Chen Fu had just been laughing like a fool over the “Six-Duck Scholar,” mouth wide open in delight, when he saw the bustling crowd outside—and his face instantly fell. “They really came?”

Xianjin: ??? She lifted the curtain and peeked out, just in time to see Second Madam Qu in a festive dark red robe patterned with endless swastika motifs, standing with hands on her hips, commanding the scene like a general.

If Second Madam Qu was here, could Old Madam Qu be far behind?

A chill ran down Xianjin’s spine. She turned to Chen Fu. “The whole Chen family’s here?”

Chen Fu clicked his tongue and nodded reluctantly. “It’s New Year. Everyone usually returns to the old residence. I made such a scene earlier this year—I thought my mother wouldn’t bother with me. When Second Madam Qu sent word on the fifteenth, I thought she was just messing with me…”

You’re not a ball—who’s messing with you for fun?

Xianjin was speechless. Great. The big boss is here, and the office is empty. Forget rolling out the red carpet—we should at least line the streets in welcome! You’re the boss’s son. We’re not.

She rubbed her temples, smoothed her hair, and began issuing orders. “…Nanny Zhang, take Miss Wang into the inner courtyard to rest. Before the New Year hits, get a doctor to check her over.”

Doctors don’t make house calls during the New Year—it’s considered unlucky.

Xianjin worried that Wang Da and Wang Er had injured her bones. If it left lasting damage, it could affect her for life.

Miss Wang’s heart warmed. She wiped her eyes and said softly, “My name’s Wang Sansuo. You can call me Suo’er. My father named me that to mean ‘locked up’—as in, after me, no more kids.”

Xianjin gently patted Suo’er’s head in comfort. Then she turned to Zhou Ergou. “Have Brother Zheng wait at the alley entrance. As soon as Manager Dong arrives, take the account books and ledgers to the old residence. And send Second Brother Zheng to Tianxiang Restaurant to arrange a banquet…”

“I’ll go! I know the place!” As long as he didn’t have to face his mother, Chen Fu was ready to charge through fire and blades. He volunteered eagerly.

Xianjin nodded. “Alright, Third Master will go.” Then added, “Swing by Little Daoxiang and pick up two jugs of wine. Though the eldest master has passed and the second and third are in mourning, even if we don’t drink, we must have it prepared.”

She remembered something else and continued, “Also, please hurry to White Pearl Pavilion and buy a few strands of pearl necklaces. I heard yesterday at the market that some sea pearls just arrived from Fujian. They’re valuable and auspicious—go quickly! The shop might close for the holiday soon!”

Anything else? Should she hire a beautiful tea master to sit in and impress the guests?

In her past life, when her father entertained important clients, there were usually two rounds. First round: drinking and boasting. Once the mood warmed up, the second round: shoulder hugs, teary confessions, and brotherly bonding. If a pretty young woman was present, the client would inevitably get tipsy and start the classic “Let me test you…” routine.

Xianjin shivered. Forget it! Let’s cleanse the workplace culture—starting with me!

She mentally reviewed everything, confirming no loose ends. When the boss visits, there’s usually a four-piece set: “work report, future plans, food and drink, year-end bonus.” The clever ones even leave a small mistake for the boss to catch, to show off their wisdom and authority.

She glanced at Chen Fu. No need to assign that task—he’d naturally leave a trail of blunders.

Everything was ready. Xianjin took a deep breath, lifted her head, and put on the most familiar expression of any office worker: a sincere, flattering smile.

“Old Madam, you’re here!” She hopped off the mule cart and hurried forward with a bright smile.

Half-reclining in the cart, Wang Sansuo was stunned. This young woman looked only a few years older than her, yet she could organize everything so smoothly, command the Chen Paper Shop staff with ease, and—most impressively—switch faces like a pro.

“Is this young lady the accountant of Chen Paper Shop?” Suo’er’s eyes sparkled.

Chen Paper Shop! To these villagers, it was a household name—feeding half their village! And the accountant was a young woman! Wasn’t an accountant supposed to be literate and numerate? The most powerful person in the shop? And she was a girl!

Chen Fu, proud and excited, turned and boasted, “Impressive, right? She’s my girl!”

…

While Chen Fu bragged about Xianjin’s brilliance—how she could turn numbers into gold—Xianjin sat up front, sipping tea to suppress her nausea. She was practically waterlogged.

Damn! One step late, every step late.

They had their “four-piece set” for entertaining the boss. But Chen Liu, the sixth master, had gone even further—he’d driven to Dingqiao early in the morning, picked up Old Madam Qu, Second Master and Second Madam, Third Madam Sun, and several grandsons. He led the way in a carriage, arranging everything from hot water and snacks to lunch and afternoon rest—a masterclass in sycophancy.

Sucking up is annoying. Missing the chance to suck up? Even more annoying.

Xianjin downed another mouthful of tea.

The main hall was packed. Old Madam Qu sat at the head. Square-faced, broad-shouldered Second Master Chen sat to her left, with Second Madam beside him. Then came the familiar Third Madam Sun.

To the right were the grandsons. There were too many to recognize, but two stood out: the Chen family’s rising star from the eldest branch, and Chen Fu’s youngest son, Chen Silang. The former was unforgettable—his looks and demeanor were exceptional. Even in mourning clothes, sitting silently, he resembled a piece of fine jade. His sharp jawline hinted that this jade wasn’t entirely soft—it had backbone.

As for the latter…

Xianjin’s gaze fell on Chen Silang’s right hand. Heh. No scar.

Sensing her stare, Chen Silang shrank back and awkwardly covered his hand.

Old Madam Qu scanned the room and tapped her cane. “Where’s Third Son?”

Xianjin stood and respectfully replied, “Upon hearing of your arrival, Third Master went to arrange the banquet—just to ensure the dishes are hot.”

Old Madam Qu’s expression softened. She nodded, then turned to Sixth Master Chen. “Business is tough this year. The emperor is preparing to fight the Japanese, so next year’s spring exams are canceled. Schools and academies have halved their paper orders. The Jing County workshop is our family’s foundation—we must protect it.”

Sixth Master Chen exaggerated, “Oh, sister-in-law! Big business may be down, but our Jing County workshop balanced two to three years’ worth of accounts this year! We even cleared out a good chunk of inventory, freeing up funds to secure next year’s straw from Anwu and sandalwood bark from Sanxi. Don’t worry. With me and Third Brother, Jing County is in good hands!”

This year… balanced accounts…
This year… cleared inventory…

Xianjin looked up. This old fox was playing word games.

They’d arrived in Jing County on the fifteenth of the twelfth month. Yet Sixth Master Chen claimed these achievements as “this year’s”—clearly not their doing. But technically, he wasn’t wrong.

Xianjin narrowed her eyes, set down her teacup, and smiled after Chen Liu’s speech. “Jing County is well-managed, and Sixth Master deserves great credit. As the saying goes…”

“Oh—borrowers are lords, and repayers are beggars. We felt the joy of being lords the moment we arrived in Jing County!”

Chen Liu hadn’t expected He Xianjin to speak up. His face darkened, and he shot her a cold glare.

Second Master Chen chuckled. “Accountant He, what do you mean?”

Xianjin matched Chen Liu’s exaggerated tone. “As soon as we arrived, hundreds of IOUs flew in like snowflakes! Turns out, people heard the Chen family’s main branch had arrived, so they rushed to collect debts—afraid the debtors would flee again and the silver owed for years would vanish!”

Her tone was dramatic with a hint of sarcasm.

Xianjin widened her eyes. “Hundreds of IOUs! We got to live like lords for days! It was true joy!”

The rising star of the Chen family lifted his head and smiled faintly at the word “joy.”