WSMTATMC C172

Chapter 172

At the same time, Cao Kun also arrived in the prefectural city, preparing to escort Lin Qiu and Chen Rong back home.

After more than two months apart, Erbao no longer recognized him. Being held in Cao Kun’s arms, he cried loudly, pressing his face against Cao Kun’s chest.

Lin Qiu stood beside them, saying, “Chen’er, this is your father. You don’t recognize your father?”

The little one kept flinging himself into Lin Qiu’s arms, refusing to approach Cao Kun, which left him feeling oddly distressed. Fortunately, Xiaomai still remembered him, clutching his neck and exclaiming how much he had missed him.

Cao Kun hugged his eldest son and planted a kiss on his head before finally regaining his composure.

This visit was not only to bring the family home but also to deliver goods to the prefectural city. Due to the ongoing battles at the frontier, prices in the north had begun to soar rapidly, particularly for grains and textiles. The courier business had become exceptionally busy, transporting supplies between the north and south, and a considerable profit had been earned.

Wang Ying inquired about the frontier situation; couriers often interacted with many people traveling north and south, so they naturally possessed more knowledge.

Cao Kun said, “At present, the border is engulfed in relentless warfare. Recently, near Jiahe, the Turkic army clashed with our forces, resulting in three or four thousand deaths. I heard that the river a hundred miles downstream ran red with blood.”

Everyone was aghast at the account; it was truly terrifying.

“However, there is also a lot of business there. Were it not for the fact that the courier work cannot be left unattended, I would have gone myself.”

Lin Qiu asked, “What kind of business could one do over there?”

“Refugees,” Cao Kun replied. “There are many merchants in Longxi. Due to the war, numerous people have fled toward the Central Plains. I’ve heard that transporting a single household can earn over a hundred taels of silver.”

Hearing this, Wang Ying’s mind began to churn with ideas. “Are there many people fleeing here?”

“Yes! Tens of thousands have come from Longxi. Some fled to Shanzhou, others to Bianzhou or Liangzhou. Although Jizhou has yet to see movement, it won’t be long before people begin arriving here as well.”

Wang Ying considered this carefully. If the war continued unabated, more and more refugees would arrive, likely driving up real estate prices in Jizhou. Acquiring property now could yield significant profit.

However, he had limited funds, so this plan would require careful deliberation.

That evening, after dinner, because they had to leave early the next day, no time was wasted, and everyone retired early.

From late February into early March, with grass sprouting and orioles chirping, the snow on the mountains had melted, tender green shoots emerged in the fields, and the weather was neither cold nor hot. With few rains and many sunny days, conditions were ideal for travel.

Parting from family was always sorrowful. On the day of departure, Chen Rong held Li Shi’s hand, repeatedly advising, “Sister-in-law, take care of your health. Qingyan is not at home; the children are counting on you. Do not fall ill.”

“Don’t worry. You all travel safely, and when you reach the county, remember to write.”

“All right.” Chen Rong then took Wang Ying aside, saying, “With Third Aunt gone, the whole household relies on you. Take care of yourself as well; don’t overexert.”

Wang Ying was moved. “Yes, I understand.”

Yuanbao and Qing’er clung to Xiaomai, reluctant to let go. During this period, the three children had developed a strong friendship.

It was getting late. Lin Qiu picked up Xiaomai and placed him in the carriage, looking at the tearful children. “After a while, once your father finishes the imperial exam, he will return and bring Qing’er along.”

Yuanbao wiped his tears and waved goodbye to Xiaomai.

“Go now, travel safely,” Wang Ying said, bending down to wipe the children’s tears.

They bade a reluctant farewell, not leaving until the carriage had vanished from sight.

Once Third Aunt’s family departed, Li Shi’s mood immediately sank. She did not eat at midday. Worried that her sorrow might be excessive, Wang Ying quickly sent Ershun to fetch Qingyun home.

Qingyun was three months into her pregnancy, experiencing severe morning sickness. She could hardly eat anything; even drinking water made her nauseous. The smell of blood or fish would send her into violent retching. Her once plump face had thinned, leaving a pointed chin.

Li Shi’s heart ached for her. She busied herself preparing meals for her daughter, which, in turn, kept her distracted from her grief.

In March, as the vegetable market entered the off-season, Wang Ying planned to sell the last crop from the study field and plant millet and wheat instead.

Previously, Cao Kun had mentioned that many refugees from the Northwest had arrived, which sparked Wang Ying’s interest in acquiring property. In recent days, he had visited various real estate offices. He discovered that many others shared the same idea, and government-controlled properties had already risen in price. Wang Ying marveled at how shrewd merchants had always been abundant.

At the Sun family real estate office, Sun Peng was attending other clients. Wang Ying sat nearby, examining the properties recently listed for sale.

An assistant presented three ledgers: one for Tong Street, one for Yang Street, and one for [unmentioned street]. These volumes essentially cataloged all the properties available for rent or sale in the prefectural city.

Wang Ying ignored the Tong Street ledger. Residences there rarely entered the market, and even if available, the price was exorbitant—beyond his means.

He flipped through Yang Street. He had previously inspected a few houses; the prices had risen between fifty to over four hundred taels. His own property purchase had come at an opportune moment.

After studying for some time, he found two courtyards in good condition, but the price was high and offered little room for appreciation. Wang Ying was not interested in speculative trouble.

However, there were properties with potential for appreciation.

Wang Ying picked up the ledger for the other street just as the office manager arrived. “Master Wang, a rare guest!”

Wang Ying greeted him. “I’m here to look at properties, to see if there’s anything suitable to purchase.”

Hearing this, Sun Peng hurried to have tea prepared. “Are you looking for shops or residences?”

“Let’s see the residences.”

“How large a property are you seeking? As for location, no particular requirements?”

Flipping through several pages, Sun Peng said, “Here are seven small courtyards along one alley. The price is reasonable, one set for one hundred to eighty taels. As for [this street], you know, it’s mixed with all sorts of people.”

Wang Ying calculated silently: eighty taels per courtyard, seven courtyards, totaling only five to six hundred taels—quite affordable.

If the war continued, more refugees would arrive, and these properties could easily be resold for three to four times the purchase price.

“Are there any other properties besides these?”

Sun Peng knew Wang Ying intended to buy for speculation. Recently, many had come to the office with the same intention. Most were purchasing on Yang Street, whereas [this street] attracted little attention.

“Yes!” Sun Peng turned a few pages further. “Here are two more alleys with sixteen courtyards. I wonder if Master Wang can take them all.”

“So many vacant houses? What about the people here?”

Sun Peng cleared his throat. “To be frank, a few years ago, floods caused an epidemic in this area. The residents all perished, and the houses were confiscated. The government estate office found them small and poorly located, so they were transferred to me. If that matters, forget it…”

Wang Ying had no objections; he had no intention of living there. “Have the houses been cleaned up?”

“Of course. After the epidemic, the area was sealed by soldiers. The dead were taken outside the city for cremation, and the houses were tidied.”

Wang Ying asked, “If I were to take all these houses, what’s the minimum price?”

Sun Peng picked up an abacus, clicking and clacking before writing down 1,108 taels of silver.

“A little cheaper.”

“Master Wang, this price is already generous, given to you on account of our acquaintance. For anyone else, I would ask two thousand taels without negotiation. Our office has long valued the principle of honesty.”

Wang Ying trusted him. Those familiar with the deal also agreed it was reasonable.

“Can you show me the houses sometime?”

“Certainly, Master Wang. If you are free now, we can go immediately.”

“Good.”

The two rode in the office carriage directly to [this street]. Since arriving in the prefectural city, it was Wang Ying’s first visit here. Compared with Yang Street, the alleys were narrower and the roads bumpier.

This road had been constructed simultaneously with Yang Street. However, with frequent transport wagons, the surface had been worn into ruts, creating an uneven terrain.

After traveling for about half an hour, they arrived. Wang Ying looked around; the environment was satisfactory and not as dilapidated as imagined. The alley could accommodate a single wagon.

Inside, there were ten households; three were inhabited, while the rest were vacant.

Sun Peng walked along, explaining, “Though this is [this street], it is not far from the military camp, so the area is relatively safe. Mind your step, Master Wang.”

Wang Ying looked down and noticed fresh cow dung, barely missing stepping in it.

“Yes, it’s dirty, but it can’t be helped. People here are ordinary folk, many of whom are farmers with livestock. Naturally, it cannot compare to Yang Street.”

He nodded and continued forward with Sun Peng.

At the first house, they opened the gate. It was a standalone courtyard with three rooms and an annex. Because it had been unattended for some time, weeds grew between the courtyard stones.

However, as Sun Peng had said, the interior was relatively clean, with some simple furniture remaining.

Sun Peng said, “Though these houses are listed at the office, formal transaction procedures must still go through the government estate office. Leave it all to me.”

After inspecting the seven courtyards, they traveled by carriage to the two other alleys with sixteen houses. Some were

newer, some older, but all were habitable and could be rented or resold without difficulty.

After viewing everything, Wang Ying decided to acquire all the properties.

Sun Peng could hardly contain his delight. “Master Wang may earn a fortune from these houses.”

“I am merely dabbling. As long as these old houses do not result in a loss, it is satisfactory. During this period, I imagine many people are looking to acquire property in the prefectural city.”

“Indeed. Unlike other commodities, real estate involves hundreds or even thousands of taels. Only a few can manage such transactions. The Yang family’s trading office purchased ten courtyards on Yang Street. The Hongyun Building’s owner on Tong Street purchased three. Others have been quiet.”

Wang Ying’s thoughts shifted. The Hongyun Building was run by Madam Qin. He had not expected her to buy property as well, confirming that real estate in Jizhou truly had potential for appreciation.

The property transfers proceeded smoothly. Payment was made, and the following day, all twenty-three courtyards were officially owned by Wang Ying.

After securing the deeds, Wang Ying continued his usual vegetable-selling business. By late March and early April, he would resume selling ice.

He had initially thought that the houses would take months to appreciate. Unexpectedly, within half a month, a large wave of refugees from the Northwest arrived, and real estate prices in Jizhou surged dramatically.