Chapter 140: Draining the Private Treasury (Part 3000)

Chapter 140: Draining the Private Treasury (Part 3000)

The doorman poked his head out, took the two copper coins from the businessman, said "Just a moment," and ran inside quickly.

Even though the Chen family's business had grown large, they were still just merchants, and their residence could only have two doors. Once past the inner door, the main hall was completely exposed. After the small gatekeeper reported the news, Old Lady Qu pondered and frowned, saying, "A printing workshop in Jing County? Shang Chengchun? I've never heard of him. Who is he?"

Chen Wu respectfully answered with a slight bow, "I haven't heard of him either. He must be some poor family looking for handouts."

Old Lady Qu thought for a moment, "Jing County is our hometown. Counting back three generations, most people there are likely related to us or distant relatives. Have him eat a warm meal in the hall and give him fifty coins."

After the Chens became wealthy, people from their hometown would come around during holidays, hoping for some money. Regardless of whether they were related, the Chens always gave them something, so the Chen family had a particularly good reputation in Jing County, especially in the rural areas.

Chen Wu sighed, nodded in agreement, and prepared to go play the role of a benefactor.

Unexpectedly, before he could step out, he heard Old Dong, who was pouring tea for Old Lady Qu, say "Hmm" as if he had just recalled something, "I remember that the red-drawn books that Madam He sold well all came from this Shang boss's workshop."

Chen Wu looked up at Manager Dong.

Manager Dong held the teacup with one hand and smiled appropriately, "I heard that Shang boss's business is quite extensive. All printed materials in Jing County come from him—while doing business with us needs further discussion, he certainly isn't here for handouts."

Old Lady Qu took a sip of tea, "Then let him in." She instructed Qu Erniang beside her, "Bring a pot of pre-rain Longjing tea and four sets of small dishes."

This indicated she was preparing to receive a guest.

Chen Wu felt a sudden jolt in his heart, feeling uneasy.

Now, whenever he heard "Jing County," he saw He Xianjin's thin, mantis-like face.

Chen Wu involuntarily shivered. Before he could speak, a middle-aged man wearing a coat trimmed with fox fur stepped into the room, bowed to Old Lady Qu, and nodded politely to Manager Dong. When his eyes met Chen Wu's, the man's gaze flickered and moved on.

Chen Wu: !?

Alright!

It's settled!

This must be that mantis-faced woman's lackey!

Shang Chengchun carried two tightly wrapped packages of brown paper, presenting them to Old Lady Qu with a sincere smile, "Since it's the New Year, I didn't bring much... fresh kumquats, dried longans, dried fish, dried fish maw, and deer antlers. My wife made rose lard rice cakes, meat dumplings, and date cakes. I wish you a happy New Year and longevity."

The first package was filled with expensive items, while the second emphasized personal connections. Looking at Shang boss's sturdy build, kind eyes, and large, drooping ears, he seemed to be a man of fortune.

Old Lady Qu, with her sharp eyes, smiled, "Mutual benefit! Mutual benefit!" She gestured for Shang boss to sit down, "Which printing workshop in Jing County are you from?" Old Lady Qu smiled, "Our Chen family comes from Jing County, familiar with both sides of the river."

"Which one?" Shang boss laughed heartily, "All the printing workshops in Jing County are now mine! Starting with the one at the head of the river, last year, thanks to your shop's support, all three printing workshops in Jing County were taken over by Shang's!"

"Xianjin?" Old Lady Qu asked, "I heard she did well with the red-drawn books."

Shang boss nodded quickly, "Yes! As you taught, Madam He led the shops in Jing County to success. Everyone speaks highly of the Chen family." Shang boss raised a thumb and chuckled.

Chen Wu lowered his head, noticing Manager Dong's smiling expression, and felt a sense of unease.

Shang boss changed the subject, frowning, "But... alas, with the current state of Qingcheng Mountain Courtyard, half of the printing and book business in Jing County has collapsed..."

"People cannot sit idle. I plan to bring five printing machines and workers to Xuancheng to seek better opportunities!"

Old Lady Qu listened carefully, then nodded, "What does this big business have to do with the Chen family?"

Shang boss clenched his fists, excitedly, "Before the New Year, I found a place less than an acre in Xuancheng that can fit all my printing machines. Unfortunately, it requires a ten-year lease, with annual rent of eighty taels, totaling eight hundred taels over ten years. If I move, my costs will reach about twelve hundred taels. Currently, I only have less than three hundred taels..."

Old Lady Qu smiled, "Are you seeking a loan?"

Shang boss shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, no! Not a loan! A clearance sale! I still have over twenty thousand red-drawn books in stock. If Qingcheng Mountain Courtyard hadn't fallen, these wouldn't be hard to sell. But now, Jing County can't handle that many. If you're willing, I'll sell them to you for five hundred taels!"

Chen Wu silently breathed a sigh of relief.

Five hundred taels...

That's manageable.

Even if the mulberry paper workshop didn't have enough cash, he could cover the shortfall himself...

Old Lady Qu calculated mentally. Xuancheng Prefecture governs six counties, and Jing County has a population of only about ten thousand. Xuancheng Prefecture has a population of over a hundred thousand, so sales wouldn't be a concern. She had seen the profit ledger He Xianjin sent in July; each red-drawn book sells for fifty coins, so twenty thousand books would fetch more than a thousand taels. Selling them for five hundred taels is practically giving them away...

Old Lady Qu smiled, "Such a good deal, why not offer it to Xianjin?"

Shang boss waved his hand, "That girl can't handle it—I need money urgently, and she talks too much. By the time she finishes her talk, I'd be dead!"

Old Lady Qu chuckled, finding his description of Xianjin accurate.

Old Lady Qu looked at Chen Wu.

Chen Wu smiled warmly, "One needs money urgently, and the other is generous. Consider it supporting our hometown."

Old Lady Qu nodded and casually told Shang boss, "Tomorrow, take Old Dong and two ox carts to the warehouse for the inventory." She pointed, "Pay immediately; the silver will be deducted from the mulberry paper workshop's account."

Chen Wu and Manager Dong both agreed.

Old Lady Qu then turned to Shang boss and smiled, "You need twelve hundred taels. With the five hundred taels not yet paid, you only have eight hundred taels. You still need four hundred taels. Where will you get the rest?"

Shang boss: Where else but from your pocket?

Shang boss showed a hint of embarrassment, "To be honest, I have another business proposal for you."

Old Lady Qu smiled, "You want the Chen's to fully fund your expansion?"

Angel investment!?

Shang boss waved his hands hurriedly, "No, no, it's a great deal for you!"

Mr. Shang continued, "As far as I know, Chen's two shops in Jing County are rented from the government. There are no shops truly belonging to you under Chen's name!"

"In business, we all know that it's best if the shop is in one's own name—what if they don't rent it to you anymore? Move the shop home? Or to the street? The lease may be signed easily now, but what about the future? Who can predict what will happen!?"

Madam Qu's expression gradually became serious.

That was true.

The shops in Jing County not being owned by the Chens had always been a concern for her.

As long as the shops were registered under the county government, they would remain tenants.

Though the rent wasn't high, they were still at the mercy of others!

But who could control the county government?

Madam Qu narrowed her eyes, "Mr. Shang, what do you mean?"

Mr. Shang smiled confidently, "I can buy the shops you currently rent and register them under your name or your son's name. As long as you pay, I'll handle everything."

Madam Qu leaned back, somewhat skeptical, "You?"

Mr. Shang laughed, "Ask around. For the past ten years, who has been printing the examination papers for Jing County? Who has been printing the official documents? What is my relationship with Master Qin, a scholar from Qinghe Town, one of the nine surrounding towns? And what is my relationship with the headmaster of the official school in Yebai Town? How did my son become a ninth-rank official in the county government after only passing the preliminary exams? You've been in Xuancheng too long; you don't understand the local customs. Sometimes, even if you have money, without connections, it's all for naught."

Mr. Shang flashed his network of connections, then took out a document from his pocket and pushed it towards Madam Qu, "If you don't believe me, take a look. All my shops and workshops are registered under my name. If you trust me, keep this document. When I get everything done for you, you can return it to me!"

Madam Qu picked up the document, flipped through it, and seeing the person before her act with restraint and sincerity, she pursed her lips and frowned, "How much do you want?"

Mr. Shang held up five fingers, "Five hundred taels—no more than that. Your shop is worth three hundred taels, and I need two hundred taels for my efforts and expenses, right? Relations need to be maintained, and there are dinners and gifts to be given. Two hundred taels is not much."

If the shop could be bought outright, an extra two hundred taels was nothing!

It was the root of the Chen family!

Madam Qu held the document tightly, remaining silent for a long time.

Chen Wu was sweating profusely, almost drowning in it!

First five hundred taels, then another five hundred taels!

One thousand taels!

He had to pay one thousand taels himself!

This was robbery!

What was going on!

He would have to give back all the money he had taken!

Chen Wu nervously glanced at Madam Qu, holding his breath, and finally spoke, "...Anyone who offers help without reason must have ulterior motives. Sister-in-law, don't be fooled!"

Manager Dong immediately chimed in, "This Mr. Shang indeed has close ties with the county government—otherwise, our family wouldn't be able to sell so many practice books to schools!"

Manager Dong added, "I heard that the government plans to fill vacant positions. If a new magistrate comes to Jing County, it's not surprising that the current magistrate is trying to make some money. Once someone new arrives, it will be much harder for us to buy back the shops!"

Chen Wu smiled deeply, his eyes flashing with a hint of malice as he looked at Manager Dong, "Old Dong, you always claimed you couldn't work and wanted to retire. Now your mind is quite sharp!"

Manager Dong respectfully raised his gaze, "Not at all! This old servant has served Madam for twenty-four years. Even if I were bedridden, if the Chen family needs me, I could still be of some use."

"Enough—"

Madam Qu spoke, the bright red seal of the county government on the document in her hand catching her eye.

Her next words would decide whether this situation could continue.