Chapter 880: Rushing Through the Night

After some polite exchanges, the group followed Morigen into the yurt; the warm stove fire inside dispelled the chill on their bodies. Sitting together, Batuer explained their purpose: "Morigen, these comrades are from out of town and wish to purchase some cattle and sheep from us."

The reason Batuer said "cattle and sheep" rather than "cattle and sheep meat" was that he feared snow might fall that day and they could not delay too long; if heavy snow came, the heavy carts loaded with goods would be difficult to drive out of the pasture area.

Morigen nodded, his eyes revealing simplicity and boldness: "Very well. On our grasslands, we may lack many things, but cattle and sheep are in abundance."

He looked directly at Captain Ma: "Roughly how many do you want?"

Captain Ma quickly stated the number. Morigen pondered for a moment, then said slowly: "This quantity is no problem, but it is winter now, fodder is scarce, and raising these livestock is not easy. As for the price..."

Captain Ma looked at Batuer; after all, they were old friends, so trust was natural.

Batuer smiled: "We are all old acquaintances. It is not easy for them to travel such a long distance. Give them a straightforward price."

Morigen had naturally noticed the weather and understood why they had not asked him to help slaughter the animals; he spoke while gesturing, both serious and sincere.

Batuer watched his hand movements, helping with the translation, and glanced occasionally at Captain Ma and the others.

Through this back-and-forth, an agreement was reached quickly.

The price offered was very fair. Morigen stood up, shook hands again with Batuer, Captain Ma, and the comrade in charge of procurement: "Pleasant cooperation. Rest assured, we grassland people value sincerity above all and will certainly provide you with the finest cattle and sheep."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone brought milk tea and cheese, along with freshly boiled hand-held meat. Afterwards, others brought ha-da cakes and chive flowers.

Morigen warmly urged everyone: "Come, come! Guests are welcome. In such cold weather, eat something hot first. I will have someone prepare the cattle and sheep."

Liu Chuxue's first thought was: This is truly very hospitable.

Captain Ma and Batuer whispered a few words to each other, then called everyone to sit: "Just now, Batuer said snow might fall. So once the cattle and sheep are loaded onto the carts, we must return immediately. We must accept Captain Morigen's kindness."

Having finished speaking, he gestured for everyone to begin eating.

Hearing this, how could anyone bother to pretend politeness? After all, lunch had been merely a makeshift meal to fill their stomachs.

Authentic grassland delicacies: the hand-held meat, glowing with an inviting sheen, was firm yet tender in every bite, stewed to perfection. Its primal flavor struck straight to the heart. Without excessive or complex seasonings, simple salt and spices highlighted the natural freshness of the lamb. Dipped in a bit of homemade chive flower paste, every mouthful was a genuine taste of grassland charm.

Just as they were nearly finished eating, Morigen's shouting voice came from outside. Everyone hurried out of the yurt.

The herdsmen had already driven all the cattle and sheep over. For the sheep, it was straightforward; they used a pole scale. Several people worked together to lift the sheep slightly off the ground and read the value corresponding to the counterweight. As for the few cattle, no such effort was needed; guides Batuer and Morigen estimated the weight. Each wrote down a number, and the difference between the two could not exceed five jin; the larger figure was taken.

They were all seasoned experts, so the estimates would not be wildly off.

Soon, the cattle and sheep were loaded onto the carts. After the payment was calculated, Liu Chuxue came over carrying her briefcase and settled the bill. Before the snow began to fall, the group bid farewell to Captain Morigen and the herdsmen, preparing to rush back through the night.