Chapter 272 (2/2)
“I do not blame you. This should be done. Fortunately, you are here to take care of these things. My mind would not even be able to figure this out even after an entire day.” She brought Qing Yu back to her own courtyard. After entering her room, she brought out the summarized income statement then quickly looked it over. She could not help but be surprised: “This much?” With the three shops added together, there was a total income of 35 thousand taels. This was equivalent to many years of Feng Jin Yuan’s salary.
Qing Yu told her: “Hundred Herb Hall’s prestige is increasing more and more, and it’s also becoming more and more famous. The income from medical pills and medical tablets are particularly impressive. As for the Phoenix Pavilion, our jade mine will continue to send us good jade. This servant brought in a couple good craftsmen. They are very receptive to the desires of the madams and young misses. As for Wonderful Treasure House, those things were originally not meant to be sold for three years. Although there was not much profit in the past half year, there is no rush.”
Feng Yu Heng was very satisfied with the income from the three businesses. Although this amount of money was far from enough, fortunately, many little things add up, and she was in no rush.
Because she had gone to the residence, she had missed the timing to pay respects to the matriarch, but Feng Yu Heng did not care too much. Recently, the matriarch was beginning to distance herself, so it was possible that her not going was for the better.
While thinking about this, she took two bank notes from the pile that Qing Yu had brought back. One was for 200 taels and one was for 100 taels. Placing them in red envelopes, she handed them to Huang Quan: “Bring these two to Ru Yi courtyard. Give one to Jin Zhen and one to Man Xi. Do you know how you should give them?”
Huang Quan had never been as careful with her thoughts as Wang Chuan or Qing Yu. She only thought of Man Xi as a servant, so she should receive the lesser amount, thus she said: “The 100 taels will be given to Man Xi and the 200 taels will be given to Jin Zhen.” She then smiled and said: “Young miss is really generous.”
Feng Yu Heng, however, laughed, “Wrong, 100 will be given to Jin Zhen, and 200 will be given to Man Xi.”
“Wha?” Huang Quan stared wide-eyed, “Why? Jin Zhen is the concubine mother!”
She shook her head, “It’s not whoever has a higher standing gets more. What’s important is to see who did the most but gained the least.”
Qing Yu pondered a little then said: “I heard that Man Xi was the first to follow young miss because young miss cured her and her mother’s illness. As for Jin Zhen, she only managed to grab hold of a helping hand provided by young miss. From a value perspective, these two are different. Moreover, Jin Zhen has already acquired a position as concubine mother. She also has Feng Jin Yuan’s favor. For her, prime minister Feng is the basis around which she will settle down.”
Feng Yu Heng looked at Qing Yu with praise then said to Huang Quan: “Qing Yu is correct. Go. When you come back, you still need to collect your own red envelopes.”
“We also get one?” Huang Quan’s mind had never been able to hold that much information. Hearing that she would receive a red envelope, she immediately rejoiced, “Young miss gave Man Xi so much, could it be that you will give us even more?”
Feng Yu Heng smiled and pushed her along: “Go quickly. Either way, yours will not be lacking.”
Huang Quan left with a smile. Qing Yu stood up and bowed deeply to Feng Yu Heng, “Young miss, this servant does not want a red envelope. This servant has been with young miss for so long, and young miss has already provided so much. I do not dare request anything else.”
Feng Yu Heng knew that Qing Yu was very understanding, and she knew that leaving such large businesses to this girl was truly a great amount of pressure, but, fortunately, this girl had the talent for business. The more pressure she was under, the more she accomplished. She was so busy every single day, but she found fun in it. Also, outside of the monthly stipend she provided for Qing Yu to work outside of the manor, she also gave her a small percentage of the profits from each shop. Although it could not be compared to ten percent, for a maidservant, it was already a very large amount.
“I understand your feelings.” Feng Yu Heng told Qing Yu, “The amount I usually give you is what you have earned, and I am perfectly happy giving it to you. Today is new year’s eve. What I am giving is a red envelope. It’s not just you, but everyone in the manor is given one. That’s why there is no need to worry too much. From this day forward, the amount of business will only increase. There is already a Hundred Herb Hall opened in Xiao Zhou, and more will open in succession in the other provinces. In the end, I will need you to make more trips outside. I still have not thanked you for your hard work, so how can you not accept my red envelope.”
Qing Yu’s face turned red from what she said, but she was very happy. She truly was the daughter of a businessman. She had a knack for doing business, and when she heard Feng Yu Heng mention that her businesses would continue growing, her heart also began to race: “Thank you, young miss. Since young miss has said this, then this servant will accept it.”
“Un.” Feng Yu Heng nodded then stood up and removed a wooden box from the cupboard. “The red envelopes for you guys have already been prepared.” Opening the wooden box, a number of red envelopes appeared with names written on them. She pulled out Qing Yu’s envelope and handed it over, “500 taels. I can calmly take care of the manor’s matters thanks to you handling the matters on the outside. Qing Yu, thank you.”
Hearing Feng Yu Heng’s thanks, Qing Yu began to tear up. Ever since her parents had passed away, and ever since she had no family, there had never been another person to treat her so well. Although Feng Yu Heng was very vicious towards the people of the Feng family, she was very protective of those that she truly got along with. This included the servants of Tong Sheng pavilion. She dared to say that being able to work at Tong Sheng pavilion was better than working for any other master.
“Quickly stop crying. It’s the new year.” Feng Yu Heng smiled and teased her, “Go to the treasury and prepare some money. It will be given to the servants in red envelopes. The first-rate servants will be given 50 taels, the second-rate will be given 20 taels, and everyone else will be given 10 taels. Also, thank them for me for the work that they have put into Tong Sheng pavilion.”
Qing Yu nodded. Smiling through her tears, she ran out.
Huang Quan was fast and returned from the Feng manor’s side before Qing Yu was able to finish handing out the red envelopes. Feng Yu Heng saw that her complexion was not too good, so she could not help but ask: “What happened?”
Huang Quan walked forward and whispered a few things into her ear. Not long after, Feng Yu Heng’s brow furrowed, and her expression darkened.