Sheng Lengshuang’s mouth twitched, utterly speechless. "Mother, your daughter isn't worried about getting married. Why must you insist on pushing me towards Mo Lingxi? He hasn't passed my test yet."
Madam Sheng: "…I will not interfere in the matters between you and Prince Mingrui. You've always had your own ideas, and nothing I say can change your attitude. It's better to let you have your way, lest you resent me in the future."
Sheng Lengshuang tugged at her hand, acting spoiled. "How could I resent Mother? I know Father and Mother are doing this for my own good. We wish you would manage me more."
Madam Sheng smiled and lightly tapped her forehead twice, filled with contentment and happiness. "That's right, you mentioned recruiting people earlier. Since you plan to plant bamboo on the mountain, why not buy some slaves? It's more reliable than hiring people."
"With the deeds of sale in hand, I doubt those slaves would dare to do anything. But it's different with hired people."
Sheng Lengshuang had considered this. "Mother, I came from a village. Some people in Shili Slope Village took care of Xiao Feng and me back then. I was thinking of recruiting from the surrounding villages this time and having the estate's stewards keep an eye on them."
She had been a peasant girl and knew very well how difficult life was for villagers. Therefore, wherever she could, she was willing to lend a hand.
Madam Sheng looked at her with great pity and affection. "You suffered so much those years."
Sheng Lengshuang, however, didn't see it that way. "Mother, it's all in the past. Why bring it up again? Our current life is good enough. Besides, it wasn't really suffering back then."
"If not for those days, I might have become a second Tao Li."
It was precisely because of those hard times that she cherished the current good life even more, that she desired a peaceful existence and no longer wanted to be entangled in disputes.
Madam Sheng sighed. "It's good that you have this mindset. For many people, after experiencing so much, they would harbor complaints and dissatisfaction. Lengshuang, your father and I don't ask for great wealth or status. We only wish for you to live the rest of your life happily and safely."
Sheng Lengshuang hugged her. "Mother, Father, I understand. Our family will definitely live happily and safely for a lifetime, without encountering those bad things again."
She wouldn't let anyone ruin the happiness she had finally obtained, so she was determined to deal with Sima Min and the others.
…
Sheng Lengshuang, accompanied by two maids, arrived at the slave market.
The slave market was similar to what was depicted on television, with the only difference being that it was very orderly. No one spoke loudly, nor were servants beaten or scolded, and the servants were not dressed in rags.
Upon entering the slave market, guests were led by an attendant.
The attendant's attitude was neither humble nor overbearing, with a broad smile that inspired goodwill. "What kind of slaves are you looking to buy, Miss? We have all sorts of slaves here, and the prices vary depending on the type."
Sheng Lengshuang scanned the area and stated her requirements. "I need people who know how to farm, preferably those familiar with various crops and livestock. Also, if any know martial arts, that would be even better."
The attendant pondered for a moment. "In that case, please wait a moment, Miss. I will arrange for the slaves you require to be brought here."
He beckoned to a helper, who then led Sheng Lengshuang and her two maids to a private room to sit down. Tea and refreshments were served, and the helper stood by, awaiting further instructions.
Sheng Lengshuang picked up her teacup and took a sip, thinking about planting bamboo while waiting for the attendant.
Before long, the attendant returned with over a dozen men and women, who then bowed to Sheng Lengshuang.
He divided these people into two groups. The group on his left was smaller, consisting of five or six people, one of whom was a woman with a weathered face. The rest were on his right.
"Miss, those on my left know martial arts, and those on my right know farming. Do you see anyone suitable?"
Sheng Lengshuang noticed that most of the people present were looking at her pleadingly, hoping she would buy them. She remained unmoved. "Those who know martial arts, please demonstrate."
The attendant urged the few on the left to showcase their skills. "This is your opportunity. This lady is buying many people. If you miss this chance, who knows when the next will come."
The first to step forward was a burly middle-aged man with a full beard. He performed a set of Tong Bei Quan, exuding power and ferocity.
Sheng Lengshuang, seated, could feel the sharp power of his fists. Her expression unchanged, she nodded. "May I ask why you were sold?"
The middle-aged man smiled bitterly. "I was originally a镖师 (bodyguard). I had a wife and children. Although life wasn't particularly easy, we were happy. However, during one escort mission, we were ambushed. Not only did I have to compensate them on the spot, but I also lost my wife and children."
Sheng Lengshuang saw the attendant nod, indicating that the man's story was true. Slaves brought to the market were generally investigated to ascertain the reasons for their arrival, to avoid any issues or troubles.
"Next."
Except for the middle-aged woman, the rest of the individuals demonstrated their skills and explained why they were sold, which piqued Sheng Lengshuang's interest in her.
"Why aren't you demonstrating?"
The middle-aged woman merely glanced at Sheng Lengshuang, did not answer, and seemed indifferent to whether she would be bought.
"Miss, it's like this," the attendant said, bowing slightly and sighing. "She is an unfortunate soul. Her family were guards, so she learned some martial arts from her parents since childhood. After growing up, she married her ex-husband according to her parents' wishes."
"In the beginning, everything was fine. Until her ex-husband's true nature was revealed. He was a man who was both lustful and abusive. Not only did he cause her to miscarry, but he also brought concubines into the household one after another. Furthermore, he frequented brothels."
"She didn't refrain from struggling or resisting, but she was a woman after all. Her parents scolded her, her in-laws disliked her, and even the concubines instigated her ex-husband to sell her. She didn't want to be bought, thinking she would just stay here."
"I felt pity for her and thought perhaps Miss could buy her, allowing her to live a better life."
Sheng Lengshuang nodded. Hearing the soft sobs of her two maids, she shook her head. She didn't feel much sympathy for this. It wasn't that she was cold-blooded, but rather that there were too many people in the world deserving of sympathy, and she couldn't possibly feel sympathy for a stranger.
Moreover, this was how the world was.
"Do you want to follow me? There aren't many rules where I am. Your main task will be to watch over things on the mountain, and you won't need to interact much with others."
She had a hunch that this woman was loyal. Besides, as a woman herself, buying a woman who knew martial arts would be much more convenient in certain matters.
The middle-aged woman still did not speak, nor did she look at Sheng Lengshuang.
Sheng Lengshuang was unbothered. She then turned to the people on the other side and pointed to nearly ten of them. "I'll take these ten people. How much will it be?"
The attendant's face broke into a wide smile, rubbing his hands together. "Miss, as you know, slaves with some skills are priced a bit higher. However, considering you are buying so many, I will give you a discount. Forty-six taels of silver in total, what do you say?"