His concerns were shared by the others. When a windfall suddenly drops into one’s lap, there is always a sense of unreality—a nagging suspicion that one has encountered a swindler. The village chief withdrew his gaze, hesitated for a moment, and said, "We might as well take the statistics. If we can't sell them for that price, we can just sell them to the grain depot, right?"
"We must seize this opportunity! Let’s get moving. Our village has over thirty *shang* of cornfields! Think of how much money that is!"
He preferred to believe it was real; it would add a brilliant chapter to his political record. If it failed, he wouldn't have to bear any responsibility—after all, the merchant would be the one who had run off. With his decision made, the others sprang into action. After all, their own households would benefit; only a fool would pass up a free lunch.
Chapter 1088