Chapter 400 - Chapter 400: Chapter 387: Offended (1/2)

Chapter 400: Chapter 387: Offended

“It’s said that those who love what they do tend to do it better. Miss Zhuang, you’ve managed to make your shop and several workshops so profitable. I’m guessing that’s because you enjoy doing it,” Chu Jinnian said with a slight nod. “Indeed.” Zhuang Qingning agreed without hesitation.

Of course, another reason is that poverty and debt have made her diligent and capable.

“Master Chu, are you asking because, like others, you believe businessmen to be tainted by profit?”

“Not at all.” Chu Jinnian shook his head, “On the contrary, I think that businessmen are essential.”

“Though some businessmen are ruthlessly opportunistic, driven only by their own profit, they also move goods from one place to another, facilitating circulation and turnover everywhere because of the profit that can be made.” “From horses and iron ware to oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar, it’s all because of this that the common people can earn silver coins, ensure their livelihood, and continue to thrive.”

“Many people understand this principle, but the lure of silver often makes people lose their reason. Several have taken dangerous risks for huge profits and hoarded goods to the detriment of the common people. That’s why the imperial court frequently suppresses business to ensure it is not prioritized over other aspects of life.”

“Indeed, businessmen enjoy the comforts brought by silver coins, but it’s only fair that they pay a price in terms of reputation.” Zhuang Qingning smiled knowingly, “It’s a matter of give and take.”

It is indeed fair.

However, many people are quite greedy. In their desire for one thing, they would happily sacrifice another. But when they finally attain what they wanted, they still yearn for everything else.

It was rare to find someone like Zhuang Qingning, who could see through this and have her own thoughts, particularly given her young age.

From her childhood to the present, whether in the palace or in Beijing, or even her maternal home, all the women Chu Jinnian knew believed that women should be virtuous and unassuming.

Even the most prestigious princesses in the palace expected this, just like talented women skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They were expected to be weak and compliant. Like a marionette, they obeyed their parents at home and their husbands after marrying.”

The only stubborn and independent person with her own ideas might have been his mother, the queen.

After her death, Chu Jinnian thought he would never find another person like her who knew what she wanted and what she needed to give up. Yet, here she was, right before his eyes.

The light in Chu Jinnian’s eyes brightened a bit, and even his voice seemed a bit more cheerful, “Miss Zhuang, your insights are admirable. Since you enjoy doing business, I would love to make a deal with you.”

“Oh?” Zhuang Qingning’s eyes lit up in intrigue.

Doing business with such an official from the capital – wouldn’t that be like climbing a big tree for support?

It’d then be easy for business to reach Beijing, get credit for higher-level prescriptions like spices and such. She could then amass wealth throughout Beijing. It looked like her diligence value would multiply.

Paying off her massive debts seemed within reach.

Zhuang Qingning’s mood suddenly brightened as these thoughts filled her head, “I look forward to doing business with Master Chu.”

Seeing Zhuang Qingning so delighted, Chu Jinnian couldn’t help but smile at the corners of his mouth.

“Then…”

Before Chu Jinnian could say anything, Banqing’s voice came from below, “Young Master, the gunpowder is ready.”

“Good.” Chu Jinnian responded, subtly hiding the satisfaction in his eyebrows.

The top priority was to rescue Zhuang Qingning.

“Miss Zhuang, please wait a moment. I’ll be right back.”