Upon learning that the behind-the-scenes owner was Yang Mengchen, those members of the Imperial Clan who had voluntarily given up their shares couldn’t help but clench their fists in regret. They knew Yang Mengchen was a harbinger of fortune and her means of amassing wealth were astonishing; unfortunately, there are no medicines for regret in this world.
On the eve of the opening, the Emperor personally inscribed the words "Royal Bank" and had the Internal Affair Mansion make a gold plaque to be delivered to Yang Mengchen.
Meanwhile, Prince Ning recommended a man named You Baocheng to Yang Mengchen.
You Baocheng, in his fifties but looking only about forty, had a square jaw and clear eyes. With a whisker on his chin and dressed in a green robe, he projected an image of sincerity and trustworthiness.
You Baocheng had been working in Wangji Money Farm since he was a child, gradually climbing from an apprentice to the position of the chief shopkeeper over forty-plus years (entering the business at six), always diligent and careful in his duties without any major mistakes. It took a person with great perseverance to achieve such a feat, and he didn’t have any bad habits, earning a good reputation and praise in his line of work.
Previously in the Capital, Wangji Money Farm was a well-known money farm until, three years ago, the owner passed away, and his descendants lacked the ability to maintain the family business, leading to its acquisition by others. The new owner wanted to place his own trusted people, which resulted in You Baocheng being laid off. Later, by chance, he joined the service of Ning Prince Mansion.
Yang Mengchen inquired about various aspects of the money farm from You Baocheng, who answered comprehensively and in detail, his attitude neither arrogant nor humble, displaying his thorough familiarity with interpersonal relationships in the Capital.
You Baocheng was inwardly astonished that Yang Mengchen was so well-versed in money farm affairs, but outwardly, he showed no sign of it, instead displaying a great deal of respect.
Yang Mengchen was equally satisfied and on the spot hired You Baocheng as the chief shopkeeper, entrusted him with some tasks, and asked him to start preparing for the opening.
You Baocheng respectfully agreed, then hesitated for a long time before saying, "Princess Chen, I have a younger apprentice brother who is forty-five years old. He is upstanding and even more talented and capable than I, but he offended a person of power five years ago and has been idle at home ever since. If Princess Chen could employ my apprentice brother, it would be an incredible advantage for you."
"Bring him to the Prince Mansion tomorrow, and I will meet him before deciding whether to hire him," Yang Mengchen nodded. She was planning to expand the bank throughout Dong Chu’s towns and counties, and there was a significant shortage of talent. Although there were talented individuals in the Academy and the Royal Charity, there were not many experienced managers for money farms.
The next day, You Baocheng indeed brought his apprentice brother, Ji Songwen, to the Prince Mansion.
After You Baocheng left yesterday, Yang Mengchen had sent someone to investigate Ji Songwen’s life story. Now, seeing the man in person, she was somewhat dissatisfied.
Ji Songwen was indeed talented and capable, but Yang Mengchen was slightly unhappy with his temperament. The chief shopkeeper of a bank needed to be clever and smooth in management, while Ji Songwen was too upright and steadfast, which could easily lead to problems if not careful.
After mulling it over for a moment, Yang Mengchen still signed an employment contract with Ji Songwen, but only made him the second shopkeeper, starting off by assisting You Baocheng and being observed for a period. If he passed Yang Mengchen’s assessment, he would then be entrusted with the task of managing the opening of a branch.
On April 28th, the bank opened to a lively scene. However, there were more onlookers than actual customers coming to deposit money. Yang Mengchen didn’t mind.
Soon it was May 6th, and Meng Jingqi and his group arrived in the Capital. Yang Mengchen personally went to the city gate to welcome them, then returned to the Princess Mansion.
"This must be Jiujiu, indeed a good child," said Prince De with a chuckle as he looked at Yang Mengchen.
Yang Mengchen smiled, curtsied, and said, "Jiujiu pays her respects to Uncle De."
"Good child, no need for such formalities," Prince De said with a smile, raising his hand. The more he looked at Yang Mengchen, the more pleased he became, while also regretting that he had not met the young lady earlier, and then he took a brocade box from the guard and handed it to Yang Mengchen, "This is a meeting gift for you; open it and see if you like it?"
Yang Mengchen received the brocade box with both hands and upon opening it, was immediately stunned.
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