Chapter 29: True Bliss

Chapter 29: True Bliss

Chen Fu was still grinning like a fool over the "Six Ducks Scholar," but when he saw the bustling scene outside, his face fell instantly.

"Have they really come?"

Xianjin: ?????

Xianjin lifted the curtain to look out and just happened to see Qu Erniang, dressed in a festive dark red robe with an endless pattern of the ten-thousand-character design, pointing and giving orders with her hands on her hips.

If Qu Erniang had arrived, could Madam Qu be far behind?

Xianjin was startled and looked at Chen Fu. "Has the whole Chen family come?"

Chen Fu clicked his tongue, nodding reluctantly. "It's the New Year! Usually, everyone returns to the ancestral home. But after all the trouble I caused, I thought my mother would avoid seeing me this year. When Aunt Qu sent word on the fifteenth, I thought she was just teasing me..."

You're not a ball; why would she tease you!

Xianjin was speechless.

Great, the big boss is here, but there's no one around from the company.

We're not talking about rolling out the red carpet for a fashion show, but at least we should have greeted them properly!

You're the boss's son; we're not!

Xianjin rubbed her temples and smoothed her hair, then explained the situation clearly. "… Mama Zhang, please take Miss Wang into the inner courtyard to rest. Before the first month officially begins, quickly invite a doctor to come and examine her."

Doctors don't make house calls during the first month; it's considered unlucky.

Xianjin was worried that Wang Da and Wang Er might have used lethal force, potentially damaging tendons and bones. If such injuries were left untreated, they could cause lifelong problems.

Warmth filled Wang Sansuo's heart as she wiped her eyes and whispered, "My name is Wang Sansuo. You can call me Suo'er. My father named me this because he believed that having me would lock him down, and he wouldn't have any more children."

Xianjin patted Suo'er's head in comfort.

She then turned to Zhou Ergou. "Please ask Brother Zheng to wait at the alley entrance. As soon as Manager Dong arrives, immediately return to the ancestral home with the account books and ledgers... Also, ask Brother Zheng to arrange a banquet at the Heavenly Fragrance Building..."

"I'll go! I know the place well!"

As long as I don't have to see my mother, I'm ready to brave any fire or sea.

Chen Fu volunteered by raising his hand.

Xianjin nodded. "Good, then Third Master will go." She added, "On your way, stop by Little Rice Fragrance and buy two jugs of wine. Although Eldest Master has passed away, Second Master and Third Master are still in mourning. We may not drink the wine, but we must have it prepared."

Remembering something else, she continued to instruct Chen Fu. "Also, Third Master, please hurry to the White Pearl Pavilion and buy several strings of pearl necklaces. Yesterday, while at the stall, I heard that some fresh sea pearls had just arrived from Fujian. These items are valuable and carry good symbolism. Go quickly! The shop might close for the holiday if you're too late!"

Is there anything else?

Should I hire a beautiful tea artist to oversee things?

In her previous life, when her father invited clients to dinner, there were usually two sessions. The first session involved drinking and boasting, and once the atmosphere was right, the second session began with shoulder-hugging, sobbing, and brotherly camaraderie.

If there was a young and beautiful woman nearby, the client would surely, fueled by alcohol, start a familiar performance of "Let me test you..."

Xianjin shivered involuntarily.

Forget it, forget it!

Cleaning up the workplace starts with me!

Xianjin buried herself in her thoughts, ensuring she hadn't overlooked anything. When the boss came to inspect the work, there were usually four standard procedures: "work report, future outlook, drinking and dining, year-end bonus." The smart ones would leave a few minor mistakes for the boss to catch, demonstrating their supreme wisdom and authority.

Xianjin glanced at Chen Fu.

The task of leaving those small braids was something he could handle well without specific instructions.

With everything prepared, Xianjin took a deep breath and raised her head, wearing the most familiar sincere yet flattering smile of a corporate employee.

—"Madam, you've come!"

Xianjin stepped off the mule cart and walked briskly forward with a smile.

Wang Sansuo, half-lying in the mule cart, stared in amazement.

This girl appeared only two or three years older than her, yet she skillfully and methodically arranged affairs, adeptly directed the Chen Ji Paper Shop employees, and finally, smoothly changed her expression...

"Is... Is this young lady the accountant for the Chen Ji Paper Shop?"

Suo'er's eyes sparkled.

It's the Chen Ji Paper Shop!

They, these farmers, heard about the Chen Ji Paper Shop every day!

The Chen Ji Paper Shop, which supported half their village!

Their accountant was actually a young girl!

Wasn't the accountant supposed to be literate? Weren't they supposed to be the most capable person in the store? The accountant of the Chen Ji Paper Shop was actually a woman!

Chen Fu, filled with pride and enthusiasm, turned around. "Impressive, isn't it? She's my daughter!"

...

While Chen Fu boasted about Xianjin's remarkable abilities and how she could turn stones into gold behind her back, Xianjin, in front, was so disgusted that she kept drinking tea, quickly becoming waterlogged.

Damn it!

A single misstep leads to perpetual delay!

They had their "four-piece set" for dealing with superiors, but Mr. Chen Liu took it to the extreme! He drove off early in the morning to Dingqiao, where he picked up Old Lady Qu, Second Master and Second Mistress, Third Mistress Sun, and several of their young masters. He led the way in a carriage, ensuring everything from hot water and snacks to lunch and afternoon rest was meticulously arranged, showcasing his servile nature to perfection.

Flattery is annoying enough.

When it falls flat, it's even more so.

Xianjin took another sip of her tea.

The main hall was packed with people. Old Lady Qu sat at the head of the room, with the square-faced, broad-shouldered Second Master on her left, and Second Mistress seated beside him. Following them was the familiar Third Mistress Sun.

On the right were the younger generation, too many for Xianjin to recognize all of them. The only one she knew well was Chen Silang, the youngest son of Chen Fu and the rising star of the Chen family's main branch.

The former was unforgettable due to his appearance and demeanor.

Dressed in mourning attire, he sat silently like a warm, refined jade ornament, yet the sharp jawline revealed that this jade piece wasn't entirely restrained or devoid of character.

As for the latter...

Xianjin's gaze fell upon Chen Silang's right hand.

Ha, there's no scar.

Sensing Xianjin's stare, Chen Silang shifted uncomfortably, trying to shield his hand, his expression awkward.

Old Lady Qu surveyed the room before leaning on her cane. "Where's Third?"

Xianjin stood up, respectfully replying, "Upon hearing of your arrival, Third Master timed his departure to reserve a table, all for the sake of a hot meal."

Old Lady Qu's expression relaxed as she nodded, then looked at Mr. Chen Liu. "Business has been tough this year. The Sage is fighting the Wokou, and the spring examinations have been waived for next year. Orders for paper from schools and mountain academies have halved. Jing County's workshops are our roots back home; we must protect them well."

Mr. Chen Liu exaggeratedly responded, "Listen to what my sister-in-law says! While major businesses are affected, our Jing County workshop has balanced its books for the past few years! We've also cleared out a significant amount of inventory from the warehouse, freeing up funds to order rice straw from Anwu and sandalwood bark from Sanxi for next year... Rest assured, Jing County has me and Third; everything will be fine!"

Balanced the books this year...

Cleared inventory this year...

Xianjin raised her head.

This old fox, skilled in the art of euphemism.

They arrived in Jing County on the fifteenth day of the twelfth month, yet Mr. Chen Liu spoke of this year's achievements, which naturally had nothing to do with them.

But you couldn't say he was wrong!

Xianjin narrowed her eyes, setting down her teacup, and smiled after Mr. Chen Liu's words. "The defense of Jing County has indeed been remarkable, and Sixth Master deserves much credit. How does the saying go?"

"Oh—those who borrow money are the bosses, while those who repay are the grandsons. On our second day back in Jing County, we truly experienced the joy of being the boss!"

Mr. Chen Liu didn't expect He Xianjin, this woman, to speak up at this moment. His face darkened as he cast a sinister glance her way.

Second Master chuckled. "What do you mean by that, Accountant He?"

Xianjin's tone was exaggerated, mirroring Mr. Chen Liu's exaggeration.

"As soon as we arrived, hundreds of overdue account statements flew at us like snowflakes! Later, we learned that they heard the Chen family's main branch had sent representatives, so they rushed over to collect debts! Afraid of arriving too late and losing track of the debtor again, they feared not seeing the silver they owed for years!"

Her tone was indeed exaggerated.

And within the exaggeration lay a hint of sarcasm.

Xianjin widened her eyes. "Hundreds of overdue accounts! We enjoyed being the bosses for several days, truly happy!"

We're all just employees; who lets you take credit like that!

The rising star lifted his head, the corners of his mouth curling in a "happy" smile.