Chapter 15

Shen Qingtan knew that Boss Qin respected her and cared for her like a junior.

In her past life, apart from the birth family she had never met, only the Qin family had truly cared about her.

She thought for a moment and asked, “Uncle Qin, how much grain do you have?”

Boss Qin replied, “Last spring, when the rains wouldn’t stop, you said the weather was strange compared to usual, and there might be a disaster. So you told me to collect grain.

Our grain shops all over gathered 500,000 shi* of grain. Soon after, there were floods, droughts, and locust plagues.

When the government asked merchants to donate grain, we led the way by giving 50,000 shi. Later, we released grain to the people regularly at fair prices, and we still have 200,000 shi left.

A lot of that is grain we slowly bought over the past year. Otherwise, our granary would be empty by now.”

(*Note: 1 shi ≈ 100–120 liters, an old Chinese grain measure.)

When the disaster was at its worst, the government collected grain. Most merchants waited to see what others would do.

Boss Qin had received a letter from Shen Qingtan telling him to take the lead in donating. This offended other merchants, but the officials in charge remembered his good deed.

If they had waited for the government to force them, they would have lost control over how much they gave.

Just as Shen Qingtan predicted, after he donated, the governor and other officials treated him warmly, gave him small privileges, and hoped other merchants would follow his example.

Other merchants agreed among themselves to only give 5,000 shi each and secretly hated him, waiting to get revenge.

When the government caught one man breaking the rules, they searched his home and punished him publicly to scare the others. Then they demanded every merchant give 100,000 shi.

Later, Boss Qin learned that the officials had already decided to take that much from each person.

Because he took the lead, he avoided a disaster for himself.

Over the past year, he sold grain at fair prices without overcharging, earning a very good reputation.

“You agree to sell grain to Zhao Jue,” Shen Qingtan said calmly. “In the capital, grain is 0.8 taels per shi. Tell him you only have 50,000 shi left. The other 50,000 shi you’ll buy from a ‘partner’ at a high price of 1.2 taels per shi because you need it urgently.”

Boss Qin was startled. “If it’s army grain, and I raise the price so much, Third Master Zhao might report me to the imperial court…”

“Uncle Qin, the court only approved 50,000 taels for this. If the Old Duke or someone else was in charge, raising the price could get you in trouble. But with Zhao Jue… you don’t need to worry.”

Shen Qingtan sneered. “Zhao Jue took this job to prove himself to the Old Duke and win the heir’s position.

He won’t complain about grain prices.

If he can’t handle something this small, how can he prove himself? Do you think the Duke would still name him heir?”

Boss Qin shook his head. “No.”

“Zhao Jue would sell himself for the title. Why would he care about a bit of silver?” Shen Qingtan said coldly. “No matter what he says, stick to the price. Once he agrees, ask for full payment before giving him the grain.”

Boss Qin hesitated. “So… are we really selling it to him?”

“Of course not. I have another plan.” Shen Qingtan explained, “Usually, the Ministry of Revenue calls merchants to provide grain, sending notices to local officials. They can pay in silver or trade salt licenses for grain. Before the famine, salt licenses were worth more than grain. Now, grain is more valuable.”

Boss Qin’s interest was piqued.

“You go find Zhao Yi and ask him to introduce you to the Old Duke. Tell the Old Duke you heard the northern border is short on food.

Say that because the soldiers guard the border, you’ve been able to build your business, and now you want to repay them by donating 100,000 shi of grain.

The Old Duke is upright and fair. He won’t take it for free. If he offers you benefits, ask for salt licenses in exchange. Just act according to the situation. If all goes well, you might earn his protection.

As for Zhao Jue, when he pays you, complain to him that because of criticism from other merchants, you had to donate the grain and lost over 100,000 taels.”

Boss Qin’s eyes lit up. Since donating grain and giving porridge to refugees, people had called him a great philanthropist. This could enhance that image. Zhao Jue couldn’t blame him.

If Zhao Jue tried to take revenge, he could ask the Old Duke for help. “Good! I’ll do as you say.” Then Boss Qin realized—Shen Qingtan was planning to give credit to Zhao Yi.

“Uncle Qin, one more thing,” Shen Qingtan took a dowry list from her sleeve. “Watch the pawnshops in the capital. If any of them get these items, tell me immediately.”

Boss Qin understood—Zhao Jue must have stolen her dowry.

Thinking about her scheme just now, he felt a bit of pity for Zhao Jue. If he really pawned her dowry, he’d be in big trouble.

—

Shen Qingtan returned to the carriage with pastries. Zhao Yi was reading a book. After she sat down, he put the book aside, tapped the carriage wall for the driver to move, and didn’t ask her anything.

After a few days together, she understood him—
They had agreed to be respectful spouses.

He would fulfill all his duties, but her personal matters were hers alone. If she brought them up, he’d listen and even help, but he would never pry.

Thinking about the tough battle ahead, Shen Qingtan leaned against the wall, planning her moves.

After some time, the carriage stopped. “Second Master, Second Madam, we’ve arrived,” the driver said.

Zhao Yi got out first, lifted the curtain, and waited for her.

Shen Qingtan saw him hold out his hand. She remembered he didn’t like physical contact. Seeing many people at the gate, she discreetly placed her hand—covered with a handkerchief—on his.

Shen Mingzhu got out of another carriage, holding Late Winter’s hand. She saw Zhao Yi steadily helping Shen Qingtan and looked for Zhao Jue, who was just dismounting and giving his reins to a servant.

She tugged his sleeve to get him to look. She hoped Zhao Jue might treat her as considerately.

But Zhao Jue saw Shen Qingtan quickly pull her hand away and raised an eyebrow. So, she didn’t like Zhao Yi after all.

“Look, husband…” Shen Mingzhu whispered.

“Look at what?” Zhao Jue didn’t get her hint. He glanced at Zhao Yi’s carriage and said quietly, “His mother’s family is rich. That carriage was made with her private money. My mother’s family isn’t as wealthy, so I can’t give you such a fancy one.”

Shen Mingzhu was stunned, not understanding what he meant. She looked again at Shen Qingtan’s carriage—its gemstone decorations sparkled in the sun. Compared to her own plain red carriage, she felt even more unhappy.