"Hmm, from Cheng State? Haha, you fellows are interesting. Your state is still at war, yet you're out doing business," Jin Shuke asked, looking at the man's documents with some incredulity.
"As you say, Officer, but just because there's a war, does that mean we stop eating or stop doing business?"
The caravan leader subtly slid a small bag of silver over.
Jin Shuke avoided it, not taking the silver, and said instead, "Is this what you often call 'risking your life for money'?"
"Life is indeed precious, but without money, one can't get by, can they?"
Jin Shuke nodded. "Makes sense. Go on in. We'll tally and register you later."
"Oh, thank you, Officer! Please accept this small token for your men to have some tea."
"Put it away, or I'll charge you with bribery."
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare!"
The caravan leader quickly put the silver away and bowed several times before signaling his caravan to enter the city.
