbulent times, merchants hoarding grain and raising prices were hardly unusual.
Without influence and protection, no one could operate such a large grain warehouse in town.
“I understand, Master.”
Mu An nodded.
Though sixteen years old, he had grown up in a relatively prosperous household and had not yet seen the harsher side of the world.
After finishing their business, Qin Ming handed him twenty taels of silver.
“This is the money I promised for replacing your village’s ox.”
Mu An accepted it excitedly.
“Thank you, Master! Shall we buy one now?”
“Not today.”
Qin Ming shook his head.
“Why not?”
“Because too many people have seen the silver we’re carrying.”
His gaze swept across the surrounding streets.
“We leave immediately.”
Wealth attracted attention.
During the sales, many people had watched him collect hundreds of taels of silver.
Even inside the county town, all sorts of people lurked in the shadows.
Qin Ming’s instincts warned him not to stay any longer.
“I’ll follow your lead, Master.”
Mu An nodded.
The times were unstable.
War raged in the north.
Famine had spread across many regions.
Refugees wandered everywhere, and bandit activity was increasing.
Inside the county seat, soldiers and yamen runners maintained order.
Outside the walls, things were very different.
“We need to move quickly.”
After passing through the city gate, Qin Ming swung himself onto his horse.
“Drive!”
Mu An snapped the reins.
The cart rolled forward.
Before long, several figures carrying clubs appeared on the road behind them.
Once they entered the forest, the narrow dirt path slowed their progress.
The heavily loaded cart could not move quickly.
Gradually, more people began following them.
Among them were not only rough-looking men from town, but also ragged refugees gathered outside the city.
The number of pursuers steadily increased.