When the joyous news of Si Yan's success in the imperial examination spread like a spring breeze through every corner of the capital, the Jiang family instantly became the center of attention. The news spread like wildfire, swiftly spreading through the streets and alleys, attracting countless people to offer their congratulations. For a time, the Jiang family's door was practically broken down by the endless stream of visitors.
At that moment, Si Yan sat in his home's counting room, intently counting the mountain of gifts. The abacus in his hand clattered with a deafening roar, the crisp clatter of beads a joyful song of harvest. "Three hundred rolls of silk, six thousand taels of silver; twenty pieces of jade, three thousand taels of silver..." Si Yan muttered as he expertly moved the beads, his eyes gleaming with excitement and shrewdness, each number seeming to translate into tangible wealth.
At the Jiang family's main gate, Nian Li stood majestically, sword in hand, like a loyal guard. Her bright eyes watched every approaching person warily, and as soon as someone approached, she shouted at the top of her lungs, "Gifts must pass through me first!" Her innocent yet domineering demeanor drew smiles from passersby.
Jiang Yan stood in the courtyard, looking at the mountains of gifts piled high. He felt both proud of his son's achievements and a slight headache. "Si Yan, these gifts need to be properly registered. Don't be careless," he reminded her, knowing full well that these gifts were not only tokens of affection but also expressions of social etiquette, and needed to be properly documented.
"I've calculated it long ago!" Si Yan raised his head confidently, handed over an account book casually, and a proud smile on his face, "Excluding the expenses of the teacher appreciation banquet, we made a net profit of 12,300 taels this time! This is enough to open ten bookstores!" His voice was filled with excitement that was difficult to conceal, as if he had already seen the bustling scene of ten bookstores opening one after another in prosperous areas across the country.
Su Jinli stood quietly by, watching her son's eyes light up with excitement, her thoughts drifting back to her past life. Back then, she was alone and helpless, struggling against the whirlpool of fate, her life filled with hardship and helplessness. But now, she had a son and a daughter, a husband who doted on her, and even her father, who occasionally gave her money and showed concern for their family's well-being. Thinking of this, her heart was filled with sweetness, like a pot of honey, a happiness that was about to overflow.
"Mom," Si Yan suddenly raised his head with a hint of expectation in his eyes, "I want to open a bookstore in Yangzhou. The water transportation there is well developed and the freight is low, so the cost will be reduced and the profit margin will naturally be larger..." He talked about his business plan incessantly, his eyes flashing with longing for the future.
"It's up to you!" Su Jinli smiled and touched his head, her eyes full of pampering, "But you are not allowed to delay your studies because of these things. Mother knows that you have a mind for business, but studying is the foundation. Only if you have ink in your belly can you go further in the future." She warned earnestly, knowing that in this era, knowledge and talent are the foundation of survival.
At this moment, Jiang Yan walked over with a plate of exquisite dim sum. Looking at his wife and children laughing and playing, a helpless yet doting smile appeared on his face. "You two, each one is more troublesome than the other. But seeing you so happy, I feel at ease," he said softly, his eyes full of love and care for his family.
The afterglow of the setting sun was like a layer of golden gauze, gently spreading over the Jiang family's courtyard. The sound of Si Yan's abacus, mixed with Nian Li's crisp laughter, drifted slowly out of the Jiang family's courtyard wall, as if telling the whole world about the joy and happiness of this family. Su Jinli leaned lightly on Jiang Yan's shoulder, quietly listening to the noise of her children, with a thousand emotions in her heart. She suddenly felt that all the grievances and sufferings in this life had disappeared, and what remained were all the sweet days of the whole family chasing after her and doting on her. And her clever and money-loving son, with his sensitivity to numbers and talent for business, was really going to turn the whole world into a big business field for him to display his talents and realize his ambitions.
In the days that followed, Siyan devoted himself to preparing to open a bookstore in Yangzhou. He meticulously researched the Yangzhou market, including the local cultural atmosphere, reading preferences, and business environment. He dispatched capable personnel to Yangzhou for on-site inspections, gathering relevant information to inform the bookstore's location, selection of book categories, and development of an operational model.
At the same time, Siyan never neglected his studies. He set aside time every day to study a wide range of books, including not only Confucian classics but also works on economics, trade, geography, and other subjects. He knew that only by constantly enriching himself could he achieve a more stable path in business.
Seeing her brother so busy, Nianli wasn't about to be outdone. She practiced her martial arts even more diligently, hoping to one day emulate her brother's brilliance in business and academia. Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed across the courtyard, Nianli began her martial arts training. She wielded her broadsword with ferocious force, her clothes soaked with sweat, yet she never slacked off.
Jiang Yan and Su Jinli were filled with joy as they watched their children strive so hard. They silently supported Si Yan and Nian Li from behind, providing them with all the help they needed. Drawing on his connections and experience accumulated over many years in the government, Jiang Yan provided advice and suggestions for Si Yan's bookstore, and also helped him connect with influential figures in Yangzhou, paving the way for its opening.
Su Jinli meticulously cares for her family, preparing nutritious meals for her children and caring for their physical and mental health. She also frequently exchanges business ideas with Siyan, using her wisdom and insight to offer her son unique insights and advice.
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