"Everyone, this is the fine salt provided by the Lord!"

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

"Are there any objections now?"

"Hmm?"

Under the glow of the torchlight, the merchants stared at the crystalline substance that gleamed like ice and snow, their eyes wide open.

Their gazes were filled with disbelief.

Although they primarily dealt in local agricultural produce and seldom sold fine salt,

they still knew what fine salt looked like.

And judging by the refined and sparkling quality of this fine salt, it was clearly of high quality!

Such fine salt commanded higher prices and was highly sought after by the Lord Nobility and wealthy individuals, thus increasing demand!

Under Mr. Boer's piercing, blade-sharp gaze, Koni's body trembled slightly.

Yet Koni remained somewhat dissatisfied.

He looked at Boer and continued, "Boer, are we to have no share of this fine salt?"

"Don't forget, the winter barley you delivered had a share from all of us!"

"Don't you agree?"

As Koni's words fell, no one responded to him.

Even the young merchant who initially challenged Boer had fallen silent.

Koni raised an eyebrow and looked in surprise at the dozen or so merchants beside him.

"Hmm? Am I wrong? Speak up!"

Still, there was no response.

Koni suddenly felt a pang of fear inside.

He realized that the merchants who were dissatisfied with Boer moments ago were now seeing the fine salt and the enormous profit, unwilling to stand on his side.

What is fine salt?

It's opportunity, it's wealth!

Now, he had become the target of isolation.

Watching the isolated Koni, Boer smiled contentedly.

He nudged his horse and slowly moved forward, circling around Koni.

Koni nervously asked, "Boer, what do you intend to do? I am just worried about my goods."

Boer raised an eyebrow, "Worried about the goods? Just that?"

"I have always promised the price of winter barley to be five pounds per one penny!"

"Although we haven't settled yet, did I ever mention lowering the price?"

Koni stepped back nervously, "No... no."

Boer's voice continued, "Since not, then why spread rumors among them?"

"You're maliciously tarnishing my reputation as a merchant!"

Koni stammered, unsure how to respond, "I... I..."

Boer: "As for fine salt, whether now or later, for the goods you transport, I can offer you market prices in gold pounds and pence or provide you fine salt!"

"Of course, only if I choose to!"

It was he who led these merchants to Master Lynn's territory.

It was also he who gave these merchants the chance to quickly accumulate assets and perhaps even change their fate.

He intended to hold these merchants tightly in his grasp!

Master Lynn offered him fine salt at six pence per pound; he could raise the price to eight pence or even ten pence for these merchants.

He could profit from the differential; likewise, these merchants could also profit from the differential.

Moreover, compared to buying agricultural produce at low prices from villages and selling them in towns, this was much more profitable.

Koni fell silent, not daring to say a word.

Those dissatisfied with Boer also remained silent.

And the merchants who had not spoken wore looks of relief on their faces.

As merchants, they knew very well what it meant to find a territory that sold and exchanged fine salt!

Vast wealth!

Even earning just a little profit could lead them to comfortably live out their lives.

Or even broaden their business, enlarging their family's influence.

Boer turned his gaze back to the crowd, asking, "Now... who still wishes to withdraw from the collaboration?"

No merchant uttered a word; they looked at Boer with gentle eyes.

Those standing beside Koni glanced at each other and returned to the original team.

Koni's group of a dozen gradually shrank, one figure after another departing.

Before long.

All that remained was Koni and the young merchant.

The young merchant seemed to have reached a decision; he spoke to Boer, "Mr. Boer, I've thought it over and still want to collaborate with you and the Lord."

Boer nodded calmly, "Of course you can."

With Boer's approval, the young merchant felt a sudden relief and quickly returned to the team.

On Boer's right side, only Koni remained.

Feeling the pressure from everyone's gaze, Koni felt overwhelmed.

He took a deep breath and, in a complex tone, said, "Mr. Boer, I apologize for my loud and impulsive words earlier."

"Please forgive me and allow me to continue our transactional collaboration."

Boer said nothing, merely staring at Koni.

Not just Boer but all the merchants who changed sides also had their gaze fixed on Koni.

Although there were dozens standing outside the city walls, with more than eighty carriages,

the scene seemed exceptionally silent and cold.

Perhaps it was due to old age and frailty, or maybe because of the chilling night mountain winds.

Koni's legs trembled uncontrollably...

He was just about to speak further.

Boer finally responded, "Alright."

Hearing those two words, Koni felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Boer."

Boer nodded slightly, "Now we've begun our return journey. Head back to your respective towns immediately, fill up your carts with winter barley, and meet in Morgan Town!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.