Chapter 33: Reaching a Preliminary Cooperation Agreement

Chen Tong carefully observed the actual conditions of these mountain strongholds.

The bandits were in dire straits. Although they had stockpiled a significant amount of mountain goods and precious medicinal herbs, the chaotic times had brought normal trade to a near standstill. They could find no reliable channels to sell their wares. These goods had become a heavy burden, piling up in their hands with no way to convert them into cash, leaving them in increasingly desperate poverty. Many were struggling even to secure basic food and shelter.

"Brothers, I have an idea," Chen Tong suggested. "We don't necessarily have to trade with hard currency. My contacts—influential big-time merchants with extensive networks—are very interested in the mountain goods and herbs you have."

"You can trade these goods for the blades, clothing, or other necessities you urgently need from my end. This way, everyone gets what they need, and we all benefit. Isn't that a win-win?"

As they listened, the dim look in the men's eyes brightened, and expressions of surprise and joy appeared on their faces. A burly man with a thick, bristly beard couldn't help but clap in approval.

"Chief Xie, that is a brilliant idea! We’ve been at our wits' end lately, unable to sell these things, and we’re barely keeping the pot boiling. This is perfect! We can offload our stock and get practical supplies in return. It’s exactly what we need!"

At this point, a sturdy, hunter-like leader stepped forward, a simple and honest smile on his face. "Chief Xie, I am Liu Meng, leader of Eagle Beak Stronghold. We usually make our living by hunting, and we are in dire need of reliable blades and warm clothing. Your proposal hits right at the heart of our needs. We are willing to cooperate with you!"

Following him, a thin man with sharp, discerning eyes stood up. "Chief Xie, I am Chen Feng of Clear Wind Stronghold. Although our group is small, we have plenty of quality goods. We trust you. Let’s do as you said—we're in!"

Soon after, an older leader with a goatee chimed in. "Chief Xie, I am Zhao Laoqi of White Cloud Stronghold. We have been looking for a reliable partner, and it seems we’ve finally found one. Count us in, too!"

Chen Tong was overjoyed. A broad smile spread across his face as he quickly replied, "Excellent! Then it’s settled. I will designate a location, and we shall meet there for the trade."

After a lively discussion, with everyone chiming in, Chen Tong and the three strongholds finalized the location and a rough timeframe for the exchange.

***

Once the arrangements were made, Chen Tong and Xie Hu bid everyone farewell. On the journey back, Xie Hu was flushed with excitement.

"Brother Xie, this was a massive success! I never imagined we could strike such a deal with other strongholds. Eagle Beak, Clear Wind, and White Cloud—they all seem like honest folks. If we work together, we’re going to achieve great things!"

The two rode their horses toward the setting sun, heading back to Black Wind Stronghold. The golden twilight cast long shadows behind them.

Upon returning to the new village, Chen and Xie headed straight for Xie Qingshuang’s quarters. She was in the courtyard, instructing several men on organizing farm tools. Seeing them return, she hurried over, her eyes filled with urgency and expectation.

"Brother Xie, Second-in-Command, how did the meeting go?"

Chen Tong smiled. "Qingshuang, the results are significant. Not only did we learn about the state of the stronghold alliance, but we also reached a cooperation agreement with several of them."

A flash of pleasant surprise crossed Xie Qingshuang’s eyes. "Really? That’s wonderful! Tell me, which strongholds?"

Chen Tong gave her a full account of Eagle Beak, Clear Wind, and White Cloud, then added, "We’ve agreed on the trade, and I’ve chosen the old Black Wind Stronghold as our meeting point. It seems we’ll need to put some work into restoring the place."

Xie Qingshuang nodded. "Indeed. The old stronghold is strategically located—easy to defend and hard to attack. It’s the perfect place for trade. However, it has been abandoned for some time, so it certainly needs a good renovation."

Chen continued, "Beyond fixing up the site, we need to prepare the exchange goods. I intend to provide some coarse grain." He pulled a small bag containing a mixture of wheat and corn from his robe and handed it to her. "Look, this coarse grain is nutritious, high-yield, and easy to store."

Xie Qingshuang took the bag, examined it closely, and pinched a few grains. "It looks decent enough, the kernels are full. But the texture... I fear it won't compare to fine rice or flour, will it?"

Chen Tong smiled and explained, "Qingshuang, you're right. But in these chaotic times, filling one's stomach is what matters most. Besides, this grain has a unique flavor when cooked properly. Whether we boil it into porridge or make it into flatbreads, it’s a solid choice."

Xie Qingshuang frowned slightly, concerned. "But if we use this to trade with the other strongholds, will they be willing?"

Chen Tong replied confidently, "Don't worry. I’ve inquired—these strongholds are all short on food. To them, having enough to fill their bellies is more important than anything else. Even if our grain isn't refined, it’s filling and plentiful. They’ll certainly be interested."

Xie Qingshuang nodded. "What you say makes sense. However, we should also prepare other items. We need to gather more of those blades and clothes we discussed earlier."

Chen Tong agreed. "You're right. I’ll arrange for the men to start preparing. Also, we must organize a group to repair the old Black Wind Stronghold so everything is ready before the trade."

With that, Xie Qingshuang took a group of men to the site to begin the reconstruction. Chen Tong, meanwhile, chose Tie Niu as his assistant, and the two set off for the nearby Qingping County.

As they entered the county, a mix of familiar and strange sights flooded Chen Tong’s vision. Memories of his past life surged through his mind. The streets were bustling, filled with the constant clamor of hawkers and passersby.

Relying on his memory, Chen Tong found a shop on a busy street. A clerk was inside, busy organizing goods. Chen approached him and said politely, "My friend, excuse me, I’d like to discuss some business with you."

The clerk looked up, sizing Chen Tong up. Seeing his simple attire and the rugged air of a mountain man, a mocking smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You? Want to talk business? Do you have any idea how difficult business is? Don't waste my time here. In this day and age, the business world is full of traps. What could a mountain man like you possibly know?"