Chapter 564 - 566: Sourcing on the Spot

Chapter 564: Chapter 566: Sourcing on the Spot

Ancient Wen Heng smiled and pointed at the seafood on the table. "You were at sea for so long. Didn’t you think to catch any of this yourselves?"

"We wouldn’t dare," Vice General Wang said.

"Everyone was just focused on getting back to report on our mission. Besides, we were on edge the entire journey, afraid something might go wrong."

Ancient Wen Heng saw right through him and didn’t hold back. "I bet you couldn’t have caught a fish even if it jumped right in front of you!"

Vice General Wang began to suspect Ancient Wen Heng had sent men to spy on them. ’No, wait, Mr. Gu really *did* have his own men on the ship.’ "...Your men must have told you when they returned. It’s really not our fault."

"When you’re sailing on the deep sea, you naturally feel a certain reverence for it. And in unfamiliar waters, even the most experienced sailors wouldn’t dare enter the sea."

"Actually, they didn’t tell me," Ancient Wen Heng said. "I just guessed. This voyage was indeed a bit rushed, but if you all could learn how to fish, it would be a useful skill for future trips."

Zhou Shixiong was no fool; he knew the benefits were immense.

If the soldiers on training missions had this skill, they could conserve a great deal of military rations. They might even be able to supplement the garrison’s meat supply.

In a flash of excitement, he spoke without thinking. "Brother Gu, what do you need to make fishing nets? I’ll have my men gather the materials later. Some of them have been idle lately. Let them go and lend you a hand."

Vice General Wang readily agreed with this shameless proposition. "Absolutely. After we eat, I’ll personally select the men. I’ll make sure they’re all hardworking, no slackers allowed."

"This meal is costing me more than I bargained for," Ancient Wen Heng lamented. "I’ve just created more work for my wife’s staff. Sigh, I don’t know how I’ll explain this when I get back home."

Zhou Shixiong raised his cup to toast him. "Let’s skip the pleasantries between brothers. I won’t forget this favor. Here’s to the future."

Ancient Wen Heng said, "To that..."

...

&

The people Jin Qianqian had sent to Le City to investigate had now returned.

They reported that not only had Tian Zhuang been released, but all the property registered under his name had been returned as well.

And as for all the evil he had done, it was glossed over with the flimsy excuse that his subordinates were merely trying to vent his anger for him.

Jin Qianqian sneered. ’It seems Prefect Nan has chosen his side.’

"Madam, Ming En and Ming Qin have already bought a small courtyard in Le City and have also selected a few potential shop locations. They’re just waiting for your orders now," Jiang Milie reported, his heart racing with excitement. ’This is the perfect prelude to stirring things up.’

The few of them had learned from experience. They knew to get things ready in advance, even before Madam gave the order.

Jin Qianqian looked at him. "Why do you look so excited?

I haven’t even said a word, and you’ve already started making arrangements."

Jiang Milie quickly put on an appeasing smile. "Madam, with scoundrels like these looking for trouble, it would be wrong not to strike back.

Madam, how many shops do you think we should open this time?

I’ve already compiled a list of the properties under their name. Please take a look."

Jin Qianqian looked up at Jiang Milie. "Does Housekeeper Fu know you’ve become such a troublemaker?"

Jiang Milie put on an innocent expression. "Madam, my father has always been proud of me. He’s thrilled I can learn so much by the Master’s and your side, and he tells me every day to serve you well."

Jin Qianqian smiled and shook her head. "You’ve all been led astray by Hu Dong. Leave the list here. I’ll think it over carefully tonight and give you your assignments tomorrow."

This was the approval he was waiting for. Jiang Milie grinned from ear to ear. "Perfect, I’ve been idle lately. I’ll come to the courtyard tomorrow to await your command."

Jin Qianqian could clearly tell he was blatantly angling for the job. She waved a hand in good-natured exasperation. "Go on, get out of here. And while you’re at it, keep an eye on the city gate. Your father should be back in a day or two."

Once Jiang Milie had left, Jin Qianqian finally examined the list of properties under Tian Zhuang’s name.

’He’s covered all the bases—food, clothing, housing, and transport.’

’But this time, he’s run into me. While I may not be some business genius, with my knowledge of various business models from a future era, it won’t be difficult to crush the businesses under Tian Zhuang.’

Lichun and the other maids were already excitedly preparing brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone. After Qingzhu and Qing Lan had their chances, it was finally their turn.

Li Xia wanted to follow in Qing Lan’s footsteps and stay in the manor for the rest of her life, rather than go out and marry into a situation that would weigh on her like a mountain.

’Even though Sister Qingzhu found Guard Lin,’ she thought, ’now she has to manage matters at the manor *and* take care of her own home.’

’And her situation is considered a good one, with a simple household.’

’Some of the other sisters who married out have to care for an entire extended family. In terms of both lifestyle and peace of mind, it’s nowhere near as comfortable as being a maid in the manor.’

"Madam, the ink is ready," Li Xia said, being particularly attentive today.

Jin Qianqian gave her an unladylike eye-roll. "Every one of you is more eager than I am. Anyone who didn’t know better would think something wonderful had happened to us."

This was supposed to be an infuriating situation, yet their attitudes left her with no anger to vent.

Lichun decided to give her fellow maid a little push. "Madam, you may not know this, but this girl is determined to follow Sister Qing Lan’s example and become your right-hand woman.

This is a rare opportunity for her. Just now, she repeatedly warned the rest of us not to compete with her for it."

Jin Qianqian said, "Following your Sister Qing Lan’s example is fine, but don’t follow it completely.

If you find someone suitable, I can help arrange things for you. There’s no need to force yourself into a life you don’t want."

"I’m not forcing myself," Li Xia said, breaking into a wide smile. "I come from a farming family. I’ve seen too many women who toil ceaselessly from the day they learn to walk until the day they die.

They live a life of hardship, bearing all the suffering themselves, and some are even saddled with blame and scorn. That kind of life is too bitter and exhausting. I’d rather be on my own, free and unburdened. Besides, you’ve established a retirement hall, Madam, so I’m not afraid of having nowhere to go in my old age."

Jin Qianqian said, "There are many other beautiful things in life. You should look for them and not let the experiences of others cloud your own judgment.

You have a long life ahead of you, so it’s too early to make such definitive statements.

But if you want to take on this assignment, you’ll likely have to stay in Le City for some time. You’ll need to be decisive about many things. Are you confident you can handle that?"

Li Xia immediately straightened her posture. "Please rest assured, Madam. I will do my utmost to handle the assignment well."

Jin Qianqian had confidence in her maids’ abilities. She and her husband had been training them ever since their time in Sea City.

After all this time with her, she had often given them the autonomy to handle matters on their own. This was a perfect opportunity to test them.

’Perhaps I’m about to add another capable general to my ranks,’ she thought. ’That way, even as my enterprises expand, I won’t have to personally manage every little detail.’