Tricking into the Trap

Seeing that this foreigner could speak the local language, Princess Mira breathed a sigh of relief—no need to find a translator. She definitely didn’t want anyone knowing she was dealing with outsiders.

After all, both the Kingdom of Chu and the Kingdom of Jin were considered the greatest nations under heaven—dealing with lowly foreigners would make her look bad.

“I heard this lady say there are spices here for sale at a good price. I happen to be looking to buy some,” William said.

Lila quickly nodded, “Yes, yes! We have spices here—good quality and cheap prices.”

After speaking, Lila turned and explained quietly to Princess Mira, “I found him near the spice shop. He was about to go in and buy something, but I intercepted him first.”

Hearing that she’d snatched a customer from the spice shop, Princess Mira felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

“May I see the spices?” William asked.

“Of course, everything’s in the warehouse. You can take a look right now.” Lila and Princess Mira led William to the storeroom in the back courtyard of the Suxin Pavilion, where a large batch of spices from the shop was piled up.

William inspected the spices. He looked like he knew his stuff and checked everything thoroughly, then said, “I’ll buy them. All of them. But I want a good price.”

“We’re already offering a twenty percent discount. It’s a great deal. If you want them, they’re yours,” Princess Mira replied.

But William shook his head and held up five fingers. “Fifty percent off. If it’s more expensive than that, I’m not buying.”

“Fifty percent off!? Why don’t you just rob me!” Princess Mira was anxious. “We bought these from the spice shop at auction. They’re exactly the same as theirs. Giving you twenty percent off is already a favor—how can you be so greedy, asking for half price!”

William just shook his head. “I was originally planning to work with the spice shop, negotiate a price, and buy directly from out of town—no need to ship it here. But now, buying from you means I have to pay for shipping myself, and that’s part of my cost. Plus, buying your spices is a big risk for me. If I get found out, the Zhang Family Spice Shop won’t work with me again. If the price isn’t right, I’m not taking that risk. Think it over—if you won’t sell, I’ll just buy from the shop.”

“You—you dare threaten a princess!” Princess Mira pointed at William’s nose.

William finished speaking and was about to leave. Lila quickly stopped him, “Don’t go! Let me talk it over with our princess.”

Lila was eager to get rid of the spices—she didn’t want Princess Mira to make things harder for her. She quickly pulled Princess Mira aside, “Princess, maybe we should just sell. What that foreigner said makes sense; he’s paying the shipping and taking a risk. Besides, if he doesn’t buy, we’ll be stuck with the spices.”

Princess Mira gritted her teeth. She was desperate for cash right now—any funds she could recover would help. Lila’s words made her waver.

When Lila saw Princess Mira agree, she went to tell William, “Our princess has agreed to your terms.”

William looked at Lila and shook his head. “I’m not negotiating with you. You’re just a maid—a messenger. I’ll only do business directly with your princess, or not at all.”

Princess Mira had already decided to sell, so she dropped her airs and negotiated with William herself.

William said, “I’m thirsty. I want tea. Princess, have your maid make me some. I want good tea—the best.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll get you some tea.” Princess Mira waved impatiently and told Lila to make it.

As soon as Lila left, William said to Princess Mira, “I’ll buy all the spices—at fifty percent off.”

Princess Mira couldn’t wait to get rid of the goods. “Fine, fine, just buy them already.”