Although the city of Sumao was suffering from an epidemic at this time, its population was still considerable.
Even if they were to take action, Shao Bowen was certain that they would not dare to do so within the city.
After all, they were Song merchants. If things got out of hand, they feared that the Song merchants would go on strike, and these people would suffer greatly.
"What if we go through Qinzhou and transport these provisions back?"
After thinking for a moment, Zhe Shijiu asked tentatively.
"That's impossible. Think about it carefully. The journey is long and arduous, passing through rebel and mountain folk territories. Moreover, we are transporting provisions. While grain is not valuable here, in Guangnan Western Circuit, it is a life-saving commodity!"
As Shao Bowen spoke, he couldn't help but let out a wry smile. It was quite ironic, really.
They were safer in enemy territory, but when they moved to their own country, the grain convoy became fraught with danger. If this were to get out, the people of Jiaozhi would likely laugh their heads off.
"Then we have no choice but to walk into their trap!"
"Don't worry, we have brought 3,000 well-trained soldiers with us. Do you think our 3,000 soldiers cannot defeat these wild monkeys?"
True elite forces were forged through combat. Shao Bowen understood this perfectly. Without the tempering of storms, how could a powerful navy be trained?
Therefore, he was quite welcoming of these Jiaozhi people who were delivering themselves to his doorstep.
"You are right, sir. I will send the message back now and have them prepare early!"
"Yes, you just go and busy yourself. Leave this place to me!"
"Understood!"
With their coordinated efforts, the preparations proceeded quickly. By noon the next day, almost all the wealthy families in the city had arrived at the inn.
"Lord Zhang, I am surprised to see you attending such an occasion today. I find it quite perplexing, how can someone of your status engage in business with these merchants?"
Liu Siye said this with a sneer, showing no respect whatsoever.
"Aren't you afraid that I might have someone find and eliminate you one day?"
Without hesitation, Zhang Jing retorted to Liu Siye's provocation.
"Hahaha, my lord, you jest. Would I be incapable of doing what you can do? You don't truly believe that I cannot mobilize the army without a tiger tally, do you!"
"Then let's try it!"
Having gained the absolute initiative, Zhang Jing was becoming impatient at this moment.
Seeing the two of them poised for a confrontation, Shao Bowen's pupils contracted.
However, he said nothing. After all, it was a dog-eat-dog world, and neither of them was a good person. Even if they caused some trouble, it would not result in significant losses for him.
If he could witness them fight here, it would be a rather enjoyable pastime.
As the two hosts' animosity escalated, their subordinates also began to glare at each other. The atmosphere in the small inn became extremely tense.
"Gentlemen, I believe it's about time. Why don't you both take your seats?"
Seeing that the merchants who had rushed over dared not speak, Shao Bowen suddenly said with a smile.
"Mr. Shao is correct. Let's discuss any matters after Mr. Shao has concluded his business!"
Zhang Jing smiled and was the first to take the seat arranged for him by Shao Bowen.
As the lord of the city, he naturally had to sit in the front row, center seat at such an event.
The scions of the other prominent families had to begrudgingly sit in the second row. However, there was nothing that could be done.
Although they were resentful, they could only endure it for now. After all, everyone's goal was the pills that treated malaria.
"Esteemed guests! I, Shao, have traveled a long distance and am not yet familiar with all the distinguished individuals in this city. If there are any shortcomings in my hospitality, I ask for your understanding!"
Seeing that the time was about right, Shao Bowen stepped forward and cupped his fists towards everyone before speaking.
"You are too kind, sir. It is natural for you to be unfamiliar with the situation in this city, having traveled from afar. However, malaria is rampant everywhere now, and I believe everyone is not in the mood to fuss over formalities. I suggest you get straight to the point, sir!"
Compared to superficial pleasantries, Zhang Jing was more concerned about how many pills he would obtain.
After all, malaria spread too quickly.
He had received news this morning that reports of people contracting malaria were starting to emerge from Shenlong Prefecture.
As of now, besides them, no one else in the entire Jiaozhi country had obtained this miraculous medicinal drug.
Regardless of which family they belonged to, everyone's objective was the same at this moment.
"What you say is reasonable. However, the number of pills we have brought is quite limited. For the sake of fairness, I have decided to conduct this auction using the blind bidding method!"
Seeing that no one objected, Shao Bowen naturally saw no point in wasting any more words with them.
"Blind bidding?"
Hearing this, Zhang Jing's brows furrowed.
When he looked at Shao Bowen again, his eyes were filled with a hint of apprehension.
In a normal auction, relying on the reputation of the Liu and Zhang families, those without background would not dare to compete with them before they obtained enough pills.
But if it were a blind auction, things would become troublesome...
"That's right. For the sake of fairness, I have specifically prepared writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones for everyone. There are only 500 pills in total this time. I have divided them into fifty portions, ten pills per portion. The reserve price is five hundred piculs of rice per portion! Of course, even stale rice is acceptable, as long as it is not moldy or rotten!"
"For each round of bidding, please write your bid on the slips placed before you. Specialized personnel will collect them sequentially and record them. After the auction concludes, we will send the certificates to your residences. Once you have completed the grain transaction, you may take what you have bid for!"
After Shao Bowen finished explaining the rules, the entire venue fell silent again.
Both Liu Siye and Zhang Jing saw a strong sense of apprehension in each other's eyes.