The dog nodded, agreeing with her, carefully put the article away, and then went to sleep obediently.
Jiang Jiuniang began to check the recent accounts. Although business had gradually improved, it had been operating at a loss for some time, with the partners covering the expenses.
Since we started this business, we've only received payment for the wool sweaters the emperor gave to the soldiers in the military camp before the Lunar New Year. The others are either still unsettled or unpaid.
Fortunately, she and Peng Yuan were quite generous with their initial investment, and the company still has enough money in its accounts. However, things can't continue like this forever. They need to urge the shops they're cooperating with in the prefecture and state to see what's going on. If they're not capable of making the business work, they should replace them as soon as possible. They can't afford to lose money.
Whenever she worries about these things, Jiang Jiuniang misses Lianhua and Youyatou especially. If the two of them were here, she wouldn't have to work overtime in the middle of the night.
There is still no trusted confidant on this border, and these account books are not yet trustworthy to be handed over.
Jiang Jiuniang tapped her head and suddenly thought of a wicked idea.
Just because she was alone doesn't mean the Emperor and Empress were alone. The Emperor's maternal family was a prominent clan that must have cultivated many talented individuals. It wouldn't be a problem for her to borrow a few of them, would it?
Anyway, the Empress has a stake in this, so isn't it the Emperor's own property? Is there a problem with using people from his own family to manage his property?
No problem!
Jiang Jiuniang was instantly overjoyed and began writing letters to the emperor again, lamenting how difficult the harsh border region was. She said that she was utterly helpless, unable to find a suitable person even with money, and begged the emperor to have pity on her, a weak woman who was struggling to run such a large business all by herself.
She was so engrossed in writing that she didn't notice when Lu Baichuan returned. It wasn't until Lu Baichuan saw the hesitant and slurred content that Jiang Jiuniang realized what was happening and turned around to find herself facing Lu Baichuan's large face.
"When did you get back? You scared me to death!"
Jiang Jiuniang was startled. She patted her chest and called for her soul back while accusing the man who walked without making a sound.
“You’ve been here for a while, you were so engrossed you didn’t notice.”
Lu Baichuan gently patted her back and asked, "Has your soul returned?"
"You're back, you're back. It's not safe to go out like this so late at night. It's better for you to stay on me!"
Lu Baichuan: ...
His wife is indeed very humorous.
"Are you short-staffed?"
He read the contents of the letter, and every word and sentence conveyed the message that there was no one available.
"You bet I'm exhausted lately. Yuanyuan is pregnant, and I can't let her work too hard. As for those two sisters, they're still Madam Peng's people, and I don't trust them. As for the others, they were all hired temporarily recently. Although they can do other things, I still don't trust them to manage the accounts. Fang Yong can manage the accounts at the wool workshop, but there's no one to manage the milk powder workshop. The accounts from the two places can't be mixed up; they need to be managed by different people to check and balance each other. That way, I can feel more at ease."
At this point, Jiang Jiuniang sighed. She found it difficult to start such a business even with so much wealth, let alone how difficult it would be for ordinary people to try to start a business and then make it big and successful.
No matter the era, favorable timing, geographical location, and harmonious relationships are all indispensable.
Lu Baichuan raised an eyebrow, took the letter and read it carefully, then said, "A lot of strategists have come to join us recently, and many of them are capable. They can manage the accounts without any problem. It's a good opportunity to test their character before considering whether they can be given important positions."
The group of strategists had been there for some time and had been of great help in the previous battles. He had reported to the emperor before, and the emperor's intention was to examine their character more closely. If their character was stable, they would be directly incorporated into the court and given important positions when the army returned to the capital.
The country is currently short of talent, and anyone who performs exceptionally well, whether through exams or other methods, will have an opportunity.
Jiang Jiuniang blinked: "Isn't this a bit inappropriate? Those scholars are the most aloof and proud; why would they be willing to get involved in business? Let's not force them."
"That's why we say it's a test of character. If you can't even handle this little thing, how can you handle the other things the Emperor arranges?"
Lu Baichuan didn't think it was a big deal. If you don't even have this much resilience, you'd better leave as soon as possible.
Jiang Jiuniang hesitated for a while, but finally nodded. In any case, these scholars were the most proud and would not stoop to scheming against the account books. Thinking that this could not only help the emperor select talents, but also relieve her own work pressure, she naturally had no reason to refuse.
However, she wasn't the type to do good deeds anonymously. She took the letter from Lu Baichuan, wrote the incident down, and while lamenting her misery, she didn't forget to claim credit for herself. She had the emperor and his wife completely under her control.
"Are you happy now?"
Lu Baichuan reached out and pinched her cheek. It was soft and felt wonderful to the touch, making him reluctant to let go.
"It's alright. You didn't tell me you had someone on your team beforehand, leaving me all exhausted. My shoulders are sore. Give me a massage."
Jiang Jiuniang has always been one to take advantage of any situation, so she nestled in Lu Baichuan's arms and refused to get up.
"I haven't showered yet. Come with me, and I'll give you a massage while I'm at it."
Jiang Jiuniang repeatedly refused: "I've already washed it!"
"Wash it again."
...
Lu Baichuan was quite efficient. The next day at noon, when Jiang Jiuniang woke up, her maid told her that several gentlemen had come to the mansion to wait for her to meet them before arranging things for her.
Jiang Jiuniang had originally wanted to stay in bed a little longer, but upon hearing this, she instantly woke up, sat up with her hair a mess, and asked, "How long have you gentlemen been here?"
"They just arrived a short while ago and are currently eating. I told them that Madam is busy and asked them to wait a moment."
The little maid was very clever; she didn't mention that she was still sleeping.
Jiang Jiuniang immediately grinned widely: "Yes, yes, I've been busy, well done!"
While she was being sarcastic, she quickly got up and tidied herself up. After eating a quick bite, she went to the living room, just as the group of strategists had finished eating. The timing was perfect.
The strategists had long heard of Jiang Jiuniang's beauty, and they were still amazed when they saw her. However, they were all polite people and did not stare at her for long. They quickly looked away and bowed to Jiang Jiuniang.
"Greetings, Madam."
Jiang Jiuniang returned the greeting and said with a smile, "Gentlemen, you are too kind. You don't need to be so polite in the future. We are all family."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Jiang Jiuniang got down to business: "I invited you gentlemen here today because I am too busy to handle everything myself. I would appreciate it if you could help me with some things. The Emperor will soon send someone to assist you, and then you will be able to retire gracefully."
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