Eighty-seven

A morning slipped by in the blink of an eye. Many people came asking about the price, but only a few truly bought anything. Wang Hu was growing tired, so Wang Bo sent him off to rest for a while and began calling out the wares himself.

Before long, a young servant in blue wandered over, swaying idly, and stopped in front of Wang Bo.

“How much for your grain?” the servant asked.

Seeing a customer arrive, Wang Bo hurried forward with a smile. “Two hundred seventy coins a jun. How about it? Want some?”

The servant looked it over, thought for a moment, and then said, “Fine. Load it all up. I’ll take everything.”

Wang Bo froze where he stood. “You mean... all of it?” he asked again, scarcely trusting his ears, his face full of disbelief.

“Yes, all of it. What, you don’t want to sell?” The servant looked at him in surprise.

“Sell! Of course we’ll sell. Just a moment.” Realizing the man was serious, Wang Bo’s manner of address changed at once. If I’d known he was this easy to deal with, I should have asked for more, he thought regretfully.

“Father, hurry over. Big business.” After struggling a few times and finding he could not lift the sacks of grain from the ground, Wang Bo could only call Wang Hu over for help. Wang Hu heard him and rushed over at once.

“What is it?”

“He wants to buy all the grain. We’re to load it up and send it over,” Wang Bo said quickly.

“Oh, all right. Just a moment.” With a heave, Wang Hu lifted the grain onto the cart.

Seeing that father and son had already loaded the grain, the servant said, “All right, let’s go.” Then he turned and walked ahead. Wang Hu hurriedly pushed the cart after him.

Following the servant through the city for several turns, Wang Bo had long since lost track of where they were and could only keep pace. As the servant led them farther and farther into a more secluded area, unease began to tighten in Wang Bo’s chest. This bastard isn’t planning to rob and kill us, is he? Why is he taking us somewhere so remote?

Suspicious, Wang Bo glanced at the servant, but could not see anything amiss.

At last, the servant brought Wang Hu and his son to a shopfront. “All right, set it here. Wait a moment while I call the boss.” With that, he went inside.

Wang Bo looked up and saw four large characters hanging by the door: Zhang Family Wine Shop.

“Zhang Family Wine Shop... could this be run by the Zhang clan?” Wang Bo thought, lowering his head in contemplation.

“Exactly. It is run by the Zhang family. I never thought, young friend, that you could read,” a voice said by his ear.

He looked up and saw a plump middle-aged man smiling at him. Wang Bo stared in surprise. In ancient times, unlike the modern age, one did not often see a fat man. From the man’s bearing, Wang Bo judged that he was no ordinary person. Beneath that kindly smile lay an exceptionally shrewd mind.

“I studied a little under a teacher before. May I ask who you are, sir?” Wang Bo asked.

“I am the shopkeeper of this wine shop.”

Wang Bo immediately showed an expression of realization.

“From your expression, it seems you already guessed I was the shopkeeper. Why ask at all?” The middle-aged man’s smile never changed, and he looked very approachable.

Wang Bo scratched the back of his head. “Heh, I just wanted to make sure.”

“Very well, enough with the pleasantries. Now then, young friend, how do you intend to sell your grain?” The middle-aged man’s smile faded, and he became serious.

“Shopkeeper, aren’t you joking? Didn’t your man already agree on the price just now? Saying this now, are you trying to break the deal?” Wang Bo forced himself to stay calm. He knew the man in front of him would not be easy to deal with. One careless move, and he could lose everything.

“Heh, you said it yourself: it was my servant who agreed, not me. I think your price is a bit too high, so of course we need to discuss it properly.”

The shopkeeper looked at Wang Bo with a smile. Looking at that smiling face, Wang Bo almost felt like punching him.

“Since the shopkeeper puts it that way, I have nothing else to say. Let’s go, Father.” Wang Bo turned to Wang Hu, ready to push the cart away. Though he appeared resolute, inwardly he was shouting at the man: Call me back. Call me back and I’ll stop.

But to Wang Bo’s disappointment, the middle-aged man did not call after him. He continued smiling as he watched. Wang Bo grew anxious and deliberately slowed his movements.

“All right, how long do you intend to keep acting?” the middle-aged man finally said, and one sentence was enough to make Wang Bo terribly embarrassed.

“Haha, you saw through me,” Wang Bo said awkwardly, scratching his head.

“Your acting could fool no one. If I could be tricked by that, would I still be the shopkeeper here?” The middle-aged man gave him a sidelong glance. “Enough. Stop laughing like a fool.”

He halted Wang Bo’s sheepish grin, then asked seriously, “What is your name? Have you ever done business before?”

“Sir, when asking about someone else, shouldn’t you introduce yourself first?” Wang Bo said cautiously. He had no idea what this man was up to.

“Heh.” The middle-aged man smiled again. “I am the shopkeeper here, and also a collateral branch member of the Zhang family in Zhending. My name is Zhang Bao. Now then, will you speak, young brother?”

When he heard the name, Wang Bo froze.

“Zhang... Zhang Bao?” He stared at Zhang Bao in alarm, his legs beginning to tremble.

Seeing Wang Bo’s reaction, Zhang Bao was equally stunned. What is wrong with him? Why does he look as though my name has frightened him? How can that be?

No wonder Wang Bo reacted that way. Zhang Bao was who? He was one of the leaders of the Yellow Turban Uprising, the younger brother of Zhang Jue, the chief of the Yellow Turban rebels. To put it plainly, the man before him was a rebel chief. How could Wang Bo not be shocked and afraid?

But Wang Bo had mistaken one Zhang Bao for another. Though the two names differed by only one character, the difference between them was enormous. Unfortunately, Wang Bo did not know that yet.

“Um... um... Shopkeeper, we’re not selling the grain after all. Please find someone else.” Frightened half out of his wits by the name Zhang Bao, Wang Bo spoke shakily to Zhang Bao. Then he hurriedly called to Wang Hu, preparing to flee this place at once. He wanted nothing whatsoever to do with Zhang Bao.

Not understanding what Wang Bo was doing, and not seeing him as if he were acting, Zhang Bao quickly called out, “Young friend, what’s wrong? Is it because you think the price is too low?”

“Exactly, Xiaobo, what’s gotten into you?” Wang Hu also could not understand what his son was doing, so he grabbed him.

“This... this...” Wang Bo did not know how to explain it to Wang Hu, and stammered helplessly. How was he supposed to say it? Tell his father that this man would later become a rebel? That was obviously impossible. First of all, would his father even believe him? And who knew whether Zhang Bao would fly into a rage and kill both him and his father? Wang Bo had indeed been startled by Zhang Bao’s reputation and had not thought things through.

“What’s the matter with you? Shopkeeper Zhang has already been very good to us. The price he offered is already above market. What more do you want?” Seeing Wang Bo’s expression, Wang Hu grew annoyed. Being an honest man with no other thoughts, he assumed Wang Bo was simply trying to force the price higher, just as before. He snorted at Wang Bo, then turned and said apologetically to Zhang Bao, “Shopkeeper, please don’t take it to heart. My son has never been out of the village before. He doesn’t know the ways of the world. Please forgive him.”

“Heh, no matter.” Zhang Bao smiled at Wang Hu. “Brother, you have a good son. I think there must be some misunderstanding here. From your son’s reaction, this is not something he can put on by mere acting. Am I right, young friend?”

Zhang Bao blinked at Wang Bo. “Can you tell me what the matter really is? I do not think I have any dealings with you. Why is it that the moment you hear my name, you react like this? Could it be that you know someone else named Zhang Bao, but that person has a frightening identity?”

Indeed, after years of managing a shop, he knew exactly where to strike with a single sentence.

Listening to Zhang Bao, Wang Bo suddenly understood.

That’s right. I don’t even know whether this Zhang Bao is the one who will rebel. Why should I be afraid? Besides, that Zhang Bao should be in Julu. I don’t know where Julu is, but it’s definitely not in Zhending. Looks like I was thinking too much.

Still, no matter what, it would be best to make sure.

Having made up his mind, Wang Bo no longer looked as flustered as before. “This little one has offended you. May I ask how many people there are in Shopkeeper Zhang’s household? Do you have any elder or younger brothers at home?”

“Heh, I am an only son, and I have been managing this wine shop for many years. If you do not believe me, you may ask the neighboring shops.” Zhang Bao looked at him with great interest.

Hearing that, Wang Bo finally felt at ease, and hurriedly apologized. “I hope the shopkeeper can forgive me. Just now I was only anxious, not trying to be rude.”

“Heh, no matter, no matter.” Zhang Bao waved a hand and continued, “Only, I am rather curious. What sort of person could frighten you so badly that you turned and left at once?”

“This... heh. I hope the shopkeeper won’t mind, but I really cannot say.” Wang Bo showed an expression of deep apology. How was he supposed to explain it? Tell him that there was a rebel named Zhang Bao, and in a few years that man would rise in revolt against the court? Could he possibly say that?

“No matter, no matter. Since you are unwilling to tell me, I shall not ask. Let us continue our business. This...” Before Zhang Bao could go on, Wang Bo hurriedly cut in, “What else is there to discuss? Shopkeeper Zhang, didn’t you already agree just now? Could it be that you want to go back on your word? That would be dishonorable.”

Wang Bo kept a blank face, but inwardly he was muttering endlessly. As if I’m going to let you keep talking. If you do, who knows what else you’ll become.

“Xiaobo, how can you speak like that?” Wang Hu glared at him, then quickly apologized to Zhang Bao. “Shopkeeper Zhang, please don’t mind him. My boy is really too improper. If you want to discuss it, discuss it with me. There’s no need to pay him any heed.”

As he spoke, he pulled Wang Bo behind him.

Looking at the father and son before him, Zhang Bao felt even more puzzled. Wang Hu was an honest man, honest to the point of absurdity; even if you spat on his face, he would not react too strongly. But Wang Bo was different. Though he looked rather straightforward, in truth he was extraordinarily sharp. His youthful face revealed a maturity beyond his years. Yet he lacked experience dealing with others and still had many shortcomings; otherwise, he would not have let Zhang Bao seize his weakness so easily. Then again, it was only natural. For a village child who had never once left home to be this capable was already quite impressive.

Wang Bo did not know that Zhang Bao held him in such high regard. If he knew, he would likely laugh until he doubled over. Mature? Of course I am. I’ve lived for more than two thousand years. How could I not be mature? And as for being shrewd, I honestly have no idea where that comes from.

“Heh, it’s fine, brother. What Xiaobo said was not wrong.” Zhang Bao waved a hand to stop Wang Hu. “Since I have already agreed, how could I do something dishonest? Let us keep to two hundred seventy coins a jun. Count how much remains, and I will take it all.”

Wang Hu was overjoyed. “Then many thanks, Shopkeeper Zhang.” With that, he turned to weigh the grain.

Wang Bo was just about to go help when Zhang Bao called him back.

“Young friend, please wait a moment.”

“Does Shopkeeper Zhang have something to say?” Wang Bo asked politely, not knowing why he had been stopped.

“It is like this. My shop still lacks a young helper. I wonder whether you might be interested.” Zhang Bao’s smile had returned, gentle as ever, like some benevolent Buddha.

“What are the terms?” Hearing this, Wang Bo became somewhat excited. The pillow had arrived just as he was about to fall asleep. On entering the city, he had still been wondering what kind of work he could find, and now one had come right to his doorstep. Still, he did not show his excitement, and asked calmly instead.

“Five hundred coins a month, with food and lodging included. What do you think?” Zhang Bao was not surprised by Wang Bo’s reaction.

“This is something I need to ask my father about. After all...” Wang Bo wore a troubled expression.

“That is only natural.” Hearing this, Zhang Bao felt the matter was already more than half settled.

Just as Zhang Bao was feeling pleased with himself and preparing to take on a good helper, a quarrel broke out inside the shop. He frowned and turned back inside, only to see Wang Bo arguing with one of the clerks.

“You’re nothing but some poor country bumpkin. What do you know? And you dare to question me?” The blue-robed servant who had brought Wang Bo and his father over now wore a very haughty expression, clearly looking down on them.

“So what if I came from the countryside? A poor country boy may not be worse than you. I could do the calculation correctly, but you got it wrong. Compared with me, you city people are not even as good as this poor country boy from the countryside.”

Wang Bo looked at the servant coldly. His expression was calm, and a faint sneer curled at his lips, as though he did not place the man in the least.

That attitude only angered the servant more. His eyes blazed with fury.

“You... you...” The servant pointed at Wang Bo for a long while, but could not force out a complete sentence.

“What? Even you know you’re in the wrong and have nothing to say?” Wang Bo pressed the advantage, giving the man no chance to catch his breath. Zhang Bao, standing nearby, kept nodding to himself.

Good, good. Press the attack while you have the upper hand. One move and he’s finished.

The servant could no longer hold back the fury in his chest. Rolling up his sleeves, he stepped forward and tried to beat Wang Bo.

Though the servant was also of a slender build, compared with Wang Bo he was much sturdier, and that was precisely why he dared to strike him.

Seeing that his son was about to suffer, Wang Hu leapt forward in a few strides and blocked Wang Bo with his own body.

When Zhang Bao saw the matter growing worse by the moment, he immediately shouted at the servant, “You wretched brat, what do you think you’re doing?”

Hearing Zhang Bao’s roar, and seeing Wang Hu standing in front of Wang Bo, the servant no longer dared to act. He could only sullenly lower his raised hand. After all, Wang Hu was not Wang Bo. A man who worked the fields year after year was far stronger and sturdier. Though Wang Hu looked extremely honest, in his love for his son he would not think twice about that slight build of his and whether it could withstand him. So, under Zhang Bao’s shout, the servant quickly backed down. Still, he shot Wang Bo a vicious look.

Better to lose face than lose spirit.

“Come here, you good-for-nothing.” Seeing the servant’s expression, Zhang Bao could not help feeling disappointed. Opening a shop and doing business required tact; how could one resort to violence at the slightest disagreement? How was business ever supposed to continue like this?

Seeing that Zhang Bao was angry, the servant no longer had the insolent look from before and obediently walked up to stand before him.