112
Early in the morning, Tian Yu sat at his desk.
Managing the various affairs of the camp was actually nothing to him. The expansion of the camp had been arranged before, the cement workshop had obtained the deed, and the site was now being renovated. Although the bank was open, not many people came to borrow money, and the people were all waiting and watching. It would take a long time to make a name for himself.
As for negotiating with the garrison to purchase cannons, County Magistrate Cao can handle the transaction privately.
So all that fell on him was to deal with various accounts and what Cheng Xi called the "budget" statistics. For Tian Yu, who was good at math and had practical experience, it was just a piece of cake and there was no need to start working early in the morning.
Of course, in the past, Tian Yu would not have come to the study so early, but these days he was always restless and found it difficult to calm down.
Since Cheng Xi returned to the island, news has been intermittent. Two groups of people have been sent, all of them are bricklayers who are developing cement.
Perhaps because he was afraid of leaks, he only knew the basics of the plan to encircle and annihilate the ocean-going fleet, and had no idea when the enemy would appear.
Before, Tian Yu was able to suppress his anxiety, but a few days ago, news suddenly came that the ocean-going fleet had been captured. There were five or six hundred prisoners alone, and all the cargo on the ship was also saved. It was a great victory.
This was good news for everyone. Even Sun Erlang went back to the camp specially. However, the victor did not return to the camp first, but went to Panyu instead.
With so much wealth, shouldn't she discuss how to deal with it with him, her staff? She actually went straight to Panyu!
Tian Yu knew that he was a fugitive. Although he had escaped death and been removed from the list, it was still risky for him to go to Panyu City.
He also knew that this great victory was closely related to Mr. Lu, so it was not surprising that he went to inform him.
He even knew that most of the looted goods would be sold somewhere, but Dong Ning had no such channels.
However, as a staff member, Tian Yu still felt a little uncomfortable being excluded.
If you don't trust him, you will never hand over your lifeline to him, but if you trust him, why don't you return to the camp first?
Could it be that she's injured and temporarily doesn't want to see anyone? She boarded the enemy ship alone and surrendered a thousand-ton vessel in one fell swoop—a feat worthy of being recorded in legends and sung by millions. But taking such a risk—is she truly fearless of death? Even Yan Yuan didn't bother to offer some advice, so is there no one else in the Red Flag Gang capable of doing the same?
The more he thought about it, the more anxious Tian Yu became.
Fortunately, he also knew that if Cheng Xi was really seriously injured, even if no one sent him a letter, Sun Erlang would definitely know, so he suppressed his anxiety.
However, even so, the schedule that had been adjusted with great difficulty became a mess again. He got up too early, and Tian Yu didn't want to be seen by others, so he could only hide in the study to pass the time.
However, this little work did not take him too long. After finishing his official business, Tian Yu did not want to leave the study, so he found a local chronicle and started reading it.
This was also sent by Magistrate Cao. It is always a good idea to read more local chronicles when managing a place. Unfortunately, just like yesterday, he was absent-minded when reading and ended up crumpling the edge of a book.
Just as he was lost in thought, Wang Gener called out from outside the door, "Mr. Tian, the leader is back! The boat will be docking soon!"
Tian Yu was startled. He dropped the book and tried to push the wheelchair out. However, the next moment, he stopped and coughed lightly: "I'll wait for her in the study."
He hadn't shaved in the past few days, and he had gotten up too early today without even changing his clothes. How could he possibly show himself in such a mess? He was a cripple anyway, and going to the docks would only cause trouble. He could just wait in the camp.
Wang Gen'er was completely bewildered. The gang leader was coming, and as a trusted aide, shouldn't he be at the dock to greet him? But thinking about his master's temper, he felt relieved. He was a talented man, so it seemed okay to be a little reserved. As long as the gang leader didn't blame him, that was fine.
So it was half an hour later when Cheng Xi saw Tian Yu.
"Danhui looks much better recently." Cheng Xi said with a smile as soon as he saw Tian Yu.
Compared to his previous emaciated appearance, Tian Yu has finally gained some weight after such a long period of good food and accommodation. Although he still has a sullen face, he looks much better and deserves praise.
Tian Yuze gave Cheng Xi a deep look before saying, "Master, with this great victory, I wonder how much wealth and goods you need to store?"
He Ling, who was following behind, was stunned when he heard this. How could he speak to the gang leader in such a tone?
Cheng Xi, however, was unconcerned and said with a smile, "You already know the reward money. The fragrant wood and medicinal herbs will be sold exclusively to Master Lu, who will take a three-tenths cut. The pepper will be given to the Qingfeng Gang. It will sell for eight taels per catty, which is twenty-five stones. We will keep five stones and sell it in retail. The money will be deposited into the warehouse after all the goods are sold. As for the gold, silver and jewelry, I plan to hire some skilled craftsmen to fake them into Western items and sell them."
Tian Yu frowned when he heard this. This was really a big deal.
The market price of pepper in Panyu is around 12 taels, and selling it for 8 taels is a huge profit.
According to the list, the cargo on the ship was worth tens of thousands of taels, and giving Lu Jian 30% was still not a small amount.
However, he couldn't say that this was a mistake. After all, both sides were their allies. How could they not consolidate their friendship after making a fortune?
Therefore, Tian Yu's focus fell on the last part: "Although it is possible to forge Western objects, there are no skilled craftsmen in Dongning, so I am afraid it is beyond their ability."
"If it's just jewelry, it definitely won't be sold, but what if it's made into a tortoise shell mirror, a hand mirror, or something like that?" Cheng Xi asked back.
In fact, she wants to try making more than just mirrors.
The structure of a table clock is simpler than that of a pocket watch, and it can be decorated with more jewels. Moreover, she has been walking around Panyu for so long and has not seen a table clock yet. Even pocket watches are extremely rare, so there is no need to mention the profit if she really makes one.
As a big sea merchant, if he can "convert exports to domestic sales", he can just sit back and count the money.
"Is this why you want to buy the colored glass workshop?" Tian Yu couldn't help but ask. He had been curious for a long time. It was understandable that he wanted to build a cement workshop, but it was a bit puzzling that he was so concerned about colored glass. It turned out that he was waiting here.
Cheng Xi shook his head. "What I want to make is a telescope that can see far. A single tortoise-shell mirror can magnify text. If two lenses are stacked, it will definitely be able to see farther. With this kind of telescope, maritime reconnaissance will be much more convenient."
This was beyond Tian Yu's expectation. However, after thinking about it carefully, it didn't seem so crazy. He immediately said, "There is no suitable glass workshop near Dongning. If we want to make this, we can't ask others to do it for us."
If it is really as Cheng Xi said, what is made is standard military equipment, how can we let the recipe fall into the hands of others?
Cheng Xi said, "Don't worry, we'll build a workshop ourselves. I've already asked Lu Jian to find someone. He has a lot of connections, so it shouldn't be a problem. We also have a winemaker, who will be sent over soon. We need to build our distillery and distill alcohol as soon as possible so that we can treat any injuries."
Tian Yu also took Cheng Xi's mention of alcohol to heart. He knew that strong liquor could remove abscesses, but he had never heard of distillation.
However, even if alcohol cannot be produced, the winery can still make money, especially since the Red Flag Gang also operates a grain route, which is extremely convenient.
Nodding slightly, Tian Yu said, "The location is easy to choose. We can just build it next to the main camp."
As a result, three workshops had to be started, but of course the money was still not enough, and they had to wait for the payment of the goods before they could start work.
Cheng Xi smiled and said, "This way, Danhui, you'll have more things to do. I just found a few helpers for you and brought them along this time. He Ling, come here and meet Mr. Tian."
He Ling immediately stepped forward and was about to salute when Tian Yu said with a dark face, "I don't want a maid to serve me!"
After listening to this person's nonsense for a long time, He Ling was suddenly hit in the face. She could no longer hold back and retorted: "I am the young master's personal maid, who wants to serve you!"
Tian Yu was stunned by her. Wait, this is Cheng Xi's maid? What is she sending her here for?
Seeing the two people fighting like cockfighting cocks upon meeting, Cheng Xi couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Danhui misunderstood. This time, A Ling brought a few women here to work in the bank. They have all learned arithmetic, and after sending someone to teach them, keeping accounts shouldn't be a problem. Now that there are few people in the bank, it's not a big deal. When more people come, our accounting office won't be enough."
Tian Yu's expression grew increasingly grim as he listened, and he couldn't help but ask, "Boss, are you teasing me? How can a woman…"
He was halfway through his words when they suddenly got stuck in his throat and he almost made a strange sound.
Cheng Xi deliberately asked back: "What's wrong with the woman?"
If he was facing someone else, Tian Yu could naturally say a lot of things about what women can't do, but he was facing a strange woman now, and saying such words would only bring shame upon himself.
After a long pause, Tian Yu finally said, "The company has never had such rules before. The accountant is so important, how can we hire people carelessly?"
This time, Cheng Xi put away the teasing on his face and said seriously, "It's precisely because the stakes are so high that I need to use these women. I rescued them all and taught them all, and I'm the only one they can rely on. And Ah Ling is my confidant, so others must treat her with caution and not dare to bully her. Isn't someone so smart, cautious, and loyal the best choice?"
"Ordinary women are not good at counting..." Tian Yu said to himself.
Cheng Xi glanced at him and said, "Danhui, who is in charge of the household affairs in your family? And who are the people in charge of the household affairs in your family and friends?"
Tian Yu shut his mouth immediately. He knew that the one who was really in charge of the household affairs was the mistress of the house.
Even his illiterate mother could manage the household in an orderly manner. No matter how complicated the salary was, she could arrange the necessary expenses clearly.
For ordinary wealthy families, managing the household chores is no easier than managing a large shop. Since those women can do it, these women should be able to do it too.
After a long silence, Tian Yu still shook his head: "The accountant is not good enough."
This was already his biggest concession. The bank was founded by Cheng Xi herself. There was no precedent before. If she wanted to make changes at will, no one would say anything.
But being an accountant is really unbecoming and can easily lead to trouble.
Cheng Xi was worried and wanted to send his confidant to supervise the matter. It would be better to arrange another task for him.
Facing this last bit of stubbornness, Cheng Xi suddenly smiled and said, "Let's create a new position called 'Accountant'. From now on, all the positions will be filled by women from the Red Flag Gang. First, we'll arrange for them to learn literacy and abacus. If they still can't do the job within six months, we can just lay them off."
How much can you learn in half a year? Tian Yu was relieved and snorted coldly.
Seeing him like this, He Ling's forehead veins jumped, and then he heard Cheng Xi say: "A Ling, you should follow Mr. Tian well during this period. If you have any questions, just ask him."
Before He Ling could say anything, Tian Yu quit: "I'm busy with work, how can I have time to take care of this little girl!"
He Ling's expression immediately changed: "Don't worry, Mr. Tian. I usually help the gang leader with miscellaneous tasks and won't interfere with your work."
Tian Yu glared at her, and He Ling glared back. Seeing the two of them arguing again, Cheng Xi laughed and shook her head.
Tian Yu has a strange personality and a sharp tongue. If it were an ordinary woman, she might be driven to collapse. However, He Ling is a strong-willed girl and she was taught by Tian Yu himself, so she doesn't fall for it at all.
Perhaps only with her presence can other women gain a foothold in the banking system.
Cheng Xi continued, not intending to intervene. "Since women are required to learn to read and count, we should also invite some teachers to open schools to teach the gang leaders and allow children to attend school. This will provide the Red Flag Gang with people to use when it expands in the future."
Tian Yu immediately retracted his glare and nodded in response, "It's great that you think so. I've also sent people to look for them before, and I think they should be able to find a few failed scholars."
"We can also find some storytellers and singers to make up some easy-to-understand stories so that the brothers in the gang can know what is propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame." Cheng Xi said again.
It is said to be "propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame", but in reality it is a means of instilling one's own ideas.
Ideological construction is indispensable at all times. If a cultural troupe can be established, its impact will be astonishing.
Tian Yu immediately guessed what the other party meant. Regardless of whether they wanted to rebel or not, these people must understand loyalty and obey orders.
There are many such jokes throughout history, and they can be arranged together.
When he thought of this, the feeling of being forced to bear a bunch of burdens faded. Tian Yu raised his chin slightly and nodded in response.
Seeing him like this, He Ling snorted in her heart. No wonder the nurses in the hospital don’t like this guy. He is really hated by everyone.
However, she must complete the tasks assigned by the young master, and no one can stop her!
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