After receiving the money, the shopkeepers instructed their subordinates to immediately inform the Mongol leaders if anything seemed amiss.
Tulichen had cordoned off the two areas well in advance, making it difficult for even a fly to escape.
"Master, why did you come at this time?" Manager Fu saw that Qingyan had many opportunities, so he was not too reserved with her.
They spoke very casually to each other, but she was in a terrible mood. Manager Fu looked no different from before, but the results of the investigation surprised her.
"Manager Fu, how long has it been since we last met?" She looked at Manager Fu. "In the past few years, you managers have increased Linglong Pavilion's commission by 20%, and you're still not satisfied?"
As soon as the words were spoken, many craftsmen who were preparing to plead for the managers were stunned. They knew that Linglong Pavilion would take a cut, and the final profit would be theirs.
So, those noodles were all subject to a cut, and the shopkeepers also took a cut.
The crowd in the hall erupted in murmurs, whispering amongst themselves. She was wearing a hood, so no one could see her true face.
The imposing aura emanating from her caused them all to lower their heads.
"Master, who told you this? This servant would never do such a thing," the shopkeeper said hastily, not wanting to take responsibility.
He believed she was merely warning them that she wouldn't actually tear off the veil of propriety in front of them.
"Is that so?" Qingyan gave a cold laugh. "Did I misunderstand you?"
She stretched out her left hand, and Su Lan respectfully handed her the investigation ledger. Qing Yan opened the ledger and looked at the places marked with black lines.
“I take 30% from each shop, and the rest is split 50/50 between the shop and the craftsmen. What’s this? You’re saying I take 50%? So, where did the other 20% go?” Qingyan said directly.
Yin held her teacup, trying to hide the slight upturn of her lips. She was like a cannon; if she saw anything improper, she would definitely ignite at the slightest provocation.
At this moment, the shopkeepers realized that Qingyan had come prepared, and even their hidden ledgers had been discovered. Therefore, they must also know everything about their transactions with the Mongol leaders.
"Master, we have our own grievances to offer. Every time, the Mongol leaders demand tribute from Linglong Pavilion, and this 20% of the silver is reserved for them." This explanation was considered reasonable for the managers who wanted to exonerate themselves.
"Enough. You've been here long enough to believe everything you say is true. These ledgers are mostly fake. You all know exactly how much was given to the Mongol leaders. Today, let's compare them and see who embezzled the artisans' share," Qingyan said directly.
Originally, she didn't want to push things too far. After all, they had worked in the shops under the Ulanara family for many years and were all capable. If they left the Ulanara family's shops, they should have a good future if they went to other shops or opened their own.
Now, they're becoming increasingly stubborn, as if the Linglong Pavilion can't continue operating without them.
Yin had quite a few subordinates who could support the business. In order to make a name for himself in Mongolia, he had arranged for people to work among the various tribes in Mongolia early on.
"Master, we dare not." The shopkeepers were all inwardly panicked; Qingyan's words clearly indicated that he was preparing to take action against them.
The previous news from the capital was clearly meant to reassure them.
When autumn arrived, Yin brought Qingyan over. In order to secretly check the business conditions of Linglong Pavilion and Yuelai Inn, the Mongol leaders paid various fees, and they had a rough idea of the amount.
"I wouldn't dare. I think you've gotten too bold, daring to use the reserve fund. That's something that can't be used unless absolutely necessary." Qingyan's words sent a chill down the spines of the craftsmen. This reserve fund was prepared by Linglong Pavilion and Yuelai Inn, intended to be used as a start-up fund in times of crisis, capable of reviving the shops.
She had heard about this reserve fund when they were in Jiangnan. Two-thirds of the profits were to be saved, and the remaining one-third was to be used as flexible operating funds.
"Who gave you permission to use it?" Qingyan asked directly.
In the capital, she would frequently check on the reserve fund, inspecting it wherever she went.
"We had no other choice but to use some of our own resources at the last minute, and we quickly replenished them," the shopkeepers hurriedly explained.
There were craftsmen standing on both sides; without a reasonable explanation, they would surely stop pleading.
Seeing the state of those in distress, they worried that they might be disposed of directly.
No matter who you work for or who you run your own shop, you won't earn as much or live as comfortably as you do at Linglong Pavilion.
To open a store in the Northwest, you need a good backer, and Qingyan's identity can bring them a lot of convenience.
When they discuss business, as long as they say they are from Linglong Pavilion, many potential partners will consider them first.
Having a good background can attract a lot of partners for them.
"Master, we dare not touch it at all. All the reserves are currently in the warehouse." The managers were also conscientious. After learning that Qingyan had come to Qiumi, they quickly replenished the reserves. The losses of each family were real. If they lost their jobs at Linglong Pavilion, their lives would become miserable.
They have acquired properties in their hometown, mostly on rented land, simply so they can have a stable pension when they retire.
These new concepts were all mentioned by Qingyan. Linglong Pavilion and Yuelai Inn were places where Fei Yanggu and his two sons' pensions came from.
"You've been here for several years, and the Ulanara clan believes they haven't treated you unfairly. Now, as the next head of the family, I dismiss you!" Seto didn't want to delay any longer. These people had clearly made up for the missing funds. Xiao Guai was soft-hearted and hadn't made any major mistakes, so he definitely wouldn't dismiss them.
"Master, what is your opinion? Didn't the master want you to inherit the shop?" Several shopkeepers hoped that Qingyan would object. Seto's status was more important. Among the descendants of the Ulanara clan, Seto's words carried the most weight. Even Qingyan was a woman who had married out of the family.
"Ah Hun is right, Su Peisheng, send someone to search and confiscate all that gold and silver!" Qingyan was no longer going to give these people any face. They wanted to admit their mistakes directly, and Qingyan had left them a little bit of a bottom line so they could still have some dignity to do their jobs. Who would have thought that these people were all greedy, not only refusing to admit their mistakes, but also trying to use some means to deceive them.
She was somewhat annoyed and directly ransacked the house, exposing everything to the public.
At the very least, let everyone see that Linglong Pavilion and Yuelai Inn will no longer harbor parasites. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
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