It is not appropriate to see blood on New Year's Eve. In fact, Qiao Ruichen did not torture anyone.

The murderous aura he released was scary enough. If that couple dared to have any ideas about a family like the Ruan family, they would be no match for Qiao Ruichen.

Seeing that his wife was frightened by the evil spirit he had confiscated, Qiao Ruichen said something specifically, fearing that the elders would also think that seeing blood was unlucky.

It wouldn't be a pity to beat this couple to death.

Ruan's son and grandson are guarding the old house in Suzhou Prefecture in Jiangnan. As long as they are not allowed to send any messages out, they can go back and solve the problem as soon as possible.

There is no need to let these two people disturb everyone's joyous New Year celebrations.

In addition, the New Year's Eve dinner was really sumptuous. Except for the spicy skewers that were replaced by Boxia, all the delicious food that Miao Wan had prepared over the past year was cooked by eight chefs in the family tonight.

The yard was not big enough, so everyone squeezed together and ate heartily. They also held their stomachs and watched the little ones dance around a fire in winter.

Butcher Zhang even sang a folk song unique to the Northwest, and everyone was having a great time until almost midnight.

The children were so sleepy that they were falling all over the place, but the adults couldn't sleep and had to stay up all night. They had to offer sacrifices to their ancestors at midnight and dawn so that they could have enough food and drink at the beginning and end of the year and continue to protect their descendants in the coming year.

It was not appropriate to worship ancestors at the Qiao family, so each family picked up their own children and went back to their own homes to celebrate the New Year.

With Qiao Ruichen around, no one stopped her. Miao Wan drank a small bowl of liquor, her face flushed. She returned to the house and hummed a little tune happily.

Taotao had fallen asleep long ago and was carried directly to the main room by Geng.

Geng was not thinking about what to do with the empty space for her son during the New Year, but her daughter-in-law had been drinking and was almost as noisy as Taotao.

In order to prevent her drunken mother from waking up her daughter, the mother and daughter performed a ritual together before she took the child away.

Whoever has the wife should take care of it himself.

Qiao Ruichen mixed some warm water, cleaned Miao Wan, tucked her into bed, and then went to wash himself.

He changed his clothes before because the maid couple was so scared that they threw themselves on him, making him very angry.

Although he had changed his clothes, he still felt uncomfortable and had to wash himself up before he could go to bed and hug his wife to take a nap.

Unexpectedly, when he came back, Miao Wan had not slept at all. She was sitting in front of the kang table wrapped in a quilt. The pen, ink, paper and inkstone were all laid out, and she was playing with them with a grin on her face.

Qiao Ruichen stepped forward, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "We gave out so much money today, and you're still so happy?"

Anyone who is slightly familiar with Miao Wan will understand the money-grubbing nature of this small landlord. When counting the money she has spent, Miao Wan must have been holding her hands to her chest and whimpering for a while.

Qiao Ruichen is smart. After his wife gives out the money, he probably knows how much has been given out.

Let’s not talk about the wages for the twelfth month, let’s just talk about the bonuses.

The twenty children spent 1,200 taels, the elders spent nearly 5,000 taels, and the two elders plus Sun Yaozu spent nearly 1,000 taels.

Add to that the female workers, the women of each family, the staff of the Ju Fu restaurant, and the servants who manage the fields, and the total amount is several thousand taels.

Besides, there will be losses when exchanging copper coins for silver and silver for gold, so the total amount must be more than ten thousand taels of silver.

Miao Wan chuckled, "A total of 11,266 taels! Husband, just tell me, am I generous or not?!"

She felt that she didn't drink too much. Although it was strong liquor, it was not mixed with anything. It was just a small bowl, and her body could still withstand it. It was just the right amount of dizziness, making her feel a little dizzy and comfortable.

Qiao Ruichen smiled and tucked her waving arms back into the quilt. "Of course you're so generous, you don't feel bad, do you?"

"Oh, I feel sorry for the old bastard, but why should I feel sorry for my own family!" Miao Wan stretched out her arms and waved again. She was only wearing her inner clothes, revealing her delicate white wrists and a small part of her arms.

The quilt was opened, and she moved with great amplitude, even the rise and fall of her chest was slightly rippled.

Seeing this, Qiao Ruichen's eyes darkened. He pursed his lips and smiled, biting his back teeth, and wrapped Miao Wan's arm and the beautiful scenery with a quilt.

"Is that true?" He seemed a little unconvinced.

Miao Wan grinned and laughed like a mouse again, "Of course, the more I give out, the more I earn. I wish I could give them hundreds of thousands of taels at once. Then I would be the richest Miao Shiren, hahahaha..."

Qiao Ruichen: “…” Nothing wrong.

Miao Wan was just counting the money. Although she had given out a large sum of money, she was still happy.

Ju Fu Restaurant opened in February, and by the end of the year its net profit exceeded fifty thousand taels. In a poor place like the Northwest, no one would believe it if you told them about it.

Qiao Shengwen was puzzled. A smaller restaurant in the capital might not make that much money in a year.

She specifically set aside five thousand taels to build the inn, and more than six thousand taels to give out bonuses.

The remaining 40,000 taels were divided among the three families according to the original 4:4:2 ratio. If the silver in her hands was included, including the money that had not been spent, her five-digit savings would be reduced to the 20s!

Qianjinlou was only opened in August and has been operating for a total of five months, with a monthly turnover of around 20,000 taels.

This was due to the Wuliangha clan's connections, as well as the connivance and suggestions from the Dingbei General's Office, and the profit was almost 70%.

But 40% had to be given to the Wuliangha clan, and the rest had to be melted into gold and sent to the Dingbei General's Mansion. She would be considered lucky if she could save a few hundred taels of silver every month on average.

The total amount was almost four thousand taels. Miao Wan didn't keep any of it. She put it together with the money from Ju Fu Restaurant and distributed it to everyone as bonuses.

However, because a large amount of gold has to be exchanged and sent to General Dingbei's Mansion every month, and Bayin and the money houses do not charge them any handling fees, who would dare to exploit General Dingbei's gold?

Miao Wan took the opportunity to exchange an extra ten thousand taels of silver for gold, without spending any handling fees, so she was considered profitable, hehe...

The most important thing is that the gold that will be given to the Dingbei General's Mansion in the future can be saved. She has already prepared the goods to be presented in the first month of the year, and she is sure to make that old thief Chen smile.

But isn't it she who has the final say on the cost?

Miao Wan was mainly calculating the price difference just now. After not having to pay the gold, she could at least keep half of the profit. In another year, she might have a six-figure deposit!

She happily hugged Qiao Ruichen's neck and kissed him randomly on the face. "My husband, I am so envious of you for marrying a smart, beautiful and profitable wife like me!"

Qiao Ruichen: “…”

She covered her mouth and rubbed against Qiao Ruichen, praising herself like she was addicted, "Oh my, why can't I marry such a good wife?"

Qiao Ruichen was amused and laughed softly. Seeing that she was too dishonest, he got into the bed directly, hugged her tightly, and let her kiss him.

When the two of them got close, the heat from their ears rubbing against each other made Qiao Ruichen take a deep breath and bite the tip of her ear. "I'm so lucky. How about I share some with you?"

Miao Wan felt that she was really smart, as she actually understood the deeper meaning in Qiao Ruichen's words.

She raised her head and pushed him away, raised her chin and winked at him, "Hey~ You definitely don't want to do anything good!"

Qiao Ruichen bit his tongue to suppress his laughter. His wife was bold, so he became bolder too. "Awan, will you give in?"

Miao Wan thought about it, then rushed over, whimpering and crying, "If you don't let me, Qiao Bailao will have to behave himself, but I'm not a good person, hehehe..."

Qiao Ruichen: “…”

That's fine, at least he gets the benefit.

The next day, Miao Wan got up and it was already past lunch time.

She covered her head and felt the pain in her temples throbbing.

When Geng came in with some hangover soup, she saw her rubbing her head against the edge of the kang. She said with a smile, "Aren't you hungry? Drink some of the hangover soup. I left you some hamburgers, simmering on the stove."

Miao Wan muttered, "I only drank one bowl of wine, and I'm not drunk, so why does my head hurt so much?"

Geng didn't even want to talk about her. Isn't she drunk yet?

Last night, the guy's laughter could be heard across the main room, and then... she felt embarrassed when she passed by and heard it.

Fortunately, Qiao Rui and Taotao slept together, otherwise if Qiao Rui told others about it, her daughter-in-law would never be able to see anyone.

Miao Wan only remembered that she was doing the accounting, and she was quite happy. She stood up and couldn't help but hissing. Her waist and legs hurt, and she felt bloated somewhere...

Her whole body froze and her face suddenly felt hot. My goodness, was she firing the first shot of the new year while she was blacking out?

When she lifted the quilt, she saw traces of her inner clothes showing. She was so embarrassed that she quickly changed the subject.

She took the hangover soup and covered her face, "Mom, where's Taotao?"

Geng smiled and said, "Ruichen has been taken to the Ruan family. The children are all waiting there for the Ruan family's eldest master to make them Coke and fried chicken."

Miao Wan drank too much last night and caught the traitor. She told her uncle about her idea of ​​opening a shop in Wa City after the New Year.

Of course Ruan Qi was happy to do so. He had been busy for most of his life and he didn't like staying at home all the time.

On the first day of the New Year, they started preparing things that could be sold. The fragrance attracted children from three families, which is why the house is so quiet.

When Qiao Ruichen came back with the child, his wife twisted his waist again. He had no choice but to smile and let her do whatever she wanted.

Last night, his wife was too drunk and too passionate, and he couldn't help but torment her a little too much.

Before Miao Wan could get angry, Qiao Ruichen secretly handed her a wooden box.

Miao Wan's birthday is the twelfth day of the first lunar month. Last year, she was so pregnant and was so busy with the opening of Jufu Restaurant that she forgot about it.

Later, after Taotao was born, people talked about the fact that their birthdays were only twenty days apart, and then everyone realized that it was too late to make up for it.

The family will definitely celebrate Miao Wan's birthday this year. Qiao Ruichen originally wanted to keep this surprise as a birthday gift for his wife, but he took it out first for fear that his wife would be angry.

When Miao Wan opened it, she found that it was a land deed for a three-courtyard house. The address was written as being in the southwest of Xining Town where the wealthy people lived.

She was delighted and asked, "You got a promotion?"

Qiao Ruichen shook his head. "Not yet. Before I came back, Chen Sixu sent someone to deliver it to me. He said that there were too many things to do before the New Year and it would be too late. The military promotion order will come after the New Year."

In fact, Qianjinlou had a new product, so Qiao Ruichen naturally sent it over to his "godfather and mother" as a filial gift first.

As for the profit of the shop, it must wait until the goods are all ready, and then be used as New Year gifts after the New Year. After everyone else has given their gifts, it will be sent to General Dingbei's Mansion.

Chen Sixu was probably a little impatient, or perhaps he was afraid that Qiao Ruichen would just take the gold and get away with it, so he specially sent someone to deliver the land deed to him. While telling him the good news, he also hinted that the army was short of food and clothing, so he should hurry up.

Qiao Shengwen originally intended to send it before the New Year so that the soldiers could have a good year.

Miao Wan didn't understand military affairs, but she knew how to calculate. She simply asked, "If we don't deliver the goods, won't General Dingbei express his gratitude to the Gubei Army during the New Year?"

That's definitely not possible. If a general does nothing, his soldiers will be disheartened.

Miao Wan puffed up her cheeks and refused to deliver the goods before the New Year. "Then let's wait until after the New Year. We can't let him use our things to show his kindness. When the time comes, he has to show his gratitude. We send it to him, and these things must be used for the soldiers. At least the soldiers will remember our kindness, and they can also get double the benefits."

She was already feeling the pain of giving away the gold, and if her reputation became that old thief's, she would vomit blood.

After careful consideration, Qiao Shengwen and his son realized that this was the case.

Even though Qiao Ruichen's identity was awkward, he had made several good friends in the army over the past two years. As long as he revealed a few things, even if the cotton-padded jacket was issued by order of General Dingbei, those who knew would remember the Qiao family's kindness.

And she is not afraid of Chen Sixu finding out. If a person is too perfect, people will be wary of him. Even if Chen Sixu can see through her little thoughts, she might feel more at ease.

Chen Sixu was an old fox. Even if he didn't understand it at the time, he figured it out later when his mansion spent a large sum of money to give the soldiers a New Year's gift.

So when Qiao Ruichen took Qianjinlou's cargo list to Dingbei General's Mansion, he was left in the freezing cold courtyard by Chen Sixu for two hours.

When they met, they were naturally smiling and talking happily, after all, Qiao Ruichen came to give gifts.

"Zicheng is here? I'm busy with military affairs inside, and the servants weren't paying attention. Could you please go in and tell me if you're cold? Come and sit by the fire and warm yourself."

Qiao Ruichen quickly stood up and said, "Father, what are you talking about? Military affairs are of course the most important thing. It's okay for Zicheng to wait for a while."

Chen Zhisheng, Chen Sixu's adopted son, snorted coldly, "My adoptive father knows how to feel sorry for him, but he doesn't know how to feel sorry for my adoptive father at all. He only cares about making money for himself when there are good things. He doesn't know how much I care about my adoptive father's difficulties. I wonder how many soldiers in the army are waiting for my adoptive father and worrying about him."

Chen Sixu frowned. "Ah, what are you talking about? Zicheng is already filial to me for remembering me as his adoptive father. Unlike you, what else can you do besides running errands for me?"

Chen Zhisheng muttered quietly, "What were you doing before the New Year? At least I can help my adoptive father calm the troops. I'm nothing like those people who won't release the eagle until they see the rabbit, humph!"

Qiao Ruichen lowered his head and listened quietly to the father and son, one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, criticizing him.

After Chen Zhisheng finished speaking, Qiao Ruichen threw off his robe and knelt before Chen Sixu. "Zicheng knows I'm wrong. Father, please forgive me. That cotton-padded jacket can only be made from the softest feathers from a duck. Sweaters and trousers require a skilled weaver who works day and night to spin and weave them. Zicheng doesn't dare to just give me a few things to excuse you. Therefore, I hurried to make ten thousand pieces before I can have the courage to send them to you."

After hearing the number, Chen Sixu raised his eyebrows and gave Chen Zhisheng a look that told him to shut up.

He picked up the list that Qiao Ruichen had sent over and looked at it. There were 3,000 pieces each of sweaters, trousers, down jackets and trousers, as well as gloves and socks, cotton coats and trousers. It was said to be 10,000 pieces, but in fact there were more than 20,000 pieces.

Based on the delivery speed of Qianjinlou reported by Chen Sixu, the total amount of goods delivered is more than the total amount of goods taken by all merchants.

He felt much more satisfied.

However, the Gubei Army had 8,000 soldiers stationed in Xining Town alone. There were military camps in Xiping County and Ning'an County, totaling 18, spread across the borders of Western Tibet and Northern Mongolia to prevent bandits from causing chaos, totaling more than 150,000 people.

Twenty thousand pieces is just a drop in the bucket.

Chen Sixu looked at Qiao Ruichen and said, "Zicheng, you should understand how important clothing and food are to the Gubei Army. If your Qiao family is unable to expand production, how about I send someone to help you open a few businesses in the county town, hire more people, and ensure the army's needs first? What do you think?"

Chen Zhisheng immediately agreed, "Foster father, this military supply merchant is the most prestigious besides the imperial merchants. Logically speaking, the Qiao family is guilty and should hand over all the methods. We, the Gubei Army, will buy it out. This will prevent the Saint from blaming you in the future."

Chen Sixu was satisfied with his adopted son's words, but he looked at Qiao Ruichen awkwardly, "This isn't a good idea, is it? After all, this is the business that sustains the Qiao family."

Chen Zhisheng immediately said, "Then godfather, please give the Qiao family a favor and let them continue to run Qianjinlou, but the military supplies for the Gubei Army cannot be shirked!"

Qiao Ruichen listened quietly to the two people singing the same tune and forcing him to hand over the clothes. He even remembered what his wife whispered to him before returning to the county town.

Miao Wan said, "These shameless people are different from normal people. They take pride in being shameless, and the more shameless they are, the happier they are. So don't say anything nonsense to them. If you want to flatter them, just flatter them to the end. Once you've thrown away your pride, you won't even want your head anymore."

He originally thought that Chen Sixu was an old fox and had to have some fig leaf to cover his face, but he didn't expect that his wife would actually say it.

So after the two of them finished speaking, Qiao Ruichen didn't wait for them to continue singing in response, but directly took out the prescription he had prepared long ago from his arms.

"Brother, you're absolutely right. Zicheng has been delayed for a long time. Firstly, he was rushing to finish the work, and secondly, he was worried about how to help his adoptive father. He came up with a solution at home and came here immediately. The method of making clothes should be left to my adoptive father."

The foster father and son: "..."

No, if you want to take it out, you should take it out earlier.

After we've said so much, you finally said you were ready. It makes me feel a little uncomfortable.

It was like stepping on empty air.

Chen Zhisheng's face was burning, and he snorted coldly: "It seems that you are unwilling. If we don't tell you, you don't want to take it out, right?"

Qiao Ruichen presented the recipe with great trepidation, "Zicheng, I dare not, but I am worried about how to share my adoptive father's worries in the future. So, after much thought, the Qiao family also wants to do something for him. Qianjinlou is willing to donate the fabric needed for this cotton-padded jacket."

The face and honor had been given here, and Chen Zhisheng wanted to continue to find fault, but he didn't know what else to find. He felt more and more uncomfortable, and wanted to make trouble with a grim face.

Chen Sixu's face darkened. "Alright, you're already grown up, but you're not as sensible as your brother. Zicheng has always been giving in to you, so you should be more tolerant. You promised to give Zicheng a promotion, but you haven't done it yet, and you still have the nerve to show off here!"

Chen Zhisheng immediately stopped while he was ahead and bowed his head. "It's my son's fault. I'll have it fixed when I get back."

Chen Sixu looked at Qiao Ruichen warmly, "Zicheng's filial piety is appreciated by your adoptive father. Qianjinlou can continue its business as usual. There is no need to avoid it. I don't want to use this method to make money, but to make the soldiers' lives better."

The additional meaning is that future offerings to Qianjinlou must be given as they should be.

Qiao Ruichen faintly understood what he meant. He had initially gained the trust of the old thief Chen, and that was enough.

"Thank you, foster father. I understand."

After Qiao Ruichen left, Chen Zhisheng finally asked, "Foster father, didn't you say that Qiao Ruichen was deliberately plotting to win over the troops? We should teach him a lesson? Why is he..."

Chen Sixu glanced at his adopted son and said calmly, "He has his own thoughts, but he's quite sensible. Besides, Concubine Jin is still serving as a noble concubine, so we don't want to offend the Qiao family. Let's wait and see. If he can be of use, it doesn't matter if he has his own thoughts."

After all, how many of his subordinates don't have ulterior motives?

As long as loyalty can be used, Chen Sixu understands too well the principle of turning a blind eye.

Moreover, he discovered some other clues, which were more important and had to be investigated immediately.

"He mentioned a loom and a spinning wheel. They look familiar to me. Ask someone to find out where these two items came from."

Chen Sixu looked at his adopted son steadily and said, "Go and investigate it yourself. Don't let anyone find out."

The author has something to say:

Miao Shiren: I'm not a good person, I'm a bad person... I'll start the bad things~~~

The second update is around 22:00~