When Old Master Ye became serious, no accounts could be falsified before him.
He already had a clear idea of what was likely going on.
The dyeing and weaving workshop under Bai Zhi Fang was no longer just a simple matter of cooking the books.
The Ye Family’s Tian Si Duan had become a tribute item precisely because of its unique dyeing and weaving techniques.
If someone were to meddle with this, harbor ill intentions, and betray the family from within, the Ye Family’s losses would be immense.
However, after comparing last year’s accounts, Old Master Ye didn’t seem particularly angry.
“Alright, I’ll take my time to review these accounts carefully later.
Today’s event is the Ye Family’s accounting competition.
As everyone saw, in terms of speed, Third Miss Xiu undoubtedly came first.
But the rule I set initially was to be both fast and accurate.
Fourth Miss not only calculated the accounts correctly but also meticulously identified irregularities in them.
This… is excellent!
Therefore, the winner of this year’s accounting competition is… Fourth Miss Ye Cishu.
Third Miss, do you have any objections?” Old Master Ye smiled as he looked at Ye Xiushu.
Ye Xiushu chuckled and quickly shook her head.
“No, my sister thought more deeply than I did. Unlike me, who only knows how to calculate rigid accounts, I truly admire her for that,” Ye Xiushu said.
Old Master Ye nodded with satisfaction.
Good, Third Miss is also commendable. She deserves a reward too…
“In that case, since Third Miss’s calculations were also correct and fast, I’ll reward you with a shop as well.
However, it’s not in Gusu but a cosmetics shop in Guazhou.
In the coming days, Grandfather will have someone transfer the contracts and documents. In at most seven days, the shops will be under both of your names,” Old Master Ye announced.
Ye Cishu and Ye Xiushu nodded happily.
Especially Ye Cishu, who felt as if a shop had just been deposited into her account…
What could be more joyful than having a shop of her own?
As for the meeting Old Master Ye held with the three masters of the Ye Family and various stewards and managers after they left, the two sisters knew nothing about it.
They were still young and didn’t need to know too much.
“Cishu, you’re so good at accounting, and now you have a shop under your name. I think we could collaborate,” Ye Xiushu, who had never been particularly close to Ye Cishu, naturally took her hand and held it tightly.
“Collaborate? How?” Ye Cishu found it a bit strange.
“Of course, to make more money together!
Think about it—you’re good at accounting, and so am I. If we work together, who would dare to cook the books for us?
We could open shops together, make a lot of money.
Then start a money house and use money to make more money…
Ah, anyway, since you’re good at accounting, you must also enjoy making money, right?
Why didn’t you tell me earlier that you liked making money and accounting? We could’ve started collaborating sooner.
If we had started earlier, we might’ve already opened a money house by now…”
Ye Xiushu chattered on and on.
Ye Cishu listened to her all the way.
Hmm, this Third Sister only has eyes for money…
No, not just money, but specifically for making money.
She’s an interesting girl, quite to Ye Cishu’s liking.
“Alright, we’ll collaborate in the future and open a money house together. But for now, I need to head back. It’s almost time for my medicine,” Ye Cishu said seriously.
Ye Xiushu nodded, watching Ye Cishu head toward Eldest Sister's Meng Yue Ju.
Ah, this younger sister is good in every way, except for her poor health—always sickly and weak.
That's no good. Without a strong body, how can she earn more money?
Later, I'll go back to my courtyard and see if there are any good medicinal herbs to send over and help nourish her health.
…
While the Ye Family was bustling as they watched the younger generation compete in abacus calculations, Chun Bu Wan was gradually growing lively as well.
Chun Bu Wan's tea competition tournament was scheduled for Shenshi.
At least an hour remained before the appointed time, and by now, Twelfth Master and the Heir Apparent were already enjoying afternoon tea, served by Dongniang.
The two of them leisurely held their teacups, savoring the delicate fragrance of the tea.
"Twelfth Master, the results of the Ye Family's accounting competition are in.
This year, it was the Ye Family's second branch that won again," a servant approached and whispered.
Twelfth Master let out an "oh," then couldn't help but ask further.
"Which young master or miss from the second branch won?"
"Third Miss and Fourth Miss won. I heard Fourth Miss not only calculated the accounts accurately but also pointed out some issues in the ledgers.
Later, Old Master Ye was so pleased that he not only gave the Silk and Satin Shop to Fourth Miss but also gave Third Miss a cosmetics shop in Guazhou," the attendant promptly replied.
Twelfth Master was taken aback.
Well, well, that Fourth Miss who was so determined to drag everyone down actually won!
Who would have thought? Turns out that girl is quite skilled at accounting!
"The Ye Family is immensely wealthy, holding the title of the top Imperial Merchant! It's just two shops, after all.
How much silver can shops really earn? The Ye Family's merchant caravans are the real moneymakers," the Heir Apparent beside him said with a smile.
Twelfth Master grunted in agreement and was about to ask Shopkeeper Dongniang whether she should inquire with Old Master Ye again about bringing the Ye Family to Chun Bu Wan to watch the tea competition.
After all, the entire Gusu City knew that Prince Ning's Son was at Chun Bu Wan. It wouldn't be appropriate for the Ye Family not to send someone, would it?
But before he could speak, the sound of hoofbeats suddenly echoed from outside the window.
Both he and Prince Ning's Son instinctively leaned out to look.
What they saw was truly astonishing.
A young noble in luxurious brocade robes, accompanied by several attendants, rode up on horseback and stopped right at the entrance of Chun Bu Wan.
As the young noble dismounted from his horse, both Twelfth Master and Prince Ning's Son paled.
Even Dongniang, who had seen all sorts of scenes, was momentarily stunned before letting out a sigh.
The young noble tossed the reins in his hand to an attendant.
Then, as he walked, he unfastened his cloak.
After throwing the removed cloak to another attendant, he strode boldly into Chun Bu Wan.
All the while, he shouted loudly.
"Oh, my mother, oh, my grandmother, red-flowered jackets and thick cotton coats!
Twelfth Brother, your virtuous younger brother has arrived! Aren't you coming out to greet me?
Where is everyone? It's already this hour—why isn't the teahouse open for business? Where have all the people gone?
Twelfth Brother, which room are you cozying up with a beauty in?
Don't let me… catch you…
Count me in too…"
Up on the third floor, Twelfth Master's eye twitched uncontrollably. He glared at Prince Ning's Son sitting across from him.
"How has your younger brother grown even crazier? Didn't your father lock him up in Antang? How did he manage to run all the way here?"
The Heir Apparent had an even worse headache.
"It must have been Mother who let him out. Who else would dare release him besides her?
But… how did he know the two of us were in Gusu, and how did he find this place?"
Twelfth Master's head began to ache as well.
Seeing that fellow seemed intent on searching through the private rooms on the second floor one by one, Twelfth Master quickly leaned out the window.
“What’s all the shouting? Hurry up and get up here!”
The Young Noble, who had been about to search for him personally, immediately softened like a well-behaved kitten upon seeing Twelfth Master’s face.
“Coming! Twelfth Brother, you’ve made me search so hard for you!”
Twelfth Master…
He was starting to regret it.
How had he ever ended up befriending this guy in the first place…