Chapter 383
A private room on the second floor of the teahouse.
Compared to the shrewd and wealthy demeanor she displayed when with Qiu Jingyuan, Madam Qian now appeared somewhat aged. White hairs were clearly visible in her pinned-up bun, and even with makeup, the wrinkles on her face were particularly prominent.
"Thank you for making this trip, Miss Zhan," Madam Qian said, her tone as respectful as ever. She gestured for Zhan Feiyu to sit and personally poured tea.
Zhan Feiyu accepted the teacup. A rich fruity aroma wafted out; it was the fruit tea she often drank. "You are too kind, Madam."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Madam Qian let out a long sigh and said with a wry smile, "To be honest, Miss, news of the Qiu family's third branch is gradually spreading. Furthermore, Qian Shipeng offended Madam Pang and was killed on the spot by the constables. This is like adding insult to injury for the Qian family."
The Qian family were merchants, and Madam Qian was skilled in business. However, her backing had now collapsed, and Qian Shipeng had committed a crime. Although Commander Pang was imprisoned, Madam Pang hailed from an official family, and the Pang family had in-laws and old acquaintances. Dealing with the merchant Qian family would be as easy as turning over one's hand.
Moreover, without the Pang family's direct involvement, the Qian family's enemies in the business world had already gotten wind of the situation. They were like hungry wolves and hyenas, baring their fangs and eager to tear a piece of flesh from the Qian family.
"The men of the Qian family are all useless. Now, it's up to this old woman to support them, but how long can I last?" Madam Qian said with a bitter smile, her face etched with exhaustion and helplessness.
Zhan Feiyu continued to sip her tea slowly, making no comment on Madam Qian's lamentations.
After a long while, Madam Qian suppressed her disappointment. She had hoped that the young Miss Zhan might show some sympathy. However, meeting Zhan Feiyu's dark, calm eyes, Madam Qian knew that showing weakness would be futile.
"Miss, although the Qian family is not prosperous, we still possess vast wealth. If you are willing to offer some assistance, you may take seventy percent of the Qian family's assets, leaving only a little for my useless grandsons." Madam Qian was direct, immediately promising seventy percent of their fortune.
This was different from the money Zhan Feiyu had received from the imperial merchant Liu family in Huaian Prefecture. That was a one-time transaction. As long as the Qian family's business could continue to operate, it would generate a steady stream of wealth year after year.
Upon hearing this, Zhan Feiyu smiled and put down her cup. "Madam, as you yourself said, the Qian family's descendants are not capable. Currently, you are the only one managing the business. But how long can you sustain it?"
Zhan Feiyu pushed back Madam Qian's offer. Without Madam Qian, the Qian family's business would eventually collapse. If Zhan Feiyu were to covet seventy percent of the assets, it would be like taking a hot potato.
Especially after Madam Qian's passing, her sons would inevitably take over the business. They might even act illegally under the names of Zhan Feiyu and Scholar Gu, which would be a loss far outweighing any gain.
Madam Qian's aged face suddenly turned pale. She opened her mouth, her dry lips trembling, but she could not utter a single word.
Wealth moves the heart! But looking at the noble young lady before her, Madam Qian knew her scheme had failed. Forget seventy percent of the assets; even ninety percent would not sway Zhan Feiyu.
Dong Yan, standing in the corner, watched the despairing Madam Qian with concern. She secretly resented the useless men of the Qian family, thinking that at her age, Madam should be enjoying her grandchildren, not toiling to support the younger generation.
After a long silence, Madam Qian composed herself, the last glimmer of hope extinguished in her eyes. "This old woman spoke presumptuously. I ask that you do not take offense, Miss."
"I can suggest a path for you, Madam." Zhan Feiyu did not lack money, so she had no intention of coveting the Qian family's business. However, offering advice was not a problem.
This turn of events rekindled a flicker of hope in Madam Qian's heart. "This old woman is all ears."
"Have you heard the saying: 'Break the cauldrons and sink the boats; without breaking, there is no standing; after breaking and then standing, it is either life or death'?" Zhan Feiyu said, looking at the thoughtful Madam Qian. "Madam, you are wholeheartedly devoted to the Qian family and your descendants. But if the younger generation of the Qian family cannot establish themselves, guarding vast wealth will only bring disaster."
Madam Qian could still hold on for now, but as she herself had said, she was already a grandmother. How many more years did she have?
Zhan Feiyu's suggestion was straightforward: Madam Qian should sell off the business. Even if she didn't, it would be useless, as the Qian family's descendants could not manage it and would eventually be swallowed by others.
With the proceeds, she could purchase land and shops, which were fixed assets that would generate rent annually. This way, the Qian family's descendants would not starve.
Each year, she could also allocate a thousand taels of silver to various private schools in Linzhou Prefecture, rewarding scholars and fostering good karma for the Qian family.
Zhan Feiyu accepted the teacup. A rich fruity aroma wafted out; it was the fruit tea she often drank. "You are too kind, Madam."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Madam Qian let out a long sigh and said with a wry smile, "To be honest, Miss, news of the Qiu family's third branch is gradually spreading. Furthermore, Qian Shipeng offended Madam Pang and was killed on the spot by the constables. This is like adding insult to injury for the Qian family."
The Qian family were merchants, and Madam Qian was skilled in business. However, her backing had now collapsed, and Qian Shipeng had committed a crime. Although Commander Pang was imprisoned, Madam Pang hailed from an official family, and the Pang family had in-laws and old acquaintances. Dealing with the merchant Qian family would be as easy as turning over one's hand.
Moreover, without the Pang family's direct involvement, the Qian family's enemies in the business world had already gotten wind of the situation. They were like hungry wolves and hyenas, baring their fangs and eager to tear a piece of flesh from the Qian family.
"The men of the Qian family are all useless. Now, it's up to this old woman to support them, but how long can I last?" Madam Qian said with a bitter smile, her face etched with exhaustion and helplessness.
Zhan Feiyu continued to sip her tea slowly, making no comment on Madam Qian's lamentations.
After a long while, Madam Qian suppressed her disappointment. She had hoped that the young Miss Zhan might show some sympathy. However, meeting Zhan Feiyu's dark, calm eyes, Madam Qian knew that showing weakness would be futile.
"Miss, although the Qian family is not prosperous, we still possess vast wealth. If you are willing to offer some assistance, you may take seventy percent of the Qian family's assets, leaving only a little for my useless grandsons." Madam Qian was direct, immediately promising seventy percent of their fortune.
This was different from the money Zhan Feiyu had received from the imperial merchant Liu family in Huaian Prefecture. That was a one-time transaction. As long as the Qian family's business could continue to operate, it would generate a steady stream of wealth year after year.
Upon hearing this, Zhan Feiyu smiled and put down her cup. "Madam, as you yourself said, the Qian family's descendants are not capable. Currently, you are the only one managing the business. But how long can you sustain it?"
Zhan Feiyu pushed back Madam Qian's offer. Without Madam Qian, the Qian family's business would eventually collapse. If Zhan Feiyu were to covet seventy percent of the assets, it would be like taking a hot potato.
Especially after Madam Qian's passing, her sons would inevitably take over the business. They might even act illegally under the names of Zhan Feiyu and Scholar Gu, which would be a loss far outweighing any gain.
Madam Qian's aged face suddenly turned pale. She opened her mouth, her dry lips trembling, but she could not utter a single word.
Wealth moves the heart! But looking at the noble young lady before her, Madam Qian knew her scheme had failed. Forget seventy percent of the assets; even ninety percent would not sway Zhan Feiyu.
Dong Yan, standing in the corner, watched the despairing Madam Qian with concern. She secretly resented the useless men of the Qian family, thinking that at her age, Madam should be enjoying her grandchildren, not toiling to support the younger generation.
After a long silence, Madam Qian composed herself, the last glimmer of hope extinguished in her eyes. "This old woman spoke presumptuously. I ask that you do not take offense, Miss."
"I can suggest a path for you, Madam." Zhan Feiyu did not lack money, so she had no intention of coveting the Qian family's business. However, offering advice was not a problem.
This turn of events rekindled a flicker of hope in Madam Qian's heart. "This old woman is all ears."
"Have you heard the saying: 'Break the cauldrons and sink the boats; without breaking, there is no standing; after breaking and then standing, it is either life or death'?" Zhan Feiyu said, looking at the thoughtful Madam Qian. "Madam, you are wholeheartedly devoted to the Qian family and your descendants. But if the younger generation of the Qian family cannot establish themselves, guarding vast wealth will only bring disaster."
Madam Qian could still hold on for now, but as she herself had said, she was already a grandmother. How many more years did she have?
Zhan Feiyu's suggestion was straightforward: Madam Qian should sell off the business. Even if she didn't, it would be useless, as the Qian family's descendants could not manage it and would eventually be swallowed by others.
With the proceeds, she could purchase land and shops. Each year, she could also allocate a thousand taels of silver to various private schools in Linzhou Prefecture, rewarding scholars and fostering good karma for the Qian family.