The queue ahead, though long, moved swiftly.
Soon, it was Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao's turn. They proceeded forward.
The pawn process was also quite fast.
As the treasures they brought were quite valuable, they were invited to wait in a side hall. Many affluent families were present, so the side hall wasn't exclusively for the young couple; other elegantly dressed individuals were also there.
Yet, they did not converse with each other.
The side hall also required waiting for the preceding transactions to conclude.
During this time, tea and refreshments were continuously provided.
Warm servings were brought in frequently.
However, everyone present was cautious, and no one touched the refreshments.
The young servants were unfazed,
replacing the items periodically, filling the air with the aroma of tea, always diligent.
Cheng Hao waited patiently for a while.
Su Miaomiao was starting to feel drowsy.
It was only then that the shopkeeper arrived. He was very cordial. After appraising their treasures,
he quoted a price.
It was close to the price Cheng Hao had learned, even slightly higher. He attempted to negotiate a bit, but then decided to sell outright for fifteen hundred taels of silver.
Pawning had two types: live pawn and dead pawn.
Live pawn meant the pawnshop would keep the item for a fixed period, after which the owner could redeem it by paying a fee.
Dead pawn meant selling the item to the pawnshop.
The shopkeeper was naturally pleased to acquire such a fine jade ornament.
He paid them promptly.
He then inquired, "May I ask, sir, do you prefer bank notes or silver ingots? Our bank notes are from the Huang Family Bank, accepted throughout Que Prefecture City."
If they wanted silver, he would have to send someone to fetch it, and it was rather heavy.
The old shopkeeper, being astute, guessed from the young couple's independent arrival that they weren't trying to pilfer family heirlooms to sell secretly. They likely needed money for something specific. Thus, he subtly suggested that Huang Family bank notes were universally usable within the city.
Cheng Hao then asked, "Can the city entry fee also be paid with your Huang Family bank notes?"
The old shopkeeper immediately understood and his smile became even more solicitous. "Naturally, sir. I shall fetch the notes for you right away!"
He said this and prepared to retrieve them himself.
Cheng Hao had initially considered exchanging for some silver ingots. But then he thought about the unknown head tax for Shan'ao Village. The extra five hundred taels could remain as bank notes. They would be in Que Prefecture City for a while, and this money would be spent quickly, especially since they would need to rent a place later.
That, too, would be a significant expense.
So, he said no more, letting the old shopkeeper bring the bank notes. They were in denominations of one hundred taels each, presumably for his convenience.
It was indeed thoughtful.
Cheng Hao confirmed their authenticity. The official seal of the government was present, indicating no major issues. Furthermore, being an established establishment of many years, they wouldn't risk their reputation for such a matter. Thus, he accepted them readily and took his leave.
The old shopkeeper was busy but still courteously escorted them a few steps, offering his congratulations. Anyone capable of redeeming such a sum of money must come from a respectable family.
He earned his living through shrewdness and keen observation, thus always acting with propriety.
Cheng Hao maintained a demeanor befitting a young master, showing no sign of nervousness throughout, which prevented the shopkeeper from looking down on him. It seemed to be effective.
Su Miaomiao, seeing him handle everything so competently, was content to relax.
Upon exiting, she saw that Qi Yuan had also finished her transaction and was standing there, seemingly waiting for them.
As it turned out, she was indeed waiting.
Cheng Hao found her troublesome.
But seeing Su Miaomiao happy, he tolerated this minor annoyance.
Qi Yuan had come to bid them farewell. Smiling, she said, "I was waiting for you two to say goodbye. After all, we've met. If you have free time in the future, or want to go anywhere, Miaomiao, you can always find me!"
As she spoke, she gave them her address, saying they could chat properly when they had the chance.
Su Miaomiao smiled and agreed.
Qi Yuan then departed happily.