The price was not asked for, and the entire stock was to be bought out. This startled Zhao Jiaqi. She smiled, her eyes narrowing to hide a fleeting gleam, and said,
"Esteemed guest, these are wild rabbits. The meat is tender and fresh, and you won't gain weight even if you eat a lot. Moreover, eating rabbit meat has benefits like replenishing qi, detoxifying, and clearing heat and thirst. That's why they're a bit pricier, sixty wen each."
Upon hearing that eating a rabbit had so many benefits, some believed it, while others didn't.
For instance, an elder in the crowd stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly. "This woman speaks the truth. It does have these benefits, but one meal won't suffice for them."
Zhao Jiaqi's eyes lit up. She immediately chimed in with a smile, "Esteemed elder is right. Eating it once or twice a week is best, and long-term consumption is ideal!"
Hearing the town's renowned physician affirm this, many people immediately clamored to buy rabbit meat.
"I'll take one."
"Give me one."
"What are you all shouting about? I've already bought all these rabbits."
The wealthy landowner shouted at the crowd. He pulled out a silver ingot from his wide sleeves and tossed it directly to Zhao Jiaqi. "Wrap them up for me."
"I say, Master Wang, just because you're rich doesn't mean you have to buy them all. Spare us two so we can share and at least get a taste."
"Exactly, we've been waiting here eagerly for so long. At least share some."
Zhao Jiaqi sighed helplessly. She was worried about not being able to sell them, and now she was worried about not having enough to sell.
She respectfully handed the silver ingot back to the guest. "Master Wang, you've given too much. Although rabbit meat is good, overconsumption is not advisable. How about you buy just one to try first? Next time I have new dishes, I'll pack them up and deliver them to your manor for you to try the fresh flavors. What do you think?"
She had given him ample face and provided a graceful way out, depending on whether he chose to take it. If he insisted on buying them all, she would sell, even if it meant she couldn't retain the remaining customers.
Master Wang, being the wealthiest man in town, was not foolish. He didn't necessarily have to have it, but the young woman's gesture pleased him.
"Then I'll take one. It's not easy for everyone to wait so long. Here's the silver. When you have new dishes, send some to my manor."
Indeed, being wealthy, ten taels of silver was a mere trifle to him, easily uttered in a casual remark.
Zhao Jiaqi took back the silver and promised Master Wang, "Rest assured, Master Wang, you won't have spent this ten taels of silver in vain!"
Master Wang nodded. He enjoyed dealing with intelligent people.
As his young attendant took the rabbit from Fan Zehao and was about to leave, Zhao Jiaqi stopped him. "Master Wang, please wait a moment. I have a chicken to give you."
After dealing with Master Wang, she realized that all the remaining rabbits were sold. The speed at which people bought things astonished her.
She kept one chicken and did not sell it. Instead, she gifted it to the elder who had spoken kindly earlier. "Thank you, elder grandfather, for your sincere evaluation earlier. Otherwise, my goods might not have sold so well!"
Qi Xuan shook his head. "I speak on principle, not person. This roasted chicken, I cannot accept such a gift without merit!"
His words were enough to show that the elder was an upright person.
Zhao Jiaqi subtly changed her approach. "The customers are all gone. If this roasted chicken is kept overnight, it will spoil and be a waste. It's better if you eat it. It will benefit your health and prevent waste. This is a small token of my appreciation. You won't refuse, will you, elder grandfather?"
Qi Xuan saw through her subtle intention and laughed heartily as he accepted the chicken. "My clinic is on the east street of town, called Jiren Tang. My name is Qi Xuan. If you have a headache or a fever, come find me, and I'll cure you!"
Qi Xuan did not decline. He took the roasted chicken and left, just as she had told Master Wang, he would not eat this roasted chicken for nothing.
After everyone had left, Fan Zehao stomped his foot angrily. "Who is that old man? Giving him a roasted chicken, and he curses us with illness! I won't give him any next time!"
Zhao Jiaqi kicked him. "Don't be an idiot. He didn't mean it like that. Hurry up and pack up. Mother must be waiting impatiently at home."
"Oh!" Fan Zehao pouted, then busied himself with packing.