You Are Truly Impressive

Bailu returned to the house, letting out a breath of frustration. She ran into Steward Yuan and immediately started talking nonstop: "Brother Yuan Yu, you didn’t see those people just now. When they tried to break the contract, they acted all tough like grandpa himself, with such arrogance and stubbornness! But in the end, they really did break the contract and quit renting. One by one, they came back regretting it, begging me like grandchildren! Hmph, if they want to come, they come; if they want to leave, they leave. What do they take us for? Since they want to scram, they should scram far away. There’s no cure for regret, so don’t come back!"

Yuan Yu looked at Bailu, who seemed much happier, and smiled: "Feeling better now? Those people are short-sighted. They get fired up at the slightest thing, but sooner or later, they’ll suffer a big loss and won’t accomplish anything."

Bailu nodded: "Exactly. They get all worked up over such a small setback and can’t calm down. They won’t get anywhere. I’ll go find the madam and tell her about this to cheer her up too."

Yuan Yu saw Bailu in a good mood and walked with her, grinning as he pulled out something like an account book from his pocket and waved it in front of her.

Bailu’s eyes immediately lit up: "Brother Yuan Yu, what’s this? It looks like an account book!"

Yuan Yu smiled at Bailu’s eager gaze at the account book: "This is a copy of the Jiangnan Silver Bank’s account book from five years ago. Jiangnan Silver Bank is the largest silver bank in the country, and its accounts are the most complex. Many accountants dream of seeing it to learn."

"Wow!" Bailu stared at the account book without blinking. "You actually got a copy of the Jiangnan Silver Bank’s account book? Brother Yuan Yu, you’re really amazing!"

Steward Yuan Yu smiled proudly and shoved the account book into Bailu’s arms: "Hehe, it’s nothing. I happen to know some friends who helped me get a copy from a few years ago for you to study. Take your time reading it. If you find anything confusing, just ask me. I’m not bragging, but I help manage all the business inside and outside for our master here. I know a bit about accounting and bookkeeping, probably more than the average accountant in Qingmiao City."

"Wow, you really are amazing!" Bailu gave a thumbs up, genuinely impressed: "You know so many people, your connections span all over the country. Fourth Master trusts you to handle everything perfectly. I didn’t expect you to be good at accounting too. That’s incredible!"

Yuan Yu was so pleased with Bailu’s praise he felt like he could float to the sky, his heart sweet as if he’d eaten honey. As Bailu reached Su Li’s door, Yuan Yu called out with a smile: "Just read the account book during the day. Don’t ever read it by lamplight at night. Account books are different from other books; the characters are small and dense. Reading by lamplight at night is very harmful to the eyes. Don’t strain your eyes or it won’t be worth it."

Bailu felt warm inside and smiled: "Got it. I’ll be sure to protect my eyes—only read during the day. If I don’t understand something, I’ll come ask you. Now, I’m going to find my madam."

"Go ahead," Yuan Yu said with a smile, glancing back as he walked away.

Bailu knocked happily, lifted the curtain, and entered. She told Su Li about the Tang family’s group quitting their lease, speaking excitedly with animated expressions: "Those ungrateful brats were so tough, swearing they’d never regret it, but right after, they were begging me on their knees to redraw their plots. Tsk tsk, if you’re going to be tough, be tough all the way. This wishy-washy act is just laughable."

Su Li shook her head and laughed along: "Those families who were kicked out by the Tang family will probably come back to settle accounts once they sober up."

Bailu clenched her fists and nodded vigorously: "Exactly! The Tang family just can’t stand peace. They deserve a good lesson!"