Butler Han said, "I'm not trying to criticize you, but why are you in such a hurry? You're getting on in years, you should take it easy. Some people just don't understand that slow and steady wins the race."
"Alright, alright, I'll take it slow." Butler Cao reached to his side and realized he hadn't brought the small teapot. Without something to slurp, he felt a bit out of sorts.
Now it was Wan Zhangfang's turn.
Before he could even open his mouth, he covered his mouth with a handkerchief and coughed a few times.
Butler Cao closed his eyes tightly.
Wan, the accountant, said softly, "My lord, my lady, I have reviewed this account book several times. Besides finding a few loopholes, I also think there are a few other issues."
"oh?"
Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow and said, "What did you discover? Speak freely."
Butler Cao was stunned for a moment, then nudged Butler Han beside him and whispered, "Did I hear that right? He said he checked it several times?"
Butler Han shifted his body to the side and said in a muffled voice, "I heard you right."
Steward Cao listened blankly to Accountant Wan's words.
"I've noticed that although this shop has a wide variety of goods, only a few items are actually profitable. The goods they bought a few years ago are no longer worth much, but they're still on the books and haven't been sold. Although it doesn't look like there's any loss on paper, they're actually losing money."
Qin Yuan nodded.
Butler Cao had a big smile on his face.
Wan the Accountant continued, "The profit margin on the goods that can be sold is meager, barely enough to break even. Firstly, the manager hasn't tried selling other goods in small quantities to increase revenue. Secondly, after making the wrong purchases, he should have tried to clear out the stock at a discount to recoup his costs before buying new stock. In short, the manager lacks foresight, is not diligent enough, and is hesitant to make decisive decisions. Therefore, this shop will not amount to much in the future. If the shop is to improve, the manager must be replaced."
Butler Cao, unable to contain his excitement, nudged Butler Han beside him.
Butler Han: "..."
Gu Jinghui suddenly asked, "Is it possible that the shopkeeper is just unlucky?"
Wan, the accountant, shook his head and said softly, "When the Marquis needs provisions on the battlefield, he never cares about the luck of the supply officers. The management of money and provisions is a crucial matter that determines victory or defeat."
Lord Gu nodded.
Wan Zhangfang said, "The goods in a shop are the money and food. If the shopkeeper cannot manage the flow of goods, it is his dereliction of duty, and the shop will surely fail."
Lord Gu bent his hand into a knuckle and tapped the table lightly, looking at Accountant Wan and saying, "Not bad, what you said is very good."
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Wan Zhangfang, many people say that your family has been helping to manage money and provisions in the army for generations, so you can be said to have a family tradition of learning. Seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."
Hongye couldn't help but laugh.
Steward Cao slapped his thigh and said, "Good lad, it was definitely worth recommending him."
Butler Han glared at him and said, "Shh."
Wan the accountant coughed a few more times before saying, "I am not in good health and have not learned any of my ancestors' skills. I just have nothing to do while I am sick, so I often hold the account books and ponder them, which makes me think a lot."
This person is quite humble.
Qin Yuan then addressed the crowd, saying, "When it comes to accounting skills, everyone here is quite good. Even if a few of you were careless just now, it was only because you were nervous. I imagine you are not usually like this. It's just that with the Marquis here, everyone was inevitably a little nervous."
The accountants all breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Qin Yuan with gratitude.
Qin Yuan then said, "I think the Ten Thousand Accountants are more suitable for managing the general ledger. Does anyone have any objections?"
"We have no objection."
I am completely convinced.
Accountant Wan said humbly, "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Marquis and Madam. I will do my best to help you."
Qin Yuan asked, "I just didn't know your body could bear such a heavy responsibility?"
Wan Zhangfang said, "It's alright. I've been in poor health since I was a child, but I've slowly recovered. I've been learning accounting since I was little, and it's become second nature to me."
Lord Gu said, "Your ancestors have served in the army for generations, assisting in the management of finances and provisions, and have also rendered meritorious service. I can arrange for Dr. Li from Renhe Hall to treat you. If the disease can be cured completely, your skills can be passed down properly. What do you say?"
Wan Zhangfang hesitated for a moment.
Steward Cao grew anxious and was about to speak.
Butler Han suddenly grabbed his hand.
Butler Cao realized what was happening and quickly shut his mouth.
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Wan Zhangfang, there's no need to refuse. Both Brother Qi and his mother have been treated by Doctor Li. I heard a few days ago that Brother Qi's mother is almost seeing the light of day. Perhaps your illness can also be cured by Doctor Li. Renhetang and the mansion have a close relationship and have agreed to exchange consultation fees according to the annual gift money. Moreover, Doctor Li's acupuncture skills are superb and will be effective soon."
This implies that his expenses, like those of Old Lady Qi, were borne by the Marquis's mansion, and that they were not much.
Wan, the accountant, immediately replied, "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Marquis and Madam. I will remember it forever."
Lord Gu laughed and said, "Just do your job well. I believe that with you as the chief accountant, the manor's businesses will flourish. So many people's livelihoods depend on you."
Upon hearing this, Wan the accountant became somewhat nervous and stammered, unable to speak.
Qin Yuan hurriedly said, "What you say is very true, my lord. Although the manor is not short of money now, as the old saying goes, you won't go broke from eating or spending, but you will definitely go broke if you don't plan ahead. With the planning of Wan Zhangfang, we can also settle the old people who fought alongside you for a long time."
Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze towards Lord Gu and Accountant Wan changed.
Their descendants' future will be inextricably linked to the mansion.
The Marquis's mansion prospered, and his descendants also enjoyed a good life.
Wan Zhangfang said, "My lord and madam, rest assured, I will do my utmost to accomplish this."
Lord Gu nodded.
“Your ancestors did a good job, I trust you.”
Wan Zhangfang was quite moved.
Qin Yuan said, "Now that the chief accountant has been chosen, the steward for the inner courtyard should also be decided."
Everyone looked at Manager Qian, who was standing on the periphery.
Hongye laughed and said, "Manager Qian, you're standing too far away. You should go over to Manager Cao and Manager Han."
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "Hongye, you should call him Butler Qian now."
Steward Qian beamed with joy and excitedly stepped forward to bow to Lord Gu and Qin Yuan, saying, "This old servant will certainly manage the inner courtyard well and share the burden with the Lord and Lady."
Lord Gu slightly lifted his eyelids and said calmly, "You must take Steward Zhang as a warning."
Steward Qian quickly replied, "This old servant would never be as ungrateful and short-sighted as him. My family has been in this household for generations, and my descendants will serve you well and follow you."
Lord Gu cleared his throat and said, "It's best if you think that way."
His eyes swept across everyone present like lightning.
"Accountant Sun and Furniture Manager Zhang were both severely tortured. Originally, a traitorous servant only had one fate: death. But because Sixth Master still had to fight a lawsuit with the Xu family, their lives were temporarily spared. This is the end for someone who betrays their master; not only will they lose face for generations, but they will also implicate their families and relatives!"
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