The carriage came to a halt several meters away from Old Li’s blacksmith shop. Gao Feng, who was concealed on the opposite roof, caught sight of them. With a graceful leap, he soared like a black bird, landing soundlessly on the ground. He cautiously glanced around, ensuring no suspicious individuals took notice of him, before swiftly approaching the carriage window.
“Greetings, Young Master.”
“How is the situation?” Yan Ge inquired.
Gao Feng replied, “Everything is normal. Boss Li has entrusted the other business in the blacksmith shop to his two assistants, and is focusing his entire attention on the ‘main task.’ He spends almost the entire day at home, tinkering and hammering away. I saw him fashioning a prototype from wood, and success is imminent.”
“Oh?” Yan Ge rejoiced, secretly marveling at the skill of these ancient craftsmen. After considering for a moment, he decided it would be best not to meet with the blacksmith for now. It might only add pressure, which wouldn’t be beneficial. He then said to Gao Feng, “You have diligently observed him throughout the day. I thank you for your hard work.”
“You are too kind, Young Master. It is my duty,” Gao Feng hurriedly responded.
“Gao Yun will take over for you. Tomorrow, you will switch with him. Although Master Li shows no signs of suspicion, we must not become complacent. Remain vigilant,” Yan Ge instructed.
“Yes.”
After Gao Yun respectfully bowed to Yan Ge, he walked to an inconspicuous corner and leaped onto the roof, bending his body like an agile black cat until he reached the spot where Gao Feng had previously stationed himself. It was the optimal observation position.
Gao Feng bought two pastries to fill their stomachs and accompanied Yan Ge to Yahang.
Yan Ge felt that he lacked manpower. Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were young and had been in the palace for the past few years, without interacting with people outside the palace. He couldn’t trust them to handle certain matters alone.
Sending Gao Feng was also not an option since Gao Feng was Huangfu Yuchen’s spy and couldn’t be moved away from his side. If he had enough subordinates, he could delegate some trivial tasks to them instead of personally attending to everything. Although there were some people in the Yan Mansion, it was currently inappropriate for him to have frequent contact with the mansion.
“Gao Yun, are there slave transactions at Yahang?”
Gao Yun replied, “Yes, young master.”
“Are there any skilled fighters? Those with unique expertise?”
Gao Yun said, “Most of them have some skills, but the prices may vary.”
The staff at Yahang had been in this line of work for a long time and had developed keen insight. As soon as they saw Yan Ge’s distinguished appearance, accompanied by guards, maids, and servants, each with a different temperament, their eyes lit up. They quickly walked up to Yan Ge and led him to a chair, pouring him a cup of tea with calm and composed gestures. They said respectfully, “Young master, please feel free to give your orders.”
Yan Ge opened his folding fan and waved it unhurriedly. “I heard that this is the largest market in the capital?”
The staff member beamed with pride. “Indeed. This is common knowledge. Whether you want someone old, young, male, or female, we have them all! I guarantee you’ll find a suitable one.”
Yan Ge smiled faintly, and those who knew him would detect the coldness in his smile. He was repulsed with the trade of human lives but this was a normal thing in this era. He had to adapt for survival. Suppressing his fleeting thoughts, he said, “Summon everyone here.”
The staff member hesitated, ”Everyone? That’s over a hundred people.”
Yan Ge’s folding fan paused for a moment.
Wan Xiang assumed a stern gaze, exuding an imposing manner, and placed a piece of silver on the table.
The staff member instantly smiled and ran off with the silver. “Please wait, young master .”
Before long, a group of people entered through a side door, one after another. They appeared somewhat dispirited, recognizing that Yan Ge might be the person who would purchase them. They walked over and stood in front of him. It was clear that this situation was not new to them. Nearly a hundred people filled the entire hall.
Only a few of them were tidy in appearance, while the majority seemed unkempt. These people were not bought by for their enjoyment, so they couldn’t expect to be treated well. As a result, the atmosphere in the hall became unpleasant.
Xiao Chuanzi couldn’t help but frown, afraid that they might crowd Yan Ge. He furrowed his brows and said, “Step back a bit.”
The staff member noticed and joined in, reprimanding them as if scolding livestock.
Yan Ge furrowed his brows and waved his hand to stop them.
The boss of Yahang, Fatty Jin, heard the commotion upstairs and estimated that it must be a major customer. However, he was also worried that the staff might mistake a pretentious person for a genuine nobleman. So, he came down as well.
When he saw Yan Ge’s noble temperament, his heart settled, and he quickly walked over to greet him personally.
“I am Jin Defa, the owner of Quansheng Yahang Market. May I inquire about the honorable surname of the young master?”
Yan Ge revealed Madam Yan’s maiden name, “Qin.”
Jin Defa said, “So, you are Young Master Qin. May I know if you are interested in purchasing maids, cooks, or servants? And how many do you need?”
Yan Ge replied, “First, let the skilled fighters step forward.”
Jin Defa signaled to his staff, “Did you hear that?”
The staff immediately shouted, “All skilled fighters, step forward.”
Five or six people emerged from the crowd, including a woman who was dressed as a commoner in her thirties. She appeared simple yet tidy, with a calm expression and eyes devoid of any spark, as if hiding something deep within her heart.
Gao Feng was worried that Yan Ge might not understand the intricacies involved and didn’t want to cross Yan Ge and ask Jin Defa. So, he said to Yan Ge, “Young master, perhaps we should also consider their backgrounds to avoid any potential complications.”
Jin Defa hurriedly replied, “Absolutely not. They were all acquired through legitimate means, so there shouldn’t be any issues. If they had problematic backgrounds, our Yahang wouldn’t dare to purchase them. That would be inviting trouble.”
Yan Ge said to Gao Feng, “You should first test their martial arts skills.”
“Yes!”
Gao Feng walked over and said, “Follow me.”
The six individuals followed him.
Yan Ge also wanted to see Gao Feng’s abilities, so he followed them outside.
Jin Defa quickly caught up, realizing from Gao Feng’s demeanor that he was not an ordinary person. If Gao Feng ended up harming his people and not making a purchase, wouldn’t he suffer a significant loss?
Obrigada pela tradução ❤️