Chapter 202: The Slave Market (Please Support and Subscribe)

If the two sisters, Murong Feng and Murong Huang, could master the Dugu Nine Swords, combined with the refined internal energy cultivated from twenty years of the Yi Jin Jing, they would be considered top-tier warriors of the second rank in this world. After all, the world of "Qin’s Moon" is unlike the low-martial arts realm of "Smiling Proud Wanderer." In this world, only those born with innate talent can be deemed first-rate masters, and above the first-rate masters, there are supreme masters.

In the world of "Qin’s Moon," one must become an innate talent to be regarded as a true master; otherwise, one cannot even release internal energy externally—what’s the point then? In the "Qin’s Moon" anime, characters like Snow Maiden, Big Hammer, and Gao Jianli all have the ability to project their internal energy, not to mention even stronger masters such as Wei Zhuang, Shao Siming, and Star Soul. If one has not reached the innate level, it is better not to go out and embarrass oneself.

After passing on the martial arts to Murong Feng and Murong Huang, Xiao Xie led the sisters to the slave market. In such chaotic times, the existence of slaves was quite normal, and many slaves were remnants of the Six Kingdoms, defeated soldiers taken captive, or children from impoverished families who could not afford to raise their own. In the turmoil, it was better for these children to be sold to slave owners than to starve to death beside their parents. At least, if they encountered a kind family, they might survive.

Xiao Xie and the sisters toured the slave market. The slaves outside were all ragged, emaciated, and dull-eyed, considered lower-tier slaves. To find good slaves required negotiation with the owners. High-quality slaves were carefully tended to so they could sell at a good price.

Murong Feng and the others looked on at these slaves with much pity but understood that none of this was within their power to change.

“Better to be a dog in times of peace than a man in times of chaos,” Xiao Xie muttered as he looked at the slaves, deeply understanding the meaning behind the phrase. For common folk, chaotic times meant the constant threat of losing everything and family destruction.

Xiao Xie took Murong Feng and the others to the largest slave market. Though he sympathized with the slaves, he had no intention of rescuing them all. There were simply too many slaves in the world, and the wealth gap could never be fully erased.

“I’m Wang Yeyun, but you can call me Fatty Wang. I see you’re unfamiliar around here—must be your first time!” As soon as they entered, a wealthy-looking, well-dressed middle-aged man with jade rings on his hands and a large belly greeted them eagerly.

“Boss Wang, show us your best goods! As long as the quality is good, this young master doesn’t mind the price!” Xiao Xie glanced at Fatty Wang and said calmly.

Hearing this, Fatty Wang immediately wore a mercantile smile. Judging by Xiao Xie’s attire and the two maidservants following him, Murong Feng and Murong Huang, he knew this young master was not short of money; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come personally.

“Right this way, young master. We just received a fresh batch of slaves. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!” Fatty Wang led them to the backyard where the high-quality slaves were kept.

“Xiao Feng, Xiao Huang, look around and see what the manor needs. Pick a few yourselves!” Xiao Xie said to the sisters after looking over the hundreds of slaves guarded in the backyard.

“Yes, young master!” The sisters bowed slightly and began selecting slaves.

These high-quality slaves were indeed far better than those outside. They all had rosy complexions, wore new clothes, and appeared better dressed than ordinary commoners.

Xiao Xie walked over to the female slaves. They ranged from as young as seven or eight years old to at most twenty-five or twenty-six but were now like merchandise for him to choose from. The stark difference in eras shocked him for a moment, but he quickly regained composure and started picking.

These female slaves were carefully selected by their owners. Though all were delicate in appearance, Xiao Xie chose twenty of the best-looking young women, aged fifteen to twenty, to manage the daily household duties in the rear courtyard. Appearance mattered in such roles.

After Xiao Xie finished selecting female slaves, Murong Feng and Murong Huang also made their choices, mostly strong-bodied male slaves. Twenty of the males were to serve as house guards, while the rest had special skills, such as chefs skilled in cooking, former stewards of wealthy families, or accountants.

“Fatty Wang, how much for these slaves?” Xiao Xie asked the beaming owner.

Rubbing his hands, Fatty Wang replied with a shrewd smile, “Young master, these are all premium slaves, so the price is a bit higher—ten gold coins each, totaling four hundred and eighty gold coins.”

Ten gold coins per slave might not sound like much, but in this era, one gold coin could support a family of three for a whole year. Slaves outside could be bought for ten per gold coin.

Xiao Xie didn’t bargain and said to Murong Feng behind him, “Xiao Feng, pay up!”

“Yes, young master.” Murong Feng took out four hundred and eighty gold coins from her pouch and handed them over.

“Young master, you’re a breath of fresh air! Fatty Wang loves dealing with straightforward customers like you,” Fatty Wang said with a broad grin as he handed the slave contracts to Murong Feng.

Xiao Xie waved off the flattery, “No need to butter me up. If you have good slaves next time, save them for me. You won’t be shortchanged.”

“Of course, of course!” Fatty Wang nodded eagerly. Such generous spenders were his lucky patrons; he wouldn’t dare offend them.

“Xiao Feng, Xiao Huang, let’s go!” Xiao Xie called to the sisters and turned to leave.

“Yes, young master.” Seeing Xiao Xie depart, Murong Feng hurriedly gathered the newly purchased slaves and followed. There was no worry about escape; runaway slaves were pursued and captured by government troops.

“Young master, come again soon!” Fatty Wang shouted after Xiao Xie’s retreating figure, then looked down at the gold coins in his hand with joy. Though the official price was ten gold coins per slave, his buying cost was eight gold coins each. He hadn’t expected Xiao Xie to refuse to haggle, essentially earning him an extra hundred gold coins. How could he not be pleased?

...

Back at the Xiao Manor, Xiao Xie gathered all the slaves together. Seeing their somewhat confused expressions, he spoke, “From today on, you are all people of the Xiao Manor. The female servants will be assigned to the inner courtyard, while the male guards must work only in the outer courtyard and are forbidden from entering the rear courtyard. Anyone who breaks these rules will not blame me for being ruthless.”

The slaves tensed slightly at his words. As their master, Xiao Xie held their lives in his hands; even if he chose to kill them, no one would object.

“Do good work, and every day you’ll have a meal with meat. You’ll also receive a monthly allowance, and freedom may not be impossible,” Xiao Xie continued. A balance of sternness and kindness is the key to managing subordinates.

His words sparked a flicker of hope in the slaves’ eyes. As slaves, their greatest wish was to be freed from bondage. And having meat daily was a rare luxury many hadn’t tasted in ages.

“All right, from now on, Murong Feng and Murong Huang will arrange your duties,” Xiao Xie said, nodding to the sisters before turning back to the rear courtyard. Arranging the slaves’ work was a trivial matter for him; the two sisters, born into a well-off family, could handle it with ease.