Chapter 15: 15. Chapter 15: The Human Heart

Chapter 15: Human Hearts

Su Qingwan looked young and naive, yet her presence was formidable. By balancing grace with severity, she left the shopkeepers both shocked and suspicious. The Xie Zhaolan they had known was soft-natured, easygoing, and deeply respectful, never uttering a harsh word to them. The shopkeepers exchanged bewildered glances.

One shopkeeper spoke up, "Eldest Miss, can you even read the ledgers?"

"I am a daughter of the Xie family. My father taught me how to manage a household and keep accounts since I was a child, so naturally, I can read them. The reason I let things slide in the past was because I was young, easily deceived, and tied down by the trivialities of the Lu family, leaving me no time to manage them."

After being taken to the Southwest, she had been raised in the Prince of the Southwest’s manor. By the age of twelve, she was already managing the household for the Princess of the Southwest and learning to oversee the industries of the Southwestern territories under the Head Steward. From the construction of the Silk Road connecting the major Southwestern hubs to the Western Regions, to the expansion of their businesses, she had been involved in it all. She had even actively campaigned to open up trade between the Southwest and neighboring countries. Having managed such vast industries in the Southwest with perfect order, she didn't think much of the Xie family’s meager assets in the capital.

"A young lady raised in the inner chambers, what could you possibly know about business? The capital’s industries turn a profit every year, and you receive your share of the silver. We have done our best, so why must you, Eldest Miss, insist on interfering?" Xie Min said with a sarcastic tone.

Su Qingwan’s face turned cold. "Xie Min, was I not clear, or are you unable to understand? Oh, right, I almost forgot. Your youngest daughter is discussing marriage with the Lin family. He is the Lin clan’s own nephew. So, because I want to cut off the Lu family’s funds, you are anxious, fearing it will hinder your daughter’s marriage prospects?"

Xie Min’s expression changed drastically. This marriage had only just been discussed and was not yet finalized; how could the Eldest Miss be so well-informed?

"Eldest Miss, do not spout nonsense and ruin my daughter’s reputation."

"The rest of you, step out. I have a few words for Xie Min alone." Su Qingwan’s voice was soft, but her tone was crisp and decisive. In the business world, everyone was sharp; the shopkeepers could tell at a glance that Su Qingwan possessed the bearing of a superior, accustomed to issuing commands.

The shopkeepers filed out, leaving only Xie Min behind. Xie Min realized this too, his heart pounding. He thought that even if Xie Zhaolan was formidable, she was still a girl raised in the inner chambers who would need help. To manage all the industries in the capital, she would surely need his assistance. Perhaps she was looking to make peace in private. With this thought, his attitude became arrogant again.

"It is best if there is no marriage discussion, so as to avoid any misunderstandings. I have already made my decision regarding the Lu family’s affairs; there is no need for further discussion. I do not intend to block anyone’s marriage, but I will say this plainly: if your daughter truly becomes betrothed to the Lin family, you should seek employment elsewhere. I cannot tolerate even a grain of sand in my eye. My orders must be followed; whoever defies me will be dismissed."

Xie Min sensed the hardness in Su Qingwan’s tone—it was no bluff. He was shocked; the Eldest Miss had truly broken ties with the Lu family and was showing no sentimentality at all.

"Eldest Miss, I have blocked blades for your father, shed blood for him, and braved bandit dens to protect the tea shipments. I have rendered countless services. If you drive me away, you will surely chill everyone’s hearts." Xie Min’s chest heaved, and in his anger, he invoked the head of the Xie family.

Su Qingwan replied, "You once saved my father’s life, so he allowed you into the family register and bestowed the Xie surname upon you. You were once a refugee starving for food; now you have vast wealth, a wife from a prestigious family, and a son who has passed the scholar’s exam. My father never treated you poorly. But what about you? I had people investigate long ago. For these past three years, you relied on my youth and ignorance to deceive those above and below. From the Xiufeng Pavilion alone, you embezzled two thousand taels of silver. Do you admit it?"

Xie Min’s knees went weak. He looked at Su Qingwan in terror. In his memory, the Eldest Miss was soft and gentle, but now she sat with a cold face, watching him in silence, her beautiful eyes filled with chill and severity.

"Eldest Miss... how did you know?"

"I know far more than you imagine," Su Qingwan said indifferently. "I will give you two paths. First, in consideration of your hard work and merit, once I audit the accounts, you will repay the deficit and leave the firm with your dignity intact. Second, if you wish to remain, you must sever ties with the Lu family and serve the Xie family wholeheartedly. I will treat those deficits as a dowry for your daughter. The choice is yours!"

Regardless of which path he chose, Su Qingwan was giving him a way to survive.

Xie Min felt conflicted. "Since the Eldest Miss knows I embezzled money, why not report me?"

"Water that is too clear has no fish. When the master is young and uninvolved, what shopkeeper doesn't skim a little? But I see that the shops in the capital are prosperous and bustling, with annual surpluses—that is because you managed them well." Su Qingwan knew how to balance tension and relaxation. "The Xie family and you have been master and servant for many years, with deep ties of gratitude. Even if you leave, it should be on good terms."

Xie Min’s eyes reddened, filled with both shame and regret. "Eldest Miss, the Lu family is powerful. The third young master of the Lu family is a guard of the Emperor and a Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He monitors all officials, and even the nobility gives him face. I attached myself to the Lu family for the sake of the firm. If you have a falling out with the Lu family, we fear the third young master most. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard makes trouble for us merchants, we won't be able to operate."

"The Xie family’s business has been in the capital for many years; we have our own connections. We can hold our own against the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Rest assured."

Xie Min wiped the corners of his eyes, stared at Su Qingwan for a long time, and said in a low voice, "Your style of handling affairs is vastly different from the past, Miss. I also cherish the Xie family’s kindness and do not wish to be an ungrateful person. Since you are so determined, I will follow your orders. I will also order everyone to fill in the missing accounts. I only hope you can truly protect the firm."

"Good!" Su Qingwan stood up and bowed to him. "I am your master. If the sky falls, I will hold it up."

With Xie Min’s submission, the other shopkeepers dared not object. Xie Min was the head shopkeeper and held great authority; if Su Qingwan had rashly driven him away, the firm would have fallen into chaos. Winning him over was the best strategy.

After Su Qingwan briefly stated her orders, she held a meeting with the shopkeepers, requiring them to reform their industries. They spoke for over an hour.

After discussing business, she met with a matchmaker. Lady Lin had sent several maids to the Meilan Garden to serve, but Su Qingwan did not want them near the main courtyard. While she was busy, Lüzhu had found a matchmaker and brought back several maids.

They knew martial arts, were sturdy, and strong. Su Qingwan was satisfied after a brief questioning and took them all back to the Meilan Garden.

The maids she purchased had their contracts in her hands, so they would surely obey her. The news quickly reached Lady Lin’s ears. Lady Lin was furious but helpless; the maids’ upkeep didn't cost the Lu family any money, and since the original staff of the Meilan Garden had been dismissed, she couldn't say much about Su Qingwan adding new people.

After Su Qingwan washed up, Nanny Li had prepared several dishes, both meat and vegetable. The Meilan Garden was quiet. After her meal, Su Qingwan looked over the ledgers she had brought back.

For two days, aside from paying her respects at Lady Lin’s courtyard according to etiquette—where she was met with sarcasm—Su Qingwan spent all her time in the Meilan Garden reviewing accounts. Lu Feng and Li Xueying returned to the Li family for their formal visit. Lady Lin had prepared generous gifts and said all the right things, hoping Li Xueying would help Lu Feng and show understanding regarding the turmoil on the wedding day.

Lüzhu said that when Lu Feng and Li Xueying returned, they were in high spirits. It seemed the Earl’s manor hadn't made things difficult for them and was even quite satisfied with Lu Feng.