......After that, Li Shopkeeper led them to a dental agency on North Street of Yiyang Town.
"This is the place. My friend runs a dental business here and is familiar with this area."
Upon hearing this, Gu Jinchen nodded, and Luo Ge glanced at the name of the agency.
'Yiyang agency,' it seemed to be an official agency.
"Old Liu, are you here?" Li Shopkeeper called out as they entered, announcing their arrival before seeing anyone.
"Coming, coming."
Hearing Li Shopkeeper's voice, a middle-aged man around his age emerged from the back of the agency.
He was still fastening his belt, clearly having just finished using the restroom (don't overthink it).
"What's the matter, shouting like you're calling a soul back," he responded without even looking up, suggesting a close familiarity with Li Shopkeeper.
"Ahem, ahem, could you show some decorum in front of guests?" Li Shopkeeper felt embarrassed and cleared his throat, glancing at Luo Ge and the others.
Hearing this, the other man looked up in puzzlement, only then noticing Gu Jinchen and Luo Ge.
His demeanor changed instantly, like a magic trick, adopting a professional manner with a trademark smile.
"Why didn't you let me know you were bringing clients? Heheh, welcome, what can I interest you in? I have fine estates, land, horses, cattle, you name it."
After chiding Li Shopkeeper, he immediately switched to a friendly sales pitch.
"If you're looking to purchase people, I have those too. Just let me know if you prefer live contracts or dead contracts."
"Live contracts are cheaper, dead contracts more expensive, but you can rest assured that anyone from me will be quick and obedient."
Before Li Shopkeeper could say anything, Old Liu had already launched into his habitual sales patter.
"......" Ahem, a true professional salesman.
Unable to bear it any longer, Li Shopkeeper gave him a kick: "Stop rattling off your usual spiel. Didn't I ask you to keep an eye out for news about that estate yesterday? I've brought people to take a look."
Hearing this, Old Liu finally understood.
"Ah, yes, we've just become available. Would it be too much trouble for you to show us around?" Luo Ge smiled and spoke gently.
Gu Jinchen stood silently beside her.
"Of course, of course, I'll take you there right away."
Selling an estate, now that's a big deal!
For such an important transaction, Old Liu was naturally enthusiastic, and went to fetch some key rings.
Seeing him leave, Li Shopkeeper smiled apologetically at Luo Ge and the others.
"He's just like that, but his resources are abundant and he's trustworthy. You can feel at ease."
"Yes, we understand. Anyone introduced by Li Dage is someone we can trust," Luo Ge replied, prompting a nod and smile from Li Shopkeeper.
"Old Li, are you coming too?" Old Liu had returned with the keys and asked Li Shopkeeper.
Li Shopkeeper looked at Luo Ge and the others.
"No need, the Fuxin Shop must be busy right now. Li Dage, you should go back and mind the store. We'll go with Brother Liu."
Sensing Li Shopkeeper's hesitation, Luo Ge smiled and defused the situation.
The Fuxin Shop had indeed been very busy lately, and they didn't want to impose on Li Shopkeeper further.
Hearing this, Li Shopkeeper nodded after a moment's thought: "Very well."
"This is my brother Gu Jinchen and my sister Luo Ge. Old Liu, take good care of them," he reminded Old Liu with a pat on the shoulder before leaving.
"Don't worry, judging by your demeanor, it's not like I can kidnap them and sell them off. I work for the officials, you know," Old Liu joked in response.
Seeing that Luo Ge and the others had brought a carriage, Old Liu decided to ride with them instead of making separate arrangements.
"I'll sit up front if you don't mind. I've been to the estate before, so I can give directions," he suggested before they boarded.
"Sure."
Gu Jinchen drove the carriage, with Old Liu giving directions from the front, and Luo Ge sitting in the carriage behind.
"The two estates aren't far from town. One is a bit larger, around 200 mu in total area, while the other is around 100 mu. Which one would you like to see first?"
"Let's start with the larger one," Gu Jinchen said.
Judging from the produce in Luo Ge's space, they would need to find a sizable mountain area.
Luo Ge had the same thought.
"Alright, then we'll head east from the town gates. The smaller estate is to the west."
Although both estates were about the same distance from town, they were in opposite directions.
Gu Jinchen and Luo Ge exchanged a knowing look, as going east from the town gates would take them in the direction of their village, but neither said anything.
......Just as Old Liu had said, the estate was indeed not far away, only about ten li from their village.
It was a secluded mountain estate, surrounded by mountains and divided by a river. Their village was the closest one nearby.
However, the estate seemed to have been abandoned for some time and looked rather desolate.
From the gate at the foot of the mountain, there were only some houses halfway up the slope, but they were all covered in thick cobwebs, and the wood had started to rot. If they wanted to use the buildings, they would need to spend time renovating them.
"This estate has been vacant for a while. The previous owner got into some trouble and it was confiscated. It only recently became available for sale."
"It's being put up for sale by the officials, so you can rest assured about that."
"As for the current condition of the estate, well, you can see it for yourselves."
"The mountain isn't too high, and the soil is fertile, good for growing crops. It's just that these houses are quite dilapidated, so if you want to use them, you'll need to renovate them first."
Old Liu explained the situation of the estate to them.
Luo Ge and Gu Jinchen nodded in understanding, then turned to look at each other.
The land was indeed quite good. The mountain wasn't too high, and it was situated next to the main river of Yiyang Town, which was convenient.
They felt it could work.
"How much silver would this estate cost?" Gu Jinchen inquired.
"This estate covers an entire mountain, with a total area of 212 mu. It's not a small plot, and the land quality is decent."
"You should already know the current land prices. For land like this, it's at least 9 taels of silver per mu."
"Just calculating the land alone, it would be around 2,000 taels."
"With the houses included, the total comes to 2,300 taels, and you can take it all."
"This price is the cheapest you'll find for an estate of this caliber. The downside is that the estate has been abandoned and nothing is currently being cultivated."
"If you were to purchase it now, you'd be getting a real bargain." Old Liu concluded with a grin.
Indeed, if the estate were in normal condition, with crops growing and the houses intact, the price would be much higher.
At the very least, it wouldn't start with a three.
Although the houses were damaged, there were quite a few of them, occupying around 20 mu, enough to form a small village.
Upon hearing this, Luo Ge nodded, and the young couple exchanged a glance.
"Let's go and take a look at another farmhouse."
The price was within an acceptable range of their budget, and the size was sufficient. They quite liked the place despite its lack of any crops planted, but the dilapidated condition of the house was a problem.
If they were to fix it up, it would require a considerable amount of expenditure and time.
It would be better to look around and compare some more options.
"Okay."
Old Liu had a general understanding of the young couple's thoughts, and without further comment, Luo Ge led the way to show them the directions.
