Liu Jin didn't care about the other party's disdainful expression; his face was calm as he walked over and politely said, "Shopkeeper, I'd like to pawn a residence."
Hearing this, the Middle-aged Shopkeeper's indifferent face instantly lit up with joy.
One must know that residences within the city were not cheap, starting at least from ten thousand coins. If it was in a prosperous area or the residence was large enough, it could sell for tens of thousands of coins, and some luxurious mansions even started at a million.
He said with a smile, "May I ask, young master, which residence do you wish to pawn?"
"Our Wu Family Pawnshop will definitely give you a fair price."
Upon hearing this, Liu Jin took out a bamboo slip from his Pregnant. It had the specific address, location, size, and an official government seal, signifying its legality.
During the Han Dynasty, although paper existed, it was not yet widespread and was quite expensive. Only high-ranking officials and nobles could afford it. Most importantly, it was not easy to preserve, so many things were still replaced by bamboo slips.
The Middle-aged Shopkeeper took it and examined it carefully.
He found that the house was somewhat remote and not on a bustling street within the city.
However, housing prices in Zhuo Commandery were still relatively expensive, making it a considerable transaction.
His eyes darted around, revealing a cunning look, and he frowned, saying in a somewhat flat tone, "Young master, your house is a decent size, but it's a bit out of the way, far from the bustling streets. The price might not be high."
"For pawning, our Wu Family Pawnshop will only offer thirty thousand coins."
Liu Jin's face instantly darkened upon hearing this. He hadn't expected this black-hearted shopkeeper to pressure the price so low.
One must know that Zhuo Commandery was no small city; it was the seat of the commandery, with hundreds of thousands of residents, basically in short supply.
Furthermore, his own residence had a considerable area, and it didn't take long to reach the bustling areas. It could be considered a high-quality house. No matter how low the price, it couldn't possibly be worth only thirty thousand coins.
It was clear that the Middle-aged Shopkeeper saw him dressed in coarse linen, a man down on his luck, and wanted to pressure the price to make a hefty profit.
His tone became indifferent. "Shopkeeper, I am sincerely pawning this. This price you're offering is simply too low."
After saying this, Liu Jin immediately took the land deed in his hand, looked at Zhao Ergou beside him, and called out, "Let's go, we'll go to Li Family Pawnshop and see; they should give us a fair price."
Hearing this, the Middle-aged Shopkeeper's face instantly showed anxiety. This was a big business; if it went to the Li Family Pawnshop, it would be a pure loss.
After all, for those in the pawnbroking business, they either didn't open for business or, when they did, they made enough to last three years.
With a fawning smile, he quickly reached out and grabbed Liu Jin, who was about to leave, and said with a chuckle, "Hey, young master, if you think the price is low, we can discuss it. There's no need to leave."
Liu Jin snorted coldly, his face showing displeasure, and he continued to walk towards the pawnshop exit.
The Middle-aged Shopkeeper's smiling voice continued, "Since young master thinks the price is low, I'll raise it by another ten thousand. Is forty thousand coins acceptable?"
Liu Jin ignored him, immediately flicking his robe to try and shake off the hand.
Seeing this, the Middle-aged Shopkeeper's brows furrowed tightly.
He hadn't expected this down-and-out young man to be so shrewd, clearly knowing the price of the house inside and out.
After some hesitation, his voice continued, "Young master, I'll add another ten thousand for you."
"This price is already not cheap. Even if you leave our Wu Family Pawnshop and search for other pawnshops in the city, it will be difficult to reach this price."
"If you still don't agree, then I won't stop you any further."
Hearing this, Liu Jin's steps paused slightly, and he pondered in his heart.
He wanted to continue raising the price, but he feared the Middle-aged Shopkeeper wouldn't agree. Pawnshops also needed to make money; if they mortgaged at the same price, they naturally wouldn't accept it.
Even if he sold it at another pawnshop, it would probably be this price, or perhaps even a little less.
After a moment of silence, he nodded. "Alright, I'll mortgage this house for fifty thousand coins."
The Middle-aged Shopkeeper slowly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, truly fearing that this business wouldn't be concluded.
A business worth tens of thousands of coins was not small; they might not encounter one for several months.
He said with a smile, "Since young master wishes to mortgage this house, I must also explain the rules of the Wu Family Pawnshop to you."
"The mortgage period is only one year. Interest is calculated daily, and the longer it's dragged out, the more interest there will be."
"Of course, if you have money, you can repay it early, and the interest will be calculated less. If it's not repaid within one year, this house will belong to our Wu Family Pawnshop."
"If you agree, we will proceed with signing and stamping, and the land deed will be kept in our pawnshop."
The Middle-aged Shopkeeper's mouth curved into a smile, and his eyes showed shrewdness.
Although the house was only in a mortgaged state, once signed and stamped, it would belong to his Wu Family Pawnshop.
If one had money, they could naturally redeem it, but they would have to pay interest.
If it wasn't redeemed after a month, with compound interest, the price would be quite high, exceeding the original price of the house. He presumed this young man wouldn't redeem it.
No matter how you calculated it, the Wu Family Pawnshop would not lose money; on the contrary, they would make a good profit.
Liu Jin nodded as he listened to these terms and conditions.
Although the interest was frighteningly high, it could be considered a usurious loan.
But there was no other way now; the house would be difficult to sell quickly, so it could only be pawned. Only after obtaining money could he arrange things with his clan elders, giving him an opportunity to rise.
One must be willing to sacrifice something to gain something greater. Always being concerned about immediate gains and losses would make it difficult to achieve great things in this life.
Without further ado, he immediately picked up the brush, signed and stamped on the bamboo slip, and finally took out the land deed.
The Middle-aged Shopkeeper took it with a hearty laugh. "Young master, please wait a moment; I will have my subordinates fetch the money."
Liu Jin nodded, not fearing that the Middle-aged Shopkeeper would go back on his word.
After all, this Wu Family Pawnshop had a certain level of trust within the city, especially since the Wu Family behind it was a local powerful clan with vast wealth.
They wouldn't do anything underhanded for such a small amount of money, as it would instead affect the reputation of the entire Wu Family, which was simply not worth it.
To put it another way, Liu Jin wasn't afraid because he had his clan behind him, with many elders serving as high officials in the commandery, naturally not comparable to the Wu Family.
Soon, two boxes were carried out by several strong men and placed in the center of the pawnshop.
The Middle-aged Shopkeeper said with a chuckle, "Young master, the money is here. You can count it."
Liu Jin nodded, and he and Zhao Ergou personally inspected it. Fifty thousand coins was no small sum for them.
Even if they worked diligently, without eating or drinking, it would take decades to save up.
After a rough check, they confirmed everything was in order.
Liu Jin asked, "Shopkeeper, could I borrow a carriage with a driver to help me transport these two boxes?"
The Middle-aged Shopkeeper didn't refuse; it was just a small favor.
Especially since he had just completed a large transaction that filled his pockets, he was in a very good mood.
He waved his hand and said loudly, "Don't worry, young master, I will have someone prepare a carriage to transport them for you."】}