Chapter 124

First Volume, Chapter 124: End-of-Month Account Reconciliation

Qin Feng had poured countless efforts into Wuhu Da Jiu Lou, endured a series of setbacks, and finally opened on schedule—this good news lifted his spirits: "How was the trial operation? Were the literati and beggars of Jingdu satisfied?"

Lin Quqi recalled the events at the wine house just now, his emotions still unsettled, and exclaimed excitedly: "Everything proceeded exactly as Brother Qin arranged. Although the chefs were all temporary hires and their skills barely met standards, the literati weren't coming for the food—they came for Brother Qin's reputation."

"Tomorrow marks official opening: the first customers to arrive will receive Brother Qin's Private Ink Treasure. When this news spread, the crowd erupted instantly. After all, Brother Qin's literary talent and his famous debate with Great Confucian Cheng had already become legend among Jingdu's literati."

"As for the beggars, they were easy to handle—we fed them a meal and gave each one a tael of silver, and they patted their chests, vowing that before tomorrow's opening, Wuhu Da Jiu Lou's name would be known throughout all of Jingdu."

At this, Lin Quqi ventured cautiously: "Still, I cannot fathom—even if we drew every stray customer in Jingdu, defeating Zui Xian Lou seems unrealistic. Unless, Brother Qin can lure over Zui Xian Lou's regular patrons as well."

Qin Feng did not rush to explain; instead, a faint, confident smile curled his lips, signaling that the truth would reveal itself tomorrow!

That night, it seemed all of Jingdu stayed awake because of Qin Feng.

In the Qin Residence's Book Room, Qin Tianhu sat calmly behind the Shushu, reviewing recent Ministry of War records while blowing gently on the steam rising from his Tea Cup.

An hour earlier, Qin Tianhu had already heard rumors of the commotion Qin Feng had stirred up at Zui Xian Lou.

Though the tactic of eating without paying disgusted him—he found it petty and disgraceful to the Qin Family's dignity—Qin Feng's fundraising event had caught his eye: not only had the funds for the Qingyi Ceremony been secured, but it also offered a chance to earn the Emperor's favor and another merit record for the Qin Family—truly a double gain of fame and profit.

Liu Hongyan sat below the Shushu, a thick stack of account ledgers before her, diligently reporting to Qin Tianhu: "This month's accounts are settled. Household expenditures are nearly identical to last month—just over ten thousand liang. All income and outgo are meticulously recorded; Father may inspect them at any time."

Hearing this, Qin Tianhu set down his Tea Cup and spoke solemnly: "Under the Emperor's leadership, frugality has become the trend in Jingdu. Though our Qin Residence is wealthy, spending over ten thousand liang of Silver per month is inappropriate. Cut unnecessary expenses going forward—don't give others reason to gossip."

Liu Hongyan nodded softly: "I shall remember Father's teaching. Aside from household accounts, should Qin Feng's finances be reported to you as well?"

Qin Tianhu had always been indifferent to Qin Feng's finances—as long as he didn't squander recklessly, Qin Tianhu turned a blind eye. After all, as a Noble Youth of Jingdu, he couldn't appear too destitute.

But recently, Qin Feng had caused too much commotion—not only did he gamble heavily with others, but he'd also poured substantial sums into the sugar business and the wine house.

Whether he could profit was secondary; in Qin Tianhu's view, merely avoiding heavy losses in the early stage would already be a great virtue.

After a moment's thought, Qin Tianhu waved his hand carelessly: "It's still early—go ahead and report."

Liu Hongyan promptly opened a brand-new ledger: "Compared to last month, Qin Feng's expenditures this month have surged significantly. For the sugar business, total upfront costs—including raw materials and labor—amounted to forty thousand liang. For the wine house, simply purchasing Wuhu Da Jiu Lou cost ten thousand liang; adding renovation and miscellaneous expenses, total spending has approached twenty thousand liang."

Hearing this, Qin Tianhu's expression darkened. The entire Qin Residence's annual expenditure was only twenty thousand liang—this brat had spent the family's entire yearly budget in one month?

If he lost it all, even selling off the entire Qin Family wouldn't cover the deficit.

Qin Tianhu's heart pounded wildly; he hurriedly asked: "No need for details—just tell me the total amount spent…"

Liu Hongyan flipped through the ledger: "Nearly fifty thousand liang."

At this, Qin Tianhu nearly dropped his cup, eyes wide with disbelief: "W-what? Fifty thousand liang spent in one month?! My annual salary is only forty thousand liang!"

Seeing Qin Tianhu's violent reaction, Liu Hongyan didn't hesitate: "Besides the wine house and sugar business, Qin Feng has made several agreements with the Emperor—besides filling the National Treasury through various channels, the pledged funds for constructing the Border Army, reserved by the Ministry of War and Ministry of Works, total nearly twenty thousand liang."

Prodigal son!

Qin Tianhu shot to his feet and reached for the Whip.

Seeing "someone" about to suffer physical punishment, Liu Hongyan immediately rose to block him, gently pleading: "Father, don't rush—yes, the spending is high, but you must first look at the income."

Qin Tianhu's face flushed with anger: "No need to look! Fifty thousand liang spent in one month—even if this brat were the God of Wealth reincarnated, he couldn't earn it back! If the Emperor finds out, the Qin Family's reputation for frugality will be ruined! This insolent boy has no sense of limits!"

Seeing she couldn't stop him, Liu Hongyan stopped trying and swiftly opened the ledger: "Qin Feng's net profit this month is one hundred twenty thousand liang."

Qin Tianhu, moments ago furious, froze—sure he'd misheard.

After a long pause, he stared blankly at Liu Hongyan: "Y-you just said… how much did Qin Feng earn?"

Liu Hongyan had anticipated this reaction—when she'd first tallied the numbers, she'd been stunned too. She dealt with Qin Feng daily; she knew he made money, but never imagined it would be this much.

Her emotions were complex—caught between shock and pride—she spoke softly: "Father, do you remember how Qin Feng repeatedly gambled with the Noble Youth? That fifty thousand liang in spending? It was wiped out entirely by winnings from those bets. And this one hundred twenty thousand liang? All earned in just the past few days."

Qin Tianhu, stunned into silence, whispered: "In just a few days?! How is that possible?!"