The Cannon Fodder in Quick Transmigration Refuses the Usual Path

Chapter 577: The Three Kingdoms' Little Cannon Fodder 19

Three thousand... gold?

Sun Ce, who had just regained his spirits after escaping death, flopped back down with a thud, his head hitting the pillow.

Just what did three thousand gold mean?

Even according to the earlier official exchange rate, where one gold coin was roughly worth ten thousand copper coins, that amounted to a staggering thirty million plus copper coins.

One must know that in the early years of Emperor Wu's reign, the national treasury's annual income was only several billion copper coins.

However, everyone knew that at this time, the value of one gold coin was only higher; in some places, it could even be worth over twenty thousand copper coins.

A top-tier luxury mansion, at most, cost just over a million copper coins.

In other words, during a hunt where he had only temporarily shaken off his guards to enjoy a brief moment of freedom, he had managed to waste away the majority of his hard-earned personal treasury.

He couldn't take it anymore. He, the Little Conqueror of Jiangdong, needed a moment to process this.

"Gongjin, the three thousand gold you mentioned just now, was that the total cost for purchasing the medicine earlier?"Seeing the other party's desperate struggle, the man in white robes named Gongjin elegantly lifted the hem of his robe and gracefully took the clear tea from the temple maid's hand.

"No. Three thousand gold, for this single pill, and only this single pill."

Just this one pill was something his subordinates had managed to snatch with great difficulty.

"Oh, right!"

As if remembering something, the man in white raised his eyes again and gave him a cool, sidelong glance.

"The previous bottle of high-grade Hemostatic Powder also cost several dozen gold." He had forgotten to calculate that earlier.

However, that expense came from military funds, so it didn't need to be added.

Sun Ce: "..."

"Now I understand why that lord from Northern Ji is so incredibly wealthy!"

Not only was she generous with money, but the compensation she gave to the families of fallen soldiers alone was a full one hundred thousand copper coins per person.

With such lavish spending, even if others wanted to imitate her, they simply couldn't.

Even a commander like Sun Bofu, who cherished his soldiers, could only briefly entertain the thought in his mind.

Of course, both men present also knew that, given that lord's skill in handling economic matters, this was just small change.

"But speaking of which, this medicine is truly excellent!"

After all, he was of a forthright nature; his despondency lasted only a moment. Feeling the strength rapidly returning to his hand, Sun Ce instantly perked up and couldn't help but clap his hands in praise.

His previous injuries had been witnessed by all. Those assailants had come without regard for their own lives, each strike aimed at vital points. Even Sun Bofu himself had thought he was surely dead this time.

Who would have thought the situation would take a turn for the better? Not only did he not die, but from the looks of it, the likelihood of suffering long-term aftereffects wasn't high either.

Looking at it this way:

"This three thousand gold was still worth it!"

Even now, lying in bed, Sun Ce couldn't help but calculate the state of his nearly depleted little treasury.

Such a life-saving item, if possible, the more the better.

Those currently prone to getting into trouble: Little Quan, Gongjin, and, ahem... himself.

Seeing right through the other's thoughts, the Zhou Young Master across from him couldn't help but give a slight roll of his eyes.

This guy had just recovered and was already thinking about running wild again. Without hesitation, he retorted.

"Brother Bofu, you're overthinking it. This medicine was likely released as an auction item back when the Northern Ji medicine market was first established, to build its reputation.

Back then, my subordinate was just lucky, drew a good lot, and happened to have brought enough money that day."

Of course, this also owed something to the foresight of the person before him. But there was no need to mention that now.

"You should know that in all the years since, no matter how many people offered thousands, even tens of thousands of gold in pursuit, they never caught even a glimpse of it."

As his words fell, the exceptionally handsome man in white robes, holding a jade cup, smiled faintly.

"So, I hope Brother Bofu understands that what Eldest Brother's 'momentary negligence' this time cost was not just three thousand gold, but also the meager little lives of us three brothers."

Sun Ce: "..."

Sun Ce: "!!!"

What, does Eldest Brother still want to continue gallivanting alone and keep playing this game in the future?

Meeting the meaningful gaze of his Yu brother, Sun Bofu, now fully recovered on the bed, hurriedly shook his head vigorously.

Early the next morning, after vigorously practicing a round of Tiger Fist, Sun Ce immediately ordered his men to conduct a grand inventory of his personal treasury. He personally led the delivery to his Yu brother's residence.

Zhou Yu also did not decline.

An empty little treasury was one thing; the important point was that certain people really ought to learn some lesson.

Meanwhile, in Xudu.

Learning that another rival had also turned danger into safety and was back to full of life within a couple of days, Cao Aman fell silent once more. But the important thing was:

"Oh? So that pill ended up in the hands of that Jiangdong brat back then!"

Yes, just like Zhou Gongjin back then, the bidders who guessed the other party's purpose and specifically ordered their subordinates to bring large sums of money were not limited to just one person.

Who would have thought that a mere ten gold difference would let someone else get ahead by a single move?

Even though over a year had passed since this incident, Boss Cao still held a grudge about it many times. He had even secretly suspected earlier whether the master of Northern Ji had done it on purpose.

But that was truly wronging someone.

For such a minor matter, once the silver and goods were exchanged, An Ning wouldn't bother keeping a special eye on it. Besides, no matter how foolish these people were, they wouldn't use their real names to participate.

Even she herself only learned of this pill's final destination now.

But... this isn't bad either! An Ning couldn't help but think to herself.

Some people, even if they are future opponents, deserve a measure of respect.

However, what An Ning didn't anticipate was that this matter would bring an unexpected bonus?

Several days later, looking at the elderly man before her dressed in dark black robes, appearing to be around fifty years old yet still full of vigor, An Ning couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

Wait, this man's name is Jia... Jia Xu?

And the man dressed as a military officer beside him is named Zhang Xiu.

Hearing their purpose for coming, An Ning hesitated almost not at all. She straightforwardly took them in and ordered people to arrange proper accommodations for them.

Whether to use them or not was another matter, but it was better they didn't run off to someone else's camp!

Only after watching the obviously pleased back of this figure did she, a moment later, finally couldn't hold back a laugh.

Especially in the following months, when she noticed he was quite diligent. Particularly after realizing that this Young Master of his was indeed quite generous, and that those who made contributions would never lack rewards. After figuring out his lord's temperament, he even subtly hinted:

"Young Master, while gold, silver, silks, and satins are precious, they are not what we seek..."

An Ning: "..."

Understanding the deeper meaning, as a good lord who knew her people well and was considerate of her subordinates, An Ning subsequently replaced the gold and silver she had intended to give him with medicinal teas and wines for health preservation.

Sure enough, not only was he not unhappy afterward, but he also performed even more diligently. He contributed significantly when An Ning's army later marched north to capture You Prefecture.

Being so intent on preserving his own life, even An Ning was left speechless for a moment.

Jia Xu, it seems this person before me... whether he's truly a 'poisonous strategist' or not remains to be seen, but the legendary master of survival... really lives up to the reputation!